Day 7 - The Last Day...for now

I can't believe that this is our last day in Haiti for this trip. I can't help but wonder what it will be like for the first-timers when they get back to the US. It has been hard for me transition back to my regular life after both of my previous visits and I don't expect this one to be any different. I pray that each person on our team returns home with Haiti in their hearts, with serving God on the mission field in their hearts. May they never forget what they have seen and experienced. Last night a few members of our team sat down and wrote out a long list of things they will never again take for granted. This has been a rough week, working alongside people we did not know, being stuck together 24 hours a day for 7 days, withstanding the heat and the dust, struggling to communicate with most adults and children due to language barriers, dealing with last minute changes to plans, and having to sometimes wait around for the next opportunity to go serve. If anything, you must be flexible in Haiti. Nothing happens on time, everyone is always late, and the vehicles do break down - almost daily. But in the face of all of these challenges, you see God here. When you sit down with a group of earthquake orphans who have lost both parents but have a greater joy than we can imagine you immediately recognize where that joy comes from. It can only be God. After breakfast this morning we split into three groups and went to three churches. Morning services were wonderful!! I got to speak with a group of 10 ladies after the service to discuss the women's ministry. It was a good meeting. We discussed what the next steps are for getting the structure of the organization in place and talked about holding Christian counseling training the next time I come to Haiti. When my group got back in the trucks and started to leave, we quickly realized one had a flat tire. So everyone got out, they fixed it, and we were headed back to the guest house. After we got back we were told that Pastor Sanousse was coming to take us back to play with the kids at his orphanage, but with carnival traffic, etc he was not able to get here in time. Joe and Mark talked to me about something they saw today that would really move the women's ministry forward! I am super excited about the possibility, but want to pray about it for a while before I jump into it. If this piece moves into place I will be coming to Haiti more often than twice a year. But what an amazing opportunity!!!! Please be in prayer that I will clearly see what God wants done in this ministry, and that I will be open to listening to whatever it is! We sat down this evening for our last Haitian dinner of the trip. I am certainly going to miss the food! After dinner we gathered together for our own private service. All 19 of us took turns talking about what stands out the most for us from the week here in Haiti. Many responses were given. Many spoke of the orphans we visited, and how they would run to you as soon as you walked through the door, all with big smiles on their faces. How they have nothing but are so very happy. Many talked about the revival services this week and how strongly you could feel God's spirit in the churches here. One of the churches, started by Joe Mobley's ministry, was celebrating it's 25th year of service this weekend. Someone mentioned that in the service at that church this morning where hundreds were gathered she was reminded that it started with one person who was willing to do what God led him to do. God can use each of us in unimaginable ways if we would just surrender and let Him have the control. I am very thankful for the opportunity to come back to Haiti. I have fallen in love with this country, as I believe a few others on our team have. Tomorrow morning we leave the guest house at 7 am to travel to the airport. Please pray for safe travels. It will be a long day for our team, as we arrive in Cincinnati at 9 pm tomorrow night. Have a great Monday! God bless!!!