If there are clouds, we try to look for silver lining. After a storm, we search for rainbows. If lost at sea, we seek lighthouses to bring us home. When there is darkness, we look for light. The beauty guides us, centers us, brings us joy, and shows us the way. Beacons.

Whenever I am in Haiti, I am always baffled by the beauty of this country. At first my mind is always wrapped up in the poverty, the lack of resources, and the unavailability of clean water; however my heart draws close to the lush mountains, breathtaking beaches, laughter of the people, and the community living style that strengthens the people. There is overwhelming beauty in the chaos.

The darkness is what’s easy to see, it always seems. When we drive from Port Au Prince to Grand Goave, I get stuck in my own head at what I see. Photos will never accurately depict the feeling of driving through desolate areas with hungry people outside the windows of our vans. Many people who visit are often dumbstruck, angry, overcome with confusion, and concerned. It’s a raging storm, a cloudy day, ship lost at sea, a darkness overwhelming.

But look closer – children laughing in the streets, friends sharing a ride to work, women working together at the market, older gentlemen proudly strolling through town, a breathtaking smile, a happy dog relaxing in the shade. Could it be..? People all around, choosing to see light instead of darkness? It is.

It takes us time to realize these beauties around us, and before we know it, our van is climbing a hill, heading straight for Brit’s home. Gates open – the “B” shape of our building – the mango tree welcomes us – and children sing us hello, with faith, hope, and love. And what a view had been waiting for us! A beacon.

Each week we’re in Haiti, part of our aid is building a home. I’d built 4 homes with Be Like Brit before, so when we worked on this home, I was amplified, motivated, and ready to go with my team. As usual, we met the receiving family on our first day at work. Instantly, I could tell this was going to be an emotional one. From the very beginning, this beautiful mother, Annamarie, captured our hearts, as she was full of joy, excitement, and eagerness to have a home of her own.

Annamarie has 8 children, and she lived with her husband and kids in this tent for all 8 years. He tried desperately to get a home built for them, but to no avail. However 3 years ago, her husband passed away while she was pregnant and life got much more difficult than it was. 4 of her children were forced to move in with other family members, while she took care of the 4 littlest ones, still living in the tent. Every night at midnight, she woke up in the middle of the night to dry the floor and fight the rain from coming in.

Recently one of our BLB staff members told us about Annamarie and the unlivable conditions she and her family were residing in. So, we built this home. Now, for the first time in 3 years, all of her children can be reunited and live together again.

When we were blessing the home, she expressed to us her gratitude, new found security, and happiness; as emotional as that was, it got deeper. Her 12 year old son asked if he could say something.. he spoke very quickly in Creole, and before it could be translated he burst into tears. He said he was so thankful for this house, because his mother deserved a good home. Our entire team, construction crew, and neighbors gathered around were deeply moved beyond explanation, and became fully aware of the life change that had just occurred.

Instantly, metaphorical clouds parted. The rain stopped. The captain spotted the lightoutse. The silver lining shown brighter in Annamarie’s life than ever before. Her home became a beacon – not just for her family, but for her neighborhood, providing security, love, peace of mind, hope, and community. Just like Brit’s home at the top of that hill, this new house became a beacon in Annamarie’s world, a light shining bright with a ripple effect into the lives of others.

If you look out over the hillside.. beacons, everywhere, just like this one – all stemming from the greatest beacon of all. The compassion that Britney had for us to create Brit’s home for our children.

It’s not just our beautiful kids at Be Like Brit that we do this for - it’s for the community and the people who have blessed OUR lives with their love. I am ever grateful for the lessons that Haiti teaches me every time I have the honor of visiting. We have every opportunity in life to see the clouds, watch the storms, and feel lost. But in a world full of heartache, be the hope. A beacon.

-Chloe