Day 8 - Saying Goodbye

Monday in Haiti was bitter sweet.  I woke up to another beautiful day and by 8 am the artisans were back in the house busily sewing and making jewelry.

I finished packing and spent my morning filling my suitcases with jewelry to bring home to sell.  That was quite fun!  I was leaving at 11 and my morning went by very quickly.  Too quickly.

Marc Oril (one of my Calligraphy students) was out running an errand for Shelley - but I did manage a photo with Peterson.

He and I have become Facebook friends and have already been chatting back and forth today.  He is a very nice young man.  So thankful to have met him - along with the others.

He makes the Signature Series Necklaces.

This photo was a must.  My new, sweet friends, Shelley and Corrigan.  So thankful for them.  For their allowing me into their lives for the week and now I know they will be part of my life forever.  God has used them greatly in my life - to grow, change and confirm what He is doing in me.

Shelley is a remarkable woman and one that I am now proud to call friend.

My time in Haiti will always be remembered as one of God's stepping stones in my life.  Those pivotal times of growth and confirmation. Those times when you know that God is working and preparing you for something new and exciting.  I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

With my bags packed, and tears in my eyes, I took these final photos as I walked out the front gate.

Entrance to the Boutique

The top level is where some of the artisans work around the picnic table on the patio.

Shelley drove me to the airport and again I fought back the tears.  I do feel as though I left part of me in Haiti.  I hope and pray to be able to return.

When I flew to Haiti last Monday, I viewed the sunrise out my airplane window.  As I flew home yesterday, I watched the sun set.  While sitting and contemplating my week, I realized how fitting it was to  fly into the sunrise as my adventure was beginning.  The week proved to only solidify and confirm all that God has already been doing in my life and heart for the last year and a half.  Flying home into the sunset was the perfect end to my trip.  Although my visit to Haiti has ended, my journey has not.  I am still processing, praying and seeking the Lord in how I am to apply my new experiences and knowledge to life here at home.  I will continue to blog as this process continues.

In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful moment of worship from the beautiful people of Haiti.