This was our last water truck day in Cite Soleil. When the
truck comes into the neighborhood, the kiddos always run to the water truck
when they see it coming, excited to receive love and attention. We actually
didn’t have to carry as much water today because there were more people there
who were helping. I (Diane) only had to carry a couple buckets today, so I
ended up having a conversation with a young man named Eddy. He was interested
in finding out what nationality I was.
When he figured out I was an American, I told him about Tennessee. It is very interesting to see the reactions
of the Haitians when they realize we are Americans because they expect us to be
Haitian. I told them that our history is similar, as our ancestors also came
over to this part the world on slave ships. He seemed pleased and surprised to
see Americans who look like them. Even though we weren’t at the water truck
stop very long, we learned a lot about how Haitians live.
We spent part of the afternoon at
an orphanage for disabled children. It
was especially enjoyable for Diane because it reminded her of her classroom
back in Tennessee. They have big hearts;
they are people just like us. We did a “photo
shoot” for each child, a sticker craft, played soccer (even on crutches), blew
bubbles, drew with chalk, and sang songs for each other. One little girl with a beautiful voice sang “Lord
I Need You” to us in creole. The best part of the afternoon was the smiles on
the children’s faces. While the children’s
bodies were crippled, their spirits were not.
All the people we saw today showed
us examples of how the Haitians persevere in the face of adversity. Psalm 46:1 –
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Philippian’s 3:14 –“I press on toward the
goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
While we were only in the lives of these people for a bit today, it was a
blessing to share the love of Christ with them and we pray that all people and
all nations will worship Him one day.
Diane and Jimmy
