STOP. DROP & ROLL!

I am always asked what a typical day looks like.  There really is no easy answer to this.  So I figured I would do my best to start sharing little glimpses into what I do.

 

Today – Stop. Drop. And Roll!

Such a simple concept but one that we in N. America take for granted.  Today at MOH we had 2 firemen come to teach fire safety to some of our staff and children at our school.  I was amazed when I sat in on the first session that so many of the Haitian men and women did not know what to do if they were to accidently catch their clothes on fire.  The answers ranged from – Find Water. to Run as fast as you can.  It was so wonderful to see them begin to understand that really, these weren’t very good ideas.  The firemen patiently explained that there may not be time to find water or that running quickly would actually fuel the fire with more fresh air, actually making things worse.  Once the Stop, Drop and Roll method was explained, there was joyous chatter amongst the group.  I asked one man if he understood.  He quickly explained that this was information he has never heard.  He said he was so thankful to learn about the proper way to handle the situation.  He also quickly explained that he was going to teach all of his family this when he went home that day.

 

So for today – I helped facilitate the logistics to bring 2 firemen to Haiti.  I am very rarely on the front lines working out in the villages but I work with an amazing team to ensure that we can bring amazing people to come and share their giftings and passions with Haiti.  It was such a great morning!

Life is a gift.

Life is a gift.

I’ve probably read this phrase, heard this phrase and even said this phrase, hundreds of times.  After September 24, 2012 – I believe that Life, truly is a gift.  I had no idea when I drove to Denver to meet with friends, that my journey back to Colorado Springs would forever change my life.

45mph.  The flow of traffic.  The sun had set and the street lights illuminated the roads.  New favorite music selected.  Notes and sounds filling the air.  Playful hum to match the music, gentle tapping on the steering wheel to match the beat.  Life was good.  Life was normal.  Life is a gift.

Glass breaking.  Cars colliding.  Smash.  Inflated airbags.  Is this really happening?  Crash. Music gone.  Gripping seatbelt.  Darkness.  Silence.  Pain. Heavy breathing.  Hot tears running down my face.  Pain.  So much pain. 

Are you ok?  Voice repeated.  Are you ok?

My eyes meet his.  Again – are you ok?

No.  My response.  No.  I’m not ok.

Sirens.  Motion.  Pain increasing.  What’s your name?  Voice repeated.  Ma’am, what’s your name?

Elizabeth.

My name is Elizabeth.

 

September 24^th,2012 will forever be imprinted in my mind.  Life is a gift.  My seatbelt saved my life.  At least that’s what they tell me.  I never imagined that I would be in an accident like this.  EMS’d from the scene.  Emergency room shuffle.  CAT scans.  Ultrasounds.  Every measure taken to be sure I was ok.  Bumps and bruises was what I walked away with.  Bumps and bruises.

Why did I survive this crash?  I’ve asked myself this question probably a hundred times a day since the crash.  The most common answers, “Because my time is not yet done on this earth.”  Or “The Lord isn’t finished with you yet.”   But what does that even mean?  This is probably what I’ve wrestled with the most.  When is “done” actually done?  And when is “finished” really finished? 

The best thing about these questions – they are not mine to answer.  The overwhelming echo of what I’ve learned from this accident is that God is in control.  Seconds would have made a huge difference in how the crash could have played out.  Seconds!  God is in control.  My seatbelt could have malfunctioned, airbags could have not deployed – God is in control. 

“It is a freeing thing to understand that you are not in control.” –the words from Matt Chandler, pastor at the Village Church in Dallas, TX.  Words that wrung in my mind and heart as I heard them only days after the crash.  The continual realization that I am not in control is not an easy one for me to grasp.  If I’m honest – more days than not, I try to be in control and I lose sight that Author of all life and creation is truly the one who is writing this story.  It is not mine to author.  But He is gracious and He is good and He is kind and I do get to play a part in His Story.  So I look at life and say, Yes.  It is a gift.  It can be taken away in a moment.  And it can be used to draw hearts closer to His.  And if nothing else that you feel or take away from my story, is your heart being drawn one step closer to His, then it was all worth it. 

Life is a gift.

 

A few pictures from the collision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Years and Counting...

