So Many.

There are so many stories in life. We all have a story, every one of us. Our story makes us into the person we are.

Have you listened to the stories of others? Have you told your story?

When I am here in Haiti………..there are many stories. Some are awful. Some are miraculous. Some are both.

……and some are just hard. Too hard. They are too hard re-tell once I’ve heard them. I try anyway. They are too hard to forget.

Haiti is filled with hope and life………. Haiti is also filled with struggle and darkness.

There are so many stories.    

Today I rocked a little boy. He is here because of severe malnutrition.  Swollen. Lethargic. Hurting. Scarred. ‘Do you want to eat?’, we asked. ‘No’. ‘Do you want someone to hold you?’ ‘Wi’ (yes). So Wilson and I sat in the rocking chair. And I held him, and loved him, and thought about his story. It’s a hard one.   But a new chapter has started here. 

Berto went home today! We met him on our last trip here in September. He had just been admitted w/ severe skull fracture.  He is around 10-12 yrs old. Full of mischief but he has an easy smile and is all boy.  It’s a great story of healing.          

A baby died tonight. He was in the ICU today. A sweet baby boy I didn’t get the chance to hold or know.  He has a story, and this is the only part if it that I know. It’s a hard story and much too short.

Tonight. we watched as friends organized and orchestrated a grand birthday party for a 17 yr. old. Handmade decorations. Party lights. Food. DJ. It’s a good story about celebration and friends. I’m sure it will be easy to tell.      

So many stories.

Holly Mitchener 2/5/2014