It is late and the team is now resting, they worked very hard today at the BEM/HELO orphanage. We saw about 225 people! It was such a joy and privilege to serve these precious children as well as the people from Camp Perrin and Labord.
Today we have two new perspectives from two vets. The first is my medical co-leader for this trip, Marla Darius, and the other is our beloved Susan Honeychurch.
I first met Pastor Lubin in the Dominican Republic in 2007. HE is such an amazing man. Enthusiastic, smiling, and a hearty laugh. Meeting his brother Pastor John in Haiti 6 months later was like a duplicate of the energy I knew so well. I've grown to love these men in Christ and tell them so often. Not to be outdone, each time I say "Pastor John, I love you" he smiles broadly, illuminating the room and he says warmly, "I love you more" (with his beautiful Haitian accent).
Since arriving in Haiti on this trip, we have cared for those displaced from Port-au-Prince. They are living in tents in Les Cayes, those recovering from unimaginable physical and emotional losses. Those who live there need clean water, healthy food, and they look forward to our visit.
They greet us warmly and eagerly at each clinic. I was reflecting on the above as I was in Church Sunday morning. I enjoyed the spirit of praise and worship though I don't understand no more than a few words. I was blessed by the energy of the sermon and teaching.
When I was given the opportunity to share with the congregation, I found myself all choked up. Pastor John had just been speaking, telling the congregation how much he loves us, I said "we love you more". In that moment I saw the love of Christ. Christ's love for me, His passion for me and His interest in me. I began to weep, tears dripping off my face. I thought of all the lives lost in Port-au-Prince, all the hurting souls we treated in Brefette and the soccer field, thought of all the fresh pains being experienced by the man who lost his son just the day before in the swirling flood waters, and yet in the midst of all this pain, trauma and heartache these people smile at me, and love and praise their Lord on high. It was too much for me, I could only weep.
My thoughts swirling like the waters. I'd watched all day tears for the lost, pain and suffering, I'd see and heard tears of joy for the mom who brought her chubby 5 month old to us for care. Tears of frustration for all these things sweet people endure day after day. On the other hand, there were tears of thanksgiving for our God is so great. He loves us, each one, and He never leaves us.
I came here hoping to be the light of Christ to others, but I found that the people here being the light of Christ to me.
Thank you for sending me to Haiti, thank you for allowing me to be your hands and feet. I know you sent me because you love me, and all I can say to you is "I love you more".
In one ear I hear the gentle breaking of waves over Gelee Beach, from the other ear I hear the desperate pleas of the people in Brefette as they fear time will run out on their opportunity to receive meds from our small team, who cannot spread ourselves thin enough to see to all in need.
On one late morning, my foot taps in rythm to the praises that spring forth from the Christians singing glorious praise songs in the church of Les Cayes. On the previous morning I watch in horror as the feet of the local Haitians of Les Cayes flee their homes during a strong tropical storm. Our eyes take in the destruction of the city of Port-au-Prince - building crumbled and a sheet or two help up with sticks for shelter in the street. The other eye sees a table overflowing with medicine, an airplane coming to Les Cayes, filled with medical supplies to be delivered to the hospital in Les Cayes.
I thank God for this opportunity to serve in this wonderful land. My heart beats along with the hearts of my Haitian brothers and sisters as togther we follow our Lord. Praise God, as moment by moment He leads us.
These are the stories our team is experiencing daily, they are not something someone else is telling us, these stories are now part of our lives. In-spite of it all, we can see the hands of God at work in our lives and He is very much in control. We experienced the love of a staff taking care of precious children at HELO, we saw children that would not have a loving home if HELO wasn't there. We would like to encourage the sponsors of these orphans by saying, because you sow into the lives of these children, Haiti now has the chance to be a better place. HELO is preparing good future leaders for Haiti and YOU are playing a major part in that! Thank you for your support. You've made Elisabeth's vision clearer each and every day.
Our last medical clinic will be held at the school of Les Cayes. We are expecting many needs so please pray for our strength as we serve the people of God in Haiti.
With the BEM medical team in Haiti - Your servant,
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