Winter Vacation...to Haiti

In February, I had the opportunity to join a medical mission team VERY last minute and travel back to Haiti. I am so grateful to have a husband and two bosses that were all on-board with this impromptu adventure because I literally started talking about going two weeks before we left (booked my flight 10 days before departure, no big deal!).

The team was much smaller than the one I "carpetbagged" with in June - only 7 of us - but it was great to be a part of the medical side of the mission experience. I know God opened those doors to better prepare me to lead our team in May as there was so much I was NOT prepared for that I learned in February. I know that I am still in NO WAY fully prepared, but pray that through my weakness God's glory will shine!

We worked in a VERY remote village about 15 miles from Anse-a-Pitres, called Recif. Although it was only 15 miles, it took us over 1 1/2 hours to get there (and back!) each day. Needless to say, we were not exactly traveling on well-paved roads. Recif is a fishing village and located on possibly one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen! The people were amazing - so grateful and appreciative. They do not currently have access to clean water in their village, and I pray daily that God will work out the logistics of getting the equipment in to the area to drill a well soon. 

When I look back on the past year, I am awed and humbled at the evidence of God's presence in my life (not necessarily in my everyday actions, but rather the overall picture! :-/ ). If you had told me five years ago I would be traveling multiple times a year to the poorest country in the world, I would have likely laughed in your face. Haiti was on the map...but certainly not my life map. But our plans are not always God's plans and I am SLOWLY (and I do mean, SLOWLY) learning to surrender my plans to His. 

I hope to write more about the upcoming trip in May and share some of the things God has already done for and through the team. Would love to hear some of your experiences of God's faithfulness to your surrender!

"How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Romans 10:14-15

I'm an Ambassador!

Don't get too excited - I'm not moving to another country (yet). But I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the Noonday Collection team as an Ambassador.

I love that Noonday calls its representatives "ambassadors," because I automatically think "advocacy" when I hear it. And that is exactly why I've committed to this endeavor!

During my first trip to Haiti, I was overwhelmed by the poverty and the seemingly hopeless situation the Haitians are facing, but Tim Dortch, who founded Hispaniola Mountain Ministries, once said, "You can't let the poverty paralyze you." And that has been my heart's plea since. God has truly opened doors for me to be an advocate for the poor since my first trip and Noonday not only offers more opportunities, but also gives us all a chance to re-write the story of these artisans' lives into one of hope! 

Noonday Collection offers amazing handcrafted items made by artisans around the world who are working to end their poverty and provide for their families. I fell in love with the stories and hope you will, too!

When you have time, check it out and let me know what you think! I'd love to host a trunk show or help you select the perfect piece for yourself or someone you love (and guys, there's a "Wish List" feature on the site!)! 

Visit www.laurawalton.noondaycollection.com to learn more about Noonday Collection and order your very own special piece!

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Changing the blog a bit

So, my promise to be a better blogger has gone unkept...yet again. I'm not making promises again - I'll get to it when I get to it and just hope you'll hang with me while I try.

That said, I'm going to be changing the look and the focus of the blog over the next few months. My own focus has changed over the last year and while I have every intention of continuing to run (whenever I can squeeze that in), it's not something I will blog about regularly.

So, stay tuned and stick around! I hope you'll be encouraged and inspired by the changes coming!

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7