I'm home.
My heart has been broken for what breaks His.
And I know my life is changed because of it.
My heart is full. How did I have such joy, peace, and freedom when I had so little in Haiti?
My mind is full. Questions that arise and refuse to settle just yet.
And our nation. It's full, so full. Of stuff. Too much stuff. We can't see through it all.
The Haitians. Their stomachs are empty. Their homes are empty.
Their eyes are full. Sometimes of pain. Sometimes of joy.
Their churches are full.
My eyes are full. Of tears as I remember smiling with the people, laughing with them...crying with them.
My arms are empty. They ache with wanting to hold those precious babies again, those orphans, those sick children. Just one more time to hold you close and love on you and press your tiny bodies close to my heart.
My heart is so full.
My suitcases are empty. Unpacked and stored away.
But how do I unpack my heart?
Prayer, always prayer. It's hard to return to our land of abundance after spending time with those who've never experienced it, but the Lord will deliver them, if not in this world, then in the next. I hope we will get to hear more about your experience as you process it all. You're in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your prayers! And yes, you are right...prayer is always the right response. :)
Delete"..And our nation. It's full, so full. Of stuff. Too much stuff. We can't see through it all..."
ReplyDeleteYes.
Laura: Thank you for this. I plan to feature this post in my 7QTs tomorrow. Please let me know if you would rather that I not feature it. It just really moved me. God bless, Cindy
Thank you so much, Cindy! I'm happy to share my experience in Haiti with anyone and everyone! :)
DeleteI have gone to Haiti twice and I know exactly what you mean, it changes your life. Can't wait to hear more about it. Would love to email with you about it too.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, that's awesome! I would LOVE to email with you about it! You can find my email on my blogger profile. :)
DeleteThis is a beautiful and simpe, yet profound piece about your experience! Thank you for sharing your heart with us Laura. +JMJ
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celeste. :)
DeleteOh my goodness this is beautiful and poetic. Simply lovely! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lauren! So good to see you!!
DeleteI agree with your friends! Prayer is the best way to unpack your heart, though I can't say blogging hurts either ;) You sound like you've been blessed by your time in Haiti.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been grappling with a big decision. I'll pray for you if you pray for me! :D
I traveled to Haiti over a year ago and since I have returned, the people and my experiences have never left my mind. I have been longing to go back. It is life-changing, heart-wrenching, inspiring, heart-warming all in one (plus so much more). I am just waiting and praying for the day that God calls me back to Haiti. Check out my blog post with pictures from my trip! God bless!
ReplyDeleteAbigail, lifting you in prayer! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteTaylor, thanks for your comment! I would love to see your stories about Haiti! So beautiful, so powerful. I too would love to go back. :)