For Such A Time As This

Little did I know that a 1 week trip to Haiti in the summer of 2011 would change my life forever.  I honestly didn’t even know where Haiti was.  I knew of the earthquake.  I knew it was a struggling country but really nothing more.

Me & Carvona. One of my sweet Haitian sisters.

Little did I know that becoming an intern with Mission of Hope would draw me to closer to the Lord and closer to this amazing country.  Serving for 3 months in the fall of 2011 not only confirmed that Haiti was exactly where I was supposed to be but also planted a seed that would grow into a deep love for the people and country.  So in October of 2011 when Brad Johnson the president of MOH, offered me a staff position, it was a no-brainer that staying for the first 6 months of 2012 was exactly what I would do.

Now I have to be honest, when I signed the commitment to be on staff for 6 months in 2012, I remember praying, Lord please let me stay for the whole year.  Let these 6 months turn into another 6 months.  You see, there is something about Haiti that is contagious.  I can’t quite put it into words, but if you’ve been to Haiti and you’ve been to MOH…. You get it!  The Haitian people are phenomenal.  I say it time and time again that they are the most resourceful and resilient people group I’ve ever seen.  They challenge and encourage me daily! 

Me & Meagan Malone and my dear Haitian family in Leveque.

So for most of you, it probably won’t be too big of a shock that I will be staying in Haiti and working with Mission of Hope for another year!  That’s right – 1 week turned into 3 months – 3 months turned into 6 months – 6 months turned into 1 year and now 1 year has turned into 2 years.  I have officially committed to work at Mission of Hope for the year 2013 and I couldn’t be more excited.  I know that the number one reason I love working and living in Haiti, is because I’m seeing the hand of God move in ways I have never before.  Daily I witness lives being transformed.  I see North Americans come down and think they will have a major impact on the country but ultimately are impacted the most.  I have seen Haitian families moved from a temporary blue tarp tent into a permanent beautiful block home.  I see miracles happen every day!  People ask me why I want to stay… I ask them, why would I ever want to leave? 

For those of you who have supported me in prayers, finances, letters, care packages…. “Thank You” doesn’t even cut it.  I wish there was something more I could say or do.  But all I have for now, is Thank You!  Thank you for the constant support.  Thank you for the prayers.  Thank you for the Facebook posts, messages, emails, tweets and so much more.  Thank you for being a part of my journey.  And now, let the journey continue!

If you would like to become part of my prayer support team, please comment on this blog post and I will add you.  If you would like to become part of my financial support team, please click here.

I became the godmother of a soccer team in a nearby village!