So Why Bother

It surprises me just how many people have asked me this question. Certainly, I understand that it is asked is the purest of intentions. The needs in Haiti are so large and I am just one person. Having said that, I think it is also important to remember that the Lord does not call everyone to Haiti. He has a purpose and a plan for each of us. I can remember growing up and visiting my grandfather in the nursing home. I loved my grandparents so very much and it was certainly difficult to see this big strong man with his senses so keen and his body so fragile and weak. I would visit weekly not only to love on my grandfather, but to love on the other elderly residents who sat alone, disconnected from the world they once knew so well. I would often bring my 1 year old daughter Jackie along . Oh how their faces would light up with joy when they touched the delicate hand of new life. It is that compassion that has brought me to where I am today. I feel with all of my heart that it was no accident I ended up in Haiti. Everything in my soul cries out for how much God truly grieves over the poverty, pain, violence, and struggle of his precious children in Ouanaminthe. It is very clear to me that I cannot make change alone, and it is even more clear that the road will be long and difficult. Yet, if there is one thing that I have learned on this trip to Haiti, it is how to fully rely upon God. To trust in the Lord does not mean that there will not be difficult days. It does not mean you will not fear for your life. It does not mean you will not see children suffer; and sadly it does not mean in serving others your own life will be guaranteed. When I first left to Haiti, I cried myself to sleep the night before leaving. I had no idea where this journey was going to lead. My fellow missionaries would also be the first to comment on how often I cried during this trip. These tears are the key to moving forward. Out of suffering comes hope. If the trip had not been such a struggle, I would have easily forgotten the passion stirred up in my heart. I would have easily settled back in to my everyday life. Again, the Lord knew what he was doing when he sent us there. So why bother? Because for every small effort made, regardless of how many are affected by these tiny acts of faith, there is one person, one child, one family in Ouanaminthe, Haiti that sees God. We put flesh on faith when we make devoted steps to serve others. The hope offered to the suffering is a treasure indeed. Perhaps you are not called to Haiti, but if you are one of the many people asking me why I am serving the people of Ouanaminthe instead of my neighbor here in Chicago, then allow me to return the question. How much are you serving your local neighbor? Please don't take offense to this question, please let it resonate in your heart for a moment. I have to believe that when Jesus said to "love your neighbor" that he put no mileage restrictions on the definition "neighbor." My heart assures me that my Haitian neighbor is just as needy and worthy as my next door neighbor who is loosing their home to foreclosure. Each of us has a calling on our life. At this time, my calling is Haiti. I ask that even if you do not support my decisions, whether out of fear, or disagreement, please pray for me. Pray for wisdom as I seek to find the best ways to help. Pray for open doors to be connected to the right places and the right people. Pray for courage not to fear the challenges ahead. Pray for insight to make good and healthy choices for me and my family. Pray for understanding in what I am called to do. Finally, pray for restoration for Ouanaminthe, Haiti. As a dear pastor friend told me last night as he placed his worn and much loved F.R.O.G. (Fully rely on God) bracelet upon my wrist. "When we have done all that we can....... Then God will do all that we can't.... Thank you friends and family for your support and encouragement. You are loved!