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Most people tend to be introspective at this time of year. As we wrap up 2010 and look forward to the year ahead we find ourselves trying to figure out what we learned. We think we learned something, we're just not certain how well. We think we learned about patience and grace and God's faithfulness. We think we learned about trusting Him in times of pain and uncertainty. We seem to have learned that Jesus is enough. (But we're not terribly intelligent so we'll probably forget all of this.)
2010 began with Britt and Chris arriving in Haiti to visit us for the first time as a married couple. We spent six days enjoying them and showing them what life is like in Port au Prince. After they left Paige and I headed to Florida to run the Disney Marathon with friends and ministry partners. I returned to Haiti on January 11th; Paige returned after me at noon on the 12th. As you know, things took an unexpected turn late on the afternoon of the 12th of January.
The rest of the month of January is forever a vivid, colorful, heart-pounding memory.
Most of what was written in January and February was unedited and without a lot of worrying about offending someone. It was written from places of fatigue and grief. It was off the cuff and honest, and sometimes pretty dark.
Seeing hundreds of thousands of people dying, hurting, grieving, lost, confused, and afraid in the horrible aftermath will always be difficult to reflect upon and remember.
We can only imagine what those that waited on loved ones trapped in rubble must wrestle with and reconcile. We can only imagine the depth of grief of those that lost a close loved one.
Links to those messy weeks - Missionary, Wrestling, Counseling & Geology
In the months that followed we watched God weave His love and truth into our pain. We felt His healing hands at work as we examined our anger and hurts. We experienced His provision when hard things happened. We saw Him in unique ways as we drove long hours across the mid-west. He is the giver of hope. There was nothing simple about the 2010 but looking back His fingerprints are everywhere. Even in the last four weeks as Troy has been working through the grief of his brother's death - God had been faithful and steady and trustworthy. He has shown Himself to be enough.
As we leave this ordered country/state/city and return to the chaos of Port au Prince we continue to learn that He is enough. We have hope for healing - for Haiti and in our own messy lives.
We are believing our Father will mend this.
photo credit: Beth McHoul
7 comments:
And please do not forget how much you have GIVEN this year! To those in Haiti, but also to so many here in the U.S., Canada, & around the world; through your visits, blog, and speaking engagements. Through your open, honest, real communications, warts & all, you opened eyes, hearts, & minds. You have been a beacon for Christ, & an inspiration for all of us flawed sinners; you have been willing to share your fears, failings, triumphs, & faith. You will never know the full impact you have had, (but trust me) you have had a ginormous impact on innumerable lives. God Bless you T&T & your tribe!
Love you!
Paul & Judy
Praying for your precious family and the work that you continue to do for the people of haiti. Thank you so much for letting us come along for the ride. It is incredible and a daily challenge to me to live for Him.
May He continue to bless you and amaze you daily.
thankful, also, for you and your family, your faith (which is proved with your words and actions), for your sweet perspective and voice for haiti, justice, and missions (in general). i don't always get to "pop in" and catch up on "you," but i am always glad when i can!
much love to you and your beautiful family always,
amy
Wow. I think about what you guys have been through, been around, been in and I feel so trite for the things that consume my mind. I hope you know you are living through, have lived through some of THE hardest life events ever. And yet, your writings are saturated with hope (even if you may not feel it at times), faith, love and committment. You stayed in the center of the pain. You stayed. You got up in the morning and served others. That's pretty amazing.
Do you believe that with all that is going on there supposedly an underground tunnel highway that is supposed to travel from the U.S. to Haiti? http://www.i95u.com
Best wishes for safe and simple travels. Your family will be in my prayers as you transition back to Haiti.
Lorenda
I discovered you in the days following the earthquake, and have been reading you often ever since. What a incredible ministry God has given all of you! You were there at the right time. I am really looking forward to your 2011 Haiti posts, as you resume your tasks, and maybe start new projects. For all of us who for whatever reasons can't go along with you (but would like to), may you be our hands and feet over there. Your feet are beautiful! (spiritually speaking - I have never seen your feet!). Happy New Year! Bonne Année! Love in Christ, Michel in Canada.
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