After a couple of months of preparation, many prayers, and so much support, I am about to leave on my next adventure! This Saturday I leave for Haiti. Time has flown by since school ended; a couple of weeks spent in Cannon Beach, and my past few weeks spent in Wisconsin. I had the joy of working at the Conference Center for two weeks before going home. Meeting some of the summer staff workers was such a privilege and I am excited for their summer. Even though it was just a couple of weeks with them, getting to talk to them and learn about them was really great. Not to mention all the great times spent with old friends. Being in Wisconsin has been full of preparations and seeing friends. Preparations entailed doctor visits, eye appointments, vaccinations, and A LOT of shopping.
My mind does not even know where to begin in processing. In just a few months an idea became a reality. And what has happened in between has totally been from God. Even in applying, I was unsure what would happen. I told myself that if I got accepted I would go, provided the funds came in. About a week after applying I got a call saying they would like me on their team for the summer to serve. There was a celebration of donuts that day. Soon after, I sent out support letters, praying the funds would come in. What seemed a daunting $2500 to me, I was unsure the support would come. But God has been gracious and I have reached my goal and have all of my expenses paid for. Even more than the financial support has been the astounding prayer support. I have gotten emails, letters, and verbally been told that people are praying for me. Some I barely know, some very close to me. I am overwhelmed by the support that everyone has given me and I am incredibly grateful.
And so now I sit in my room with all of my belongings for two months lying out, ready to be packed. I have many thoughts rushing through my head and along with those, many fears. I have never flown out of the country before, let alone out of the country by myself. I have never been in an environment where the people around me do not speak my language. I have never done work like this, and with unknowns come fear. I do not know what to expect and because of that I am afraid.
Along with those fears, however, is excitement. I am excited to meet the people I will be serving with for these two months- the Tlucek family and the other volunteers. I am excited to meet all of the children who will come. I am excited to see and experience a culture so drastically different than my own. I am excited to serve in a way new to me, and to see God work through all of us. I am excited to grow and to be changed.
Finally, I want to say thank you. Thank you to those who generously gave so that I can go. Thank you to those who continually pray for me and for this trip. Thank you to my mother who has been a huge help in preparing. Thank you to my friends who have answered my questions, discussed with me what their experiences were like, and have encouraged me that this is where God wants me this summer. And thank you for reading this! I appreciate you all.
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