Wonderful supporters, friends, family, random readers…hola!
Before I share what the intended plans are for my time here in San Juan, Dominican Republic, I am going to give a little glimpse into what Haiti was like.
First off, Haiti didn’t need me. To be honest, the D.R. doesn’t need me either. It’s not so much about what I can do. I am not going to be the one to change the world. If the world changes, and I get to be a part of it…BALLIN! But if not, that’s fine too. Me going on The World Race is about me allowing God to change me and accepting that ultimately the world doesn’t need me, it needs God. I am but a lowly messenger sent to share God in the only ways I know how. Last month in Fond-blanc it meant getting up at 5 in the morning and pick-ax/shoveling a hill until 7:30 and then playing with school kids and orphans until dinner or church services…whichever came first. Showing Christ’s love for the first week of my first month looked like endless hand slapping games and baby beach ball soccer and hackie sack. It also meant smiling, remembering names, singing “Every Move I Make…” over and over and over again. It meant trying to speak Kreyol, being willing to shake hands and move from the cool, shaded spots. Understanding God’s call meant leaving our original site and going into the city…it meant leaving the children and adults we had established relationships with and serving alongside another team. Trusting God meant learning more about myself and what I have to offer. It also meant leaving our semi-fresh air haven in the mountains to descend down into the depths of smog and the creation of black boogers. Who knew that following God’s path could lead to black boogers…
I loved the family at Fond-blanc, but you know what, despite me leaving, I was there in the first place and now know how to more specifically pray for Haiti. Pastor Jean-Claude and his family in Fontamara and his dedication to the school and orphanage in Fond-blanc. Pastor Leona and Jenny, Theodore and Leo, the kitchen ladies, the beautiful children…I learned what it means to fully rely on God. Each church service began and ended with shouts of “Merci Jezi” “Merci Seignoir” “Hallelujah” – how much more appreciative of what God is doing would we be if we started church with proclamations of THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU GOD, HALLELUJAH! It takes the focus off of us, our worship isn’t for us. I don’t go to church sing 3-4 praise and worship songs one time through, sit down hear a prepared sermon possibly interact with a few people and go right back home…I lift my hands I raise my voice and I thank the Father and the Son I praise the Holy Spirit…I sing the same chorus OVER and OVER and OVER again, I DANCE!! I listen to how the Spirit moves our team, the pastors, the church members…if the services ends in 3 hours, it’s been a lighter day…
Merci Jezi, merci Seignoir, hallelujah!
