Honestly, Haiti probably never crossed my mind. At least, not until the earthquake. It was devastating to watch a country already in need be destroyed by such a natural disaster. I believe this is what initially motivated me to do something–the need of a helpless people. But, I must admit that the total opposite happened. Rather than me going to help, the Haitian people helped me.
On my first trip, it was a shock at first to see a hurting people desperate for help–immediate help. People who had nothing pushing through the doors of the ER and the pharmacy of a small clinic just to get some type of medication to help with their physical needs. Others who begged that we would take their children in hopes of giving them a hope for their futures. Still, even in their desperation, I was touched. Touched because even though their struggles were far beyond ours, they had a smile. They weren’t complaining, debating, or protesting. They were without homes, without food, without a means to improve their situation, yet with a huge smile.
I experienced joy in the midst of tragedy as I was able to talk with people, as I held children in my arms, and as I allowed God to stretch me to do what I felt I was incapable of doing– Going as a principal by occupation, yet serving as a pharmacy tech, as a person at the disposal of doctors, and as a spiritual encourager for others. I was amazed at how God took my “little” and used it for His glory.
I think in the two trips I have been a part of, Haiti has taught me that nothing is impossible for Christ. We too can be used of God to bring healing to the broken. We too can bring our offering and watch God multiply it and use it to make an eternal difference. I’ve learned that its not about occupying ourselves with accumulating “things”, but rather taking a step back and looking at what God has given us, appreciating it, being a good steward of that which we have, and using what we have to bless others.
For His Glory,
Yvette Banda
“Let my lifesong sing of Jesus.”