Erosion

Everyone wants to be strong, faith filled and hopeful. That’s what we pray for, that is what we cry out to God for and say "God make me strong, make me a woman after your heart, develop the fruits of Your Spirit in me, make me brave, bold, courageous. Make me valiant, an intercessor. Make me like Jesus."

Somehow I guess we have just assumed over the centuries that cry alone is what makes us those things. That they are somehow attributes we can put in a back pack each day and take with us.

At least I thought so. I would pack my bag the night before, hoping to put good things in, a piece of patience, some love, a slice of grace and extra strength, depending on how much I would need. Then something would happen, wouldn’t you know. And rarely in those moments was my backpack to be found. Or somehow it seemed I had used up all my resources for the day and whatever patience I had planned on rationing the night before had been completely used.

Is that just me? Or does anyone else wish or currently fall under the pretense that you can by your spiritual fruit at Harris Teeter?  Almost three years into my term in Haiti and I may have just been hit in the head with a coconut because here is my revelation: The character of God, those things we pray and plead for to happen in us, are not removable, optional for the day, something we put on like a sweater and buy at the store. It is developed in us.  I know, its crazy and absurd. I come with breaking news that 9 times out of 10 those fruits are grown out of trials. As I walk through what I can quite genuinely say is the biggest trial of my life thus far, I am finally getting it. That the things I feel are going to break me, what the enemy may have actually sent to destroy me, are the very things used to make me. 

I cant really put into words all that I am experiencing and probably shouldn’t but I just want you to know, as I am now realizing for myself, that what you are going through is meant to grow you. The Lord showed me last night from that verse in Isaiah about how when you pass through rough waters, I (Jesus) will be with you. We will pass through waters. The waters may be there for a while. But we will pass through. We will come out. And he will be with us. He showed me a river, as a big rock moves through it, its being tossed and turned, sometimes feeling like its upside down (if rocks had feelings) not knowing which way was up. Sometimes it smashes against other rocks and scrapes against them. But at every turn and jolt and bump, its being smoothed over, rounded out, refined, shaped. Erosion- to gradually produce or form. The rock is being changed as it flows through the turbulence. Fancy that. 

And He is with us. During this. He walks with us through it. Through the fire, which Peter says “beloved DON’T BE bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taken place to test your quality, as though something strange, unusual, and alien to you and your position, were befalling you. Rejoice, so that when His glory is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph.” Dont freak out! Dont wonder why this is happening and what you did wrong or why God left you. 

January of 2013 I stood on a stage singing worship for the last time at my church before I left for Haiti, thinking I was going for 5 months. A visiting Pastor turned to me in the middle of it and said to everyone (but to me)  “ the reason you think you are going to Haiti is not the reason you are actually going for” To this day I had no idea what she was talking about- though 90% of the people who heard that word that day thought it meant a husband. Today, 5 minutes ago, I realized that this season, this specific trial I am going through is why I am here. This is my training ground. This growth spurt that is quite painful, that I would like to get out of, escape, give up and let go of. But truthfully, I am honored. I am honored that God would choose me to walk through this, to be patient with me as I grow and learn, to support my leader, to represent him in the midst of what seems like a giant gloomy mountain of doom and impossibility. But my God is in the business of moving those, and using random 25 year old girls that just happen to love him but look completely unqualified to do it.

Praise him and praise him more. He is with us. He is ever with us. And he desires that we continually bear fruit- like the tree in Jeremiah. It bears fruit all the time, in the drought, in the famine, because those things come! But it still bears fruit- why? Because its roots grew down deep into the water. They aren’t bothered. How about you? Are you easily bothered when things happen? I know I can be. I want things to be easy believe it or not and the race I signed up for is anything but. But I will keep running, keep going, towards the prize the goal of becoming like him, for the joy set before me. (Thank God there is rarely actual running involved).  Because that is what he did for me and that is what he asks of me. Better yet- its what he created me, enables me and empowers me to do through his Holy Spirit that also "coincidentally" lives inside of me. 

There is no power behind the things we face. Its all pseudo power. He has transferred us from the power of darkness into the kingdom of his son, remember? (Col 1:13-14) AND by the by, he has overcome the world- DEPRIVED it of its power to conquer us. (John 16:33) Yes, the things happening are real, but the reality and truth is not based on what we see, its based on His Word and what His Word says.

