The last couple of weeks in Haiti have been tumultuous. Violent protest have broken out and rioters have erected barricades effectively closing down many roads. There was even violence in Carries, and, out of an abundance of caution, Lott Carey decided to cancel the remaining two mission trips scheduled to come here in 2018. Although I never felt I was in imminent danger, it was strongly recommended that I cut my trip short and return home. I am scheduled to fly out on Wednesday November 28th however there are credible threats of a new round of protests which could potentially close the road leaving Carries. I am advised to immediately relocate from Carries to a guest house in Port Au Prince which will put me within 10 minutes from the airport. The Village of Carries is about 90 minutes from the airport, on a good day.
The people pictured below have dedicated their lives to serving with the Mission of Grace in Carries, Haiti. Each of them sacrifice themselves and serve for a minimum of six months. Some have served several years. They each embody the spirit and love of Christ found in Matthew 25, and spread the message of love, hope and joy throughout the Village of Carries. It has been a joy serving with them.
Early Sunday morning I share a very emotional breakfast with these missionaries. As we pray together one last time the tears immediately start to flow. For the last 5 weeks we have spent most of our waking time together. And we have grown quite fond of each other and none of us want this journey to end. But we realize it must.
I look at Fabiola as she enters church on Sunday morning and I can tell she is not taking the news of my departure well. However she pulls it together and begins leading praise and worship but I can see the sadness when our eyes meet. Mary France is sitting directly across from me and will not even look in my direction. I have grown very fond the these two and the other young people at the orphanage and get a glimpse of how difficult this day will be.
Fabiola and I sing a song during the service we have been working on for the past few weeks. I am surprised to get through it without crying. Ms. Kim calls me to the pulpit where she shares with the congregation I will be leaving today. She talks about the impact I have had all across the village and my thoughts are you have no idea how much of an impact the village has had on me. At the end of service many people come to say goodbye. Among them are Didine and Lenice, the ladies I work with at the soup kitchen. Didine tells me she will really miss me but Lenice just looks at me with tears in her eyes. And finally Mary France comes to give me a hug, and with tears in her eyes, turns to leave.
I go to the orphanage one last time to say goodbye to the younger kids who did not come to church today. I see Jean Kelly on the porch with some other children and as soon as I get next to him he starts bawling. I say a quick goodbye to the missionary staff and hook up with my ride into the city.
The guest house in Port Au Prince where I will stay for the next few days can accommodate 25 to 30 people but I am the only guest. Pastor Francois comes over and we go to one of my favorite restaurants for dinner. The rest of the evening is quiet and I turn in early. Monday is a quiet and uneventful day. Things are extremely quiet in Port Au Prince also. It seems the threats of protests in the city are not going to materialize. Pastor Francois and I make plans to take advantage of the calmness and hit the streets on Tuesday.
Tuesday we visit visit the Papillon Project (Papillon translates to butterfly) which was founded by a U.S. ex-pat who wanted to help homeless young people in the city. She teaches them how to make ceramic, jewelry, and other crafting projects. These items are offered for sell and they share in the profits. These young people take pride in their work, have improved self-esteem and self-worth, a place to stay, and a few coins in their pockets. It’s a win-win all around.
Wednesday I wake up a little early and do my final packing as I have a plane to catch today. Paul and Pastor Francois join me for breakfast and we have a long discussion about Paul’s future and plans over coffee. It’s a quick and uneventful ride to the airport. I say my final goodbyes and await my ride home.
I am truly amazed when I land at Washington National Airport and I am greeted by members of my choir, the Voices of Triumph from Alfred Street Baptist Church. My heart was overjoyed to see them there…what a blessing it was for me and others who happened to witness it. One man named Greg, who was returning to the DMV was also captivated that we circled up and had prayer right there in the terminal. Afterwards he spoke with us about how he often asks God to give him signs of His presence, and this was God’s answer.