Enjoy the Wait

A few weeks ago I was relaxing on the beach, dazing in and out consciousnesses, periodically checking the waves progression up the sand towards me. As my back absorbed the soothing heat of the sun, I couldn't help think,  "this is how I am spending my final year of college?" Travelling the world for 8 weeks followed by 6 months in the Caribbean is far different than studying in the campus library for hours at a time. What a privilege it is to study abroad like this, what a wonderful opportunity. But my thoughts did not end there, they quickly followed by a deep longing for Kelly and my family and the life that was to come back home. It was not the typical homesickness that is to be expected in changing culture; but rather realizing that my life, in many ways, is deeply relational. I do not miss my favourite food or traffic laws, I miss the people I do life with. It is hard to explain, but this time away is different than any other time. 

Along with this is my eagerness to return: I have graduation in April and my wedding in May. My life has many exciting things on the horizon, which the closer they come the more intense the desire. Like when I was a kid at Christmas, my strategy was to pretend it was not Christmas Eve or else I could not sleep. In short, the anticipation is killing me. 

I know God does amazing things in the waiting, it is here we are refined and prepared for what is to come. Maturation and growth take time, it is counter cultural yes, but important for me to learn. May I come to value this time in Haiti, which is such a blessing. May I learn to wait upon the Lord and submit to His timing, not mine.       

The following photographs were unabashedly stolen from Nathan Huisman at RoadofFilm.tumblr.com. 

 The Caribbean skyline 

 The view out the office window

Nathan adds to his portrait portfolio

Food for Thought

Living in Haiti is challenging on a daily bases; though not for the reasons you might expect. Sure, it can often take over an hour to drive five kilometres, feel like you go to bed ever night in a sauna, or only understand two words of a conversation, but those are things to be expected. What is really challenging is the people I meet, both Haitian and foreigners.

Last week seemed to be full of people living in Haiti and selflessly serving others. I met a Dutch girl who came to Haiti to teach school up in the mountains. She told me about the tarantulas in her bed, living months without cell or internet service, eating rice and beans for days, and fighting for the lives of two little babies who were rejected by their mother. She was a normal person willing to deny herself for others. 

Another friend I have down here is a young man who spends his days at the Port-au-Prince hospital. He is not trained in the medical field but rather volunteers feeding and caring for the patients. I don't know why he decided to live away from home caring for people he doesn't know, but he does, and it is something worth thinking about.

Another is a young American desperately trying to adopt a six year old Haitian girl who is handicapped. The way she cared for this girl and loved her so dearly displayed clearly God's great love for me. Finding value in someone not because of what they can do or offer to society but solely because they are human is not in our Western worldview. A powerful reminder that people are intrinsically valuable. 

These are just two stories that have got me thinking, forcing me to reconsider how I will live my life. It also got me thinking of all the people back in Canada who have been serving me so selflessly through prayer, encouragement, and finances. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received on this trip. Thank you to everyone involved. I am beyond words in expressing my gratitude. 

Christmas in the Dominican Republic

One of the reasons I was eager to find an internship in Haiti is because of its close proximity with my future in-laws. Kelly's parents and two adopted siblings live in the Dominican Republic which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Although Kelly spent Christmas in Canada I was able to travel across the boarder with my brother Nathan to take in a white-sand Christmas with the Stephensons. Though the journey there was delayed and aggravating, the time spent was relaxing and refreshing. Another of Kelly's brothers was there to show us the local surf spots and good snorkelling. 

A big shout out to Bill and Debbie for being such gracious hosts. They not only waited up until 3:30 in the morning for us to arrive but fed and housed to hungry Huismans over the holidays. Thank you very much! 

Leaving the Port-au-Prince airport in a beautiful sunset.

Posing with Kelly's brother Bo and our new DR shirts from Bill and Debbie.

 Playing Marbles with Kelly's adopted Haitian brother Carlos

Just hanging out by the pool playing Keep-Up. 

It also gave plenty of opportunities to push people into the pool.

Naomi.