It was my first full day in Haiti. I was excited to go to Pastor Christians church in Carrefour to meet the people and pray over them. They have no place to lay their head, other than the hard, rocky ground in the lot next door to the church. There are a few tarps covering their heads, to block the heat of the sun and the rain that falls – which still leaks through the seams.It didn’t take long for these kids to start talking to me in Creole. It was impossible to not fall in love with these children. With all that has taken place in their lives over the last month – losing homes, belongings and family members – they still had joy. They loved introducing me to the family they did have. They loved fighting over who got to hold my hand.
That was only the beginning. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
From the first day I got there to the minute I was getting in the car to leave, parents were coming up to me and HANDING me their kids. Not just to hold and to love – but to take. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t do anything. I was just there. In the midst of it all, children were being given to me to take care of. Not only temporarily while I was in Haiti, but to bring home.
My heart shattered. Who would willingly give up a son or daughter? A tiny baby that can’t say that they love and need their mom? Who would hand a child to a “stranger” and a foreigner? These parents would. Not because they don’t love them, but because they do. They want to see their kids grow up and have a better life and feel as though they can’t do that in Haiti. They want to see them get out of the disaster, poverty and chaos of this Nation. These parents are only trying to do the best thing. However, what’s best is not always right.
I fought off tears. Not because I knew I couldn’t take these kids, but because I saw the desperation in the eyes of the parents.
I remember the kids all shouting out at me when I left “when are you coming back.” It broke me.
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I heard a similar story from another short term missionary this morning. I can’t imagine feeling so desperate and I pray that we do not turn out backs to such things.
May our hearts ever grow so deeply in love with Jesus that compassion seeps out of us like water running out of a faucet. Bless you Jenni for blessing others. May the Lord inspire many to rise above the little owies and see the light of love and grace and give so unto HIM..the creator and sustainer. May we be mindful of the needs of others as we look even beyond the cup of water to a thirsty soul.
love and prayers are with you..carry on with God stuff!
My heart bleeds for them everyday in my prayers. How can we help?
You can go. Here’s a blog that explains the difference you can make:
http://ashleyhuizenga.theworldrace.org/?filename=no-frills