Blessings from the Impoverished

The word “blessing” in the dictionary has the definition of being a gift or favor bestowed by God.  After my trip this summer to the Dominican Republic through Meeting God in Missions, I could not find a better way of describing the word. Since I have been on this trip before I knew what to expect when it came to seeing the poverty of the villages we would visit, or so I thought.  The director of our trip informed us the night before we went out that we would be visiting the most impoverished Haitian village they had found and had not yet been to. The next day when we were there it was absolutely heart wrenching.  The previous villages I had been to were certainly poor, but not in comparison to this one where most kids’ stomachs were bloated and no one had shoes on.  The part that astounded me the most though was the joy everyone had (the Haitians not Americans). In this state of living, it did not take much to get them to smile. If you simply held a kid’s hand or gave them a piggy back ride their faces would light up. They were perfectly content to be where they were and with us.  I consider it one of the greatest blessings to have gone to that village. While I was there I met a little three year old named Jessica. She was timid and quiet but always smiling. We instantly became “amigas” and were inseparable the whole week.  It was a tremendous feeling when I returned the next day and she ran right up to me and grabbed my hand.  I got to know her family and was able to spoil them a little with beanie babies and toys at the end of the week. When it came time to leave, I cannot describe the heartbreak I felt. I touched her large, hungry stomach and wiped her running nose. I had developed a bond to this little girl that was so strong and I did not want to leave her. Everyone started loading the cattle trucks to return to the compound.  As she watched me cry, she just sat there smiling, but confused. I promised myself I would return to this village again someday and see her.

Who knew that day would come so soon! Jim announced that the following week a group would be returning to the village to do medical. My friend and I were the only two from our group staying for another week. I just so happened to know I was doing medical the next week.  Sure enough only a few days later I once again was able to spend some time with my Jessica. This time though, I was able to get her some medical attention. She had a terrible cold and cough so I took her to the doctors. It turned out she had a sinus infection and we were able to give her some medicine. Although I did eventually have to say goodbye, I thank God for the extra time I was able to spend with my little Jessie and the impact she had on my life.

At the compound, we made many new friendships that are still growing today. The worship was awesome both weeks and the morning devotions were incredible. I have never felt the Holy Spirit move so strongly. This trip has placed a new desire in my heart to serve others and to grow closer to God.  This trip is certainly one of the greatest blessings I have and perhaps ever will receive.