Of all those I met in Haiti, Wynchesla was the one I tucked deepest into my heart.
It was day three, the clinic gates were closed and patients were slowing filtering out with splints cradling fractured wrists and radial bones. Bulky bandages covered wounds cleaned for the first time in days. Kim and I were just about to take a much needed seat on a stack of Pedialyte boxes when a young girl suddenly appeared in front of us.
"Do you know what I like?" she asked (in very impressive english).
(one of us) (in a slightly condescending voice) (we were TIRED) "No, what do you like?"
"I like milk ." She looked at us intently.
(one of us) (continuing the slightly patronizing tone) "I like milk too...it's yummy!"
"You got some milk in there?" She motioned with her head toward our supply tent.
(one of us) "You know what, you can have some water, I will get you some water, how does that sound?" (still a bit aloof but a little more cheery)
(got up, walked into the supply tent and grabbed three bottles of water)
"Thank you," the girl said as she kept us locked in her persistent gaze and showed no sign of moving on.
(one of us) (feeling a little uncomfortable) "Ok, here's the deal, we do have milk in there, but we can't give it to you because it's not ours to give." (unsure smiles)
(hands on hips, confident little smile...) "Oh, you can get me some milk..."
(both of us) "We'll be right back."
We emerged from the tent unseen, handed her two small black plastic bags each containing two boxes of milk, then swore her to absolute secrecy.
Miss Wynchesla Jules. Thirteen years old. Funny, smart, beautiful, sassy and talented (she knew every word to every one of Michael Jackson's songs!).
Wynchesla's father was killed in the earthquake, her home was "broken," and she, her mother and three younger siblings were living in the tent city across the street from the police station. Wynchesla entertained us with her unbelievable talent, charmed us with her intelligence and wit, and melted our hearts with her tenacity, strength and courage. She wants nothing more than to come to the United States to live and go to school. Kim has offered her home, her life and herself to this young girl full of potential and promise. Wynchesla calls Kim "momma" and will hopefully be here by summertime!
I believe Wynchesla embodies all I hold dear about the Haitian people. She represents the strength and perseverance of a remarkable group of human beings. Despite profoundly difficult circumstances, harrowing living conditions and tragic personal loss, Wynchesla maintains focus on the positive aspects of her life and she continues to work toward her hopes and dreams.
For six days in January I worked harder than I have ever worked before while living in conditions much more trying and arduous than any I have encountered in my life. I donated my time and my skills to strangers. I gave...I did. But...I gained so much more!
My life changed the day I woke up in Haiti. I became more grateful, less demanding, more optimistic, less disparaging. My friend Kim said it so well..."what will we ever complain about again?"
I have traveled to Haiti, I have given my heart to the people and in turn I carry a bit of their compelling experience and enduring spirit within me. I will be forever grateful that funny little girl crossed my path. I will never forget the great gifts of Haiti I have been so fortunate to receive.
