Sept. 11 - Reflections

September 11, a day people remember where they were 7 years ago. My family also remembers 10 years ago and 2 years ago.

Ten years ago on the 11th of September Cory, Elijah and I traveled to LaGonave having just moved to Haiti. Looking back I would not have willing gone though all the experiences that we have had in the last 10 years but I can see how most of them have helped me grow in faith.

Seven years ago we were shocked with the rest of the world with the horror of the terrorist attacks on the USA. We were on LaGonave and for the first time in our lives effectively locked out of our birth country. Our American passports, normally a passageway into America, would not of worked should we have attempted to return to the USA. A scary time. A time to turn to God.

Two years ago I left Cory, Eli and Anna on LaGonave as I flew on the MAF plane to return to Michigan for my grandfather's funeral. I remembered how he and Grandma were with my family on our first trip to Haiti over 33 years before. I remembered other trips when he came to bless the people with his laughter and carpentry skills.

Each of these times were hard and accompanied with tears. With change comes pain. But growth doesn't happen without change or pain. I am not the person I was 10, 7, or 2 years ago. Thankfully with the Lord's grace I think I've learned some lessons. I have a better perspective on life. "God is still working on me" And I'm thankful that He is always near.