Haiti continued...

The day we arrived, we travelled to a city in the mountain area called Mirabalais. For 3+ hours by 4x4 on more of a wide rocky path up the moutain than a road we reminisced about a joy and beauty of something called "pavement." We arrived at a small School/Church surrounded by some lovely country. They were almost out of school and were waiting for us to arrive. They were polite and all smiles if you got them at the right moment. This picture was not that moment.

Of course after this was taken, I began to turn my viewfinder around as I videotaped them. They began to see themselves on the tiny screen. It seemed as if they tried to be objective as they were curious, but their smiles couldn't be hidden. Most of the kids were so excited to see themselves and their friends on the screen that they all began to mob me trying to catch another glimpse.

Next stop - a small farming village called Pageste....

Haiti

I recently returned from a quick 5 day trip into Haiti. The country is beautiful, but even more importantly, the people are beautiful. I can't quite explain the emotion or the feelings that took place in that brief moment. It continues to hit me in waves of realization as I sit in my nice house watching a tv that's worth a year or more of care for a Haitian orphan. Yes, I know it sounds cliche. Everytime I try to tell people about what I saw, it sounds cliche. I begin to hear Sally Struthers coming out of my mouth as the tears begin to form in my eyes.

It's like trying to describe the color orange to a blind person. It might just be impossible. Sooner or later, you're just going to have to take someone at their word.

While at the orphanage I struck up some friendships with some kids who are not too different from my own daughter and the children I know here in the states. The pictures show kids full of hope. I wondered why. the only explanation is that the Love that Jesus Shows through his people is inexplicably peaceful. When Love is present, so is hope. This is what I saw throughout my visit. Hope.

More later...

Marriage Help

Shelly and I just got back from our first ever Southeast marriage Retreat. It was an exciting weekend. The entire retreat centered around each couple's story. The truth is, story is so important in our culture. We've discovered that so many people don't realize that their stories are not only interesting, but very helpful to others. It's a unique feeling when you rediscover the US in your relationship. It's not two individuals, but one unique US that sets people apart. All in all, the trip was fascinating, fun and very tiring. (Is that possible?)

Also, we remembered just how beautiful Summer's Mill Retreat Center is. This was our view from the front porch of our lodge.