AN ANNIVERSARY OF SORROW --- January 12 - 2011

I woke today to the sound of people singing in the distance and a voice thru a loud speaker chanting "Merci Senior." (thank you God)  I had a strange feeling come over me of sorrow as I laid there and remembered how one year ago I was in such shock and despair watching CNN practically every waking moment.  How must the people feel one year later?  Schools were not in session and there were many church services.  The "nannies" and all the children gathered at the church here and sang worship songs and then a moving part of the service was when Miriam talked about how fortunate each of them are to have survived the quake when so many (300,000+) had died.  Their damage consisted of  areas where the security walls collapsed - otherwise - their premises was filled with literally hundreds of rescue workers sleeping in tents or anywhere they could find space - The church was set up as a hospital and many injured people were brought here.  I believe that there are at least three children here who were oprhaned after the quake and remain. One little boy about 6 lost his right leg.  I watched him today keeping up with the other little boys running with his crutches going so fast I just stood in disbelief.  Another boy about 8 tells of being trapped in his house/rubble and being able to see his mother, father and the friend who had come over to play, lying dead and trapped as well.  Miriam also talked to them about the importance of being who God planned on them to be so someday when they leave the orphanage and have to enter the streets and life of Haiti outside the walls - they can be a light to others and be the change in character that Haiti so needs in order to go forward.  As they left the service all were to walk around the grounds with thanksgiving for all that God has provided for them and their safety.  It was so moving - too difficult for me to adequately describe or capture in words.  They walked by themselves - others with a friend and sang and walked all over the property.  They stood by their garden and bowed their head - and by the small chicken coop, rabbit cage - etc. thanking God.  Then they all gathered under the infamous mango tree and the drummers kept a rhythm going as they danced and drank coca cola as a treat!  I contributed a root beer barrel! - Whoo Whoo!  Later in the day I gave the dresses  and clothes I had brought from four different groups.  The dresses were sewn by a sewing group - the children called for me and presented a "style show" and a hundred photos were requested. Soon after I was handed "thank you" drawings for me to take to the providers.  I spent more hours getting information on the children so I can bring the information home and share for anyone interested in sponsorship.  Miriam came back from a busy day very excited as she learned of a Crusade that she wanted us to attend tonight.  Turns out - a young man who grew up here at the orphanage and worked with Miriam for some time, had organized a Crusade with a Pastor from Florida.  We all piled in her car and off we went in the dark.  All you see in the streets are little flames of people cooking on the side of the road - or a candle burning otherwise it is pitch black.  The event was being held in Cite Soleil - which has a histroy of being very violent with many shootings.  I decided it was time to buckle up and enjoy the experience, as I have never attended a "revival/crusade" before.  We drove thru horrible condiitons - although they all start looking the same.  When we pulled into this area - there were hundreds of people all standing and I could hear very loud preaching.  By Miriam knowing this gentleman - I felt like we had back stage passes.  When we got out of the truck it was solid with people - little did I know this was the overflow - the people who didn't fit in the big field in front of a make shift platform/stage.  We were brought to the front side of the stage and when I looked out into the "field" there were hundreds upon hundreds of people.  It was quite incredible.  By the Pastor being Amercian - there was actually  translation for the Haitians - instead of the usual translation for us.  Women held babies in their arms for hours - and many young children held on to their mother nearby.  It did make me happy to see them dance around and sing with such energy - I told myself that for that short time they were seemingly happy and not focused on all their needs.  I had several children and mothers approach me begging and saying how hungry they are.  KILLS ME!  I could just see hunger in their eyes.  One young boy picked up a dirty, empty bottle of water and asked Sara (who is staying at New Life, too - my room mate) for a drink of her water.  She poured water from her water bottle into the one he held and his eyes lit up - as did his mother's standing near by and he thanked her with such sincerity.  To be thrilled for warm water from a strangers dirty bottle is something no one I know has ever had to experience.  I could write to dawn about the experience - but unless you can exerience it first hand - it's difficult to adequately describe.  Even then - it's almost impossible to process.  This is "normal" here..day after day, after day.  The days have flown by and I leave tomorrow.  I'm not ready to come home - and once again I feel like I have done nothing of real value.  It's very humbling - because I couldn't last the night in a tent where I visited, or in a tiny room with only a candle for light and a small bed which has to accomodate six!  I ate abudantly while I was here and had all the amenities I needed.  So - yet again, I leave Haiti strengthened by its people and I will go back to my excessive, crazy life - wishing I had the joy they have that makes them dance and sing and raise their hands to the heavens.  Thanks to each of you who care.  We must together figure out a small way to keep them strong enough to dance