One look into those big brown eyes and I knew I was toast. How could you not be?
I met Caleb on our first day of ministry in La Vega, Dominican Republic. We had just arrived to the Haitian school where we would be volunteering. It was recess and the kids had gathered outside to play in a gravel filled court yard next to the school. There are between 35 and 75 kids that attend everyday filling a space 100 feet by 25 feet… as you can imagine things get dusty pretty quickly. I spotted Caleb over in the corner of the yard up against the building crying and rubbing his eyes. I went over and sat down next to him and realized he’d gotten some dust in his eye. I blew the dirt out of his eye and wiped away the tears rolling down his cheeks. A smile swept across his face and he wrapped me up in a hug. As he ran off, I hate to admit, I was disappointed. Thankfully that didn’t last long. Just a few minutes later, I was surrounded by Caleb and a gaggle of children his age touching my hair, poking my freckles, and climbing into my lap.
At the end of the day our host, Junior, introduced us to the director of the school, Wilbur, and we began learning some of their stories. We learned that here in the Dominican there is often racism toward the Haitians. There is sometimes fear of deportation and some of the children have actually come home to find their parents have been taken away, and they’ve been left behind. Our host told us that girls are often pursued or abducted and forced into the sex trade business. The children come to the school when they can to get an education and learn about Jesus. They speak mostly French and Creole, and some speak Spanish.
6 years ago to the day, a massive earthquake shook Haiti. 200,000-300,000 lives were lost, homes were destroyed and Haitian’s lives were completely changed. Caleb’s family was one of those. Caleb was just a baby when the earthquake hit. His mother lost her leg when their walls fell in, and his sister lost her life. Their family sought refuge in the Dominican Republic and have started to rebuild their lives. Caleb now has two younger brothers and his mother is expecting another child this spring.
Day three: We threw the children a birthday party since most have never celebrated their birthdays, and some don’t even know when they were born. I had the honor to tell these little ones about another important birthday: the one of our Savior. We talked about how Jesus was born in a manager in Bethlehem and was sent to Earth with a purpose. How He changes lives and wants to be their friend.
I pray that Caleb’s life, and the lives of these other children, are changed by Jesus. I pray they know and experience His love for them. I pray that as they grow they won’t ever question that. I pray that these sweet little ones grow up in a world that accepts them as God’s child regardless of the country they were born in. ??I’ve spent so much time the last week praying for these children. I re-read the story of Caleb in the Old Testament and found this verse: “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24
I watched with awe as these children run and play barefoot on gravel. They draw pictures in the dirt, make sculptures with rocks, and play tag. Their minds are blown at the fact my watch has buttons that make it light up. They see us now at the market by our house and we’re greeted with “AMERICANOS” and running bear hugs that almost knock you off your feet.
Oh sweet babies, how Jesus loves you. He is the creator of all things, all places, and all people. He has so much in store for you and I pray He blesses your life.
