The days immediately after the trip were unbelievably busy, getting all our video and photos ready for the radiothon. But during that first week back, I spent all of my downtime reflecting on the trip. On my long commute back and forth to work I left the radio/iPod off... it just seemed like a pointless distraction from what was important in life.
I'm writing this tonight because I desperately don't want the experience to fade away. I don't want my eyes to slowly glaze over as I ease back into the comforts and distractions of day-to-day life here (thanks to my friend Josh for that metaphor).
So the question is, how do you stay changed after a life-changing event? How do you keep your inspiration when family, friends, fellow church members and co-workers (except for one) didn't share the experience with you? At what point are they going to tire of me talking about it? It's a strange place to be...
Well. First I would say it IS important to talk about it, because it's a powerful experience and needs to be shared. I felt like that too when I returned from Haiti, just from all the unbelievable-ness of it all. One thing that was great for me with the girls was to share the pictures, and tell them the stories... we actually went through their room and selected clothes to send with the next person going. Actually my fb profile pic this week is the kids from the orphanage (relocated from Port au prince - these kids actually experienced the earthquake) and they're all wearing the girls' outfits. I cried when I saw the picture.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you have to remind yourself. Whether it is by writing, telling the stories, showing the pictures to others, going there again, staying in touch with those you met there, campaigning for more and more people to sponsor children, etc. All these things will help you to hold Haiti close to your heart.