Some of you might have
noticed that things have been a tad quiet around here lately. At least, I rather
hope some of you have noticed. (As Sherlock Holmes would say, “Elementary, my dear
Watson!”)
noticed that things have been a tad quiet around here lately. At least, I rather
hope some of you have noticed. (As Sherlock Holmes would say, “Elementary, my dear
Watson!”)
There is a very simple
explanation. It involves the crack of dawn, faithful companions, an adventure …
and a treasure map.
explanation. It involves the crack of dawn, faithful companions, an adventure …
and a treasure map.
Well, perhaps not the
treasure map. (Though you must admit, it does make the story sound more
exciting!)
treasure map. (Though you must admit, it does make the story sound more
exciting!)
As some of y’all may know,
whenever I’m not chained to my desk slaving theatrically away at the next
brilliant fantasy break-out novel—ahem, sarcasm
alert—I work at a Christian youth camp. And for the past several years, I’ve
been blessed to travel with a group of camp staffers on a mission trip to
Haiti.
whenever I’m not chained to my desk slaving theatrically away at the next
brilliant fantasy break-out novel—ahem, sarcasm
alert—I work at a Christian youth camp. And for the past several years, I’ve
been blessed to travel with a group of camp staffers on a mission trip to
Haiti.
Ah … now you follow me. (In
the words of Sherlock Holmes, “the game’s afoot!”)
the words of Sherlock Holmes, “the game’s afoot!”)
As you may have deduced by
now, I’ve been off on an adventure on a mission trip in Haiti. We flew down to
work at the first Christian camp in Haiti, Jacob’s Well. During our trip, we
continued work projects on the campsite and met and played with the village
kids (some of them remembered me from last year!).
now, I’ve been off on an adventure on a mission trip in Haiti. We flew down to
work at the first Christian camp in Haiti, Jacob’s Well. During our trip, we
continued work projects on the campsite and met and played with the village
kids (some of them remembered me from last year!).
We also ran day camps where
the kids participated in super fun activities—like archery (dangerous!),
riflery (BB guns), and four-ball-and-a-rubber-chicken-baseball (should be an
Olympic sport)—and also watched Bible Dramas of the story of Ruth and Boaz,
learned memory verses, and heard the Gospel.
the kids participated in super fun activities—like archery (dangerous!),
riflery (BB guns), and four-ball-and-a-rubber-chicken-baseball (should be an
Olympic sport)—and also watched Bible Dramas of the story of Ruth and Boaz,
learned memory verses, and heard the Gospel.
My favorite thing about the
trip was witnessing the Lord doing incredibly awesome work in the lives of the
kids and the Haitian counselors and the village … and in my own heart and the
hearts of my team members as well.
trip was witnessing the Lord doing incredibly awesome work in the lives of the
kids and the Haitian counselors and the village … and in my own heart and the
hearts of my team members as well.
Truly awesome.
We always come back with
great stories to tell, too. Stories no less incredible than my favorite genre—fantasy—and
a little more true.
great stories to tell, too. Stories no less incredible than my favorite genre—fantasy—and
a little more true.
Speaking of stories, somehow every time I return from Haiti, I’m that much more inspired to write. Little details like the thin tendrils of fog creeping over the mountains, or dew dripping from jungle fronds, or cattle grazing in lines across terraced hills stick in my mind and beg to work themselves out my fingers next time I sit down to type.
I’m so grateful that I had the chance to go on this trip to Haiti. Each year, I leave a small piece of my heart behind. Saying farewell to the children and the staff of Jacob’s Well is always a bittersweet moment. Though I’m happy to be coming home, I’m heartbroken that I have to leave.
And yet, that is a good thing, is it not?
Sounds like an awesome trip! I would so love to do an oversees mission trip someday.
~Sarah Faulkner
inklinedwriters.blogspot.com
It was awesome. Going on an overseas mission trip is definitely an eye-opening experience. It's a blessing getting to meet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ around the world! :)
It is wonderful you have the chance for these Mission Trips. I'm certain they are blessing you as much as the lives of the children you visit.
My dad recently went on a trip there, so I've seen second hand the amazing impact they have. I'm glad you were able to go. :)
That's awesome! I always love hearing stories from people who've been to Haiti.
How wonderful! Your mission trips always sound incredible! What a blessing.
And yes, I did notice that the blog was quiet if it makes you feel good. :)
Oh yes, I feel much better knowing that! ;)
Awesome! Est-ce que tu parles francais?
(French or better yet Creole would come in handy in Haiti after all…)
Working on my Creole! Each year I think I get a little bit better … but I definitely still can't say much.
Learning a language takes work–I'm sure you'll progress over time. But you've got an advantage over me. I speak French but no Creole at all.
Please excuse the use of "tu" by the way (shoulda used "vous"). Using "tu" too often is habit I picked up as an exchange student to France. Sorry :)