Musings on Haiti

As I sit here in my air conditioned home and type on my new computer amidst our HGTV decorated house, I can't help but feel that my heart and mind are still in Haiti. Lisa and I have been awake now for about 8 hours and all of our conversation revolve around Haiti. I know the excitement will fade as reality tries to wrestle control of my heart, but I want to take a moment and reflect on our amazing trip. I want to put into words the things God has taught and shown me so that I can hold on to them.

I knew before I headed down that I would come face to face with an earthquake ravaged country. I knew that my heart would break as I held the children. I didn't expect it to be as intense as it was. On the surface you find a country that has been shaken to it's core. It's people so terrified of going back into buildings that they choose to live in slowly deteriorating tent villages. The children of Haiti often left to fend for themselves, not only physically, but emotionally as well. The vast stretches of rubble and trash seem to go unnoticed by the Haitians walking by.

What struck me the hardest though was the joy I found in Haiti. I was reunited with our host, Hubert, who has such an amazing heart for his country. His vision, if realized, would return Haiti to it's place as the "Pearl of the Caribbean". His wife, Junie, is a force to be reckoned with as she heads an orphanage, school, and a hospital. Then there were the children, their simple smiles as they worshiped God were incredible. All at once they forgot the pain, hunger, and fear that surrounds them and they got lost in the praises of the Most High.

And then there was our team. When I say that God put together the best team possible for this trip that is an understatement! The skills that each person brought were made known throughout the week as God took hold of us and used us to do His will. New friendships were made, and old friendships reinforced. Two incredible team leaders who have a heart for Haiti. A social worker with and overwhelming compassion. A big teddy bear with a bigger heart. Two crazy elementary teachers willing to do anything to make kids feel loved. A kids worship pastor with a heart for hurting children. Two quite and gentle servants stretched beyond their expectations. A young woman whose eyes have been opened to the needs beyond our borders. And a servant wise beyond her age with a desire to be God's hands and feet wherever he calls her.

What an incredible trip. But through all of that, what did God impress on my heart? When I submit to His will, the door is opened for Him to do great things in and through my life. From the history of Haiti to the yearning eyes of children in pain to the lives of my teammates, God has shown me what He can do. I am humbled my his power and I have found a renewed fear of the Most High God. The faith you find in America is not the same faith as you will find in third world countries. We worship with flashing lights, big auditoriums, full bands, and projected lyrics. This week we came before God with our voices and our hearts and I felt Him more than I have in a long time. I don't want to forget that God is God and I am not (to steal a quote). I want to recognize His power and hand in my life. And I want His spirit to lead me wherever He wants me to go.