Reflections by Daniel

There and back again, a missions trip tale by Daniel Hausler.

After being back in America for only a day, I've already found it easy to be caught up in all of the distractions of life. Whether it's constantly checking my phone or Facebook for new messages, or simply turning on the TV to see what's on the news, or worrying about if my outfit matches and I look "presentable." These are all things that in Haiti were near obsolete. Life is much simpler, and it is much more peaceful.

Because Haiti is so impoverished, I used to think that it was because Haitian people were lazy. It is quite the opposite, for they are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. I believe their poverty has opened up their hearts to be more receptive to the Gospel, and the Gospel creates joy. Life is simple, and they are joyful.

After being in New York for a day, the contrasts were astounding. We have materials blessings beyond what rural Haitians on the Central Plateau could even imagine, yet the most surprising contrast was that the nearly all of the people in New York appeared shut-up and depressed. Nobody greeted each other, and I hardly saw a single person smile. Compared to the joy I saw of the faces of the Haitians and how outgoing and friendly they were, despite their lack of material possessions, it's not very hard for me to decide which one I would rather have.

"To whom much is given, much is expected." I have been blessed with so much, and the most important thing I can realize is just how much grace God has given me. I have been blessed, so that I may be a blessing to others, and I have been shown mercy, so that I may be merciful to others. How can I not rejoice in this? If there is one thing I want to take away from this trip, it is that I am blessed beyond what I deserve, and therefore I have reason to be joyful and a mission to spread that joy and blessing to others.

One crazy-blessed and joyful teenager,
-Daniel