Day 2 | Sunday
Remembering & Returning
Sunday morning started a little differently than expected.
We found out that three of the four Hendricksons (Missionary Leaders) were down with food poisoning! Our hearts immediately turned toward prayer. This family, who has welcomed us so fully, already feels less like “missionaries we’re visiting” and more like family we get to be with. Their absence was felt. AND, perhaps that’s part of why we are here. Maybe we can fill in so they can rest!
Before heading to church, we gathered in the kitchen and cooked breakfast, which included fresh eggs from a local farm, sausage, and plenty of extra coffee (no complaints there). It was simple, warm, and grounding. The kind of start that reminds you: this is what community looks like.
Then Pastor Barrett (last Hendrickson standing) graciously and bravely loaded up our crew and drove us to Kirk of the Pines (church and homebase!).
In worship, we were led through Isaiah 63–64, where Isaiah looks back and remembers that God has been kind. Faithful. Merciful. He has carried His people and redeemed them. When we feel distant from God or aware of our need, we aren’t to pull away. We need to draw closer. We remember who He is, confess what’s true, and trust His mercy to meet us there. Because He is both powerful and good, we can be honest with Him.
And then, we had communion. A quiet, familiar moment that anchors everything. A reminder that God hasn’t just heard our need. He’s already made a way. Through Christ’s broken body and shed blood, we are brought near again. Not because we’ve been faithful…
but because He always has.
After the service, we hung around and met folks, played around with some children, and got ready for the rest of our day. We had big plans to go to the grocery store across the street and pick up food for some families that live in a Haitian Village (a shanty town). Most folks on our team grabbed a buggy and filled their carts with foods, while three other team members stayed behind to prepare for Monday Night Women’s Worship.
After the grocery team returned, we packed bags (rice, apples, canned goods… and ring pops, of COURSE!). Each box had a name and story waiting. The homes we going to visit weren’t random. A youth named Paul from the leadership program at the church had specifically chosen them. What a gift!
What we stepped into next held both weight and beauty.
There were deep needs involving unstable housing, limited access to food and water and travel, hard stories that have been shaped over generations. But there was also incredible hospitality. Warmth. Dignity. A generosity that doesn’t make sense on paper, and in person, humbled our hearts.
Later, we embraced the tension. We found ourselves wanting to fix things we couldn’t fix. Holding heartbreak and gratitude at the same time. Learning that presence matters more than quick answers and even solutions.
The yuck ducks = the brokenness.
The yay ducks = the beauty.
Both were there, and Emmanuel is most certainly seen and felt amongst the tension.
After a wonderful debrief, we all grabbed some items from the church kitchen and headed to a hydroponic farm that belongs to some Kirk of the Pines members and dear friends of the Hendrickson’s, as well as Storyhill. It was an absolutely incredible evening of learning how these folks are using their giftings to minister to the people of Abaco, help the economy, and learn ways to provide for folks in a difficult and weary land. We then all sat around a community table (very VERY similar to what we have in the lobby of Storyhill) and laugh, cried, and shared stories. Again, it felt like home. It IS an extension of home.
After such a beautiful evening, we headed home to review the next day and catch some shut-eye. Now comes the manual labor!! We are SO ready. Honestly, this team of women is no joke! This is gonna be awesome…….
More to come!