Simple Gifts

At this time when visions of techno-fairies dance in our heads sporting the newest innovation in media players, it is easy to forget that the best gifts are in fact the simple acts of kindness that we can do personally for one another. I was reminded of this the other day.

After a frustrating day at the bank, I received an unexpected lift - literally. Having discovered that the check I was to deposit was made payable to the wrong name, I had to send our chief accountant, Esther, with the school vehicle to retrieve a replacement. This left me without transportation back to the school.

As I left the bank, I quickly surveyed the area for a taptap going the right direction. [Taptaps are the mass transit of Haiti, typically a pickup truck rigged with bench seats in the bed and an elevated top.] I asked the first driver I saw if he was headed to Santo - the region of the school. He said yes and motioned for me to sit up front in the cab.

The driver told me that he was from Santo 9 and that he knew all about our school. He said, “Everyone knows that every student that is put up for the Bacc [state exam] from your school passes.” We chatted about a few more things. When we came up to Santo 5, he turned down our small street and drove me right to the gate.

When we arrived I was a bit nervous because I had only ten gourdes [25 cents]. That was enough for the usual fare, but he had taken me door-to-door and forgone a lot of possible paying passengers on the way. When I sheepishly offered him the ten gourdes, he said, “How can I take your money? You help me and my country.” After a day of fighting the bank, a free ride right to my door and his simple words of affirmation were a gift from God. 

And, so are you. Thanks for your support and affirmation,