Two Nannies and the Hand of God

In my short life, God has done so many things for me that I feel compelled to share them. I often speak of my experiences in the orphanage, but there are many more stories I haven't shared. Today, I want to tell you about two amazing women: Hermicia, also known as Nanny Lomicia, and Nanny Memene.

15 Years Old, weighing 110 lbs

Nanny Lomicia worked at the orphanage and sold snacks like crackers, candy, and cookies to earn a little extra income. Despite their poverty, she and Nanny Memene had hearts full of love for the children and the Lord. My favorite memories are of them singing loudly to the Lord while cleaning the cooking pans.  I could hear them while I was playing with my friends outside. Glory to God!

Their love for us was evident in their actions. Nanny Lomicia often sold me snacks on credit, knowing I couldn't pay her back, to keep me from starving. Cornmeal gave me terrible stomachaches; when it was on the menu, her snacks were sometimes all I had to eat.

Nanny Memene showed her care differently. She saved a bit of rice for me when cornmeal was served, and when she didn't have any, she would beg on my behalf to ensure I had something to eat.

These two women kept me fed for many days, and I thank God for them.

When I left for the U.S. after the 2010 earthquake, they were extremely happy for me. They hugged and kissed me goodbye, encouraging me to continue believing in God and never forget where I came from.

A Few Years Later

Life in the U.S. got busy quickly. I went from living in an orphanage to living in the greatest country in the world, attending school every day, and participating in sports. After high school, I went to college and was blessed to become the Associate Director for Mercy International, which allowed me to return to Haiti.

One afternoon, while speaking with someone on a hill, I saw a lady running towards me. As she got closer, I was shocked to see it was Nanny Memene. She kissed me and hugged me just like she did six years ago when I was leaving. She asked me, "How are you doing, my son?" I told her I was doing great, and she said, "I am so happy to see you. My son, you have not changed. I thank God for you." I asked her for Nanny Lomicia, and Nanny Memene said she was doing okay. If you know Haiti, oftentimes, they are not doing okay.

I took her into my office, and we talked for almost an hour to catch up. The next day, she and Nanny Lomicia came to see me. It was a very special moment for me! I asked them what was going on with them, and they explained some of their difficulties to me. I was happy to help them any way I could. Nanny Memene reminded me to care for those in need, especially children, because you never know who they might become. I thanked them for all they had done for me and kissed them goodbye.

The Day Nanny Memene Came to See Me

I received some information two weeks ago about Nanny Lomicia needing help to rent a house, so I got her phone number and contacted her. She was surprised to hear my voice. We caught up on things, and we were able to help her. She said 'thank you,' and I told her I needed to thank her too. She asked me why, and I almost burst into tears, telling her all the things she had done for me at the orphanage. She was shocked to hear me telling her everything. She said, "Out of everyone from the orphanage, I never thought I would hear from you like this.  I am happy it is you." I thanked her, and I asked for Nanny Memene. She got me in contact with her, and we spoke a few days later. I told her the same thing I said to Nanny Lomicia. Except her response was, "Remember when Jesus healed the ten and only one came back? You are that one!" I was speechless!

Why am I telling you all this? Initially, I wasn't going to write about it because I felt it focused too much on me. But someone who heard my conversation with these wonderful women told me I needed to share it. It reminded me of what I always tell people about the Bible:

"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him," 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40

These two women demonstrated what loving others truly means. Not many people would sell things to a kid who couldn't pay or risk losing their job to feed a poor orphan boy. They did that for me. I told them, "How could I ever forget you and what you have done for me? I would be the most ungrateful person in the world." After speaking with them, I asked myself, "How can you thank them but often forget to thank God first?" Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Part of that love is gratefulness. How often do you thank the Lord for what He has done for you? We forget that just waking up in the morning is a blessing from Him.

Father, I thank you for all you have done for me.