Obstacles

When the earthquake struck Haiti in January, 2010, the building that the Christian Light Ministry orphanage and school was located in was damaged to the point that it was no longer liveable.    The physical loss was compounded by the loss of one of the young boys who was killed in the collapsing house.  His brothers and mother (who works as a cook and lives on the property) are amazing examples of the peace that comes from Christ alone. 

Since that time, it seems like one obstacle after another has faced the mission in their efforts to rebuild.  The system in Haiti is slow (what Beverly calls "island time").  They have been waiting for a shipping container that has been sitting in port since May that is full of school supplies, playground equipment, and other essentials for a safe and comfortable home for the children.  Although the efforts to rebuild have been slowed down by inefficiency, there are signs of great progess.  After the earthquake they purchased a property on the same street as the first building and have put up an impressive structure in a limited amount of time with less than organized help (random American mission trips and unreliable Haitian workers). 

Today, we were confronted with our own obstacle, that is, our own obstacle course.  Below you will see pictures of some of the big boys, Franciscot, Marc, and Tcharly, helping Sherrie and Beverly to take down the questionable workmenship of the Haitians who are working on the facade of the building.  Different times in the past few days we have been shut out of our bedrooms and  classrooms by their unorganized work.  Today we would take a deep breath and climb akwardly through the scaffolding to get to the red metal doors so we could access our supplies and our rooms.  Thankfully these physical barriers are temporary as the structure is steadily getting closer to completion. 

Although the physical barriers may come to an end one day in the near future, the cultural and political obstacles that hinder the growth and development of Haiti seem much more complicated.  Things which just seem like common sense to me are complicated here by a system tainted by a long, troubled history.  Although a peaceful and prosperous Haiti doesn't seem like something that will come quickly, I can see a Haiti filled with hope based on the love of Christ as a daily reality.  For people who  experience obstacles to complete daily tasks (find food and water, provide shelter for their families, and clothe and educate their children), many Haitians find peace and joy in Christ.  What a wonderful reminder as we face our own daily obstacles! 

Tonight Beverly and I were sitting down in the courtyard with the kids before devotions.  Beverly was playing pattycake with Misline and I found myself surrounded by the babies (the kids too young to go to school).  Magdala (age 4) was sitting with me singing, "Jesus Loves Me This I Know" at the top of her lungs.  Her little giggles were contagious and before long I was laughing hysterically along with this sweet little orphan child.  She was brought here a year ago, near death from malnourishment.  At age three, she was wearing infant-sized clothing.  Today she is full of sunshine- always smiling and always playing!  What a testimony to the power of God to transform lives faced with even the greatest of obstacles!  Thank you for your kinds words of encouragement and for following along on this journey with me!  Love in Christ, Jessie