4

This is round two. I started out writing this post, giving the facts of the hurricane and trying to put into words the feelings of my heart the past few weeks- and I failed. I was left with an emotionless stream of news, something that didn't even begin to speak the words of my heart. So I'll try again, and start with how I feel right now. I miss Haiti. I really really miss Haiti. Now I miss Haiti with a fear and insecurity I've never missed her with before. While I was in school I always felt that once I broke free from my commitment there, graduated, and became a nurse, that I'd be well on my way to Haiti. I've recently started a new job as a nurse in a clinic, and as each check comes in and the monies are allotted among loans, food, and car... I see a never ending cycle dying to trap me into the "norms" of this world. I try to place a time-stamp on when I'll be secure enough here, have enough loans payed, enough money saved- to go to Haiti long term, and I just don't see it.

Last Sunday I tried a new church. Praise God that I loved it. It's close to home and it's a great community. I'm really excited to go back. Anyways, I walked in a little late last Sunday... (not much of a surprise to anyone..) and was immediately pulled into intimate worship with the Lord. As I sang songs of praise, I felt a sense of joy and thankfulness that God had finally brought me to this church. The last song we sang had a part in it about the nations and the islands, and I could barely gain composure enough to sing the word "island" because I was missing Haiti so much. The sermon was about missions. What a Sunday for me to come on, right? Needless to say, I was very interested. The pastor talked about how we're all called to missions. Throughout the service I started to feel a sense of guilt overwhelm me. How is it that I am still in Minnesota? Why can't I trust God to provide my finances for me while I serve Him in Haiti?

A week later, I'm still wrestling with these thoughts. I wish I had more of a peace about things, but for right now I don't.

Haiti, I just want you to know that I love you and I promise you I will never forget you. I love your color, your rhythm, your songs, your heat ;), your language, your strength and your beauty. I miss you more than I can explain. I don't know why, but I know it's true- you have captured my heart and will never let go of it.

Week 1

The 2 month long adventure in Haiti has begun and time is flying by already. The weather is... actually COOL sometimes. Can you believe it? It's been raining a lot at night which makes it very comfortable to sleep. During the day I sweat buckets, playing jumprope, soccer, volleyball with the kids. Then late in the afternoon I shower and then eat and go to sleep around 9 or 10pm.

Kandice and I are in a 2 room, large white tent. Right now the first half of the tent is occupied by two nurses from the states and Kandice and I are in the back. It's great. I love our tent. It's very comfortable.Starting on Saturday we will have to whole tent to ourselves :)
The orphanage has been very busy with missionary groups and visitors staying. There was only half a day where Kandice and I were the only guests there.

The kids are doing well. It seems like there's a new kid or baby every time I blink my eyes. Baby Ben is a 6-month old newcomer. He looks about the age of a 2 month old baby. He has big eyes and a cute smile. He's been very sick for awhile with fevers in the 100-103. He has been steady lately and sleeping through the night better now.


Today was the first day of teaching English class at the nursing school. Kandice had the Sophomore students and I had the Freshmen. Technology failed, so I used up the time with introductions, singing and learning basic anatomy of the head. My class was great. The students were nice to me and sang "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" with lots of energy.

Tomorrow morning is English class again. In the afternoon both Kandice and I will go to the hospital to work. I'll go to the ER and Kandice will help iin the pharmacy. They are in desperate need of help this week, so were very excited when some extra hands showed up.

All-in-all, Haiti is good. Pictures to come soon...