Sixteen Words

In the heart of Haiti. A team of sixteen. Traveling together. Eight days. Many missions. Orphanages. Schools. Water truck stops. Hospital for sick and dying babies. Three translators. Return volunteers. Newbies. Field snacks. Tap Tap truck. Hand-washed laundry. Long time friendships. First time friendships. Families. One word.

Each night we gather after a full day of service and a family-style meal to share a word that describes our day. One word. In a day that holds thousands of messages, hundreds of exchanges, several glances and many hugs--how do we choose just one? How do we sum up a day so different than our time back home? How does one word suffice? How can one word explain what we see and hear and feel?

Trust
Laughter
Scarcity
Connection
Unexpected
Challenge
Epiphany
Assertive
Vibrant
Observe
Protector
Learning
Remember
Moment
Love
Hope

Then somehow it happens. One word changes the room. Sixteen people sharing sixteen stories wrapped into a single word and the room becomes home. A safe and sound place like meeting up with an old friend, one you haven't seen for awhile yet pick up right where you left off.

Somehow one word works. One word not only summarizes, but fills in all of the details. One word holds all the emotion, all the visuals, all the hurts and hopes we have for this new home we have found in Haiti.

Jennifer Silvera Lindemer