We’ve met some beautiful new friends since the earthquake in August, but for me, personally, none have touched my heart like the Bien-Aimé family.
Steeve told me about the Bien-Aimés after the team’s initial survey trip to Pestel, the week after the earthquake. He told me about a blind man whose house had fallen, but his life had been spared.
When we returned to Pestel together the following week, we did not have the opportunity to visit with the Bien-Aimés, but when we started our next phase of projects in Pestel, we knew we wanted to build them a new house.
Last week I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the family. My heart was overwhelmed as I listened to a man who has lost so much speak with such joy. Although blind, although unable to walk and in tremendous pain, despite problems with housing after Hurricane Matthew and now after the earthquake, Mr. Bien-Aimé exuded the joy of the Lord.
As he was testifying to me, his mother jumped in with her own stories of the goodness of God in the midst of some very real, difficult struggles through the years in her own life.
Talking with them I saw the beauty of this verse in its purest form:
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7
Today I am so happy to share that their new home is ready for them to move in.
Glwa pou Bondye.
