I have seen poverty before. I was in Miami after Hurricane Andrew. I’ve been under the bridges of downtown Atlanta to feed the homeless. I’ve visited the inner-city of Philadelphia. I’ve toured the rundown neighborhoods of Guayquil, Ecuador.
Seeing the poverty here in the Dominican Republic is not new. But it is completely different because now I am a mother. Now, I was imagining nursing my son on the side of the road because I have nowhere to live. I imagined discovering I was infected with HIV and still needing to raise and nurture my four year old. I was trying to visualize what it would be like to deliver my child in a clinic with no air conditioning and then walk down a dusty road to bring my newborn home to a house with no windows, sealed doors or a husband.
How could I have any hope? Hope for my children’s futures? Hope that I could be a good mom?
Today, I saw hope come alive. Today we got a glimpse of World Vision‘s philosophy. I saw their desire to change an entire community. To bring hope and purpose to a people who can’t find it alone. Today…
I saw a woman hear her twins’ heartbeat in utero at a health clinic.
I saw women breastfeeding their babies while waiting for a free health check up.
I listened to grandmothers sing a welcome song as we entered their vegetable garden.
I experienced hospitality from a 30something single mother of seven.
I wondered at the confidence and hope of a mother infected with the AIDS virus as her 3 year old son scampered around the house.
I watched poverty-stricken mothers and aunts tend to a herd of goats while giving no thought to themselves but only to the malnourished children that would recieve the goat’s milk.
I met a woman who loved her son enough to give up some of his care to an American willing to send them $35 a month.
And I cried because the world is small enough for me to know their stories. I cried because I’m just like them. I’m a mother. But I have easy hope. Hope because Wal-Mart is down the street. Hope because I can check out multiple parenting books from the library. Hope because I can read blog after blog on breastfeeding and sleep patterns and food choices.
The hope I saw today was rich and full. The hope I saw today was true. It was coupled with faith and love. Faith that God can use $35 to change a child, a family and a community. And God’s love shown in the hands and feet of the World Vision staff, volunteers and those willing to give $35 a month.
Amanda,
Thank you for sharing your experiences in the Dominican Republic. World Vision is a simply amazing organization doing fantastic things for those in need.
I know it’s said so often that it’s almost cliche, but we can make a difference! I sponsor an African boy through a similar organization, Compassion International, and am honored to know that God has blessed me with the finances to help make a difference in this boy’s life.
For those who have concerns about giving money to World Vision (or Compassion International), please know that both organizations have been given four-star rankings by Charity Navigator.
So amazing!! You girls will never be the same!! Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
What an experience! Can’t wait to hear more about your journey.
You’ve so eloquently described what they have and what we have–Hope– easy and hard. God make us more like them. Praying for you guys.
.-= We are THAT family´s last blog ..WFMW: Backwards Edition =-.
Beautiful post, Amanda. Hope without God is no hope at all. I love seeing World Vision’s work through your eyes.
beautiful children! I love seeing the pics. Can’t wait to hear and see more.
.-= vanessa´s last blog ..mother’s day craft for preschoolers: m is for mom =-.
How true that motherhood has changed your perspective so much! Love the pictures and the stories! Praying for you!
.-= KAT´s last blog ..Look to the Right! =-.
“But I have easy hope”- I love this perspective. So true.
OH AMANDA:
Honey, I’ve lifted your name to the Lord several times this week. What a day you had today.I know a bit of what you are seeing and experiencing- and it is sometimes more than your mind and heart can take in. I can’t wait until you see and love on your little girl. I loved the singing grandmothers. Why is joy evident in the midst of poverty- while in our country in the midst of wealth and ease, we are characterized by complaints and greed?
Anyway, I love you and am SOOO proud of what you’re doing.
Love, Mama 🙂
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