A Little Thing Called Hope

There's this song that has turned into my mantra: North by Sleeping at Last. For me, this song is like a prayer, a hope, for a life lived with love and purpose. It speaks to our desires to overcome challenges, build communities of love and find a place where we simply belong. And while I try to live my life from this place of purpose, it's rare when you actually see it happening in front of you.

But setting foot in Jaguar's school/orphanage in Haiti was this song in real life. This place was living, breathing, messy hope in all it's marvelous wonder. When I was there last October, Jaguar was overcoming health challenges. The school was trying desperately to overcome looting that happened when their old fence failed. The organization I partner with put in a new fence, and that was helping. But the road felt long and hard. 

But that's the miracle behind hope. It gives you reasons to push on, nudges that you're going in the right direction. Going back to Jaguar's was like a warm, fresh breeze in spring. There was life here - three new classrooms with students learning. Fresh paint on the walls challenging students to learn, grow and positively contribute to their community. The boys I know and love were laughing and playing like little boys should. Joy and hope were abundant - glistening. 

As we laughed and played and learned, the kids sparkled with excitement. Jaguar even jumped rope with us. I am reminded that darkness is not permanent. That as the song says, "we must find the strength and the nerve it takes to repaint and repaint and repaint every day." That love - above everything - always wins.

I leave Jaguar's with a full heart and teary eyes. And for each bubble blown, I say a new prayer that hope takes up permanent residence here. That the rebuilding continues. These kids deserve it. 

Originally published April 17, 2017