I suppose I have to begin somewhere.
Outside my window, the North Carolina rain is washing green leaves in the forest. The sound it makes is soothing and familiar. Distant thunder is rumbling, and my mind is drifting south to an island in the Caribbean…Ayiti won’t leave me. And I hope it never does.
Different seasons of life are defined by different lessons and emotions. For me, this summer in Haiti was a season of learning about love (through community) and perseverance (from Haiti).
I’ve seen people who should be desperate, displaying joy. SEveral times this summer, God gave me James 1 for Haiti and the missionaries serving here:
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
…9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For
the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom
falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will
fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed
is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the
test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those
who love him.
I know people who will receive that crown of life. In fact, I think they’re already wearing it. The crown shines on their faces as they lift their arms in abandoned worship. They pray and praise for hours every day. They’ve got no jobs, little food, less money…so they just worship God.
There’s a beauty to the simplicity of life they lead.
I don’t have many more words at the moment; I’m still in the midst of re-entry and processing Haiti and all I saw and felt this summer. Feel free to browse more of my photos from Haiti here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2482246&id=2709757&l=16f11c0d90 
