About all my packing is done. Just got some tooth brushes
and medical thermometers to squeeze in.
Beyond our personal items our group is taking four 13 gallon tubs full
of sheets, towels, and assorted items. I've been reading journals of my past
trips to prepare myself mentally: just a 2 hour flight from the USA, a
different reality, a hot tropical climate with insect born disease so take
pants & long sleeves, beautiful coasts punctuated with streams chocked with
garbage, cell phone towers rise above mud huts with starving people. They are
the reason we are going. I look forward to seeing my friend Fr. Herve and
others I’ve met there –like children that have grown up since my trips in 2003
& 2009. Here is an entry when I reflected back on my first trip: I see many faces, black, shiny, startled by
a ruddy stranger, hollow faces, some desperate, some peaceful, in their faces you
can see determination, resignation, pleading, curiosity they are all God’s
children.
Jim and Maureen’s blogs reflect the faith and trust involved
in an initial trip to Haiti. Much of the sense of security we take for granted
here doesn’t exist there. Like children we put ourselves into the hands of our
Lord which is really true of all the faithful, it’s just more obvious in Haiti.
I thank God for the prayers offered for our trip and for Fr. Herve and others
that will take good care of us.
God’s peace,
Deacon Tim
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteSue
A prayer for our Saint Lawrence pilgrims
ReplyDelete(Deacon Tim, Shirley Molitor, Jim White, Maureen White) as they travel to visit our sister-parish in Laborde, Haiti.
Lord Jesus,
we entrust our friends and fellow parishioners
into your strong and compassionate hands.
Lead them on this journey of faith.
Open their eyes and hearts to praise you in all your creatures.
Let them experience your goodness in the hospitality their will receive.
Help them to both give and receive the Good News of salvation
as they meet new friends, your disciples in Haiti.
Keep them safe and inspire them to be courteous toward all.
As you guided Abraham and Sarah when they left their own land,
protect our friends.
Walk by their side and help them each day.
Be their companion and strength on the road
and their refuge in any adversity.
After you have blessed them (and our sister-parish),
bring them safely and happily home.
We thank you and bless you. Amen.