My Shadow

Vansky, Vansky, Vansky- that's how you say his name, and I can't help doing so without a huge smile. He became my precious friend while staying at UCNH, the university in Limbe. I first met Vansky and his older brother Kerry as they wandered over to our tents, which were conveniently set in their backyard. He was a boy of few words, but his big eyes pretty much said everything. As a 7 year old curiosity rules your world, and his was running rampant. He showed up to our tent every morning while we'd get ready. I would stand outside by a picnic table, with all my toiletries. Vansky enjoyed pulling out each item one by one. I would share what it was called in English and he would quickly repeat saying toothpaste, lotion, hair brush, etc. After a couple days of watching me, he began to mimic my daily routine. I'd pull out the lotion and all of a sudden he had it all over him, then he would grab the brush and comb his hair, and he even shoved some q-tips in his ears (from the looks of things that may have been the first time).

Our morning visits were soon followed by evening greetings. I could count on seeing Vansky running up within 30 seconds of the truck rolling onto campus. He'd spring into my arms, or jump on my back like a monkey. At one point we left the university for a week, and I was definitely having Vansky withdrawals. Upon our return he was there with the biggest and tightest hug I had ever received.

How could you not fall in love with this kid? Well if you ask my other teammates they'd tell you that having little kids rummage through your bags is not fun. Even though he was the charmer, he and his brother could be quite mischievous. When he wasn't causing trouble, he would simply entertain himself. One day he got out a bunch of coloring books and a couple pencils. I thought it was strange that he wanted to color with pencil. Instead he laid out all the books and began to bang on them with his pencils bopping his head back and forth--he was playing the drums.

I definitely loved on this little guy, especially when he would sing to me. He taught me a song that he had learned in Sunday school called, "Making Melodies in My Heart". It is officially my favorite song! There was something special about Vansky and it wasn't until our way to the airport that I learned of his family history.

Vansky, his older brother, mother and father were in the Port-au-Prince earthquake. They were all safe, but their world was forever changed. His father left the family and his mother had the children shipped to their aunts and uncles, one of his uncles being the dean of the university. His mother is still in Port-au-Prince working on getting papers for them to move to the US with their grandparents. Vansky is growing up without the two most important people in his life, and he is looking for affection and stability. The last 7 months have been an extreme transition for him.

Saying goodbye to him was not easy. I forewarned him that we would be leaving the next day and he quickly scrambled to give me a gift. Initially he handed me a stuff animal lobster, but his brother immediately reclaimed it since it wasn't Vansky's to give :). So Vansky ran and handed over a little crab. I tried to give it back, but he wasn't having it. I promised to take pictures of the crab during my travels and send it to him.

Before the truck pulled away on our final day, Vansky was there, but it took more effort to get him to smile. I was able to get a quick hug, but he wouldn't look at me--which I was thankful for since I was holding back the tears. He quickly ran away, trying not to look, but we did get a final wave. I know that having people come in and out of your life is difficult, especially at such a vulnerable age. Vansky's smile and laughter are contagious, and I have no doubt that he will find MANY people to continue to love on him.