December 27th was a day like no other. . . shopping day!

In Haiti shopping is quite different that in the U.S. Items can be difficult to find and choice is limited. On the morning we set out for Port-au-Prince to purchase 56 pairs of shoes, I knew I was in for an adventure like no other.

Our driver took the three of us (Pastor Jackson, Martha and me) into downtown Port-au-Prince, but we didn’t go to the big market where most well-to-do Haitians shop. Instead, we were sent to what I can only describe as a hole in the wall. Literally, it was a narrow crack between buildings that was no wider than a few feet, and once we entered this slender passageway, it felt like we were going underground. There was little light, but what was lacking in light was made up for in people. Haitians were everywhere talking loudly in Creole. We had to follow directions and move fast without hesitation: Duck. . . move over. . . step around the chickens. . . quickly now. . . this way. . . turn here. The only thing I could compare this experience to is a maze, weaving in and out as vendors raced by with heavy loads piled high on their heads. In a blur we moved through vendors who were on both sides of the narrow space selling their wares.

At last we reached the inside of a huge warehouse with boxes on top of boxes of imported goods packed nearly to the ceiling. It was unbelievable. From the outside one would never have guessed this place existed.

For the next several hours we waded through boxes of brand new shoes, matching the tracings of the children’s feet with the shoes. Carefully, I labeled each box with the name of  the child who would receive that pair of shoes. By the time we were done 56 children in the school and feeding program had a pair of brand new black dress shoes for school, church, or any event.

Now for the fun part. Monday morning all the children  arrived at the school, and they knew they were in for a surprise. I will never forget the excitement on their little faces as they colored pictures, made art projects with glitter (a favorite item), sang songs. . . and waited. Finally, the shoes!

One at a time the children went forward to receive their boxes. At first they didn’t know what to expect. Carefully they peaked inside one end before pulling back the covers. Smiles, giggles, oohs and ahhs filled the air as they proudly displayed their shoes to their friends. With great excitement and thankfulness they carried their boxes home to show their parents. The shoes were the best Christmas present these children could have received.

Thank you everyone who donated.