It took over 15 hours for our team to join us in the south of Haiti. After an hour of public transport, followed by five hours on motorcycle trails through the mountains, various bus rides, and a breakdown, Jonathan was finally able to pick them up on the road. They were finally able to reach the area where we were staying. Despite the soreness and accumulated fatigue, they didn’t want to go to bed; they wanted to enjoy every moment and brought out some cards to play.
We fully enjoyed those six days together. Jonathan had carefully planned the week to include moments of rest, team-building activities, as well as spiritual and training sessions.
For our team, this break was even more precious after leaving a war zone where they have been living daily for the past two years. Being able to walk freely, without fear, and admire the stunning landscapes allowed everyone to truly rest.
They were able to sleep peacefully, far from the sound of gunfire, the noise of war, and the daily tensions. We also had the opportunity to introduce them to new activities like fishing, golf, and tubing behind a boat. Thanks to our missionary friends who hosted us, we enjoyed unforgettable evenings with pizza and seafood, including fish, shrimp, and even lobster. Every moment spent together was a real gift.
This retreat week was especially impactful, with discussions about the year 2024, times of worship, and game nights. We talked about the challenges of the year, the losses we experienced, and those who are no longer with us. Emotions ran deep, and every story shared resonated with meaning.
It was with great sadness that we saw our team leave. Amid tears and sobs, the separation was painful and heartfelt. We recognized the importance of those moments and hope to experience them again in 2025.
One of the training sessions during the retreat focused on the stages of grief. As 2024 has been marked by many losses and instability, we were able to go through the grieving process together. We discussed the importance of allowing that process to unfold, going through acceptance and forgiveness, so we can begin to dream about the future again. Each one of us lost loved ones this year: Bertin, one of our team members, died suddenly, and an elderly couple was burned by gangs. We also lost our sense of stability and our home.
We are all going through multiple griefs, and it’s by talking about them and allowing the process to take its course that we’ll be able to move forward. Returning to the South to reunite with our family and team was an important step in that journey. The pain of not being able to return to our home, our life, and our family—separated from Wanguerre and Olivier—weighs heavily on our hearts. In 2025, we are facing many losses. Starting over from nothing, without being able to return home, is a tremendous challenge.