I left for Haiti July 24th and returned July 31st... and I can't begin to describe how incredible that 1 week was. But I will try anyway :) Going to Peru last year changed my life. Experiencing a 3rd world country and true poverty is a humbling, perspective gaining experience. I think most any American who has been out of the country can testify to this. Well, the problem is... what do I DO with that experience? I mean, it could be as simple as sending money... some people adopot kids, some people go back, some people go back and STAY. My struggle has been, "Lord, what do you want me to do with this experience?"
Coming back to the U.S. was an extremely difficult transition. I became quite accustomed to no cell phone/media distractions. Being able to completely focus on helping others and carrying out Gods work is an extremely rewarding position to be in, no matter how tiring. After about 3 years of what I feel like has been a "transition period" in my life... my spirit really felt awakened on this trip for the first time in a long time. I gained a new passion and desire to follow after Gods will and destiny for my life. Normally, pride would get in the way of me saying something like this... but it's so exciting, I'm not concerned! So there I was....riding in the plane to Ohio after possibly the most life changing week of my life, contemplating what to do when I get back.
Well, I will say one thing... I DON'T have all the answers. But what I do have are 2 simple life applications that were taught to me by two new friends I made in Haiti. My new friend, Michael, shared on the first day that "steps" were big to him. What does this mean? Well... say you have a goal that seems unattainable. It may seem SO unattainable, that you simply don't try to achieve it. Well what if one little step one day got you closer.... and then a medium step a few months later got you a little more closer....and what if eventually, you're staring your goal/dream/vision/whatever IN THE FACE?!?! This can be something as simple as...returning a phone call. Visiting a loved one. Being bold enough to pray for someone who's going through a difficult time.
The second thing I heard about was from one of the Haitian interpreters, Henry Claude. He shared about time. He experienced a time when he felt like God wanted him to do something...and he felt like because he didn't do it right away, there were some negative consequences. How many times have I felt that way? Tooooo many to count. Well, he went even further and spoke to our team directly.... What did we feel like God put in our hearts during the trip? What specifically did we know was a new vision or dream from the Lord? Do it now. What is stopping you? THis goes hand in hand with steps.... maybe you can't achieve the whole thing right away, but MOVE FORWARD.
Man, these 2 lessons alone are enough to fuel my fire for a while. But I'm gonna get more anyway!
Pray for the nation of Haiti. We may seem blessed as Americans, and we are.... but Haiti is blessed too... and it's full of blessings.
