My time in Haiti was by far the best experience I've had. With all the thoughts and memories I came back home with, it might be tough to get what is really on my heart on paper in a way that will make sense, but i'll try my best. I spent a week visiting an orphanage in a town in northeast Haiti called Ouanaminthe. Most of my time was spent on the orphanage campus itself loving on some really adorable and fun Haitian children and growing as much of a relationship as I could with them in the time I had, while also trying my best not to think about the end of the week quite yet. A couple days into the trip, I realized the extent of how much the people (both the kids and the staff of Danita's Children) were grabbing my heart and how much I would want to stay. At that very moment I decided I didn't need to pay attention to what time of day it was or how many days I had left with the kids. It was important for me to be present and in the moment. I disconnected myself from Facebook and Instagram (if you know me, I am a serious Instagram junkie), and I decided not to post or update until I was on my way home. In this decision to disconnect in order to really connect with where I was, I felt this beautiful sense that the days of the week slowed down just for me, which felt so good. I thanked Jesus a countless times because He knew that's exactly what I needed to fully enjoy my week.
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I have been both anticipating and slightly dreading the month of August all summer long. A few weeks ago I gave my notice at my job when a different opportunity to be a part-time nanny came up. God answered about ten different prayers by opening the door for this job, so this is something I am looking forward to. And my first day is next week. I don't know if you're like me in this area, but there's this funny thing that happens when I get really excited and confident about something. Right when all the confidence builds up and I have an overwhelming assurance that I will do a good job, I get thoughts full of negativity, doubts, and hesitation thrown in the mix. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) I always know it's a "God thing" when I can be caught up in something and then reminded of a scripture that is exactly what I need to hear. About a week and a half after I start my new job, I board a plane to Ouanaminthe, Haiti. I get such a happy spirit inside me when I think of how God orchestrated this trip to happen. Even if I sometimes wish this trip was a little longer than one week, I thank God every day for the opportunity. I couldn't imagine a better organization to partner with for my first mission trip. Danita's Children has the mission to rescue, love, and care for orphans and impoverished children in Haiti. I would highly advice you to follow them on instagram (@danitaschildren) or "like" their Facebook page to see just a glimpse of the amazing work their doing. I am way more excited and expectant, than nervous. I have a feeling some of the nervousness may creep in once I get closer to leaving. Or probably when i'm boarding the plane. Three days after I come back from Haiti, I start my second semester of college. I think all the students out there can somewhat agree with me when I say "nooooo!" The next park of the scripture in Philippians that I mentioned, goes a little something like this: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV) As crazy as this may seem, while I am really excited about the good, happy, and memorable moments that are about to come, I am really looking forward to the not-so-good, somewhat sad, stressful, and everything-in-between moments too; those moments are going to be just as memorable as the rest. August has me starting a new job, traveling to a foreign, third-world county, and gearing up for my second year of college. Through it all I know I am ready because I am confident God always has my back. I found the above picture on Pinterest with the caption, "Take it all in."
However busy and crazy your August may seem, remember to breathe, slow down, and take it all in. You will be so happy you did. |
This is a blog about the ups & downs of early
adulthood, God's goodness & faithfulness, & life in other countries. “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
Habakkuk 1:5 NIV Archives
June 2017
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