Reflecting on Häiti
February 27, 2011
Reflecting on Häiti: A Sisterhood of Understanding
Mike asked us all an interesting question tonight at supper. Did you have a “moment” when things changed for you here in Häiti? It was a question I hadn’t really thought about yet, I’d thought about the moments I’d really loved, some that stood out to me, but not the question from that particular angle. I’d noticed a change in me, but I hadn’t pinpointed the moment yet. For me, I realized that the moment things changed for me was meeting with the women in the Women’s Club.
I felt such immense solidarity with these women from the moment I walked into the church. We were part of a sisterhood of understanding. They were instantly welcoming, there was a high energy in the room as everyone met together with one common goal, the best for their children.
As they shared their experiences, their challenges, their hopes and dreams I felt the energy in the room around me and I too was charged with hope and joy in a way I haven’t felt in over a year since the earthquake. I felt God’s presence all around me and I could hardly breathe. I felt him show me that this was his promise to me actualized, this moment of realization, HERE was faith, hope and joy so real, so full, so true. I felt the burden and sorrow from January 12th lift and be replaced by hope and joy deep beyond our circumstances. I was inspired and lifted high in one spirit with these women. I hadn’t realized that I had worn the earthquake like a cloak of heavy mourning. Here, we were one, we were unified.
As I shared with these women the bond I felt, that we were all women with one heart, they clapped and cheered, they had felt it too. I encouraged them that they were extremely valuable and honoured them for the difficult but important work they do raising the next generation of children. I expressed the deep honour I feel to have the opportunity to partner with them in their great work. These were the mothers that represented the children we sponsor. I am so close,I Can imagine the connection I would feel with those who help me give my best to my children so that they can be their best, reaching their full potential. I can see their sincere gratitude as the possibilities for their children become even greater through our partnership. United women are a mighty force.
I can’t help but cry from the relief, the weight of grief being left behind and now I can really look forward to hope restored and a bright future as we partner together!
~H
