Tuesday, August 27, 2013

This is really happening


This is all really happening...and happening very fast!

When I started this blog, I promised to be honest with my readers and myself.  That means you will be seeing all sides of this journey to Haiti: the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, and everything in between.  This post is a little bit of it all!

I found out on Sunday that I will be moving to Haiti a little earlier than originally anticipated (more to come on that soon).  While I am excited and anxious to be down there, I have to be honest, this is scary!  I keep finding myself stopping and staring off in disbelief that I'm actually moving to Haiti.  Part of that realization has caused me to stop and enjoy the simple things in life.  Things like this beautiful fall weather, the comfort of my bed, the joy of pushing the AC down when I get hot, hopping in my car to run a quick errand or meet friends for lunch...all of those things will be coming to an end soon.  While I am cherishing each moment until then, part of me is really dreading leaving the comforts of home.  I keep finding myself on the verge of tears in those moments.  I try to keep it together, but to be honest it's hard at times.

I think more than anything, I am not looking forward to the transition period in Haiti.  I know there will be moments when I question everything, when the homesickness will seem unbareable, when adjusting to new normals isn't easy...I dread those hard times.  However I am also SO looking forward to all of the good times.  Things like knowing I am doing exactly what God has called me to do, serving the women at this ministry, getting to wrap my arms around the kids at Dorothy's again, and so much more.  Those are the times I am trying to focus on right now.

I know this journey is not going to be easy.  I know the transition may not come naturally.  I know there will be both good and bad times.  I also know that with God, all things are possible and that HE will help me through every aspect of this journey.  This is what I keep reminding myself of.  God's strength is more powerful than all of ours combined, and that is what I am relying on today.  As I work through the details of moving dates, packing, fundraising, etc, I am leaning on Christ. HIS grace is sufficient.

I cherish your continued prayers over me and this journey.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Summer Whirlwind

Sorry to have taken yet another long break from blogging.  This summer has been jam packed with work, fundraising, traveling, visiting old friends, & more!  It has flown by, but here are some pictures from the last few months.

 Jodi came to town for a quick visit!
 Staff trip to Myrtle Beach.
 The girls
 Courtney & me.
 Sisters.
 Barefoot Landing fun with Eliza.
 & with Erin.  We couldn't resist!
 Quick trip to Maryland to visit these beautiful ladies!  A much needed ID5 reunion!
 Fun on the boat.

 Love these girls (and Andrew!)
 Found my future dog.
 Stopped in VA to see Jessica Deen!
 Erin & I got slimmed by the group that raised the most money for my move to Haiti.
 Things got a little messy with Andy.
All done in love of course!
 Held our first fundraiser for Haiti, a Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction.
 Family came out to support!
 We had over 200 people attend that evening.  I was so amazed with the support from everyone!
 Raffling off goodies!
Kathleen helped run the Silent Auction table.

It has been such a wonderful summer, I'm not ready for it to end! The next step is to begin planning our next fundraiser.  Thank you again to everyone that donated items for the Spaghetti Dinner!  And thank you to everyone that volunteered and came out in support!  It means the world to have so many people standing behind me as I begin this journey.  Here's to the next few months full of fundraising!