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

Medical Mission

While one part of our team built schools and played with the kids (we liked to call it "family life ministry"),  the other part of our crew in Haiti was the medical team. An amazing group of people worked in very close quarters and with limited technology and supplies to treat approximately 800 people and pull over 400 teeth in four days. Praise God for their willingness to give of themselves to help the Haitian people!

The medical tent.

Hundreds of men, women and children waited in the terrible heat to see a doctor.

Because of the close quarters in the tent, the rest of us didn't spend a whole lot of time inside the medical tent. We did, however, get to enjoy the amazing stories over a yummy meal of beans and rice at the end of the day. This is the one that continues to both haunt and motivate me...

An older gentleman approached the work site one morning and asked to borrow one of the wheel barrows. With some skepticism and trepidation, he was allowed to take it. We all watched him take off across the field and many of us grumbled and mused that we'd probably never see that wheel barrow again. A little while later, we stood in humbled silence and awe. The man returned carrying his elderly friend in the wheel barrow who was unable to walk. The doctors believe the man had suffered a stroke several weeks prior to our arrival. 

I immediately thought of the story in the Bible of the friends who lowered their sick friend through the roof to have Jesus heal him (Mark 2:1-12). I was sickened at my own lack of commitment to help my suffering friends around me through whatever means possible...even if it meant pushing him or her miles in a wheel barrow or lowering him or her through a roof to receive the healing touch of God's grace and mercy. I realized how many of my friends are hurting and longing to be healed and how many times in my busyness and selfishness had simply just passed them by. 

That man - and the friends in Mark 2 - are the kind of friends I want to be...what about you?

Walls Are A Good Thing

So I've been home a little over a month. I keep thinking the pain in my heart and urge to go back will subside, but it seems the longer I'm away, the more I want to be there. I am still trying to get my head around it all so it's likely the trip recap will be "recaps" over several weeks...or even months. The one thing I am certain of is that I will never be the same...

My week in Haiti was the most heart breaking and life changing experience of my life. I have never loved so deeply so quickly and felt so overwhelmed by the need surrounding me. The children stole my heart from the time we crossed the border as they ran alongside the trucks waving and smiling. Their immediate trust and quick laughter warmed my heart and made me wish we could all be so quick to love and let others into our hearts. The adults embraced me with smiles and greetings that transcended our language barrier. I learned very quickly that a smile and laughter are the universal language - no interpreter needed. Despite the hot, dry and bleak conditions, most of the people were joyous and grateful for the help being provided to their community.  

Part of the team spent our time there building five classrooms for a school that is scheduled to open in September. The thought of providing the means to educate children to hopefully enable and empower them to improve the way of life for themselves and generations to come brings great joy to my heart. The teacher who will oversee the school told Tim (the missionary that runs the Hispaniola Mountain Ministries) that he wanted to teach the children three things: to read, to write and about Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better mission for a school.

Amazing progress!

Prepping for the inaugural activity in one of the classrooms.
We gave the kids foam visors and stickers to decorate them.
They really had fun...and so did we!

A little help from Moise (Moses) with our activity.

One of the things that struck me most about the classrooms was the order that ensued once the kids were inside those walls. Out in the open, the kids were wild (as most kids are!) and any effort to give them anything or do almost any kind of organized activity often resulted in...well, pretty much a mob scene. Inside the walls of their classrooms, however, they sat quietly and waited their turns and were polite and orderly. It was amazing! 

It really made me think about all the times I've wanted "freedom," but God gently gave me "walls" to reign in my energy and efforts. Sometimes what feels like walls to limit us are actually walls to protect us. Thank you, God, for the times You reigned me in with walls and protected me from myself...

More to come...

Last Post: Next stop - HAITI

This is it! I can't believe it's finally here! Tonight, my journey into Haiti will begin at 12:30 a.m. when I drive to Columbus to catch the bus to the airport. We'll drive to Atlanta and fly out Sunday morning arriving in Santo Domingo Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning, I will be IN Haiti! Praising the Lord for the amazing journey to this country...

