Legacy

As we wind down our time  in Haiti, I am delighted to watch our team bond together in support and love.  This afternoon we picked up boys from our neighborhood in the tap tap and took them to a nearby field to play soccer.  There were 40 sweaty bodies jammed together in an exceedingly hot space, and the team took it as an opportunity to experience what daily transportation is like for many Haitians and were grateful for the chance of solidarity.  As the whole bunch of us sang worship songs together and praised God in that small space in that moment in time, it was truly a beautiful thing.

At night we spend time together as a group processing and re-living our day.  One team member commented tonight that our experience this week is unique, God managed, and will never be exactly the same for anyone else who comes to Haiti.  I can't wait to see how they will continue to grow and serve now that Haiti has so deeply touched their hearts and settled deep into their minds. 

Our team loves to sing and we've perfected quite a few songs over the week; some with lyrics bent to fit our experiences in Haiti.  We start each morning enthusiastically practicing our repertoire in the tap tap.  Today when we visited an orphanage the children performed welcoming songs for us.  What a fantastic turn of events when we told the children that we had also prepared songs for them.  The smiles on their faces were priceless.

We also visited a mass grave site today where tens of thousands of Haitians were buried en masse after the devastating 2010 earthquake.   It was a time to reflect on the horrific loss of life that day, but also to marvel at how far Haiti has come since that tragic day.

Nearly two years ago I delivered a eulogy at Fr. Reiser's funeral.  Tonight I shared that eulogy with this team.  They are helping all of us carry on his legacy of servitude, kindness, keeping a positive attitude, and loving our Lord.  I am deeply touched by their willingness to keep this excellent legacy alive.

Peace,

Joyce