This little sweetie, Jonas, has only been with us for a little while. He was found in the mountains when we were doing a feeding program. One of our workers did a little interview with him because they saw this little boy working in the hot sun, along with all the older men. He said his name was Jonas.

His parents must have died when he was small and perhaps he was raised by someone else… someone else who didn’t love him. Unfortunately, he became a “restavek slave child,” and ended up working in the dry, hot gardens with a big heavy hoe, that the Haitians call a “wou.”

We found out that he barely got one meal a day and if he didn’t work hard enough, he would NOT get that meal. In fact, he was often beaten. He was afraid to stop working because “they were watching him.”

Since he had no mother or father, we “invited him to come with us.” He was afraid of us “white folks,” and when he was just about to get into our truck, the “slave owner lady” shouted, “The white people will eat you!” He almost jumped through the car window!

It was tough, trying to get Jonas used to taking a shower… he was afraid because the water was “falling from out of the ceiling.” Holding a piece of chalk to learn to write was difficult. He had never even held a pencil!

He has now become “part of our family” and is “always smiling.” We told him he was going to have a birthday, but we didn’t realize that the Government of Haiti gave him October instead of December. But we will celebrate his birthday anyway with all the kids who have a birthday this month.

This will be his first Christmas! He has seen his first Christmas tree (the fun things) and heard about Jesus, who was born in a manger. He hears Christmas songs and sees presents under the tree. This little boy brings so much joy to all of us! He has never, ever had a “sad face,” and always has the same sweet smile! Jonas has been one of the best “Christmas Gifts!” He brings tears to our eyes. Thank you, Lord, for sending this child into our lives!!!

Bobby and Sherry

PS: Christmas pictures will be coming in a few days…