They do not want outsiders coming in.
All eyes were on us, even with Papouch.
We sat down with the leaders of this community who wanted to know our "objective". No one seems to understand that our only "objective" is to sit and pray with the people. I can see why, however, to them that seems crazy. This is their life. Now a show. Not something you walk through to look at and leave. We broke off from Heather who was talking with the leaders because it was too difficult with 1o of us, it was feeling like an interrogation. So, the rest of us stated to sing and play with the kids that had gathered around. Half clothed children. Severely malnourished. Somehow, during this time she got permission for us to walk through this wasteland to pray. Maybe it had something to do with them seeing us interact with children. By this time, a large group of adults had joined in the circle we made. I was teaching them a clapping/singing game I learned in girl scouts wayyy back a long time ago.
We said goodbye and began walking with Papouch and a couple of the leaders through the gamp. Garbage everywhere. Tarp tents without windows in muddy dirt. Broken bottles, garbage, feces... all that kids, half clothed, were walking through barefoot as they trailed along with us. I had a really hard time interacting with them because I had to keep detached to avoid breaking down right there. At the end we saw Samaritans purse tarps and were told they were building schools. The first signs of rebuilding at least were focused on the kids. But where were the kids? We had a dozen maybe with us but in a tent city of 1,400 they told us there are approximately 750 children.... They tell us 500 homes have been promised to be built here. What will happen to the rest of the people? No answer was given when I tried to ask how they decide who will get homes, and who will have to leave. There are radio towers in the middle of the camp that act as lightening rods. Virtually no working government so the tent cities have established their own governing committees. Corruption. My heart is so heavy. But, on the mountains in the distance that we can see from the tent city there are rocks that are placed in the shape of a cross. A sign of hope.
We walked out to the streets in the head of the day to head to the next site. I saw butterflies. I keep seeing butterflies.
Papouch took us to a building, some other kind of foundation, to get water and take a break from the heat. I broke down when the woman in charge explained how food is a privileged in Haiti. How it should be an obligation to feed children, but that it is a privilege. My heart breaks for a place where the experience of love is a privilege. God loves everyone. As family in Christ we are called to love in His name. I know we want to give them something lasting beyond the physical but we are also called to clothe & feed the poor, the orphans, the widows... Love people tangibly as an act of worship and through that being Christ's love and build relationships that point to him... Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.~ Matt 25:40
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