In 2012 when I first went to Haiti, I met a man whom all of the other Haitians called “Wesly J.” Wesly was quiet. He stayed in the background. He did his work faithfully without needing to draw attention to himself. And that’s who he has been all these years - a steady, faithful presence.

As I looked back at photos through the years, I realized Wesly and I didn’t even take a photo together until June 2013, well over a year after I started going to Haiti. But that seems appropriate. Wesly has never done anything to try to grab the spotlight.

I have always known I could depend on Wesly. I remember in 2015 when we drove across town late at night to take a newborn and his mother to the hospital. I remember the first time we went to the countryside, and we ended up hiking - unexpectedly. Wesly carried me on his back because I wasn’t wearing the proper footwear.

I think about the way Wesly teased Caleb on his 2nd birthday, taking “Ti Kras” from Caleb’s cake - and Caleb saying, “No, no, Wesly J. No. No!”

In my mind I see Wesly carrying heavy things as if they were nothing. I see Wesly driving the vehicles with pride. I see Wesly helping people. I see Wesly making pancakes in the morning.

Wesly, you’ve grown and matured in so many ways these 11 years God has allowed us to walk together. For nearly 5 years, we’ve stayed in the same house. During this time you’ve been a constant for me - from good morning to good night and a lot of things in-between. Particularly in the last 9 months, I’ve watched you step up in a way you had not before.

I will miss you more than I can write with words. I will miss coffee and pancakes and dominoes and seeing you give the dogs their treats.

At the same time, I am so happy for you! You are going to learn many new things in the days ahead. Your world will become so much bigger. I know you will be successful, and I wish you all the best.

Never forget. You have a friend in me and know my door is always open to you - whether in the US or in Haiti.

Wesly J, I am a better person because of all of the things you’ve taught me.

Many times you’ve told me, “Haiti Awake is my heart.” Well, Wesly, you have our hearts, too, and we are so thankful for the time we had together at Haiti Awake.

We all love you.

We will all miss you.