Powerful. Pastor Poole and Chris Cox told us to "just show up" and God will take care of the rest. Well, I don't "just show up." There will be a well crafted plan with action items assigned to people who understand the task. Preparation is the key. I don't "just show up," so that advice may work for others on the team, but it won't work for me.
I was ready, focused, and purpose-driven. The trip was short and we had work to do. This was not a tour. I was "on." The military switch was flipped last Wednesday. It was time.
Not much went as planned. We were there no more than 5 hours and we were asked to "help with electrical work." Hmm...that was not on the agenda, but ok. The next 4 days went exactly the same. We improvised, got creative, adjusted to the situation, overcame numerous logistical challenges; and we did it with grace, patience, perseverance, and love.
I didn't cry until today. People want to know "How was Haiti?" "Was it bad there?" "Does it still look like a disaster area?" "Was it anything like what I saw on TV after Katrina?" A long time friend shunned my handshake this morning and said to me "Did you decontaminate yourself in Miami? No offense, but I'm gonna wait a few weeks before I shake your hand. I hope you understand." How do you respond?
Powerful. I'm sitting right now in a nice air conditioned office, behind a desk, with the finest technology at my fingertips listening to people outside my office argue about whose job it is to send out this memo or tell me how unfair it is that so-and-so got two projects in a row and all I can think about is how clean the bathroom in our office is. It will take a little time to readjust.
We'll need time. We're tired; physically, mentally, and emotionally. We haven't properly processed this yet. We may appear distant; we could be talking nonstop or we could be very quiet. We may even cry for no apparent reason. We'll need a little time.
There was no definite human plan for how each day of this trip would play out, but yet there was an exact plan for how every interaction would play out. God was with us every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. But he always is, isn't he?
Pete, Hans and I just read your blog. Hans said to me, please read what Pete wrote, because this is exactly how I feel. I cant experience yours and Hans feelings, I can only put the pictures in my mind of the stories I am hearing from Hans (he has no pictures at all). And I feel the pain and emotion coming from Hans as he tells his story. Thank you for being there for each other, and "getting the job done" whatever it was God had planned for you all, no matter what the plans were. Hans speaks very highly of you. And since I could not be there with him... I am greatful to know he had you to lean on as well as the others. The work you all did there, was not easy, and is very much appreciated by all. Thank You! God sent his very best to do what was necessary, and each of you, played an important role for the time you were in Haiti.
Pete and Hans, Connie expressed my feelings exactly and Steve shared very similar feelings last week - that coming down and processing takes time. He speaks so very highly of the team of people that went to Haiti and I'm so glad he was with such an amazing group!
4 comments:
Powerful. Pastor Poole and Chris Cox told us to "just show up" and God will take care of the rest. Well, I don't "just show up." There will be a well crafted plan with action items assigned to people who understand the task. Preparation is the key. I don't "just show up," so that advice may work for others on the team, but it won't work for me.
I was ready, focused, and purpose-driven. The trip was short and we had work to do. This was not a tour. I was "on." The military switch was flipped last Wednesday. It was time.
Not much went as planned. We were there no more than 5 hours and we were asked to "help with electrical work." Hmm...that was not on the agenda, but ok. The next 4 days went exactly the same. We improvised, got creative, adjusted to the situation, overcame numerous logistical challenges; and we did it with grace, patience, perseverance, and love.
I didn't cry until today. People want to know "How was Haiti?" "Was it bad there?" "Does it still look like a disaster area?" "Was it anything like what I saw on TV after Katrina?" A long time friend shunned my handshake this morning and said to me "Did you decontaminate yourself in Miami? No offense, but I'm gonna wait a few weeks before I shake your hand. I hope you understand." How do you respond?
Powerful. I'm sitting right now in a nice air conditioned office, behind a desk, with the finest technology at my fingertips listening to people outside my office argue about whose job it is to send out this memo or tell me how unfair it is that so-and-so got two projects in a row and all I can think about is how clean the bathroom in our office is. It will take a little time to readjust.
We'll need time. We're tired; physically, mentally, and emotionally. We haven't properly processed this yet. We may appear distant; we could be talking nonstop or we could be very quiet. We may even cry for no apparent reason. We'll need a little time.
There was no definite human plan for how each day of this trip would play out, but yet there was an exact plan for how every interaction would play out. God was with us every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. But he always is, isn't he?
I just had to "show up" and be reminded of that.
Wow, Pete, well said! Thank you for sharing your thoughts as you process this incredible experience.
Pete, Hans and I just read your blog. Hans said to me, please read what Pete wrote, because this is exactly how I feel. I cant experience yours and Hans feelings, I can only put the pictures in my mind of the stories I am hearing from Hans (he has no pictures at all). And I feel the pain and emotion coming from Hans as he tells his story. Thank you for being there for each other, and "getting the job done" whatever it was God had planned for you all, no matter what the plans were. Hans speaks very highly of you. And since I could not be there with him... I am greatful to know he had you to lean on as well as the others. The work you all did there, was not easy, and is very much appreciated by all. Thank You! God sent his very best to do what was necessary, and each of you, played an important role for the time you were in Haiti.
Blessings~ Connie Roeleven (Han's wife)
Pete and Hans, Connie expressed my feelings exactly and Steve shared very similar feelings last week - that coming down and processing takes time. He speaks so very highly of the team of people that went to Haiti and I'm so glad he was with such an amazing group!
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