Berlin

On Friday, we had the pleasure of meeting Berlin, her brother Billy and their mother. Native Haitians, Berlin and Billy are college educated; Berlin, a trained nurse and a journalist, and Billy, a former linebacker and fullback for the Texas Longhorns had emigrated to the U.S. Berlin, though, was traveling Haiti as a journalist when she noticed orphaned children wandering the streets alone. She began taking them in and now runs an orphanage not far from Christianville.

All 32 children sleep in one tent, but they are near a water source and are fed, schooled and loved. We took a trunk of goodies to them, and the Frisbees and soccer balls were instant hits. So was my camera. The younger children were shy at first, but when I showed them their images on the screen, they were delighted and posed readily. One little guy pushed enough buttons that I think he could have shown me how to use the finer features of my own camera had my French been better.

We were touched by the sweetness of these children and greatly moved by the sacrifices Berlin, Billy and their mother have made to care for them. Berlin has made a decision that the children will not be adopted; they will live together as a family. She will care for them until they reach 18, and she will ensure that they are educated and receive vocational training so that they have job prospects as adults.

The children sang for us, and when I return home, I will share that video. For now though, photos must suffice.