This was my first mission trip. So many of my close friends have shared stories of their wonderful experiences from Africa, China, Mexico and other places where Christ love is so needed. One friend in particular was concerned about me making this trip. The past twelve months have been without question, the most difficult in my life. With having to deal with so much, they wanted to make sure I was going to be able to handle seeing the devastation I was about to encounter after dealing with so many devastating issues in my own life. I appreciated their concern; I knew it was genuine. However, I knew God had prepared me for this trip and I was anxious to go and help in whatever little way I could.
I’ve come to appreciate the phrase, “Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it”. Just 18 days ago I was sitting in my home in Tennessee watching CNN broadcast the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. I wanted to go here but didn’t know what in the world I would do. I’m not a doctor, nurse or trained medical professional. What value could a former politician and financial advisor bring to a country ravished by an earthquake that had taken everything from a country that had little of nothing in the first place. God certainly granted my request, answered my prayer and blessed my life tremendously. By now you’ve seen the pictures and footage on the newscast, hopefully seen the wonderful pictures taken by Dustin in our group and read our blogs.
What all of us a amateur writers have difficulty capturing is the many looks on the thousands of faces we encountered. Yes, some were of hopelessness and despair. I can’t help but think I would have a similar expression if I had lost everything the same way the Haitian people had. But in the middle of this devastation and destruction their were faces of joy, appreciation and love. The most telling expressions were those from children. Their wasn’t a single shack, tent compound or orphanage we visited that the kids we’re smiling and glad to see us. They especially liked us taking pictures of them and then seeing the picture on our digital cameras. On a couple of visits I had my I Pod on and was listening to music. I walked up to a little girl and placed one of the earpieces in her ear. I think I was listening to “Sweet Home Alabama”, by Leonard Skynyrd. You should have seen the look on her face! I bet she’s a fan forever. But the imagine I will remember most is the kids just wanting someone to touch them. I hit me that there is little difference between those of us in the developed world and those little kids. We all wanted to be touched in a manner that is significant to us. It might be through physical touch, an emotional touch or the feeling in our heart when God gently touches our inner soul.
Looking back over the last year I felt as if I had lost everything. I lost my wife, two careers, the home I shared with my family, people who I thought were friends and some material items I had coveted. While my year was challenging, it wasn’t nearly as bad as millions in Haiti who would still love to have two loving children and a family and friends who love me more than I can understand. So what was my role in Haiti? I may not have the answer to that question for some time. I have much to return home to later this week and no amount of money in the world can buy that. I hope my touch made a difference in the life of at least one child. I know their touch made a difference in mine.
Paul Stanley
For other blog post from our Haiti trip, please visit www.globaleffectministry.org
