Reality check: Monday the kids have a wonderful birthday party with cake, candles, games, and gifts. Tuesday the kids go to the beach and eat like kings and queens, play in the ocean, relax under coconut trees, and enjoy a day at the resort. Wednesday we visit Peace and Joy Orphanage again and the children are famished - no food in the storeroom and no water to drink.
Yes, we brought these children joy for a short while (and I mean JOY!), but we quickly realized that if we're going to make a lasting impact there is still much to do. There are various teams of people in the States who are committed to making the lives of the kids at Peace and Joy holistically better in the years to come. However, that proves to be a very long and difficult process. So much of the help that we are trying to give is lost in translation - sometimes literally. But, we help.
We do what we can now... buying a week's supply of rice, beans, corn, oil, and water to fill their storeroom until their regularly scheduled food arrives. We do what we can when we get home... working with the ESPWA Foundation and other teams who are devoted to adding hope to the orphans' peace and joy (espwa is creole for hope). Pray for these kids - they need it. Pray for those who are attempting to wisely and humbly serve these kids with the love of Jesus Christ - they need it just as much.
"Organized Religion" doesn't always have the best reputation in the States. Funny: the book of James says that true religion is taking care of the orphans and widows, and living a life of obedience. And in Haiti, it is not always easy for us to be organized. It gives me great joy to be a part of such a tremendous "disorganized religion."
A great reflection. you said it JOY & HOPE. If there is hope then not all is lost. That means it gives them some sense of joy. plus all the love and fun you all have given them.
ReplyDeleteGreat week continued prayers for all.