Meeting Hegel...

Hegel is our sweet five-year-old boy we sponsor through World Vision.
Hegel lives with his parents and two siblings near the city of Cap Haitian.
After another very long and bumpy journey, about five hours, we were greeted by a lovely staff at one of the World Vision offices.
This office was deep in the jungle and we noticed a first in Haiti, a small playground made from brightly-colored painted metal. 
What a treat for these kids in a land of only necessities. 

We had a translator, Leslyn, who is coincidentally the daughter of one of the pastors in Pignon. This pastor came to know God through Ericlee's grandpa and is now pastoring a large church in Pignon. Our friends Abby and Denny work with that church and orphanage. Small world!
(A side note, I only just met Abby and Denny through an old college friend via Facebook. They got to spend a month in Haiti this summer with their two sweet little girls.)

This is Gabe filling out World Vision's log book of visitors. Pretty cool because they had each of us write our name. Claire, too.

Then, Leslyn got to introduce us to Hegel and his parents on that glorious day!
At first, Hegel was really shy. He was taking in the moment with his big brown eyes.
So, the kids decided to give him his gifts right away.
I love this picture of Hegel touching Gabe. Sweet love for his white-skinned, big brother.

 Of course, the kids wanted to get right to work on helping him build his new Lego set. And Tanner, too. Who can resist building a brand-new Lego!?

 One great memory from this day was how Hegel's parents brought an envelope full of letters, cards and small toys we had sent Hegel over the years. They told us how much it meant to them and him to receive these packages of encouragement.
In Hegel's Easter package, Claire had picked out this small Kaleidoscope to send him.

 I just love how our little boy inspected our kids...they are quite fascinating, haha.


And the Lego car was complete! Wow! Hegel thought it was so cool.

 Brothers! Gabe always says he wants brothers. What joy it is to have two brothers in a foreign land to write letters to and share long-awaited visits with. And, I believe this dramatically cuts down on the fighting...heehee.

 Hegel's parents are true gems. His dad just finished seminary and is a pastor now. He said he is not paid yet, but prayerfully soon.
His mom stays home with the kids. They have a six-year-old boy and a two-month old girl, too.

We asked World Vision if we could sponsor their baby girl, as both boys already have sponsors. They said kids enter the sponsorship program once they turn two. We will start now by sending extra money each month.
Did you know it's only $35 each month to have this precious and life-changing relationship with these children?! Amazing. We easily spend that on junk food at the market or paper plates and random stuff at Target. Blows my mind!


Our small donation pays for their medical care and school and many other things!

 Tanner felt it was really important to bring each boy a brand-new soccer ball. Wow! He was right! Good call on his part.

 It was time to say our good-byes. Gabe showed Hegel how to bump fists.

 It's these moments we will treasure forever.
We were able to share a meaningful visit with this sweet family. We feel like we are relatives now, all working together to raise and shepherd our children.
We are praying for each other and equally encouraged by each other.

This is how God designed His church. Global. His church is not a building. His church is the body of believers sharing life's struggles, praying and encouraging each other daily.


Just two days ago we received an email from World Vision with a letter attached from Hegel's father. He was thanking us again for our visit and love. It was our highlight of the day for sure.


I know you are thinking about it, so do it! Go sponsor a child now. Did you know there are programs in the U.S. , too?
World Vision Link