Yesterday, one of our missionaries mentioned that she felt she could go home since she had experienced so much that day already. If tonight’s moment of sharing was any clue, today topped it.
An opportunity opened up for us this morning because of another Mission Youth group that is also on mission with us here. They invited us to accompany them to St. Louis de Gonzaga School to share an hour with the high school young men there. This school is known as one of the best in Haiti and the “rumor” is that there they are forming Haiti’s next president. This was a side of Haiti that we had not seen yet.
The received us warmly and shared with us about all the activities that their school provides (beyond academics) and it was impressive. Then, we had a chance to break into teams of two to four to speak with groups of the young men in a dialogue. A lot of them were interested in the education process of Canada and the United States because they are interested in attending University there. And other groups shared about what they see that could improve Haiti. In all, it was a fascinating experience and helped us to see how the Haitians themselves are the ones who will bring about the social changes that this country needs.
Later in the morning we went back to the Home for the Dying. What a difference it makes having been there before. We arrived and went to be with the patients. We brought some coloring books with us this time and were surprised to see how even the men enjoyed coloring. One missionary mentioned how what was important was not so much the coloring itself, but that we were doing something together. Soon it was lunch time and many of us this time had the opportunity to help feed some of the more feeble patients; again, for those who helped it was a beautiful experience and you should ask them their stories when they arrive back home.
After our own lunch break and down time (and a bit of siesta on a concrete bench for some), we had a beautiful Mass in the chapel there. What a gift it was to pray together and to receive Our Lord and then to go directly to be with the patients. This moment of the day was quite powerful for many of us. We went to each room, each group of patients and sang to them and then prayed with them. It was intimidating for us, at first, to think of praying with people in that way, but they were so receptive that all of a sudden it became very natural. Different people had different reactions to this, but on a whole it was deeply moving.
At one point on our journey through the rooms, another group of volunteers (high school students from New York) showed up and followed our example began to pray with and sing to the patients as well. We are all grateful to Muffy for learning the Ukulele just for this moment. When we left, the impact that we made was visible on the joy-filled faces of many of the patients and our own hearts were full as well.
Back at Walls we had a hearty supper of lasagna, rice and salad and ended our evening sharing our experiences. We hope to have opportunities to share with you when we arrive back home.
