It would be foolish to go on a trip like this and not reflect somewhat. This trip has totally changed by outlook, my perspective and my future. I went away a stressed, tired, overworked grown up whose life had become focussed on the here and now... Whilst away I remembered to chill out, be like a child, see the bigger picture and appreciate the smaller things in life.
While talking to Jana she urged us to respond to what we'd seen as if we didn't, the trip just becomes time at a petting zoo... We just take photos and interact with people for the fun of it. We have a responsibility now to do something about it because we've seen it in person.
I commented to Fran that really, we are the voice of the unheard people. We have to share the stories of the children that are forgotten. The people hidden away from tourism... It is our responsibility to represent them and make their story known.
I fully intend to learn Spanish and hopefully Creole and then return. All being well, I hope to do this either next year or the following year. Returning to the UK I feel homesick for the people, I miss the children, and I feel lost and strange here. I don't think I'm the only one.
I remember many years ago hoping and praying that God would never call me into full time mission work overseas as I knew my health could not cope with the stresses and strains of it and I wasn't sure that I could cope emotionally either. I was afraid of going on this trip for those reasons, but also because I was scared that I would fall in love with the people and not want to come back...
My fear was realised. Whilst I was ill most of the time I was there, I did indeed fall in love with the people. My heart swelled with love and compassion for them and I have a horrid feeling I will just continuously want to return. I hope and pray that I will never forget what I have seen, heard and done and that I will be faithful to supporting them for the rest of my life - either in person or otherwise.
I hope that you too have been touched by the things that you have seen and read here. If everyone in the developed world became proactive about helping the developing world, perhaps a change would happen. The people themselves cannot help much as they are too deep in poverty and have so little energy to do a lot from lack of food and water.
If you feel you would like to help in any way, PLEASE drop me an email and we'll see what can be done. Even donating money/supplies is fantastic. I'd love to take out a full team out there too so please consider it - everyone is capable of helping the poor, regardless of qualifications and skills. Just look at our team - everything from a 15 year old to a 70 year old.
Hope to hear from people soon, thanks for taking time to read my journal, check out my pictures and support me.
Much love
Han xx
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