Things we take for Granted

Along with this trip came many unexpected donations and blessings from those around us. Much to our surprise, those blessings didn't stop- even at the Bluegrass Airport. While there, a fellow traveler noticed our group and donated $100 with the stipulation "Do good in Haiti". Both shocked and overwhelmed by the generosity of this complete stranger, the money was stored safely away until the right opportunity presented itself. It didn't take long to discover where it was needed. In the village we all met a 15 year old young man who had been kicked out of his home at a young age after his mother passed away. His father, wishing to start a new life with another woman, told him he needed to get out of the house because they wanted to go on with their lives without him. Having no where else to go, this young man fashioned for himself a small shelter built from mud, stone and sugarcane. The dwelling was so small that many of us have doghouses of larger size and he had to squat while sleeping because it wasn't big enough for him to stretch out. Children's International Lifeline learned of his plight and decided to lend a helping hand by building him a cinder block house with a metal roof. He was incredibly gracious, but told them that he was praying for a mattress. After we heard this story, we decided that we could be the answer to his prayer. We purchased for him a foam mattress in Port au Prince with the donation from the traveler and delivered it to his house along with some other gifts. He was overjoyed and so thankful for this gesture. It was so rewarding to see not only our good deeds in action, but the end result. Also, it was brought to our attention as we were purchasing this mattress, that the oldest man in the village, who is 91 years old, has been sleeping on a bed made of cardboard and concrete. Our group decided to purchase a second mattress for this man and it was delivered to him last night. As soon as the mattress was placed in his home, he laid down on the mattress, which was still wrapped in plastic, and began laughing. He was overflowing with joy for his new bed. Our group returned a little later to provide bedding to the man, and he was still lying on his mattress. The only time he arose from the bed was to allow us to put the blankets onto the bed, and then he immediately lay back down, laughing the whole time. It really puts things into perspective, how things we take for granted are luxuries for the kind people of this village.

Joseph Caldwell and Destiny Fife