Sand Gnat
There is a particular boy in town, who, since we moved here, has made it his life goal to make my life miserable. Every time I (Pam) would go to the open market, Wandly (12-years old) would persistently follow me around; pestering, provoking—antagonizing me. One day, with glaring anger in his eyes, he told me in English, “I’m going to kill you, b@%$#!” (Wandly does not speak English)
I would often return from the market and vent to Matt about all the awful experiences I had that day. Then came the climax:
I went to the market one morning. I had our 15-month old son, Silas, with me. As I got out of the truck, the usual group of young boys crowded the vehicle, asking me for money. I picked-up Silas, and as I headed toward the market I was smacked by one of the young boys. Furious, I turned around, only to see those oh-so-familiar glaring eyes. When I returned to the truck later, a larger group of people had gathered around and seemed to be watching as I left—or should I say, tried to leave! As I put the truck into gear and pulled forward, the truck wouldn’t move. Putting it into reverse, I tried to back up, but couldn’t do that either. Feeling a bit embarrassed as the group outside watching was getting bigger and bigger, I put it into first gear again and gave it some gas—So-Cal style. I managed to drive over the huge boulders that Wandly had wedged in front and behind each off my four tires. I was fuming and rushed home to tell Matt what Wandly had done this time.
As I told Matt the story, however, I began to feel convicted about the burning anger I felt toward this boy. Wandly, who, in addition to living in such utter poverty, obviously has not been shown much love either. I remembered Jesus’ words about loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you, and was faced with a decision: Was I, in my own sin and selfishness, going to allow such anger to burn within me against this boy? Or would I choose to obey Christ, and in doing so, be an ambassador of His amazing love; love that reaches beyond the depths.
I strapped Silas into his baby seat, hopped on my bike, and headed back to the market to find Wandly. When I found him, I asked him what his name was and asked if he would like to come to our home to eat with us. For the first time, I saw Wandly smile. And for the first time, his glaring eyes stopped glaring. Wandly has stopped by to visit several times since that day. We are enjoying getting to know him, and I am now enjoying peaceful days at the market! We pray that Wandly might someday come to know the love of Christ and chose to follow Him. I thank God for the gift of His indwelling Spirit, who graciously works despite us, to make us more and more like Christ our King!
Oh, by the way…if you’re ever in Haiti, and you see a boy in minor league baseball t-shirt, that says: SAND GNATS. You’ve found Wandly.