Welcome to Haiti, or Hades, I quickly found out that most of the time the two were interchangeable. Stepping off of the plane from Tulsa to Dallas, I thought, it is a little hotter down here. Dallas to Miami, man it is really hot and humid here, I can't believe so many live in Florida. Stepping off of the plane and on to the runway in Haiti. My definition hot and humid changed. Nothing this side of a sauna could prepare you. We file through a large barn, ie customs and are thrust out into downtown Haiti. New definition of poor, crowded, overwhelming and personal space, all redefined in 10 seconds. We hope on a bus, drive 60mph through streets that we normally would deem impassable, through a stench field maze of tent cities and buildings that were at best rubble, at worst, was seen for hundreds of thousands as normal. New definition of sad sinks in as we pass hundreds of naked children playing in mountains of trash that they call home. We finally arrive to armed guards, barbwire and buildings meant to be demolished, this was our mission center. This is the mecca for many Haitians for medical and spiritual relief. New definition fortunate. Get out of the bus, walk to a large open barn with a metal roof, drum set, guitar, speakers and a projector, they apparently call this "church". Sitting on a football bench called a pew, about 20 people their, then the armed guards slide the gates to the mission open, a inflow of Haitians, who have literally traveled hours, walking, riding 25 in trucks designed for 4, 4 for bikes designed for one, all dressed better than most of us at our church. Living on dirt floors, tents, no running water, muddy streams for bathes and laundry, all of their clothes were spotless. New definition respect. 100s of Haitians children run it, immediately overtaking us, climbing on our laps, holding on to our hands and legs, hanging on our every words, exploring our cameras, and looking at us like my children look at me after I am gone at work for 2-3 days. Overwhelming definition change for longing, and needing. Worship starts, familiar melody plays, unable to fully grasp song in their native language Creole, until they sing the verse again in English. Shout to the Lord. Uponn recognizing the words I felt like I could barely stand. Looking out at theses destitute people, in the ravished land, in a building deemed more for cattle than people. Hearing them sing, with ALL hands raised high, EVERYONE singing, praising God to the fullest, I was overcame with emotions. New definition of Faith, of Praise, of Pity. Pity for me and most of us who would not even go to church if it sprinkled snow, if it happen to coincide with another important event like football, or vacation, or a nice day. New definition admiration. Admiration of their perseverance to truly worship God, non like I ever have seen or will see. I redefine fortunate. Fortunate for me to be here, led by the Word of God, to finally experience the Word of God like it was meant to be.Kevin.
