The last two days in Haiti

A strongly unified team divided to extend our reach as we completed our mission in Haiti.  Six team members went to Mission of Grace orphanage and Grandma's House Center to assess and treat their special needs children and widows.  This was followed by a little R & R at the beach before returning home.  Four team members traveled to the north of Haiti to Cap Haitien to explore some contacts there and determine needs and opportunities for the future. They enjoyed some R & R at the One Mission Society missionary compound and hiked The Citadel & Sans Souci Palace ruins - the highest point in Northern Haiti.

At the end of the week, we pray the our Lord was pleased with our service. Jesus modeled ministry that included both healing and preaching.  We tried to follow His example this week.  We found it very possible and effective to combine Physical Therapy and the sharing of the Gospel message with the people that we served. Many of the people we encountered in Haiti seem to be accustomed to just living with brokenness in their lives - brokenness of both their bodies and their souls.  We were able, in a small and fledgling way, to start sharing the truth that there is healing available for both body and soul.

Here are some final memories and thoughts from various team members:
- It was extremely satisfying to follow up and reconnect with people who the August 2014 team met and served and started to build relationships with. Haitians are a very relational people.
- This team was amazingly unified despite being spread across the country geographically prior to arrival on the field.
- Praying for people and sharing the hope of Christ is a privilege.
- It's hard but good for us the be stretched out of our comfort zones physically, personally, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally.
- Poverty and starvation now have faces and names and voices. Seeing starving little ones who cannot even ask for food for themselves is humbling and painful.
- The church is strong in Haiti, and Haitian Christians have an undeniable strength to live life with joy in a place that is harsh and full of brokenness. Worshiping with these brothers and sisters is an amazing and wonderful experience.