And into the future...

On the shelf above the computer where I sit, is a piece of paper. On the paper is a simple drawing in pen, with some green colouring down one side which remains unfinished. No doubt the artist at this point was distracted by one of his friends who was sharing a joke, or breaking into a rap session, or the keenly  awaited lunch. It's not very remarkable in many ways and it certainly won't be winning any awards, but it does actually signify something very special. In the middle of the picture, written in English are the words "I love you" and I know for a fact that the writer meant very much to express his gratitude not just to me, but to those of you who have made it possible for him to have some sort of hope for his future.


This is one of the children that we have been supporting since the earthquake last year and his story is one of pain and difficulty. It is also one of great courage and perseverance in the face of tragedy and an inspiration for anyone of us who has struggled with life to keeping reaching forward. Last year this boy, who I am going to call Yeonel to protect him,  lost his mother in the earthquake. She was badly injured and taken away to a hospital in the countryside where she remained until her death a few weeks later. Yeonel and his brother never saw her again and as his father had left them many, many years ago, they were now fending for themselves. I have been to Yeonel's house..."house" is a grand term for what is a simple box about one metre square, with some corrugated iron on top that cannot fend off the rain when it arrives. His brother lives in a similar place next door, but he is not often around. The area is dirty and dangerous, with open sewers and rubbish piled high. gangs operate here and drugs are the currency of many. It is not the place for a 14 year old boy to be living alone. Yeonel is scared of going back there at night, in case he gets beaten up by a gang, but every day he returns to the clinic and takes on his breakfast duty in a determined and caring manner.


During the time we spent with Yeonel, we discovered that he has a beautiful character; quietly responsible, kind and thoughtful. At the orphanages, he would be the one coming to help distribute the clothes and make sure the children got their cards. He would always have a smile and a friendly bonjour for us. But inside Yeonel is living with the pain of losing his mum and the trauma of seeing the place he knows and loves ripped apart. When we asked him about the city he told us that it's as if he's in a dream- "I can't believe what I see with my own eyes". He said " Haiti I know is no more".


Yeonel likes school and maths is his favourite subject. He has a dream that he will become an engineer and wants to be able to help rebuild his city. It is through Bright Tomorrows that he has the possibility of fulfilling that dream and he is very thankful.

I have no doubt in my mind that what we are doing in Port Au Prince is worth it a thousand times over. Not just because of Yeonel, but also because of the other children I have met and who have made me feel extremely humble for their exuberant way of tackling what life is throwing at them and their desire to turn that to good. When I compare that with our mission statement - real and lasting change for children, I think we are getting there.


I know that I am going to treasure that piece of paper for a long, long time....


What Next?


In addition to the ongoing support for Yeonel, the boys, Georgie and the 17 children at the orphanage, we plan to return to build new rooms and a bathroom to make much improved accommodation and sanitary conditions for the children at Bonoparte's orphanage. This is going to be another exciting adventure and step of faith as we need to find £7,000 for the project. 


If you would like to join with us in making a difference in Haiti, by sponsoring one of the children you have read about or in any other way, we would love to hear from you!
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sarah@brighttomorrows.org.uk