Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Old News

We are in St. Marc tonight. Traveling today was very smooth. My team, now that was a little different matter. As fate would have it Ray misplaced his keys this morning and after a frantic search, managed to locate them in his fanny pack! That was our disturbing beginning, the airport transaction was the smoothest to date, I seriously feel with the AA bankruptcy that their staff has finally been set to etiquette school. We have never been treated with greater respect. So we made it to PAP and have loaded onto the bus to the baggage terminal when a disturbance starts, it's my son, he has left his iPhone on the plane. So the 300 yard dash commences, father chasing son, security giving us warning looks, but again, God watched over his unnerving mistake, and the plane staff came off the plane with his phone! At 21 he is still adding grey hair to my head. But all that aside, i had some intriguing discussions with folks today. One statement that stirred my deeply was when one man said, "face it, Haiti is old news". He's right you know, we are a culture that demands the sensational, who jump to disaster at fevered pitches, but then the dust settles, and a strange boredom sets in, steady commitment can have lackluster moments, and we jump to 'greener' pastures. The truth is Haiti is not 'old news'. What happens to people here every day is real, tantamount, tragic, and savage, just a mere 2 hours off our blissful shoreline via jet aircraft lies a suffering nation trying to heal, get better, survive, find hope and help. We are grateful in our coming here to be reminded again of the reality 'that is' for these people. As we arrived in the dark, peering out at us were smiles and warmth and love. Callouses melt before the onslaught of embraces, reality comes streaming into pinpoint focus, and 'old news' it turns out isn't so old after all. Generosity finds a foot hold, hope finds a key, and heart doors swing wide open. Mercy flows, grace restores, and we apply our resources and change continues at a steady pace. Let us not forsake our duty! Let us see this journey through, take heart, i come with fresh news! Hope is in the air, new life blossoms and blooms, and in a place of fierce darkness, light fractures and pierces the night through the lives God is changing. Behold, I sit tonight blogging from Robinson's kitchen with a wireless card, I am blown away! I feel the pulse of change, God is moving, He will prevail, I want to be a part of that journey for this nation and these people. They deserve no less! Blessings from St. Marc.

8 comments:

popsmdj said...

Hi! Bob, Kel & Beth Jo, K & K, Ray & Deloris & Neil,
Just read all the posts thru -glad you are in St. Marc safely tonight. Many are surrounding you with prayer-"in quietness & confidence shall be your strength."
Get some sleep tonight under Haitian skies & know we feel like we're there with you. No blizzard here today-just sunshine. May His angels encompass each of you constantly. Love, Hugs for all. MDJ

Ramona said...

Continue to spread the " old news " of the gospel in love !!! God is ever faithful and true. Praying for all of you. Kelly hold onto that phone !

Lori McQuillan said...

Hello all! I'm a sister of Deloris'. I just wanted to let her and Ray, and all of you, know that we're thinking of you and are so proud of what you're doing. Being selfless is not an easy task, and very few people take the hard road anymore, which makes what you're all doing that much more amazing. Be well, be safe, and we'll see you stateside soon. Lori.

Lil Sis said...

Love to each one of you! Glad you got there safely! I was thinking of the long drive from the airport to rob robs last night around 8pm....hoping u were singing and enjoying the powerlessness that comes on this journey. It is beautiful to have such little control and to simultaneously experience so much love. Take it all in guys...let it change u....let it flow through you. Love to all of u today!!!!

Alisa Gallo said...

I read this post this morning and the "old news" really struck me as I am sure it struck you..... I don't believe that one bit.. I am proud of each and every one you for not making that so! I am proud to say I Believe in the efforts we do when we go to St Marc Haiti!!! I hope day one.... Day of organization went well! It was 50 degrees here today! Absolutely beautiful! It's been a crazy day.... But isn't that just the story of our lives.... OK so at least for some of ...... Dad.... ;). I can't wait to hear about your day! I love you all.... Enjoy the view.... Take a moment and take it all in.... God is showing his grace before you continually! Looking forward to seeing pics ;). Ya know I have bigger expectations since you don't have to go to the cafe. ;). Good night and God bless you all! Alisa

Anonymous said...

Hi, I love and miss you guys. Can't wait to see you when you get back and can't wait to see all the pics and hear all the stories. I hope today went well. I won't you to put pics on for me to look at. Grandma bring me home some videos on your phone. Loe you all. Love,Alexis Gallo.

Anonymous said...

Hope your first full day wasn't totally exhausting! Although I'm sure it was. We had bible study tonight, was good. I'm a proud wife my hubby did a great job! Send our love to everyone. Give everyone a big hug from each of us here! Tell Beth&Bob that Darlene is keeping herself busy and is doing well.Germaine wants to know how Neil is doing? Deloris give the kids at the orphange an extra hug from our family! Rest as well as you can your energy, love, hugs and smiles will be needed these next few days!Love to you all! God Bless Germaine&Niche

lauren jozsa said...

What a wonderful blog..tell neil his wife and mo in law are praying for him...miss you guys come back safe!