I packed my suitcase last night (except for a few things...that I still need to wash!) and it was so surreal. The best part was tucking all those little happies safely in and thinking about those sweet faces. And let me just add, it was quite liberating to pack for a week and NOT have make-up or hair products (again, remember that when you're looking at the pictures!).

I am confident that this trip is truly God ordained and covered in prayer. I cannot wait to share the amazing love of Jesus Christ with the Haitian people whom I have prayed for earnestly over these last few years. I covet your prayers for the team, the people of Haiti, and also for my three boys at home. 

I'll be back soon!!

9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. 
I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Isaiah 41: 9-10

Happies!

I went shopping.

For those of you that know me, this is probably not really earth-shattering news.

But this trip was amazing! I went to buy happies to take to the kids! It was so fun to shop and think about their reactions. I bought bubbles, a few jump ropes, some Nerf balls, Matchbox cars and a construction vehicle set, and some hair pretties for the girls. I have several friends bringing things for me to pack as well and I'm pretty sure I'll be leaving out some clothes to stay under my 50 lbs of luggage...and I'm ok with that.

It was a fun trip, but the best part was coming home with the loot and talking to Riley about it. Of course, he really wanted those Matchbox cars for himself, but was more than willing to give them up after we talked about the boys who would get them that may not have any cars. We even prayed over the toys with him that night at bedtime, and he has since mentioned "the children who will get those toys" in several other prayers. While he will likely grow up never having to want for anything, I pray he is learning to have compassion and a heart to help those who aren't as blessed...

Today's prayer requests:

1. The children who will receive the team's gifts. Pray that they will enjoy the fun, but also that their joy and happiness will come from a relationship with our Heavenly Father and last much longer than these trinkets.

2. The parents of these children. Pray that they will see God's love in our actions and affections for their children and they will also come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Three more days...

Packing...or at least thinking about it.

As our departure gets closer, it's time for me to make "the list." I started trying and found myself marking through a lot of things that would normally put on it...most noticeably - MAKE UP and the mountain of hair products I normally take on a trip (I have really uncooperative hair!).

Who needs all that in Haiti, right?

Here's a peek at what I have so far...

1.  CAMERA. Enough said, but do see above (no makeup/hair products) when viewing pictures.
2.  Sunscreen. Wondering if one bottle will be enough...
3.  Bug spray. Also wondering if one bottle will be enough...
4.  Work clothes & shoes. Oh, and a hat...or two.
5.  Linens. 

Yep. I think that's about it. This should be easy, right?

Today's prayer requests:


1. The children of Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti. Pray we can be hope and love to them...so that they know they are loved and cared for, not only by this team but also by The One who created them.

2. The leadership of Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti. Pray they will be good stewards of the help being provided for their community and move it toward a better future. Ask God to give them His eyes for the people under their care so that they may make wise decisions.

Commissioned.

Today was a pretty emotional day. It was my last day at church before the trip, so there were lots of prayers and well wishes...which of course made the reality set in - It's really here. 

My Sunday School class (which is amazing, btw!) prayed over me to start the day and then I was "commissioned" during our 11 a.m. service. 

As if that wasn't enough to cry off every bit of my make up, I shared with our youth group tonight as well. Jeff wanted me to share how God has worked throughout the last two years to prepare my heart and open doors for me to go to Haiti (see Praying for Haiti). So, yeah. I was pretty much a blubbering mess by the end of the day! 

Keeping it short, so here are today's prayer requests:

1. Please pray for smooth air travel. With 40 people on the team, there are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong (lost luggage, issues with customs, etc...). Pray God will make the travel process smooth and uneventful.

2. Please pray for smooth bus travel. Once we land in Santa Domingo, we have an 8 hour bus trip. Pray God will keep us safe and protect us from difficulties (flat tires, mechanical issues, etc...). 

