24-year-old father of 10

Matt thought his class had a problem they needed help solving. Then, when they invited him to their little 4th year house, he thought they had a BIG problem they needed help solving. However, when his 10 guys asked him to sit in the only chair the house has, and then all surrounded him, Matt realized that he was there for a ceremony.

One by one, the guys took turns telling Matt how much he meant to them. They told him how much they appreciated everything that he had taught them, all the time he had spent with them, and how touched they were by the many times he had visited their families, their churches and their ministries. One student told Matt that he has been watching Matt and I ever since we came, and that it was his joy to reflect upon how we had "given" ourselves to them.

Finally, they asked Matt if he would do them the honor of being their godfather, and, as my husband in a man's country, if he would allow me to be their godmother.
It doesn't matter that Matt is the youngest guy in his class. This is a rather normal part of Haitian culture, and each child, teenager, and sometimes class, has one or more godparents. However, Matt was very honored, and they cheered loudly when he said 'yes'.

It was just another one of those days that we both think, "Lord, how is it that we get to do this with these amazing men and women every single day?" They teach us so much, and bring us both so much joy. The Lord has truly provided fulfillment, laughter and joy in this calling on our lives, and we are so thankful!