The next ten days were filled with joy, tears, empathy, sweat, faith, new friendships, new revelations about myself and the world around me and more sweat. Oh and I almost forgot, intense sunburn too (or maybe I just blocked that part out a bit).
After touring the Lifeline Christian Mission campus I learned about the church, school, medical center and multiple sheds full of donations. These donations included shoes and clothing for both children and adults, as well as toys, books, and infant layettes. The first day there we also walked around the village, taking in our surroundings and capturing photos to bring home so my own family and friends could have a very small taste of what I was experiencing.
In the afternoon the team of missionaries went and visited with their sponsor children. I did not have a special little boy or girl of my own, for this was the first time I was learning about it. For just a small monthly payment, we have the ability to sponsor a Haitian child, ranging from infant ages to mid 20's. We also had the ability to send gifts to our children and their families, blessing them in multiple ways. Although I did not have a child of my own it was beautiful to see these sponsors and their kids connect; some for the first time and some for the third or fourth. It was so inspiring in fact I made a mental note to find out more and get involved!
The next two days were not my favorite. They both consisted of house building in two different locations. Although it was tough work, I knew the difference I was making was immeasurable. These houses are built out of wood foundation and cement/brick finishing. Most of these people have never experienced sleeping on anything other than a dirt floor.
After house building we participated in an infant nutrition program. About a dozen mothers came to Lifeline medical center walking any range of distance to get there. Their babies were weighed and received things like baby cereal and formula. After that the missionaries had a chance to hold the children, cooing over their adorability and their innocence. These pure children of God have no clue what's going on around them. They do not yet know the conditions of their surroundings or the possible despair they may one day face. It was a special moment to hold these children, and to pray over them with their mothers. You can feel the spirituality and genuine appreciation warm the room.
That was the beginning of when I truly felt God with me, and he never left.
I had another week ahead of me, everyday carrying a new experience. It didn't take long for Haiti to start to feel like home. I was sucked in with just a matter of days.
Continue reading next week for more adventures in the land of Haiti and God.
