Life lessons

I have been back in Haiti for about a week. I belive we will have 16 more houses finished in a couple of days. Leaving 16 not yet finished. Looking back on this project I wonder what I have accomplished. I am asking myself if it was just walls and roofs I set out to complete. I am pretty sure that the houses we have given have helped the families with their need. But it was not a moment of joy or hope that was what I had originally sought. I was looking for the homes to be a catalyst for change in the lives of those that received them. It may still be. I fear that I have done the same thing I warn others about. Thinking somehow "I" can make a difference. That my work can bring immediate change. Sometimes I disgust myself. It is such an arrogant position to think that my presence could somehow erase a lifetime of operating out of poverty. By my actions I have shown myself to be the one in poverty. When given opportunity to deepen relationship with these families I have often chose work above them. When I rely upon myself to be the change agent it overwhelms me as I fail and I dive back into the work so I can feel as if I have accomplished something.


Success is not defined by houses built or things given away. Rather by relationships deepened. My friend Djacki Buy brings me hope as I see him walk his life out before God. He has taken what in the worlds eyes are impossible odds and has begun to be a change agent in my life. He saves every dime he can to buy a few more concrete block continuing the construction on his house so he can move out of his mud hut. He teaches me out of the riches in his heart how I can come up out of poverty. I need to practice what I preach. I thank God that He has placed Djacki Buy in my life so that I might learn.

Brian

Haiti August 2011

I just returned from Haiti about a week ago. I was there for about three weeks with my oldest daughter Kendra. It was great to have her with me. Such a blessing to have a family connection while in Haiti. She helped with kids programs and the feeding everyday. It was encouraging to see her dive into relationship. I continued with the housing project which is getting very close to being finished. I hope to complete it when I return for two weeks on August 20th. This next trip will be a short one comparitively as i will only be staying 2 weeks. It has been wonderful to see the families move into there houses. We continue to deepen relationship with them. Trying to help with thier needs as we are able. Talking with them about what it means to be a good neighbor and working through the occasional conflict resolution. When we finish with the houses we are wanting to begin building toilet and shower facilities for each 8 house complex. Currently there are very few places, other than in the open field to do your "business". In addition to the health and sanitation issue we believe this begins to give a little dignity to those that we serve. We are asking for financial help with these structures. The cost for each will be approximately $2500 each. It is easy to raise funds for housing but the need for proper bathroom facilities is just as great. Please consider helping with this. As always we are looking for those who have a desire to visit Haiti and serve onsite with us. If you would like to go or give please email us at info@omaharapidresponse.org

Thanks for all your love and support,

Brian