In July of 2008, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Haiti, a country I knew little about. Despite the safety concerns of those around me, I found myself embarking on this journey to Haiti, which would change my life forever. Today, I can honestly look back and say that I am glad that I trusted God and stepped out of my comfort zone to go to Haiti. I remember clearly when I first set foot
in Haiti, over fours years ago, and feeling at home, in a place unknown, as I instantly became captivated by the beautiful country and vibrant culture. As we drove from the airport to orphanage, I got to witness the community of one of the most impoverished countries. When we walked through the neighborhood and into the orphanage, I was blown away by the unconditional love that these kids had for complete strangers. So much joy, love, and happiness exuded from children who had so little. I was impressed by their selflessness and amazed by their faithfulness and knowledge of God’s word. During that time, I began to develop strong relationships with a few of the children. Since then not a moment passed that I was not been thinking about what I could do to help. I channeled my passion and longing into serving in the capacity I was able to in the States. Then, on January 12, 2010, I remember the panic and helplessness I felt with the news that a 7.0-magnitude earthquake had hit Haiti. As I watched on the news, I was frozen by the images. How and why could this happen? In anticipation, of returning to do whatever I could to help, over the course of a few months, I miraculously became able to fluently in Haitian Creole with the help of some of the children at the orphanage. When I returned, post-earthquake, in August of 2008, we could see countless tent cities, driving through the streets. We witnessed the stark contrast of devastation: buildings that had been untouched by the earthquake alongside buildings that had collapsed and destroyed. Amongst all of this, I saw the resilient Haitian community continuing to go about life; however crushed their spirits may have been, they got back up and chose to rebuild and grow with whatever they had left. Being able to communicate with the children in their native tongue proved to make a world of difference in continuing to develop relationships with them. I believe that being able to speak and write in Creole was instrumental in creating and forming relationship with even the children that tend to not want to speak to outsiders. Through my efforts over time, the children saw that I was willing to meet them where they are, and speak Creole with them, instead of trying to get them to learn English or not speaking to them due to the language barrier. As many of them have told me, this showed the children that I was willing to invest the time and effort in getting to know them. However, broken or imperfect, some of those conversations were, simply being able to communicate with these children well, in the language that they are most comfortable with, was priceless. Being able to speak and understand Creole, proved to make a difference not only with the children at the orphanage, but the workers there too, as well as outside of the walls of the orphanage, in the community. The joy in a Haitian’s face to be able to communicate with an American in their native tongue, makes a world of difference. Through my numerous conversations with the children, I have been privileged to hear many of their personal stories and experiences, dreams and goals that they have, as well as worries, concerns, and fears they struggle with. Amongst these orphans, brothers and sisters in Christ, there are aspiring businessmen/women, lawyers, doctors/nurses, engineers, writers, artists, the list goes on. While I am encouraged by the faith, potential, and drive each of these children has to succeed and develop, I also know that it is not an easy task. Which leads to the birth of LESPWA Creations. LESPWA means HOPE in Creole, it is my hope and prayer this will provide orphans with opportunity. LESPWA Creations' focus is to tap into the potential and talent they already have within them and show them that they do have the ability and hope to succeed and create a future for themselves. Each creation made and sold through LESPWA Creations, will be a handmade/homemade item, uniquely crafted by the artisans, which at the moment include volunteers and children, now young adults, who have already been adopted. All creations sold, will be reinvested back into LESPWA Creations, to LOVE, ENRICH, SERVE, PARTNER, and WORK with the orphans, particularly those who have not been adopted, to ACHIEVE a future, and live out their dreams ...
