Back Home by Angie

Today by far has been one of my favorite days of this trip and one of the best days of my life. When I first decided to come to Haiti I received tons of negative feedback from my friends and family. I did not receive as much support as I expected. It saddened me and even made me doubt my decision. Today though, I have no regrets. In fact I am happy that I came. My team members have been awesome and the entire experience has begun to restore my faith. I have never met so many people that trusted God so much. Their faith is so deep that it has motivated my very soul to do the same. For so many years I have been lost and as I sit here I can’t even remember why anymore. My personal problems are microscopic compared to the issues here in Haiti and despite the issues here, all the children I have met have always had a smile on their face.

During our devotions this week, Pastor Bob always spoke of God moments. Today I saw many, but there are two that have been permanently engraved in my heart. Before I get to those let me explain what our day consisted of. Our scheduled consisted of two feedings at two local orphanages. Our IFJ team was accompanied by the much loved Rene (the driver), the head nurse and four of the kids from New Life. At the first orphanage after we passed out sandwiches, goodie bags, and bracelets I sat down with a few little ones to watch the older boys play soccer. That’s when the first God moment occurred. While I was sitting down two of the little boys asked me if I wanted some of their candy and sandwich. My heart sank because even though they don’t have much they are still willing to share the little that they have. The second God moment happened not to long after. As we got up to get ready to leave, our beautiful Hava took the shoes off her feet and gave them to the woman that was in charge of the orphanage. Again all my emotions were stirred up again. I fought with everything to hold back my tears. I feel like we take our way of life for granted and we don’t realize that our true riches are the people that love us and the faith that we have.  These God moments that I have mentioned are simple actions that show the purity of our hearts and bring a sense of serenity in our lives. I wish more people were like this.

 
As this trip comes to an end, I am grateful that God has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people that have brought peace within me. I may have been lost, but after this small chapter closes I can guarantee that as a result of these small gestures my faith is being restored and my heart is finally back home.