A Special Thanksgiving Reflection
“On this Thanksgiving, in the midst of uncertain times in Haiti, we offer thanks to God for the gift of each of you, who have sustained the Haitian Project community throughout our history. ”
On the morning after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Louverture Cleary students cleared the soccer field where they had slept under the stars the night before, then gathered for their typical morning assembly. It was “typical” in that they practiced a solid and beloved routine, though of course the moment was anything but typical or routine. I recall watching in awe as two Philo (13th grade) students led in song and prayer.
And the song that they chose for this most bewildering moment, when most had not yet heard from their families and the earth had literally rocked them to sleep on the grass outside the night before?
“Mèsi Bondye pou tout ou bay nou.”
Thank you, God, for all you give us.
It seems that these young people understood intuitively what so many of us struggle to justify intellectually or explain theologically. Gratitude is not only for the good times, and faith is not about certainty. Rather, gratitude is for all times, and faith in uncertain moments allows us to rest in the embrace of our God who knows only love for us.
James Finley, a Thomas Merton scholar and contemporary mystic, often exclaims that “God protects us from nothing, and sustains us in all things.” At first glance, perhaps it's jarring to consider that God protects us from nothing! Yet in our lived experience, we all know that this is true. We’ve all experienced the absurdity and tragedy of life, even in the midst of our sincere faith and our prayers for protection.
What if, then, our gratitude is not only to God for gifts of love and abundance and beauty, but also for sustaining us in moments of fear and grief and uncertainty?
When I consider the ways in which God has sustained our Louverture Cleary community over the years, through so many profound challenges, it is clear to me that each one of us has been God’s heart and hands in this labor of love:
Our young people and their families who sacrifice so much to pursue this dream of education
Our staff and colleagues in Haiti who face uncertainty with grace, creativity and intelligence
Our neighbors in Haiti who partner with us to keep the community safe
Our staff and board in the U.S. who plan with prudence and heart, and who facilitate a sort of multiplication of loaves and fishes year after year to provide the material resources that allow the community in Haiti to thrive
Our Haitian Project community as a whole — donors and supporters and cheerleaders and prayer partners — who recognize that this work is ours to do for the healing of the world
On this Thanksgiving, in the midst of uncertain times in Haiti, we offer thanks to God for the gift of each of you, who have sustained the Haitian Project community throughout our history.
May you and your families enjoy peacefulness and joy during this holiday season, as you keep Haiti in your hearts. And may we all remain steadfast as we continue to do the hard work to support our Haitian Project community into the future.
“Mèsi Bondye pou tout ou bay nou.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Betsy Bowman
THP Volunteer Teacher, 2009-2010
Board Member — The Haitian Project
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