Hi everyone,
I made it to Fort Lauderdale tonight safely. Sadly enough, internet is not free, so I'm on a time crunch. Sorry if my thoughts are jumbled. First, I would like to thank those who prayed for me or over me yesterday. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. So thank you Mandy, Caitlin, Kellie, Drew and mom. This is been a rough week, but the battle has only begun. It started with getting sick Christmas eve, turning into a cold and worsening congestion/cough yesterday. And having insomnia since last Sun when I started my Malaria med. Yea, seriously I didn't expect any of those things to happen. I started pitying myself for all my ailments, aches, pains and just not feeling emotionally and physically prepared for this trip. That downward spiral of negative thoughts lasted a few days, having yesterday been the hardest. But God always shows His great power to those who trust in Him. When I thought I was too weak, He picked me up and carried me. Today I woke up at 5 am and just barely made it to my flight. Yes, I was running to the gate. I'll save that story for later. But I made it with all my things. I felt much better this am and regained a lot of my energy. I think I slept 4 hours, but it gave me just enough energy. My congestion almost entirely cleared up and I did not get the headache/ear pain that happens from sinus pressure. Thank God!! That's my biggest praise, but also just feeling better all around, physicially and mentally. I was reminded yesterday that anytime you are prepared to do God's work and serve Him missionally, there will be some sort of attack. I think that's what was going on with me. I was consumed with myself and not feeling ready or prepared, when all God cares about is that I show up. So I showed up today and I already feel Him providing for my needs. I made it to the hotel and met up with one of the team members. I guess the rest of the team is coming in late and we have to be up for shuttle at 4am!!! I love mornings! haha. God reminded me of why I loved the last trip so much. The woman I met was a missionary nurse in the Congo and just retired in 94. WOW!!! Could you imagine? She got one year experience in US, went to Midwifery school, learned French and moved to the Congo where she worked her WHOLE career. I found myself drawing into her every word, every story, and every experience that she would talk about. I love learning about why people do what they do. She "wanted to do God's will." That is how she answered me when I asked her why. I love that. Understanding what is God's will seems so impossible sometimes. But she took a stab at that life and never looked back. Sometimes that's what it takes, taking action and trusting. I feel that way too. I hate change, anything that is uncomfortable or risky makes me anxious. But that is my challenge this week- submitting to Him and trusting His lead. Letting go and allowing Him to work in my life. Using my gifts and talents to bring His kingdom to Haiti.
Okay, I should probably tell you what I know so far. We are flying into Cap Haiten tomorrow morning. We will be staying in dorms at a university for the first 5 days and traveling an hour or so to where we are working. WE were planning on working at a camp with treating Cholera, but Doctors Without Borders took it over. So our other plans...we will work mostly at orphanages assessing the needs of the kids. We will probably do nutritional assessment, referral and education about infection/water. I was looking forward to the other plans, but either way there is much work to be done. The last part of the trip, we are doing some sort of building or construction. That should be interesting! I am excited to see the kids and love on them at the orphanage. I'm actually getting tired, so I think I'll say goodbye for now. Please continue to pray for safe travels, my team, my wellness, and for the people of Haiti.
Blessings,
Michelle
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