I tried hard not to stare. I had never seen a human being walking on all fours.
By Jaime Singer
The heat was sweltering, even though It was morning in the month of February. Haiti is like that.
She was the first to enter the compound. The pastor had been intentional in inviting her to come early. She was a beautiful young woman. Yet, I felt so sorry for her.
She was alone. Usually, they came with their families.
I tried hard not to stare. I had never seen a human being walking on all fours.
She did not make eye contact as her eyes faced down toward the ground. She moved very slowly but deliberately. Jamette had shoes on her feet and wore gloves to protect her hands. My heart was broken for her.
“Jamette, because of the loving action of a generous and caring Christian donor who lives in the United States, you have been given the gift of mobility.
She came closer and the pastor, who also served as our interpreter, invited her to sit in a chair. He then explained to her, “Jamette, because of the loving action of a generous and caring Christian donor who lives in the United States, you have been given the gift of mobility. The people here with me today are representatives of this Christian donor who will fit you with your very own Mobility Cart. I want you to continue to be a faithful witness of Christ in your community.”
Although Jamette was not displaying the emotions that I would expect to see in this situation, her feelings would soon come. Modifications were needed for the toe board because Jamette’s feet were difficult to contain inside the Mobility Cart.
While the volunteers who traveled with me completed the modifications, I prayed with her. I knelt before her and held her hand. The pastor interpreted my words to her.
When I had completed my prayer for her, to my surprise, she pulled out from her bra a very worn New Testament and held it.
She then placed her hand on my head and prayed for me. The pastor didn’t interpret her words to me, but I understood the meaning of her words. I’m sure that she was so thankful that God had blessed her with a gift of mobility. And, I’m also sure that she was grateful for the donor who, through an unselfish act of kindness, gave her such a marvelous gift.
Soon, the volunteers who traveled with me completed the modifications. When they placed Jamette on the Mobility Cart, she was so happy. Because of donors like you, Jamette would soon depart in dignity with a new life ahead of her.
"Jamette placed her hands on my head and prayed for me." ...Jaime Singer
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