Thanks again Haiti

Good rainy morning all,

Surprise! I'm back from Haiti. I actually think most of you didn't even know that I went to Haiti. I wasn't that adamant about it. I had the feeling as though I did my time in Haiti, I mean I was there for a year and 2 months! Isn't that enough? I had this feeling that the opportunity would come. I had said I would never go back to Somaliland, yet I did 2 months later....I had said I'd never go back to Haiti, so I knew that the opportunity would of course present itself and would I take it?

Yep. I can do this, it's only short term anyway. Even if I have to grudgingly make my way through it, I will show myself that I can do this!

After my first week, I realised....I actually really like it here. We were working in the mountains of Cote de Fers, Haiti. The views from the mountains everyday, was majesty in itself. I really enjoyed the project I worked on as well: helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy and Isaac to fill in the food gap that was lost. Beneficiaries build roads and dams for cash for work to fill that gap.

I also started reading the book 1000 gifts when I was in Haiti and what a better time to start to count the things that bring me joy: those avenues that God shows his love for me.

From watching light from oil lamps (as we didn't have electricity) to seeing the beauty of creativity flow from the lack thereof electricity, sweet kisses from toddlers on the way to work, laughing with staff-even though you're speaking two different languages,talks with old friends, unexpected friendships....unexpected joy.

Haiti, thanks for the good memories and for reminding me (although I have learned this lesson before) that there is beauty everywhere...and I was privileged enough to see it again. Thanks to my team too- what good times we had- and you dealt so well with my crazy ideas! Aren't we a handsome bunch?





Next, I will write you from Lebanon (if I can remember to blog!). This is probably the most excited I have ever been.

Until Beirut with love,
Patty