I spent a week among angels. I'm sure that's what they were, these beautiful creatures whose smiles imprint themselves in your mind forever. They weren't like the angels you see in movies or read about in scripture. These angles were not there to guide you. In fact, they would take you by the hand and walk wherever you wanted to go. These angels were not there to provide miracles. In fact, they Read more »

This is my Fourth journal entry from my trip to Haiti with A Home in Haiti (www.ahomeinhaiti.org)

Thursday, July 29

One of the highlights of this week has been the group that I am with. The fact that we are all strangers has created an amazing dynamic. I cannot recall a time when I have grown so close to a group of strangers in such a short time. We call ourselves the Courageous Group - named after the host church of the organization that brought us here - A Home in Haiti.

But courageous is only one word that describes this group. They could also be called people of action. If something needs to be done, several people jump in to do it. Whether it be carrying a lady to the eye doctor; cleaning in the Miriam center or moving furniture the group will not stand idle where there is a need.

Another word that describes this group is passionate. Perhaps that is what bonded us so quickly. Many of us are Christians and have a passion to make Christ known. All of us have a heart for the disadvantaged, poor and needy. This is the passion that brought us here; a passion which allowed us to believe in the vision of A Home in Haiti. A vision for the Miriam center in Boneau where disadvantaged children can have a place to bloom. A vision for empowering these children with their own special place - their own special home in Haiti.

And as much as I have been blown away by the opportunity that exists here, I have also been blown away by these crazy strangers whom I love.

This is my third journal entry from my trip to Haiti with A Home in Haiti (www.ahomeinhaiti.org)

Wednesday, July 28

Yesterday was another amazing day. Kristy and Katie went with a group to House of Hope, another organization taking care of children with disabilities. Me and the boys went to the construction site in Boneau. I am still amazed at how little my out-of-shape body can do. At times it is embarrassing, but the only thing to do is keep pushing one little shovel at a time. This week I have seen a lot of people doing what they can to change the world - one shovel at a time.

Learning to rely on god is exciting. Each time I ask and God provides it stirs something within me. We were designed for dependence on Him. This is the way it is supposed to work. And yet, I seem to only do it when I run out of other options. I want to learn to rely on Him for everything.

Here is my second journal entry from my recent trip to Haiti with A Home in Haiti (www.ahomeinhaiti.org)

Tuesday, July 27

Exhaustion. That is what I feel, mixed with amazement and sorrow. Amazement at how God can use us in small ways. Amazement at how well Hunter, Jaden and Katie have stepped up to this challenge. Amazement at how little I have to (or choose to) rely on God in my daily life.

Sorrow at the conditions people live in every day. Sorrow at how little help many people have. Sorrow that I cannot fix it. But I can’t labor on the sorrow. I must do what I can. Those who are making a difference are doing it one day and one life at a time. The mission here is taking what they have and serving.

As I walked the hill yesterday at the construction site I was amused at what I found. The lot that will become a center for handicapped children is littered with feces and flip flops. But that will soon give way to cement and blocks, hugs and smiles, needs met and changed lives.

Monday, July 26

It’s Monday (as best as I can tell) and the trip is already tiring. Yesterday was amazing. After landing in Port-Au-Prince we had to get through immigration and customs. Both went as usual, except the luggage was pure chaos.

We then piled into the back of this large truck to go to the smaller airport. Jason Woody and I had to sit on the back as a human tailgate. My arm was looped through a bar to keep me on and every time we hit a bump my arm would get smashed against the rail - painful! After the short plane ride (which showcased Haiti’s beautiful countryside) we once again climbed into the back of trucks for a 45-60 minute ride through several towns. The ride was amazing as we got to Read more »