Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Its Beginning To Look Like A New Year

A few more hours and it will be 2015, and where has the year gone? Seems like the time has just flown by. Sometimes don't you wish that things would just slow down a bit? But the world turns and time moves on, and each year rolls into the next.

For our team, this has been an amazing year. We organized, worked hard at our last medical mission trip, seeing more than 900 patients in the few day we were there. We worked at fundraising, doing several different events to earn money towards our goals. We worked at a lot of paperwork, and achieved our 501(c)(3) status. And our work has only begun.

2015 will present us with more opportunities to try to make a difference. Our next trip is scheduled for May, which is only 5 months away! In addition to our returning team members, we have 2 people very serious about joining us. Another is a maybe. And a few more are considering it. Wouldn't it be incredible to take a team of 10 or more? Think of the number of people we could help. But God knows what we need to do, and He will provide the crew. He always does.

We have talked about long term goals, about what we would like to be able to do later in the year. About fundraisers we plan to do, hope to do, and need to do to help raise the money necessary to achieve our goals. About events we hope to do in 2016, which we can hopefully repeat each year. About plans we have that will hopefully bring in more funds, so there will be more available to us to be able to help others.

Will it ever be enough? To that we ask these questions. Will need finally disappear? Will the children in Haiti have enough to eat, have clean water to drink, and have medicines to help heal their bodies? Will children here in this country have a safe home, clothes to wear, and be able to enjoy their childhood? Will children everywhere be able to sit down to the table, and find that there is plenty of good food to eat? We look forward to that day! When all children know love and happiness, have a safe home and plenty to eat. But until that day, than the answer is no, it will never be enough. And as long as we have the ability, we will continue to strive to earn as much as possible, and to be able to help as much as possible. We can't save them all, but we will work to save as many as possible. And with the help of our Heavenly Father, we will make a difference.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Our Team Pushes Forward

Sitting here, working on the website, gives the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we have been doing since our last trip. And taking the chance to look ahead to the future, to the trips yet to take, to the people yet to be introduced to the cause which touches our heart so, and to those who have a need for what we can do. Sometimes it can make the brain hurt! But it always makes the heart more open, knowing that this is a calling to do for others, to help repay the great gifts which we have been given, and to try to make the world just a little bit better than it was yesterday.

We have been very excited to learn that our team has been granted our 501(c)(3) status. For us, we can now look towards other resources for our funds. We can issue donation receipts to people who support our organization financially. And we can plan for more activities in which we can hopefully help others and start to make that change everyone needs to start down a better path, a better life. A hand up, to show others that they do mean something in this world. And hopefully inspire others to help as well.

This time of the year, thoughts always come back to family, friends, and the blessings we have received. As we decorate the tree, and plan the fun activities, let us not forget the real meaning of the day, the birth of our Savior. And let us remember His teachings, and how we are suppose to help others less fortunate. Facebook has become such a way of life, both good and bad. But recently, I saw a "friend" post that, in memory of his departed and current puppies, instead of sending out cards which would just be thrown away, he was donating dog food and treats to animal controls, so that the "unwanted" babies would know they are special. What a wonderful idea! Maybe instead of buying more "stuff" that will be tossed, think about donating to the food pantry, a women's shelter, or an organization that is doing good in the world. Make the dollars count for so much more, for someone with so much less. And...you don't have to wrap it!!!!

We have been working hard on fundraising. None of us are rich, much as we would like to be. And money is tight for everyone. So we have struggled to find ways of making money while providing something to the person who is donating. And to do things different than everyone else, so that we are not just one in the crowd, but one a little bit different. And doesn't that really describe us? We are different, each unique in what we bring to this team. We each have our own reason to belong to this amazing team we have created. Each different and very special to the person. And each person brings a unique personality and a different "resource" that together binds us in our goal. Whether working on a fundraising event, planning a trip, working on the website, or even making products to sell, each member of this team has heard the whisper to Do Something! It is easy to always talk about change needing to be done, easy to wait for others to start the process. Even easier to sit back and say "why bother?" Too easy, sometimes. But for the members of this team, we know that change will only happen with us. Change in the world, and change in our own hearts. Now is the time, today is the day, and the future is just ahead of us. And with our Heavenly Father, we can make a difference, we can Do Something! And we can start the process of changing the world, one person at a time.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Life Changes, We All Move On

The last few mornings, it is really apparent that winter is pushing her way into our lives. The frost on the ground, the temperatures into the 20's at night, the wind whipping around and bringing to mind the snow falling onto the ground (not yet, but soon!) And now, the "fall back" of the time, where it will be darker earlier in the evening, and bringing home that winter is here. But not all is bad about winter, not at all.

