How It Came To Be....

We would have to go to lunch to talk about all I have been through since traveling to Haiti. Trust me when I say that this was a life changing experience, but one that has stirred a passion in me for the very struggling Haitian community. I will attempt to tell you a little about this trip. Feel free to pass this on to anyone who might hear this plea for help and do something about it......Here goes!!!

It all started when when my best friend Laura and I met up with Meredith and her friend Kristy for lunch. Meredith began to tell me about her future trip to Haiti she would be attending. I can hear the words coming out of my mouth as I write this... "Wow, that would be so great to be part of filming something like that." The next thing you know, I am on a flight to Haiti with my film gear in tow. I would be responsible for filming Meredith's visit to a local orphanage in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. It was the shortest and most life changing trip ever. It did not take much for God to transform the 12 missionaries attending this trip.

The children were amazing! We were greeted by 31 beautiful kids who guided us through their small town on the way to the orphanage. While there, we played with the kids, visited a school in much need of repair, interviewed the pastor who runs both the school and orphanage, and saw Haiti with new and stunned eyes. Everyone hears and talks about poverty. We see it on the TV daily. Yet, nothing prepared me for the daily life of the people in Haiti. Having been recently struck by a major hurricane, there are many children left with no parents. It was so strange to see children even as young as 1 year old, walking around completely unattended. The only thing people seem to be concerned about is the necessities of life. The local markets are home to only survival requirements such as food, water, and daily living needs. We visited the land prepared for a future school rebuild. The current school hosts 1500 children on two levels. You can literally see the floor below you through the cracks in the weakened wood. With the recent school collapses in Haiti, this reminded me of how urgent this school rebuild is.

I completely fell in love with one particular child whose name is Wilderson. There is a very tragic, yet beautiful story that goes along with this small Haitian boy. The day before we left, Wilderson (age 7) and David (age 6) were crushed under a 500 pound security gate at the orphanage. It was a complete accident, but tragic nonetheless. We had just arrived at our hotel in the Dominican Republic when the Pastor of the orphanage desperately begged us to follow him to the clinic. In these next 2 hours, I had no idea how my life would be changed completely. As we walked through the doors, I saw Wilderson being held in the arms of one of the clinic staff. What compelled me to reach out and take him, I'm not quite sure. Within seconds I was whisked into a small, dark room with a table for patients. Please remember, I am in a third world country. This medical facility was nothing like what you would see in the US. I put Wilderson down as we prepared to piece his sweet little head back together. I had heard much about the Dominican community disliking the Haitians, but it was never more evident than watching this Dr work on Wilderson. There was absolutely no regard for this injured, orphan boy. The lidocain had not even been given enough time to set in when he began stitching and stitching. The process took about an hour. I've never felt so completely helpless hearing him beg and scream for the pain to stop. Since we did not speak the same language, my only attempt to comfort him was to sing into his ear. I have never prayed from the depths of my soul the way I prayed in that moment. I knew he was hearing my song, as he would hum back to me and drift into a short sleep until the next round of pain came forth. I am forever thankful that I had such a humble opportunity to be part of that. the other missionaries were diligently praying for the two boys just feet from the rooms the boy were cared for. Though I struggle to forget the cries of Wilderson, I am forever connected to this boy in way that words cannot explain. I left Haiti not knowing if he or David would even survive such injuries combined with the lack of medical care.

Today is a new day...Both boys have made an amazing recovery. It's such a completely different way of life. Had you and I experienced such an injury, we would still be in a serious recovery mode. These boys don't know the same privileges as we do. As long as they are able to walk, they are ready to jump back into life. The fact that they escaped the danger of infection is miraculous on its own. I have learned so much from watching them go through all of this. When I returned to the United States, it was difficult to forget the things I had seen in Haiti. I am thankful for that. I am humbled in the privilege of caring for this child in his time of need.

Many of you are following this blog and wondering how you can join in the passion to restore Haiti. Be assured, I am waiting patiently for direction and wisdom on how all donations will be utilized. If you feel compelled to donate you are welcome to donate through the website or contact me directly at: restorehaiti@yahoo.com . All proceeds from this blog will be directed to water filtration systems, bedding for the orphanages, and rebuilding the school in Haiti.

I have certainly learned, that out of suffering comes hope and that even you and I can make a difference in the devastating situation in Haiti. Although I can honestly say, I left my heart with these amazing children, I would not have it any other way. It has stirred a wonderful desire to keep moving forward. I pray daily that the Lord will break my heart for what breaks His. I feel like God knew what He was doing when He sent me there, however, it's only worth it if I keep fighting for the cause. I believe the Lord is making clear his path of hope for Ouanaminthe.

Join me!!!!!