Ever Boarded the Wrong Plane?
As summer bids farewell and another season approaches, I find myself pondering the swift passage of time. Where does it all go?
Summer is typically a cherished season, offering a chance to pause and recharge, a refreshing break from the daily routines we navigate throughout the year. Yet, as vacations come to an end and children slowly go back to school, there’s a poignant reminder of the shift back to normalcy. While my own children have grown beyond school days, this week I had the honor of visiting dedicated supporters of Hands & Feet Project across the U.S. I could hear the collective sighs of relief from parents as they embraced the return to routine.
After four destinations and nine flights, the standard announcements started to feel like an anthem of our travels. The reassuring phrase, “Welcome aboard Flight 123 with service to [Name],” serves as a final opportunity for anyone who might be mistakenly on the wrong aircraft before the doors close and takeoff begins. Many flight attendants add, “If this is not your destination, please deplane.” I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. How could anyone not know? Yet, it reminds us that we’re all capable of missing our mark.
This experience also stirred a deeper reflection within me about our journeys in life. We embark on different paths, projects, dreams, careers, and sometimes realize we’ve boarded the wrong plane. But this reminds me of how uniquely we are made in the image of God, and that He has created us to be resilient.
The children and families we serve are no different, with a notable exception: they don’t have the luxury of filling their summers with lofty vacations. The conditions in which they live require them to be resilient every day of their lives. But poverty does not define them. And while we admire the strength and determination it fuels, we are also reminded of God’s call to build His kingdom on earth. With Him, we aim to shape a world where children and families find freedom from the hardships that forge such resilience.
This past week, during my visits with supporters, I was inspired by their deep understanding of this mission. Each one felt profoundly honored to believe in and support our ministry year after year, even amid change and transition. Hearing their stories was a genuine blessing, showcasing the legacy of perseverance that defines us. While many ministries might have faltered during difficult times, deboarded the plane, Hands & Feet Project has remained steadfast and resilient. Every twist and turn in our journey has brought invaluable lessons, insights, and opportunities for growth. Through these challenges, we discover our strength and commitment. We did not miss our mark!
In Haiti, our extraordinary team facilitates summer activities with joy and determination! The team engages children and staff in beach clean-ups, serves those with special needs, and runs empowering programs for young adults. They host an uplifting Vacation Bible School and lovingly coach and minister to parents and teens. All of these experiences are nothing short of transformative. No matter the circumstances, our team walks with resilience, embracing every opportunity to share the Gospel and spreading a powerful message of hope and love.
Together with the children and families we serve, our team in Haiti and the U.S., and you, our supporters, we are not just building a ministry. We are nurturing a movement of hope and love that transforms lives.
Next time you find yourself questioning if you’ve taken the wrong path or boarded the wrong plane, it’s important to remember that resilience is all that’s required. God meets us with boundless grace and unwavering conviction, inviting us to trust in His faithfulness and to persevere, regardless of how hopeless our circumstances may seem.
Let’s wholeheartedly embrace this incredible journey, knowing that every step we take brings us closer to making a meaningful impact in the world. Together, we move forward with courage and purpose, fortifying each step into Haiti’s bright future.