Haiti: a small country in the Caribbean that’s impoverished, struck by natural disaster, knows the name of Jesus but uses voodoo for healing and hope. It wasn’t until this month where I felt the labeled American stereotype of missionary: walking in the streets with long skirts, half clothed kids holding my hands while a photo is being taken of me from behind and a caption of exchanging love and smiles when reality it’s kids longing for food, money, or jewelry. Something to bring home for their family.
This month has been discovering a balance of evangelizing and loving on the local community, but also rest and intimacy with the Lord. I’ve listened to dreams of locals and encouraging them and their faith. I’ve bathed a lady who is unable to walk after a stroke. I’ve shared the Good News to kids & the elderly, singles & families. I’ve been reminded how the Lord is always good. He is always providing for their needs in despite of living in the poorest of poor countries.
With it being month 10, there was the need of starting to reflect on my world race journey as a whole- how I’ve grown, where I struggled and where I am now, what abandonment looks like, what community has consisted of, seeing the good in all the crazy situations I’ve experienced. It was really impactful for me to do so even though the race isn’t quite over yet. To view back on old journals, to talk with teammates, to pin point moments of growth, to receiving feedback and walking alongside sisters in Christ.
Although I won’t truly be able to reflect or grasp it all until after I go home (or maybe ever). I’m thankful for that push. But then the thought of having to prep for what’s to come next. Emotions flooded in- excitement, anxiety, fear, the realization that it’s coming SOON!
I began to pray, to write out my passions, to think of possible connections, to think of the things to eat, things to do, places to go, people to meet. Quickly overwhelmed, I reeled myself back in. “Lord, you provided for me in the last year. You will continue to. I trust in your perfect timing.”
Within that week, God gave me more electricity in the day time to edit my resume and look at potential jobs. God gave me enough wifi to communicate at home so my parents were in the loop of what I’m learning here in Haiti, to what I think I want/need when I get home. He has provided me a great day on a new pair of chacos (as mine are literally seeing their last days- I’ve wore those for every day, I’m not exaggerating!!!), to a surprise gift card/ coupon to Shutterfly so I can start making books about my year.
All this is a reminder we have a God who provides. Although I won’t be home for another month, He is already taking care of me. It may seem small, but it means the world to me. To have reliable shoes to walk around in, not worrying that I’ll walk out of the mud without a sole attached or a strap that’s not attached. Or a book filled with stories, memories, and photos of where I lived, who I lived with, who I ministered to, what I ate, etc. that will be available to be on my book shelf for years and to come.
As I start to think about some of my other needs, some may feel overwhelmed, but I have peace. I know He will provide in His perfect timing just as He has blessed me this past few weeks. If any of you know of any good, newer car that is or will be for sale, let me know. Same goes for jobs, I am looking into getting into the school system as paraprofessional, or even getting my CMA to work in a sort of medical clinic or office. Any and all connections are appreciated.
I am thrilled to know that this past year wasn’t “the best days of my life”, but rather the best is yet to come because Our Heavenly Father will continue to be the Emmanuel, the Great Physician, the provider, our Strength and hope, and the list goes on.
Keep your eyes on the lookout for more blogs coming before I head home! Thank you for continuing to invest, pray, and encouraging me throughout this past year!
Blessings upon blessings, Mariah
