While in Haiti our days began with waking up at 6:30am, getting dressed and cleaned up, followed by our personal quiet time, and a traditional Haitian breakfast. A traditional Haitian breakfast consisted of lots and lots of fruit. Pineapple, mango, bannanas all freshly picked from the trees and sliced that very morning. In addition to the best dang coffee that I've ever had in m entire life, which I was lucky enough to bring back to the states with me. After our meal, we soon prepared ourselves for the day by apply sunscreen and bug replant, along with packing plenty of water. We would then pile into our means of transportation for the week. The infamous "Tap-Tap" this was a large flat bed truck that had benches installed in the back with a large metal covering protecting its passengers. You could squeeze into the cab or back, sit ontop of the canopy, or hang off the back by holding on to bars. I perferred to hold on to the bars, that way I wouldn't be bounced around in the back and be bruised. . . Because that did happen.
I write about this because the way up the mountain to the boys home where we were working reminded me so much of our walk with God. We would leave the house of Pastor Jean Helix and travel down a semi paved road, some places were smooth and some where rough. There were even some place that we were literally off-roading over rocks, dips, and limbs. It reminded me of how in our lives we go through really good times, where things are smooth and relaxing. Then other times when we experience speed bumps and find ourselves in holes (which I can give personal testament to). As we moved down the road we passed through markets where there would be crowds and crowds of people. Some would even jump on and ride with us for a few minutes to there chosen destination. Other times we would be the only thing on the road for miles in total solitude. This reminds me of how we also go through times of total solitude where we feel as though it is only ourselves, and times when you are in constant fellowship and accountability. Finally while traveling up the mountain the scenery was incredible, the views of cliffs, valleys, foliage, and wildlife. In the big scheme of things when we sit back and look at the different phases in life, and as we traveled, the beauty never left. Even in a desert there is life, and this is exactly the beauty, mystery and relativity that I experienced in Haiti, and of which I hope I have relayed to you.