P.S.: If you're wondering if I'm still running, yes. Ran 4 miles Friday and 3.5 tonight. :-) Hoping that will pay off next week when working in the heat!

A Tough Conversation

Tonight, I had a long-awaited conversation with Riley about my upcoming trip. After his bedtime story, I pulled up a map of the Island of Hispaniola to show him exactly where I would be traveling. He was full of questions - Would I get in a boat? Fly in an airplane? What would the bus look like? What would we eat?

The city we will stay in is on the DR-Haiti border at the bottom of the map:
Pedernales. We will work in a Haiti village just across the border: Anse-a-Pitres. 

I answered them to the best of my ability, and eventually we moved on to what I would be doing during my trip. In his mind, a trip this long should involve the beach and a swimming pool and lots of fun things (per our family trip to Orange Beach last summer!). And while there will (hopefully) be a chance to see the nearby beach, that is far from the focus of this trip.

Thank goodness for the Internet!! I showed him several YouTube videos of the village and then we talked about the importance of CLEAN water, how different things are in Haiti from our home, and how we have more than enough of everything but there are others with very little. He listened very intently and asked a few questions (mostly about the solar-powered water well on the YouTube video...my little science nerd!). 

But when I finished, he said the most wonderful words....

"Mama, can I go on a mission with you one day?" 

My heart overflowed with joy at his compassion and desire to help these people after hearing just my descriptions and seeing videos and pictures (Don't worry, Mom! I'm not taking him to Haiti...any time soon!). I explained that he needed to be a little older, but that we would do our best to take him on a trip. He asked if Eli could go, and I told him not yet. His response? "Yeah. He wouldn't be a very good 'missioner' right now." 

So, while my heart aches at the thought of being away from my sweet family for the week, it is full of joy at the Riley's receptiveness to embrace a life of service to others. With his daddy beginning seminary in the fall, this will certainly be our life...

I finished our talk with Riley's prayer charge. For the next few weeks, I asked him to pray for these two things, so I guess I'll ask you to do the same:

1. That people will ask Jesus to come live in their hearts while we are in Haiti and we are able to share His love with as many people as possible. 

2. That God would keep Mommy safe until she can be back at home with her boys and Daddy.

Counting Down to Haiti: 10 days...

In 10 days, I will be in Haiti! It still seems surreal to think about my journey to Haiti thus far...

For the next few days, I'll be posting some specific prayer requests for the trip. I hope you'll be willing to jump on board and pray for our team.

1. Pray for the people of Haiti. Roman Catholicism is the "official" religion of Haiti (80%) but voodoo became officially recognized as a religion in 2001 and is widely practiced throughout the country. Please pray the Haitian people will open their hearts to God's love and grace.

2. Pray for the team as they have contact with the Haitian people. Every chance our team members have to be the His light to the people of this country needs to be covered in prayer. Pray God will open doors for the team and again, open hearts to His love.

I'll keep it short as I'll be posting more frequently in the coming days.

One month!

In one month, I'll be in Haiti!

When I think about all the things in the pages of my calendar between now and then, I get a little anxious. Who could imagine that a trip to Haiti, one of the most destitute and broken places in the world, would be the light at the end of anyone's tunnel? 

God is revealing Himself in every aspect of this trip as it draws nearer. From the amazing prayer partners who have committed to pray for the team, for my family, and for me to the overwhelming financial contributions I have received to help cover the expenses, God continues to confirm this is His time for my trip and that He is preparing the way for me. 

Last week, I was feeling especially anxious about leaving my sweet boys for the week. Doubts about their well-being, my safety and a million other things began to crowd my mind and take my focus off the purpose of the trip...even began to make me doubt this was the time. I sat down to do my devotion and these were the verses for the day....

9 I took you from the ends of the earth,

from its farthest corners I called you.

I said, 'You are my servant': 

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:9-10

Wow. Just wow. I had not even stopped to confess my worry and give it to Him yet...and He took it without me asking.

Counting down and praising Him for Haiti...

Clean Water for Haiti!

