Picture this. Summer of 2016. I’m at the gym with a friend from work. At this time in my life fitness was top priority and it showed in every area of my life. Now normally, I prefer to gym it alone because most of my friends want me to “train” them and show them how to do certain variations when lifting and how to properly use the machines. It just takes more time. But other days it can be a really nice way to shake things up. This particular day wasn’t just a good workout with a good friend though. We started talking about things we would do if we had the time, the opportunity, and the finances. I remember talking about this mission trip to Haiti I had heard about and how awesome that would be to go and help other people. I remember at the time saying something like, I wish I could do something like that, sacrifice some time and make a difference. After all was said and done though, I came to the conclusion that I just didn’t have the time and absolutely no way to finance such a trip either. I remember thinking on my drive home that I love Jesus and I’m trying to live for Him…but there’s just no room for that in my life. Maybe someday.
And I never quite forgot.
Fast forward a few more months and my life was flipped upside down as God revealed how fitness, career, and image had taken over my life. It had 100% become how I identified myself. When I thought of myself, I thought: I’m a salon owner, stylist, fitness enthusiast, and bikini competitor. While some of you might read that and wonder what’s so wrong with that…well, I’ll tell you. When your identity is found in ANYTHING that isn’t JESUS and how LOVED you are, you will never be fulfilled. And if(more often than not, when)you have to leave your job and step back from those things that you let define you and give you worth…it can feel like you’ve lost yourself completely. Thankfully for me, God had been working in my heart and changing my desires amongst my life of image and proving and chasing. So when the time came and I couldn’t ignore what my life was becoming, I listened to Him and began chasing whatever life He had for me instead of the one I had for myself.
During this time was when the World Race came into view and all the preparations that came along with that. During these seven months of preparation i was serving and working at my church in Ann Arbor, where, again, I heard about Haiti. Haiti. Hmm…that’s funny, it’s the same place I was thinking about last year but had no time for it and here I am about to leave for an 11 month mission trip. Well, Haiti was unfortunately NOT one of the countries on the World Race itinerary. But I still asked questions, heard stories from those who have been, I saw the faces of lives touched by the work done there, and considered going on a trip with Raincatchers that summer before the World Race. I prayed about it but God said, not now. So I didn’t apply.
But I never quite forgot.
Fast forward a few more months to my first month on the field with the World Race. I was in Santiago, Chile working with a church and I still had Haiti on my heart. I wanted to stay present and it was too soon to consider anything for after the race, but I talked to God about it and asked Him if He wanted me to go that He would bring an opportunity around in about eight months. This way I was nearing the end of the race, would still have time to fundraise, and it would be a clear decision.
Fast forward to this month. MONTH EIGHT. Eight months later. I’m so serious. My church back home shared two upcoming trips with Raincatchers to Haiti. The first trip being just barely a month after being back in the states—perfect timing. I applied without hesitation and I am beyond excited to share that I’ll be going to Haiti in October with Raincatchers! And to top all that off one of my best friends who is currently on the world race with me is coming to Haiti too! We will be fundraising together and we couldn’t be more excited!
All of this to say, I never forgot about Haiti. And God never forgot either. A few years ago I wasn’t able to even consider having time for a mission trip and now I couldn’t imagine not making the time. Just like the World Race, Haiti was also a God-dream. Each had there perfect timing. God wasn’t keeping it from me, He just had better timing for it. And now, not only am i going to Haiti, it gives me a little something to look forward to and a way to keep serving Him even after the race, AND one of my best friends is going with me(a friend who I never would have met if it wasn’t for the World Race)! God’s good y’all and He’ll rock your world. Those little desires in your heart, thoughts for bigger and better things for others…those aren’t just thoughts or ideas…those are God-dreams and if you let Him, He’s going to see them through with you! Be patient and trust His timing.
For more information on my trip to Haiti please click the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/raincatchers-trip-to-haiti
For more information on Raincatchers visit www.raincatchers.org
