Haiti 2016: The Reality

“Give me money.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do that right now.”

“Why do you want my family to starve?”

This was the beginning of an actual conversation I had with a real person who possessed real needs and real feelings. I have to say, I was very caught off guard by this bold statement directed towards me. Part of me was shocked that someone could just blatantly make such a claim, and wanted to jump into defensive mode; leery of the possibility that this individual may have been trying to manipulate me into giving them money. The other part of me was really shaken up by this, realizing that the person I was speaking with may, in fact, have been in a level of such great desperation that they felt the need to go to such extreme measures in order to get my attention.

At somewhat of a loss for words, I began to ask the young man about his family. Although there was a bit of a language barrier, from my understanding, he was trying to tell me that his mother was ill and his father had left their family. There was a sadness in his voice, and in the moment I really just wished I could meet all of his needs. We talked for a little while longer, and I left the boy with a promise to pray for his family through this difficult time.

Honestly, I am not satisfied with how I handled this. I wish I would’ve given him a meal to take home, or something more. It happened very quickly, and I was not fully prepared for it. Nevertheless, this encounter really shifted my perspective.

While it would be easy to overlook this exchange and focus on the happy memories I had in Haiti, I must not neglect the gravity of encounters like this. That conversation was NOT comfortable! Nonetheless, it was an important conversation. It reminded me to stay in tune with the needs of those around me. It challenged me to be more willing to sacrifice, putting others before myself. It pushed me to lean more on the direction of the Holy Spirit, and less on my own understanding.

Although I am not advocating passing out money to strangers, I think it is very important that, when appropriate, we are willing to make a sacrifice for others. The reality is, while some people may have genuine needs and others may have ulterior motives, each person has a story. Likewise, we must be willing to sit down and listen. We must be willing to take time for them, meanwhile listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Maybe it’s a prayer they need, or maybe it’s a meal. Maybe it’s just a smile or hug.

Whatever the case may be, I challenge you, as I have been personally challenged, to be step outside your comfort zone and offer yourself to be used by God. Allow yourself to love people in the way that Jesus loved us. I am learning that offering this type of love is often a gateway to making God's unconditional love known to those around us. 

Until next time,

Tamara

Haiti 2016: The Reunion

In July 2014, I stepped on a plane headed back to the United States, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. I was leaving a place that had left such a significant impact on my heart. God had done great things on the trip I had just taken, as well as on the first trip I took to Haiti in 2012, but there was an unsettled feeling within me. I sensed God saying to me, “You are not finished here.” Little did I know, the rest of my story would pick up in 2016 with a college group that would grow to be very important to me, and with an outreach organization that would soon inspire me in ways that I never could have anticipated.

Last week, I had the joy of returning to Les Cayes, Haiti. This experience certainly brought a multitude of emotions, challenges, and opportunities to learn. Most of all, however, it led me to be closer to God. Although I have a countess number of stories to share, over the next few days I would love to simply highlight a few of the things that truly left a lasting impact on me.

Perhaps, the most impactful encounter I experienced last week was with Daphne (pictured on the left) and Bethsaida (pictured on the right).

In 2012, I met two girls that immediately had a special connection with me and my mom. Although there was a language barrier, we communicated in a way that was beyond words. We laughed together, played games, sang together, and shared many special moments. I grew to love Bethsaida’s spunky, energetic personality, and Daphne’s quiet, sweet spirit. I especially related to Daphne, as her interests and temperament were so similar to my own.

In 2014, my parents and I returned to Haiti and got to see these girls once again. It was such a special time to see how they had grown. Getting to spend another week with them really led me and my parents to feel a new level of love for these girls. They weren’t just “some kids” that we sponsored; they were a part of our family. They were (and ARE) valuable individuals that deserved to have someone praying for them and loving them.

Little did I know, I would once again see these beautiful girls! The only way I can describe how this happened is by God. On the trip I took last week, I was coming with a different church and partnering with a different program called “Hut Outreach.” While I was still extremely excited to return to Haiti and work alongside this organization, I couldn’t help but wish I could still see these girls.

That wish came true.

Long story short, the two organizations were only a ten minute drive apart, and it just so happens that they planned to connect for the first time during my stay in Haiti. After visiting with the missionaries at Arise Haiti (where I first met the girls), I knew that I needed to see them again. By the grace of God (and the help of some very intentional missionaries), we were able to arrange a last-minute meeting!

It’s hard to put into words what this meant to me, but it was something very special. I was able to share with Daphne and Bethsaida something God put on my heart to tell them. I may not ever know if these words meant anything to them, but I know that God softened my heart to love and care for them in a way far beyond what I ever could have on my own.  

I am so grateful for this experience. It is something I will truly never forget. 

Until next time,

Tamara