Way of Life

water day

 An old song said, “You are always on my mind” and as I prepare to fly Sunday for Haiti, I realize the people of Haiti and those of La Gonave are always on my mind. Perhaps it has become a way of life.
Season’s cycle from dry to wet and little seems to change between our quarterly visits. Small projects are in process and a few are completed. Scholarship students have completed 3 years with financial help and look ahead to careers. Colleagues email news of progress with some building, planting and even outlook for the future.
At times I wander what it is that calls me back. I hope it is the promise of future rather than the bleakness of despair.
I resumed a Spiritual Renewal resource I laid aside when we went to Haiti in 2007. Our Haiti experience is a persistent illustration as I explore discipleship at the deepest level of devotion.

main street Sousfilip

Devotional classics address the “cost” of discipleship and the price paid for NON-discipleship. The “Jesus call” is for all energy, all affection, zeal and total devotion to charity beyond a “click of the mouse” to add another dollar to a project.
January 2010 we were “called” to be in Port a Prince when the earth shifted and hard life became harder; dirt became something to eat; and the improbable became unimaginable. Hundreds of thousands of caring humanitarians have given billions of dollars and sweat to try to undo what nature did in 35 seconds.
Since 2010 there have been tsunamis’, oil spills, famine, and earthquakes in unreachable areas. Disaster is the new culture; the current trend; the new “way of life.”

construction project

This visit I will be hosting leaders with a plan and funds to make significant construction repairs to schools and churches in one of the most remote areas of the world. The vision is for multiple teams on a regular schedule, in partnership with local people, to make life better in at least two villages. We have seen it happen before so “I’m a believer.”
We have prayed for more attention to La Gonave, particularly to post earthquake needs. It is a remote and challenging place to live and work. It is a small island inhabited by stoic, hard working people who only survive and thrive out of sheer will and the desire to stay independent.
I've joined an Alpha group to help me with a vertical journey to “loving God”. Long ago I chose the horizontal path of charity.

For many “the way of life” is two separate paths; one of service to the wreckage of humankind; and, the other a spiritual love affair with an unknowable deity. I pray this week
to find a new way of life with equal horizontal and vertical paths. If it looks like a cross, I pray for grace.

 Pastor Shirley Edgerton October 19, 2011…Packing for La Gonave