Wednesday, January 15, 2014

A musical connection


We arrived at Reiser Heights School late this morning to find hundreds of students at their desks in their respective classrooms, dressed in their clean uniforms, their lunch of rice and beans in bowls in front of them, shyly smiling at us as we brought them treats and new pencils.  In the preschool class, three of the tiny students had actually fallen asleep with their heads down on their little tables while waiting for our arrival!  After leaving each class, the students resumed their work as though we’d never been there. 

I couldn’t help but wonder what these kids thought of us—this group of Americans coming in several times a year, making improvements to their school, bringing them money, food, school supplies, shoes, and some fun treats, and then disappearing again for a few more months.

But when word got out that we’d once again brought a keyboard to the school and the teachers allowed all the students to gather outside the building, things changed!  Our concert started with a tear-jerking rendition of Father Reiser’s favorite song, “How Great Thou Art” and worked it’s way into many more wonderful songs about God’s love for us, the joy of worshipping God, and even purely playful music.  Our Haitian interpreters were singing and dancing with the kids, slowly everybody joined in, and the fun and joy on the school grounds was captivating.  This tiny little area on the side of the mountain seemed to be overflowing with goodness and happiness.   These kids that an hour before had been so shy and reserved were suddenly dancing, talking to us, holding our hands, sitting on our laps, and wanting to play games with us.  A connection had been made.

That’s what it’s all about in Haiti.  It’s not just doing things FOR the Haitians.  It’s connecting with them, building relationships, establishing trust, and growing together—them AND us.  And all it took today to accomplish that was music. 

How great Thou art.
Ann

Minnesota-donated sundresses were a big hit with some  of the children in the Reiser Heights area!



1 comment:

  1. It's a dark, cold winter morning here in Minnesota (more snow) yet, I head off to the school where I teach with " joyful optimism". That is our mantra for this school year... "Live joyously and courageously, never doubting that Jesus Christ is entirely yours." I share your blog about the people of Haiti with my students every day as an example of "joyful optimism" lived! They are all praying for you. God bless.

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