2012 Haiti Trip (III)

"God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1, NIV

Finally.
We made it!
We exited the airport.
Our eyes spotted the bus.

We dashed through the sea of would-be helpers and porters (since we could not afford to pay them) and  hastily climbed onto the bus. Once aboard the bus, we were all bubbling with excitement. After all, why would we not be?

We were in Haiti.
We successfully went through customs unscathed.
We were looking forward to all that was awaiting us in Tibouk.

A few moments later, after inhaling some snacks and light refreshments, we prayed and the driver began pulling away from the parking lot. As we went through parts of Port-au-Prince, I could not believe how different things looked from my childhood years. Gone were the paved roads and the working traffic lights. Yet, there was a sense of new beginnings as well. I could see it in the eyes of many passers-by -- they were somewhat more determined, perhaps more driven to survive and succeed as they walked on the street.

We left Port-au-Prince and my mouth dropped.

Before us, there was this newly paved road that looked oh so inviting. On either side of this new two-lane highway, there was beautiful scenery for us to behold. To our left, there was the sea -- so blue, so beautiful, so beckoning. To our right, there was greenery that came in all kinds of shapes, shades, and textures. My heart was drawn to the beauty and I found myself praying and praising God for allowing me to see it. I was encouraged to think that Haiti can indeed rise again.

After a while, the landscape began to change. The more we move towards the north, the more poverty-stricken the towns and people on our path seemed to be. We saw dilapidated houses, naked children, piles and piles of refuse . . . We saw a truck overloaded with merchandise and men, and another that had just been in a fatal accident. Everywhere we looked on the road there were indicators of people seeking a better life, a more secure way to improve their financial state. The state of want was utterly shocking to even me, accustomed though I was supposed to be to Haiti's conditions. The needs were so immense and plentiful that silent tears flew down my cheeks.

Every stop on the road had to be carefully analyzed and planned. Would there be restroom facilities for us to use? Would it be a safe place for a group of Americans to stop? Would we be charged extra just because we look and smell like money to the impoverished inhabitants of the area? Would it unnecessarily lengthen the duration of an already long and strenuous journey?

The two team leaders thought through all such questions and more. It was past 6 pm by the time we arrived in Borgne and we still had a 2-hour bumpy ride ahead of us before reaching Tibouk. We stopped there, stretched our legs, and then proceeded to continue on our way. Several times, I was convinced that the vehicle was going to break down. Other times, when it turned pitch black, I thought of the danger of being stopped by bandits.

There was no doubt about it, my faith was challenged; and I faced fear and discouragement on that first day of our trip. However, God's sustaining hand was guiding us ever more protectively all the way to Tibouk. He taught me to not throw away my trust in Him. He taught me the commitment of perseverance so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what He has promised me in His Word. He taught me that, indeed, He is a mighty fortress and an ever-present help in trouble.

"Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing,

Were not the right man on our side,

The man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He.

Lord Sabaoth His name,

From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle."

-- Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Father, I thank You for the wisdom and the discernment found in Your Word that guide Your followers on the strenuous road of faith while on this earth. Thank You for the protection and provision You provide. Help this follower to press on with joy and love in his heart. In Christ alone, I pray. Amen!