A Blessing in Disguise

I am finished teaching! Sigh. Yay! :) This week I struggled to come up with projects for the kids. I thought back to the previous 19 weeks of classes... I don't know how I made it through. I sure didn't on my own strength.

There were so many mornings when I didn't want to get out of bed. Many times I had to give myself a pep talk before heading on to the next class. And those moments when you just want to strangle the kids- yup, had my share of those too.

But by the grace of God I always had just enough patience to deal with the kids, just enough ideas for projects, just enough time to prepare the materials, just enough Creole vocabulary to communicate in class, just enough energy to wake up each morning and then do it all over again week after week. 

I was entrusted with more than I could handle. God faithfully led me through each week.

     I believe that God totally, absolutely, intentionally gives us more than we can handle. Because this is when we surrender to Him and He takes over, providing Himself by doing the impossible in our lives. 

     I have learned to accept it, even ask for it, this "more than I can handle." Because in these times, God shows Himself victorious. He reminds me that all of this life requires more of Him and less of me. God does give us more than we can handle. Not maliciously, but intentionally, in love, that His glory may be displayed, that we may have no doubt of who is in control, that people may see His grace and faithfulness shining through our lives. 

     And as I surrender these situations to Him, watch Him take over and do the impossible, I am filled with joy and peace- so much more than I can handle.

     ~Excerpt from Kisses From Katie, by Katie Davis.

I was always quick to reminded others, "Don't worry; God never gives you more than you can handle." Although, now I too disagree with that. I have been living in this "more than I can handle" state and it has been such a blessing!

(Click on the photo to enlarge it)

Another Haitian Prayer

Senyè,

    Lord,

Nou vini nan mache ou a.

    We have come to your marketplace.

Nou konnen ke genyen anpil pwovizyon nan mache w' la.

    We know there are plenty of provisions in your market.

Nou pote panye nou avèk nou.

    We have brought our baskets with us.

Kounye a nou vle sòti nan mache w' la ak panye nou plen pwovizyon.

    Now we want to go back from your market with our baskets full of provisions.

*Prayer taken from the book God is No Stranger

Flag Day!

Last week I participated in two flag day celebrations. Friday, May 18, was the official flag day; it is a holiday so the students had off from school. Yet they showed up that morning to honor this special day. The students and teachers headed out into the community proudly waving their Haitian flags and singing about their country. For one of the parades we walked a short distance around the block near the school, and for the other parade we journeyed to the Mayor's office and back. Of course we had to endure the scorching sun but I thought it was well worth it to witness the pride on display of the Haitian people for their country.

The older students had been preparing for the parade for a couple of weeks. I was very impressed- they chanted while marching in perfectly straight lines!

This is a video of their march- (I had to split the video in two in order to upload it):

Because we caused quite the commotion parading through the streets, many people gathered alongside the roads to watch. 

One of my favorites...another gate picture!

Ayiti pou Kris (Haiti for Christ); Kris pou Ayiti (Christ for Haiti)

Cherishing Friendships

In our neighborhood we have many wonderful families. Four of those families are fellow missionaries working with different ministries. I have gotten to know our neighbors over the past six months and have been greatly blessed by them. God has placed a unique community among us.

In a few weeks we will all be heading off in different directions. Some of us will be returning to the States to continue life there, others will be returning stateside for a couple of months to visit and some will stay in Haiti over the summer. We wanted to do something together before everyone left. This past Thursday night the neighborhood ladies and some of their daughters dressed up and went out to a restaurant for desert. It was a gorgeous night and we had a great time together.

Back row: Christine Harms, Jennifer Edgerton, Taressa, Ruth, and I
Front row: Sharon Seegar-King, Andrea Schmick, Makayla Schmick, Malieke, and Megan Edgerton

The goodbyes will be difficult but I know that God has a plan for each one of us to continue furthering his Kingdom, whether that be in Haiti or elsewhere.  Ephesians 1: 11-12 "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory."

Port-au-Prince at night!

After dinner us younger ladies walked around, thinking up creative shots and posing for pictures.

Taressa took most of the photos. Thanks Tares!

And this is my dear friend Andrea whom I will be most saddened to leave. Andrea has become a mentor of sorts to me; we meet once a week to study the Bible together and pray. We are continually reminded that we can do nothing apart from God. What a wonderful reminder that is! After bringing our concerns before Him we are left with such a peace. I will forever cherish those times spent in the company of Andrea :)

Teachable?

