...and dance by the light of the moon...

“Do not travel to Haiti, due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking.”

US Travel Warning 3/6/2020

This full moon pic over Haiti is from my visit in September. Manifestations (protests) were happening across the country and things got a little dicey along the road to and from my destination. And yet, the hospitality shown to me and my Haitian peers on our journey was sacred and grounding – and demonstrated in shared meals, story-telling, meandering walks, laughter, and late night conversations.

When I returned last month, Haiti seemed calmer – the manifestations had stopped. And yet, there was also a buzz in the air – an energy that foretold a crisis soon to come. And it came with a fury…Haiti’s poor are caught up in a political, economic and food crisis. Again.

Last night in Richmond, I walked under the full moon, in my mind joining my Haitian friends who were also out, walking under a full moon. I was reminded of the hospitality between strangers and friends. I was reminded when we open our hearts and our doors to others – we affirm and dignify, build trust, grow in faith, and teach each other about God’s love and our shared humanity.

The full moon shining brightly over RVA and Haiti reminds me that God’s got this. And I don’t. And I don’t have to figure out solutions, or offer my suggestions for Haiti’s problems. I believe that Haitians will solve Haiti’s problems…in God’s time?

And for me? I will continue to marvel at God’s magical, miraculous moon. I will walk under it – and pray for Haiti. Join me?