Someone needs to remind me not to blink because only a few blinks ago I had just landed in Haiti. Now, I find myself a month later starting my last full day in Gonaives and wondering how everything happened so fast. How did all those days, hours and minutes fly past me without my knowledge of them? How am I supposed to process everything I’ve experienced, all the relationships I’ve made and the thought of having to leave? Most importantly, how are the mosquitoes still finding parts of my body to bite?!
How am I supposed to summarize a month like this? A month where God blessed me so much? A month that took my heart? A month where I finally accepted I would not stop sweating for a solid 11 months with these temperatures?
Here are just some things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget…
Alex and Lala. Thank you for opening up your lives and hearts to us. Thank you for inviting us into your kids’ lives. Thank you for the laughter. Thank you for being such a testament to the obedience we should all be showing God. Of all the blessings from this month, you two have been the biggest of all.
James. Even though someone will have to translate this for you, thank you! Thank you for your endless energy. Thank you for the fooooood, my goodness are you an amazing cook. Thank you for having such a big heart for Hodilove and John-Berry. Thank you for always protecting us and for being a crazy driver!
Momma Jan. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your obedience to God through all your struggles. Thank you for inviting us into the Hopesters’ lives. Thank you for your openness and your love for us and especially all your children. You are an absolute inspiration!
My Team. Thank you for showing the love of Jesus every single day to me and the people of Gonaives. It has been such an honor being a witness to your genuine love and willingness to serve this first month. I feel beyond blessed to continue doing life with you guys. Scraps for life!
I know this is only the first of many good-byes over the next year, but it certainly feels like it may be one of the hardest. I don’t tend to be good with these things, but one beautiful thought is propelling me forward. The thought that even if God doesn’t call me back to Gonaives, that all these people who have touched me over the past month I will see again. Guys… I get to spend an eternity with these people and our Heavenly Father. How freaking cool is that?!
Gonaives, thank you for everything.
God, let’s see what else you’ve got for me this year!