September 7, 2011

I knew when I first came down as a fall intern, Haiti had already captured my heart.  The one-week trip in May earlier that year was just a taste and I knew I would be back for a longer amount of time.  I loved learning about Mission of Hope and the way that the Lord was using the vision he had given to Brad and Vanessa Johnson years prior.  I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for them.  Their faithfulness and trust in the Lord is unwavering and such an encouragement and inspiration. 


First few days of being an intern. 2011

Yep.  That happened!  2011



Afternoon tours at the Bercy Campus. 2011

 





 I am so thankful for women the Lord put in my life that fall season.  They were always such an encouragement to me.  We all lived together in a very hot apartment.  But it didn't matter.  Rats. Bugs. Cockroaches.  We had it all.  And I wouldn't have changed a thing about it!

 

2011 Fall Intern Ladies

Hands down! One of my favorite teams during my internship!  2011

 I was also blessed by a number of female staff members.  Their wisdom and advice to how one LIVES in Haiti is something I will always be grateful for.  All but one of them have moved on to other things now.  But I will cherish them and I miss them greatly.




Diana. Me. Kara Lynn.  2011

And of course the two little boys that stole my heart!  Jetson and Titi.  Although I don't get to see them as often as I use to, I still love them so much and try to see them as often as possible.  They were just another reason I knew I wanted to stay in Haiti.

Jetson. Me. Titi.  2011

I gave a LOT of tours of campus.  And check out the new warehouse in the background - before it was the New Warehouse. 2011

Loved birthday celebrations with the Hope House boys!

2012 was a year of building friendships. 


I slowly wasn't the "new girl" anymore and my love for Haiti only grew more and more.  I had been offered a staff position and gladly took it.  I was the Group Trips Coordinator.  I worked with short term teams and interns.  I was learning more about the Lord through the Haitian culture.  As we are all image bearers of Christ, the joy of the Lord and the peace He brings was something that really became alive to me.


Delmonte. Villarson. Me @ VBS. 2012



Making the most of seeing Jetson and Titi again!! 2012



Who couldn't resist a pair of knee length denim jeans??
(Chelsea. Me. Katie)  2012
 

 I was blessed to work along side such amazing people.  It's amazing how many amazing people you can meet on such a small island.  I know without a doubt that I will have friendships for life because of the people the Lord has crossed my path with.



Spring Intern Class. 2012



So thankful my brother David was able to come to Haiti for a week in March. 2012

 Having my brother come down would definitely be a highlight from 2012.  There is definitely something special about having your family come and see where the Lord has placed you.  It was a very short week but I treasured the time greatly and I am so thankful he was able to be here.



Elevation -- the college ministry from my church in AR was down in the summer time!  2012

Great afternoon in Levque with Lovely.  2012

One of my little buddies from our orphanage, Roberto.  2012

My sweet friend Carvona!  What a treasure she is!   2012

Absolutely loved having my BFF Meagan in Haiti to see and experience my life here.  2012

 Another highlight would be my dearest friend Meagan coming to Haiti.  Her love for missions and her heart for people is so evident in all she does.  Even though we are oceans apart, I cherish her friendship and always will.



2012 Summer Intern Class and Support Staff!  Love these people!! 2012



So proud of my younger brother Delmonte for graduating from highschool!  2012

Cats.  And for those who know me.... this is shocking.  2012



2012 Fall Intern Class.  So thankful for this group!!

 

2013 has been a year of growth....

Nothing can really prepare you to LIVE in Haiti.  Trust. Faith. Hope.  They take on a whole new meaning.  Dependence on Christ no longer becomes an idea... it is the only way to be. 

 I am thankful beyond words to have spent the last two years in Haiti.  At first people would always ask me "When will you leave Haiti?"  Now, the question is, "How long will you stay?"  My answer has always been, "Bondye konnen."  (translated: God knows)  My story is one that grips the soul and never leaves you wondering if God is present.  He has been with me every step of the way and I know that He will never leave me or forsake me.  My home is in Haiti.  My heart is in Haiti. 

