Today, the first team of soccer missionaries left Haiti with
lots of tears. As I wait behind for the next team to arrive from Chicago in
less than four hours, I am very sad and reflective. It was interesting to stay
behind to see the tears of the Haitian children. I am de-sensitized to our ride
of tears back to the airport but to see a young Haitian man cry, in a culture
where men do not cry, was disturbing. I think it was even more so because last
night in our final team gathering, a short –term missionary said he hoped he
never sees the kids again. After the shock of the moment, he explained he would
hope that by the time he returns next year, all the boys and girls would be
adopted or “graduated” on to real careers. While I believe this is all our hope, the
reality is many of these kids will be here next year. The thought makes our
good-byes even harder and the thought of waiting another year to hug these
beautiful children haunting.
Please pray for the team going home. The re-entry into
American culture is monumental and always an adjustment. Please pray for the
next team of missionaries, they are about to assaulted by the most extreme
poverty in the western hemisphere. The entry is always tough. Last week, one
missionary could not stop crying for the first 8 hours. Please pray for the
soccer events, the tent city feedings, the orphanage visits, the Pastor’s
conference we are holding for 80 pastors and our transportation in and around
Port Au Prince. But most of all, please pray for the Haitians we will encounter
this week. Pray our presence will bring the hope that we have not forgotten
them or their children.
Love God. Love Others. Change the World. It’s not a slogan.
It’s a mission.
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