Monday, November 3, 2008

I'm Back

wow... sorry for my absence!!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who I saw and all of those who contributed in every little way to a great visit back home! It was flawless and much needed! BIG THANKS

As far as reintroduction... the minute I stepped foot off of AA flight 803 I was greeted with a pleasant surprise. The heat wave that Haiti is famous for throughout the summer had seemed to have cooled off a bit. It is amazing how thankful you can be for the lower 90's when all you've known is the 100 +'s for so long... it made the transition that much more manageable. 

I say manageable for this very reason... 

Although you know the poverty stricken elements and graphic images that you will be exposed, I don't think after time away it will ever be easy to transition back, and I am thankful for this. I think if I ever reach a point where what I see and witness doesn't pull my heart strings, something is wrong, and something needs to be done. The hurt is great and the hurt is BIG!! One image in particular stirred my emotions to the brink of tears... I saw a child... and this child was partially clothed in what was nothing more than a tattered t-shirt. This child was obviously hungry and was walking bare footed over a large pile of trash. These piles of trash are abundant in Haiti and I am sure that I have mentioned them before; the odor they produce is practically unbearable. I watched this child plop himself down in the middle of this trash heap and begin digging through the surrounding trash in hopes of finding something to satisfy the hunger pains. As I watched, I saw him find something that had absolutely no resemblance of anything edible and he began to pry at it with his teeth... thankfully we were driving and I didn't witness this long because I think I would have lost it completely... 

I know it is important to witness graphic images such as these, because these images are the driving force behind what we do... like I said before, there is a great hurt and the hurt is BIG!!!

All in all, life back is good... good for the soul! Of course, it is challenging and believe me I still need all of the prayers I can get, but it is good. I want to let everyone know that we hope to have our own Internet soon and I hope to be much better in communicating with everyone about my time spent here. For all of you that have prayed for Guerline... Thank You!! I plan to see her soon because once again she hasn't reported back with her mother in the time that I was away. I hope and pray I find her well and I will report back to all of you as soon as I can.

M' pral pale ou tale...

 

 

10 comments:

Unknown said...

WE are thankful for you, son. Thank you for being tender and reminding us how important it is not to forget the dying world out there - both physical and spiritual death. Prayers and HOPE for Haiti. Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

Glad you got back safe brother. Thanks for the update...see you soon.

Anonymous said...

Hey best friend,
It was so good to see you at home! We continue to be in awe of your tender heart and what the Lord is doing for Haiti through you. Your committment is a testimony, precious Nathan.
We cannot wait to get back to Haiti in Feb 2009 with the group from LMPC. Seems like I dream about Haiti and serving there alot!
You are in our prayers. Thanks for giving hope to Haiti.....
hugs to you, Deb and Rob

Unknown said...

Hey Nathan,
Glad to see you while you were here and sorry to not officially see you off, but we will be praying for you and are glad that you are following His will. Thank you for being a good example for all of us.
Jonathan (for Cathy, Andrew & Cameron)

Anonymous said...

nathan,
you are doing good work. i am so glad you made it back safely, and i look forward to hearing more stories from you about all the families you are able to help.

anna segrest

The O'Briens said...

You are back! I've been checking daily ... what a powerful story you told. Makes all that is going on in America seem so trivial at times. Praying for you. Much love.

Anonymous said...

hey naney! i miss you and i'm ready for you to be back again! but i know God has you there and i have to say i admire your strength and character amongst your circumstances! :)

Unknown said...

great to read some of your story there. we look forward to keeping up with it!

Anonymous said...

Nathan: It is very encouraging to hear what The Lord is doing through you and your team in Haiti.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 - to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

-Kelly Holt

Anonymous said...

Nate, So great seeing you while you were home. Glad all has mended well and you are full speed. So thankful that Guerline is improving and that you got to see her to reassure yourself that all is going as planned. We could use some of the warmth from you area, it is cold here. We continue to life you and your group up to our Lord. What a blessing to hear from you and to get your updates. Stand tall, be safe. God Bless. Tom & Peggy