Wandanalou! I finally got access to wifi! This month my team and I have been serving at an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti alongside Pastor Jean Claude and his amazing team. Read a little about how it’s going below.
It’s month 10 and World Race alumni tell me I should be tired. They say that I have to work hard to find that second wind, the energy to push through these last few weeks. They say that I need to push past thoughts of home so that I can allow God to use me here. They say that I can coast through or I can make the decision to finish strong. They say a lot, but here’s what I say.
It’s month 10 and by the grace of God I am full of joy!
I love our ministry.
I love waking up to the ocean bay and mountains.
I love walking downstairs and hearing my brothers and sisters speaking Creole, French, and a little Spanish.
I love having a pillow to rest my head on and a bed to stretch out in.
I love seeing these beautiful brown faces reflecting resilience, strength, hope, and passion.
I love the taste of grits with spinach, carrots, onions, and peppers in it for breakfast.
I love having so much freedom to spend time sitting on the balcony feasting on God’s word.
I love watching the kids’ faces light up as I attempt to speak to them in the Creole they’ve taught me.
An overwhelming sense of awe wells up inside of me as I see men and young boys worship with all their hearts – voices booming, hands raised, fingers playing instruments, feet dancing, tears flowing. (Lord, I’m believing that this will be the case in America, too.)
I am blessed to build relationships with more than 40 other people in our house and another 40 or so at the orphanage down the road.
I am remembering just how much I enjoy hanging out with adolescent boys because they’re hilariously inquisitive, protective, and encouraging.
I am learning how to love little girls almost as much as boys because they’re so stinking cute and creative.
My team is coming together daily to study Romans, worship and/or intercede, and enjoy one another. (Wandanalou!)
God is teaching me to allow my convictions from Him to rule my days rather than the ridiculousness of trying to meet other people’s expectations.
And in walking in those convictions I’m learning that feeling “different” is perfect because “…holiness [apparent in separation from sin, with simple trust, and hearty obedience] is becoming to Your house, O Lord, forever” (Psalm 93:5 Amplified). My body is a temple, a place where the Holy Spirit is housed. And Jesus said, “Be holy as I am holy.” Therefore, because I am called to walk in holiness and am a house for God’s Spirit, I must continually separate myself from sin through trust in God and obedience unto Him.
As I hang out with these kids and learn about how they ended up living here, their likes and dislikes, and their hopes and dreams for the future the Lord continues to show me just how awesome He is. One little boy at the orphanage is about 9 years old and during the earthquake of 2010 a building collapsed on him and he lost his right arm and family. Yet, he runs around with the biggest smile on his face and does any and everything he wants.
Thankfulness and gratefulness unto God creates an incredible atmosphere, even if it only changes the atmosphere of one person. Thankfulness and gratefulness are where my heart reside.
I’m cherishing this season because it will not last always.
It’s month 10 and I’m not ready for month 12.
Next week Thursday, April 21st, my squad and I will transition into our final month of the Race! I almost can’t believe it. We’ll in the beautiful country of Jamaica. My team, specifically, will be serving alongside of a church called Queen Hythe in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Our ministry will consist of door-to-door evangelism, praying and sitting with the sick and shut in, and anything else the church asks of us. Please be praying for the hearts and spirits of the community the Lord has chosen for us to serve. I love you all and hope to be able to share more with you soon. Hugs and kisses!!!
