Just this weekend my friends finally brought home their little boy from Haiti (Welcome home baby!) They have had their hearts broken over and over for two years waiting for this miracle. Today the dad sent an e-mail talking about what he saw in Haiti. After reading it I have to wonder if we went to the same Haiti. He especially discussed how shocking it is to see people and the way they act when their basic needs are not being met. I have thought and thought about this today and this is what I have concluded. We both went to the same country and I have seen many of the things that he saw, but I have seen so many other things of a different nature that I just don't really see that side anymore. Yes, the Haitian people are starving. I can't imagine the lengths they must go to each day to try and feed their families. But, while sitting next to a little boy not more than three who hadn't eaten in days I watched as he took the one piece of sausage (the thing he most wanted) and offered it to me. I have been with Harry Mardy (my hero and pictured above with his daughter) as he discussed his love for his family and the gospel. When I asked him if he looked forward to a place of his own, his response was, "well that would be so nice, but I can never complain, God has been so good to us." I have sat in a small room in an orphanage teeming with kids with a family who shares the room with their 6 children so that the other rooms in the home can be filled with kids that don't have a family. I have been to church in Haiti and seen people literally skin and bones with happiness overflowing in their eyes because they have the joy of the gospel. After church is over they spend hours outside the church enjoying the fellowship of the saints. They also check on each other and do what they can to help. I don't think I have ever seen that here. I know that bad things happen there, I am not blind and I have seen them. But, when I am there the overwhelming feeling is that in some ways they are better off than us. Better off because they know what is really important, better off because they don't get caught up in worldy greed because they have nothing. I know there are a few Haitians that would take advantage or even hurt us, I have had my moments of fear while there. But, the ones I know and love would happily throw themselves over us to protect us from any danger. So that is what I see when I am in Haiti and that is why you will keep seeing me there.
8 comments:
I love this post so much, me and my husband talked about how the kids down there share there foods with all the kids they take one bite and hand out the rest. plus i know what you mean about going to church it was such a blessing to go and to see how they feel so blessed to have the gospel in there life.Thanks for posting this. Candice
Heather, what a wonderful post, I am with you, I see so many wonderful things and people in Haiti it warms my heart. Great post!!
Love ya,
Chareyl
I love what you see
Amen, sister! Very well said.
And Harry's my hero as well. And he'd be mortified if we told him that. :)
L
yep. that's all i have to say.
Yes, I so agree. We talked about this while in Haiti. We really are blessed to see the real side of Haiti, some people who go there never get oppertunity.
Harry is our hero too. Pete spoke about him during a talk he gave in sacrament meeting last year because of his amazing charity and example. He's such a sweet guy. Loved your post. Have a great week! Thank you~ Mare
Loved this post - along with everyone else - It is so true, can't wait to go back!
I think the difference between what you saw and what your friend saw, is that you look at individuals because your gift is to reach out to individual. What he, probably, saw was forms and systems because his gift is to implement better ones. Love ya and your passion and commitment!!!
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