Today, the first team of soccer missionaries left Haiti with lots of tears. As I wait behind for the next team to arrive from Chicago in less than four hours, I am very sad and reflective. It was interesting to stay behind to see the tears of the Haitian children. I am de-sensitized to our ride of tears back to the airport but to see a young Haitian man cry, in a culture where men do not cry, was disturbing. I think it was even more so because last night in our final team gathering, a short –term missionary said he hoped he never sees the kids again. After the shock of the moment, he explained he would hope that by the time he returns next year, all the boys and girls would be adopted or “graduated” on to real careers. While I believe this is all our hope, the reality is many of these kids will be here next year. The thought makes our good-byes even harder and the thought of waiting another year to hug these beautiful children haunting.
Please pray for the team going home. The re-entry into American culture is monumental and always an adjustment. Please pray for the next team of missionaries, they are about to assaulted by the most extreme poverty in the western hemisphere. The entry is always tough. Last week, one missionary could not stop crying for the first 8 hours. Please pray for the soccer events, the tent city feedings, the orphanage visits, the Pastor’s conference we are holding for 80 pastors and our transportation in and around Port Au Prince. But most of all, please pray for the Haitians we will encounter this week. Pray our presence will bring the hope that we have not forgotten them or their children.
Love God. Love Others. Change the World. It’s not a slogan.
It’s a mission.