We look forward to gathering with our families, of celebrating the holidays, of the times spent together. And of celebrating the birth of Jesus, and the knowledge that only through Him can we have everlasting life. Through Him we know our Heavenly Father, and His love for us. And His plan for our lives. Yes, there is a plan, we just don't know it yet. And if we don't listen, we never will.

Life changes, everyday. For team member Tiffany, it has changed in a wonderful way. Tiffany married her life partner, the one that was sent for her. You have to know Tiffany to know why we are so happy for her. She is one of those people that just has the biggest heart, and cares for so many people. And in the process, she gets her heart stepped on and broken. But she continues to care for others, and is the person that she is. And now she has found a love which will last a lifetime. She married a man who is supportive of her, and her dreams. She has gained another son, to join her own 2 children, and has a new extension of family that she loves. We are so proud to call her team member, we are so proud to call her friend. And we wish only the best for her in this next stage of her life.

Life changes for this team as well, but we hope in a good direction. We grow stronger as a team, as each day brings us closer to returning to Haiti, and seeing the faces of our friends again. We have a strong alliance in Haiti, which makes these trips easier. We have a strong alliance here in the states with International Medical Aid, which unites with us for our trips to Haiti. And we know the faces of the ones we will be treating, even if we haven't seen them before. They are the faces of those with little hope for the future. Their lives change as well, and often not for the better. Their hearts are full of love, while their stomachs are empty of food, and their bodies are not optimized to prevent disease. And some won't see next year, some won't see next month, some might not even see tomorrow. A very sad thought when we are looking forward to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

We learned from our last trip that we can't save them all. We can only save the ones that we can. So we continue to strive to do that very thing. We have a goal in front of us, and we continue to push towards that goal. And just when it seems that things are getting harder, we have something happen which shows us that God truly is in charge. And His blessings are all around us. And He will provide, even if it is from an unexpected source.

We did a presentation to a local organization, the Jaycees. They are people we know and we know how hard they work towards local, community events and projects. And they did something unexpected, and hosted a BBQ, with our team as the receiver of the proceeds. We did an interview at a local television station. A few weeks later, we received a call that they had something for us. Little did we expect it to be a check. They had hosted an employee dinner and took up a collection, to give to us. They were so moved by what we were doing, that they donated to our cause. What a blessing both of these has been to our team. For others to recognize the importance of what we are trying to do, and the lives we are hoping to make better.

As life changes, we just don't know where we will be in the future. Things can change in the blink of an eye, and we alter our lives forever. People move on with their lives: they move, they get married, they change jobs, they have children. We all move on with our lives. But what we each strive to do is to make each day a new beginning. To spread the word about the work that remains. To let people know about others that are in need. To save the lives of those that we can save.

I would to challenge each of you that is reading this: this holiday season, take some extra time to be thankful for the blessings that you receive. And to really look at those that are raising money to help the less fortunate. Drop an extra dollar into the kettle. Buy an extra sandwich at the fundraiser. Purchase an extra raffle ticket from that organization. Buy a pie to take home from that bake sale. Purchase a scarf or a quilt from that team that does good. Chip in a pair of shoes or a coat to help keep a child warm this winter. You CAN make a difference in the lives of others. You CAN be the difference between living and surviving. You CAN let your Heavenly Father's love shine through you. Life changes and we all move on...let us strive to move towards a better world where all can celebrate life, love, and a future worth looking towards.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Everyone should be Compassionate!

