The Hambrick Family: Haiti Earthquake Anniversary and the Lost Ninja Warrior

Haiti Earthquake Anniversary and the Lost Ninja Warrior

**I first wrote this post in January of 2010, just a few days after the devastating earthquake that killed over 200,000 Haitians, and forever altered the lives of this country I now call home. Today, the majority of the children we work with at Have Faith Haiti Mission had family members, some of them both parents, who were lost on this day. We are taking extra time today to reflect on this tragedy and share the hope found in Jesus with these precious children. But, because as a parent who has lost a child and I understand deeply the impact of having my child remembered...I want to remember Peterson, the sweet little ninja warrior that I am sure is missed to this day by his family and so many more.**
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I want to write about Peterson.

Because I know it is easy to look at all the news stories and pictures and just be overwhelmed by the tragedy and all the people in Haiti affected by the earthquake.

Yet most of the people remain nameless to the vast majority of us.

Peterson's life was not just a number...

When we first arrived in Haiti and made our way to Sherrie's house one of the first kids to greet us was a skinny boy in the gangly stage that all school aged boys hit.

He was missing his front teeth and had the most sparkling eyes.

And mischievous smile.

Jeremiah quickly realized that he had an instant companion in this boy.

Peterson stuck by our side the whole time we were there and wasn't afraid to lend a helping hand during our construction project.

Ok, maybe not helping so much, but he sure added to the fun!

After about half a day he warmed up enough to show us his ninja look...

You know, the kind of look that just sends chills down your spine because you know he is about to unleash all fifty pounds of his ninja fury onto you =)