Thirty kids doing art together, in the same room... On any given day that's usually far too many kids for me to handle. Not today though. Because the kids are much more well-behaved I didn't freak out when the majority of them, ages 4-16 years old, joined in on the fun. I set up paint and sponges on one set of tables, and on the other side of the room I placed crayons, colored pencils and coloring books. I divided a few of the kids up, so some were coloring while others got creative with the paint. Thankfully many of them ended up at the tables coloring pictures and there weren't too many making a mess with the paints. Amazingly enough, I only ended up with three small spots of paint on my clothes. The tables on the other hand didn't fair so well and I spent a decent amount of time cleaning those at the end of class.

For a good hour and a half I scrambled to keep everyone pleased while they worked. I had kids constantly grabbing at my arm and motioning to the empty cardboard sheets. So, I refilled the paints again and again. There were others creating disaster scenes, mixing all the colors and/or covering their hands with paint. Without being to obvious, I attempted to shift those children back to the coloring table. Most kids moved right along from one picture to the other. All I heard was, "Miss Kati! Paper! Miss Kati!" "Cam-dy! More paper!" "Kaaati! Paper please!" "Candie! I need paper." (Those are all the names I answer to. I got a little sick of correcting them.) I handed out paper left and right. After months of class I'm finally on top of the paper situation and have tons of it available. Today, I didn't even come close to running out!

Eventually the area cleared out; many of the kids had enough for the day. A little kindergartener, whom I don't normally teach, latched onto my legs as I walked past him. I stopped and peered down at him. He looked up at me, speaking Creole in a barely audible voice. I didn't understand, so I picked him up and sat him down on my lap. This time he said, "Paper. I want paper." I got up, fetched a clean sheet for him, and sat back down next to him. He drew something that I couldn't depict. Then he drew a W. I decided to find out if he knew his alphabet. I began to say each letter aloud and wrote them with him. I got to G; he knew all the rest of the letters from that point on. When we finished the alphabet he handed me the crayon, repeating, "Flower. Flower." I absentmindedly drew him a flower then stepped away to help a few other kids. I came back, and to my surprise, he had drawn multiple copies of the flower! They were very good!

Next, I drew a house for him instead of another flower like he asked. I turned to assist someone else for a few minutes and then redirected my gaze back towards him. He had in fact started a copy of the house too! I was fascinated by this little four year old.

Hardly any of my other kids will copy objects that I draw them. They like to have me draw apples, flowers, crosses, stars, and hearts on their papers. As soon as I draw one of those things for one girl, at least six of her friends will come up to me asking me to draw that object on their paper as well. Sometimes I draw an apple multiple times for the same person. Eventually I get fed up with that and refuse to draw any more objects for them. I am constantly suggesting they study my object and draw one like it for themselves. This does not appease them because if their object does not turn out exactly like mine they are dejected.

I have found a four year old child that is teachable. A four year old! He understands the concept of copying an example. He sat quietly, observing, memorizing the way I was drawing the flower so that he could make one himself! He is aware that in order to become better at drawing a flower he needs to work at it. He will never be able to draw a flower that is as "good" as mine unless he practices. I am amazed! I just wish more of the kids would grasp this concept- it would save me from drawing an awful lot of apples!

I thought of this child and his willingness to learn and then wondered about myself. Am I teachable? Am I open to learning new ideas, concepts, and truths? Do I have the patience to sit and observe? Do I take the time to listen when someone gives an explanation or tells one of their life experiences?

More importantly, when it comes to my walk with God, am I teachable? Am I open to learning new truths, ridding my heart of sin, and understanding God's character more? Do I have the patience to sit before the throne of my Father? Do I take time each day to pour over His Word and listen to His voice? Or is He frustrated with me because I'm halfheartedly seeking Him? Is He willing me to pay attention to His Word and hear His voice instead of going about my own business?

Psalm 25: 4-5

Show me your ways, Lord,

teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

Watch for God

Ever since Vacation Bible School (VBS) at our church two years ago, I have been watching for God. This was one of the main themes of the VBS and we encouraged the kids to actively look for God throughout their day. I had always had my devotion time and church time where I could see God. But I didn't think much about God during the rest of my day. Now, however, I don't go a day without noticing God.

