by Jonathan LaMare
Over Columbus Weekend a group of women joined together and soon became a group of friends who experienced an amazing four days at Be Like Brit. With the help and leadership of Cherylann Gengel, Eileen Terry and Jonathan LaMare, we learned what love and commitment could create. We soon fell in love with the children and staff of Be Like Brit. They and the people of Haiti are strong and loving people who, as Brit said, “love what they have and are all so appreciative.” At nineteen years old, she was so perceptive and so right.
As our journey to Be Like Brit began the sights, sounds and smells and stark realities of Haiti accosted us. Our comfort level was left far behind and we needed to adjust our thinking. Many of us were making our first trip to Haiti. We were all so excited to visit Be Like Brit Orphanage. The conditions of the streets and homes we passed as well as the smell of heaps of garbage, and the heartbreaking signs of poverty, led many of us to feel heartbroken and so frustrated for the people of Haiti. Yet the people seemed so determined and involved in doing whatever they could to earn money to feed their families. Even more amazing were the signs on trucks, and rickety shacks all praising Jesus and thanking God for what they had. I wondered if there had been a time when I had been so grateful for so little. Brit’s words rang through my head as we viewed what she had experienced with her first views of Haiti and its people. Yes, I thought, she was so right. The Haitians are so thankful for the very little they have. We were all very quiet as each of us tried to digest what we were seeing and feeling. My thoughts returned to Brit. I knew at that point in her life she was truly searching for the right path for her future. I can only imagine what an impact this very ride may have had on her.
Be Like Brit felt familiar to many of us because of the many photos we’d seen of this amazing giant B, but seeing it high on that hill surrounded by its walls was truly breathtaking. How did the Gengels ever get this all done and filled with children in just a few short years? As awesome as that sight was walking through the doors and being greeted by the sixty-six beautiful, and I do mean beautiful, children absolutely blew us away. Tears flowed. Each of us had our own thoughts, but all of us knew this was the scene of a mission accomplished because of love and commitment. Brit wanted to do more for the children of Haiti. She wanted to build them a home where they would be loved, and nourished, and safe from harm. Her parents and the people who knew and loved Brit and her brothers helped to create this miracle. Sixty-six children of Haiti are now living Brit’s dream.
I was so very fortunate to have traveled with a group of women who came from so many walks of life, but who each added so much laughter, joy and love to all that we did. Believe me we packed a week of experiences into our short stay. We shared our laughter tears, and gallons of sweat with one another. One of our first experiences was a birthday party for six BLB children who share the same birthday. In true Mama Cherylann style there were six cakes each beautifully and uniquely decorated and glowing with candles. The joyful sounds of 66 children singing Happy Birthday filled our hearts. The children just beamed as Cherylann hugged and kissed each of them.
Through out the next few days we did so much. It’s actually just a kaleidoscope of memories. We walked to church with 66 beautifully dressed children and joined them in singing and praise. The Haitians dress so beautifully that they put us to shame. We were so fortunate to visit the recently finished Mission of Hope Library. It is quite beautiful and contains books in French, Creole, and English as well as computers and comfy couches. The children are so thankful for what has been created for them. We also visited schools, and were amazed at the energy and enthusiasm the teachers put into their lessons. The children at BLB love going to school; and somehow, the amazing care takers at Be Like Brit manage to get sixty-six kids immaculately dressed, fed, and off to their respective schools by seven in the morning. We agreed that being able to accomplish that feat is truly a miracle!
Our group was able to visit some of the homes built by groups of Britsionarys. The little blue and yellow homes, simple by American standards, are so appreciated by the Haitians. Once again, as my little friend Brit clearly understood, the people of Haiti are so grateful for the little they have. We were also able to partake in giving out food to needy families. During one of our nightly reflections, a member of our group spoke of how grateful one woman was after being given bags of rice and beans. She raised her arms and thanked Jesus for her food. We visited Gama’s beautiful home and learned about his plans to continue to help Haiti and its people through his Tree of Hope organization. He wants to give back for the opportunities given to him. What an example he is for the children of Be Like Brit who will someday also give back to their community. As a group we became closer and more caring with each shared experience.
Laughter, signing and shouts of triumph fill the air at Be Like Brit. The language barrier seems insignificant because the children freely share their love with all who care for them. BLB is a very large family, but it is a family. Len and Cherylann brought up Brit, and Bernie, and Richie with the same love, acceptance and commitment they now offer to their BLB family. Because, like Brit, they know “Love isn’t what you say. Love is what you do.”
