During my time in Haiti I saw God working in many ways, but one of the things I was reminded of all week was that healing and restoration can only come in God’s time.
Not ours.
Every day in Haiti, I saw God’s patience and love in His sons and daughters: when our host, John, was hailing taxis or when the kids had to wait an hour to find a soccer ball to play with on soccer evangelism day, and especially as we went on prayer walks and had long conversations with people in the streets. These were people that were working and had chores to tend to, but if we wanted to talk to them they stopped no matter what. The patience never failed to amaze me as the week went on considering the fact that at home people are always in a rush and can barely slow down to say hello.
On the night that our team hosted the church service, the man that did the sermon spoke on how God has a plan for Haiti and its people, but that they need to prepare themselves and work towards their goals on their own. A group of twenty six missionaries can plant seeds and help to provide the locals with the tools to restore their country, but we cannot do it for them.
God will lead them one by one to the perfect ending that he has for each of his children in Haiti.
On our fourth morning in Haiti, during my quiet time, I was reading my Bible and looking out over the ocean. I noticed a ship slowly coming into port and a few minutes later, as the ship was slow and was still in view, I watched a plane fly in and I could see it for no more than a minute before it landed. I was reminded at this moment of how often we want things to happen instantly when we ask for them. I came into my mission trip wanting to help Haiti as the airplane; quickly, smoothly, and in my timing. However, God was telling me that He works more like the cargo ship. He is steady, but works one step at a time. He will bring Haiti to where they need to be in his perfect timing. I need to remember the patience He has with us when working with other people and with Him.
My time in Haiti was amazing. I met so many fantastic people and kids that needed love, but also had an abundance of love to give to us. The kids at the orphanage didn’t let us get through the gate before they had reached for our hands or latched on for hugs. One man whose house I visited stopped his work to speak with us and when we offered to help him and pray for him he told us no because we were his guests and he wouldn’t make us work or do anything for him. Everyone we met was open to visit and God’s patience shown through each of them.
As I go on with my life after my mission trip I can’t help but remember the love and patience in Haiti and try to apply them to my life. I am thankful for the time God gave me with an amazing team and even more amazing local people.
