Day 53 - Trinidad Reflections

I met up with Janice today to do some debriefing on our Trinidad trip. It was good to spend some time in reflection. I'm still trying to figure out what God is trying to teach me on this trip. I didn't find myself quite useful in Trinidad. I honestly think they would have done fine without me. I can't see the bigger picture yet so I'll wait patiently until the end of my internship.  I did learned that God will see to it that his will is done despite our failures. 

My trip to Trinidad was above all things an incredible experience. This wasn't your typical vacation trip where you'd spend all your time visiting the tourist attractions, faintly peering into the Trinidadian lifestyle from the outside. No, on this particular trip, we had a greater purpose and we had to immerse ourselves into the Trini lifestyle,the music, the food and the language. Before the trip, I felt nervous about adjusting to a new culture but the kindness of the people we met and my love for curry pulled me deep into the heart of it all and I just loved being there. What surprised me the most was Trinidad's openness to and tolerance of Christianity. Everywhere on the streets, Maxi Taxis donned bumper-stickers or ornaments that praised our Lord and Saviour Jesus. However, it is also a country with so much religous freedom that anyone can begin a church. There were churches right across from each other both claiming to preach the truth, each with their own views on God. The truth is so easily distorted that Christians can drift away from the truth and won't even know it. But the worse part yet is that these churches could be leading already lost sheeps astray. God is at work in the country, I pray that people will find the real him.

Things that I will always remember are: God's provision and answers to our prayers, the friendships that were forged, potatoe pies, shark and bake, Apple J, steel-pan music, liming and our host, Harry Dowlath. Harry is the epitome of humility and servanthood. He tiressly met our every need and wants, bringing us delicious Trini food and madly driving us to our destinations. And through it all, he always had a smile on his face and great jokes to tell! Thanks Harry!