Bare Feet and Bare Bottoms

I was becoming familiar with the dirt trail that winds through the small village of Balan.  I had become accustomed to it after walking five of the kindergarten boys home almost every day.

Turn left at the pile of large rocks, cross the stream, then right at the field with the brown cow.

As I approached Rich’s house, I poked my head tentatively around the cactus wall to see if anybody was home.  I was met with the kind, welcoming smile of Izman, Rich’s mother.  She beckoned me into the yard and brought me a chair.

Rich’s home is a small 2-bedroom house made of mud, cardboard, and tarps where Izman lives with her 6 children.  That day, Izman – who was very pregnant – was washing laundry in tubs on the ground outside.

As we talked, Izman asked about my family, my Creole lessons, and whether I am settling into Haitian culture.  She talked animatedly about her own family and then she gave me the good news that she was pregnant with TWINS!  I was overjoyed for her and her family.  Around us, Rich’s 3 younger brothers were playing in the dirt clothed in nothing but bare feet and bare bottoms.  I smiled at their innocence.

As the days went by, I visited Izman as much as I could.  I longed to build a relationship with this sweet woman.  The babies were due soon and everyday I asked Rich if they are here yet.

Finally, the long-awaited day came.  “The babies were born last night!” Rich told me excitedly, and immediately I started the mile-long walk to Izman’s house.

Once inside the house, Izman sat me down and plopped one-day-old baby girl in my arms.  She was fast asleep.  I held her for over an hour.  But where was her twin?  With great pain and sadness, Izman told me that the second baby had died at birth.  My heart ached for their loss.  Sometimes I struggle to understand why God allows bad things happen to His children.

And then, Izman looked at me with kindness in her eyes and said, “will you be her godmother?”

Wow.  What an honor.  What a blessing. I eagerly accepted.

As godmother, I had the joy of presenting Myverdine at her baptism.  I provide her with healthcare when she is sick.  I pray for her and her family continually.

Izman and her family are living in abject poverty, but they still find ways to bless me.  Every time I visit, Izman showers me with mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.  Rich’s brother climbs their coconut tree so that we can enjoy fresh coconut milk.  She makes meals for my birthday and other special occasions.

The bond between a godmother and the child’s mother is strong and I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to get to know this beautiful family.