Tonight we had a missionary from Papua New Guinea, Lain, come and debrief with us about Haiti. We all shared our experiences, shed a few tears and had many laughs. It was great to hear from someone who's had 17 years on the field!
But I thought that I'd finally get honest on my blog. And you know what, Haiti has been a tough time for me. I've gone through a truckload of culture shock over the past 3 weeks. I'm used to 1 1/2 hour church services, and most services in Haiti go for 3. I'm used to my Mum's cooking, and for 3 weeks I've been eating beans, rice, chicken and plantane. I'm used to my own bed and room, and for 3 weeks we've been going from sharing a bedroom with 3 girls, to sharing mattresses on a classroom floor with 8. I'm used to being ignored as I walk down the street, but for 3 weeks I've had people (especially children) screaming "Blanc!" (meaning white) everywhere I go.
Although it's been hard for me to adjust to Haiti, it really is a beautiful country. The people love God with all they are, and served us with all of their hearts. We came to bless but were blessed in return. The people are joyful and resilient - nothing like what the news has told you. Yes, the earthquake was devastating. Yes, I saw poverty in Haiti. Yes, there are hungry people - Many still live in tents that were given by aid organisations. I'm confused about what this means to me. Perhaps the hurt will come later. But Haiti lives on, especially in my heart.
One thing that comes to mind through all of this is the song 'Albertine', by Brooke Fraser. She wrote the song after a little girl she met on a trip to Rwanda, where she was deeply moved by what she saw. One line of the song says, "Now that I have seen, I am responsible, faith without deeds is dead."
Faith without deeds is dead.
Wow, girl - I got goosebumps reading this post. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteHonesty is an amazing thing. Only this week I've been wondering how you're going - how you're REALLY going. Thinking about how I am living in community life at the Canberra YWAM base, and what that means for me - and then thinking about you and travelling with people from every region in the world, in a foreign country. I have my own bedroom and have to share bathrooms and kitchens and all of those things - but compared with your adventure, this is minimal. So know that you are in my prayers, dear girl. Even if you don't always share those struggles on the blog, make sure you're honest with yourself. Don't push those feelings down, but work through them. You're gona grow SO MUCH through this time! - In fact, I'm sure you already have!
You're a true inspiration, dear friend. Loving you lots!!
Rach xoxoxoxoxo :)
You are in inspiration to girls around the world for sure. I mean not to many people have done what you are doing but it is refreshing to see that you are. In addition to your culture shock I understand completely when arriving to Panama it was not easy but after learning some of the language, eating with others ,and laughing a bit it seemed almost like home even though it was not. I would say God has a plan and a season for everything and the more you see the more you will understand. However I hope that you see the growth in the future and God's people serving as you are mentioning with Romans 12:7 amen. God be with you always and keep you encouraged to fight the good fight and run the race with your faith in Jesus name I and all believers always pray amen!
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