The most interesting and inspiring person I met while in Haiti was Elizabeth. As we approached her house, her smile lit up the whole village. She immediately began asking questions of our group and as our translator shared her words, we all were immediately engaged with this beautiful soul.
Elizabeth told us that she was 77 years old. She told us of how she lost her vision almost 15 years ago due to glaucoma. She talked about Jesus and how He gives her so much peace and strength. It went without saying that He gives her an exorbitant amount of joy.
She talked about scripture and how when she had vision she would study scriptures and memorize them. At churches in Haiti, they often sing songs that are scripture put to music. She said that she learned so many scriptures this way. The whole time I was listening to her, all I could think was that she took to heart Psalms 119:11. This verse says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” I don’t know that I have ever realized how much not having my vision would affect my ability to read and study scripture. This woman just showed me the importance of hiding God’s word in my heart because I never know when I could lose my vision. Lesson learned.
She had already taught me so much in these twenty minutes, but then her granddaughter came out and stood next to her. She began to sing the most beautiful song and then Elizabeth joined in. She blessed me so much with the joy that flowed out of her and I can only imagine how much God loves it when we praise Him. That day I learned to see the importance of scripture, of worship, of loving all those around you. Elizabeth, a blind 77 year old spirit-filled Haitian woman, taught me how to see.
