Four Walls and Freedom

I arrived on a Sunday. The sudden turn around of location threw me off but I’ve unpacked my belongings and my mind, and the whirling is starting to abate a bit. It’s been a full week of learning system operations, Haitian culture and language, and my role among it all. I can say that after a week I finally feel as though I’m starting to gain some traction in my work.

Haiti from above

Port-Au-Prince

Last week was tough. Slow moving work has never been my favorite. I like to know what needs to be done and do it. There’s always something new to learn when walking in the path of Jesus though. So I’m learning these lessons of patience and diligence with the same focus and determination I would any other task.

Kids at Greta Home and Academy

Port-Au-Prince

The weekend was slow. Since arriving on base last Tuesday I have only left once for a few hours on Friday to go grocery shopping. It’s hard to remember that the four walls holding me in are actually there to keep things out. Within the first few days I was experiencing homesickness. Or maybe freedom-sickness is more accurate. You see, I can’t handle the idea of being stuck somewhere. It’s one of my greatest fears. And here I am, stuck on a compound in a city that’s more dangerous than anywhere else I’ve been. When you mix that with the slow work, homesickness is inevitable.

Collecting coconuts with Wilkey.

The Water Missions Haiti compound. Storm’s a-brewin’.

But the best part of my job beings tomorrow. Jean, Sabire and I are heading up-country tomorrow to a small village just outside Saint Marc. We will work there for two days and then I’ll travel to another village with our country director Julio to visit a different community. While I’m on this trip my sole responsibility is to take photos and interview people. So naturally I’m pumped out of my mind. The closer I get though, the more nervous I become. This is something the communications team and I have dreamed of for a long time. Now the opportunity to fulfill this need of storytelling has come and I’m nothing but shaky nerves. Classic.

Tesa loves bath time

Elsa dries off our guard dog Tesa.

Prayers for safety would be much appreciated. I am taking some nice equipment with me and would like to return with it and myself all intact 🙂

As I contemplate my life here and all that I’ve experience over the past week, I’m especially thankful for the freedoms we experience in America. So as you take the dog for a walk or cannon-ball into the pool today, take a moment to say thanks. Hats off to those beautiful people who made and are making all the glory of America possible. Happy Memorial Day y’all!

See you on the other side.