We only spent 15 days in Haiti, but it only took a few hours for me to know that my heart was still beating with the Haitian people.
Two years ago was my first time in Haiti and my first experience with voodoo and extreme poverty. I saw literal darkness and pain all around, but none of it could overshadow the light that was beaming from the children.
Jesus was alive in the children of Haiti.
I saw Him in Jesula and Kervens and Erve and Ginny.
*at Ryan Epps Home for Children, July 2012*
My first trip to Haiti was eye opening.
I saw the hope of the Gospel in the eyes of a small child.
I experienced true joy in a simple game of rocks.
I felt the overwhelming love of the Father in every hug.
fast forward two years
This time Jesus was in the smiles of Alex and Mijate and Bianca and Joh Jeffries.
I found Him skipping around school during recess.
I heard Him in the insatiable laughter that came while playing hairdresser.
I felt His peace while sitting in silence, holding hands with a 4 year old.
For me, Haiti is different and it always will be.
My heart never really left the streets of Haiti and I owe that the Haitian children.
Oh, the Haitian children.
The beautiful, timid and reserved children.
I have spent hours and days trying to come up with words to describe the children of Haiti and my connection with them, but no words can describe the life and love that springs from their bright smiles.
They are smiles that exude true joy and hope.
They are the smiles that pull on my heart daily.
These children don’t love right away. They are shy and reserved. They have to develop a trust with you before they will let you in, but once they feel safe they will love with all the little bones in their body. They are the reason that I will be back. I don’t know when or for how long but my heart is in Haiti and it always will be.
Haiti, I love you.
Thank you Jesus for 15 days to love on your beautiful Haitian children. This is not goodbye, but see you soon.
with love,
sam