I arrived in Haiti with my eyes open, watching for God. One of the schools that I teach at had been a challenge. These are a few notes from my journal over the past few months:

January 17: I went to the school for the first time- 44 kids, 2 teachers. It was crazy and hectic there. The kids just ran around, playing, fighting. It was hard to get them to pay attention and gathered into one place.

Jan 20: In the afternoon I had Bible study with Andrea. I told her about my week, shared my frustrations with her. She said that my position, at the school, is good and I know I'm exactly where God wants me.  Though I feel so frustrated and there is no way I can control the kids, let alone teach them anything or make an impact on them, I can be an INTERCESSOR- pray for them. I can bring the presence of You to that place by praying over them and lifting them up before you. Though that doesn't feel like much, Andrea said it is everything. This is going to be exciting. Strengthen me each week God, again and again, so that I can be there for these children. You give more grace and provide everything your children need. You promise to meet all my needs.

After my talk with Andrea, the situation seemed so bleak. I considered only teaching these kids for a few months. I didn't see how I could go into that school twice a week and still maintain my sanity! It was exhausting spending time with them.

Looking back through my journal, I found these entries from my devotion time amid my other writings:

January 23:
       ~Everywhere I go Christ goes because I bring Christ with me.
       ~Light has power over darkness.
       ~Do not be pre-supposed by things getting darker. Things are evolving from glory unto glory.
       ~Live like Jesus is coming back tomorrow and have a vision like he won't be back for a thousand years.

February 1:
       ~Missions is less about what I do and more about who I am. A life overflowing Jesus wherever I am.
       ~We need followers of Jesus that are not given to services and programs, but to REAL PEOPLE. Invest in people.

Feb 7:
       ~People matter. What if today was my last day? What matters?
       ~When I come to heaven and face Jesus do I want to stand there with all my stuff or with people, crowds of people?
       And say to Jesus, they love you! They are passionate about you!

Feb 8: Got hugs from the kids today when I entered the orphanage. :) Made me feel loved.

Feb 11: The kids at the orphange lack the joy of Christ and I don't know what to do about that. It breaks my heart to see them without the love of God in their hearts. They need Jesus!

Feb 15: They need JESUS! They need good role models. It's terrible; they are out of control and not at all nice to each other.

Feb 19:
       ~Do I know who I am? Wherever I go I bring God.

March 24:
       ~ The way I will see any fulfillment in that which God wants me to accomplish is by focusing on  Jesus Christ and
       worshipping Him only. In Him when my strength is depleted and I am made weak He is made perfect.

At the time, I didn't even realize how much these insights related to my situation. Right there was more than enough reason to continue spending time with these kids. I am called to let the light of Christ shine through me! By being compassionate and loving towards them, which is what I've been trying so hard to do, I show them Christ. The kids have been so much better lately. The sit right down at the tables when I arrive and eagerly wait for me to start. And they don't fight as much!

May 5: At the school the children worked diligently and didn't need much help. Halfway through my class time the kindergarten teacher turned on VBS music and blasted it rather loudly. The kids faces lit up. One little boy ran upstairs as soon as he heard, "If you're happy and you know it." His face was beaming! Many of the kids were excited and sang along with the music. The songs were so upbeat, bringing a whole different mood to the place. The kids continued dancing and singing. I could hear a chorus of voices coming from upstairs as they shouted out the words to the songs. Pure joy was in their hearts! And God.
What surprised me most was that just five months ago I saw an absence of joy and hope in these kids faces. I desperately prayed to God that they would have Jesus, that they would know Jesus. I remember thinking that it would be really cool if these kids could have songs and upbeat Christian music to listen to, maybe someone to worship with them. That was not the position God called me to. Enter- the new kindergarten teacher- he begins teaching and brings the light of Jesus to these kids! Hallelujah! God heard my prayer.

I saw God today!

That happened on a Tuesday. Thursday of that same week I spent time with the older kids. I brought new materials for them and they produced beautiful pieces! I was enthralled by the way they worked.

After my curiosity finally got the best of me I asked what was depicted in this picture. I was a bit surprised by the response, "Satan and God." Wow! 

This boy has talent! As do all the kids- another reason for me to keep coming back each week. I'm so proud of them!