 

2013. Spring Inter Class.  Such amazing people!

If you've been to Leveque, there is a really good chance you know Sashu!  2103

Jeremiah!  You just gotta love this little squirt!  2013

Me and Sonson.  He use to be terrified of me.  Now, he will hardly let me put him down.  2013

Pretty crazy to meet a Denver Bronco in HAITI.  2013

Love these girls!  Chill'n in Jacmel.  2013

2013 Summer Intern LADIES!  Beautiful! 

Thank you so much to those who have prayed, financially supported me, emailed me, Facebook messaged me, laughed with me and cried with me.  It has been an amazing 731 days and I am praying for hundreds and hundreds more.  My life will never be the same and I praise the Lord for loving me and rescuing me and placing me in Haiti, for such a time as this!



Stay connected with my story:

Twitter:  @elizabeth_CO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizabeth.billingslea

Instagram: @ebill_CO 

 

 

 

The Beauty of Summer

Me and Jeremiah.  He is one of the children who live in our orphanage at Mission of Hope.

 

I received SO many letters from the children from my home church in Arkansas!  #KidLife

Me and Steeve! He is another child that lives in our orphanage.

This is Vladamir.  He lives in Leveque and I've known him for almost 2 years!

Afternoon stroll with my good buddy Snyder!

This is a picture I took of David our Haitian prosthetic tech.  He is making a leg for an amputee victim.

Schildresse is one of my favorite kids in Haiti!  Love her lots.

Nothing beats a Haiti sunset!

Nothing short of a miracle

June 6th, 2013

I had been back in Haiti for 6 days after a much needed month long vacation.  The month of May had been a great time of seeing family and friends.  I was still getting back into the swing of things being back at MOH.  Getting into a rhythm of lots and lots of short term teams being in Haiti.  An entire new intern class.  I was really starting to get into the groove. Little did I know what was coming the night of June 6th.



CAT scan from June 6th. 1 of 4 stones,

Technically it was about 5:00am on the morning of June 7th.  I was awoken by a pain in my lower abdomen that was virtually indescribable.  I had no idea what was happening and why I was in so much pain.  My first thought was surely my appendix was about to rupture.  I will spare you the extra details of what accompanied this extreme pain, but we can just say that it wasn't pretty.  After about half an hour of debating what to do (I'm fairly certain the pain was also inhibiting my reasoning skills) I slowly made my way to another apartment in the staff housing to find a MOH medical staff.  I woke her up and she quickly gathered other medical personnel that we had in country.  It was quickly decided that it was either kidney stones or my appendix.  With neither one of these being a good option, I was quickly taken to a hospital in Port Au Prince.  There were a lot of details from that day.  First, there just "happen" to be an American doctor volunteering at this particular hospital for 1 week.  He was able to quickly diagnose that I had kidney stones and after an affirming CAT scan there was no doubt that 4 kidney stones were invading my body.  Another crazy factor was that the MOH medical staff that traveled with me just "happen" to have the EXACT pain medication that I would need -- in her purse!  She had brought it with her days before, never guessing that we would need to use it so quickly.  My hospital visit story was later posted on the MOH Facebook page. There was also a wonderful and miraculous story that accompanied my time at the hospital.  As I reflect back on everything that needed to take place that day and ALL of the things that did fall in line, it was nothing short of a miracle.  By June 9th I was pain free.  I slowly went back to my normal routine.  I wondered if that was it, if I was finished with the stones because I didn't believe that I had passed them, but also hadn't experienced any pain for weeks.  They were completely out of my mind and life seemed to be back to normal.


July 8th, 2013

There is no way to prepare for an emergency.  Even with the best "emergency plan" in place, there are going to be unknown factors and variables that cannot be predicted.  In my case, there wasn't even a plan. 

The night of July 8th I went to bed and was pretty uncomfortable.  I figured dinner wasn't agreeing with me so I took some Pepto-Bismol and figured I would feel fine in the morning.  I tossed and turned not realizing that my pain was ever so slowly increasing.  By 4:00am I was in so much pain that tears filled my eyes and I could not stay lying down.  I honestly don't know why it took me so long to realize what was happening.  They were back.  Or maybe they had never left.  I knew that a kidney stone had to be moving and once again I was in some of the worst pain I've ever experienced.  I quietly slipped into the adjacent apartment where our medical nurse was sleeping and woke her as gently as I could.  Since she was already familiar with what had taken place in June, she was so quick to administer a shot of pain medication.  Fairly quickly my pain had been reduced.  Big deep breath.  It was with a very heavy heart that I looked at her and said, 'I think I need to go back to the states.'  She didn't say anything.  Her eyes said it all.  She knew I needed to go back too.  There wasn't much we could do at 4:30am, so I went back to my apartment to try and get some much needed rest.


