Haiti Day 7: Relationships by Emily Estes

10/21/2012
8:38PM

A morning worship service on the beach allowed our group to grow in a new way with one another today. On this day, we stood among the devastation and praised the God who has saved us, protected us, and is carrying us on this incredible mission. God had blessed us in immeasurable ways this week and it was an emotional circle of worship. To hear how God is working in the hearts of each individual here and then to witness how He is bringing us together was overwhelming. He has changed us, challenged us, and shown us a greater picture than what the eye would like to focus on. He has brought us relationship; among each other and through bridging the gap between the world that separates the U.S. from Haiti.

We enjoyed a tap tap ride to a different area of the beach today. Our travels to Cay Jacmel brought a new light of hope as the conditions were better and the beach much cleaner. We stood in awe of God's presence in the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. In the afternoon we attended a special concert by the students of TETKOLE. They're first song was the fight song for Cole's school and he had the opportunity to play the saxophone along with the students for a second run through of it! It was pretty cool to see him immersed in their group and sharing yet another thing that bonds us. All the instruments played by the students have been donated and you can sense the pride they feel in being able to share their talent with us. It was a beautiful event to witness.

Supper time found us traveling in another tap tap for a lobster and fish (head and all) meal. 'Blanc' people (white people) certainly provide for an interesting time and I'm sure we were viewed as a pretty crazy group riding along in a tap tap! With our tummies full, spirits renewed, and a fellowship merging us together as one we enjoyed a joyful ride back for our final night at Hotel Florita.

I'm sitting in the open area of the hotel and watching others grow in relationship with each other. This journey is as much about our relationship with Haiti as it is with each other. Please pray for our group - that no man made boundary between states and nations will separate us in the work God calls us to do. Jesus told us to follow Him. For some, the journey of following Jesus may begin in their home and for others it may be in a nation thousands of miles away. God knows no boundaries and I hope that we can continue to break down walls that separate us so that we may better serve together.

Tomorrow morning we will be traveling back to Port au Prince to stay at St. Joseph's and offer another eye clinic. As we've grown together through this experience I pray that our final days together solidifies the bond we share in Christ. Please help us in praying for safe travels these next couple of days, pray for the people we will have the opportunity to serve, and pray that we find God in all that we see and do. We would like to thank you for your love, prayers, an support while we are traveling - we can't do this without you!