I awoke from blog hibernation to tell you this. Look at His word- set your eyes on things above, the things you cannot see. Stand strong in the Lord. He has not given us the spirit of fear that we so desperately cling to but He has given us a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and a sound mind. We have all that we need in him for everything we face. And there is another side. Just like the disciples in the boat as the storm came. Jesus put them in the boat to get to the other side. He is taking you there, he is just taking you through some things first to make you like him, so that you can know Him, not just know OF Him.

Keep going. He will see you through.

remembrance

Today I went to visit my dear friend down the path. He is the one I wrote about in August. After a serious car accident, his spine was crushed in many places and he is currently paralyzed from the waist down. After a few weeks in the hospital he accepted Christ. He is now back at home after months in the hospital and his spirit is inspiring, his faith unwavering.

We walked down the dirt road, passing families making dinner, ladies washing clothes, chickens, goats, more goats and then to his house. It was such a nice afternoon, talking to him, spending time with his family. We talked about his day, his family, my family, work, but inevitably came back to his "situation", his paralysis.

I would just like to say this and bear in mind, I am saying it to myself. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul tells Timothy to bring in to remembrance the faithfulness of God. I was thinking about that this morning, making a literal list of all the ways God has shown himself faithful to me in the past 25 years; that time I was 2 and almost died, the time I broke my foot and God healed it, the time I needed $1500 for India in 2 days and received $1800, the time I was unemployed and didn't have money for food or rent or gas and God provided every day in every way, the time I was believing for an international job and moved to Haiti, etc etc etc. The more I wrote, the more that came to mind of the goodness of God, His hand always on me, His plan for my life, and His love for me. I felt foolish for facing my challenges now with such discouragement and impatience. How could I forget what He is capable of? How can I not see His continued faithfulness in light of His past faithfulness? He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever more; I am convinced of this. And I am convinced that His promises hold true for us as they did for those we read about. That His healing is for us now (1 Peter 2:24), His protection (Psalm 91), His love, goodness chasing us (Psalm 23) in every aspect of our lives. ONLY good comes from Him and He is working everything out for those who love Him, who abide in Him. (John 15, Romans 8:28)

I have regressed. But this faith I describe is the faith of my friend. It grows in him daily, regardless of paralysis, regardless of what the doctors have told him. He believes he will walk again. And I do too. So pray for my friend. He doesn't have a church, Kenneth Copeland tapes or books on authority and healing and promises. He has one Bible and the Holy Spirit. Yet his faith is immense. And according to the Bible enough to move mountains. Pray for encouragement, strength, healing, abundance of joy in the hardship.

And as you pray for his faith, stir up yours. Write down what God has been for you. Choose to look at past victories and envision the future ones. Trust that His faithfulness continues each day, He may not do it the same, but He will do it. His word says it.

happy new year

I think at this point its safe to say that I am officially the worst blogger ever. I have good thoughts, I know my grammar, I just can't seem to blog these days. Or in any days past that I can remember. This may end up on my new years resolutions list directly following my one and only goal for 2015: finishing a tube of chapstick in its entirety before losing it. I'm not completely convinced I've set a tangible goal for myself (talking about the chapstick here) but I think its worth while to attempt nevertheless.

As 2014 concludes, here is the mini run down of the year, that FLEW by. Does anyone else feel like this? I mean it literally just started, right? It seems like yesterday that I moved here and now its already been a whole year. In the blink of an eye I will be saying this as we countdown to 2016. Life is fast.

Anyways, 2014 was great. Quite possibly my favorite year and most challenging simultaneously. If you know anything about Haiti then I don't need to say much else for you to understand exactly what I mean. I grew. I struggled. I grew some more. Struggled a lot more. Visited America twice. Went to Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. I turned 25. I started playing the guitar. I got a little bit braver and a little bit chubbier. I made new friends, some really great new friends and lost touch with others. My hair got really long. I learned so much about my job and grew closer to my kids. I got better at Creole. I crossed a few things off my bucket list and probably added 10 more things. I hiked a volcano, saw a llama, went to South America....and I think that may be it. I cant remember anything else.

Moving to Haiti this year was the biggest leap of faith I have ever been called to. It was scary yet thrilling and the greatest opportunity thus far God has placed in front of me. That's what I remind myself of on the hard days. I remember the sleepless nights, the tear filled prayers for a world in the dark. And then God sent me, to be a light. Some days I forget that. That my sole job is to let the Light in me shine through to others. And I forget (usually when I am hungry hot or tired) that I am living in an answered prayer, a dream fulfilled. Because of His grace and goodness and mercy, for me and those around me. That is what led me to stay another year. When my flesh said GET OUT NOW my spirit said stay. When I wanted to quit and give up or believe small things don't make a difference, He reminded me otherwise.

