Last Day

Well, today was our last day actively involved with the children. Over 40 sponsored children were brought from all over Haiti with a parent to meet their sponsors. What an incredible day. My balloon modelling skills were in full flow – dogs, hats and swords make you a hero out here. And you wouldn’t believe how well a face painted daisy looks on their rich black skin.



Linzi met little Esther, the child she’s been sponsoring for over a year. She’s seven now and was definitely the quietest kid in the place. I think her father was afraid that she wasn’t making a good impression – probably worrying that if the child didn’t impress Linzi she might lose her sponsorship. As the morning went on Esther eventually started to relax and after about 25 circuits of a little tykes slide in the back garden her little smile started to appear. She was so sweet and she started to cry when she realised they were leaving us.



It was an amazing experience for Linzi. She can be in no doubt now that her sponsorship has changed this little girls life, as well as that of her family. Some of the sponsored children had set out on Thursday (two days ago) to be here this morning and meet their sponsor. People, we’re talking 60p per day to TOTALLY change a life. I’m intending to get each of my kids to sponsor a Haitian child when I get home.

I have to say again how much Compassion have impressed me. A truly fabulous, efficient and loving organisation. All the kids got fed today, got a new bible, two huge food parcels to bring home and gifts from their sponsors. They were overawed.



Tomorrow I will leave this beautiful country. It has left an indelible mark on my heart. It’s my first experience of a Third World country, and yes, I know there is so much need in so many other places. But I can only respond to where I find myself, and I have fallen in love with Haiti and it’s people, it’s children in particular. I’ll be back here before the end of the year, logistics permitting. It’s a dangerous place to be. We were escorted by up to three armed guards a lot of the time, many of the business men travel in cars with 2 inch thick bullet proof glass. Compassion have had staff kidnapped in the past. But they continue to serve God and love the children.



I’ve realised how self-absorbed my life at home is. I knew it before I came here, but somehow I didn’t REALLY know it. I’ve also realised that spiritually we are an empty people on the whole in the UK. The richness of their spirituality here puts us to shame.

I’ve been privileged to be here and am a better person for the experience.