Bonjou, Bonsoi from the Child Sponsorship Program Manager

For nearly two years now, I have translated words that journey from the small community of Sous Savanne, Haiti to sponsors who live hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Once every few months, I receive piles of letters from families in the Child Sponsorship Program and read through them line for line, charged with the task of hurdling cultural and linguistic barriers to convey the intended message. These letters, often adorned with colorful drawings and the outlines of children?s hands, present me with both a challenge and a source of inexpressible encouragement.

Since the inception of the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP), hundreds of letters have accompanied food, hygiene kits, and Christmas parcels for beneficiary children and their families. As the middleman handling the ongoing correspondence, I am struck by the fact that even after all this time, the people of Sous Savanne continue to express so much gratitude for the work that is accomplished through Hope Force Reservists and those who support HFI?s long-term recovery initiatives in Haiti.

"I would like to thank you for your help?"

"for keeping me in your thoughts?"

"for not forgetting me."

Letters from CSP beneficiaries often begin with the traditional Creole greeting "bonjou", "bonsoi", "Good day", "Good evening." And between these two bookends, there is always an outpouring of immense thankfulness. It is amazing how much encouragement can come from these letters written in an environment so different from our own; I was deeply moved when I read the line, "I really want to acknowledge your courage and the kind spirit that is in you." Click here to read the heart-felt letters of thanks from some of the families who received new homes.

In another letter, a mother of five wrote, "The main goal of this letter is just to say 'thank you'". This Haitian woman currently lives in a tent provided by Hope Force in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. Although her living situation may not have evoked such gratitude in a person accustomed to the American standard of living, her tent is a vast improvement from the shelter of a tree in an open field, or a dilapidated lean-to assembled out of sticks and sheets of plastic.

I have noticed that many letters express gratitude for the "Houses of Hope" built by HFI, especially the cinder block homes that have recently been constructed in Sous Savanne. "Although it would be impossible for me to reciprocate, I believe that the Lord will, and that He will overwhelm you with His grace," wrote one new home owner.

Reading letters from CSP families, I realize that we are building so much more than homes -- we are building trust, connection, and hope. It takes time to form lasting relationships, but each house that goes up, each food distribution that runs smoothly, and each letter that is sent to a CSP sponsor strengthens the ties between Hope Force supporters and the village of Sous Savanne. 

I relive this realization about the growing bond between HFI and Sous Savanne every time I sit down to translate a new batch of letters. Each one brings joy to my heart; I am humbled as I read a verse from Psalm 2 in childlike handwriting, "Hear my prayer O Lord, and let my cry come to you. Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in distress! Incline your ear to me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily."

The words pour out, and as I translate I am so grateful that the Lord on High has heard my cry and inclined His ear unto me, and that He will do so speedily for those calling out to Him in the Haitian village of Sous Savanne. If you have an interest in sponsoring a child with Hope Force International, please click here for details on the Child Sponsorship Program. Thank you for your support of poverty-stricken families in Sous Savanne, and bonsoi!