It’s the time I have been dreading. So to just rip off the band-aid: We are leaving Haiti at the end of July.
It’s so hard to figure out how to explain that we are leaving Haiti. It’s difficult to even know what to write.
Delete, delete, delete.
Everything I write seems to be awkward or it just feels strange. I suppose we aren’t required to convey an explanation but I really want to.
The truth is that we have been so honored to have you traveling with us on this two year journey.
We weren’t sure where this journey was going to take us. I know, I know we missed writing down some of the best conversations, struggles, joys, and thoughts but we tried to catalog our experience and hopefully it gave a glimpse into this beautiful land.
I like what Tara said the other day (modified a little to describe me):
As I interact with the precious people of the island I inhabit, and as I build relationships and get to know [them] on deeper levels, something unusual and confusing happens in my heart and mind. I find that I want to honor and remember every last detail of every story shared with me – AND – I want to forget immediately, all of the painful things I am trusted with each week.
Below is a little snippet of the letter Melissa sent out to our close friends.
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We wanted to give you a quick update on our future plans. Our two year commitment will be up at the end of July, and then we will be returning to the States. We spent a week with another couple interested in running the guesthouse, and they just confirmed that they will take our spot when we finish.
We are praying hard about what’s next for us, but right now have no idea. We’re not sure what state we’ll live in or where we’ll work or really anything. God is faithful, and we are confident that just as he led us clearly to Haiti to run the guesthouse, he will also direct our paths for what is next.
The guesthouse has been a very busy place these past few months, and will continue that way through the end of our term. To be completely honest, it’s not been an easy road these last few months. As they say, the last part of the marathon is the most difficult. Please continue to pray for perseverance and focus to “finish strong,” keeping our eyes on the Lord and remembering that it’s not about us, it’s about Him.
“My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing His work.” -John 4:34
We would like to spend time visiting with each of you after we return, so we’ll be sure to connect once the time arrives. Thank you all again for your support! Please let us know how we can specifically be praying for each of you, or any way we can return the thanks. We’ll keep you all updated on our plans through our blog once we know more. We love you all and pray that the Lord richly blesses you!
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“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
4 responses to “Closing Chapter – After 2 Years in Haiti”
It was obvious after spending a week with y’all that we have big shoes to fill. You have done a work so faithfully that we are blessed to come behind you and continue to build on the amazing foundation you have laid. Thank you. We are praying for your transition back into the US and that God makes His will obvious. Allan and Suzan
Suzan – Thanks so much! It takes a large amount of faith going either direction, huh 🙂 We keep telling guests that when they come back they will meet some great new hosts!
Ryan & Melissa
Having met you Ryan, last Sept on a flight back from Haiti — and having heard about you Melissa – and having been blessed to read your articles on this site — what a blessing. Regret that I didn’t make it back down in time to visit with you in PAP…that would have been excellent. Your posts and writings have informed readers of life in Haiti – though nothing can really inform you until you travel there and spent time, seeing the poverty but also the great spirit of our dear Haitian brothers and sisters ( who are also brothers and sister of our Lord Jesus and dearly loved by Him). SO thank you for all you have done to inform us and share with us your God given life experiences. Here’s my prayer for you both: Lord thank you for using Ryan & Melissa to extend your life and love to others while they were in Haiti. Now Lord, with a new little missionary on the way, bless them all on their travels back to USA….though they will leave part of their heart in Haiti. Surprise them with your direction in their lives, as you travel with them on this journey you have laid out for them. Surround them with your love. Amen
David – Thank you for that prayer. It is very encouraging! Though it can be difficult at times, we are trusting for his guidance. We wish we could see you as well but feel very fortunate to have met you on that plane ride!