June 11, 2009
Hi again,
This is my second post for the day and one that I was not sure I could put together. The more I’ve thought about it, however, the more I’ve realized that it is something that I definitely am compelled to do. Most of you who read this blog know that Lynn Ann and I have tragically lost both of our sons. Today is Dustin’s 28th birthday and Daniel’s birthday is on June 25.
When Lynn Ann and I explain to people that, without Dustin & Daniel, we would have no ministry in Haiti, I am not sure most of them truly understand why this is so. Daniel was 14 years old in 1990, when he rode a bus from New Jersey to Merritt Island, Florida for an adventure with Teen Missions International that would change his life forever. After 2 weeks of intense training, he spent six weeks (and his 15th birthday) in Uganda. That is a story in itself that bears telling in much more depth. But the important thing for everyone to remember is it that Daniel’s time in Uganda was the total inspiration for our eventual work in Haiti.
Dustin, so much like his brother, spent the next summer with Junior Teen Missions on an outreach in Indiana. Although Daniel was only able to make 4 trips with us to Haiti during his lifetime, Dustin made at least 12 trips there. I say “at least” because he went so many times that I actually lost count. Haiti became like a second home to Dustin, and he was never happier than among his friends there. He had such an amazing sense of humor that drew almost everyone to him. And Dustin’s smile, his laughter and his beautiful blue-gray-green eyes could light up the darkest room.
Above all, Dustin loved the children. His heart hurt for the little ones in such need, and children followed him around wherever he went. Some of the older kids considered Dustin one of their best friends in the world. Bob Michel, who was only slightly younger than Dustin, was one of those good friends. Bob now stays at our mission house in Ouanaminthe, and every time I am there he proudly draws my attention to a picture of Dustin and him together. When I was there a few weeks ago, large tears welled up in Bob’s eyes, as he told me that he cries for his friend, Dustin, almost every night.
There have been so many times over the 13 years that we’ve been going to Haiti when it would have been easy to just give up and walk away forever. Haiti is an extremely difficult part of Aslan’s work. But when the oppressive summer heat makes walking the streets difficult . . . and when the torrential tropical storms make wading through the sludge and mud difficult . . . and when the starving children continually come to our door asking for more, more, more . . . and when the overwhelming realization that I am trying to empty an ocean of need with nothing more than and eye-dropper . . . I think of my sweet-hearted Dustin, who never ceased to care about every child in Haiti whose life crossed his path.
I hope this helps you better understand why Lynn Ann and I try so hard not to give up fighting for our dreams for Haiti. Sitting in the quiet stillness on our land in L’Acajou and feeling the gentle breeze on my face, I sometimes see clearly that these dreams are worth fighting for. Dustin’s middle name is Ryan, which means “valiant fighter.” Perhaps, someday soon, there will be a missionary training school where we can train missionaries who will be willing to spend their lives helping others ~ as Lynn Ann’s and my valiant fighter, Dustin, tried so hard to do. Although my sweet sons ultimately lost the battle, they won the war. Jesus said so eloquently that the last will be first and the first will be last. I know that whereever I am in heaven’s queue, I will be far behind Daniel and far behind Dustin.
Till next time,
Craig
