Today was our last day leading VBS in L’eveque for the kids. As a special treat for the kids, we were able to purchase popcorn that some of the deaf ladies made as their last snack. I was sitting with three really sweet kids against the wall at the front as the popcorn bags were passed out. Now, the bags were small and only contained about two handfuls of lightly salted popcorn: no extra salt or butter or cheese, pure basics. As the kids were eating, one of them looked up, poked me, looked straight in my eyes, and said “Donk you!” as her best effort to say thank you. A short while later, the older boy said “Dank you very mooch,” as thank you very much. I felt touched not only that they made an effort to speak my language when they obviously spoke Creole, but that they both tried their very best to say thanks and the smiles on their faces and the hugs that they gave me afterwards truly showed their gratitude. Here in America we sometimes go to the movies and buy the biggest size popcorn available to get free refills because a huge tub is not enough. Here in Haiti, with three tiny bags of a few pieces of popcorn, these kids acted like they had been given a lifetime supply. You come back from mission trips to poor countries such as Haiti, and you always say you learned to be thankful and content, but in that short period of five minutes, God opened my eyes to really know true gratitude.
–Jade Teel
Jade,
What a joy to see your sweet face and read your account of that joyous moment at VBS! We miss you and your mischief and hope we will be together again soon. Love you!
And upon second look, Fanel’s sweet face as well!