I owe an apology to all those who have offered me
encouragement and support in my work in Haiti. I have not posted a blog entry since the end of May. Truly shameful. I am not going to try to make excuses. It has certainly been a busy few months
for me. However, I just seem to be
less disciplined, less intent on writing about my experiences during this
appointment. I am not sure why
that is. I will try to be better
about sharing my experiences. As
on of my dear friends says, “It allows your prayer partners to know how to
pray.” Of course, I also want
readers to have an opportunity to understand a little more about Haiti and its
remarkable people.
I want to share some thoughts on the 6-month anniversary of
my second appointment in Haiti. As
I reflect on my first appointment in 2008-2009, it was truly a “honeymoon”
mission assignment. I was living
with two courageous and deeply faithful young women, Margarette Saintilver and
Carmel Chery, who were literally blazing a trail for young women called to the
priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti. We became very close during that year, forging a bond that
remains today. I also had a
wonderful rapport with the rest of the seminarians and, in some ways, served as
a kind of Dean of Students at the seminary. I wrote numerous grants that year and, amazingly, each one
was approved for funding. I had a
great relationship with Pere Oge Beauvoir, the Dean of the Seminary and leader
in many other aspects of the Diocese of Haiti. I also lived in Port au Prince, within easy walking distance
to the Champs des Mars, the center of historic and governmental operations for
the City. While it took a few
months to gain my stride, there was a common rhythm to each day and a sense of
accomplishment in ministry.
My current three-year appointment has been different. Reporting to a Bishop requires a
different level of accountability, a deeper understanding of the inner workings
of the Church and a MUCH busier travel schedule! As Bishop Beauvoir is the first Suffragan Bishop of the
Diocese of Haiti, particularly focused on laying the groundwork for the Northern
Region to become its own Diocese, the goals are high and expectations
higher. There is wonderful energy in
the region about becoming its own Diocese. Aside from the technical process (which I won’t go into at
this point) our work requires both a strengthening of existing churches and
ministries as well as expansion and development of new efforts. It is both exciting and daunting. I find myself involved in uncharted
territory and, above all, want to make sure that I am able to work effectively
in helping to actualize the vision for the Region du Nord.
And how do I know God’s hand is in it all? First, because I feel God with me every
day. Secondly, because I feel the
loving prayers and support of friends and family from the states, Kenya and
Haiti. And, thirdly, because, I am
continually reminded of the incredible intersections that occur in life to help
bring people together to do good work.
Just the other day, I was taking a cab to the Bishop’s office (Haitian
cab rides are worthy of their own blog post!). There was already someone in the front seat when I got
in. There was no conversation
until we pulled up at the Bishop’s office. Then the Haitian woman in the front seat turned around, and
in beautiful English, asked if I knew of any apartments for rent. She then said, “I know this is a
strange question, but do you know anyone working with the Episcopal
Church?”. It turns out that her
nonprofit is interested in possibly working with our farming school. On top of that, her last name is Holly,
so she is related to the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti! It is these moments that convince me
that I am where I need to be and that God will be by my side and all those
working to effect positive change in the Region du Nord.
Next blog post will reflect on the woman and young adult
summer camps!
