On Tuesday January 28, 2020, I began my 8th missionary journey to Haiti. My plan this time is to be here, for the most part until June 20th. When I was last here in December 2018 the country was embroiled in civil unrest. There were road blockages and people were setting random fires. I recall having to hastily leave the Mission of Grace on a Sunday afternoon and staying at a hideaway near the airport until I could get a flight out. Even though there seemed to be chaos and strife all around me I recall that I never felt any anxiety…never felt physically threaten or in mortal danger. I think it was that “peace” which Paul talks about in the 4th Chapter of Philippians which carried me through.
When I arrived at the airport in Port Au Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, my friend Pastor Francois was there to greet me and we took a moment to catch up on things over a meal at one of my favorite restaurants in Port Au Prince. My driver Jerome scooped me up after we dined and we had an uneventful ride to Carries.
A feeling of joy enveloped me as we pull into the guest house at Oceanview, which will be “home” during my stay here. There are only 3 other guests here and two of them are leaving by weeks end. I am warmly greeted by the staff and everyone seems happy to see me. Mrs. Lynn Joseph, the founder of Mission of Grace, and Ms. Kim O’Dwyer the director of the mission join us for dinner. We laugh and talk the entire time…times like these remind me of holiday family dinners. It’s been a long day for me and I head to my room after dinner to get some much needed rest.
Before breakfast on Wednesday I take in some of the view. It is spectacular and I realize how blessed I am to be here. I have also decided to heed the advice of family and friends to take some time for me so there is nothing on my agenda today. I don’t venture much outside of my room except to eat meals and enjoy the tranquility of my surroundings. SELAH!
How beautiful, Vernon! I forwarded this to Larry as well!