In 2 weeks from today, I will have just finished my
first day at the Orphanage. I will have completed my 1/2 marathon in NOLA,
partied with family after the race, celebrated my departure with all my sweet
friends, said my goodbyes to family, friends, and my little, flown from
Nashville in 10* weather to Miami where I sat in the airport for 4 hours both
excited and scared out of my mind, arrived in Haiti, picked up by Angie, and
taken to the house to unpacked and settle into my new life for 3 months. As I
sit here tonight writing all of this and reflecting on my life here in
Nashville- my job, my friends, my family, my little, (Izzy is referred to as
“my litte”) and my new adventure- I am filled with excitement and amazement at
how all this worked out so fast, and so perfectly, and how God always knew the
big picture. If someone would have told me this time last year when my life was
in complete chaos and everything I knew came crashing down- that in 2 weeks I
would be boarding a plane to Haiti for 3 moths- I would have never believed
you.....
So many of you have asked how did all this
happen.... so here is the story. I have always wanted to travel- I mean always-
I wanted to be a travel nurse, but life happens and the opportunity never
presented itself. I settled in Nashville, until one day a physician at one of
the local hospitals came to church and began talking about the medical mission
trip in October, and they were looking for people to go who had nursing/medical
skills. My eyes were wide opened, and I knew this was it- this was my shot at
traveling and fulfilling my dream. So October 2012 came, and I went to Haiti of
a weeklong medical mission trip with 25 strangers. I had no idea that from then
on- my life would forever be changed. Fast forward to June 2013. The trip
emails started coming in, and again I knew I would be going- except this year
something was different. September comes and I find myself doing more research
on Haiti, the country, the needs, my needs- but I kept pushing these thoughts
away. I just bought a house, I am almost (3 classes away) from graduating with
my Masters, how am I going to afford something like this, etc..... So, the
October trip comes up- I pack my bags and board the flight, but this year felt
different. I felt like this is what I am supposed to be doing. Life in
Nashville is fun and Ihave a wonderful job, but my life doesn’t feel complete.
I feel that I have more to offer, and there is more to life that what I
currently know. I knew this was it, this is what I am supposed to be doing, and
the trip pretty much sealed the deal. I came back to the states and it
literally took me about 3 weeks to finally adjust back to reality. I spent a
lot of time praying for guidance, and after I felt I had received the final
word- I began the planning phase. I spoke to my boss about taking a leave from
work and without a question, my request was granted. I started saving every
dime possibly- I started working more at my part time job, and reduced
unnecessary spending. The holidays came and I told family (which over time have
really been supportive of my decisions). I listed my condo, and within 2 weeks found
the exact renter I was looking for- who just happens to need my place for the
entire time I will be away. It was all coming together- just the way it was
supposed to. I told myself that if I had any major road blocks I would stop-
the timing wasn't right, the money wouldn't come, work couldn't be left, etc.,
but nothing has been placed in my path to cause any of this to not to
happen.
So here we are- 2 weeks... 2 weeks until
life as I know it doesn't exist and is replaced with something so different. I
will no longer wake up and go to the gym or for an easy 5 miler, I will not be
training for any marathons, I will not pick out work clothes the night before,
I will not pack a lunch, sit in meetings, work with providers, enjoy the
occasional happy hour, take my little for park adventures, talk on the phone to
my parents, drive home from work, watch TV, take a hot shower, brush my teeth
with the water coming out from the faucet, go to the grocery store, cook
dinner, or freeze my tushie off. Instead- I will wake up in a guest house with
Haitians, I will get on a bus that will drive me to the orphanage, I will work
with the caretakers in helping to educate them on basic hygiene, meal prep,
play with the children, help bathe them, teach them English, share all the
wonderful toys that have been supplied, teach them how to brush their teeth,
teach them about Jesus, and most importantly love on them.
I keep thinking to myself, how did I get
handed this amazing opportunity. How grateful I am to be given this opportunity
to share His love and His glory. Who else gets to have this life- yes it will
be dirty, and unclean with no hot water, and no Starbucks J, no electricity, BUT who gets this once in a life
time opportunity to travel across the world, and love on 80 kids who would not
otherwise experience any of this. Not many, and for this reason I am beyond
blessed and grateful for this miraculous opportunity that has been placed in my
hands. I know that with His guidance, I will be able to accomplish everything
He has planned for me.
I will leave you this...... For I know
the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I want to personally thank each and everyone one of
you who have given toys, monetary donations, supplies, flights
changes :), love, prayers, and your support. This means so much to me, and I
cannot wait to share these wonderful things with all the children!!!
As I sit and reflect over life, I cannot help to
look down at my feet and see my little one looking up at me waiting to go to
bed. I have no idea what I am going to do without her for 3 months…. But I know
I am leaving her in good hands J
Here is the latest picture with my little Izzy....
