These kids.

My heart is back in Haiti this morning. I don't want to forget a single thing about that trip. Going through the photos I have (and really haven't shared) is keeping those memories alive. I am also excited that I will be able to share my experience with a local group in Janesville today! To be able to share this passion and talk freely and openly about how my heart has been changed, how I am learning to understand what it means to mission to others and to see humans as people has me pretty pumped!

I'm still in awe over how this trip came to be for me and the continued nudge to keep this train a rollin'! Doing so has meant I have had to do a lot of things that most people wouldn't do or even agree with. I get asked, "Why go to another country when there are people here that need help." Yes, there are, and you can help those who are here. I also see that there is more to this world than what is in our own country. I also understand, now, the need to get out of your comfort zone to be able to really absorb what is needed. I can also bring what I know from here, to there and from there, back to here. (did you follow that?)  Right here it is too easy to stay "plugged in" too easy to find that convenience and still too easy to be blinded by what we have come to know as the norm.

Seeing what Haiti has by having so little. Learning that we didn't need to know words but could communicate through motions and emotions.  Being able to trust that I was in the right place at the right time.  I'll admit, when I was in the hospital, I wanted to BOLT right back out in the daylight and cry. I wanted to ask God why he has created a nation of such poverty and allowed such illness to take over His people. But at the moment I was told to keep it together, that I needed to be the light at that moment. I had to show others that we did have a reason for being there, our presence was that of His presence and if He could send His only Son for us, He could send us for those who are here in this day and time. I met the need of that moment. I held those babies to relieve those mothers of the weight of worry. I could smile, I could make eye contact, I could show them love. I gave them human touch, a connection and treated them with dignity. I learned that we ALL want those same things, no matter our place in life. 

Being in another country to be able to truly focus on those in front of you was such a learning mission for me. I have stated previously that I quickly realized that it was I who was being missioned to.  I was the one receiving more than I could possibly give!  I had a desire that was again alive and I what was I to do with this desire?

The one night I stated I wanted to encourage. I keep hearing that message all around me these days. Was it there before?  Perhaps, but now I am more tuned in to it. I am trying to not only encourage my self to be brave with my faith, to be able to keep doing that decent thing, but to also speak out and encourage others. Today I get to do just that. I am not sure what my presentation will present. I pray that it opens the eyes of the need for us to continue to really lead a Christian life.

I was more than "nudged" by someone who knows more than me to embark on this journey. Upon returning home, I am continued to be nudged, and lately not so gently. Just when I am in doubt, I am reminded of exactly what it is I need to continue this journey.  The books I crave to read seem to fall into my lap and feed the hunger for wanting more affirmations and knowledge to lead a life with purpose.  The people who come into my life seem to be there at the right moments. The opportunities to practice what I am learning and to continue to grow as a person are within my reach again. That word encourage isn't just meant for me to do for others, but to do for myself as well.

I leave you with this, take a little time for yourself today. Really listen to what it is YOU need. Ask what it is that you can do for not only yourself, but another person. Extend a little grace to those who need it.  Be open to what it is you need to learn today.

Live your life with purpose, live a life of abundance,
Stacey