Day 7....Free Day and final thoughts

Thursday night concluded our mission work.  Friday was a free day.  We took an hour bus ride to a resort where we played in the pool and ocean.

One huge treat was their fresh mango smoothies.  

It was the PERFECT treat! It was COLD and yummy!

 I actually spent most of my day on their Wi-Fi checking in with my husband, children and mom.  I was so thrilled to see everyone!  Emily took a picture while I was talking to my kids.  

That night we went through our clothes and shoes and bagged up things to leave in Haiti.  I left my first and favorite running shoes behind.  I hope their new owner loves them as much as I did.

The last night was bitter sweet.  I was ready to see my family...
but I felt like I wasn't ready to leave Haiti behind.  I was still feeling so raw.

I can not express enough what a blessing the teenagers were.  I LOVED THEM!!  They were so funny and sweet.  They were awesome servants not only to the Haitians but also each other.  The biggest thing that the teens taught me was to LIGHTEN UP!

Our whole team was a beautiful combination.  

Other special relationships formed on this trip!

We were part of a organization called Lead222.  

It was Servant Leadership Training for teens.

We had Lead 222 meetings every night.  

There was great worship music and several great speakers. 

Two of the speakers were pro football players.

We also had daily devotions and challenges.

It was a great addition to the trip!

One thing I have not mentioned is how beautiful Haiti is.  

Really, Really BEAUTIFUL!

And can I tell you...each time you ask Haitians what they would like us to pray for they so often tell us first to pray for their beautiful country!

So my take away...
I know I have typed so many words in the last week....yet I have a hard time putting it all in words.

A year and a half ago I prayed that the Lord would call me somewhere where I could get my feet dirty for Christ.  I looked down at my feet on the last day and started crying.  It was an answer to my prayer and up until that moment I forgot I asked!  I immediately grabbed my camera.

Since I have been home I have had a lot of people tell me how good I am....

It really bothers me.  This was not me being good.  I'm actually pretty crappy most of the time.
I am not some great person b/c I did this.  This was a blessing to me.  I feel privileged.  I served my God and for that I am thankful!  I am over the moon thankful that He called me and I was listening.  I know He has called me before.  I'm sure I had really good excuses not to answer.  I am so thankful that Jesus uses a crappy sinner like me to be His hands and feet.  I could not have done that trip alone.  God was my strength.

Two years ago I would have never imagined I would be serving in Haiti.  Luckily, I am part of an awesome church that helped me see what my responsibility is to other brothers and sisters in Christ.  I absolutely think that the poor, lonely, and hungry are my responsibility!  And now that I have seen poverty at it's worst firsthand....I am doubly responsible.  There are so many ways that we can be a part of world change.  If you can't get out and help locally or world wide, then let your financial blessings bless others.  You can be a part of missions without leaving the country or your home.  There are many people that are ready to head out to the mission field and can use financial backing.  You are not just helping to fund their trip....you are helping to further God's Kingdom.  With your extra dollars and prayer you are getting the gospel out.  HOPE and LOVE!  Another way to help is through child sponsorship.  I have been a fan of Compassion for years.  By sponsoring a child you are giving them the tools they need to become a healthy, educated leader in their community.  By your sponsorship you don't just help bring that child to Christ, but you also bring their family to Christ.  Mission of Hope in Haiti also uses child sponsorship to educate their students.  It's like $38 a month.  Less than dance lessons and swim team.  Less than a cable bill.  And it's amazing the way the Lord blesses you when you bless others!  Do for one family what you would like to do for a whole community!

There are needs everywhere.  That is what my biggest prayer for myself is.  I am praying that God will continue to open my eyes to the needs in this world.  Many of those needs are in my own neighborhood and community.  I love the line in the song "Refuse"
 that says, "I don't want to wait for someone else to do what God is calling me to do myself!"

So will I go back?  YES!  I will be back as soon as I have the opportunity.  Hubby and I decided a few years ago that we would take turns.  We would each go every other year.   That is now going to have to be reevaluated.  I'm ready to go back NOW...and I want hubby to go there too!

I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us!

Lord,
Help me to be forever ruined for the ordinary!

I am thankful!