Reflections

So I've had a little time now to adjust to being back in the states.  I still have an ache in my heart as I think of a whole year without seeing the amazing friends I made in Haiti.  I so miss walking out the door in the morning and being tackled by a giggling Rosemika and Ivona, or having James or Woobens ask when we can start tutoring.  I recognize that these connections the Lord has made will certainly last for a long time.  I'm praying for direction about next summer and how I can be used again in Haiti. 


As for reflections on the trip, I still don't know if a quick paragraph on a blog would be sufficient to express the thoughts and emotions from this past month.  While I was in Haiti I was reading the Heidelberg Catechism, a confession of faith that is used by my home church.  Each day this confession asks a question about some aspect of the Christian faith.  There was one day that I kept coming back to when I was in Haiti, and I think it may be the best and most brief summary of my thoughts about this experience...

What do you understand by the providence of God?

Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand,

heaven

and earth

and all creatures

and so rules them that,

leaf and blade,

rain and drought,

fruitful and lean years,

food and drink,

health and sickness,

prosperity and poverty-

all things, in fact, come to us

not by chance

but from his fatherly hand.

-Lord's Day 10, Question 27, Heidelberg Catechism

I don't know if I can live each moment of each day with faith that our loving God does indeed give us all things (both those that we perceive as good and bad) from his fatherly hand, but this summer has certainly made this truth a more present reality in my heart and mind.  I am so thankful for this experience and for those of you who supported me with words of encouragement and faithful prayers.  I'm hopeful that this is only a brief pause in the commentary about interactions with Haiti, and sometime soon the words and thoughts will again flow.  Until then...  Love in Christ, Jessie

Travel

It has been almost 3 days since I climbed in the truck to head to the airport at Port Au Prince.  After many special detours and delays, I finally arrived home to New Hampshire this evening.  In the many hours of waiting in the various airports I have had time to think and reflect on my experiences over the past month.  I am amazed at how God has used this experience to teach me and remind me of some of the essentials of the life of faith that I had previously pushed aside.  I'm still trying to find a way to put into words the invaluable shift that this trip has brought in my heart and mind, so for now I'm letting you know that I've arrived safely at home and will be sure to make one more post shortly to share my reflections.  Maybe with a little bit of sleep and some time to think in the quiet of rural New Hampshire I'll be able to put into words all that I am feeling and thinking.  Thank you for your care and support during this journey!  Love in Christ, Jessie