Miracle or Coincidence?

Our Stake President, a medical doctor by profession, spoke to the adults in our Saturday night session of conference. Friday, he returned from a humanitarian mission to Haiti. As he shared his powerful life-changing experiences, silence and gratitude encircled the congregation.

He was among 127 volunteers composed of construction workers, medical personnel (Utah Medical Task Force), adoption specialists, and interpreters (70 returned missionaries who not only knew the language, but also loved the people).

This group connected with Healing Hands for Haiti and left 10 days ago to rebuild, offer medical help, and rescue children. Their somewhat sketchy plan to help held only one planned event -- land, unload cargo and personnel, quickly return to the U.S. with a precious new cargo -- 69 orphans.

The Planned Event Unravels:
While in route to Haiti, notification came that the 69 orphans would not be permitted to leave Haiti, even though most of them had been “processed” and were just waiting for final approval.

Most children had met their adoptive parents, some even waiting 3 years for clearance. The news was heartbreaking for all aboard the plane. They felt the only thing left to do was pray. And, pray they did – for a miracle.

The plane was cleared to land in Haiti late at night with strict instructions to unload cargo and personnel immediately. It was ordered to leave the area within 2 hours, making room for other planes carrying supplies.

Plans changed. The pilot and crew refused to leave without the children and determined that they would feign mechanical failure, if necessary. They were given a spot to “park” their plane until the next day.

The adoptive team set forth to see what needed to be done to change the government’s edict. They went to the President’s makeshift office, where they learned that each orphan required 3 signatures in order to complete the necessary paper work – one from the President, one from the Prime Minister, and one from the Ambassador. They were frustrated with this seemingly impossible task.

And then, the President walked into his office. He consented to sign his portion. The President finished signing. The Ambassador arrived. He signed. The Prime Minister walked in, and he signed.

Our Stake President didn’t share the minute details, but due to a lot of “right” turns, 69 orphans were hurriedly gathered from various orphanages scattered throughout Port-du-Prince. They were transported to the airport. More waiting.

Final clearance came from both countries. Children were boarded and buckled. At approximately 4:00 p.m. the plane left Haiti, approximately 15 hours after it landed. All of the necessary paper work was on board.
Miracle or coincidence?

Lessons Learned From Haiti
Shared by our Stake President

Poverty does not mean unhappiness.
Most people in the world are good.
People will follow CLEAR leadership.
Children bless the world with hope.
Mothers everywhere love their children.
God knows all of us and watches over each of us.
Be ready to endure what the Lord asks you to do.
Watch for, and recognize, the miracles in your life.