As we reach the (7) month mark in our yearlong Haiti
journey, Aimee and I realize that we probably have more questions about life
here than we do answers. Daily existence
in Haiti often feels like an unsolvable riddle, one that feels comprehendible
before the floor drops out from underneath of you. How can we really begin to put words to our
lives in Haiti? How could one describe
the level of poverty, desperation, corruption, despair, smiles, laughter,
homelessness, and child abandonment? How
could a country with so much beautify be filled with so much complexity?
The last several weeks have been proven to be particularly
trying for us, with amazing moments of grace tucked in between the
frustration. There have been the smiles
from beautiful orphans, and wonderful/precious hugs from children that have
come to know our familiar faces. There
have been aha-moments in teaching English to our Haitian friends. And there have been sweet times with new
missionary friends in our local church community. Aimee was even able to attend a women’s
retreat with ladies from a couple of different English-speaking churches.
I am thankful for new relationships that God has brought
Aimee and I here in the midst of a strange land, perplexing situations, and
periods of great trial. God is so kind
to lead us to such encouraging and helpful friends here in Haiti. Just the other night, I was able to join some
other guys at an Irish pub in Port-au-Prince, where we enjoyed legitimate
on-tap Irish Guinness and thoughtful…encouraging conversation. I am grateful for the advice, encouragement,
and listening ear that friends have offered.
I am also grateful for our pastor and his wife, here in PAP… who sadly,
are leaving to move back to Australia this Summer. Their desire to care for and uplift Aimee and
I has been monumental to our experience.
God was also so kind as to place us two houses up from wonderful
missionary neighbors that have become very dear friends. Their friendship has contributed to our
sanity and up building in unforeseen ways; we hope they are just as encouraged
by us.
I believe the Lord sovereignly placed each one of these
friends and acquaintances in our lives in order to provide us with just the
right amount of grace needed to withstand the trials and temptations that this
year in Haiti has brought. How could we
really have known the culture barriers that awaited us, the complete otherness
that is Haiti? How could we have known
that it is wiser to be cautious and then trust others? How could we have known that we would have so
many questions? How could we have known
the effect that such dire poverty would have upon a society? How could we have known the sorrow that
orphans face? How could we have known
the joy of contentment when entertainment is stripped from you? How could we
have been prepared for discouragement and missing our friends and family so
much?
But with the apostle Paul I must confess… “No, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us”.
Our Lord Jesus is Sovereign and we are thankful and needy
children at His feet.