Welcome to My World

Introducing...my cell phone! I cannot not tell you about this important device. Part of my fundraising costs went towards "communication." This was in reference to an in-country cell phone for me. Within days of arriving in Haiti, Ruth sent one of the staff out to purchase a phone for me. She told them to get a fairly cheap phone, seeing as how I was only going to be using it for 7 months. Well, the next day she handed me this electronic device <---- , with my number written on a sticky note attached to the back.

I wasn't sure what to expect so I gratefully accepted this communication tool. I was happy cause it was small. After playing around with it for a little while I decided that it would do. A couple of days later I attempted to send a text message to someone. That failed the first, second, and third time I tried...and the next week when I tried again, and the week after that. Then I went to Jacmel for my home-stay and the teenagers that lived there asked for my number. I gave them my number, then suddenly became aware of the fact that they could probably help me with my phone issue. With my Creole dictionary at hand I poorly explained to them that I couldn't text. After about the fourth explanation they finally caught on to what I was saying; 2 minutes later the texting was working!

I used my phone for a month or so. One day I tried to make a call...quite unexpectedly, it would not go through. I was very puzzled. Come to find out, I was out of minutes. My service provider is Digicel. They don't have a monthly plan- you pay as you go, like a tracfone. Ruth bought me a card with some gouds on it, added the minutes to my phone, and showed me how to check the balance so that I wouldn't run out next time. Pretty sure I forgot to keep track of my balance the next month. And the month after that. I was so not used to having to keep track of my minutes. Eventually, Ruth and I figured out how to buy minutes online for our phones. The minutes are immediately added to your phone when you purchase them- a much better system (however, this still requires you keep track of your balance). I usually remember to check my balance now. Nevertheless, I was going crazy the other night because I couldn't send a text. Yup, outta minutes!

Once I started to get out and about I soon noticed most Haitian's own a higher quality phone than I. Originally I thought that my phone cost a mere 5 U.S. dollars. I was informed by a Haitian that this particular model cost less than that! Less than $5....what?! Makes sense seeing as how it doesn't even have a color screen and all it can do is keep time, make calls, and send texts. Oh yeah, can't forget about the alarm clock, calculator, and torchlight. That's basically all! No matter, I have taken a liking to my phone. Although, my friends joke about it and some Haitians laugh at it. One friend informed me that my screen was "like the size of a quarter." Correction- my screen is actually smaller than a quarter! :)

You Just Never Know

On any given day I expect my art projects not to go at all like I planned. Take for instance last Wednesday... I had art with my 1st grade class.

I have a big box of yarn that I hope to use up, so I found a project online that uses yarn to form a picture. The kids eventually caught on to the technique with a little help and a whole lot of prodding. These two pieces are original works of art:

These two kids copied my example, trying in earnest to make their picture look exactly like mine: 

While I was busy helping a few kids, one student came up to me and asked, in Creole, for another piece of paper. I walked over to the spot where I had placed the stack of paper and found that it was gone. Or so I thought. Then I walked to the back of the classroom...

This boy was the culprit; he had taken the whole stack of paper. And he set to work making purses for his classmates! {Side note: One doesn't have to be in Haiti long to realize that Haitians are very crafty and resourceful. This is reflected daily in my students. Outside of class they do not have access to art supplies, therefore, during class they take full advantage of the paper, string, scissors, glue, ect. Paper especially- I never bring enough paper for them. The kids do many things with it and they always plead for some to take home with them.}

He made 4 or 5 purses. He utilized the card-stock paper, folding it in half and gluing it together; he added a flap so the purse closed, then used multiple strands of yarn for a strap. The kids that received the purses were proud of them and wanted their picture taken. I was laughing inside as the student that made the purses posed the other kids, telling them how to stand and then turning the purses so they faced the right way for the photo.

"It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet." ~Kojiro Tomita

S'mores

The day after I returned Howard and Michele were doing some work out in the garage. They had a small fire going and the kids decided to roast marshmallows on it! Brilliant! Despite not having any graham crackers, our s'mores tasted great.

Michele fanning the flame for us and Howard.

Tasha

Malieke, me, and Micah

Feels Like Home to Me!

In answer to my prayers, the next four days in Michigan went better than I expected. I was able to see a few friends, spend some much needed time with the family and even purchased everything on my shopping list! I surprised a few people....ok, a bunch of people, including all my co-workers from my summer job. I enjoyed seeing the look on their faces when they first saw me and being able to reconnect with them.

