Lessons Learned

Since Sunday night/early Monday morning, Gabrielle and I have been back in 'Les Etats-Unis.' Neither one of us thought about about the fact that we were leaving Haiti until the plane was lifting out of the Port-au-Prince airport. Consequently, reverse culture shock has hit us pretty hard. Although the majority of Gabby's experience was different from and longer than mine, we have still been able to connect with each other on the difficulties of adjusting back into American culture. Despite the challenges of readjustment, the distance gives us time to reflect on some of the lessons learned during our trip. Below are a few of them!

1) A lesson in faith, trust and flexibility. Sometimes God calls us to things that don't make 'sense' or don't fit into the schedule that we've made for our time or our life. There were many moments during the trip when our leader, Ms. Apollon, felt God calling us down a path that didn't make any sense to Gabrielle or me, practically speaking. We had to learn the hard way that when we try to stick to our own human plans and don't trust in God and His provision, there are serious consequences! God's way is always the best way. There's a song by Donnie McClurkin called "I'll Trust You Lord" with these powerful lyrics: "I know that faith is easy when everything is going well, but will you still believe in me...when all the things around you seem to quickly fade away...will you let go? Will you stand on my word? Against all odds will you believe what I have said? What seems impossible, will you believe?...Yes, I will trust you Lord" During our trip, we were challenged to a deeper level of faith, trust, and flexibility.

2) A lesson in perspective. The larger vision for our trip to Haiti was to provide summer educational opportunities for children in rural Haiti, a majority of whom would otherwise not have access to education. However, as mentioned in earlier blog entries, it took awhile for us to work with the children we had planned to work with. At first, I was so focused on getting to Kenscoff and Jacmel (the two towns where we were hoping to do the majority of our work) that I completely passed by the street children I saw every day. It was when Gabrielle suggested that we 'steal' street children (see earlier entry) and work with them that God opened my eyes to the need that was right in front of me. These children were amazing, and we had a wonderful (if at times challenging) four days playing soccer, teaching English, art and Bible classes with them. As a result of the experience, I learned not to be so blinded by the greater vision that I miss the smaller work that God has laid right in front of me. The experience reminds me of the parables in the New Testament where Jesus talks about the need to be faithful in little before much can be entrusted.

3). A lesson in humility. This trip was not the first time I had been outside of the US, nor the first (or even second, or third) time I've been in a developing country. Neither was it Gabrielle's first time in Haiti--she's been traveling there to spend time with family ever since she was little. Nevertheless, there were still times when we had experiences that taught us how much we have to learn, not only about Haiti, but also about educational work, ministry and missions. As Confucius stated, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." I was definitely humbled during the trip, both spiritually and physically. I can only pray that God will continue to grow us in wisdom and knowledge. As David wrote in Psalm 130, "If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness so that we can, with reverence, serve you." (130:3-4)

That's it! Of course, there were more lessons than I typed here, but in the interests of length you'll just have to ask us about the rest ; ). Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. We could not have done it without you! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to prayerfully adjust back into our homes. Please also continue to keep Haiti in your prayers!

Grace, peace and love to you all.--Anna Hunt

Ps. This last entry isn't the end of our blog's life! Gabby and I will continue to use it (probably Gabby more than me) to post Haiti related events, benefits, news and such. So, stayed tuned!