Let me warn you in advance, there are going to be several pictures in this post. I finally had to just stop. I could've posted something about every picture in my file. Some may say my addiction is the children of Haiti. They are precious. Their smiles are contagious. Their urgency to gain your attention and desire to be held and hugged and loved by you is insatiable. Their fortitude to persevere in conditions we would never consider for our own children is admirable, yet heart wrenching at the same time. Certainly, I am drawn to them and very interested in their educational experience as well as their health and wholeness. Some could say I am addicted to the adults of Haiti. They are hardworking and eager to provide for their families. Although their practices may not be what we would consider an acceptable standard, they are doing the very best that they know how to do. That is why I love the work of The Church of Hope and their consistency in communication and monitoring of the needs of families.
My addiction is the HOPE of the Mission of Hope. My addiction is seeing lives changed and young people become disciples for the people of their country. Such as our translators for the week. We have always had the most amazing translators on our visits. They allow us to share God's love when communication could be a barrier between us. They minister to me greatly through their devotion and boldness when talking to, praying with, and laboring for the people we visit. Their lives are changed by God's love and my life is changed by the HOPE of how God will use their life to transform Haiti.
My addiction is young North Americans who give their time and money to serve the nation I love, for weeks and months at a time. They sometimes move from campus to campus weekly - living out of backpacks. They take cold water showers; drink hot water gatorade; eat the same 4-5 meals weekly; and never complain about a daily dose of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I hope their lives are forever changed by their experiences during their stay in Haiti.
My addiction is the love I see in my children when they are in Haiti. They never cease to amaze me with their tireless work, unconditional love (even for those who aren't wearing pants :0), flexibility in schedule and appetite, and most of all a passion for missions. No matter what role they may play, I am certain that these trips in their early years will impact their lives for as long as they will allow it. I am never more proud (and scared) as when my 12 year old asks what kind of college degree she needs to get to go work in Haiti.