My grandparents 50th Anniversary festivities went well. I chatted with many many people at their open house, including some I didn't know. This was how these conversations went:
Them: "Hi!" Me: "Hi! (??)" Them: "How are you?" Me: "I'm fine...and you?" Them: "Good! I'm ______, and you must be one of the grandkids/Kati." Me: "Oh...(??nodding my head up and down???)...ok. (the name never helped) Yes, I'm Kati." If I got lucky they would reply, "You probably don't remember me. I'm so and so's cousin, brother, friend, ect." That rarely happened; I just went along with it and pretended I knew who they were.

These people I did know! These are all of my relatives on my mom's side of the family.

The cousins- Lindsey, me, Codi, Taylor, Jessica, Dani and Collin. My little brothers aren't so little anymore!

I shared a little bit about my life in Haiti with the people that I came into contact with. It's a challenge to explain Haiti to those who have never been there. There aren't enough words or time to give an adequate explanation. I also found that a lot of people didn't even know where to begin with the questions related to my life. Then the only time it came up in conversation was if I brought it up. I don't blame them though. I had never known how to start up a conversation with missionaries or those living in foreign countries; I was clueless too before moving to Haiti. At the same time, it was frustrating because I am excited and passionate about my life in Haiti and I couldn't share that.

By day three I felt like I had never left the States. While I had been gone, the places and people didn't change all that much. Driving around, the memories flooded back of the things I used to do. I am amazed at how quickly I jumped back into things. I was focused on making the most of my time in America. It was taxing to think about Haiti. How does one connect the two worlds? While I was shopping in the grocery store I wasn't focused on prices, I was driving on smooth roads, we went to the bowling alley late one night (one rarely stays out that late in Haiti), I was surrounded by wealth not poverty. Living in America was second nature. The only reminders of Haiti were the differences. Yes, in my mind the differences were very evident. But they were triggered by little things throughout the day- flushing the toilet paper, brushing my teeth with tap water, not having to worry whether or not we had city power and if now was a good time to plug in my charging cords, walking out into the frigid weather.

After I returned to Haiti, there was one sad difference that I noticed. In her book, Kisses from Katie, Katie Davis perfectly captures what I am referring to. After living in Uganda for a time, she returns to the U.S. and struggles with being back:

"Not long after I arrived in the States, I poured out my heart about feeling like a stranger in my native land in my journal, and I came to a better understanding of why I felt I didn't belong there. 

     I have often wondered since reentering the United States why I feel such great culture shock. How can I feel such a disconnect with the place I was born, raised, and for eighteen years called home? How can I feel that my real home is a place in which I have spent just over a year? I have blamed it on many things. 

     American extravagance.

     The grocery store that almost sends me into panic mode due to the sheer quantity and variety of foods.

     People who build million-dollar homes. 

     The lack of understanding and lack of thanksgiving on the part of all of us.

     The ease with which we receive medical care. 

     The amount of stuff that just clutters our lives. 

     All these things make it difficult to readjust, yes. But what has been the biggest shock to my system, the huge disconnect, is that I have stepped out of my reliance on God to meet my needs. I "miss" Jesus. He hasn't disappeared, of course, but I feel so far from Him because my life is actually functioning without Him. By "functioning," I mean that if I am sick, I go to the drugstore or to the doctor. If I am hungry, I go to the grocery store. If I need to go somewhere, I get in my car. When I need some advice or guidance, I call my mom or go plop on my roommate's bed. If I want to feel happy, I get Brad, my little brother, or someone else to make me laugh. 

     I keep forgetting to ask God first to heal me, to fill me, to guide me, to rejoice with me. I have to set aside "time to pray" in the morning and at night instead of being in constant communication with Him. In Uganda, because I was so physically "poor," I was completely dependent on God and spiritually as wealthy as ever. As I sit here writing, I am frustrated with my own stupidity, my human willingness to step back into dependence on stuff and these places I swore I detested." 

God was missing from my life in America too. I didn't depend on Him to the extent that I depend upon Him here. In just those four days being home I had the unsettling feeling that something wasn't right. And it wasn't right. I didn't bring God into it. I was not aware of His presence and my need for Him like I am here in Haiti. It's the sad truth and I hate it.

