Today our team experienced another amazing day here in Haiti. We started off the day at Grace Village with Sports Camp participating in various activities with the kids. From skits to songs to soccer and tap dancing - the staff, children, and our team enjoyed a beautiful day filled with great love at Grace.
After we concluded our day with the children, we headed out to visit some of the elders who live near Grace Village. It was...well...simply amazing. Our first stop was to visit Edmund. He was gracious enough to let us in to his humble abode. Edmund lives in a very small house (probably much smaller than your bedroom, maybe even smaller than your bathroom). He has a bed, a desk, a few sheets, and a dirt floor. And, Edmund is blind. He may not see, but his heart feels. And, man can he praise God or what?! In the short amount of time I spent with him today, I learned so much. And, I was reminded that time spent with those we love is more important than anything, that life is precious, and that the simple act of holding hands can make all the world of difference.
After we visited Edmund, we moved on to Marie's house. Marie is 104 years old. Yup, you heard right. 104. And, she is more spunky than some 20 year olds I know. Her house is very similar to Edmund's home. She greeted us with open arms, a big smile, and lots of laughter. We sang, danced and prayed with Marie. It was wonderful. Her eyes lit up and she clapped as we prayed with her. I was inspired by her grateful heart today. We all were.
Next stop - a visit with Ju John Paul, a powerful young man who lives near Marie with his mother. Ju John Paul cannot talk, or write, or walk, or sing, or dance. But, he sure can smile. And, looking into his eyes today reminded me of the way God sees us, beautiful and worthy.
After our visits, we made one more stop to the Mass Grave dedicated to the over 220,000 lives lost to the earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010. As we neared the gates, my mind just began to race with thoughts. Why here? Why Haiti? Why this already impoverished country with so few medical resources and hospitals? Then, my mind began to imagine the horror as our driver Bernae shared his remembrance of that day...people everywhere, running in fear, homes collapsing, death. He just kept repeating, "So many people died. So many." All of our hearts were heavy as we listened to Bernae say a prayer in Creole. A few nearby neighbors joined us at the gates. One of these neighbors was a little girl. I looked into her eyes, and we shared a smile. The kind of playful smile that says, "I see you." I reached out my hand as she neared my way, and we held hands. As we held hands at the gates of the grave site, I thought to myself, there is hope. It's everywhere. Hope is everywhere.
When we visited the children in Cite Soleil during water truck day (Day 2) and walked toward the coast, I held on tight to the little ones in my arms because I didn't want them to have to walk barefoot on the garbage, the raw sewage, the broken glass they are so used to walking on everyday. With one on my right hip, one on my left, and one on my back, we all twirled and danced together on top of garbage. It was wonderful. Today at Grace Village we put on our tap shoes and all danced in unison. All in his light, in his love. My conclusion - there really ought to be more dancing. All around the world.
"There is nothing God cannot do." (Luke 1:37) This verse is on the back of all of our team t-shirts. A great reminder, and a perfect place for it too. God does have our back, and his plans are so much greater than we could have ever imagined. I see his love everywhere here. He has big, big plans for Haiti. And, he has big, big plans for you too.
In love and gratitude to this amazing team, the kids, the people of Haiti - Katie Owings
