After Haiti

Perspective is a fascinating thing. The very fact we know that it can change the way we operate within our systematic lives is proof that it's powerful, but it doesn't stop there. In fact, perspective is something I think we all crave deep down inside. So it's power can been seen through it's ability to change and our natural "want" for that change.

Three days removed from Haiti and things feel more blurry than ever before. I don't smell smoke in the morning from the burning trash. I haven't seen a soccer ball since I left. Animals such as pigs, goats, chickens, roosters, cows, horses, and donkey's are not walking around freely. While I can't say that I miss it, I can say that I can't stop thinking about it. Each time I walked away confused from Haiti it was directly linked with their lack of possessions. (ie. They have nothing but they're still happy.) I was basing the measuring stick of happiness off of possessions. What a capitalistic mindset. More than likely we all do it to some degree. The thought of living in a tent makes you cringe. I'm sure they're not happy about it but it's not the defining point in the determination of how they live their lives. We should pay attention.

So 72 hours removed from what seemed like another world, I am still feeling guilty about buying a coke for $2.25. As I lay my little girl down into her soft bed, I wonder what it's like for the friends I met who lay their children down on a dirty sheet on a rocky dirt floor. Every time I get something cold out of the refrigerator, I know that someone is drinking something warm or even hot. And when I take a shower (a warm one), I don't have to make sure the water doesn't get in my mouth. And this is how Haiti starts to change you...

These images are a painful reminder that all is not well in this world. It's not "ok" to be indifferent or to even ignore it. I honestly believe, for the people who went on this trip, that we're at a place where we won't forget how fortunate we are, because we can't. In many ways those images are haunting, but the smiles and laughter that make the people of Haiti strong and beautiful pull you in to the stronger realization that while we are more fortunate economically, they are more in tune with the things that matter. As one child looked at Charlie Bethel and said, "I will pray for you when you go home." A poor child who has very little to no family looks at a bright and successful father and husband and says, "I will pray for you." Do you see it now? If all you had was faith what kind of person would you be? God is speaking through these beautiful people.

There is no doubt that what we experienced changed us. And the funny thing is, I think we all wanted it to. Perspective has a way of doing that.

- Christian