Another reflection on poverty

One would think that by this time I'd be used to the poverty that surrounds me and become somewhat "hardened" to it.  But I'm not used to it and who know if I ever will be.  A typical case that I can't get accustomed to seeing...a mother who gives birth to one child after another when she can't afford to feed the ones she has.  I think to myself, "Doesn't she have any sense?  How can she be so unaware?  Doesn't she know that there are ways to prevent having children that you can't afford to feed?"  But then, I think, "I'm not in her situation.  Maybe she wants all these kids to assure that she will be cared for in her old age."  One mother, in particular named Claudette, comes here every day for food for herself and food for her 2 year old twins.  Now she has an infant boy who looks frail and tiny.  She doesn't have enough breast milk for him probably because she is so undernourished herself.  Did I get "hooked" into providing nourishment for him when I bought baby formula and a baby bottle and told her to come every day so the baby could be fed?  What would happen if I didn't take on that responsibility?  Would she and the baby's father step up to their responsibilities as parents?  I don't know the answer to that question.  I do know, however, that I'm caring for her 13 year old who has a brain problem and difficulty learning, probably due to malnourishment as a baby.  I do know, also, that her 2 year old twins were severely undernourished at two months old.  I do know, also, that Claudette just doesn't seem to "get it".  She has left her baby here on a blanket on the floor while she goes off somewhere.  She just doesn't seem to understand parenting the way we do.  But then, she isn't "us".  She is "she"!  Who am I to impose my values on her?  But then, am I responsible for "picking up the slack"?  I couldn't not "pick up the slack".  My question is, "Am I enabling dependency?"  Or am I doing what I am supposed to do as a Christian?  I know the answer for me but I'd like some feedback from anyone who reads this.  Email me deaconanita312@gmail.com.

Thanks...I'd like to hear from you.

Home again, home again!

I returned to Kay Timoun five days ago and have not stopped for a minute since I've been back.  The children have started school and are thrilled with their new school uniforms and "like new" shoes.  Cawol quickly wrote a list of all the school books that are needed and went to Miragoane on a moto taxi to purchase them.  Wonel stocked the depot with food and water, all transported on the motor cycle.  He ran into a problem on the way to the market, as there was a rock-throwing demonstration and the road was blocked.  He immediately made he way home, as not to get caught up in the melee.

The children were all smiles, hugs, and kisses when they returned to Kay Timoun.  Thank God, they are all healthy, although visibly thinner.  I know they didn't eat three meals a day when they were with their parents.  Probably only one meal.   

Claudette was one of our first visitors, along with her newborn baby boy.  The baby is tiny, so I'll keep a watchful eye and make sure that he gets enough to eat.  I'll prepare baby formula, as Claudette herself is undernourished and has very little breast milk.  Kay Timoun is also providing food for Claudette's two year old twin girls, who first came here when they were infants.

Two nights ago it poured rain at about 9:00PM.  The kids ran around in the pouring rain, shouting thank you to God for the rain, and filling up buckets, basins, and anything that holds water.  When I saw lightening flash, I put an end to their fun and made them come inside.  They walk the mountain trail every day to the water source and carry jugs home, so a downpour saves them a trip.  We will be so happy when we have a deep water well to serve the community!

I want to sincerely thank everyone who is helping with Kay Timoun.  People give us beautiful clothes, shoes, school supplies, vitamins, and anything I ask for.  I am truly thankful.  I don't know how I'd keep everything running without your help.  I am especially thankful for money donations, which I use to buy food, pay tuition, pay for school uniforms, and all those other expenses that require cash.  I was able to buy much needed new beds for the girls' bedroom.  I am also able to help out poor kids in the community with food and clothes.

Be thankful for all you have.