I am really excited about next year. I have so far to go but I am going to think on how far He has brought me instead. Because, after all, HE, not me, is the Author and Finisher of my faith. I've come to learn something this year. Faith isn't so much about the things I can't see, its more about what am I choosing to see. Am I setting my eyes on things above when the things around me are either invisible or discouraging? Is my sight Kingdom focused instead of self-focused? When I make that choice, then I can be the believer in Hebrews, that "By faith overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death." I may not feel strong, look strong, or really actually be strong at all. But He is making me strong in the midst of it all. That is what I count on.

Psalm 65:11- "You crown the year with Your goodness, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance" What a promise. That the inevitable hard pathways are filled with an overwhelming amount of His grace, mercy, goodness, triumph and presence.

So here's  to 2015. May it be the year of abundance, bold faith, for me, for you, whatever country you are in, whatever dream you are believing for. Let's pursue the kingdom together. Happy New Year.

a birthday blog

Well, the calendar page has turned once more and I am now 25. I feel a bit old. I am sure that offends most of my readers seeing as how you are over twice that age. But still, its the oldest I have ever been. It requires some getting used to.

Let me tell you about my day. I woke up. Riveting. Then I went to breakfast where my friend Sandy (he is our security manager and my fellow foodie) had a cheesy omelet, grits and coffee waiting for me. Then my sweet South African granny and grampy gave me gifts and a cupcake and kisses.

After that, some friends and I headed over to my house at Greta where we made amazing homemade pizza and played board games. It was so great. All I really wanted today was good food and good food is what I got.

Then we had dinner at base- lovely shepherds pie made by granny. After that church and hanging out with friends.

At 11 pm last night my friend was strumming on the guitar. I kept watching her and decided, I want to be able to do that. I was determined that before my 25th year of life, I would be able to play a song on the guitar. Sure enough, I got it, stayed up late trying to get it right and played all day. My fingers are purple, tingly and have pretty much lost all sensation. From what I've heard that is relatively normal but either way, I'm learning the guitar, and I'm pretty excited. I really like it. My fingers don't.

I felt so inspired earlier to write a post about all the blessings that came with being 24 and all that I was excited for in 25. but as I sit here, 1. I am sleepy and 2. I just think that it very simply is this: 24 was great. I moved to Haiti, struggled a lot, learned a lot and 25 is here. I am still learning, still struggling and still growing. I don't want to set these grand goals with huge marks and milestones. I want to know my God more. For my 25th year I want to pursue my God more and put off things that don't matter so much. There are lots of things I want to do- run more, eat better, play guitar like a pro, love my kids more intentionally etc etc. but those doings don't amount if I am not being the woman of God he loves me into. So 25- the year of counting it all rubbish in comparison to the incredible greatness of knowing him more and more,

Cheers to a new year, new things, and hopefully callused fingers so I can play this guitar.

***Sorry to all that I was MIA today- we had not internet! Such is life.

amazing grace

My heart is full.

I don't even know where to begin. I have mixed feelings right now- the desire to be poetic and graceful vs. shouting at the top of my lungs the beauty and joy of this day.

I have written and backspaced fifty times over and I just cant settle on words that encompass it all. How about I just tell you the story and let it speak for itself.

I have this friend. He is always happy, always encouraging other people, full of joy, the most humble servant, really funny, loyal more than likely to the death and has the best smile in Haiti. Sunday he was in a car accident that has crushed and broken many of his vertebrae. It all seemed devastating to say the least. Not only have we been praying for total healing, we have been praying for something even better- salvation. My friend isn't a believer. He's heard, he's been, its just not for him he says. For someone so dear to my heart, so full of life and love, I found it hard to believe we didn't share a Savior. The last month it has been heavy in my heart to pray for him. So I would pray, as I am sure others that know him have been doing. Then the accident. Then more prayers. Then today. After a week in the hospital and I am sure many more weeks to come, my friend in his words "has his Savior now."

Did you catch that? HE HAS JESUS! My friend that didn't now does. The hope of glory living in me now lives in him. The abundant never ending rivers of living water flow to him. What the enemy meant for harm God used for complete goodness. VICTORY.

