Haiti has found a special place in my heart during this past week. From the wonderful people and children to the breathtaking views of the ocean and foothills, I will never forget this week or the people I had the joy to meet. But I have to say one of my favorite memories was holding an orphan till she fell asleep. McKenzia did not speak english and the only phrases I knew in Creole were, “how old are you?” and, “ what is your name?” But that language barrier was nothing to her. She smiled at me and my smile back was all the invitation she needed before plopping herself down in my lap. Then when my bottom got too numb and I had to stand up she insisted that I carried her too. It took less than 30 seconds for her to wrap her arms around my neck and lay her head down on my shoulder. Shortly after that I felt her body go limp in my arms as she drifted off to sleep. I stood there holding her and fighting back tears. I was a complete stranger to her. We hadn’t even had a single conversation beyond exchanging names and yet she felt comfortable enough with me to sleep in my arms. How starved for love and affection she must be that she would accept the love of a foreigner who she had never met. McKenzia was not the only one; around me, several of my teammates were holding and loving on children just like her. And what would happen to them after we left? Who would hold and cradle them then? The staff were too few to be able to tackle that task. And this was just one orphanage in one small town in one country! There are millions of children just like her who crave affection and love, who need people to come and ask no questions but to just be there and hold them and make them feel safe, if only for an hour, to let them know that they matter, and that their heavenly Father sees them. Because He does see them. He knows each and every one of their stories. Who knows what a difference something as small as making bracelets, or playing soccer, or being held for one hour can make in their lives. The Lord says His word will not return unto Him void and I believe that applies to actions as well. I may not be able to adopt McKenzia, or to be a full time missionary in Haiti, but I said “yes” when the Lord called me there and was able to love on her for one short hour. And I know the Lord will honor that “yes” and that He will watch over McKenzia and others like her. I also know more will answer the Lord’s calling so that children like McKenzia will not be forgotten, and she will be held and cherished by others. And if you choose to say “yes” you will also be unbelievable blessed.
