Today the country unites in a day of mourning. Christian leaders call for three days of fasting and prayer. The compound air rang this morning with praise songs and prayers from the church. What a huge change from previous years when this weekend would of seen large celebrations of Mardi Gras.
Some of you know of our plans to fly to Port on the 20th and return to the Petit Goave station to help for a couple of weeks. My folks and the team return to the States on the 19th.
Some have written us that they know the Lord has prepared us for 'such a time as this'. Other's have voiced concern about my return, and I'm sure some are thinking of the wisdom of bringing our kids. Wouldn't it be wiser to take a family break, maybe even return to the USA.
As I honestly looked at that question today some different thoughts emerged.
One-I agree that our family is here now to serve the Lord. Our knowledge, and love of the land, her people, Creole, and the Lord, combine with skills in medicine and agriculture all: pull, lead, propel [PUSH wasn't the right word] us to travel to TiGoave to help. We need to go to express our love and concern and provide a bit of hope and encouragement to our Haitian family.
In some ways, I think, it would be more harmful not to go and help when we can.
Two- for me to return with the support of my family will be part of the processing. Only folks who have been through the same unique experiences can really understand and support each other.
No, my family wasn't on the first trip. But this trip we will experience as a family-it will bond us with one more unique experience. It will strengthen our family and faith. I'll see and experience things though the eyes of Cory, Eli and Anna-giving me a prospective that I don't yet have. They'll understand better what I experienced on the first trip. I expect to heal some on this trip.
Three-it is always hard to return to the USA on many levels. I honestly feel that it would be much harder for me now than it will be in the fall. I need time to process and heal here, at home. I think that the contrast of the two countries would only complicate things right now in my head. I need to remain with people who's lives changed Jan. 12th as mine did.
Four-please continue your prayers. Prayers for Haiti. Prayers for me. Prayers for our upcoming trip and our family. Yes, I've changed and am changing. This next trip will change our family. Join us in prayer. That we learn what the Lord has for us to learn. That we can be used by God.
1 comment:
I will be praying for you guys Kris.
Steve Edmondson
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