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A little girl in Haiti

Years ago a work friend of mine went on a mission trip to Haiti. While there they did some work at an orphanage in the capital city. She came home with photos to show me of a little three-year-old girl there with albinism. The girl had been abandoned by her family and the orphanage knew nothing about albinism. The little girl spent her days in the sun with no hat and no sun glasses.

We gathered information to send to the orphanage workers along with some hats and sunscreen. We sent them with the next mission group to go to Haiti from my friend’s church.

I remember at the time wishing I could scoop this little girl up and give her a safe home with someone who would understand. I wasn’t, of course, in any position to adopt – I’m not even sure if it would have been possible.

Over the years I’ve thought about that little girl when I think about how I wish I could have a family. Her photo is emblazoned in my brain. When I think of her I sent a prayer up to God to watch over her. It’s all I can do.

Today, I can’t help but wonder what has happened to her. She would be about nine years old now. Was she ever adopted? Is she still in an orphanage? What will happen to a kid like her in the current circumstances if she’s survived?

Do me a favor? Send up a prayer for this little girl in Haiti none of us know. She’s one of thousands, I know, but for me, she’s one.
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