So as mentioned in my previous travel blog, we left Haiti last Saturday (July 31). Leaving Haiti was definitely difficult to do. Part of me felt like we were leaving when there was still so much more to be accomplished. There were still so many people hurting spiritually; there were still so many people in need of the love and salvation of Christ. I felt like there were still so many more relationships to be built and so many more current relationships to be further pursued.
I also left Haiti feeling like I just hadn’t accomplished that much during our first month. As a first month, Haiti was a tough one for my team and me. We weren’t given a specific ministry task to accomplish and were sort of on our own to figure out what we were gonna do everyday. Also, for much of the month, our team was attacked by a sprit of lethargy; there were many days when we just didn’t have the energy or the excitement that we should have had. On top of that, for much of the second half of the month, many members of our team (myself included) contracted various viruses and illnesses, which also hindered our ability to go out and do ministry. Internally, our team went through growing pains during our first month; for much of the first half of the month, we struggled to have unity and to let each other into our lives.
I also left Haiti feeling like I just hadn’t accomplished that much during our first month. As a first month, Haiti was a tough one for my team and me. We weren’t given a specific ministry task to accomplish and were sort of on our own to figure out what we were gonna do everyday. Also, for much of the month, our team was attacked by a sprit of lethargy; there were many days when we just didn’t have the energy or the excitement that we should have had. On top of that, for much of the second half of the month, many members of our team (myself included) contracted various viruses and illnesses, which also hindered our ability to go out and do ministry. Internally, our team went through growing pains during our first month; for much of the first half of the month, we struggled to have unity and to let each other into our lives.
Despite these first two seemingly negative paragraphs, there was plenty of positive from the month. Yes, we were leaving Haiti when there was still so much more to be accomplished, but that’s ok. It’s ok for us to leave because we’re not the ones who the people actually need; they need Christ, and He’s not leaving Haiti. Yes, we faced attacks on our ability to do ministry, but God is bigger than that, and we still did do ministry in Haiti. My favorite day of ministry was the day that we did the ATL; God lead us to a tent community where we spent several hours hanging out with and loving on the kids and people. Also, we spent many days at a local school with kids who soaked up the love that we shared with them. In addition, everyday, we got to love on the kids who lived at the house that we stayed at for the month; we also got to build relationships with many of the people of the house. Yes, our team went through internal struggles, but God was with our team the entire team, and about halfway through the month, we had a breakthrough. We began to bond as a team and allow each other into our lives. Of course, we still have our struggles, but as Kyla, one of our squad leaders pointed out, we’re a family; what family doesn’t have struggles?
Haiti was a tough month, but like through all trials, God used it to grow us. Haiti is a country full of desperate and hurting people, but God is working in that country. I got to hear stories about how many people turned to Christ after the earthquake, and I got to see a church of people give their everything in worship for their Savior. Haiti still needs your prayers, but God is not done with this country. His love and His glory will continue to be seen among the Haitian people
One month down; ten to go. I can’t wait to see what else God has in store.
