Lenia still isn’t home. She waits on a mountain in Haiti sleeping in a room with eight friends, going to school for “most” of a day, and wonders if Abby and I are serious when we say “You are going to come and live with us.” It was our wish that she would join Abby and come to the United States a few weeks ago but the U.S. Embassy had a few protocols which required attention. In their due diligence in protecting the children of Haiti they are analyzing our documents, confirming all signatures and doing their best to do the right thing. This is commendable. However, it is taxing for the Blackmon household where a well-made, virgin twin bed awaits another princess. God’s will will be done.
This weekend we attended The Gathering to help Harvest Field Ministries raise monies to support continued mission work in Haiti. Upon returning home we had received news that Lenia was in bad shape, and had been for two days now (vomiting, stomach ache, fever.) Attempts to call the orphanage were futile as the phone hasn’t worked for two weeks.
During the commute to Children’s Hospital on Saturday morning to visit a patient, I successfully contacted the orphanage and was able to talk with Lenia herself. This was both comforting and heart-wrenching. I did my best as an unproven, maybe father of this young child to reassure, comfort and express our love for her. We made arrangements have to transport her for evaluation at a hospital which if forty-five minutes down the mountain. If only we could help her understand how much love and safety we long to provide.
As I entered the hospital to care for our patient I felt a bit of relief. In God’s divine wisdom my patient was admitted with vomiting and diarrhea. Sound familiar? Yes, God. I am listening. I sat on the child’s bed talking with the parents, assessing the physical exam and discussing the plan. I was struck by the technology and comfort which surrounded this family. We (and I mean WE the entire medical team) were working to care for this child and family. My prayer is that Lenia will be fortunate enough to get some medicine for nausea. That she will receive a bag of intravenous fluids. That she will receive the best Haiti has to offer.
I have hope and trust that this is enough.
Lenia will be here. Our family will grow. Wishing my time frame was the same as His.