As a former skeptic (i.e. - does my money REALLY go to good use?) and after having witnessed first-hand the opportunities provided by Compassion in Haiti, I cant stress enough the impact you make in the lives of these children when you become a sponsor. Though it may just be the small difference between a guaranteed meal a day, regular check-ups and immunizations (otherwise not provided by the countrys government), a stocked library, teachers with some training, a safe and hopeful place to go to each week that allows them to just be a kid, or any of the other things we greatly take for granted here (that are so rare in Haiti), the impact is huge. The experience of feeling the hope and laughter radiating from the kids within the walls of the Compassion school juxtaposed with the sight of the unsponsored children wandering shoeless just outside the compound is so difficult to explain. Haiti taught me a lot about the ability to give of yourself regardless of how dismal your monetary situation may be. I was floored by the overwhelming generosity of the Haitian people after spending the afternoon with a friends 13-year-old Compassion child in Léogâne (the epicentre of the 2010 earthquake). We visited her home (one tiny concrete room with one bed shared by six people), her school, and took her out for lunch where despite her own situation she filled her napkin with a generous portion of her meal to give to the 2 hungry young boys standing just outside the restaurant. In Haiti the saying goes: you may have today and I may have tomorrow and the sentiment is to always be there for those in need. Each of us has something to offer. If you have anything to give of yourself - regardless of what that looks like - I hope to be of some encouragement. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. If a mans gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV, Romans 12:6-8) I know the Jesus thing makes it awkward for some people but I would hope that doesnt detour anyone considering becoming a sponsor from doing so. Contextualizing the good news and its impact on people beyond the culture I grew up in has impacted me greatly. Haiti may be financially poor but it is rich in SO many other ways. They have shared their great faith with me and I hope to be of some service to them. Ill just leave this here... ;) https://compassion.ca If anyone wants to talk about logistics, experiences, anything... reach out.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:07:22 +0000
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