Nwaziliz. Emmanuel.

Nwaziliz was a friend to me since 1992.  She lost her 'husband' during the first months of my time in Haiti, and his death introduced me to her and the boy they had been raising together.   Nwaziliz was left to finish raising young Anosther on her own.  Anosther grew up and moved away leaving Nwaziliz as a family-less widow.  We had many, many conversations about salvation.  She, like many of her generation, had some twisted beliefs about God.  After years of conversations, Nwaziliz began to change.  She committed to attending church.  She chose to be baptized.  Since then she has been a faithful member of our congregation.

A member of CLC Dallastown purchased an AM radio for Nwaziliz.  I delivered it to her.  It was her faithful friend for many years in her little home.  She listened only to Christian broadcasts.  I remember several times when she shared things she had learned from Haitian pastors on her radio.  It was impressive. 

Nwaziliz died last weekend.  When I left Haiti, she had just visited a hospital for a growth on the side of her neck.  The doctors said it was nothing serious, and she was happy again after several months of worry about the growing lump. 

I'm going to miss her.  She was always funny and full of Haitian proverbs.  Nwaziliz was apt to say that she needs ONLY Jesus.  Nothing else at all interested her.  It's a good position. 

Emmanuel Sanon has struggled through many trials during his 30 or so years in Haiti...accidents, illnesses, operations, a poisoning, death threats...   He had another accident this year.  He hit a boy and broke his leg.  Emmanuel took the boy to a hospital and did what he could (which is next to nothing) to pay bills.  The family of the boy became violent as they faced a sick son and huge bills.  Time went by and I helped Emmanuel to cover some of the bills.  Last weekend I learned that the boy has died from the injuries.  I don't know how that happens.  A broken leg shouldn't kill a boy.  Haiti is a tough place.  Now the family has taken Emmanuel's possessions and are actively seeking him for revenge.  Emmanuel had only recently acquired equipment that would allow him to weld for a living.  He has suffered through years of hardship waiting for that equipment.  Now it appears to be gone.  It's the Haitian dance.  One step up, two steps back. 

I look forward to the day when we'll see things as God sees them.  From down here, it doesn't make much sense.  But I am convinced that God is in control and works out his perfect will day to day.  Our daily business is to love with a pure love and be light in this present darkness.