Anyway, Celissa is a young women, 25, from a nearby village, Montrouis. She is gorgeous, intelligent, and has been a wonderful friend. She agreed to live with me at the house until she goes back to school. She has been living here for about a month. Celissa is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English. She is going to school to become a nurse. I couldn't have asked for a better roommate.
Her life story brings tears to my eyes every time she shares it. With other children to care for, Celissa's mother had to make the difficult decision of sending Celissa away to live with another family when Celissa was only ten years old. Here she was abused emotionally and physically. She was treated like a slave, given little to no food to live on. Celissa knew an education was her only opportunity, so she worked day and night to earn the money to go. She would brake rocks to create cement or carry 100 pound bags on her back, only making 50 cents a day. She tells me there were times in her life when she was so desperate for food that she would eat dog food and poop. Though Celissa lived in extreme conditions she admits proudly that she never allowed herself to resort to prostitution to gets money; which is often the fate of many girls who go through the hardships Celissa did.
Despite these struggles, her love and compassion for others continues to grow. Celissa is constantly looking for opportunities to learn. Whether it be a new language, cars, or playing a guitar; she wants to learn how to do it. She also is a great teacher; constantly answering my questions and encouraging me as I attempt to learn Creole (which is not coming easy...). She patiently explains to me the culture whenever I'm offended by someone or confused by the way something was done. Her testimony and unwavering faith is inspiring. She is an incredible role model.
Please keep Celissa, Jean Fritz, and me in your prayers. Pray for Celissa as she finishes out school. Pray that she will be able to accomplish her dream of starting a medical clinic here in Haiti. Pray that Jean Fritz will stay strong and healthy. Also, pray that he will we have a successful future. And please pray that I can be the best temporary mother I can be for the little guy. Pray for wisdom and patience on those long days with a two year old who is too cute for his own good (:
