9:57pm
How do we say farewell to a people that we have come to know as brothers and sisters in Christ? We loaded bags and suitcases planning to come to a country in need of our donations and material goods. Tomorrow morning we will depart carrying less in our arms, but more than our hearts can contain. We will not say goodbye for a goodbye signifies something final... and let me tell you friends, this has only been the start (and continuation for some) of something beautiful. We've shared optical supplies, dental supplies, clothes, food, and education materials - all of which have been so graciously received by our friends here in Haiti who so desperately need all that we can materially provide. We shared something more though. Some were able to open their hearts in a new way upon opening their eyes to the beauty that exists in poverty and devastation. Through that we shared faith, relationship, and hope.
Today's experience was with the CLM project, a scholarship program for women in the Central Plateau who need assistance. A $1500 scholarship donation sponsors one woman and her children for 18 months. It provides the resources for them to build a home (a project they are responsible for doing with the materials provided), an enterprise of either chickens, goats, cattle or horses, a stipend for food, and money to send their children to school. The women and their families are visited every week by a case worker - individuals who do a phenomenal job of helping, guiding, and encouraging women to live a better life. We were simply amazed in our journey through the plateau and shadowing during the house visits. The pride we witnessed among a people who live below poverty level was a site that is indescribable. One family was fortunate enough to have a sewing machine - Jim interacted with her in an attempt to determine if she needed eyeglasses. Indeed she did and there was no greater smile than the one I saw on her face today when she was able to easily thread her needle! In that moment I wanted to plop down, cry, and ask God what more I can do for this poor woman. But it's in that instant that I realized, perhaps she's a bit richer than I. She knows the value of heartache to the core, yet she smiles with joy; she has a home detestable by American standards and she beams with pride as she walks us through; she appears weak by site but she's stronger than most; she, among great despair, has shown me a beauty immeasurable. It's in the giving of these material things that I begin to feel selfish - she has given us a far greater gift.
Although challenging and exhausting, I think our group could have walked through the plateau, through the rivers and mud, hills and valleys, for many more hours because the success of this program (starting with 150 women and today reaching over 1,000) is a Godsend you can't see enough of. Of course there's struggle too... but this program is being implemented by talented individuals who go far into the rural areas to support women and encourage them. One of the women today has six children, one on the way, and no father figure providing any support. Pastor Rhonda has been an incredible mentor on this trip and today I witnessed what God can do when you're willing to allow Him work through you. She spoke to this woman who is struggling with the program in a way that proves that only what we allow to exist between us can separate us. If we're willing to be vulnerable, God will lead us in a way only He can. I felt God working through the conversation between Pastor Rhonda, the case worker, and the woman in the program. I hope you will join us in praying for this woman, and any other woman who is struggling to complete the program; may they find a confidence in themselves, a hope for their lives and the lives of their children, and success in a world that they have the opportunity to create.
As we begin our travels home I'm confident we will all leave a piece of our heart here in Haiti. No final goodbye will separate us for tomorrow only brings a, 'See ya later.' The partnerships and relationships being developed are a foundation for what's to come. My enthusiasm for the growth of this ministry is far too much to contain - God shines the light of a candle where the flame of a fire will be shared. I hope you'll join me in praying that that fire in our hearts, minds, and spirits will continue to grow and spread into the hearts, minds, and spirits of those around us.
In praise and thanksgiving,
Emily
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