I’ve spent the day thinking about and going over what to write.  I think though that I was really procrastinating on this task.  Because writing this somehow solidifies that it happened and is over.  I’m not sure, even 48 hours after landing in the US, that I am ready for that.

I could tell you that this trip blew my hopes and expectations.  Even the ones I had but wouldn’t admit to anyone else and barely to myself.  I could tell you that the Haitians have hope and that when I think (dream) of Haiti I don’t see fallen buildings, broken roads, abject hunger, poverty, or pain.  I see faces and on the faces I see joy, faith, and love written out loud.  And I could tell you that the real needs Haiti has were there long before the earthquake.

But I’m going to tell you about Samuel.  This boy has rocked my world.  Samuel speaks French Creole.  The only words I understood for three days with him were Bonjour, Jennifer (pronounced French), and Shakira.  Samuel was not allowed to come out and play so I would stand under his window with my arm held up so he could hold my hand.  He did run out to throw himself onto me in a giant hug the last day I was at that work site.  Samuel has a hernia - or at least part of his intestine protruded through his abdominal wall when he was a baby.  Many of the Haitian kids have this and while it does not cause any pain or problems now, it could be very serious later on.

Samuel loves the Waka Waka song by Shakira.  Loves it!  Samuel did not know how to wink.  He does now.  And it’s really adorable how his whole face contorts as he puts so much effort into this new expression.  Samuel also loves to blow kisses now too.  Another thing I taught him.

Samuel has a bright smile.  When that kid smiles you don’t see shacks or hunger or the lack of a sewer system or crumbled concrete.  Just his bright white teeth that communicate to me all I need to know about him.  Hope.  Samuel’s family is too poor to pay for him to go to school.  I’m hoping God will work through me to change that.

With this boy, I suspect my feelings come close to those of motherhood.  He has so shaken me up and I want the best for him no matter the cost to me.

As I’ve hidden out the last 48 hours and spent time reflecting and praying and doing things that are dear to my heart (thanks Calder for the tip on that) I have come to many conclusions.  And one of them is that I pray and hope and anticipate that this is only the beginning of my involvement and love for Haiti and Samuel.  And I eagerly look to the Lord for how to move forward in service to my new friends there.

Best,

Jennifer Lynn