Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Haiti, Part I

I'm so excited to share my experiences from Haiti with you, not only because it's a blessing to be able to allow the stories to travel from person to person as God desires...but also because it's a powerful gift to myself to be able to re-live the moments as I ponder and type them. Come along for the journey?

We arrive at the airport in Port au Prince, Haiti, after the usual exhaustion of travel. My makeup has worn off (good prep for the week!), my skin is melting in the heat and humidity, and I can't understand a word people are saying.

It's exciting and it's chaotic.

It's chaotic.

What is this place? This can't be the airport of the capital city of a country. The capital would be much more organized and well-ordered, right? Not like this crazy madhouse.

Some clever Haitian just convinced all of us women to give our baggage claim tags to him...he seemed friendly enough but now we realize he doesn't work for the airport. Oh, dear.

I can't get to my bag on the conveyor belt from all the pushing and shoving and loud noise. Finally someone from our group finds it, with the front pocket unzipped. There went all my money for the trip, forgotten in the haste of last-minute baggage checking and happily carried away by someone somewhere between MIA and PAP.

I'm now poor. Hot. Irritable. Crowded on all sides.

Welcome to Haiti.

Day one and I'm already being taken to the end of myself.

I know this is not a vacation, but it's got to get better than this.

Open hands, Lord. Open hands. (I pray this through gritted teeth)

Here we go.

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing and for the reminder...Open Hands! He will do the rest...may the Almighty keep you safe. I recently moved back to Haiti and all I can say is WTH -- Welcome to Haiti. My advice take many deep breaths. God brought me back through a mission trip and till this day that trip reminds me of the awesomness of our Savior and the deep love our Father has for us. I know God will take care of you. Enjoy every second and remember...He is in control!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing these inspiring thoughts!

      Delete
  2. I'm so glad that you're going to be sharing your experience with us. Even those of us who are likely to never work in the mission field need to remember to have a heart of service in our day-to-day life. Everyone needs the light of Christ.

    God bless you! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, Laura! I'm very much looking forward to hearing about your experiences in Haiti. Thank you for sharing them with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Colleen! I love sharing it with others so they can pray for Haiti too!

      Delete