by Jonathan Lamare

We hope that all of our friends enjoyed a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Despite some of the very sad events happening around our world, from natural disasters, war, political crises, gun violence, and more, we do have much to be thankful for. While this holiday is not celebrated in Haiti, we didn't miss the opportunity to teach the children at Be Like Brit the reason behind the Holiday ~ that while for many the Thanksgiving Holiday can be a topic of contention, the fact remains that we all have much to be grateful for, and that it behooves us to recognize those good fortunes and blessings - in whatever capacity. Again, while Haiti doesn't have a Thanksgiving Holiday, and despite often traumatic histories and circumstances, despite the political and election-related unrest in the country, despite a myriad of events and factors, we all still can take pause and be thankful for something in our lives. That is the message, at least for me, during this Holiday season.

For example, while Len, Cherylann, Bernie, Richie, and all of Brit's family and friends continue to mourn her loss - much like many of us do who celebrate these holidays in the absence of loved ones who have passed - I know that this photo of Brit's last Thanksgiving is a precious memory to so many. Memories can bring us comfort during difficult times, and while bittersweet, there is some comfort in keeping memories alive in our minds - to remind us of the chance to have had them, and to remind us of the love and joy we have known because of loved ones who have since left us...

I certainly know fully well the so many blessings and good fortunate we at Be Like Brit have known in our efforts as an organization. Our needs are great here in Haiti, and they are never-ending. We are a home to 66 children. We employ nearly 100 employees. We build houses all year long for friends and neighbors in our community. We extend medical services to our staff, their families, and community members when we can. We offer food, water, clothing, and more to those who come to us in need. We bring children to hospitals for treatment of serious illness and disease, often distances over 2 hours in each direction. None of this works without those people in our lives for whom we are so grateful, and they include all of you! From the bake sale that might bring us a $50.00 donation to foundations and sponsorships bringing us larger amounts of money, we rely on every cent of it. It all makes a difference in the lives of our children and in our ability to operate as an organization.

We've been especially blessed to have Mark and Jan Fuller on our side. Among others, Mark and Jan have shown unwavering support from the earliest days. Most recently, Jan stopped by to drop off a donation which will allow us to import a new vehicle to Haiti - a Jeep Cherokee donated by Susan Wornick - which will be used to transport children to medical appointments some several hours away on a regular basis. It is imperative that we have a reliable vehicle to do this, as we have children and/or staff with life-threatening illness. Regular, consistent care is key to their good health, and we're so grateful now that with Susan's donation and the Fuller's support, we'll be bringing this vehicle in to Haiti in the next month or so!

I decided to do what my family always did on Thanksgiving - go around the room and ask our children at Be Like Brit what they were most grateful for. Mind you, this didn't happen over a grand meal and it didn't happen quite as formally as it might have around mine or your Thanksgiving Dinner tables. Our children participate in a weekly "gratitude circle" already, and while we encourage them to think outside the box, often their answers are a bit repetitive. This makes sense, as people aren't generally encouraged to share those things for which they are grateful in an open forum here in Haiti. I was so pleased to hear some of the responses to that question this past week.

"Madame Gina. I am grateful for Madame Gina because she talks to us when we have problems and she never gets upset with us when we misbehave. She listens to me and tells me that she understands no matter what."

Gina is one of the newest key members of the Be Like Brit team here in Haiti. She is a licensed social worker and will be joining us full-time in 2016. We, too, are grateful for Gina and her incredible way of working through challenges with our children and with our staff. 

"I am grateful to live at Be Like Brit, because it is safe. I don't feel scared when there is a strong storm or wind. I don't feel scared about another earthquake because I know that our house was built as strong as it could be and that it won't break like other houses might break. I wish everyone could live in a strong house like ours."

"I'm happy that it is raining! I like to work in the garden with Pierre Mary, but when it doesn't rain, there isn't anything for us to pick and bring to the kitchen for them to prepare for us. I like working in the garden, keeping them clean, picking things when they are ready, and planting things when it is time. Without rain, we can't do any of that. Even though the rain makes the hallways wet, we don't mind cleaning up together, either. We are grateful we get to help in keeping our home nice and clean and safe for everyone inside."

"I am happy that Papi Len is building a new soccer field for us! And I am happy that he is putting in the (cistern) because it means that we can have water for our garden all the time and that we can use our clean water to give to other people."

"I am happy that Mr. Jonathan shared a coca-cola with us when everyone else was outside or taking a nap so we didn't have to share it with everyone else."

"I am happy that Christmas is coming because that means our friends will come from the USA and that we will get new clothes for church and new toys to play with!"

There are countless things for which we are thankful at Be Like Brit. We hope that you and yours were able to celebrate your blessings and good fortunate this year, too. There is, even when it may be tough to see, so very much to be thankful for...

Thank you for helping us help the children of Haiti at Be Like Brit.