03/13/15
Today was dominated
by one reality- miles of uneven road, spiraling upward, leading to the
dilapidated Citadel above us. Our destination was once a mighty
deterrent, providing a formidable defense against french forces intent on
taking back the newly christened Haitian nation, and it's ruins stand as a
testament to the power of newly found conviction. The conviction for us,
however, was less of the "New Nation" type and more of the "Keep
walking and pray that we don't collapse" type.
It was indeed a
worthy climb, and after what seemed like an eternity of steps, one after
another, and roads sloped steeper than most staircases, we all arrived safe and
sound (and tired as crap) at the top. Our reward? A breeze unlike any other,
whispering comfort to us as we caught our breath. Cases of cool water (that
disappeared all too quickly if you ask me.) And the castle itself? Nothing
short of breathtaking. Powerful. Striking. Enduring. Built with sugar cane, cow
hide, and cow blood. Impressive, I know.
It did feel a little
strange lounging on fallen cannons that are literally older than our nation is,
but that's how history works sometimes. The tour was enjoyable, but the best
part was standing at the top of the Citadel, perhaps the highest point in Haiti,
and looking out at the lands beyond us. To me, a newbie, the beauty of the
green fields stretching in all directions was just that- beauty. To members of
the group who have come before, however, the fields were breathtaking for a
different reason- they are evidence that Haiti itself is finally starting to
heal from the European raping of the land. Years ago, those green fields and
forests were been brown and dusty, but as the land enjoyed its Sabbath, the
rest given it has turned to healing. Soon, very soon, Haiti can finally start
to grow, not survive. Thrive, not scavenge.
After the climb back
down (much more agreeable to the body), we had the wondrous adventure of
driving in a tiny bus on a tiny path inches away from a massive drop, narrowly
avoiding pedestrians, bikes, other vehicles, and the more than occasional
goat.
We stopped for a
brief lunch outside an old Castle and got our first real experience with a
strong portion of Haitian economy- tourism. As soon as they noticed our food
disappearing, vendors started appearing out of thin air, a grin on their face
and a dozen bracelets on their arm. The next half hour was a blur as
hundreds of identical hats, bracelets, trinkets, and doohickeys were passed
before us. Prices that once began at “20” and “30” eventually were negotiated
to much more reasonable, believable prices (though I myself found myself less
than a stellar negotiator, buying a toy for 8 bucks which was later sold for
2). Overall, it was an exciting
(if somewhat nerve wracking) experience, and we all look forward to heading
down to a real market later on in the week.
Arriving back, there
was a general state of collapsed exhaustion as beds fulfilled their purposes
and many a Coca-Cola bottle lost it’s head. After a brief respite, we once again split up as one group
headed to the clinic for some last minute prep (counting out pills, organizing
and inventorying supplies, laying out general plans for tomorrow) and the
other, to a delightful little bakery (which happens to be the only place in
Fort Liberte other than the Mission Compound we are allowed to eat at). I hope
to give a more accurate picture to you all once I myself go!
Returning to the
compound for a lovely dinner of boiled potatoes and BBQ chicken, we allowed the
relaxed attitude of Haiti to seep into us as we prepare ourselves for work to
begin tomorrow. Our conversations are light and casual, Sting playing on the
roof, the smellier members of our group scrubbing off… our days of preparation
are at a close. Tomorrow, we start. Tomorrow, the strong backs head off for
construction, the sharp minds attend to the needs of the clinic, and the warm
hearts stay back to attend to the orphans and sponsorship children. Our burns
are beginning to appear, the bug bites are beginning to itch, and the heat is
beginning to return, but we’re ready. We are thankful. God is good.
In many ways,
preparing our hearts and minds the work is just as important as the work
itself- they are inseparable really. Why do we serve? How do we serve? Do we
serve in Joy? Missions go two ways- for us and for them. When we serve, when we
love, we as missionaries, and Christians, gain something. Do not think that the
work God has called all of us into is pro-bono work- 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells
us as much.
“If I give away all
I have, and if I give up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
In love, we gain
We are selfish
creatures, motivated by our own desires, and God knows that. However, instead
of commanding us to a life of joyless, dry duty, God has decided to take a
selfish desire twisted by sin and use it for his glory- by giving us gain when we do the works of the Lord. The gains
that Paul writes of are not monetary or earthly, easily destroyed by rust or
moths, but simple, beautiful fruits- love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness.
Goodness. Faithfulness. Self Control. God eagerly takes pleasure in us, and
allows us to take pleasure in Him.
What joy! What wonder that we have a savior willing to give himself to us for
our own pleasure! Yes, these trips and our Christian Witness back home is
immensely beneficial for those on the receiving ends of things, but don’t
resist the joy God gives in return. Take pleasure in the Lord and His work! If
you do such things in love, what else on this planet is truly better?
It grows late, and I
smell awful, so this marks the end of the second blog. Pray for God’s will in
our lives. Pray for God’s will in our brother’s and sisters in Christ’s lives.
Pray for God’s will in your own life. Take pleasure in the Father, Take joy in
the Son, and though the journey is long and oftentimes our steps are uneven,
don’t resist the refreshing comfort of the Holy Spirit as we continue on.
In
Christ,
Jacob
Eastman.
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