Thankful each day....

Are we as aware in the days after Easter? I had a very unique thought go through my mind over and over this past Sunday, "Will I be as thankful tomorrow?"  Please hear me when I say that taking a day to remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus is something I believe we should definitely do!!  But i was challenged in my own heart and mind if I would be as thankful and mindful in the days to come.  If I'm honest with myself, probably not.  I can quickly get carried away in the business of work and life and so quickly forget that the reason I even exist and have this hope, is because Jesus died for my sins over 2000 years ago.  Without his sacrifice and atonement for our sins, we wouldn't have the DAILY joy and promise of an eternal life with him.  I promise I won't get preachy.  Just a simple thought - Will my heart rejoice today and in the days to come as much as it did on Easter Sunday?

The Power of the Gospel

We opened the Bercy campus for the first time this year on March 7th. We had over 60 people and we were very excited to begin a great week. That Monday, the...re were some Bercy villagers who had gathered at the front gate, seeking jobs at the new campus. We asked them to send us people that were qualified for the positions we were looking for and we would interview them, explaining that the jobs we were hiring for right now needed people that loved Jesus.

Yesterday, I was helping interview translators with our Haitian director for the translators.. We do an "English-only portion" to test their ability to communicate in English. I've used the approach of having them share the Gospel with me to test their communication skills. I pretend that I am a Haitian women and I don't know Jesus. I encourage them to help me understand how to become a Christian. There was one younger man I was interviewing and he was really struggling at being able to convey the concepts of the Gospel. He said he'd been going to church for a long time but it became evident to me that he

definitely wasn't able to express the ideas of salvation. The Holy Spirit prompted my heart and I realized this man was not a Christian, which is why he couldn't explain it to me. Our interview quickly changed and I put down the interview form and began to explain the Gospel to him. We used the diagram of the cross and walked him through salvation. He prayed to receive Christ! He's not going to be a translator quite yet, but we've invited him to the weekly meetings where he will learn more about the Lord and more about his new salvation.

And together we sing...

A few mornings ago I had the opportunity to lead worship for an amazing group of women.  I led with a wonderful woman named Roselaure.  She is from the village of Source Matelas and she is a Village Champion, working with Church Advancement at Mission of Hope.  Let me tell you, this woman was born to lead worship.  She has an incredible anointing and when she sings, you know that she understands who Jesus is.  I am inspired by her love for the Lord and her continued faith in His goodness not only for her but also for her home country, Haiti. 

We decided to sing the songs mostly in English but then sing the choruses of the songs a few times in Haitian Creole.  It was absolutely beautiful.  A room full of women, singing “Holy is the Lord God Almighty…. Here I am to say that you’re my God….. You have overcome the grave, your glory fills the highest place” not only in English but in another beautiful language.  Truly a glimpse of heaven.  As every knew will bow and every tongue (language) confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.

A simple step

“My prayer is that someday I can walk, just like you.”

She gently reached out and touched my leg.  Her words piercing. 

Scars.  Crutches.  Pain. 

 

As I looked back into her dark eyes, tears began to fill her gaze.  Tears filled mine as well.  I don’t know what happened or how this woman can no longer walk without the aid of crutches.  I don’t know her story.  But these simple words are one that I will never forget.  I stood in silence and looked back at her.  No words.  The only words that ran through my mind were hers.   “My prayer is that someday I can walk, just like you.”  They literally wrenched my heart.  I stood in silence a moment longer and all I could think to do was pray.  So I gently asked if I could pray with her.  Apple cheeks began to form and light shone from her eyes.  A beautiful smile spilled across her face and she nodded in agreement.  We stood together her hands in mine and we prayed.  The only thing I knew is that Jesus knew her story and He loved her more than me.  Amen was spoken and I was enwrapped in her warm embrace.  Her grip was tight and long.  She released me, kissed my cheek and slowly hobbled back inside so she could get back to work.  In a matter of minutes the moment had come and gone.  I stood by myself for a time and let the cool breeze kiss my skin.  The hot flush of my cheeks such a contrast to the refreshing wind.  I knew this memory would forever be etched in my heart, mind and soul.  I knew I would think of a simple step in a very different way.  I knew that now there would be days and times that I would look at my two perfectly normal, healthy legs and I would be more thankful and grateful than I had ever been. 

 

 

 

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!



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