Samson is the guy I used as an example a couple weeks ago when struggling with; when it is right to help vs. when it is a situation where you would need or want to say "No, I am sorry, I can't help."
That post caused the big stir about whether it is wrong to say "no" sometimes. It is not. Trust me on this. It is a necessary thing.
We ran into Samson on Saturday in the village about 90 minutes walk up the mountain behind us. His eye already looked better and he confirmed that he had picked up his medicine and was using it daily. We were able to confirm with Samson that he is in his early 20's. It was fun to run into him on his own turf. He seemed happier compared to previous interactions with him.
Since seeing him Saturday he has come to ask for clothes, sunglasses, money, schooling and food. We had a few of the clothing items and sunglasses.
We had to tell him that we care for him but we cannot deliver all he needs and wants; that the money for the medicine was all we could offer him at this time.
Such a downer.
You see, this is exactly the dilemma I was struggling with in that previous post. Rarely, rarely do you meet someone's need and not hear from them about 8 other legitimate needs. If you chose to meet the 8 needs, the line at your door would be never ending; from LaDigue all the way to Port au Prince. Word gets out.
The only thing you can do is lovingly explain your reasons for saying no and try not to let it get you down or upset. Once again, easier said than done. Samson is a good kid. (I am old enough to call him that.) Pray that the Lord will supply him with all he needs. It is hard to say no.
-Tara
"Personally, I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught."
-Sir Winston Churchill
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
