10/4/12
Actually… I don’t think I’ve ever even been in Kansas to begin with, but I’m certain that Carrefour, Haiti is pretty far from it! Only a few hours into our first day, I was convinced that this month’s experience would be completely different from anything I’ve ever seen or done before. Three days later, that revelation is still being confirmed.
First things first – this month Team Dunamisses is partnered with two other all-women teams from J Squad, Team Charis and Team Jehovah Nissi. 19 women. One house. Two bathrooms (neither of which function “fully”.) No mirrors. It’s an interesting scenario, to say the least. As for me, I was just getting used to (and absolutely ADORING) “doing life” as six women, constantly together, always stepping over each other, ever dying to ourselves and learning lessons of unconditional, supernatural love. Asking me to now do that amongst 19 women seemed like a lot, admittedly.
Then, there’s Haiti. My feet are never without three layers of dust; we pass homes that are literally pieces of metal held together with wire ties; multiple sets of big, dark, curious eyes peer over our rooftop every time I take refuge in my hammock; we are eating on a budget of $4.50USD/per day, and I pretty much drip sweat every waking (and sleeping) hour. Sounds fun, ehh?
So many times leading into, and now even in the throws of this month I’ve found myself asking, “How in the world am I going to do this?”
And quite literally, EVERYTIME, God has shown up. He was there when we prayed over a lady’s knee and asked for healing – the next day when we saw her, the brace she’d been wearing for weeks was nowhere to be found. He was there when girls in our house have been feeling sick or upset, and somehow, someone else knew to pray without even asking. He was there when we’ve felt hungry, or frightened, or angry, or nervous. And He was absolutely there when I needed to dump off some serious weight I’ve been carrying (thankfully He had my teammates be there for me during that one, as well.)
I ran across this quote during my daily devotional yesterday and thought it fit Haiti, perfectly!
“Regret looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up.” –John Mason
This month is definitely challenging me to continually look up, because quite frankly, I NEVER know exactly how things are going to work. I’m NEVER fully sure about what’s coming next or what will be expected. I NEVER know who will cross my path or what opportunity will come my way. But I ALWAYS know that God is in control, that He has a perfect plan, and that He leaves me no reason to question.
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
