Don't let this relaxed lunchy look fool you. These are two of the most tenacious, hardworking people we know. But first, it's about the flip flops.
Granme Ophelie (not her real name) is back from the garden. She is smiling, being led by the hand by one of the children who joined in the search that started just five minutes ago. She's here, she's okay, as we knew she would be. But still. Some wandering is apt to happen, and we must keep an eye out at all times.
But Granme Ophelie, where is your other shoe? Still smiling she looks down at her feet, and then a look of mild surprise. Oh! Only one flip flop has made it back from the garden with her. The child is sent off to look for it as she is led to the table for lunch.
Auberge des Vieillards is home to seven grammas and grampas under the care of Pastor Abdon and Madame Lumide, and the Care Team and Staff operating out of the AEM Church in Pignon.
It's been a long road to get here, as anyone who has been following this blog and Highview's Haitian story will know. Several work teams from Highview and other Canadian churches have done the very physical work of building the wall, then the rooms that now house our residents. These are vulnerable adults in desperate situations in the midst of a country in chaos.
I'll leave it to you to read more about the current political and economic situation in Haiti. The politics and violence are truly sinister partners with COVID in terms of the struggle for stability and basic quality of life. The problems are legion, and could easily overwhelm us.
Until we sit down for lunch with Abdon and Lumide and work on just what's needed next.
Until we focus on Granme Ophelie and making sure she has her shoes.
. Our friend, missionary-pastor Marilyn McIlroy, was able to visit this summer, braving the heat of July and the uncertainties of a first trip back since all the travel shut downs. Our conversation upon her return was full of her heart for these frail folks, trusting God for everything from shoes to stoves to medicines.
All the seniors are doing much better since arriving at A des V, and for this we are grateful. Need of the pump's final hook up to the available electricity, specific medicines required that are next to impossible to secure there, and the sudden jump in price for the stove are all real needs under the general column of 'asap.' And meanwhile, they persevere. Bravely, lovingly, tenaciously caring for the most vulnerable among the vulnerable.
There will be more from Highview a bit later into the season where we will be ramping up our fundraising for this project in a bigger way. Right now I would encourage you, if you are led, if you are so inclined, to give what you can through the EMCC's projects page at the link provided here.
It just might buy Granme Ophelie her next pair of shoes.
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