I am so excited about the upcoming trip for next year!  I know some of you will read this and say Oh my word it is still several months from now.  But when you are planning something like this and try to raise funds to get enough to go, the time seems to fly by.  I cannot believe it is already fall.  This is my favorite time of year.  The last several months has brought stressful but exciting times for my family.  We made a big decision and did what was best for our family, and we made a huge move.  My husband accepted a new job in Oklahoma and we moved seven hours away from the only thing I have ever known as home, and that is where all my family is.  Let me say it has been great but still very hard.  One of the hard things for me is being away from the team.  With the kids in school it has not been possible for me to make it back "home" to be with the team and help out with fundraisers.  I have thought every single day about fundraisers and making contacts and what can I do and so on and so on.  I will say it is very hard to do when you don't have the support of the team.
When I first decided that I would try to go on the first trip with my Aunt, I really didn't have a lot of time for fundraising.  It was just her and myself going and I kept thinking there is no way I will get the funds together to go.  I just didn't have much time.  Well with the help of most of my family, I did raise enough money to go.  The reason is because God will provide!  I learned so much on the first trip.  I met some really great people.  So many things that you don't even think about because its not right in front of you or right under your nose. Many visions of things that you just can't get out of your head.  Really that is a good thing believe it or not.  Before I ever left Haiti I was already looking forward to the next year's trip.  So many things that I wanted to do to help more.  I wanted to be better prepared.  Making plans for the next trip started as soon as we got home.  Not a day would pass that I didn't think about Haiti and the people there.  I am thankful that I am aware of what is going on there.  The lasting impression from the first trip was the Hope that the people have there.  They are so thankful for every little thing they have.  So many things we take for granted.  No matter the devastation and poverty they have, they still have Hope.  To be among them during church and feel the presence of God and see them praise and worship Him, was the greatest thing to experience!  I knew that God would provide for the next trip and He did! Our team was birthed after our first trip and we even added someone that went with us on the second trip.  Now here we are already October 2014 and looking ahead to my third trip in May 2015 trip!
I was sitting in church a couple of Sundays ago and the message was a great message!  I really haven't thought about much else since then.  The message was Compassion.  He said "True compassion demands action."  To really care about someone or something is to ACT.  "To say you care but not act is to not care at all."   The Pastor gave many references from the Bible where Jesus had compassion and was moved to action!  The Pastor also said that compassion will cost us something but it will also change lives.  Not only will it change the life of the person we are showing compassion to, but also it will change our lives.  As I sat there listening to this message I kept thinking about Haiti.  I know many of you follow us and like our events and our pictures on Facebook and I love that you do that!  I want to challenge everyone reading this to ACT!  You have to know that if you see a sad picture on our page of child who is very malnourished and sick and you feel that little tug at your heart, that is God nudging you.  Not everyone is called to go to Haiti, or some other third world country, but I know that I am.  I felt God pushing me in that direction a couple of years ago and I will keep going until He tells me not to!  Our team can't do it without our supporters and we appreciate EVERYTHING you do and we covet your prayers.  I urge each of you to ask yourself...Is there something I can do...an Action?  Maybe not for our team but maybe for someone else...a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, or someone you don't even know. 
Thank you all for following us!  Thanks be to God for making a way!
Lilias-Marie

Saturday, September 6, 2014

On The Move

Fall is almost upon us. That means cooler weather is headed this way. Couldn't really see that this past week, but upon arising this morning, the weather is definitely cooler and the humidity is lower. Makes for a wonderful morning to sip coffee, reflect on the past, and prepare for the day.

With the approach of fall, we look forward to the holidays, being spent with our family and friends. Gathering all together to go knock on doors dressed as cowboys, Power Rangers, and princesses. Time to sit around the table and be thankful for all the blessings we have received in the past, and wishing the same for the future. And joyfully circling the Christmas tree and watching with smiles the faces of the wee ones as they rip open their presents. Will they get that doll they have been wanting? Will that fire truck roll out of the box? And don't forget Fido! And wearing the silly hat and watching the ball drop on December 31, welcoming a new year in as you watch the snow fall.

You never know what life will hand you. How many think that this might be the last time they see any of these holidays. That next year the table might have one empty chair. That Fido's bowl might be empty next holiday. The only thing we ARE sure of is God's love for us. Even when we don't think we deserve it, He is always there. He has a plan, we just don't know what it is. He has a reason for everything, we just need to remember that He is in control of all things. And sometimes the answer is no. And sometimes the answer is in a country far, far away. Such it is for this team.

The recent trip to Haiti has shown each of us that there is more that we can do. More that we need to do. And that the changes in the conditions there will take years to overcome. But nothing changes without effort, without trying, without sacrifice. Life was never meant to be easy, but meant to be lived. And meant to be shared with others. And so this team pushes on, working towards making our goals happen, both in life and in this team.

One member is recently engaged! We congratulate her and know she will be happy. She has a great guy in her life. One member recently moved to another state. We miss seeing her, but know that she is still a part of our team, and definitely remains in our hearts. And kids have started back to school. Learning more so that they can have a better life, can have a career where they can support their families and give generously to others. Can life get much better!

