Sunday June 8

Another day in Haiti means another day of learning - seeing - listening - experiencing - connecting - serving. From church this morning which was long and hot with marvelous singing, cute kids, and a difficult to hear translation that, well, made for a long morning BUT (by the way "but" is the most powerful word in Scripture when followed by "God") GOD showed up. The Pastor was engaging to the congregation so I know they were learning. God showed up in that we got to appreciate worshipping the same God who transcends culture. God showed up in the conversations it created. And of course I was pleased to hear that people would never again complain about the length of my prayers!

A wonderful lunch buffet where we met a medical team from NY followed our worship. The country is full of missionaries. There is so much need.

Most of the team traveled up some of the hill behind the Villa to an orphanage. That's where hearts are stolen and you leave a piece of yourself in Haiti. There are photos being posted on FB pages and certainly many to see when we return. Children are so free with their love. They are unashamed - not worrying about how they look or present themselves. They simply love you and enjoy life.

Tonight we begin to look at the opening verses of Colossians 3. Following our discussion of grace last night it's appropriate to talk about our lives being "hidden with Christ." So much of our lives are spent trying to impress others - to present ourselves as someone we are not (like when we say we're "good" when we're really not). We are not in need of masks because our lives are hidden with Christ. He presents us blameless - righteous - clean. We have no need to present ourselves otherwise.

Continue praying for the team. One of the adults is feeling 100% better, having not gone to church with us today. And now I am not 100% and probably will not join the team tomorrow. Better to rest and be ready for the next days. Bon Repos is only 7 miles away which translates to 90 minutes or more in the truck. Not a place to get sick. Everyone else is physically well and coming together as a team. The sharing goes deeper and deeper as we move through our days together. These coming days are when teams really learn and grow. This is the life change stuff. Keep the prayers coming.