It took more than 15 hours for our team to join us in the south of Haiti. After an hour of public transport, followed by five hours of winding paths on a motorcycle through the mountains, various bus rides, and a breakdown, Jonathan was finally able to pick them up on the road. They were then able to reach the region where we were. Despite the aches and accumulated fatigue, they didn’t want to go to bed; they wanted to enjoy every moment and took out cards to play.
We fully savored these six days together. Jonathan had meticulously planned this week to offer moments of relaxation, team-building activities, as well as spiritual and training sessions.
For our team, this break was all the more precious after leaving a war zone in which they have lived daily for two years. Being able to walk freely, without worry, and admire the beautiful landscapes allowed everyone to rest deeply.
They were able to sleep peacefully, away from the sounds of gunfire, the noises of war, and the tensions of daily life. We also had the opportunity to introduce them to new activities, such as fishing, golfing, and rides on a boat-towed buoy. Thanks to our missionary friends who welcomed us, we enjoyed memorable evenings with pizza and seafood, including fish, shrimp, and even lobster. Every moment spent together was a true gift.
This retreat week was particularly significant, with discussions about the year 2024, times of worship, and game nights. We were able to talk about the challenges of the year, the losses we have suffered, and those who are no longer with us. The emotions were strong, and each sharing resonated deeply.
It was with immense sadness that we saw our team depart. Between tears and sobs, this separation was painful and heartfelt. We recognized the importance of these moments and hope to relive them during the year 2025.
One of the training sessions during this retreat focused on the stages of grief. As the year 2024 was marked by numerous losses and instabilities, we were able to discuss together the different stages of the grieving process. We talked about the importance of allowing this process to unfold, moving through the stages of acceptance and forgiveness in order to start dreaming about the future again. Each of us has lost loved ones this year: Bertin, one of our collaborators, passed away suddenly, and an elderly couple was killed by gangs. We have also lost our stability and our home.
We all experience multiple griefs, and it is by talking about them and allowing the process to take place that we can move forward. Returning to the South to reunite with our family and our team was an important step in this journey. The pain of not being able to return to our home, our life, and being separated from Wanguerre and Olivier weighs heavily on our hearts. In 2025, we are facing many losses. Starting over without being able to find our home represents an immense challenge. With the strength of Christ, one day at a time, we continue to move forward and believe that God will continue to do miracles after miracles in 2025.