The first thing I learned was the "language of honking." As we traveled from Port Au Prince to Jacmel, honking communicated everything from "Watch out" to "I'm coming through" to "Hello!"
Not that I was doing any communicating. In Port Au Prince, I was too overwhelmed to say anything. Then, as we bumped and swerved our way through the mountains, my only thought was "Do.not.look.down."
My friend sitting next to me said, "I never feel more aware that I am in God's hands than when I make this trip through the mountains." Those words allowed me to take the first full, deep, calming breath since our arrival.
I will write and write and write about all of the experiences that are flooding over me. While power and internet access are unpredictable, and my words can never convey what I am seeing, I will leave you with a view from my lens.
This was our first night in Haiti. Our first walk.
I am so excited for you over there. The joy on those kids' faces...you do that.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. I tried to prepare myself for the poverty and pain- I was most surprised by the overwhelming joy. It was humbling, to say the least.
DeleteCannot WAIT to hear about your experiences! I know it will be life changing. My best friend and her husband went over there and did prothetic work in a clinic---giving people new legs and feet. She said that it was probably the most life-altering experience she ever had. And I know she left a big chunk of her heart there. Praying for you and your team!
ReplyDeleteIt was life changing, indeed. I also felt like I left a chunk of my heart in Haiti. Thank you.
DeleteSounds like a life-changing first day! Great photos, beautiful children. Can't wait to see the next installment!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I can't wait to assault you with all of the photos and stories.
DeleteWhat beautiful children.
ReplyDeleteYup, they were so beautiful, joyful and loving. Thanks, Ninja.
DeleteI can't wait to hear all the details. Stay safe and spread joy. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to bring some joy to Haiti and instead, they overwhelmed me with their joy and laughter.
DeleteI'd like to buy the world a home and furnish it with love.... I don't know why I just thought of that song, but I can't wait to see more pictures and beautiful, smiling children! Be well, be safe!
ReplyDeleteOh, Frugie. I read your comment while I was there and I couldn't get the song out of my head. Big love and thanks to you.
DeleteWhat an awesome thing you are doing! I admire you so much. Thanks for sharing the pictures, and like everyone else, I can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. It was an amazing experience to say the least.
DeleteThanks for the images. What a richness of joy and faith! Seems like you could spend months there and not be able to give more than you take away. Keep trying!
ReplyDeleteWe all were so grateful for your loving and supportive comments! Thank you, Sandy!
DeleteGreat photos. I am imagining the wonderful, rich experiences you're having. My wish for you is to enjoy the love, the joy, the humility of this trip.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of your love and support, Bev!
DeleteI'm so happy to have a peek inside of your journey!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I loved reading your comments while we were there!
DeleteWhat an awesome experience! My sister in law and nephew swam the Alcatraz Swim to raise money for a medical clinic at an orphanage (Project Espwa) in Haiti several years ago. They've been twice and I would love to go too if they return. The smiles on the children's faces gets me every time!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome. Keep me posted if you go or if you need contacts! Thanks, Gina!
DeleteHow amazing, I'm sure this is a life-changing experience, so glad you are doing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jessica. It was life changing, indeed.
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