Daniel Fast

So, I know still haven't posted any real stories about Haiti. I just keep thinking about things going on here in relation to Haiti that I want to share before I forget. Right before I left the Dominican Republic, my friend, Alina and I decided to start a Daniel Fast. For me, seeing the Haitians fasting and praying and worshiping God despite all they devestation, hunger and loss of possessions they were undergoing, made me think about everything I take for granted. So...for the entirety of lent I am not eating meat, meat products, poultry, dairy, processed foods, fats (such as butter, lard, etc), or foods with added sugar. I also am going to not shop (other than needed items)until Easter as well. During this time, my "loss" will remind me of the Haitians, and in turn remind me to pray for the Haitian people and the people still serving in Haiti. When I returned home, I was talking to my mom about how I'm doing this fast and she's like "oh, yeah I'm not starting til Sunday". Apparently, my entire church is fasting and praying as well! We'll see how it goes!

I will digress eventually...

Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. -Proverbs 31:8-9

So I know, I know, where are the stories Stacia? What happened on your trip?? I will get to it, but I'm still processing, readjusting and mulling over my thoughts about my experience in relation to what has been going on here at home.

Today, on the way to work, the time in which I do most of my deep thinking (all five minutes of it), I was also listening to the news on the radio. The host was doing an interview with a Haitian businesswoman. The gist of the conversation was the woman describing her business model, which consisted of ten clients she would lease goods to, and when they sold her goods, she would get the profit plus interest. The day before the earthquake, she distributed her product to all her clients. The day after the earthquake she discovered that all of her clients stores were destroyed. Unfortunately, the bank that she owes money to was not destroyed and she has to come up with the money quickly. The interviewer asked her how much she owes, she replied, "Seven-hundred goud." "How much is that in U.S. dollars?" "About $100" The interview soon ended, and the audience was told that some Haitian financial government guy who was the interpreter for the conversation, was going to follow up with her to see how things turned out at the bank, and then we were invited to see the results of the story on some blog. I don't completely know the situation, but I became slightly irate...Why couldn't the news guy fork over the $100 to the lady so she could get the bank off her back and feed her kids?!

Somehow this anger turned into thoughts about how strong the Haitians are, despite a "weakening" situation. It also make me think about that one guy in history at some point who said that religion is a crutch to the weak. Perhaps religion such as it is, rituals, tradition, etc is a crutch, but faith in the One who can not be seen or understood is stronger to me than anything else. The Haitians have turned to that strength, and through their example, can change the world. I know at least they have changed me.

First day back from Haiti

I have been in Haiti for the last week or so with Mercy Works for earthquake relief work. Mercy Works is a Christian organization affiliated with Mercy Ships and YWAM, that provides spiritual and physical support after disasters. It was a great experience, which I will go into more detail in the coming week. I have some thoughts now that I'm back in the "real world". This is kind of an epilogue and at the same time a prologue to my experiences.

After working in a third world country as a PT, I am struck with the fact that I even though I talk about new equipment I want to order at work, while in Haiti, I had hardly any equipment and things tended to work out ok in the end. Although, now that I'm back to work, I definitely appreciate the equipment I do have much more, even though it may be old, or not exactly what I would like to use. I work for a "for-profit" company, so it was refreshing to not have to worry about perfect documentation, insurance companies and productivity demands while in Haiti. Patients were patients, and I was able to work with them however long, short, or times per day I felt would be most beneficial.

During my time in Haiti, I feel as thought I have grown spiritually as well and coming back to the States I have felt so excited to share my stories. But of course, things do not always work out as planned, and God is teaching me to trust Him, when I feel as though many people do not truly care about my experiences and what God is doing in Haiti. I hope in my next few entries, I can tell everyone in a manner that is not attention seeking, but humble, educational and spiritually uplifting...

roads

I'm Stacia. A few times per year I travel on a short term basis to various places in the world to serve others with skills I've learned in construction while serving in the army, and also through my civilian job as a Physical Therapist. I wanted to start this blog to share my experiences. This year I will be traveling to Togo with Mercy Ships to complete some building projects. I have been to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti in the past volunteering at the House of Hope orphanage. I may try to travel there again this year in light of the current earthquake situation. Please pray for Haiti.