Mothering the Orphans of Haiti

Stepping foot into the dusty, dirty streets of Port-Au-Prince can be a
daunting venture. For most Americans there is more poverty and
destruction than ever experienced in our quaint, fenced in backyards.

News
media rarely focuses on the positive. From a homeland perspective we
always see and hear the dangers, the problems, and all the reasons why
one would never want to leave and go somewhere like an earthquake
shattered zone in Haiti.

As a single twenty-something it is not
as big of a deal. We are written off as adventure seekers who are “still
at that age.” Or often we are seen as those naive enough to still
believe and hope for a better world. Still most in some way are
supportive of our willingness and determination to go.

But what
about those who have families, steady jobs, a mortgage? What of the
mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers?

Many of those who
come are criticized. They have been told they are irresponsible,
inconsiderate of their families, and bad parents for putting themselves
in such danger. They have heard the oft proclaimed, “Why would you want
to go there when there are needs here?”

Why would a mother
want to come to Port-Au-Prince? Why would God even place the desire
in her heart?

There are thousands of displaced, orphaned children
in Port-Au-Prince. They are dirty, hungry, thirsty and often tired. A
motherly touch can soothe them to sleep and bring a smile to their
faces. Mothers notice the things that others may not: the distressed
look, the early signs of sickness, the mischievous one in the crowd.

There
are also thousands of Haitian mothers who have lost everything, many
have even seen their children perish before their eyes. Those who still
have their kids feel helpless to provide even the basic necessities of
life.

Godly women are the ones who connect with the hurting
mothers we meet. They can look into the eyes of another and sense her
pain on a level those without children cannot.

Yesterday I
watched a couple of the women from a current short term team connect in
such a way. As we entered the gates of Pastor Christian’s church they
were drawn to a lady holding twin one month old babies. The twins appear
to be beyond fragile. Looking at them one would never believe they are
the same age. One is much too small and malnourished. It seems there is
little hope.