Marie

Today was a day that overflowed with hope, the kind of day that is rare in Haiti. Our team toured Grace Village in the city of Titanyen, which translates to "Less than Nothing". God's glory has transformed this town of "Less than Nothing" to a town of hope, opportunity and perseverance. Grace Village has given the children of Titanyen hope for the future, for independence and sustainability. The compound contains a school, clinic, feeding center, aquaponics center, library and homes for orphans. Driving up the hillside to Grace Village is one of the most awe inspiring sights I've laid eyes on. The astonishing mountains and crystal blue ocean pale in comparison to the beauty inside Grace Village. When I look at Grace Village I see the Lord, I see the passion of hundreds of people who have worked themselves to the bone to spread God's hope and promise to the Haitian people. I see a vision that only our Father could have orchestrated.

In addition to serving and educating the youth, Healing Haiti also supports the elderly of Titanyen. Many consider the elderly to be the true orphans of Haiti as the average age of mortality is 52. Many of the elderly that receive support have lost everyone close to them or have simply been forgotten. We met with a woman today named Marie that had an immense impact on each of us. Marie is 104 years old and had 14 children and only one of them
is still living. Marie is filled with the Lord's light and relies on His grace to provide her meals, shelter and medical care. We sang in worship with Marie and washed her body as she beamed with joy and prayed for us. Words can't describe how humbling it is to have this magnificent woman who lives in a home the size of a walk in closet praying for you. When we asked Marie what we could do for her she said she'd like us to pray for her family, for her health and daily meals.

Marie requested that we take a picture of her so that we never forget her face - which would be impossible for anyone that comes into contact with her. I will always have Marie in my heart and in moments of weakness I will do my best to remember her joy and gratitude for our Savior and for the gift of life. Christ has blessed me immensely in the opportunity to meet Marie and I pray that each of us is given the opportunity to be a shining light in a strangers life.
- Tamra