The Day the World's Heart Broke -- The Haiti Earthquake

My Dearest Little Men,

Two weeks ago the world stopped. Not only did the world stop for a day, our hearts were broken and many had the big question in their mind: “Why?”

You see, the tiny, beautiful country of Haiti experienced a horrendous earthquake. For many years, your Dad & I have had a huge heart for Haiti. God has given us many great opportunities to serve there and also the privilege of providing an opportunity for many of our much-loved basketball guys their first cross-cultural experience. We are so thankful for these opportunities, as many of these guys have been faithful and continually gone back to serve every year, and with them, taken others and given them their first cross-cultural experience. It has been such an encouragement to us to see the burden that many of these guys have for this beautiful nation.

All last week we watched the news closely, read the paper and internet consistently to hear of all that was known. Gwissy, I remember the day after the earthquake and we were getting ready for supper and a news report came on and I started weeping. You were sitting in your little rocking chair and copying everything I did and finally came over and asked me what was wrong. I couldn’t even speak. I was so heartbroken. All I could see in my mind were the faces. All the little faces of the little boys (and girls) that we just loved so dearly – many, at the time, were the same age as you.

Your Dad & I have talked about this so much over the last two weeks. Boys, I believe that there are a couple of things that we hope that we are able to accomplish and impress upon your little hearts as you grow.

The first would be that you will understand, from an early age, the importance of knowing your part of the global community. Boys, we will never have an understanding of why bad things happen, especially to places like Haiti
that are already struggling in the greatest of ways. A part of being human is to understand that we are all in this together – no matter where we are. We are all responsible for the well-being of others, especially the orphan and widow. We must do all we can to ensure that they are taken care of.

Secondly, I pray we are able to instill in you the importance of always giving -- prayer, time, money, etc., before there is an urgent need. It is extremely important to give, as we have been extraordinarily blessed. Never take for granted the privilege you have had in being born in Canada. In times of crisis and even not in crisis, when you see those who are struggling, it can just as easily be you. We could have easily been born into poverty or into a land where there is much war, etc.

Boys, in being born First Nations, I pray you will always seize every opportunity to make a difference and be a voice for your people. You both may find it difficult at times, in being blue eyed Indians, but I pray daily that you will be strong leaders and work extremely hard. Excellence, my dear boys, is the best deterrent against racism. Be committed to excellence in everything you do – no matter how small and redundant a task or job may seem, be committed to excellence.

And, finally it is our prayer, that in times of heart break, like we have seen these last two weeks in Haiti, that you will not wait until times of urgent need to give. We pray that you will always be giving to the people and places God impresses on your heart. Be the strong men I know you are and never forget we are all a part of this global community. We all have a responsibility to look out and care for one another, especially if you have been given much – and you have been given much!

I love you so much and continue to be so proud of you and the hearts you have been given,

Mom

xxoo