John’s Story

Janie Livingston shares her family’s bond with Haiti and John.

John Manos Petit was our second Healing The Children child to come and stay with our family.  From 1982-1993 I had traveled to and from Haiti over 15 times to work in orphanages and clinics.  I had a connection to Haiti that was almost indescribable.  In 1993, I married and my husband and I had 4 boys in 5 years.  Life was wonderfully busy at home so my trips to Haiti to work in Mother Teresa’s orphanage and Son Feil (home for the dying) were put on hold.  Although I was far from Haiti, it never left my mind.  I thought of the kids, the people, the struggles, the noise, the smells, the faith and resilience and the endless smiles through all they endure.  I knew somehow, someday I would connect with Haiti again.  As  my kids grew, my desire to travel to Haiti heightened, but the political unrest in Haiti was ramping up.  It did not seem like the right time to travel to Haiti but I wanted somehow to teach my kids about the third world and the importance of reaching out.  This is when I learned of Healing The Children.  HTC is an organization that brings  kids from third world countries to the United States for medical treatment that they cannot receive in their own country.  They come for surgery and are able to stay in the US until they recover and then prayerfully we send them home healthy.  0ur first child was Josseline.  She was 4 years old and lived in Guatamala.  0ur experience with her was an incredible one and we knew we wanted to host another child.  When our phone call came to host our second child we immediately said “yes” and asked where he lived.  She replied “Haiti”.  I knew then that this was the little bit of Haiti coming back into my life that I had been longing for and happy to report I was right.

When Mike Mahon Sr. and Mike Mahon Jr. traveled to Haiti on a medical trip in 2001, they met John.  Through much effort they brought John to us in Michigan for medical care.  We are the lucky ones!!!  I believe John was 6 when he came to stay with us in Michigan.  It’s been 5 years since we have seen John.  John had JHF and was recognizable due to the large tumors on his head, scabbies all over his body, his gorgeous smile and beautiful dark brown skin.  My youngest (at that time), 0liver, was six too.  There was in instant bond.  John came into our lives and seem to blend perfectly.  He joined in all the  household games, became the mascot on 0liver’s baseball team, learned to ride a bike, rollerblade, swim and he even learned to ski (yes, that was an experience flying down a snowy hill having never seen snow before).  John was a joy and an incredible addition to our home.

John was seen by Dr. Mike Mahon and had surgery for his tumors.  Throughout his medical care, John was nothing shy of amazing.  He was so brave and hopeful that the outcome would help him.  John showed us the true testimony of courage.  Although the doctors could only get 90% of the tumors and there was a chance they could grow back, we all remained hopeful.   John has since returned to Haiti and had several more tumors removed but is currently healthy, growing and well.  We are lucky to have the opportunity to get updates on John.  Both Mike Mahon Sr. and Jr. have visited John several times and continue to do so, as did my mom and niece.  We are hoping to see him soon.

John came into our lives and changed it for the better.  We are blessed by knowing him.  My plan is to return to Haiti in June with my 4 oldest boys (our 5th son was adopted from Haiti but is a bit young to travel) and while there our plan is to visit John.  This will be a long awaited reunion.  I actually have been to Haiti several times since John’s stay with us but I don’t think my heart was ready to see him.  I am sad he is in an orphanage and my heart is conflicted with the “fairness” of our two very separate worlds.  I thought by avoiding the situation it might be easier.  We have talked to him and we are updated on him but I think it’s time for a visit.  I am looking forward to hugging him.  He was a part of our lives that has shaped us and for that we owe him thanks.

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