across the mountains. Haiti Day 2.5

Yesterday we made the trek across the mountains of Haiti. I don’t know the names of these mountains, but I can tell you that I have never seen more gorgeous or breathtaking scenery ever. The hills were steep and the water the most magnificent blue/green possible. It’s such an honor to be here and to learn more about this most beautiful Haitian culture.

The trek began with us going back to the airport to pick up teams that have arrived. My biggest fear upon arriving in Haiti was navigating the airport. And, it wasn’t bad at all. It just goes to remind me how so often we create an idea of something in our minds that is much worse then the real thing.

In fact, I think the question I got asked the most was – is Haiti safe to go to?

And I will answer you now with a bold yes. And, I am already looking forward to returning.

I have never felt in danger. I have only felt loved by a culture of people that I only knew about through American media. My perspective was shaped by what was reported. And yet, everyone that I know that has every been to Haiti told me that I will never be the same and that I will love the people.

They were right.

So back to yesterday, we picked up the two teams that I am blessed to go along with. One is from Mississippi and the other Tennessee. They are delightful and I am so thankful to be a part of their journey and that they welcomed me with such open arms. This is beautiful to me.

The interesting thing about perspective is that now I was able to observe the airport that I had been so fearful about. And it opens ones eyes even more to what we believe is true but really is just a fallacy. The Praying Pelican Mission staff has everything so beautifully organized that the teams quickly, well at least quickly in the Haitian culture, are greeted and moved to the vehicles. It was amazing to watch them work. I have also realized that I live in a culture that is constantly moving from point a to point be so fast that they often miss the journey between them.

And so we trekked across the mountains. We went through the epicenter of the earthquake as well as the hardest hit areas. I saw what I thought I would see. But it didn’t make my heart feel pity – it instead made my heart amazed at the absolute tenacity, perseverance, and determination of the human race. I wondered if I would be as strong, as bold, and as brave.

Ha. I thought it bold to come on a plane to Haiti. These people, these people who care, are bold. And they, like I shared yesterday, are filled with joy. And thankfulness.

So I stopped seeing the harshness and started to look for the beauty. The good.

Don’t we all need to do that?

We tend to focus so much on what isn’t working and forget to see what does. The Haitian people are strong, focused, and proud people. They love their country and want to see it prosper. I can come alongside, you can come alongside, and they can teach us about life. And it is a beautiful partnership of skills.

So tonight, as I write this, I write it in a hotel room in Torbeck, Haiti.

Thank you for sharing, for supporting me, and for your encouragement.

~Rachel

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