You can imagine my joy when I returned to Haiti! I eagerly packed up my things and breezed through the airports. I was surrounded by Haitians as I waited at the gate in Fort Lauderdale. Though I still can't understand anything they are saying in French or Creole, I felt comfortable around them. Things began to feel familiar again. I am blessed by the insight of a friend who wrote me a nice note when she returned from her visit with me in Haiti. She wrote, "Kati, you fit perfectly in Haiti. I couldn't think of a better person to be doing what you are doing. I saw so many little confirmations that you are where God wants you to be... Seeing you in Haiti confirms that this is the right thing for you to do." For this season of my life I know that I am in the right place.

The bumpy chaotic roads, hot weather, and mess of people had never been as welcoming to me as it was upon my return to Haiti. For the next few hours, as I went about visiting and unpacking, I had a huge grin on my face. I walked by one little neighbor boy a couple of times and he finally looked at me and asked quizzically, "Are you happy?"  I was very very happy to be home :)

That wonderful joy quickly diminished as I chased a bug ugly cockroach around my room before bed that night. Such is life in Haiti!

Feels Like Home to Me?

This past Wednesday I returned to the States. I flew out of Haiti with a couple good friends. I was so excited to be returning to the glorious land of opportunity. A land with fast food, smooth roads, and stores with cheap products. Before we even made it out of Haiti we had some sugary coffee drinks in the Port-au-Prince airport. It was a small reminder of where we would be in a couple of hours.

When the plane landed in Miami we walked into the cold, fancy airport. Everything was so clean and shiny. There were escalators and people movers. The bathrooms were automatic. After living in Haiti, that is a luxury. I couldn't believe all the restaurants and stores located in the airport! Just in case you didn't get a chance to eat before you came or you got hungry during a long layover, everything you desired was at your fingertips. The first store that I saw made me sick. The things that they were selling catered to ones wants, not needs. I thought, who would even buy that stuff? It's just stuff. The materialism of America was so evident once again.

On the plane ride from Miami to Chicago I was awfully uncomfortable. I didn't want to leave Haiti- yet here I was...well on my way back home?! Something changed in me- I was no longer excited to be in the glorious land of opportunity. I had a panic attack. I was so fidgety. I didn't enjoy being state-side and I wasn't even off the airplane yet. I didn't want all these luxuries. I didn't want fast food. I wanted to see my family but I didn't want everything else that came with that.

I asked God to give me strength to get through the next four days in which I would be "home." I cried out to God. I didn't like the feeling of being uncomfortable in this pleasant environment. My home country didn't feel like home anymore. I prayed and prayed. By the end of the 2.5 hour flight God gave me a peace that passed understanding. I found solace in my Father's arms- the only place of true comfort.

Leaving the plane, I searched for the gate where I was to wait for my next flight. Outside, the sky was grey and dreary. Though I was in Chicago, I may as well have been in Michigan. This was the weather that I so easily said good-bye to five and half months ago. I didn't miss it. I found my gate and noticed that I was surrounded by older dutch folks. Before I turned on my iPod I overheard a conversation the two women next to me were having...they were talking about Calvin College. Hmmmm! I was defiantly at the right gate; these were my people. Had I started playing Dutch-bingo I'm sure I could have found a distant relative, or a close connection with one of them.

Thankfully there was still a little bit of daylight as we approached the ground in Michigan. I stared out the window in awe! There were enormous green fields, rows and rows of bright yellow school buses, high school tracks, golf courses, and large houses and barns in this glorious land. It was all "new" to me! And it was stunning. After about a 25 minute flight I was almost home! My parents and grandparents were waiting for me at the gate when I arrived.

I was very hungry by that time of night (after not having eaten all day) and I suggested, more like demanded, we stop at McDonald's en route to our house. Because I didn't have access to fast food in Haiti, a part of me really wanted some again. The double cheese burger and grilled chicken snack wrap tasted pretty good. But not as good as I remembered. This food that I had been longing for just wasn't satisfying. I thought about it over the next couple days and came to the conclusion that McDonalds food would taste much better in Haiti. I really craved it in Haiti...it would be such a treat there. Yet, something about being served McDonald's in America, along with the 68 million other people being served daily, didn't make it all that special.

When I arrived home I was astounded by the glittering black granite countertop in our kitchen. And the lack of dust and ants in our home! My room was plush, with shaggy carpet, a couch, and many many soft blankets. Not unexpectedly, the first night I didn't sleep well because I was so restless in this new place.

(to be continued :)