It's funny how I thought we Americans were all that when it came to repurposing, creating something from what's lying around. Little did I know . . .
We were at the building site for Lady Sonia's house (the lady in the last post) and my son saw a boy about his age playing with a 'toy'. My husband wanted a closer look and asked the boy to show him. Really, it's the coolest thing ever.
The boy had made the truck himself. Every little bit of it from materials he had scrounged around and found on the ground. Old tin cans from the relief effort. Scraps of string. The wheels are from old discarded flip flops. His hammer a rock.
We stood there staring at it for a while. I'm thinking how ridiculous I've been to think that I know how to re-purpose. My son's thinking...way cool. And my husband says what we Americans are pretty good at saying...'how much do you want for it?'.
And so we are the proud new owners of this toy which showcases a young man's ability to build, craft, create. No Legos involved. He was happy to sell his truck and was heading home to find materials to make more.
The coolest thing? I think my son's affection for his Xbox slipped several notches. He hasn't picked it up once since we've been home.
And so I thought I might start to share my latest Haiti trip with you in the form of stories. One by one. There are so many. And they each deserve the spotlight.
When you have nothing...something can be everything.
Posted by: Marilyn | 19 May 2010 at 07:52 AM
Huge lump in my throat. Guess he will get to make himself another one?
Posted by: phyllis | 19 May 2010 at 08:17 AM
They have so much to teach us! Can't wait to hear their stories. One by one.
Posted by: Debbie | 19 May 2010 at 08:29 AM
A beautiful story beautifully shared. We have much to learn from the people of Haiti.
Posted by: Lorrie | 19 May 2010 at 08:53 AM
crying at
my desk
at school.
that photo
of your
boy and
the truck
creator
is
priceless.
Posted by: miss lynn | 19 May 2010 at 10:31 AM
Absolutley cannot wait to hear more. We NEED to hear more! Thankyou Thankyou!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | 19 May 2010 at 10:34 AM
Please do keep sharing. That touched a deep chord in me. And I am especially warmed by the picture of your son with that inventive little boy. A lesson learned on both sides.
Enjoy the day, Rebecca!
Erin
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | 19 May 2010 at 11:10 AM
wow. this was such an incredible post Rebecca. thank you for sharing. and that photo of your son and the boy is so touching. thank you for warming my heart this evening. xo
Posted by: natalea | 19 May 2010 at 04:19 PM
your son is DARLING..how old is he? I would love for my daughter to be so fortunate to see how others live and what simple things bring such joy....can't wait to read each and every story...wish I could have been there with you.
Posted by: RaeJean | 19 May 2010 at 05:18 PM
Wow...
Posted by: Suzette Ladouceur | 19 May 2010 at 07:45 PM
You are so blessed to be able to take your children on a mission trip. We were able to do that with our third (and later on) child and she learned so much that made her very grateful for what she had. What a sweet pic of those two cute boys. I'm awed at the creativity. The Lord gifts us--worldwide.
Posted by: Sally Smith | 20 May 2010 at 07:17 AM
how i envy you Rebecca....what heart teaching moments that you get to experience with your family. And the lives you are blessing with your efforts. You truly are an inspiration and i feel so fortunate to be able to read the journey you are taking and the sweet people of Haiti. Thanks for sharing such wonderful moments.
Posted by: Tammie | 20 May 2010 at 08:07 AM
Incredible story and cool toy!
Posted by: Sherry Cartwright | 20 May 2010 at 08:46 AM
Awesome! That's all there is to say!
Posted by: Petra | 20 May 2010 at 08:46 AM
Blinking away the tears - beautiful story
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | 20 May 2010 at 02:21 PM