January 9, 2012

Monday was our first workday in Jacmel. We worked at the new guesthouse at the church of Marky Kessa. The building is close to being finished. We worked on the grounds today: shoveling dirt, spreading rock, and leveling the ground. 15 workers can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time! We were surprised to see many faces from our trip last year, workers from our previous team were here again, shoveling with us shoulder to shoulder. Our first day was much more productive than last year: we were perhaps better equipped to communicate in an abbreviated way, as well as more knowledgeable about the culture. That's one thing that is so important. Last year we were so very shocked by the state of things, that we were blinded a bit. The team workers from each country were unsure of each other, and very wary, which is not conducive to standing together and sounding out the meaning of words. This time around we sense a comaraderie in each other, we trust what we feel in their smile is perhaps the best way to express it. One worry didn't come to fruition: we were visited by many children today. They are so beautiful, loving, open, and eager to befriend! Many of them worked so hard with us today. Carrying buckets of dirt, many in bare feet... one was 3 years old! He had to keep his hands in the air just to keep the gloves we gave him on his hands!
The young college girls took many of the kids to play soccer today. LWML donated many soccer balls (from State Farm) for us to bring - the games went on and on. One little boy fell asleep after the game in Erin's arms. It was such an endearing picture! He felt safe enough to crawl up in her arms and give in to sleep, what a trusting and sweet thing.
Sydney Kessa is the wife of Pastor Marky Kessa. Sydney has been our coordinator for this trip. I must tell you about her grace and gentleness - she is simply stunning: in word and action and faith. What a blessing to us!
Our trip thus far has been eye opening and satisfying. We are however, far far from home. Sometimes it takes a journey such as this to open our eyes to the blessings and abundance we have in our lives everyday.  In the frustrations of the day, the job, the demands of life, we forget how great we have it. I'm thankful for so much: family (especially the Williams boys), friends, and advisors...all sizes and kinds. Do me a favor tonight: say a prayer for us. We will do the same for you.