It's the small things that sometimes matter most

Years ago I learned that many Haitians have never known the joy of a birthday celebration, the happiness of that moment before you cut the cake after your family and friends stand around and sing, acknowledging your importance to the world.

How many birthday cakes have we purchased through the years at Haiti Awake? How often have we sang to someone we know and love? These are always special occasions, but yesterday may have been the most special to me - even though I couldn’t be there.

Yesterday we honored Soiris, a man I first wrote about a little over a year ago, a man whose life has taught me so much.

A Haitian friend told me, “This is a day he will never forget in his life.” And it’s the same for me. I will never forget this day because it’s another example of God’s faithfulness.

Kyle Idleman wrote: “When I’ve thought about people who have met a need of mine, I’ve realized they probably don’t even remember doing it because it didn’t seem like a big deal to them - but it was to me.”

Happy Birthday, Soiris. You are important in this world. You’ve taught me about joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, and you have met a need in my heart. I’m so glad to know you!