Crafted for Hope: Homesick

I am incredibly homesick!

Yet I am here, in Oklahoma, in the building called my house.

How can I feel like a foreign country is home when I haven't ever "lived" there for more than 9 days at a time? But it's true.

I miss Haiti!

I miss the hustle and bustle of the Haitian market.

Yet, I miss the peace that is found in His word.

This is a photo of a Creole bible belonging to one of the guards at the orphanage we were staying at. Sevete, the owner of this book, changed my thinking. He was a simple man who struggled to understand us and our language yet was eager to help. He was quick to jump up and help, learning by watching. But every minute his hands were not busy, he was on his knees in front of this book. A powerful example of Christ in a human!

I miss the peace that comes from holding one of Christ's children.

He calls us in his word to care for the widows and orphans. The moment I have a child in my arms, I feel his presence in me refilling what the world strips everyday.

I miss the food!!!!!

A plate of FRESH (and I mean FRESH) lobster and vegetables.

If I recall correctly, this meal only cost me the equivalent of $6 American dollars.

While that sounds super cheap, that is more that one full day's wage in Haiti. I truly was being a "spoiled American" when I ordered this but it sure was yummy!

Pickleez is a very hot relish that is served often.

I LOVE this stuff but Paul says "No merci".

I have tried to make it here at home, but it is never quite right.

My all time favorite Haitian food is a pate bought on the street.

It is the item in the front left of this photo.

Similar to a fry bread and filled with whatever meat they find that day along with fresh vegetables then deep fried. (However, it is a great disappointment when it is filled with hot dog)

Two words.....Fruit Champagne!

Also known as Coronna or Coronne.

I miss traveling around the towns and countryside in "public transportation".

This is a tap-tap. Not my favorite way to get around, but it is affordable and convenient.

The downfalls--

They are usually CRAM-PACKED full of people with no concept of personal space.

You never know what the person next to you just bought at market. Could be a chicken or goat. Maybe a huge bunch of plantains. We have even seen a cow in one of these!