Joy in the Midst of Poverty

We all know what poverty is. We all know it exists. We all know that it's awful. However, many times we let an, "out of sight, out of mind" mentality prevent us from doing anything about it. That's not a guilt trip. That's a confession...

When Katie and I were in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with Compassion Canada, we were overwhelmed by extreme poverty. It was everywhere. But, in and amongst the garbage, the smell, the broken glass, the tin roves, was something we didn't expect.

We met this family, who was no ordinary family. Jacquelyn, the mother of five children had something that so many well off North Americans lacked, joy.

At first we couldn't understand how someone who has endured so much pain, suffering, and extreme poverty could possess so much joy. It didn't make sense. We couldn't understand how, by our standards, she could have so little, yet show so much joy.

After we met her beautiful family, and had the opportunity to chat with her, to hear her story, we finally understood it. What Katie and I, and so many others take for granted every day, was fresh in this Mother's heart: authentic faith.

We get a paycheck, we have food, we have a house, and we don't need to have faith that we'll be able to eat our next meal, because it’s already in our cupboard (or local restaurant). This family, didn't know where their dinner was going to come from. And when we started unpacking a box of food we brought for them, their gratitude because prevalent.

We realized the material things in our life were obstacles for us to exercise REAL trust in God. In the midst of so much little, they had so much faith. We finally understood where this profound joy was coming from.

More stories from our trip to the DR on the way...