But even with all of this, this team is still focused on the mission that we started, to help others. And Haiti remains fixed in our eyes, and in our hearts. We have started our fundraising, and working towards our next trip. And, of course, it is a struggle. But, ah, life was never meant to be easy. So we will continue in our efforts.

Two team members presented our first presentation to an organization who donated to our trip last year. We promised to let them know how things went, so what better way than to show pictures and tell them about our clinics, our successes, our sorrows. And during the presentation, several tears were noted. And smiles at the faces of the children and the changes that we saw with some of our patients during the clinic days. And many who said they didn't realize how bad things were in this country. Yes, aid did pour in after the earthquake, but after a while many move on to the next big disaster. And these countries are left to help put their lives back together. They don't want a hand out, they want a hand up. The things we look forward to during the next few months? They look forward to just surviving. No turkey on the table, no presents around the tree, no champagne for New Year's Eve. Just the prayer that they will see the sun come up in the morning, and be able to put nutritious food in the tummies of their children before they go to sleep.

We have several projects in the works, and have another presentation scheduled. We hope to make some additional contacts from the one that we already did. We are making contact with other organizations and trying to "get our name out there" so people know who and what we are all about. Yes, it is more work. Yes, we all have full time jobs. Yes, most of us have kids in school. And now one is planning a wedding! And with the upcoming holidays and celebrations planned, we as a team, are committed to moving forward and not letting our eye wander away from our goal....to return to Haiti in 2015, to see more people and to make a greater impact to the community. To increase education to the people, to bring more education to the healthcare workers so they can better serve their communities. And to once again see the amazing smiles on the people of Haiti. We have been called, and we have decided to answer His call....and to go where He leads us...and to always Praise His name!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Haiti 2014

The following is the thoughts of one team member, and does not reflect the thoughts of any other member of the team. When the word we (as there is no I in team) is used, feelings still refer to this person and not the entire team.

Most people go into something with an idea of how things will go. Often, the flow is exactly as you had predicted. But sometimes, things happen which can cause you to have doubt, to loose faith, and to wonder if it is worth it at all.

I recently returned from my second medical mission trip, and third trip, to Haiti. This country is a combination of beauty and devastation, of modern and ancient, of hope and
despair. And we knew the needs were going to be great going in, with sickness being much pronounced at the present time. And where the last trip seemed to flow together, this one was work from the beginning, and was a struggle throughout. Trying to pull together a team seemed easy at first, but changed as we got closer to departure, with one person backing out a few weeks before, and loosing two members days before leaving. And because of the type of trip we were planning (4 clinic days in 2 different locations) the cost was increased (we pay for everything including medicine, housing, translators, providers, food, water, transportation) and our team struggled to do adequate fundraising. But with generous donations and the support of family and friends, we were on our way. How could we think the struggles were over now, when they were just beginning.
We flew into Port Au Prince, Haiti and met up with the rest of the medical team. Homayon, Roger, and Bridgett from International Medical Aid, and Liz and Mickey from Children's Health Ministries. We became acquainted, and reacquainted with team members, and readied ourselves for the first day of clinic.

The location for the first clinic was Pastor Firmin's church, the location of our clinic the previous year. The mosquito was active this year, and the Chik virus was running wild, causing high fevers and muscle pains in the population. It struck all, but was very hard on the children and elderly. And people came to be treated.
Children with fevers, people with body aches, people who were dehydrated, and a multitude of problems which we dealt with in the best fashion that we could. For 2 days were saw patients, dealt with the heat, and prayed we would be able to help those which were so in need of assistance. And it was here that we met Ode.

On Friday, there was this tiny baby boy who was running a fever. He weighed 3.5 kg (about 7.5 pounds and was 2 months old.) We treated him with medicine, antibiotics, formula, and education to the mother and grandmother. And we told them to bring him back the next day. And they did. And we re-evaluated him. His temperature was up still, and the little tyke didn't feel good, and he had lost several ounces in weight. And we re-educated the grandmother on the use of the Tylenol and antibiotics, and of using the formula. One of the Haitian nurses agreed to see him on Sunday (we weren't having clinic that day) and to let us know how he was doing. She called on Sunday to say that he had a temperature of 105. He was taken to Mickey's house, where we were at the time, and when he arrived he was limp. He was so dry and his temperature was high. We knew that it was serious and that we needed to intervene. So we started an IV on him, used Tylenol and cooling measures, and started towards Port Au Prince where we could find more definitive medical care. Once enroute, the temperature started to drop, and Ode opened his eyes. He started to move around some as the IV fluids entered his body. Mickey found a place that would take him and care for him, and when we passed off this little soul, he was crying and resisting our movements, which pleased us greatly. We ended the day on a high note and were looking forward to the next day of clinic. Little did we realize what the next day would bring.

