I continue to reflect on my recent trip to Haiti. The mission team from Central spent two weeks at the Soaring Unlimited Clinic outside of Cap Haitian. We worked on the building and grounds and with the local school and the children in the “neighborhood.” We also laid out the new Birthing Center on the property and put in the drain field for the building which will be started soon. Doctors Without Boarders and the World Health Organization say that Haiti is the most dangerous in the world place to have a baby in terms of the infant and maternal mortality rate.
Hopefully this clinic will save lives.

The work was fulfilling. I felt like I was contributing in a small way to hope and healing in a land that drastically needs both. I was especially blessed with a number of meaningful connections with Haitians working with the clinic. The young men who attend Director Dorothy Frederickson’s Leadership Class are full of drive and determination to grow both personally and as leaders in their community. They are the living hope for that land. And even though I picked some kind of intestinal bug while there (was it something I ate?) I count my visit as a blessing

But the questions continue to haunt me: What am I supposed to do with this experience? What is my obligation? I don’t want to forget and move on like nothing happened. Have you ever thought that after encountering an overwhelming need? I know we can’t be and do everything. But I don’t want to leave the Samaritan on the side of the road either.

My commitment was to sponsor a child for school (it costs to attend public school there). I plan to follow through with that. Since my time in Haiti I am more aware of the overwhelming needs all around me. That’s another blessing of “going on a mission trip.”

In a climate where so much need gets politicized for partisan agendas, I hope I can listen to the gospel clearly for what it is meant to be: good news to the poor and poor in spirit. And then to respond with the compassion of Christ as the Spirit helps me.

I pray it may be so for us all.
O Christ, the Great Shepherd, who called the people “sheep without a shepherd;” help us to guide our brothers and sisters to the living water of your love. Help us, your body, to respond to the needs outside our doors by letting you guide our way. Help us to do what we can do and never let us grow weary in doing good. In your strong name we pray. Amen.