News

I am not really a news watcher.  Sometimes to my shame, as my students will occasionally come to school with questions or comments about current events that I've no knowledge of because I've failed to turn on the news or open a newspaper.  

It's not that I don't care about what's happening in the world, it's just that I find myself getting frustrated and cynical when I often hear news reports that sound sensationalized and smack more of soap opera than facts-based journalism.  

The recent events in Port au Prince seem to have fallen into the hands of worried, maybe well-meaning, folks who are keen to highlight the acts of violence and unrest rather than the countless acts of kindness, generosity, and hospitality occurring across the city.  It is frustrating to be here and feel like the news that is spread about this city is only the bad.  I know that it is tricky because the situation is complicated and changing, but reports of only the saddest and worst parts of a place and moment in time don't seem productive.  It doesn't build up this place or these people, it doesn't speak life and hope into these families and communities when the only news spread is negative.

And it is also frustrating to be waiting for news of what's yet to come.  Today the people of Port au Prince are waiting to see if roadblocks and manifestations will continue or if the normal rhythms of life will be restored.  So far, the news is positive - cars are driving up and down the roads in our area, planes are coming and going from the airport, the mechanic and builders next door are busy at work, and I see children playing soccer in the streets.

Just as the city is waiting for news, so too my family is waiting for news.  The results of my Mom's tests are meant to come in today.  Even as her body heals from recent surgery, we wait for the news that tells us the root of the trouble.  

I've been thinking a lot about news today.  And I've been praying.  Praying that the news on my lips and in my ears would be flavored by the Good News.  Whether it be the news of unrest in Haiti or news about my Mom's health, I'm praying for faith to hear all of these things through the megaphone of hope and peace in the Good News - the gospel - that God is with us and He is for us.

Yesterday when we went over to visit with the children from the Rev Home, Wilna, one of the older girls, was talking politics... This is another one of those topics that I'm generally fairly removed from.  In my heart I know that as Christians, as those who hold onto Good News, we need to be engaged in the government systems of this world.  

As we talked about things in Haiti, Wilna asked, "What would you do to fix a country?"  It was a big, broad, general question that honestly left me speechless.  My response was a shake of the head and a shrug of the shoulders.  It was really no response at all.  I've been thinking about it since Wilna asked and I think the answer is this - I would, should, and can even now, speak Good News into this country and into my own country.  I'm not sure what news will flash across your TV screen or social media feed next, but I'm praying that it would be taken in and shared out ringing with the melody of the Good News that we hold to, and sometimes desperately cling to.

Many thanks for following along with me on this summer in Haiti which has twists and turns that I didn't anticipate, but are absolutely not news to our good and faithful God!  
Much love in Him, Jessie

P.S.  Here are a few shots of times spent with kids from the Rev Home lately, because somehow just seeing their smiling faces and knowing they are growing up so well can make the burden of any news feel lighter...

Sweet Magdala - she's growing up so beautifully!  

We made a chain of paper cranes together 

and I loved every minute of it!

The boys watching Minions... I couldn't help but think that this crew of little rascals have a fair amount in common with the silly, trouble-making minions ;)