Haiti | January 8th, 2013 | "The Take Away..." by: Bob Aman

Reflecting on this trip there are so many images that both impress on me and reinforce in me our support for this country, it's people and specifically the kids at the Wings of Refuge Children's Home.  One image pertains to the commitment to the family - and by family I do not mean actual brothers and sisters - I mean the extended family.  In Haiti it seems everyone who is a friend is considered a cousin - someone who is looked out for and who looks out for you.  And this begins at a young age.  In the week i was there, we got a free tap-tap ride by cousin, help with a couple of flat tires by cousin and some missing ingredients for dinner from cousin.  

Our first time to visit the kids I saw both the older boys helping with squeezing the juice and the older girls helping with the laundry.  In this it is easy to expect more of those who can do more.  Maybe it is the "American mentality" in me, but I was taught a long time ago that everyone needs a Twinkie to balance out the brussels sprouts of life.  So we saw an opportunity to maybe deliver a Twinkie to a few of the kids who also lead.  

The plan was to take out the six kid leaders with a day on the town.  Our first planned stop was for lunch at a Baptist Mission compound where American food is the specialty (hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries, cokes and ice cream). The setting was up in the mountains outside of Port au Prince, overlooking a beautiful landscape of mountain farms and rough landscape.  What impressed me here was both the lively discussion and the huge appetites enjoying the atmosphere, food and recognition.  But I was even more impressed when each child, discretely but with purpose, saved something to bring back to their friends in the home.  French fries and ketchup, part of a hot dog, half a ham and cheese hoagie, chicken nuggets and even a glass of Sprite were all loaded back in the truck for the journey back to town (just imagine a full glass of Sprite making it successfully in the back of an SUV driving across Port au Prince - doubtful).  While the kids knew "why" they were with us, their thoughts were still of the others who they help to care for and protect.  They even tired to save ice cream - but luckily we convinced them to finish this because we had purchased cookies for all.

When we returned - the crying and weeping that sent us off was no longer evident ... our six were met with love and affection, and they willingly shared the bounty that was collected.  You would not believe how four hour old french fries and ketchup, or half a hot dog that was transported in a back pocket were looked upon like treasures.  Please know this was not because of being malnourished - it was to share in the experience.  These kids know what it is like to be loved - and as such love freely!

I am so proud of my church family for what they have done and continue to do in Haiti.  There is no doubt to me that crowns will be waiting for us in heaven - but this is not the reason for the investment.  It is the smiles, the joy, and the fact that our small investment will be increased exponentially by this group of amazing kids.  

And, for the record I now consider you all cousin's.  

- Bob Aman