A Beautiful Mess

Our trip to Haiti was much like the country itself...a beautiful mess. If you aren't careful, all you see is the crazy chaos, the mess and you miss the beauty of Haiti and the richness of it's people. Well, our travels were much the same. I would find myself focusing on the messiness of overseas travel with 3 small boys to an undeveloped country and missing the beauty. It is so easy to look down and forget to look up.

In Haiti, when you look down you see dirt.

Trash.

Filth.

Poverty.

When you look up you see blue skies.

Green trees heavy with ripe fruit and flowers.

Mountain peaks & ocean views.

On our travels, when I looked down I saw:

sleepy boys with no schedule.

rashes.

bugbites.

sweat.

dirt.

fatigue.

frustration.

confusion...what were we thinking??

When I looked up I saw:

Jesus.

Grace...enough for each moment.

Joyful boys...content with 2 small trucks, a few books & coloring supplies.

A husband, partner, & friend.

Teamates willing to love and help...practically & spiritually.

Clarity. Joy. Beauty.

Our 2 week trip to Haiti was quite a ride. There were moments I wanted to run away...back to Texas. My home. Back to organization, cleanliness and schedules...because I think that is the environment in which I thrive. But it's not true. I learned that I thrive...my family thrives anywhere! Anywhere we are all together...anywhere we are with Jesus and doing what He has invited us to do.

Everything on this trip was filtered in my mind...the "we may be living here someday" filter. I began counting the costs on this trip...seriously counting the costs. And not just, I will miss my favorite red chair. This trip was a reality check. I know no one is "cut out for this"...especially me. I DO know that God will not invite me and my family to something and not meet us there.

God met us in Haiti.

His grace really is enough.

For each moment. of each day. in Texas. in Haiti...especially in Haiti.

His grace was all we had...and is seriously, quite enough.