Haiti Day 1

Haiti is simultaneously a beautiful and desperate place.  As the airplane descended out of the clouds today, what struck me from my window seat was the lush green carpet laid over mountains and valleys.  As we arrived in Cap-Haitien and left the airport, the depth of human need, both physical and spiritual, was as evident as the pictures on TV had seemed to convey.  

Other visiting professors and our hosts

One of the highlights of my day was at Miami International Airport, even before departing there, when Matt Ayars, the president of Emmaus Biblical Seminary (EBS), suddenly appeared before me as I was seated in the gate area, awaiting my flight and snacking on some granola.  He graciously escorted me over to where he and the other visiting professors for these two weeks were already gathered together (we were all on the same flight).  What an expected blessing and encouragement it was to meet, get acquainted, and travel together with these new friends and colleagues.  

 After leaving Cap-Haitien airport, we made our way to the beautiful campus of EBS.  Here we spent the rest of the day unpacking, getting familiar with the campus, and having fellowship over meals.  The best highlight of my day was to get to instant message with my family for an hour in the afternoon.  This feels (for me)like the most difficult departure I have ever made from them.  But the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient, and I am trusting Him moment by moment for strength and all that is needed.  I was also uplifted today by the fellowship and sense of comradery between the team of professors and our gracious hosts.  In addition to all of this, I just learned that I am to preach tomorrow morning!  May the Lord bless and keep you tonight as we rest in Him and in His goodness.  

In Christ,

John