Thinking about Haiti

One year ago I was preparing to embark on a journey to help the people of Haiti. I expected it to be difficult but I tried to limit my expectations, knowing that they'd most likely be an underrepresentation of what I was about to experience. What I didn't necessarily expect was that I would be surprised and sometimes shocked, moved and reminded, challenged beyond my limits, emotionally and spiritually crushed and then rebuilt, encouraged, and changed.

I was surprised by the Haitian spirit and shocked by the devastation that occurred - no pictures or news coverage told the true story of how bad the situation truly was, leaving it impossible to prepare for what we saw and endured. But daily, I was moved by the stark contrast of their spirit and their circumstance. Their smiles did not show any sign of weakness, doubt, or fear. Rather, they displayed strength, hope and faith that they'd not just survive, but rebuild and flourish. I was reminded that despite the doubt that is illuminated at our lowest points, God does not abandon. The three hour Haitian service that I attended was a distinct reminder of that. I was challenged beyond what I believed I was capable of. Getting on a plane and heading to one of the poorest countries in the world, completely on my own was challenge enough. But getting there and trying to make any sort of meaningful difference was the mental challenge that I needed to overcome. I really can't explain how incredible the Haitian people are - you need to experience it firsthand to have a genuine appreciation and understanding of it but you might be able to see it in some of the pictures that captured their spirit. The times when I felt most alone, overwhelmed and defeated were the times that the people themselves and their children rebuilt all hope that together, we were all going to make the situation better.  It was encouraging to be reminded that we can accomplish so much more if we come together. We came together from places all around the world - with language and cultural barriers - and worked together seamlessly. 

My day-to-day memories that I carry with me, the friends that I have scattered across the world, the Haitian flag I have standing on my desk, and the pictures I have displayed in every room of my home are the constant reminders of the hope that exists in places that we once considered hopeless. These smiles are the reminders that I was changed by my time there. And now that a year has passed, I can see and accept some of the changes that have settled in nicely.  


Here's to remembering that life beyond our individual bubbles exist - that the grass is always greener on the other side, despite our grass being pretty beautiful - that if we put aside our differences, we can come together to accomplish things that will make a bigger difference - that when we feel hopeless, we can turn to God to remind us that we have reason to be hopeful - that Haiti is still struggling and there are people all around the world that need our help - and that with a positive attitude, life is so much sweeter.