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
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.
ReplyDelete