And its hitting me like a ton of bricks. The joy of salvation as I watch someone see Jesus for the first time, confess their need for him, believe in faith he saves them. Its incredible. Jesus was something everyone had when I was growing up. I realize now more and more the weight of this, the reality of a perfect God dying for imperfect people and then putting everything good and righteous in them so they could have full eternal complete access to the Father. And my friend has that. He has it. Its more than just a heaven thing, its a thriving not just surviving in this world thing.

I am past being poetic. Real talk- salvation is everything. It should be equally as burdensome to know millions of people don't have this as it is joyful when even just one comes to him.

Today my friend said on the phone " I have my Savior now." Pure and simple. The joy of our salvation. We have a Savior.

I just wanted to tell you that. So that in your seemingly hopeless situation that you have prayed for over and over relentlessly so, you can have peace and take comfort in knowing there is hope. The last word belongs to our King. And he is not finished yet with the work he has begun. So keep praying, sowing, worshipping, believing, giving. Stand firm in the joy of your salvation. Don't get so caught up in your anointing, life purpose, dream husband, gifts and talents. We've already been given the greatest gift. Don't keep it to yourself.

I dance and rejoice with the angels tonight. Jesus has another one in the books. Victory.

I wish you were here

I wish you could spend some time in my world. So many times I wish I could put you in my pocket and take you around. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but I am consistently let down from my pictures of little ones and sunsets that never seem to say what I want to say, can never really show the beauty, the stickiness, the long hours and long hugs.

I wish you could have been with me this morning as a I woke up, made my coffee, walked out my door to an already blazing sun. As I opened my computer and began my days work only to be greeted with kisses and pleas to play bingo, at 8 am.

I wish you could have been in my office as the children tried to catch a grasshopper that was loose under my desk and nearly killed it or came to me with a baby bird in their hand, wondering what to do with it. All before lunch and anything had been crossed off my to do list.

I wish you could have been here at 4:30 pm today when I was ready to go home, the sun was blaring down on my desk and the little boys had just woken up from their naps. I really wish you could have heard the moment they discovered what happens when you stick a pencil in an oscillating fan or put paper on the back of it. I wish you could have seen the dogs reaction to being woken up with that noise.

I wish you could have walked home with me today as I was escorted by two little boys, carrying my bags and coffee cup. Their vivid imaginations had led them to tape paper wings on each others backs. The "butterfly boys", their words, not mine. I wish you could have seen them flapping their wings, each time with such enthusiasm it made you wonder if they really believed they could in fact fly.

I wish you were sitting with me now. The boys are playing soccer, the sun is setting and the dogs are barking at birds. Its calm and cool for the first time all day. As I sit here I want to take a picture but I know it would be in vain. I wanted to take a picture of the boys with their wings today but I knew it would do my heart best to put my phone away, to soak up the moment as they walked me home. Sometimes, life here is hard. And then there are nights like this where God calms my heart and my mind, uses birds and skies to remind me I'm home. This is where he wants me, where he grows me, where he loves me and where his light shines from me, for now at least. My heart is happy. I wish you could be here.

home is where the food is

A plethora of questions surfaced during my last trip home, all centered on my absence from the blog world. My apologies dedicated readers- I hardly realized people read my blog. Keeping you on the edge of your seats was unintentional and I hope to spare you of all lingering curiosities in the next few paragraphs.

I just enjoyed 12 days at home. As I am sure you are all wondering, I will go ahead and get it out of the way- I did in fact eat Chic-fil-a while home, more than once I assure you. Nothing says home like sweet tea and polynesian sauce. Among other things, I roamed Target aimlessly for hours, visited friends and family, and enjoyed driving in a land where rules apply and honking is reserved for only the crankiest of souls. I ate, ate again and then ate until I couldn't eat more, followed by a short break before enthusiastically resuming this hobby of mine. Would you like to know what I ate? I will tell you. Steak, cheeseburgers, donuts, shrimp, french toast, creamy dreamy only available in God's bless-ed South grits, pizza and pizza and pizza and peaches. I feel quite satisfied and motivated for a new phase of exercise and my daily 8 of required water. To my fried and greasy endeavors, you were fun while you lasted.

Who knew one could write so much about food? Though if you know me at all you know its my third love, right behind Jesus my King and little Haitian babies.

