Home Day 1

This will be the last blog regarding Haiti.  I think it is just as important to describe what the feelings are when one returns from a trip like this.  In the past, especially my first few trips I would return saying I was never going back.  The work was hard, I returned tired and burned out.  However, after a few weeks I noticed that I felt energized and whole.  My work seemed to be more meaningful and my compassion battery seemed topped off.  I had a bit of euphoria when I thought of the trip.  As I have returned and had this same experience returned I realized that one can not sum up an experience like this without having time to process it.  I’m sure my friends and family get frustrated when they ask how my trip was because my reply is always cliche.  “It was good.” followed by“It was rewarding.”  However, this does little to describe the experience and many times I don’t really know how the trip was myself until I get home, reenter “normal life” and process the trip.  Only then can I truly begin to describe it.

To my travel companions last week.  I’m sure you will go through the same emotions, and know now it is OK to do so.  Don’t feel bad when your friends ask about your trip if you can’t find the words.  They will come in time.  Allow yourself time to reflect and sort through your thoughts.  Don’t jump to conclusions whether or not mission work and especially mission work in Haiti is something you want to pursue.  Many a person has come back raring to go back only to be let down on their next trip.  Every trip is different and unique.  Some trips go smooth as this one did, others not so much.  Unfortunately, if you get bit by the bug and want to be associated with this service it can be consuming.  

To close, I hope all the readers have enjoyed these descriptions and thoughts.  I do it as much for myself as others, but the one thing I hope to accomplish is to foster an interest in the country and a willingness for others to learn as much as they can.  Hopefully if I can inspire one person to entertain the thought of donating their time, talent, or treasure, then I have done my work.