Since waking up on the island again, Desmond had been trying his best to keep himself busy. It was better to try to fill his time with productive pursuits rather than spend it dwelling on the things he had no control over. As far as he was concerned, this was clearly meant to be. God had a plan for him, and it wasn't his place to question it. It would all become clear when it was time, he just had to keep faith.
He was still having visions, but he understood now. He wasn't afraid of them anymore, rather he welcomed them. They gave his life meaning and direction. He'd had a vision of the church fully restored, so his next mission was clear. He had been surveying the building, trying to figure out the extent of the job at hand, when he spotted someone that he recognised in a nearby tree. Except they hadn't exactly met yet.
“Hey! I know you, brother! You're the very guy that's going to me rebuild this church,” he told him.