My First Week Back in Haiti

It’s hard to put in to words what it means to me to be back in Haiti. I’ve gone through almost every emotion possible since the quake. As my return grew near I was filled apprehension. Living in America is so comfortable. I slipped into a good rhythm of speaking at churches and entertaining myself. A return to Haiti meant hardship and –God forbid—work. Also telling people that I was returning is always difficult because they try to fill you with fear. They always talk about crime or natural disasters or the most horrid things their minds can conjure. I don’t understand why. So, I took a deep breath and said I serve the same God that Moses, David and Nehemiah served and still serve. And what happened upon my return? All my apprehension was washed away in a wave of joy. The Lord is so kind and so loving. I can’t believe his provision and his protection. But even if he didn’t provide or protect I still must serve him.

I’m living with a nice family in Tabarre near the church. I don’t have enough money to pay them rent so I would ask that you all pray for them and ask the Lord to bless them for opening their home to me. As Mdm. Maxis returned to the States she charged me with sharing the Gospel to her family that lives at the house. Of course I agreed. Please pray especially for Jessica, Karin and Ezekiel. They are three young people that work at the house and go the church. I’m becoming good friends with all of them as usual they want to learn English so I’m helping them.

I don’t have regular Internet but honestly I don’t miss it. I have so much to do each day that I wouldn’t have time to fool with it anyway. Brisenault’s brother-in-law, Josue, is helping me by walking with me around town and teaching about the culture as well as how the city works. I’ve learned a lot of Creole simply because I need to. But I need more. I found my filmmaker friend, Roodly, living in a tent city not far from where I live. We talked and he wants to make a movie since I brought my equipment down. Should be a great experience if we can pull it off.

Next week I’ll leave the city and teach English for two week at Christianville University. It’s located in a city called Leogane which was the epicenter of the earthquake. I’ll be staying in a tent while I’m there. I’m really excited I’ll also be preaching at the church there as well.

I’m still working out when I’ll start teaching at the church. Most likely it will be when I return from Leogane. I’ve become involved with the youth group at the church and I’m making a lot of new friends. Please continue to pray for me and this little church in Haiti.