I realized something on this trip home. I love my family and friends. Don't get offended- I knew that before. But I found myself in an even greater awe of my community. I am so blessed with godly selfless encouraging friends, grandmas, pastors, mentors, brothers, all of you. Thank you for supporting me from afar, for helping me grow to this present season and in it, and for letting me back in every 3-6 months. Y'all are great. Every time I leave I realize more and more what I leave behind. I'll trade sadness for gratitude and thank God that whether I ever plant my feet in America again or not, he has given me so much in each of you. Geography is no more than a subject in school. (But nonetheless important so please, save yourself the embarrassment and Google Haiti before you ask me where in Africa I live. Knowledge is power people. Have some pride.)

With all that said, I am excited and ready to go back. I don't know what the next six months will look like exactly but I am believing for a few things:

1. More boldness. Let's be real. God put his Son inside of me. I can't let things, big or little, stop that flow of power in me. No enemy, bad news, humidity, nada.

2. Salvations for my staff and children

3. That I would continue to grow as a leader and invest more intentionally into this development process. For creative strategies covered in the love and grace of God to reach the children, the community and the hearts of people I lead.

4. Sincere trustworthy friendships

5. Joy joy joy

I also do so solemnly swear to blog more. Feel free to post questions on my blog- that may help me to write more.

Here's to the next 6 months. And my last 2 hours in America. Off to eat some pizza that will literally cost me my arm and right leg.

usual things

I am trying to get better about this blogging thing, not only for your sake but mine. I figure in 5 years I will probably want to look back and reflect on this season of my life. unless its anything like reliving my middle school diary, then I imagine shame upon shame.


Lets see, volunteers came and left. 2 of my dear friends have since left... :( and one more is on her way home in a few weeks. Pray for friends!


June is getting crazy and HOT. Sometimes, most of the time, I just cant think and I have to walk home to sit in my AC house so I can do something as easy as payroll.


We have the kiddos finishing school this month, kindergarten graduation- let me tell of you the preciousness this is, volunteer team #2, a visit from our IHQ guy to do some strategic brainstorming and vision casting, and I think that is it along with the regular usual craziness.


But shortly after that I will be stateside! what was my return trip home last year is now my halfway point break. It is crazy how time flies. The difference in where I am and how I feel this year is monumental. God is good. Chicken minis here I come!


Small talk- today I worked, ran, tried a new recipe...tilapia and cilantro and feta cheese etc etc. it was delish.


I think that is all- was that worth blogging? I am not quite sure. Nothing profound here. Just living the dream.

the value of volunteers

One of my current pet peeves, just under selfies and chewing with your mouth open, is this new fad I can't seem to understand. Every time I get on Facebook or Pinterest I see loads and loads of lists, blogs and personal revelations just out there for everyone to read. "23 Things to Do Before You are 23" or "30 Things to Do Before You Get Married" or "Why you Should Stay Single and Travel" and 70 million reasons why I know something you don't and therefore should blog about it. It really perturbs me. Can you tell? And yes, I realize the irony, I am blogging about how I hate blogs but its different, really it is.




A theme I have noticed quite a bit in these recent blog rants is the "Dangers of Short Term Missions". Paragraphs and piles of why volunteers, missionaries, youth groups and Americans with fannypacks and a week off of work are hurting development work around the world. As a development worker in a third world country I can definitely see a side to what they are saying. It can be challenging to invest years and years into a project only to watch a group come in for 7 days and think they have all the answers, changed the world or can fix it with a lump of money. I will be honest, I even get territorial over my children sometimes...is that wrong? And up until 8 days ago I would have said that for the most part I completely supported the abolition of short term missions. 8 days ago I was wrong and I will tell you why, without a list.




Let me go ahead and preface my reasons with a disclaimer of sorts. Short term trips, just like anything in life, have the potential to be great or a total flop. The difference is always made in the will of God. Groups coming down willy nilly just to have a "world experience", because its the cool new thing to "have a heart for the nations" or to make themselves feel better are more than likely not helping. Yes, your money is helpful. But I can see the argument of this being a hurt more than a help when you come with the wrong mindset. Anything not done in love is done wrong. Plain and simple.
On the contrary, when a team comes, no matter how long or short, whatever their resources or experience, when God has ordained their trip, when they desire to love and please him, they will be a blessing.


