I have been raising them alone since Everest was 7 months old, so- I have always been a single mom. Being a single mom, in America my eyes were opened to the disadvantages, barriers, and stress a woman faced raising a child on her own. I have been able to succeed in these circumstances for one reason and one reason only- my resources. My parents, my church family, my employers, my educators, my FRIENDS- I have a ridiculous support system. And because of this, I am an outlier in the statistics of single moms.
When God called me to Haiti, I knew He wanted me to take my employment counseling experience and my compassion for single moms and make something happen. I knew I was supposed to help some mama's out of the emotional, mental and physical earthquake rubble that still remains.
This was also the night that Abby came up with the name Haiti Mama.
It made sense, it was happy, the words look cute, its Creole and English- we loved it. Perfect.
Yesterday, we finally bought the Haiti Mama boys their school books. Their French school books for $300 US. I have been overwhelmed by what it took to get these boys into school- it's expensive and stressful. The system is so classist it makes me quiver- these mama's really can't afford to put their kids in school. And we are teaching the kids to read and write in a language they don't speak? What's is the point in learning French? Haitian's speak creole, and how many Haitians are flying to France for college? Like none. Maybe 2 really rich ones...
Today, I asked all of these questions to my Social Workers, the school principals, and professors and two men at different points in the day said "I like that you have named your organization Haiti Mama, because you sound like a Haitian mother with your questions and frustrations. You understand what these mothers have to go through now."
I have the answer now, Suri! The education system!
Whenever a Haitian asks me the name of my organization, they always smile and seem curious when I say Haiti Mama. Today, it felt like I had graduated an initiation for two men I respect to give force to the meaning. I climbed the mountains to get to their homes, and I am ready to return home to advocate for the well-being of our Haitian Mama's as well as their boys'. I don't want to be their mama; I want to support their mamas. And God-willing, we can establish an employment program that will allow them to support their families independently someday.
Thank you for the love. <3
