PERSPECTIVE

So finding time to write about Haiti has been challenging.   One of the hardest things to adjust to after being to a third world country is coming home and IMMEDIATELY being back in the Rat Race.
(for lack of a better term)  Thoughts of children I met going without food are always on my heart.

               Children without shoes wearing tattered and torn clothes. Probably the only ones they have. Children without electric, without plumbing, without schooling.

Children without water - photo below is a water line.  UN water trucks arrive twice a week and families line up to collect what they can - under the supervision of armed guards. They will use the buckets of water they collect for cooking, cleaning, and drinking for several days if not longer. 

Children without toys, But.... 

                                                     
       Tic Tac Toe in the sand is a lot of fun!

       Children without mom's, dad's or relatives living in Orphanages.

Regardless of the hardships the majority of the children were smiling.

The homes, the size of a garden shed, are made with canvas, tin, and pieces of wood.

I can't imagine how they hold up in heavy rains. Staying cool is next to impossible.

I saw a lady taking a nap on a bed of stones in the shade of her home.  No pillow, no mattress,

no nothing.  On a bed of stones. To say it puts things in perspective would be an understatement.

I am not a writer as is proven every time I write a post.  But I do feel it is important to try and share what is on my heart.  It is very hard to go to a third world country and witness the starvation and lack of basic needs. Why is it that I was born in the U.S.A. with all the comforts and luxuries I have had all my life.

A mother or father in Haiti doesn't know how she is going to feed herself or her children. Yes, we have starving children here in the U.S.  But much like a mission trip we have to drive to find them for seldom are they found in our neighborhoods.  So why don't we? I firmly believe we have more than enough people, resources, programs, and money to make sure that NO one in the States goes hungry.  But that will take a collective effort by many. In the meantime, do I turn my back on third world countries that don't have people, resources, programs and money to help those starving or without basic necessities?  

                  I can't. I just can't. I have shared this quote many times for it really hits home -

       "I can't do everything, but I can do more than nothing"

The experience has made me appreciate the small things in life.  A glass of Ice Cold Water. 

The roof over my head, the bed I sleep in, a job, green grass, the food in my pantry, a hot shower, air-conditioning, water, clothes in my closet, the shoes on my feet, trees, a lake to play and have fun on, and the list goes on and on...  And my appreciation for having had a mom and dad to raise me remains priceless. 

The children and people I met in Haiti were beautiful.  They were joyful.  They had hope. It was a privilege, once again, to be able to go and serve.  I know without a doubt that that is what God wants me to do.  I will continue to pray he opens doors and provides opportunities for me to do so.  Here, there, and everywhere.  

I will be forever grateful for the love, support, encouragement and prayers of everyone who helped make the trip to Haiti possible. 

  "To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected"  Luke 12:48

                                               

A bit about Haiti

This sweet little girl always had a smile on her face and was Happy, Happy, Happy!  I met
her at New Life Children's Home in Port au Prince, Haiti.  Myself and the team I served
with for a week had been told many of the children at the Orphanage have disabilities.
New Life is known for taking in children that others won't.  The older children take a bus  to school while the children in wheelchairs or bedridden are taken out under the shade trees
every day to get some fresh air.  Some are taken out on small mattresses so they can be outside.  Thank God for the workers who do all they can to assist in the daily routines needed for these children.

I wish I knew everyone's name I met, I don't.  I can tell you that I loved going to the Home while they were outside and loving on them the best I could.  Very few spoke and if they did I couldn't understand them.  But I could understand the smiles, laughter, love and joy coming from each of their faces as people came to spend time with them.  Big Huge smiles always greeted us!!

One of the teams serving that week had brought in new wheelchairs that could be specifically set up to meet the needs of the child.  They spent a full day reading directions and getting the chairs set up properly, one child at a time.  Those of us worked that worked off property that day heard heart warming stories as the children realized they were getting a chair specially fitted to them.

  It is our understanding that squeals of joy, happiness, laughter, and love could be heard throughout the day.  How about those new pink Crocs to go with her wheelchair!

So much in my heart that I want to share, hard to find the words.

Thanks to all those who have supported my desire to go and serve.

It will always be an honor and a privilege. 

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God

Mark 10:13