Road Less Traveled

Many of us may have heard the saying "taking the road less traveled." This could mean a lot of different things to different people whether it is applied to the journey of your career growth, stepping out of the box with your personality, or checking out a secret tourist spot. Today, we took the road less traveled to Titanyan, a growing city in Haiti. 

This morning, I woke up with the intention of catching the sunrise while wondering where the day would bring me on this journey. I thought to myself, how fortunate am I to take the road less traveled to serve the mission call that God had on my life. We were all so excited jumping on the tap tap truck because we were heading to Grace Village in Titanyan. On the hour long drive heading out of the main city, we were able to soak up the sites, the homes, the markets, the people, the ocean along the way. Even in the summer heat, we had so much to smile about, all squeezed together anxiously waiting to reach our destination. 

As we stopped to pick up some water in Titanyan, we peered out of the truck to catch glimpses of the beauty that Grace Village exuded from the mountain top. What can I say except that this place symbolically stood for hope over the Haitian people of Titanyan. Our first visit was the Grace Village Church as we bore witness to the children's ministry and worship. We then toured the rest of Grace Village walking through the hallways of the school, feeding center, health clinic, aquaponics, bread ovens, homes and more. This place has so much promise and growth as the vision of expansion was explained to us. 

We then traveled into the heart of the community to visit the elders who are sponsored by generous people through and with the Healing Haiti organization. What an experience this was for me and for all of us as they carried great wisdom. What is this piece of wisdom I speak of? Simply this. In so few words, they communicated their joy, gratitude, and love for God and for others. Often times we feel the need to say something in the presence of others. Sometimes, we just need to let our spirits speak as we shared laughter, smiles, and hugs. What a blessing it was to serve and deliver them water that we purchased earlier in Titanyan, to offer them a care package and something to eat, to polish fingers and toe nails in the brightest of colors, and to massage their hands and feet. 

Jesus often took the road less traveled and taught others that to be a great master and disciple meant to serve others. In order to lead, we must follow. The Lord's presence was undoubtedly with us today. We were disciples following Jesus, serving as He would have served. There is no greater blessing than to do what we see our Lord doing, following in the image of Christ. Everywhere we traveled, we worshiped in song with the Haitian people to this familiar tune "Glwa Pou Bondye" or "Glory to God." Truly, all glory is to God on this blessed road.

Shae (Hawaii resident)