How can I possibly begin to put down into words what I have seen and experienced today? It seems so hard since I have traveled into Port au Prince more today and since I have been incredibly reflective today. I will simply try to gather my thoughts into short stories rather than ponder on end about my day.
⓵ This morning shortly before I awoke God gave me a vision. He showed me someone who was kidnapped here in Haiti being rescued and set free. I did not see a face but know this was what was happening. This vision seemed to last 10 seconds but was profound.
In reality, kidnapping happens in Haiti all the time. People here are very hungry, many are out of work, and few are literate. Though wrong, kidnapping is a way of survival when it provides ransom money for dinner. For me personally, I know that I needed to share the vision with my team so that we would pray. Just as many people need to be rescued physically, the need to be rescued spiritually abounds. There is much darkness globally.
⓶ One of our teammates is named Bill. He has been down here many times. Just this past Saturday, a very close Haitian friend, who is a pastor-evangelist here, died of liver problems. He leaves behind a wife, eight kids, and a ninth born yesterday who was born prematurely and died shortly afterwards. His youngest, Bill was told, wouldn’t have died had the hospital simply been equipped with the tools to help premies. This too is common in Haiti. :(
⓷ While riding in our bus today, I realized that I didn’t feel like I was in a foreign country. I actually felt very much at home despite this probably being the most dangerous place I’ve been to YET. That feeling of “home” stayed with me throughout the day. I could see myself living here long-term, and that makes me feel good.
The other effect of being “at home” in Haiti is that it all the more verifies my identity in Christ. Simply put, today I was reminded that God has called me to GO and share His Gospel as a missionary particularly in places like Haiti, the dangerous, dirty, run-down places. I am not made for America, but for however long God places me there I will continue to be His missionary.
Today I am assured that if I should ever be given the truly wonderful gift of a husband that I can settle for nothing less than a Christian gentleman who is deeply called to missions. I do not think I could be content or obedient otherwise. So husband, wherever you are, know that I prayed for you today.
⓸ Americans are so selfish. Many think of nothing more than themselves and their family. What is up with that narcism? I think a lot of it stems from ignorance and sin.
Here in Haiti if people have food they share it with their family (which are usually very large say 8-10 people) and their neighbors. Haitians that are in America work not only for themselves but also to send money back to folks here. And those that have made it really big such as Wyclef Jean do even more. He has set up Yele Haiti Foundation which helps his home country.
Personally, I was very challenged to continue to be unmaterialistic and to continue to give to others. I must also help to share my stories and continue to travel and learn so as not to be ignorant. Above all, I must continue to share the Gospel so that light can shine into hearts filled with sin.
⓹ Haitians are inspirational people. They have joy and contentment with few material possessions. They share food and money with family and neighbors. They smile and are happy. To me, they are an incredibly rich people because they have learned to find contentment not in stuff but in helping others, sharing, and living simply.
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