The team we had last week is the quintessential example of this. I will be honest- I completely expected to be worn out and exhausted from a week of volunteers. Instead, they left me feeling refreshed, loved and honored. I sobbed as I watched them drive away, realizing I had friends leaving instead of volunteers. What they were able to do in such a short time frame amazed me. So often teams comes down, want to play with some little kids, take pictures of babies, lay some mulch, act like they were a huge blessing to us, and then leave, taking with them pictures and leaving with us only balloons and candy. This team didn't just focus on the cute easy activities and children but sought each day to love our staff, our teenagers, to teach, enrich and honor us. They didn't presume they were stronger Christians than the Haitians, that they were blessing us. They served. They brought us joy. A fresh zeal that you can easily lose when you are in a challenging environment every day with the same people who are in the same challenging boat as you. I cannot say enough about this team. I cannot explain well enough the seeds they sewed into the hearts of our children, the deposits they made of eternal value and impact.


Workers cant do everything. We imagine volunteers have a limited perspective from not really knowing the country, its people or its issues. But sometimes the limited perspectives come from the workers, blinded by the same situations and struggles they encounter every day. Sometimes it takes new eyes, fresh hearts and energy brought by volunteers to revive a ministry and its staff.


Relief work is life changing, for everyone involved. But I would never be here if it were not for the 10 short term trips I took before this. The Lord didn't just wake me up one day and say "hey move to this foreign country for a year". I would have said in the most respectful way- heck no Jesus, heck no. And thank God he didn't. He gracefully gave me years and years to grow in my love and experiences and calling for what I do now. And I am sure my time here is doing that even more for the future things to come. I would never want to take that opportunity away from someone else. There is a beauty to be found in the eyes of someone on their first mission trip, experiencing the love of God in such a new and intense way. Watching their hearts break for others, for the kingdom, is an honor and I have no right as a long term worker to devalue that.


I could go on and on but I think you get my point. We are all kingdom workers, all part of the master plan to bring people into salvation, to spread the good news, to be the light and the salt, the hands and feet. We CANNOT do it without each other.


There it is. My hypocritical self revelation rant on why an organization needs its volunteers. Why Jesus created us all differently with different purposes that all go towards the same purpose. Why I miss my team and how I have 8 new friends that feel like family.

updates

Yikes. Exactly two months since I last blogged. I hardly even remembered I had a blog until my little brother mentioned he had been checking and I had not been writing. He is sweet. So here you go JR, this one is for you.


Two months in Haiti most often times feels like a blur. I can barely remember yesterday let alone last month. April was busy- trying to get ready for my vacation while the children had a two week vacation from school. Some days it was pure madness. But I made it to my dream get away, 10 days in the Dominican Republic with my dear friend. We ate, slept, played Rummikub, had people bring us trays of food in the pool while we slept and played Rummikub, dressed up, went to Jazz shows, got tan, watched the Food Network, it was GLORIOUS. I don't think I have sat down for that long in years, maybe ever. My one recommendation to myself in retrospect from that trip would be to never, no matter how cheap it may be, take a bus from one country to another. 10 hours, on a bus, with one bathroom, with lots of people, crazy driving, sketchy borders, sketchy people. Pay the money, get a plane. Never underestimate the value of a good toilet experience.


May. May has been pretty great actually. Part of my position here is hosting and coordinating volunteer teams that come throughout the year. This year we have around 7 that will be gracing us for 2 weeks at a time. This is our first year of VTs without construction and last week we hosted our first 2014 team and my first team ever as coordinator. I cannot even being to say or adequately express the blessing this team was to me, Penny, and our GHA family. I will post about that in a separate blog later. What a week.


So that's where we are now. My dear friend Laura comes TOMORROW for a bit over a week visit and I CANNOT WAIT. It is quite wonderful timing really, minus the virus that is being spread around Haiti right now from mosquitoes. Please pray for protection over our staff and children. Several already have it and there is no cure. It is not fatal but its not pleasant and has year long effects.


Some things you can pray for me right now, if you'll allow me to be greedy for a moment:


1. Friendship- Sometimes living and working with 100 people makes it harder to realize how lonely you actually feel. It is very easy to get caught up in my work my kids my life here and not even notice I am in need of friendship, Godly women I can talk to about the challenges and struggles of my life here but also someone I can just laugh with and be refreshed by. In the last week I have had 5 friends, one being my closest friend, leave, and there are a few more leaving within the next month. So pray that Jesus sends someone my way!


2. Continued protection and safety for me, the staff, all SP workers and our children.


3. Pray for my boss Penny.


4. And as always, pray for Haiti, for them to experience the abounding love of God.