I have written and edited and begun this post anew many times.
It is very difficult to put my thoughts and emotions in print.
It is difficult even to capture those thoughts and feelings as they ping pong through my head & heart.
The situation in Haiti is very bad. People have run out of money in their attempts to feed their children. They are desperate. Desperate people do and say uncharacteristic things out of fear.
My heart is breaking for these people who I have come to love. I can't imagine what they must be feeling today. Even though I have learned a few things about Haiti over the last 3 years, my empathy for my Haitian family is nothing like living it. I cannot feel what Haitians feel because I have a route of escape.
After much prayer and conferring with others who have lived in Haiti much longer than we have, we made a decision to return to the U.S. yesterday. It was generally felt that this weekend's calm was the eye of the hurricane. While we are fairly safe in our walled compound at our rural location, we can be cut off from a way into town as violence escalates. For many reasons too detailed for a post here and due to obligations in the U.S. that must be met, we decided that we had to leave Haiti while we had a chance to get out or risk the possibility of not being able to get out when we needed to.
We spent a lot of the day shaking our head or in tears. Most of those we work with could never understand our obligations or life here any more than we can theirs. I couldn't begin to explain it all to my Haitian children. I just had to look into those sad eyes and with a hug and kiss promise I would return very soon. Crazy words,"I have to leave so that I can come back again. I love you."
Oddly, we left in the midst of a parade!
Our church met at 5 am for the Prayer parade through the villages. We hugged Wilfrid goodbye as he started out to the church with a handmade sign over his shoulder reading in Kreyol
"Jesus- Life! Life! Satan will not feed you!"
Then a hug for Pastor Nathan and waving, shouting and horn-blowing as the procession marched proudly through the gate ahead of us, with a band leading the believers! That's what Haiti is - the best and the worst.
So what is going on?
Fear and uncertainty are sweeping across the nation. That fear is being manifested in many ways- some appropriate- attempts to peacefully and respectfully make their plight known and their voices of desperation heard -some pouring their heart and soul into prayer & revival- but there are others that are allowing their emotions and rage to erupt into an inferno of violence.
It is heart-breaking to watch the hope of the last couple of years just evaporate in a matter of days. To have to say over and over again, " Yes, I understand your situation is very difficult. I am so very sorry that your suffering is so great. I am not the solution to this problem. I will help in whatever way I can and I will pray with you, but I cannot pay more."
Why are they so upset?
The average Haitian worker, those lucky enough to have a job at all, make around $300 - $400 Haitian dollars per month. The cost of a ride to work in a tap-tap increased from $1 up to $7 in just one day. At $14/day for a 6 day work week, the monthly transportation cost would be $364. That is, of course, impossible- so what is one to do? There is no way to get to work so do you just sit at home watching your children die while you wait for the crisis to pass?
Is the situation getting better?
Not that we can see or foretell. In fact, from what we saw ourselves and heard from other missionaries, the situation was worse than reported on the news. The embassy put out a notice that Americans who could should leave the country and most missionaries were trying to purchase staples during a day of calm over the weekend in anticipation of days ahead when they may have to hunker down and remain indoors.
What can you do to help?
1. Pray
Pray for Haiti's leaders and other world leaders to make wise decisions. That God would direct even the ungodly to further His kingdom and protect His own. Pray for God's protection and provision for the people of Haiti. Pray that Satan and voodou would be put down and that many would put their trust in God. Pray for miracles!
2. Share
Even though times are tight here, all of us can afford to give a little more. We still have many children without sponsors, $50/month can save a child's life. Ask your church to consider adding the Haiti mission to their budget or taking up a special offering(some churches give a Fathers day offering to these fatherless children). Gather needed supplies so that our dollars go farther. Remember, whatever you do, you can't out give God!
Thank you so much for your care and concern and especially your prayers in the coming days. This suffering and opposition is very difficult, but should not be surprising. As we have seen many saved daily and are experiencing revival, opposition is inevitable.
1 Peter 4 :12-19
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
4 comments:
I have found your blog from some other Haiti mission blogs. searching for information on what is happening. reading your post's is very rewarding just for the sake of knowing. I have been to Haiti 3x's for short term visits and it continues to be on my heart. Praying for all the missionaries, the people there, and strength in the circumstances. I hope you can return soon to Haiti. God Bless you.
hi. praying for you guys.
i would love to chat with you guys through email. could you email me?
jamie@spur58.com
thanks.
:)Jamie
dreamingbigdreams.wordpress.com
I love you guys and am praying daily for Gods time for me to return to Haiti.
-taryn epperson
Thanks Dan, Jamie & Taryn. Our emotions are still pretty raw and it's difficult to express what we feel or even talk about Haiti right now. We really appreciate everyone holding us up in your prayers and even more holding Haiti and her people in your hearts and prayers right now.
~Cheryl
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