May inspiration drip from my fingers like wax from a burning candle, for my mind is at a threshold I did not think it could reach. I want to explain a typical day here, yet unfortunately in Haiti these two words do not exist in unison. Thus, I will tell you a story of hope, of me being a part of someone else’s life and when I leave here I will look upon this and say if I accomplished anything, I accomplished this.
While working at the transition house I have gotten to know many of the kids. One worker in particular named Edision and I have become great friends. Everyday I walk into the house he stops whatever he is doing and we embrace in a soul-entwining hug. Edision is currently living with a relative while working at the transition house Monday through Saturday. He barely has enough to eat, yet still finds strength to work 48 hours a week and helps everyone with whatever problem they have.
Over the past few months he and I have worked countless hours completing a variety of projects for local businesses. Yet recently I have been preoccupied with building chairs for the school computer class and the principal’s office. After I finished my first chair Edision mentioned that he would like to build one with me and I told him I would love to do one together, half expecting him to forget about the whole idea the next day. Yet as I entered the transition house the following morning Edision was standing at the door smiling and noticeably anticipating my arrival. When I reached him he led me by the arm to the table where there sat each individually cut piece of the chair ready to be assembled. I was so overjoyed to see him take the initiative that I spent the next 8 hours showing him how to put the pieces together.
After we finished the first one Edision went on to make three other chairs and a table. He ended up giving one of his chairs to Madam Fritz, whose house he is currently living in and then asked me what he should do with the other three chairs and table since he did not have anyone to buy them. I suggested that he should try and sell the finished products on the street and by the days end Edision had the three chairs and table out on the street with a sign reading “Vendre” (For Sale). Then Saturday, three days after putting the chairs and table on the street, a man drove up and asked about the price. Edision walked out onto the street to barter with the man and after a short meeting he came over and told me that he made the deal and that the man wanted to buy everything! His smile fired a nerve inside of me that made me want to smile/cry/laugh with joy and I could not help but feel a sense of pride for him. I imagine this is similar to what love a father has for his beloved child. I tell you Edison is a far better man than myself and I am grateful God has allowed our paths to cross.
I wish I could write more, but it seems my wick has burned to the end. Thus, I will leave you with a picture of Edision making his sale and a poem that I hope you find the time to read.
Memories of Haiti
Today I will rise with the sun,
And sing a song for only you to hear,
May your heart sear with the tears my eyes shall shed,
For around me people are starving,
With their cries carving out memories in my brain,
I pray God’s rain will wipe away every trace of pain from this place,
Yet as I say this nothing seems to change,
As poverty is all I see on this open range,
How estrange I feel sometimes,
For what once was my greatest treasure,
Safety in my material measured life,
Now seems only to be my greatest regret,
Since saying I did not believe and wishing to remain naïve,
Another mother will grieve,
At the passing of yet one more daughter before her time,
So late today my heart will say,
Did thou love as Thy would want,
I hope so or my heart go gaunt,
Because all I want is for thy soul not to wander,
Rather might my sight be fixed on thy God’s light,
And find love shinning brightly there.
