As a child of Hollywood, I know the signs of a life-changing experience. The camera angle shifts to capture the emotional struggle of the protagonist; the ambient noise drops to a non-intrusive murmur; key phrases are delivered sequentially and without overlap. Eyes sparkle with suppressed tears, and music gently beckons toward the appropriate response.
Such expectations are probably the reason that my own life-changing experience caught me off guard. One moment, I was conversing with Haitian pastor Jean Petit-Frère about the idiosyncrasies of international travel, and the next about when I would be coming and how long I should stay. The progression was exciting, of course, but so natural that it seemed to be the inevitable next step in my haphazard life.
Unlike Hollywood’s convenient connection between environment and circumstance, life seems to have a genuine respect for the laws of nature. Inertia in particular is held in high regard. My experience may have seemed linear thanks to my lack of perception, but contending with the reality of my sharp change in direction has been a challenge.
When I say, “a challenge,” what I mean is that my cell phone company wants to charge me two hundred dollars to cancel my plan. I mean that I will have to tell my boss, my one and only coworker for the majority of the last year, that I will be forcing her to find a replacement for me. Did I mention that my boss is pregnant and will be taking significant leave time in a few months? And most of all, I mean that for five months, I will place an ocean between myself and every person I have ever loved. Inertia, indeed.
I’m not having second thoughts. Starting January 5th, I’ll have the opportunity to share my life with people that I can help. Here in Traverse City, I’m a college student studying Linguistics and Computer Science. In Haiti, I’ll be teaching English and technology. I haven’t yet wrapped my head around how thrilled I am to be doing this.
Still, I prepare to leave knowing that Haiti will change me far more than I will change Haiti. I am fully anticipate that five months of missions work will equate to five months of intense personal growth. And I find myself hoping that, when I approach a crossroad, I will have the presence of mind to set aside my background and recognize my decision for what it is.
Hollywood has very little presence in Haiti, you see, and there will be a different music to guide me.
Dan