Hacky sacks and chaos

One of the many reasons we are here in Haiti this year is to give the children from the village of Titanyen, a three day vacation bible school. It has been rewarding, but also a very real challenge because of the wide range of ages that we have. This is true no matter what, but becomes even tougher when you have one hundred children that can't even speak your language and only about ten workers including the two or three translators.

The children watch and learn the dance moves of praise and worship songs that our group is teaching them. They listen closely and patiently (even in the heat of a third world dusty concrete room that is much to tiny for a group this size) as the bible is explained bit by bit and then translated into their language. It's actually kind of...peaceful. But then a change takes place as the bible lesson is completed and we divide them into groups for crafts and games...it can get a little loud and a little crazy as we struggle to maintain control.

Today, that was especially true. Our craft for the day was to show the kids how to make hacky sacks...you know, the small egg size, bean bag type of sacks that children bounce on their feet and try to keep aloft. Our craft version of this toy was made by cutting the necks off two balloons and filling one with split peas. We would then cover that one by stretching the second one over the first to enclose the whole thing. Voila...instant toy!

But you see there was a problem. These children are living in extreme, unimaginable poverty! They aren't used to getting these gifts and blessings. Because of this, some children found it nearly impossible to just trust us. For the next hour or so, they struggled to be patient and wait for their sacks to be filled. We tried to ensure them that we were on the way to fill them up. But as they waited, they began to complain and eventually, a few became demanding and began shouting at us. Chaos ensued quickly and the peaceful feeling disappeared, especially when they don't speak our language.

For me, it was a picture of our lives at times. God has blessed us beyond measure. But if we are totally honest with each other we would have to admit that we behave just like those kids do. Probably more than we would care to discuss. God blesses us but we want more! When He gives more it isn't fast enough! Instead of asking of Him and for His will to be done, we try to tell Him why our way is best. Chaos ensues and the peaceful feeling erodes when we stop "speaking His language".

As we pray today, let's ask God to forgive us of this attitude and realize all of our innumerable blessings and riches found in Christ Jesus!

Let us pray the way the Apostle Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:6-7.

--Willis