Hear from Lisa and Zeke, the mother-son duo on The Way – Newton Church IMPACT trip, as they share their experience of exploring Abaco as tourists during their Cultural Experience Day.
On our way to Treasure Cay (pronounced Key — It’s a British thing, we have learned) we had the opportunity to stop at a local shop -Salty Island Shop- with handmade local goods, Bahamian fabrics, jewelry, hand embroidered towels. So many beautiful items. It was wonderful to support a local business and Zeke made sure to keep me on budget- his Dad will be so proud.
We also stopped at a tourist shop to compare and contrast the shopping experiences offered here in Abaco. The Many Hands Team has done such a nice job of giving us food for thought with many different experiences to reflect upon, and to create spaces to ask good questions. “I wonder why….” “I wonder how….” One of the questions that has continued to pop up for me on this trip is “I wonder how Bahamian people maintain their great JOY?!” The joy is palpable here and amidst so much pain and hardship. A category 5+ hurricane and then a COVID shutdown created a perfect storm for bitterness and hard hearts. But, not here. What I have experienced is a culture of people that truly know the character of our Father. It has been a beautiful reminder to me. I have seen His goodness in the relationships here, in the people. In many ways, HE facilitates connections and opens doors and first conversations. Hearing these stories is INSPIRING.
There are wonderful connections and relationships between Many Hands and the local people, between Many Hands and the Impact Teams and the many partners that continually come back to serve and give and rebuild. I have loved hearing the stories of the HOW. I am continually AMAZED. How someone chose to come to Abaco. How they heard about Many Hands– especially the folks that have partnered and keep coming back. The stories of the community leaders that Many Hands has partnered with over time. Building trust and these beautiful reciprocal relationships that enable us to really step inside life in Abaco.
I see His goodness with all of the people CHOOSING to see HIS goodness and to live in His PEACE, GRACE, and LOVE and to let it overflow to those around them. I saw His goodness in each person we brought food to- each one caring more for those around them and wanting prayer for their neighbors and family. Not focused on their circumstances but on savoring the many times their good FATHER had rescued them, fed them, and never left their side. The people of Abaco have seen it in ways we can’t imagine- they recognize His gifts and more importantly they recognize the GIFT-GIVER has never left their side. What a gift it is to rely on Him in all circumstances. What a gift He is.
Many Hands creates so many spaces for reflection, and Treasure Cay and Culture Day didn’t disappoint. Though it was different from a work day, it was a chance to savor “Who He is” and all of the beauty He has created because He loves us. This beach, the blue waters, the soft sand. The island time is a gift in itself to create space to sit and savor and reflect.
This trip has shown me that I do have a choice when I return home. I can create “slow down” moments. I can choose to pause and be amazed at the beauty around me ….even the snow. Even though these moments and this beach and this place take my breath away, I am committed to asking Him to teach me to savor all the beauty in my everyday life. Teach me to praise you, Father, in all circumstances. The hard part for me is that we live in a culture where we don’t have to rely on him, right?! We pride ourselves in having self-reliance and look at asking for help as weakness. Well, let me tell you, I have experienced beauty in Abaco. An on-your-knees type of beauty, knowing you need Him, recognizing He is right there and He has never left your side.
— Lisa and Zeke Van Hemert
