I have returned from a few days in Haiti.

Because there is no commercial air travel into Port-au-Prince, it took roughly 48 hours to arrive in Port-au-Prince and 48 hours of travel to return to Wilmington, but the long journey was worth the effort for the following reasons:

• Time with Idelmy and Lorvens

• Time with Davensky and Handy

• Time with the boys at CERMICOL

• Time with the children at CCS Caradeux

• Time with staff

• Time with EEGC

• Time to connect with friends in Cap Haitien

Unfortunately, I was not able to go to Tabarre 14 yet again, and that was disappointing.

I left Wilmington Monday morning, overnighting in Florida. I then left for Haiti on Tuesday morning. The Lord worked it out that I was on the flight with my friend, Deb, who was going to Haiti to live for the first time. What a joy to be together on that trip!

Upon arrival in Cap Haitien on Tuesday, I met with another friend who recently arrived in Haiti to work. We had lunch and great conversation. The rest of the day was spent with Idelmy and Lorvens. You can read more about that by clicking on this button:

Arriving in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, I was able to spend time with staff and Handy and Davensky. Handy was proud to show off his new competence on the guitar, and Davensky was eager to show me that he can solve a Rubik’s Cube in roughly 1 minute and 30 seconds.

On Thursday, Steeve invited me to go with him as he and Manoucheka took Lorie and Caleb to school. It was a delight to see the surprise on Caleb’s face when he opened the car door and saw me there. The rest of Thursday was defined by meetings, including one with the staff of Haiti Awake and one with the committee of EEGC.

Friday started off with another meeting. This time with Steeve and Vorb. After that we went to CERMICOL for English class. We had such a fun time together playing Dog Bingo and looking at science specimens.

Saturday started off with English class at Caradeux, and after that we attempted to go to English class at Tabarre, but that was not meant to be - neither by the main road, nor by backroads. Eventually we had to turn around and head back to Caradeux.

We took the boys to the market, and then Vladimir was able to come by in the afternoon to bring a few products. I was extremely limited on what I could bring out of Port-au-Prince, but Mission Made was able to buy some things from him.

Sundy was the big day - the 5th anniversary of EEGC. So many people came for the celebration, many who are not able to come on a regular basis, including Stanley, Yvenson, Migerlson, and Fanor. I felt as if my heart might explode when I first saw them. We all sat together, and my heart was greatly encouraged to hear Yvenson singing heartily as he stood next to me.

After the festivities ended, I was happy to offer the four older boys a job before they left. We had ornaments for Lifepoint Church that needed string, and we had bracelets and necklaces that needed to be made for Mission Made Jewelry. This opportunity was reinforcing what we’ve been teaching them for so long - you get what you work for. They finished the jobs, were paid, and went home with their wages.

After everyone else left on Sunday, Dieusait, Steeve, Hudson, Handy, Davensky, and I had a cheese-tasting together. We’ve been talking a lot lately about how there’s more than one kind of dog, more than one kind of cat, more than one kind of ____________. Sunday it was a chance to decide which cheese each person preferred. Gouda got the most votes. Sharp cheddar got the least.

Monday morning was marked by quick goodbyes and scrambling to get out of Port-au-Prince, but Monday afternoon in the north was an unexpected adventure which brought great joy to my heart.

Tuesday was my last morning in Haiti, and I spent it with people who filled my cup.

I arrived back in Wilmington late on Wednesday morning, exhausted but thankful for time with some of my favorite people.

The prevailing question during my visit was: “When will you be back?” The answer is, “I don’t really know.” This was not an easy journey, by any means, and we do not know when certain doors will open to allow me to go back again.

What I do know is that these precious few days of togetherness in Haiti were good for us all. And, as we have been saying for many months now, we’re still standing, by God’s grace. We will continue to remember to remember the faithfulness of God, and we will continue to move forward, as He allows.

Glwa pou Bondye!