We spent a lot of time and energy preparing for our trip. In the busyness of preparation, most of you may not have given much thought to what things would be like after it was over, how things would never be the same.

Tomorrow many of you will go back to work. Schedules will mandate your time and focus, and routine will demand your cooperation. As you prepare to fall back into a sense of normal, you may be also dealing with some unexpected emotions. God shook your world this week. He opened your eyes to things you didn't know existed. He accomplished things in you that you didn't know possible. And He awakened your spirit to something you never want to forget. In light of that, you may be feeling some aftershocks.

Perhaps you feel depressed. You encountered joy amidst poverty and peace despite difficult circumstances in a way that words are inadequate to express. You have shared your stories, but it's not the same. Your friends and family just don't get it, and the feeling that "life is about to go back to normal" is depressing.  If you are feeling this way, remember life will go back to normal, but you don't have to. The same God that gave you those experiences abroad is the same God you worship at home. Focus on thanking Him for allowing you to be a part of His mission and look for ways you can have joy and peace where He has planted you.

Maybe your mood is better characterized by guilt. You look in your fridge and shudder at the many options to fill your belly. You sat in the air conditioned church this morning on a cushioned pew and felt embarrassed by your comfort. You think about your home, your car, your clothes, your job and somehow feel repulsed by your abundance. Ask God to provide you with a clear direction of how you can be a good steward of all He has given you and the courage to obey then allow Him to replace your guilt with a grateful heart. 

Anyone feeling frustrated? People at home just don't understand what you saw and experienced. It's frustrating. What's even more frustrating is that our culture doesn't seem to care that they are filthy rich or blessed beyond measure. Remember your trip opened your eyes, not everyone else's. You are responsible for the way that you live going forward, not everyone else. As you live a changed life in response to what you experienced, your friends and family will notice.

As things settle down and you transition back into a routine, you have a choice to make. You can "forget" what God has shown you and live like your trip to Haiti never happened or you can implement a change. Allow God to use those incredible experiences and emotions to motivate you to live differently. You don't have to be in Haiti for God to give you immense joy and indescribable peace. You don't have to be on a mission trip to be used by God in ways you never thought possible.

Tomorrow when you wake up, you are still on mission. And God is still on His throne. Praise be to Him from who all blessings flow!

Valmy is my interpreter, but he is more than that. He is my friend. This week we have all had some amazing adventures. I thought you might enjoy hearing about them from a different perspective so tonight here is our day from the eyes of Valmy...

Today was a good day. We had fun with the kids. We danced. We sang. We made noise, a lot of noise!
 
It is good for Americans to come because you help a lot of people in Haiti, people who were suffering from difficult diseases and hunger. You help kids to go to school and you share the Gospel with them. Through you they come to know Jesus. Many other people live in Damien and Bigarade, and you share the love of Christ with them.

Early this morning unfortunately we did not have the medical clinic at Damien Baptist Church so many people came to see the doctor. Some of them live far away from Damien because they don’t have money to go to the hospital and they know American people come to Haiti to help with health problems. That showed when American people come here it’s a hope for these people. We do not have opportunity to go to the hospital to survive. The most important thing that American people do, they are not coming just to provide medicine, but also to provide spiritual things.
 
My favorite things this week is to see how you bring joy to the kids at the school in Bigarade and how they appreciate American people and what they do, like the food that you provide and the songs. This week I got to know the American people much better, and they make me want to be a better man.
 
I love you all!

We love you, too Val, and we look forward to the time when we can see you and your precious country again. Until then "babay Ayiti"

We have had a long but wonderful day. We made it very easy through security both in Houston and Port au Prine. Everyone arrived with all of their luggage. We are tired but feeling blessed. Thank you for all of your prayers while we were traveling.

We arrived at the guest house about 3pm. It is very nice. The view from the roof is especially beautiful. We relaxed some this afternoon then enjoyed a wonderful meal of fried chicken, rice and sweet carrot and pea sauce.

After dinner we lifted up several songs in worship. Everyone sang their hearts out. Something about being on a mission trip, being out of your comfort zone makes worship so meaningful. Bob encouraged us to allow ourselves to be vulnerable this week. To be willing to allow God to use us anyway He wants as we pour our hearts out to Him and to the precious people of Haiti.

Tonight our eyes are heavy but our hearts are ready for everything God wants to accomplish!

In a little over 24 hours, a team of 32 people will get on a plane and head to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. While that is a lot of people who are ready for an adventure, there are dozens more who will stay behind. This blog is for the mom who hugs her daughter one more time before she heads through those security gates, the husband who is about to appreciate all his wife does just a little more, and the wife who lovingly agreed to single parent for the week.

When your loved ones return from Haiti, they will have powerful and unique stories to tell. But until that time, you can visit this blog for a little glimpse into all God is doing through them and in doing so, may you be reminded to pray that all things would be accomplished through this mission for His glory!

Before you say your "see you soon," I want to take the opportunity to encourage the team. I imagine some of you are very excited, maybe mentally counting down the hours until our early departure. Some of you may also feel nervous of what unknowns lay ahead or unsure if you will have anything to offer. In 1 Chronicles 25, David, along with the captains of the army, were making plans for how the priests and other Levites should organize themselves for service in the temple once it was constructed. Specifically, chapter 25 addresses how the musicians would serve God.

"And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student." 1 Chronicles 25:8

They let God decide who would lead the singing, who would strum the harp and who would play the cymbals. In God's plans, there are no auditions. There is not even a pre-requisite for talent or ability. God chooses for one purpose - His glory!

He has chosen you, set you apart for this mission for His glory. He is not concerned about how well you can get around, He does not mind that your mouth goes dry when you talk in front of big groups, and He is not worried that your medical knowledge may be a little rusty.

What He does take note of is your obedience. He is delighted that You have chosen to follow Him, and He needs nothing more than your Yes. So as we depart, let your worries fade and let your hearts be amazed as God uses your yes for His glory!

I feel blessed to serve Him alongside you! - Alison