Leaving my comfort zone - Entering Haiti

When we arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic (DR) I thought to myself, "Oh this isn't too bad, it kind of feels like Florida." There were palm trees, it was warm but not too bad and people were speaking Spanish. Then as we drove around to get to our hotel I noticed the city felt more run down and less and less like Florida. I was coming to realize I was beginning to leave my comfort zone.

Fast forward 24 hours to the border crossing.

It felt surreal when we approached the border. There were thousands of people, Haiti and Dominican, all around. People were purchasing goods and bringing them back across the border. On the Dominican side we had to wait on the bus outside the immigration office while the bus attendant took our passports inside to get stamped. I was definitely trusting in the Lord when I had to hand over my passport at the beginning of the trip - but I did get it back! Our skilled bus driver then maneuvered the large bus across the border. In the picture below, the DR is on the left and Haiti is on the right. Also in the photo is one of the many armed UN officials at the border and throughout Haiti.

Once we got to the Haitian side, we had to get off the bus and go into the immigration office to get our passports stamped and get our green cards. We had eaten lunch while on the bus but many of us had not finished our rice. We saved the food and as we got off the bus we planned to give it to the children. I was in shock as I got to the door of the bus. The children were almost climbing inside shouting in Creole. I handed over my food and quickly followed the group inside. I had never seen a person so desperately excited to get food. It broke my heart and I realized I was completely outside my comfort zone. 

That evening when we arrived at our home for the week in Haiti, I was completely overwhelmed. Our team gathered together after dinner to talk about our experiences thus far. I didn't say anything at first but I finally admitted I was so overwhelmed. Pastor Rob smiled and said that was good. He reminded me that God is in control and He is all powerful. Afterwards Melissa (Pastor Rob's wife) came and gave me a big reassuring hug. I was still feeling overwhelmed and nervous. I wasn't exactly sure my purpose was on the trip. I prayed that night that God would empower me to overcome the nervousness and fears, that I may serve Him and bring Him glory. I was confident God would prevail. 

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.