My First Morning in Haiti

It's my first morning in Haiti.

Yes, yesterday afternoon I arrived for the first time in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Poverty is immediately evident, but the beauty of the land and the people is immediately evident as well. The ride up along the mountain road to Kenscoff was sun-kissed. Poinsettias grow wild along the roadside -- God-planted Christmas decor.

Last evening after our arrival, the pastor's family we are staying with prepared a welcome-to-Haiti supper fit for royalty. The main dish was Red Snapper, yes, baked fish. (My fisherman dad would have loved it especially.) Then there was fresh salad with avacado, potatoes, egg plant and of course the staple food here in Haiti, rice and beans. Finally, yesterday was also the pastor's brother's forty-fifth birthday, so we finished our meal with birthday cake.
     
The Haitians are early to bed and early to rise. Through the Haitian night, the sounds in the mountains are many -- motorcycles winding, roosters crowing sporadically, and then there are the dogs. The best way to define their hollering sounds is to say, "The dogs must be the Haitian form of fireworks without the fire!" It truly sounded like a fireworks show most of the night. Still somehow, the noises all came together in a sweet chorus that ushered in hallowed rest. 

The beauty, the sounds, and especially the Haitian people are all uniquely awesome to me.

Prayers are so appreciated as we anticipate the pastors' conference. Hundreds of pastors are preparing to join us here in the mountains. Please pray that in these mountains created by our Lord, whatever is needed will be provided.

Grateful