Monday- Our theme for the day in the 21 Day Devotional is humility. Humor started the day as Tom played a song for Dave, “Oh Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble.” Laughter is important on mission trips as we never know when our plans change and we need to be flexible.
Our day began with the rosary and coffee, breakfast with eggs and peanut butter and jam sandwich before boarding the bus. We arrived to a place where I didn’t originally see much financial need but after a quick turn down a street, I felt like I had walked into Haiti. Down the back alley, I felt joy and knew God was sending us out to meet with His people where they were at.
Humility was instant as we were welcomed into the homes of people. We were divided into two groups. I was with Dave and our new friend, Wendy, translators and Interns. Maria welcomed us in first. She was a Haitian living in the DR for 8 years and had a business selling random items out of her wheelbarrow. We had great conversation as we chatted in her one room home and tears came to my eyes as Dave took his brown scapular off of himself and handed it to her. I helped her put it on and when we saw her later that afternoon, she was still proudly wearing it.
We continued to enjoy Strategic Ministry Time. The premise of this time is to be relational with people and talk about our faith, promoting what Mission of Hope and what the local church can provide for them. We met Moline and she asked us to pray for her health. For many of the rusty tin-roof huts we went into, the Haitians asked that we pray for their family, a job, immigration papers, better health or clothes to attend church. This hurt my heart as the Haitian custom is to look very nice for church. We are not here to change a custom but we tell the women that they are beautiful and God loves them just as they are.
We walked further down a dark hallway. Zaline replied, “Si” when I asked if we could do her laundry with her. This led to 30 minutes of playtime with children. We were dancing and singing. Joy, smiling and laughing are universal languages. This was my favorite part of the whole day- yes, laundry and kids! As little innocent arms, squeezed my neck, I felt God’s love and knew humility. Being with kids fills my soul!
Carmen was the last person we visited and she lived in a nice Dominican home. We were shocked to learn that she was a devote Catholic and when I asked if she prayed the rosary, pulled a BEAUTIFUL, expensive rosary out of her bra! That was a moment I will never forget.
Strategic Ministry Time is not for everyone. We go sit and hold hands with the lowest of the low financially but I love SMT. We go deep really fast. By sitting on the ground and getting to know these amazing people, I realize how rich they are in God’s love and how poor we might be spiritually in a first world country.
God calls us to act justly, love faithfully and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 8:6) Today, the team did just that!
We also enjoyed a festive 4th of July party complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, ice cream treats and fireworks.
Happy Fourth of July to all my American friends!
Dianne
