They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Unfortunately I currently cannot post pictures due to a sketchy internet connection. So, in the actual pictures’ stead, I will attempt to produce the words to help you paint your own picture.
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What used to be a building now droops its head as though in
a slumber. The spaces where life used to dwell gasp for air as they have been
forcibly invaded by concrete and rebar.
a slumber. The spaces where life used to dwell gasp for air as they have been
forcibly invaded by concrete and rebar.
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As I walked, I realized I was surrounded by an army. This
was an army like no other.
was an army like no other.
By physical appearance they were small in stature,
however the weapons they wielded were mighty.
however the weapons they wielded were mighty.
I gazed at the dozens of smiling
and laughing children around me and realized that in this place of
circumstantial desperation, hopelessness, and pain, this army of JOY will
prevail.
and laughing children around me and realized that in this place of
circumstantial desperation, hopelessness, and pain, this army of JOY will
prevail.
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There he was, this elderly Haitian man in high-wasted pants
and glasses.
and glasses.
He stood with fists clenched and elbows bent at a ninety-degree
angle.
angle.
He made small side to side
steps while incorporating an ever-so-slight hip movement as he stepped.
steps while incorporating an ever-so-slight hip movement as he stepped.
I
believe God and I simultaneously smiled with delight as we watched His son
worship Him.
believe God and I simultaneously smiled with delight as we watched His son
worship Him.
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We tried to escape from the sea of blue as the tarp
untwisted around us
untwisted around us
to find its resting place around the two-by-four skeleton.
Some climbed, some pulled the tarp taut, some hammered nails.
Each individual
picked up their instrument to collectively produce a melody of hope
picked up their instrument to collectively produce a melody of hope
for the
family who would soon call this home.
family who would soon call this home.
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Sitting on the rooftop,I turn my gaze to the blazing sky lit
up like hot embers in the fireplace.
up like hot embers in the fireplace.
The sun fell slowly beyond the horizon
leaving a legacy of red and orange to burst from behind the city silhouette.
leaving a legacy of red and orange to burst from behind the city silhouette.
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THIS IS THE HAITIAN COLLAGE I SEE EVERY DAY.
