"My God Can Do Anything"

So, as planned, we set off from La Vega "dark-and-early" and arrived in the capital (still dark-and-early!) where we met up with Ricot and Mandy Leon (pictured). They were to go with us into Haiti but given some of the complicating factors involved in getting "settled" back into life they stayed with us for the trip and now Mandy will be back to Canada for a few weeks while Ricot will reconnect with family and ministry associates in Haiti. It was great to have time with them and learn more about Haiti's history and the many challenges its people face: past, present, and future. You can see more images and learn about their ministry, Heart for Home Haiti, by clicking HERE.

From the capital we set off for Barahona and then on to Jimani. One small problem, at Barhona we went left instead of right (see map below). So, this allowed us to have more bonding time in the vehicle--all the more bonding with six bodies and oh-so-humid air. We turned of the a/c to be somewhat kind to our "trusty" FORD (we are Chevy people...correction: HONDA people) which made for even more bonding shall we say. Anyway, it was a good road trip and the detour allowed is to see some beautiful southern island shores--spectacular.

Once we got back on course, we made it in good time to Jimani. There we established contact with our connections at World Vision (WV). The plan had been to deliver supplies to their storage facility by the border. When we arrived, a WV vehicle convoy was heading into Haiti and they said we could join then. This was great timing as: 1) we weren't sure if we would make it in time to connect with them; 2) if we didn't connect with were unsure of what to do with the supplies; and 3) going into Haiti without an "entourage" (read: guides, security, convoy) is not advised. Plus, we did want to cross the border to get a first hand view into some of the activity that is taking place. The WV team has good relations with the border patrol so we were waved through without any incidents.

We crossed the border at Jimani and made it to the bordering community of Fond-Parisien (about 15/20 minutes across the border). The border seems a chaotic hub of foot traffic, aid workers, large freight trucks, and Tap-Taps (a very colourful, public-transportation vehicle who gets it name because you "tap-tap" on the side of the vehicle when you want to get out). As soon as you cross the border it feels like you are entering another world--not just another part of one island. Actually, there seem to be many contrasts: the destruction in the capital, the lack of social, political and economic infrastructure and at the same time a beautiful night sky casting subtle light on calm waters--a scene of beauty, balance, and peace.

Arriving in Fond-Parisien, we came to Love A Child Healing Center (orphanage). This site was hosting medical teams from the United States that were caring for hundred of people living under blue tarps. Additionally, they had facilities to store food, bedding, and medical supplies. It was very encouraging to see such a facility that was not only receiving needed supplies but was had teams trained to handle logistics and provide people with the nutrition and care they need.

While we were here, Ricot was speaking with a family member by phone and learned that his niece was actually at this site and he and Mandy were able to call out her name and find her. She was in a great deal of pain and, as far as I know, facing the possibility of having an arm amputated. I didn't enter the tent areas but you can see it pictured below.

In addition to being encouraged by the teams I saw caring for people and coordinating efforts at this site in Fond-Parisien I was also struck by the hope I heard. As the sun had set, I was walking with Ricot on a road the circled the tent areas. As we walked we could hear people singing a song in Creole and I asked him if he could hear the words and translate what they were singing. "My God can do anything, He is Alpha, Omega, Beginning and the End, so my God can do anything for me." It was incredible to hear these words sound out through dark night sky as we circled around an area that otherwise felt so heavy and overwhelming.

We left Fond-Parisien at around 8:30pm and then made the windy-road trek back to Barahona--hoping that there we would find accomodation for night. We arrived 2 hours later and, thankfully (very fully!) we were able to find a place and crash (head>pillow>out!). The next day we made in back through the capital and home to La Vega. In coming back, we continue to think and pray through next steps and ways to support efforts and provide assistance--whether in Haiti on locally here in La Vega as we anticipate the arrival of many displaced people. In the midst of this tragedy and uncertainty may hope be found (spoken, sung, and seen) in the words "my God can do anything"--even bring hope and restoration which can appear so distant.

La Vega to Jimani | 4am Departure

Ok, so, speaking of story & place, you may be asking yourself, "So, isn't Darin in a place called the Dominican Republic and doesn't he have a story (or two, or three....) to share from there? What's with all the videos and blogs on all this introspective stuff. To that I say thank you faithful blog follower and your following is not in vain as stories from this place are indeed forthcoming....and introspection is good once in a while.

Indeed it has been a very good week and a half here in the barrio: all the sounds, all the sights, the heat, the mountainous plates of rice & beans, and, of course, seeing many friends. The camera has been a bit tucked away (always good to ease in a be a bit discreet I say) but I do look forward to sharing images and stories with you.

However, I first wanted to let you know I will be joining a small team heading the border of Haiti (possibly entering) at Jimani (see the rough travel plan below). We have been in communication with other workers and will be taking a variety of needed medical supplies. Also, we will be connecting with another worker-couple in Santo Domingo and they will join us for the rest of the trip. It really is quite remarkable as this couple was over in the D.R. for a wedding when the earthquake happened and, as far as I know, their home & vehicle were crushed so they have been temporarily based out of a hotel in Santo Domingo.

Thank you for being mindful of our team (for those that know these names: Rod, Bertico, Moreno (big Moreno), myself, and the couple we will meet up with). We are planning to head out a 4am so I am planning to be horizontal in minutes.

More images and stories to come (really, I promise:)

Donald Miller + Phyllis Tickle | Story & Place

When left to my own introspective tendencies, it can be easy for me to get preoccupied with my own "story". All the "whats" the "whys" the "hows" the "whens" can swirl about--at times causing wonder and excitement and at times seeming to be taxing and confusing.

The latter will always be the case, I believe, if I or "we" don't see--or read--our story in the context of a larger story. Namely, as Parker Palmer put it (in the Bill Moyers video noted previously), we don't simply ask "who am I?" but "but Whose am I?" (wisdom from one of his mentors, Douglas Steere). Our identity is to be set and found in the One in whom all things are held together. To be sure, all of Scripture reveals the story we find ourselves in. A story marked of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation. That being true, if you are looking to parachute in on a certain passage that helps reframe "story" let me suggest Colossians. The "in Christ" language sets the stage when looking at "who am I?" and "Whose am I?"

On "story", take a look-see and listen-hear to this video featuring Donald Miller and Phyllis Tickle. Watch, Comment, Share.

Parker Palmer | Pain + Paradox

Well, in the spirit of making "space between" a platform for sharing (what I feel is) helpful content for your journey I am sharing another video. And, as I seem to be somewhat of al Parker Palmer devotee, I just so happen to be sharing another video I featuring him (source: 30 Good Minutes).

Personally, I like to see+hear content when learning so I find the videos helpful. As a caveat, let me say that I don't intend to give standing ovations or unreserved endorsements to all content I share here. I do, however, think it worthwhile and hopefully provoking to your head, hearts, and hands.

That being said, take a look-see...and listen-hear.

Parker Palmer - Spiritual Journey - Moving beyond pain from 30goodminutes on Vimeo.