Each morning I awake to the sounds of eager voices chatting over the morning water duty. Before the sun is up the sounds from the water pump outside my window become very real. It begins with a hard thrashing of the handle and almost instantly the sound of flowing water overshadows the harshness. It is such a normal task for these children that conversation flows with no break. I wonder what they are saying. At this place they are reuniting with their friends from the long dark night. Their words sound playful and it seems they are at ease.
God never fails to work in a teachable moment.
As I sat on my bed grabbing at my bible and study book I realized a pretty incredible twist. Just as the Haitian children were searching out for their water I was searching out for my living water. I am no hero. It just happened at the moment and with intense connection my breath was taken. Living Water. He is to be my living water. I am to bring myself empty to Him each morning so that He may fill the longing of my soul. I got it. I hear it. I stood up to even see it. It is beautiful.
This day began with a walking tour of the surrounding village of LaDigue. As soon as we stepped out of the gate our hands were suddenly held by little brown sweet hands. It was instant and lasted the entire tour. I guess you could say the children became our guide. I met a girl down at the river. She is beautiful, 15 and full of life. She knew a little english so we were able to chat while she washed her clothes. It is amazing how a normal conversation can be in the middle of this foreign land. We spoke about school and family all the while next to another woman bathing her man child.
We were also able to visit an orphanage in the city of Bercy. Immediately I fell in love with a group of dancing fools. These girls made me laugh a hard laugh. I do not usually take on dancing in public but on this day all the insecurity was hidden away. I guess dancing is a universal language because it seems we all have similar moves. The girls shared that this is part of their daily routine. So dancing it is. After I could jig no more we headed out the tabernacle to cool off. Conversation was easy. I shared words with a 16 year old girl who longs to be a doctor one day. In a beautiful way she shared her Christ story with me. With a much weaker tone she expressed her fear of funding for college. We sat in silence for a moment. Her eyes looked away only to look back with renewed hope. “If God desires me to be a doctor he will send me to college to learn the ways.” “I have faith.” Her words were striking. Yes, girlfriend, have faith. Our words came to a close but I will forever hold her story in my heart.
The Market tour was the last venture of Day 2. Incredible to say the least. Vendors were selling anything from shoes to fresh meat. The meat section is definitely not refrigerated. Actually you can find children sitting in the mix of pork, chicken, and fish. The section that peaked my interest the most was the field of coal. Massive amounts of coal lay piled all along the ground. Just past was one of the most breathtaking sights I have found in Haiti. The most blue water that I can remember ever laying my eyes on. Beauty. It is just one of those sights that everyone grabs their camera to capture.
After a couple of days in Haiti my mind was far beyond overwhelmed. I laid awake in my bed for many hours just thinking through the day. I am beginning to understand that the processing will take much time. I am okay with that.
