I've reached a point in which I've become comfortable with my routine (more or less...). I've re-adjusted to life in the States. I feel like a drone.
How do I preserve my experience in Haiti? One option is remembering the faith I learned and witnessed there. This task is enough to keep me busy, but it is not enough. Perhaps it should be sufficient.
I do not have trip #2 planned. I have not returned to the Haitian church service. I owe Wilbert an e-mail. He asked for creation pictures; I have none to offer.
I feel disconnected from Haiti. Perhaps ordering pictures and scrapbooking would help. I could create a personal, spiritual reminder of my trip. Plus, I've wanted to sift through my blog posts and create an overview letter to send out (most likely at Christmas time).
I will be making a Haitian dish for a church potluck, so that is a nice reminder.
Feeling disconnected--perhaps it has nothing to do with Haiti. Perhaps, I am feeling disconnected with God. I still feel like there's something more I should be doing for my Haitian brothers and sisters.
Is this what happens after a mission trip? Life returns to normal? I don't think I can accept that.
Is this what happens on a mission trip? Absolutely. You do eventually return to "normal." The hope is that you've been changed in some way for a lifetime. For me, I've been trying to figure out what/if I have a long-term strategy for Haiti of if 2 trips was it? Also, what can I learn from the Haitian church about my walk with Jesus here?
ReplyDeleteIf I don't know the answers for myself, I certainly don't know the answers for you! But just know that you aren't crazy to want something big and significant out of the experience. Maybe its going back? Maybe it isn't?
The phrase that haunts me, and something I heard so often that it was easy to ignore, "Don't forget us." I can't even contemplate what it is like to grow up with mission team after mission team coming down and never returning. I'm working that out... what does that mean for me?
Great questions. Praying for both of you.
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