It’s absolutely incredible to see what a simple act of love can to do the human soul.
Kate Bartow is an American with a heart for the Haitian people. When Hurricane Matthew devastated the country back in October, she immediately left her job to help in any way she could. She’s been there since and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
I recently visited Haiti and followed Kate for two days, we’ll be showing you that and more in Faithwire’s upcoming original video series Mission Haiti.
READ: Sneak Peek at an AWESOME Church Service – Haiti Style
Every morning, Kate rounds up some basic medical supplies like bandages, tape, medicines, and so forth. She heads down the mountain and into town.
We arrive at a home and immediately a throng of children emerge, cheering our arrival.
The adults dance with the joy of long lost friends or family seeing each other for the first time in years. Hard to believe it, but this happens every single day. The same joy. The same dancing. The same singing.
I’m blown away by it all – there’s like 10 people in their home and we can barely move. It’s just off the main road, is concrete block and has a makeshift roof. There’s one main room with a large bed, a dining room table, and a TV. That’s pretty much it.
But that doesn’t seem to bother anyone at all. Not even a little bit.
They are SO excited to see Kate, and because I’m tagging along they are excited to see me, too. One sweet little girl grabs onto my hand and doesn’t let go.
When they learn I’m doing a report on the people, culture and challenges of Haiti, they are beyond thrilled. It’s not often someone with a camera goes all the way out to this little remote town of Jérémie. They tell me, with all sincerity and heart, “our country is your country. You are home.”
I’m all warm and fuzzy inside – but I hadn’t seen anything yet.
The reason Kate is here is to see this sweet little girl.
She had a nasty leg infection, it was so bad doctors told her she may never walk again and could possibly even die. Oh, the things we take for granted here in the states. A simple cut can be so difficult for them to treat because there’s just not easy access to running water. 
Part of the reason they sing for joy is because the cut you see above is getting so much better. Smiles and laughter fill the home. It is a very, very humble home – but there is so much love it’s bursting out of the walls.
The little girl is brave. She doesn’t make a peep as Kate tends to the wound – it hurts, but she says “I’ll be tough” and powers through with a wince and a smile.
She tells us that she’d been praying and praying for someone to come and help her. All night long, day after day, in fervent prayer.
This sweet girl poured her heart out to God.
God heard her and tugged at Kate’s heart.
Kate heard the call… and she went.
Now, the leg is almost healed. The young girl smiles and confidently stakes the claim to best dancer in her family. In spite of their lack of running water or electricity, they have joy. So, so much joy.
All because of one, simple fact: they know they’re loved.
What I witnessed was love and faithfulness in action – and it was absolutely perfect. THIS is what life is about. THIS is what really matters.
I may have been in a third world country, days without a hot shower or clean laundry – but at that moment there was no place I’d rather be. My heart was FULL.
Here’s a little bit of that joy and love — enjoy!
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Other Must-Read Stories:
Sneak Peek at an AWESOME Church Service – Haiti Style
— Stay-at-Home Mom’s Brilliant Idea to Help Make Everyday Errands Easier