Haiti - Days 6 & 7

Well, our time in Haiti is coming to a close.  Although I will be glad to step foot back into the United States I will also miss Haiti.  I have found brothers and sisters in Christ here, fallen in love with beautiful children, and seen poverty on a whole new level. 

On Day 6, we spent our time "sight-seeing".  We went to downtown Port-au-Prince, and made a quick stop by the Presidential Palace which still lies in ruins from the Earthquake.  It was an impressive structure and the destruction serves as a reminder of how powerful the earthquake was.  As we left downtown we drove into the mountains to the American Baptist Mission and to Fort Jacques. As you drive into the mountains you find some places that have a little more money, but not many.  Furthermore, you are clearly reminded of the Tropical Paradise that this nation could and should be.  Beautiful mountain sides, lush green forests, tall trees, colorful flowers, and a temperature in the 70s.  It is absolutely beautiful there.  Fort Jacques was yet another reminder of the poor state of this nation.  This is where the French made their final stand against the slaves in 1804/1805 before the slaves defeated them and ran them out of the country, thus ensuring Haiti's independence.  It sits high above Port-Au-Prince with a great view of the entire country.  Unfortunately it has not been kept up and is yet another sight for the homeless to converge upon and for trash to be dumped on.  It is one of the most impressive historic forts I have ever seen, and should be a symbol of pride for this nation, yet instead serves as another reminder of the lack of government and economy in this nation.

Today, Day 7, we are just packing up, resting and preparing for our trip home.  Everyone will have stories to tell.  Everyone will have memories to cherish.  Everyone will have a renewed heart for God's people. (I hope and pray) 

Pray for our safety with the flight and our long drive home.