How has Haiti changed me? I cannot fully answer this question, but here are some initial changes I have noticed.
1. I now have a brother. His name is Zick. His joy, faith, and artistic spirit has inspired me. We made each other smile. "Somebody call 911!"
2. My vocabulary has been influenced by the inside jokes from this trip (see #1). We took it to the berry farm every day in Haiti. I miss listening to French/Creole. I miss walking around the streets greeting people in French. If I greet you with "bonsoir," do not be surprised.
3. I learned to play soccer. Dorly gave me my first lesson, but Zick is my soccer coach. Why did I learn to play soccer? It was a way to connect with the kids. When in rum, do as the rummins do (courtesy of Adam McLane).
4. I felt God's presence. God is STRONG in Haiti! The people have an unshakable faith. When asking people for prayer requests, they almost always began by praising God for what they had. I have so much respect for the interpreters with whom I spoke. They all want to spread God's love and God's message. They are bold.
5. Haiti felt like home. It's incredible how living in a place for 5 days can feel like home.
6. So, what's next? I was asked what my vision was, what God's purpose in my life was. I will be praying for an answer. I will be praying to return to Haiti. I lived life with the Haitian people; for that, I am thankful.
[photo credit: Adam McLane]
Amen and amen. It's a magical place. Like you, my heart (and body) longs to return.
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