I spent the past week in Haiti with an amazing group of high school students from Albany, Georgia. During my time with them I was blessed to watch each of them grow in thier faith and grow as individuals. One of the ministries we provided was to visit an orphanage and demonstrate Christ’s love to the kids living there. On our first day at the Son of God Orphange, a young man came to me as I entered and grabbed my hand. He introduced himself to me in english and welcomed me. I spent some time talking with him and listening to him sing songs to me both in english and creole. Most importantly, I remember his desire to hold my hand or wrap his arms around mine while we played games. It was apparent that he was starving for attention and physical touch. At the end of our first visit, he had captured my heart. I said goodbye to him and reminded him that I would be back in a couple days to see him again. On my second visit, he greeted me at the door with a huge hug and smile! In perfect english he said, “Hello, Mr Steve”! Before I could even respond, he began singing me a song and told me that Jesus loves me. I told him that yes, Jesus loves us both. With a look of excitement, he pointed to himself and then back at me, and then said, “yes, both of us.” After that he just leaned against me and put my arm around himself. How could this little guy be so hungry for affection? While we were sitting there, he handed me a note and motioned for me to put it in my pocket. When I tried to open it, he took it and put it into my pocket for me. After a few songs and games, it was time to leave. It broke my heart to say goodbye to Michaelson, but I knew that we could not stay. When we got back to the house, I asked the translator to read me the note that was written in Creole with a crayon. Loosely translated, it read:
feel my mom’s presence with me. I would like for you to be my dad. If you say yes,
I promise to be quiet for you. I will sing you songs. I love Jesus. I love you.”
“Good morning Steve. Thank you for visiting me. I do not have a mom or a dad, but I
My heart broke for this little guy. As I tried to sort through the emotions that came with this note, I had to lean on God and trust that He was going to provide for Michaelson and that the love He has for him is far greater than any love I could ever give him. It wasn’t easy to leave Haiti knowing there is a little boy who is desperately looking to be loved, and hoped I would be the one to bring him that gift. I pray that God will speak to Michaelson’s heart and remind him of who his real father is….his eternal father!
