Fr. Michelin said he couldn’t get the money. I would send it directly to his bank account for the students we’re sponsoring, but the bank charged $35 each time, held it for a week, and then only allowed him to withdraw $100, or maybe $150 if he begged for more. He needed thousands of dollars, so that would never work. I decided to go myself and take him the money.

I had asked if it was safe to come and Fr. Michelin said “yes,” there’s no problem in the north. Not like Port-au-Prince down south with all its gang violence and kidnappings. The plane was full, but I needed less than one hand to count all the white people on board, with none of the usual groups doing mission trips we’d always seen in the past. It was a short trip, arriving Friday and leaving Monday. I tried to keep a low profile, staying the whole time at a guest house Fr. Michelin arranged for me. I was able to hand him the money, and things worked out great.

Rose-Michel, who helps coordinate our student sponsor program, told all the students to come on Saturday. When they got there, Fr. Michelin led us in prayer, and then gave each student money to start the school year. I gave them a few gifts I’d brought for them and encouraged them to pray for their sponsors and work hard in school. After they all wrote letters and provided updates for their sponsors, Rose-Michel brought out sandwiches and drinks. We had learned that they were always hungry, and that for some of them that might be all they ate that day.

There were lots of adults and former students there too, waiting patiently for us to finish with the students. As the students ate their lunch, I began listening to the adults as each of them explained their desperate situation and pleaded for help. None of them could find a job, so they hoped I could give them “yon ti kob,” a little money, so they could feed their kids, see a doctor, buy medicine, pay the rent or do a little commerce. It’s incredibly difficult to have to decide that this one needs the little money I have more than that one, or when there’s nothing left, to pronounce that little two-letter word spelled, “N-O.” I can’t help you.

It was hot in Haiti, and after our four-hour marathon with students and adults, I had to change my clothes because they were completely soaked. Even so, it was a wonderful experience. I was humbled by their gratitude, and to have to accept their kindness and be fed so well when so many others were hungry. I wish I could share with you what it feels like to see those wonderful smiles, to hear those emotional expressions of gratitude for simply caring enough to come and assure them of our prayers, even when I had nothing else to give. I hope I was able to help a little, but I know I was tremendously blessed.

I am deeply grateful to the many people who, although you thought I was out of my mind for going to Haiti now, were still praying for me to have a safe trip. I very sincerely thank you! And I urge you, please pray for them too.