How much more does Christ love us?

That’s the thought that runs through my mind as I reflect on our first full work day in Haiti. Our day began more labor heavy as our team split into three groups. The first team carried buckets of rocks through an assembly line to help build the church of pastor George. Two other teams worked at the Haitian American Friendship Fund (HAFF) with the staff missionaries. The first group primed the walls of the HAFF guesthouse. For these two teams, the task at hand was moving rocks and painting but really it served as an incredible encouragement. The final team helped with a nutrition program that served to weigh and provide nutrition to undernourished children. This experience was as eye opening as it was humbling.

Our afternoon was a joyous one as we played with the local children and worked on their English. This was the most incredible part of my day. This is my third trip to Haiti and my second stint in Bohoc. In December, my team lead a VBS for local children and I immediately connected with an adorable three year old named Ensesca. For two days we were attached as her precious spirit and sweet voice captured my heart. It was in a moment with this child of God that the Lord made it clear to me that there was more for me in Haiti. So, today as we approached the familiar area and saw the children gathering, I cautiously looked for my girl. I finally saw her and was overcome with emotion. I walked over, held her hand and whispered her name. She lit up “You know my name!” was what her expression said. I walked her over to my bag and pulled out a photo I had printed out of the two of us together in December. I saw the connection as it was made in her mind and we looked at one another in surprise and joy. “You came back to play with me,” I saw in her eyes. Through a cracked voice I said in Creole “I played here in December,” she said “Yes”. That was the end of it, the next three hours of my day were spent playing with and learning from this incredible child. We played with bubbles, practiced colors, letters, and numbers, she taught me Creole and I taught her English. I spun her around and threw her up in air as she giggled with joy, I don’t think my arms could have ever tired.

When it came time to leave my heart began to feel heavy and fill with worry. Ensesca and her siblings have a wonderful family, they are taken care of, that I do not worry about. I worry that her brilliance won’t be tapped into. I worry that the youth of Haiti, these young hearts and all their potential won’t be reached. These kids are the future of Haiti. It is not my job to worry though, God has a plan. He is holding the life of my girl and I have no doubt He’s taking her big places.

As I worked through my emotions I realized that the love I have for this little girl is currently the closest I’ll feel to the love of one’s own child. It is a love that is overwhelming and overpowering. That kind of love does not even compare to the way our Heavenly Father loves. My heart bursts with joy as I think of the life Ensesca has before her and our heavenly Father loves us more than that. It just doesn’t get better.

God loves His people. He loves Haiti. God loves His children and He has a plan for each and every one of us.

-April