Though She Can’t Speak, Realeen Has Faith | An Update from Haiti
Realeen* is unable to speak due to a traumatic event that changed her life.
When she was 4 years old, she and her sister witnessed the murder of their mother by their father.
While trauma may have stolen her ability to speak, God is helping Realeen develop ways of communicating so she can still have a voice.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The second part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing holistic care to orphaned and vulnerable children so they don’t lack food, clothing, medical care, and shelter.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
Realeen and her sister now live with our team in Haiti.
She is enrolled in a special education program on campus where she learns skills to communicate despite her inability to produce words vocally.
Realeen also meets with a counselor who encourages her to use art to express emotions words can’t convey. Though she has suffered loneliness for many years because of people struggling to understand her, she is beginning to see that there are caring individuals who genuinely want to know and love her.
Our team in Haiti assures Realeen with both words and actions that she is seen, known, and loved.
Having spent so much time together, Realeen’s sister also helps her communicate. When Realeen expresses frustration, our team has learned to patiently ask questions and to encourage her to make sounds, just like her sister does.
A staff member shares—
“When I first met Realeen, she was shy and avoided eye contact. Now, she has more confidence every day and expresses herself to more people.”
Top: Realeen’s older sister gives her a hug.
Realeen is performing at the top of her special education class.
When asked why she is doing so well, she replied in broken words—
“I am loved and understood. I have the clothes I want. I have food to eat. I am happy.”
Her sister also shares—
“For five years, we lost everything and had nothing, but today, we are blessed to have people who want and appreciate us just as we are.”
Though Realeen still struggles to articulate clearly, she greets people with her biggest smile, is consistently the first to finish class assignments, and is eager to attend church. During a devotion, Realeen recently articulated that she believes God will one day restore her speaking abilities. Realeen’s faith is strong; already, she has seen God restore so much.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children we serve.
Pray for Haiti
- Pray for continued safety for the children we serve, our team, our campus, and our community in Haiti.
- Praise God for a successful evacuation and return to campus after increased threats of gang activity.
- Praise God for His faithful provision of food and supplies through times of uncertainty and chaos.
- Pray for continued grace and daily strength for the leadership team as they serve together.
- Pray for the children we serve to continue growing in faith. Praise God for Realeen’s growing faith and confidence.
- Pray for an end to violence and corruption in Haiti.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Haiti experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.
