Simple Gifts

 
Our bags are packed. We are ready to leave Mizak early tomorrow morning.  In our bags are souvenirs, artistic gifts for our loved ones back home.  The gifts we bring home for ourselves can not be packed in a suitcase.  They are much more simple and much, much more valuable.
 
Tonight, following our last meal, we sat in a circle under the tangerine trees.  We watched the sun set and reflected on this amazing week.  For a group that barely knew one another just a few weeks ago, we have become a rock solid (make that volcanic rock solid) mission team.  From these kind, caring, amazing people, I have received many gifts.

On the second night here, I joked that I had figured out Valerie's secret.  She was really "Batman."  By day, quiet West Michigan Conference colleague, but by night unstoppable change-agent of Mizak, Haiti!  Fore those who know Valerie, I wish you could see her in action on this mountain.  She is Mizak's U.S. partner, passionate for change.  She is also the person to thank for nudging me to take this unforgettable journey.

Sue brought a special gift of compassion.  An attorney and divorce arbitrator, she donates countless hours to keep Michigan homes free of violence and abuse. I watched as she gently and sensitively introduced the topic to about 40 Haitian women.  I expected nothing but stony silence.   Soon, Sue had them sharing their own stories of abuse and survival and thinking how they would protect one another.

The gift of preaching came from Carol. Who else could offer up a sermonette on Jello, in a country that will never see the jiggle or the wiggle of that food, and still be able to powerfully translate the story of caring for one another as Christians.  

Nichea, our United Methodist Woman board member, provided the steady keel of our mission ship. Funny and easy going, her relaxed demeanor is in contrast to her constant keen eye for opportunities to leverage future support for this country.  Thank you Nichea  for helping us talk through each emotional  day.  We all slept more soundly because of that caring gift each night.

Don is our senior team member and my roommate this week.  A person of quiet strength and spirituality as deep as an ocean. His special gift was to capture each day in one single powerful and meaningful story.  Each night we sat, captivated by his tranquil baratone voice, as he shared where he saw the face of Christ each day.  

Ulrich, our Haitian native translator, able production assistant, and guide gave us the gift of both understanding and peace.  He became our main bridge between two languages and two cultures. Ulrich brought clarity to every thing we experienced.  Thanks to his gift, I was able to step way out of my box this week in peace.  I knew we were always safe in Ulrich’s hands.

The entire staff of HAPI provided us endless daily gifts.  They became our family away from home.  They fed our bodies and spirits. They cleaned our clothes of the red earth and worked to meet our every need.  They were Shalom.  I will never forget them.

And all of us need to take time this week to offer thanks for the gift of Ash Norton.  It will be hard saying goodbye to Ash.  We feel like this Gaylord native should be flying home with us tomorrow.  Back to his home in Kalamazoo, to his wife and fellow mission intern Stephanie.  Ash and 17 other interns live this life on behalf of The United Methodist Church every day for 18 months. They are your ambassadors of Christ to the world.  It is hard, often thankless work.  Please pray for all of them and for the critical work they do.

My greatest thanks was for the gift of the people of Mizak, Haiti.  Your spirit.  Your heart.  Your kindness.  Your hospitality.  You will never know how deeply you have changed me. Every encounter I will cherish.  I came fully expecting to be the gift giver, but you have out-gifted me.  My heart has never been fuller. My relationship with God never deeper. 
Goodbye Mizak, Haiti.  Thank you for your gifts.

Until we greet one another again I wish you Shalom.