We had a strange but wonderful week this past week here in Haiti. Two teams did arrive safely Monday morning, and we were able to go out and serve together some days. We never traveled far from the guesthouse.

I was able to visit my apartment for about 10 minutes on Thursday, drop off a few items, pick up clean underwear, and hug a few friends. But, I elected to stay in Port Au Prince a few more days.

The reality of Haiti today, and over the past several weeks, and really over the year I have lived here is an experience of constant uncertainty. Roads might be fine, or they might be blocked. I can wander and shop freely, or I must stay inside the gates. Protests are scheduled, but nothing happens. Nothing is scheduled, and there are reports of violence.

It is common for phrases in Haitian Creole to be completed with “gras ak Jezi”, basically meaning by God’s grace. I am good by God’s grace. I will be there by God’s grace. I will see you tomorrow by God’s grace. The uncertainty of situations makes us lean more into that grace.

My coworker and fellow missionary, Alicia, has expressed well a gratitude that we are able to experience a bit of the frustration that the Haitian people live under. Because of this experience, we are able to identify in some small way with their pain and struggle.

We also want to get back to work. We also hate seeing children kept out of school week after week. We are fortunate to have food and supplies, and only slightly inconvenienced by not having access to whatever we want whenever we want it. We understand a privilege that most of our Haitian coworkers and friends do not have.

Yesterday morning, the roads were quiet, and I was able to attend church with the teams. Rendez-Vous Christ (RVC) is a large and growing church in Port Au Prince that hosts a beautiful blend of French, English, and Haitian Creole worship, with sermons translated in English via headset.

While giving announcements, Suzette Volcy, one of the pastors, made a point to speak directly to the English-speaking crowd. She spoke about the move of God happening in Haiti and how we, as foreigners, had been called there to be a witness to the nations of what God is doing. She also thanked the foreigners in the congregation for being there as an encouragement to the Haitian people.

All of that gave me goosebumps. And, I feel renewed purpose. I might not be here to do exactly what I expected to be doing here. I might be here for even bigger things. I might be here because God is doing a work and I get to be a witness to it. I might be here because my brothers and sisters need encouraging.

Regardless of why, I am here. I am not afraid. I have joy and peace being in Haiti today. I am excited to be with people I love and in the middle of a work only God can do.

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalms 90:2