Today we had the privilege of visiting the elders of Titanyen, located right below Grace Village. The average life expectancy in Haiti is 52, so many of the elderly have outlived their children and have no one to take care of them. Because they are not able to contribute to society, they become outcasts and are left to struggle to care for themselves. Many are not able to walk far or have little strength to pump their own water so their basic needs go unmet.
During our visit today we were able to bring them food and water, sing and pray with them, wash their feet and rub lotion on their bodies.
Our first elder was a man 78 years old, Lindor. He was orphaned but has close neighbors that he often visits with. Lindor was elated to see us, we could tell by the sparkle in his eyes and smile on his face. As we sang to him he clapped along as he listened. When asked what he would like us to pray for, he asked for us to pray for the health of the man who help to care for him. A selfless man.
Merolen was our second elder visit today. She is 92 years old and lives with her grandson and his family. This sweet, quiet woman only asked for a dress to wear to church and for someone to help get her there. We were able to wash Merolen's feet, apply lotion to her delicate skin, sing and pray for her. As we left her home, Dusty turned to her and said Ke Bondye Beni'ou (God bless you). Merolen responded with an unexpected request...she asked to have Dusty's t-shirt. Perhaps trying to fulfill her request for something appropriate to wear to church. While Dusty would have loved to give her shirt off her back, it would have left Dusty shirtless!
Our next visit was to a gentleman named Dieufort. He has family, but they live far away in the mountains and are unable to care for him. Dieufort's two room house has a cement floor and walls, the roof is made of tin and leaks. Dieufort has prostrate problems, but is able to walk and cook for himself. Again we were able to care for this man with prayer, song, washing and massaging with lotion.
We visited a joyful and faithful woman named Vertilia. She is devoted to her four grandchildren who live with her. Her 11 year old grandson has special needs and she cares for them all. Her home has a dirt floor, tarp walls and a tin roof. For her and her 4 grandchildren they sleep on a twin bed, full size platform and shelving that is used for bunk beds. Vertilia was most concerned with being a good hostess. She quickly went into her home and put on a new dress and headscarf. We asked for a chair to seat her on and she motioned for one of us to sit there instead. She was so full of joy, it was evident that her faith brought her much happiness. As part of her foot cleaning and massage, she also took off her scarf to be treated to gentle massage to her head.
Today reminded us of the elders in our own lives and the cherished times we had with our loved ones. As we shared during our devotion time in the evening, some of our words that we shared were Hope, hope for a better care of the elderly. Survivor, Lindor survived the cholera epidemic by the grace of God. Honor, honored that we were able to serve them.
Annette and Dusty
During our visit today we were able to bring them food and water, sing and pray with them, wash their feet and rub lotion on their bodies.
Our first elder was a man 78 years old, Lindor. He was orphaned but has close neighbors that he often visits with. Lindor was elated to see us, we could tell by the sparkle in his eyes and smile on his face. As we sang to him he clapped along as he listened. When asked what he would like us to pray for, he asked for us to pray for the health of the man who help to care for him. A selfless man.
Merolen was our second elder visit today. She is 92 years old and lives with her grandson and his family. This sweet, quiet woman only asked for a dress to wear to church and for someone to help get her there. We were able to wash Merolen's feet, apply lotion to her delicate skin, sing and pray for her. As we left her home, Dusty turned to her and said Ke Bondye Beni'ou (God bless you). Merolen responded with an unexpected request...she asked to have Dusty's t-shirt. Perhaps trying to fulfill her request for something appropriate to wear to church. While Dusty would have loved to give her shirt off her back, it would have left Dusty shirtless!
Our next visit was to a gentleman named Dieufort. He has family, but they live far away in the mountains and are unable to care for him. Dieufort's two room house has a cement floor and walls, the roof is made of tin and leaks. Dieufort has prostrate problems, but is able to walk and cook for himself. Again we were able to care for this man with prayer, song, washing and massaging with lotion.
We visited a joyful and faithful woman named Vertilia. She is devoted to her four grandchildren who live with her. Her 11 year old grandson has special needs and she cares for them all. Her home has a dirt floor, tarp walls and a tin roof. For her and her 4 grandchildren they sleep on a twin bed, full size platform and shelving that is used for bunk beds. Vertilia was most concerned with being a good hostess. She quickly went into her home and put on a new dress and headscarf. We asked for a chair to seat her on and she motioned for one of us to sit there instead. She was so full of joy, it was evident that her faith brought her much happiness. As part of her foot cleaning and massage, she also took off her scarf to be treated to gentle massage to her head.
Today reminded us of the elders in our own lives and the cherished times we had with our loved ones. As we shared during our devotion time in the evening, some of our words that we shared were Hope, hope for a better care of the elderly. Survivor, Lindor survived the cholera epidemic by the grace of God. Honor, honored that we were able to serve them.
Annette and Dusty
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