Thrive

Today we went to the largest tent city slum in Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil.  We witnessed the worst living conditions in the entire Western Hemisphere.  Home to many in Cite Soleil is four pieces of salvaged metal with a tarp on top.  We assisted with the distribution of fresh water from the Reiser Relief / Healing Haiti water truck.  For many there, this was the only water they would get for the day.  

It was very hard to see people living in these horrible conditions.  It was harder yet to see and smell the raw sewage and trash everywhere.  In Cite Soleil, the "beach" is where 6 feet of compacted trash meets the ocean.  To our western eyes, there doesn't seem to be anything good about Cite Soleil.  That is, until you spend some quality time with the children and adult residents.  Once you do that, you see the love, you see the joy - and you learn that the people of Cite Soleil thrive in spite of the utter poverty around them.  


The people of Cite Soleil are thriving.  How do they thrive?  By the grace of God.  The children were so happy to see us - and they couldn't wait for us to hold them and love on them.  They are Children of the Light - and they witness God's love to us just as we serve them.  We learn from them - how thriving is not about being rich, it's not about living conditions, it's not even about safety or security.  Thriving is all about knowing that God loves you and that you are created by God for a purpose.  That is how the people of Cite Soleil thrive.  And even though we will continue to help them with their basic needs in this life, they have already made themselves rich in faith and in love.  

I met a 10 year old named Molice who was the embodiment of this love and this joy.  I sincerely hope to see her again on a future trip.  I LOVE the people of Cite Soleil and I LOVE the people of Haiti!!!!

Bill Munson