How do you find hope and the courage to move to the next day when it goes on for miles? One damaged building after another. Continual rubble that impacts any traffic, vehicular or pedestrian. Piles of trash and then those endless rows and rows of tents and makeshift shelter, although to even suggest they are anything resembling shelter is more than a reach.
Today we began our second full day of work back up on the roof of St. Joseph’s and we ourselves continued to try and find answers. With three floors pancaked and roof slabs literally poised to slide off the remaining three stories, there is nothing here for the faint at heart. On this morning, however, as we worked alongside our Haitian crew, we persevered and drilled, swept, hammered, tossed, and slowly moved more rubble. The sun gets hot and the dust continues to billow but the successful removal of the collapsed roof slab from yesterday moves everyone forward and we know that each piece of concrete removed is improving the safety of the work site.
By lunch our team had dropped the last section of the former roof terrace. We had clipped several concrete columns that had been dangling three stories overhead of the pathway at St. Josephs between the remaining functioning buildings. Several layers of loose tiles and other materials had been pushed off the slumped roof structure and the next team will be able to start in an improved situation.
Following lunch, we then make the thirty minute drive up into the mountains to visit the site of Wings of Hope. This is the second of the three orphanages and it is home for some of the most outcast group in Haiti. Thirty plus handicapped children whose plight ranges from mental to severe physical impairments have for all practical purposes been abandoned by their families. Again we are reminded of the reoccurring question of finding hope in this situation.
At the present time, they are living in two adjoining rental homes. With their former home damaged and deemed unsafe, Wings of Hope is making do in these homes that were constructed as single family residences and not a group home. The staff has done a remarkable job in trying to provide a facility and program that continues to give care and love to these children. During our visit as we hand out candy, we are greeted by smiles, touches, and gestures and we know our being there matters.
On one level it is all very simple. Then it makes sense. It is simple. The answer for hope is not complicated. It is as simple as moving a pile of rubble. You pick it up and move it to another pile. You then move that pile again. After that you put the pile in a truck. And then you sweep and move forward into a better place.
God calls us to do that. Move the pile. Share the candy. Make the touch. Give the smile. Hope comes from those kinds of acts. A society that has been torn apart will find healing and a child that has been rejected will find love.
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