July 9th, 2013

The series of events that unfolded that day were nothing short of a miracle.  Tropical storm Chantal was quickly approaching Haiti and hundreds of people were trying to leave the island.  Airlines were booked!  There shouldn't have been an available plane ticket.  But there was.   MOH has a Haitian Executive Director and I'm convinced he has a direct phone line to the Lord and to American Airlines.  He got me a seat that very day!  Not only that, my boss just "happen" to be flying back to the states that same day and a first class ticket had his name on it.  Without any hesitation, he traded me seats.  Not only did I get back to the states, but I did the most comfortable way you can.  Upon arriving in Fort Lauderdale, at 8:00pm, my boss rented a car and we began the long 2 hour drive across Alligator Alley.  The goal was to get to Fort Myers.  My boss' wife also "happens" to be a nurse practitioner and she was working that night.  If we could make it to the hospital she worked at, everything would be ready.  She already had my information, my health insurance.  They would be ready.  I was so thankful that right before I left Haiti I had one more round of injectable pain meds.  I was praying that they would get me through the flight and the drive. 



Getting ready to head into surgery.

We arrived at the hospital around 10:30pm.  I was in a great deal of pain.  Again, I will spare you the lovely details of what that kind of pain brings with it.   Yuck.  Now if you've been to an ER, you know that the waiting room time most often takes longer than the doctors actually seeing and treating you.  My story is very different.  From the time we walked into the hospital, checked in, were called back, triaged, in a room, in a gown and pain meds being admitted - 12 minutes!!  Can I get a Hallelujah!?!  Once again tears filled my eyes but this time it wasn't because of the pain.  As I laid on that bed and I started rethinking what all had taken place that day to get me where I was, it was nothing short of a miracle.  You may disagree with me.  And that's fine.  But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was working on my behalf.  I know that he was orchestrating details that I will never know and never be able to fully understand.

 

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

July 11th, 2013

Finally surgery day!  The team of doctors and surgeons were going to do a standard procedure to remove the kidney stone that had lodged itself in my ureter (tube between my kidney and bladder).  The doctor said that if I would have waited one more day to come in, it would have been a very different story.  The stone had been wedged for awhile and they could tell from my white blood cell count that I was on the edge of developing a pretty serious infection.  Fortunately they were able to start me on antibiotics the first night I came into the hospital which prevented me from having any major complications.  

The surgery didn't last long.  Not that I remember any of it.  But it was a success.  Everything went perfect.  They placed a temporary stent in my ureter to help pass a few more stones I had in my kidney and allow things to heal.  They kept me in the hospital for one more night to monitor my progress and on Friday June 12th, I was released. 



Another huge blessing was that Mission of Hope, had my mom sent to Florida to be with me this week while I am recovering.  When my boss told me she was on a plane and would be landing soon, I couldn't get my brain to comprehend what he was saying. 
My mom.  Coming to Florida.  What?!  But it was true.  And now she is here.  I will keep more updates posted as the story continues.  But if you hear anything from this, please know that God is good.  That He is faithful.  He is taking care of the small things and He knows how to handle the big things as well.  He has your best interest at heart and even though things don't always make sense, He is orchestrating things for the good of those who love Him.

Me and my momma!  So thankful to have her here.

Captured

As the summer really starts to get into full swing, I can't help but step back and look at where the Lord has placed me.  I am quickly approaching my 2 year mark of being in Haiti and

working with Mission of Hope. 

CRAZY! 

My 30th birthday is also quickly approaching.  REALLY CRAZY! 

But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

This is exactly where I want to be! 

Haiti has captured my heart!!

 

 

 

 

I love this simple way of living.  I love the joy of a clean cold glass of water or a cool breeze that cuts through the hot humid day.

 

I love the smiles and the laughter.  The expectation of what tomorrow will hold.  The hope that He is moving and working doing good things!

I love that life transformation is happening! 

And I am blessed to have a front row seat.