Back in the USA

At 7:10 PM, our fancy jet landed at the ultra-modern Miami airport.  By 8:10 we had all cleared immigration, received luggage, and cleared customs. We dined together at a food court in the airport, and then split up for three different hotels. Our final conversation revolved on the spectacular blessing that we received to be able to have this experience in Haiti.  Already, it seems like the things we saw were impossible, as if we have returned from a distant planet.  The gaudy displays of wealth and consumption in the airport seemed preposterous.  Yet we know that this American society is just as real as the other that we saw in Haiti. Now that we have seen and experienced the stark, stunning differences between these two worlds, we cannot forget or cease to care for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  The Haitians that we met were gracious, grateful, sincere, humble, and friendly. To be that way while surrounded by and living in such immense poverty is a testimony to their beautiful spirits and sincere hope for a better future. Haiti is no longer a mysterious, scary place for us.  We know it as the home for millions of wonderful people who struggle every day against disease, hunger, and hopelessness. 

It was only a one-week mission trip.  But we were changed forever.  May God bless and protect the people of Haiti, and keep them forever in our thoughts so that we never forget how much they need and deserve our help.  We can make a difference, each and every one of us.  With God at our side, how can we fail?