This lady- a young 24 year old mother of 2- came in earlier this week crying with her just-turned -1 year old on her hip. Micheline and I interviewed her and found that they, along with her 5 year old daughter, had come to Cabaret from la Gonave. The baby's father was not helping with expenses and her money & food had run out. Her mother and father are dead. She has been staying with a friend, but has to leave because "her husband doesn't act right." She can't find work now as a domestic because of the children. In the past some people would allow a mother- especially a nursing mom- to bring a little one to work, but now with money so tight few will because of the added expense of feeding them.
After a lot of head scratching and hand-wringing, I decided to offer her a job. I really don't think we have a spot for another toddler boy (we already have 12 and eventually these little guys will have to move into the rooms with the big guys!) and I wanted to see how sincere she was about taking care of her family. She accepted and began that day. She will bring the little one with her and find care for the 6 year old. Sunday will be one of her work days to be sure that she attends church and begins to build relationships with other Christian women. She will also be required to attend a mid-week service. So far it's a win for us all.
The very next day another young woman came, also with 2 children. Her story and her attitude, however were quite different. She said the father had left when she was 1 month pregnant, she lived with an aunt for 2 months, and had since been homeless sleeping with her children on porches. She said she had never worked.
She (and her children) appeared very clean and well-fed for someone who had been homeless for many months. There was no evidence of malnutrition in the children. When I began to talk with her about other options, she became very argumentative and demanding. I told her that I would not be able to help her, that I was very sorry for her problems, I know she is having great difficulty, but they are her problems, not mine, and I cannot raise her children for her.
She left angry and unhappy. I felt that I had done what the Lord would have me do and followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It still can be difficult when children are involved.
4 comments:
I am glad i stumbled on your site. We are doing some work in the St Marc - Goaniaves area of Haiti.
Hi Scott, glad to meet ya. Haiti sure needs all of praying and working together!~Cheryl
What you all are doing for this woman truly touches my heart. I'm in a very similar situation (one reason why I haven't been able to make it on any of the trips down there yet), but God has provided me with parents who can assist me when I hit bottom. God has also provided me with a church family who assists me with childcare and being there for my children, as they are lacking a father figure. I can't even imagine if I didn't have my parents, so I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying specifically for this woman and her two children. If there is anything that I can mail to her or her children, even a letter, please let me know. God bless you all- you are His hands and feet.
I'm so happy to hear that you have found "family" at your church. God has promised to be a Father to the fatherless, isn't it wonderful that he is providing "aunts, uncles, and cousins" through your church home!
Thank you for praying for Vanilia. She seems earnest about doing a good job and caring for her family. She also has a slight disability that might make it difficult for her to find work elsewhere.Please pray specifically for a Christian mentor/friend for her.
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