Tia Bunz | Fond Blanc Foundation

By Tia Bunz

I received a letter in the mail today. It was from a mom whose daughter wanted to donate some money she had been given by her grandfather to the Fond Blanc Orphanage. As simple as that is, it had a huge impact on me. It reminded me once again of the beauty of the symbiotic relationship, something I have seen time and time again with my own students and children. A relationship that provides a balance can only be achieved by working together.

The Fond Blanc Orphanage took ahold of my heart when we started doing mission trips down there a couple of years ago. Initially I believed the children in Fond Blanc were going to benefit from my students coming to hang and work with them. What I saw to be true was so much more than I could have ever imagined!

The truth is I learned first hand the critical importance of this symbiotic relationship. What was gained from the American student’s helping in Fond Blanc, was only surpassed by what these same students received in return from the children of Fond Blanc. The lessons the American students learned, the perspective that they gained, the hope and feeling of unconditional love that they felt was far more than what we could have ever done for them.

Since the Fond Blanc Foundation started, this same symbiotic relationship has spilled over to our community. Now we see people responding selflessly who haven’t even met these lovely Haitian children. At every age, our own young people ask how they can help. They pick up things that they think the children could use, and because they understand the privilege they live in, they are thinking about ways they can help provide for others.

The beauty of this symbiotic relationship also lives in a 12-year-old girl who thought first of these children in Fond Blanc before asking what she could do for herself. True unselfishness.

Through this experience with Fond Blanc, I now think I truly understand what God intended when he created symbiosis.

Byenve!!

I can’t remember a time when the children of Fond Blanc haven’t taken up space in my heart, yet it was only 2 years ago that my family and I existed without them. Now around every corner of our home, in every aspect of our lives and in every conversation, they are the focus. Their pictures adorn our walls. Our dining room is “Donation Central”. Our office has been converted to Fond Blanc Foundation HQ. My children speak of them as family. They ARE family.

The presence of the children in our lives has also reminded me of the blessings of the broader community helping these kids. A community that does not turn its back. One that does not turn a blind eye. One that engages instead of runs. A community of love. Of generosity. Of hope. Although many in the community have never directly shared the warm hug of Kervins, or the gift of genips from Denose, or the smile and laughter of Givenchy, they continue to show up.

Again and Again. They leave bags of sheets, vitamins, toothpaste, deodorant, and underwear on my doorstep. They send money for the children to eat chicken. They stop by with checks and donations. They buy my mom’s “Jamn’ for Haiti” jam. Every. Single. Time. I. Ask.

The love I have for these 55 children is matched only by my love for my own family. However, I have learned from you, the community. I was worried I would scare people away with my constant chatter of the children. Instead, I have learned that your love for the children and your desire to help is unparalleled. I am inspired by this community and humbled to be a part of it. So many people have looked up from their own lives and answered the call to serve and give back.

And that, my dear friends, is what it is all about.

Bondye Beni pitit nou and God Bless You.

Tia Bunz

Executive Director

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