I learned a long time ago that if you stop and take a moment to get to know any single person, you can allow God to teach you as much or as little as you choose from their life. Some people are in your life for the shortest of seasons, but their presence lingers on with you, like a finger print, a mark that shows that they were there and they impacted you in some way, whether for better or worse. The kiddos I've met with no home of their own around the world are many of those faces- present for a short time in person, but forever in my heart. During my trip to Haiti last year, I met a precious little boy named Chinaido. All of us fell instantly in love with this sweet face. He was infectiously happy and mischievous and spread joy amongst everyone who ever came in contact with him. Chinaido's body didn't allow him to do a lot of things that normal kids get to do, you wouldn't see him running or jumping, playing wildly with his friends, but he was always managing to have a TON of fun despite his physical handicaps. Through everything, he had a disposition that would have amazed me in any healthy person, it blew me away in his life! In countries like Haiti, access to proper medical care for severe cases of hydrocephalus are all but unheard of. This condition lead to complications with frequent seizures, and this past week, Chinaido went to be with his savior. The whirlwind of my "complicated" life and worrying all stopped when I heard the news. It knocked me to my knees and humbled me as I was reminded of what is truly important in the long run. He lived a life that reminds me over and over and OVER why I want to do what I do, and how to be a better person.
I thank God for the brief moments this little boy impacted my life and the lives of so many others on my team. His life was so important, and he touched more people in his short time here than most do in a full 70 years. We rejoice that he is free of any physical burden in the arms of his savior, and that someday we'll all meet again on the other side.
Much Love,
Hannah Ameling
