From Hostility to Hospitality

This is the last evening in Haiti for our team and although we have missed our families in the States, we are sadly leaving our new extended family in Haiti.  Many lessons have been learned by this group.  As the week has progressed this team has daily changed from reserved timidness when we first rode together from London KY to the Cincinatti International Airport,  to an amazing oneness.  We have moved from a state of "I'm not sure about you," to a state of "You are unique, and I accept you without judgement."  We have learned that partly from a very hospitable group of people.  At first, they too had some reservations about us, but tonight we can all say it has been good to be with each other and we are individually better because of the true spirit of biblical hospitality. 

Tonight we shared as a team, and with our amazing team coordinator Sol, and our lovely new Haitian friend Helen, three things - our highlight of the trip, our most emotional moment during the trip, and objective ideas on how we might be better as a team and as an organization, going from good to great.  Some team members shared about a particular child, a particular moment at an orphanage or school, feeding children,  a moment when a pregnant mother saw her baby sucking it's thumb on an ultrasound, or meeting a child that they have been sponsoring.  There were tears, much laughter, praise, and singing.  Tonight we are packing, leaving behind things that others might use like shoes, clothes, tools, etc., and taking with us small handmade items, banana baskets, and Haitian coffee. More than anything we will take imprinted images that will never be forgotten, and memories that will last a lifetime. 

As I end, a gentle rain is falling once again outside making for a wonderful way to fall asleep in our heavenly Father's arms.  A soft breeze is blowing and the sounds from the village are quickly fading as we listen to the lullaby our Great God is orchestrating.  Good night from Haiti.