Sense of Security

It has been a great week with Marc back here. The kids, my mom and I drove down to WA two weeks ago, I booked a romantic hotel in Seattle and set the kids up at my sister's. Marc was scheduled to fly in on Wednesday night, March 24th, but due to storms, airplane troubles and flight regulations forbidding airline staff to work overtime, Marc did not get to fly in til Thursday... so... I had a relaxing evening in the hotel by myself. Couldn't really cancel the reservation at 1AM, so I decided to just enjoy the peace. We had a great time when he got in though. We went to a Celtic concert, visited with my family and of course, talked a lot about Haiti. It has brought me a sense of security having him here. I am more anxious to go now than before, to be with Marc, to see everyone, hug friends and see firsthand what has happened. Marc expressed how challenging it has been for the people to work through the fear and uncertainty of life there now. Getting the wall up around the property has been a vital step though, in re-establishing security, but even deeper than that, bringing a sense of healing to our people and reassure them that they are protected. You see, as North Americans it is hard for us to understand why a wall would be important. Yet, we too have walls. Homes are enclosed and provide us with a sense of belonging and protection from vulnerability and danger. In Haiti, the people do not spend their time inside their homes but to sleep. Their homes are open. It is the walls around their homes and around the places that they consider shelters of safety that bring them protection. Now, all the walls are down, people are sleeping in the open and their fear of vulnerability is apparent. So, yes, the wall brings much more than just tangible security. It brings healing.