Why Kids in Haiti?

Written By Angel Noble

I’ll never forget the first time I was asked this question. About 9 years ago I was at a friend’s home for a Bible Study with a group of women from my church. Someone in the group brought up the fact that Peter and I had begun traveling to work with various organizations in Haiti. I was thrilled this was brought up because I was hoping to persuade some of these ladies to join us on our next trip. But before I had a chance to even respond, one of the ladies spouted in a shaming tone, “​why don’t you help kids in your ​own​ country​?”

In that moment, heat rose up in my body. I looked this woman right in the eyes, shocked and horrified, feeling downright betrayed. I never expected in a million years a fellow sister from my church would say such a thing in such a tone. To make matters more hurtful, this woman was an elder’s wife! So HOW could she ask this question with such disdain in her voice? AND to shame me in front of my church family. In full transparency, I can’t remember my response, but I can tell you I’ve been asked that question numerous times since then.

There are many reasons why Peter and I work in Haiti, but I want to be clear about something: this is not an either/or task. We do help children in the US and it baffles me every time someone assumes we do not. With that said, I want to share with you WHY we have chosen to concentrate our major work efforts on children in Haiti- specifically children in Haitian orphanages.

My mother was an abusive addict whose life ended way too soon. My father was not emotionally or mentally fit to take care of anyone, and he spent years living on the streets. I was forced to leave home at an early age to escape further trauma and abuse. (I am happy to report my father is rehabilitated and happily remarried in Louisiana). I resonate with the abuse, rejection, and parental abandonment many children in Haiti live with. I grew up with similar traumas and with support and God-appointed people in my life, I overcame.

In Haiti, support is scarce. Basic daily needs are difficult to come by and most live on less than $2/day.

Here are a few facts about children growing up in Haiti:

  • 1 in 15 children will die before the age of 5.

  • Unclean water and/or malnutrition put them at risk of death

  • Many children in Haiti have insufficient or no shelter or housing

  • Many children in Haiti have no way of getting an education or job

  • Many children die from preventable illnesses due to lack of healthcare

  • 1 in 4 children are forced to become restaveks (child slave)

  • Children in Haiti are at a much greater risk of sex trafficking

Fortunately, America is filled with abundant resources and a great deal of generous volunteers and non-profit organizations. Children in the U.S. have access to local and state assisted programs, community programs, extended family, churches and more. I am beyond grateful to all whose calling is to serve children in our country.

Everyone has a calling and they all look different. People are called to dedicate their lives to serve in various capacities in various places. For me and Peter, we are called toserve approximately 200 children living in orphanages who have experienced unfathomable trauma, abuse, neglect, abandonment and malnourishment.

As believers, God calls us all to serve others. Who are you called to serve?

Angel Noble