We are approaching our six month mark. The amount we have learned about Haiti, ourselves, and the God we are serving is huge. Much of it is beautiful, some of it is incredibly hard.
The other day a woman came to the gate and when she saw me pass by she asked if she could talk to me. I was on my way out of Grace Village for the first time in a week so I told her I was too busy to see her. She insisted and as I slowed down enough to really see her, I saw a woman; with a 2 year old little girl clinging to her leg, a 7 month old in her arms, the smell of someone who is unable to bath often, clothes that are clean but old, and the look of a woman who loves her children and inspite of her circumstances is able to smile.
She began to tell me of her story. She is a single mom, the dad of the babies is no longer with her. She has a job but has no one to watch her children. Her mother was watching them but will no longer help her. She wanted to know if we could take her children for the next two years while she works and tries to get things in order so that she can support her children.
I was watching her with her children. Her baby was in her arms and was fussing while the mom was speaking but this mom never got annoyed. She would kiss her baby and hush her a little and continue on with her story. At one point, one of the other missionaries went to her and offered to take the little baby. As the other missionary held her, she smiled and laughed like a well taken care of baby should. The two year old was a little more reserved but had a sweet smile and shyly stood by waiting. Haitians learn to wait at a very young age.
I had to tell this woman that we can not take her babies, that we only take true orphans, not social orphans. I told this momma that I could tell that she loved her children a lot and that I would be praying for her. The other missionary and I put together a very small bag with some snacks and a water bottle in it. We gave her a little money so that she could take a taptap back to the place she was staying. We also gave her the number to the social services in Haiti so that she could contact them if she chose.
It was heartbreaking. Why? Why in a place where jobs are so scarce did we run into a mom that has a job, loves her children and still things aren't coming together for her? I trust God, I know that she trusts God, yet the injustices are so painful.
Some of our older Grace Village kids learning the art of making bread in the bread oven.
Sierra helping braid some hair as they wait for the bread to finish cooking.
Piano lessons.
This child cracks me up... this is where he likes to eat his snacks. Shane calls him our 'closet snacker'.
Why?
TV time. Always makes me smile. 
Its not my picture and I don't know who to give credit to, but I love this. Haitians are SO creative!
That would have been hard with knowing there wasn't much you could for her, but offer your prayer and the goodie bag. It is very frustrating when people are doing all they can, but things still don't work out. I continue to pray for you guys and on your journey over there!
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