Sharon's Summer Reflections

With one year under our belts in the USA we’ve seen all the seasons. We experienced the radiant burnt oranges and sunshine yellows of autumn leaves.  We nearly froze to death this winter. Our kids were enamored with the bursting floral beauty of spring.  Now with 90 degree temperatures in the forecast, we embrace a warmth that reminds us of our home in Haiti.  We have experienced reverse culture shock as we’ve relearned American expectations for shopping, eating, greetings and friendships.  When we first came to Michigan from Haiti, we were in survival mode.  We needed to buy a house and furniture, enroll the kids in school, musical instrument lessons and sports.  Even speaking English all day long has been a change.

I feel like the survival stage passed at the end of 2017.  Now we are in the renewal stage.  For me this has been physical renewal through exercise and intentional spiritual growth. For others in the family, this renewal is happening through exploration.  For example, Esther tried out new things like tennis while Vivian was on the swim team—opportunities that did not exist in Haiti.  Hannah has embraced her love for dance and flexibility while Isaiah has persisted in his life-long love of soccer. 

Zach has completed his first year in a new job.  This is an accomplishment because his work is big and humbling.  Under his care, God has entrusted both the international and domestic mission of the Christian Reformed Church—now known as Resonate Global Mission.  This means he gets to be part of the amazing blessings and growth of the church, but also must work through the challenges.

I have worked “very part-time” for Resonate since returning.  This arrangement ends in June.  For the rest of this summer I am going to let my kids embrace their new life in Michigan by chauffeuring them around to camps and sports.  However, soon I will begin the process of looking for a job in which I can use my gifts in ordained ministry for God’s kingdom.  I have a deep sense that God has called me to be renewed because He has plans for me.  I am confident that he will reveal them to me in his perfect timing. 

We appreciate your continued prayers and thoughts.  Transition is not a one time event.  Our experiences in Haiti and elsewhere have forever changed us.  This is a good thing and yet it makes us see in a different way. We continually have to work through who we are as God’s children in this different part of His kingdom.