Journal - January 3, 2023

Resilience - the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

The idea of being resilient has really been on my mind lately. Having the ability to adapt to change in the midst of difficult circumstances is something that is not always easy to do. Being able to come back stronger than we were when we fell down, and continuing on the same path, despite setbacks, confirms that there is resilience in someone's life.  It's a concept that I have watched so many of my Haitian friends possess as a natural strength, something that throughout life has became part of their character. Although none of us would choose the difficult things of life, it's in the hard things that we learn so many valuable lessons, and therefore strengthen our character. 

Thankfully, December was a month of somewhat calm and "normal" life in Haiti. After several months of lock down and extreme unrest, the Construction Department and hospital were able to receive a couple shipping containers of supplies and material that had been delayed due to the situation in the country. 

Christmas and New Years were simple yet meaningful holidays. I appreciate the simplicity of the Christmas season in Haiti.

While we don't know what the new year will bring, we can have confidence that we serve a very good God. A God who knows what's best for us and who will be with us each step of the way.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33