Debriefing

The first part of the team is on their way home. Everyone seemed to sleep a little better last night, but it was late when we were finally able to bed down. When dawn broke, we pushed through getting ready, had a final devotional thought, came to Rob's, loaded up the suitcases and packs, shared a warm and teary good-bye. With a last wave they were off, and we are still here. It will be a long day of travel for them, they will catch the reprieve of much better food than they have had for over a week, but weariness of body and the separation of the team will probably be overriding factors in their return. I can only hope and pray that their travel is smooth and uneventful. I can tell you, they will all sink into their mattresses tonight, clean from nice hot showers, dry via clean white regular towels, teeth brushed over a normal sink, fresh sheets to envelope their weary flesh, in a controlled atmosphere rid of sweating while just sitting, and they will be grateful! Haiti is rugged on the human body adept at it's climate and life, for us American's it's plain ruthless, malicious, and unrelenting. We have been debriefing with the kids for a couple of hours now, and their insight into the culture, their awareness of their surroundings, and their insights into people have been fascinating! A word to the wise, young people watch! They have so many positive things to say about their stay here, the team that was here with us, and how each person brought deep meaning and joy to their final days in Haiti. A special word of thanks to our departing team members, you counted in ways you cannot fully know, you were here for such a time as this...words from a grateful father. We have a host of administrative wrap up work to do when Robinson gets back, pray all goes well to that end. We will close up shop later this afternoon, the girls have to make final decisions on leftover food from the kids, and then we will try to catch a snooze before we head back to the States tomorrow. So much has been accomplished and things went so well for us this trip, the bar just went up even higher for our return, whenever that may be. Hopefully it will be part of a new adventure, the raising of a new tent over twice the size of what we have now! Until later, many rich blessings.