It's maybe a coincidence that I haven't blogged since I've been home from my last trip to Haiti and this post is kinda about Haiti. Maybe it's taken this long to process it. Or maybe I just need to get it out of my head.
It's the 4th of July and I'm holed up in my room. I'm a little jumpy this year. A little anxious. Lots of things are being blown up and set on fire and popping outside. As the day has gone on, it's getting tougher to pretend it doesn't bother me. It's not as enjoyable this year.
On the Wednesday evening of my last visit to Haiti in April, our group witnessed a shooting near our guesthouse. It was terrifying, traumatic and obviously, not something I'm "over." The good news is we were safe, cared for, and protected that evening. Nothing about how I feel about Haiti has changed. It has never been safe and probably never will be. We all knew that going in and were unfortunately reminded of that, firsthand, on this particular trip.
What has me thinking today is how many people live with this kind of reality. The level of my anxiety is mild, I'm sure, and I will most likely be ok in a few days when all the firecrackers have been used up. Firecrackers sounds just like gunfire. I think about all the military who suffer from PTSD. How many of them dread this day? The constant popping. Or those who have witnessed some kind of gun violence? How do they deal with today? Or the ones who live in neighborhoods where the popping is heard often and it's not from fireworks?
I'll make it through today, but I can't help the memories flashing or the heart racing that happens when those firecrackers go off and this is from just one incident. How much more do others have to carry?
Monday, July 4, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
A week in pictures.
Together in Haiti for the first of hopefully, many times!
Haiti is better with friends like her.
I spent Sunday with my friend Nadine and her sweet family. Her little boys are just the sweetest!
And Silliest! :-)
Prestige. Every. day.
Rosie girl. She is so special.
Litte Nadia!
The view from Coracess, a new preaching station for the Lutheran Church in Haiti.
A temporary building, but beautiful none-the-less.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jean better this trip! He is super computer savvy and has the best smile!
I can't really explain the joy that is Roby. He says we are friends who became family and it's so very true.
Earthquake memorial over a mass grave site.
Haunting.
Annie!!
Divine Kids! So sweet!
Pinata time!
Filling rice and bean bags.
Lookout Point with a few of my favorite people!
Dear Pierre.
My beautiful momma enjoying a drink after working at Lophane's house!
Gin and Tonic in Haiti? Yes, please!
Farkle Fun!
Gertrude!
The view from Lophane's second floor
No Bull in Haiti. My camo shoes blended right in!
Rooftop resting in the sun.
Apparent Project for a little R&R
A picture of the boys taking selfies :-)
Coffee lover.
The view from Apparent Project. My new favorite hangout in Haiti!
These are just everywhere! I want them, but I can't keep plants live so I just took a pretty picture instead.
My momma
Nadia looked so cute this day1
Christine!
Lillivois
These two could not be any cuter! The view from the top of an abandoned orphanage was stunning!
More of my favorite people
Pierre's dad's music school.
Croix des Bouquet metal market. So amazing what they can do!
This little guy's toy was so creative!
More farkle. Pay no attention to the man in the salmon colored tank ;-)
The Brad and Angelina of Haiti. Ha! Love these two!
The drive to Roby's was UP!
The view from his home site!
Lots and lots of cinder blocks were moved. 150, I believe!
Walls going up at Roby's
Lots of neighbor kids came out to watch a bunch of American's haul blocks and cement!
Roby's brother and cousin.
"The Boys"
Leonard. I have so much love and respect for this man. He carries the weight of many heartaches and pain, but his love for Christ remains the most evident thing about him.
Pierre and Jean heading out!
I bought a lot of things this trip and this bag was the only thing that would hold my larger purchase!
Mejenge doing her English homework. I only helped a little!
Beautiful girl!
Packed up and heading to the airport!
Haiti is always hard to leave.
We had what was suppose to be 9 hours in Miami and turned into 11, but we made the most of it! Seafood and South Beach! I don't know why I don't live by the ocean.
There are a thousand more pictures that were taken by the group, and a thousand stories that could be told.
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