Clean water is commonplace for most Americans.


In Haiti, however, waterborne diseases are a serious concern - especially for children. One report indicates 16% of the deaths of children under five were "directly related to waterborne diseases, before the earthquake" (International Action, n.d.). Since the October 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti, nearly 400,000 cases have been reported...with over 5,000 deaths.


The Hispaniola Mountain Ministry (organizing the trip I'll be going on in June) celebrated with the people of Anse-a-Pitre as they inaugurated a new well system for the village. Our group will be working in this village in June.

This video brings tears to my eyes. 

What if we got this excited about the blessings God gives us each day? 

If you listen closely (toward the end), you can hear "Mississippi" and there's a great looking maroon shirt in some of the shots (HAIL STATE!).

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35-36

Praying for Haiti

Since my previous post, I've been asked several times, "How did you choose Haiti?" I didn't really.

God chose me for Haiti...

On January 12, 2010, the already fragile country was rocked by a devastating earthquake. Prior to the 7.0 magnitude quake, over 70% of Haitians were living on less than $2/day. The 2010 quake impacted over 3.5 million people and many remain homeless, even today.

As I watched the coverage of the disaster, tears streamed from my eyes (granted I was 9 months pregnant!). But seriously, there was something about this disaster that was different for me than others...and now I know God was preparing my heart to serve in Haiti.

Photo by WorldHum

I prayed earnestly for the Haitian people and even set up an RSS feed to read the coverage of recovery efforts. I was astounded and inspired by the courage and resiliency of the Haitian people, even in this most awful situation.

Photo by Generally Speaking

In January 2011, I took five beautiful young women to a retreat at Camp Wesley Pines in south Mississippi. The focus was on missions and through the sermons and several conversations with the speaker, Mike Giordano of Life Quest,  I was even more resolved to visit Haiti on a mission trip. I began praying not just for the recovery of this country, but that God would provide an opportunity and the resources for me to go and serve...in His time.

I came home from the retreat and applied for a passport. I began watching YouTube videos to (try to!) learn Haitian Creole and set out to read Haiti: After the Earthquake. I was equipping myself to go and be ready when the time came. It all seemed so silly and even a waste of time at points, but now I am beginning to see the bigger picture.

¹¹"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹²Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

As I flip back through my prayer journals from the last few years, I see time and time again where I prayed for this country and its people in the hopes that one day I would be going. God has been faithful to provide that opportunity, and I am humbled by the events that have led to this trip.

There is still much to be worked out as we consider the financial commitment of the trip with Jeff scheduled to begin seminary this fall and just the single-parent scheduling involved with Jeff juggling our two boys for a week. I am grateful that he is just as committed to me going as I am...

Again, my apologies for those anticipating reading about my running adventures; I hope to post about running again soon but for now, these are the things on my heart and mind.

Haiti Bound

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with running...

It's official.

On June 10, I will be leaving for a 7-day mission trip to Haiti. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic and then traveling by bus to Pedernales. We'll be bussed across the border each day to work in small Haitian community. There will be a medical team as well as a construction team and the goal is to build two house and one classroom (or vise versa) during our stay. 

I have been praying for Haiti and its people since the terrible earthquake in January 2010 and began praying in January 2011 for an opportunity to participate in a Haitian mission trip. I never expected the opportunity to come so quickly, nor did I expect to be traveling with a group of people I don't even know (will post this story later!). But God is faithful to answer our prayers...even in unexpected ways. 

I have gotten mixed reactions from family and friends about my trip. While I do understand the concerns - both for my own safety and about leaving my family - there is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to serve in this country. If I do not go, I am being disobedient. And if I say, "Wait - it's not time," I am also being disobedient. Thus, I am going now...and again if He calls me to do so. I am confident He will bless my obedience because that's what He promises...

"And we know that God causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God 

and are called according to His purpose for them." 

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

I am seeking prayer partners who will commit to pray for our team in the coming months and  while we are away. If you are willing to do so, please let me know.