Haiti Joy and Heartbreak

Patty Meyer 11/1/2012

It’s hard to believe a week has passed since we arrived. In one week we have witnessed the effect s of the hurricane flooding, preparation of bags of food to feed 1,500, and the anguish of seeing the suffering and effects of malnutrition, which took the lives of two little boys here at New Life on Monday and Wednesday. A constant reminder that seems unbelievable that FOOD, FOOD, FOOD is the greatest need and the cause of so much worry, anxiety and many times death. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go outside of New Life into several areas only to find the streets were like a parking lot. I tried not to whine from the back seat of our van as sweat dripped from my face, especially with the hundreds of people walking, who would have loved to have had a ride. 
It could be SO, SO easy to get overwhelmed – and I surely DO during every visit – listenening to the stories of need by nearly everyone you meet. Most stories are the same. “I have no job. I want my children to be able to go to school. I have so little to feed my family.” Or – even those with a job say their income is not sufficient to care for their family and to have food for them every day. EVERYTHING revolves around affording food. 
My joy comes from the time I spend with the kids. My dear Pierre continues to come running when he sees me walking toward the orphanage. YES – I do know that he hopes I brought him a few swigs of the rest of my coke and have a piece of bubble gum in my pocket, but his smile and tight hug around my neck helps take away my anger, disappointment, and frustration that creeps back into my heart and mind several times a day as I experience life here. 
The parts of today that brought the love of Jesus to others was a “store” we set up in the church. We had the girls come to “shop” and from oldest to youngest they came in groups of four. We had panties, socks, hair accessories, an assortment of clothes, purses and of course a piece of candy when they left with their selections. Our display was possible because of the donations of many people. How I thank those who responded to the list on face book and made their desires a reality. Being typical females, it took several of them FOREVER to decide on just the right thing.
The afternoon also ended with proving each employee here at New Life with a small monetary gift to purchase food from Impact For Jesus. I am SO thankful to each of you who responded to the opportunity to help with this need. Just to hear their words of thanksgiving was so humbling. One woman who I so adore shared that when she left her children and came to work this morning, they had no food and nothing to prepare for dinner. She was so excited to go home and surprise them with food. As people thanked Renee and myself I told them it was from many people in the states who care about them. To many I told them it was from God – He answered their prayers and just happened to use us to do it. I am so aware of how humble they are – but yet how humiliating it must be to admit to your life of being so destitute. Then there is ME – I complain at home if I don’t have more than 10 choices when I open the pantry door...
Tonight after devotions Renee and I gave all the kids and nannies a “freezer pop.” I know this probably sounds so goofy – but as I looked around and saw everyone sucking on these things it felt like we were one big family and while the days and nights can be beyond hard – THIS moment – all is good and refreshing.

Renee and I were both at “bug bite limit” so went to our rooms about 8:00 p.m. Renee ended her day (which included a bee sting and another 25 mosquito bites) with a cock roach landing on her arm. Let me just say that they grow them BIG here. I am glad I didn’t witness her experience! 
So – As the day came to an end and I thought about what it held – learning of a death of the little boy, all the stories, all the people in need I went to bed remembering little Pierre at devotions tonight as he sang “Amazing Grace” and I thought it couldn’t have been a sweeter sound. What might tomorrow bring?