The photo above of is a child in a Haitian orphanage. Most kids in orphanages in Haiti are not "real' orphans. Their parents can't provide for them and they know the orphanages might be able to provide and so they play the odds.
Children need their parents. And if not their parents, their mothers. And if not their mothers, their grandmothers. They need someone who cares for them.
—
I remember that beautiful morning when I woke up
Mama looked disturbed and Papa was gone
Hungry and helpless she wandered the room
I wish I had it all
She endlessly looked out the window hoping for a blessing
But Papa came empty-handed
Hungry and weary they cried together
I wish I had it all
Mama loves me, Papa loves me
But love thrives not on hunger
How could the world be strong yet so helpless?
I wish I had it all
I cried and cried, oh yes I cried
I cried until my cry cried no more
But Mama just walked on
I wish I had it all
She turned and sobbed but just walked on
She wanted me to live
I cried for Papa but he walked straight on
I wish I had it all
I cried, I stretched out my arms but love-filled them not
I wish I had Mama, I wish I had Papa
I would have had it all
Mama's beautiful smile fills my world with joy
Her sparkling white teeth a medicine to my pain
Her soft hands a tray of comfort
I wish I had it all
Her tireless lap a home to play
Her ample shoulders a place to sleep
Her protective arms a guide to safety
I wish I had it all
Happy lies the day when hunger hungers no more
When Mama and Papa worry no more
When we all will be one family again
Blessed is the day when Mama and Pap will be mine again.
(Written by Seminarian Paul Kala during his first visit to Haiti. Mr. Kala is from Ghana, on the west coast of Africa.)
John A. Carroll, MD
www.haitianhearts.org