Bénél was able to ride in the van with the mission team, and he seemed to be bursting with pride. Despite the language barrier at times, he could feel our love for him and he seemed excited to show us where he lived. The ride was, easily, a couple of miles; he walks it to school every day. We turned off the paved road and began to drive down a rocky path. It came to an end and we emerged from the van in one of the most picturesque valleys I've seen. A small trail led around a little hill and we came upon Bénél's home...
Even by Haiti's norms, this house was quite primitive. Sticks were woven together to create walls and the roof was made of thatched branches. It didn't go unnoticed, though, that it was immaculately maintained. The ground around it was freshly swept and tidy, clean laundry was hung in a separate cleaning area, and banana trees seemed to have been strategically planted to help shelter the hut from the elements. Bénél's family didn't have much, but they clearly took pride in their little home. His parents stood, smiling, outside the front door, eager to greet us and offer their hospitality. They didn't seem shocked or offended that 12 Americans showed up that day. They smiled as Pastor Greg spoke to them through a translator.
"We see how well you have raised your son," he said. Bénél's mother smiled with tears in her eyes and pointed up to heaven. She was giving God the glory for her son's exceptional character. After some time outside, they invited us into their home to pray. We humbly entered the 150 square foot (max) home (which houses a family of seven). Our time of prayer was intimate and can't adequately be described in words. Needless to say, many tears were shed. As strange as it may seem, the tears didn't seem to fall out of sadness for their poverty... the tears were acknowledging how truly rich this family is in the LORD.
We left them with the large bags of rice and some treats for Bénél's younger siblings. They smiled, hugged us and waved as we left. It was later noted by Pastor Eric that Bénél's family had been without food for quite some time. It was also conveyed to us that they would not keep this desperately needed sustenance for themselves; they would share with the other needy families who lived in their area.
On the last day of VBS, parents came to meet us and watch a variety show that the children had prepared. Bénél's parents attended - dressed in their very best clothes, smiling with (what I believe was) a combination of joy, humility and gratitude. I think they know what we know: Bénél has the potential to do great and mighty things for the Kingdom.
Please join us in praying for Bénél and his family.