We traveled to a new location, up in the remote mountains to Pastor Wilma's church, where they had never had a medical clinic before. We knew that people would come, and come they did. More than 225 that first day. Kids with fevers of 104, diarrhea, vomiting. Lots of sickness, lots of need. Lots of patients who had no other means of caring for their families. And you could tell the tone for the day was much different here in this remote setting. At triage, the nurses noticed a very still child being held by the mother. When they got to the desk, they could see that the child was no longer living, and had been gone for a while because she was already becoming stiff. And her temperature was 101. How high could it have been if it was still this high after death? But this was not the only death we would deal with. That night, after returning home, we learned that Ode had died that day.
We knew that he was bad, but it still hurts to loose anyone, let alone a baby. Sitting there, I recounted the actions of the days, and wondered if we did anything wrong. And started to wonder what it all meant. Do we really do any good coming here? We leave our families, go to a part of the world that many have forgotten, risk injury and sickness and for what? To have people die? To have a child die from lack of Tylenol? To have a baby die before it even has a chance to live? And to have this such a common occurrence that the community comes to expect it? Would we be better served staying home or just sending money, instead of traveling to this remote location? And is being there something we do only to make ourselves feel like we have done something, so is it a selfish thing, and if so is that a reason to even do these trips? So many questions, and for this team member, no answers. And the last thing I wanted to do was to return the next day. All I wanted to do was to go home.

But there was a job to do, one I had signed up to do, and to the clinic we went. And people came in droves. Temperatures of 105, massive amounts of diarrhea, vomiting, kids not eating or drinking, people with body aches, and so many other problems, which seems massive at the time. And it was during this time that things become clear. Standing there, watching everyone work. The girls at triage seeing so many people. The translators doing double duty as they ask the questions and than answer
them back to you. The table where they are assessing kids for malnutrition. Where the kids are being measured and weighed, to see how they are growing. The people who are going around tasking where they can. The providers who are in a small, curtain draped cubicle, seeing all these patients. It is at this time that you realize that every one of us is exactly where we are suppose to be. You can't save them all, but you save the ones that you can. You help those that you can, and strive to do the best possible care within your means. And that means you will loose some. But it also means that you will save some, and you will touch the lives of many. The 7-year old girl with the largest smile possible, who has a
very pronounced heart murmur, who now will receive the echo that she needs, and hopefully will go on to live a wonderful life. The baby with a fever and low blood sugar, who received an IV and was doing better. The providers who learned CPR and choking measures, who will be prepared if the need arises. The mother who was told her daughter would walk again, even though the last steps taken were 4 years ago and the bending of her feet tell you otherwise, that you taught range of motion exercise to to help promote circulation. The 25 year old man who, thanks to a handheld device, was referred to a cardiologist for a heart rhythm that was a problem. The child with a 105 temperature who could not walk upon arrival, and with cooling measures from the triage desk, and Tylenol and Motrin, and an IV, was able to walk home with her mother. And the multitude of patients that were seen over 4 days, more than 900, all who would not have been helped if this team had not been there.

So what does it say that your heart was heavy and broken at the loss of this little life. It really becomes clear when you step away and look at it. It is very important to have knowledge and skills, to be able to think and do tasks to help people who have need. But there is a bigger part necessary, one that means more probably than all the other parts....a heart. To see children who die because of lack of Tylenol, or clean water. To see an 18 month old who can't sit unassisted or hold his own head up. To see a 5 year old who drank a substance 3 years ago and now has seizures and the mental capacity of a 2 year old, and you know they will never progress beyond this. To hold a baby for hours, and than later learn they died. If you can do any of these things and not hurt, not cry, not feel despair, not question things, than you are lacking the one part you most desperately need to do medical missions. So when is it time to stop? When you don't cry or hurt. When you become so hardened that this doesn't bother you. When your heart is not involved, it is time to leave and not return.

The need is great in this area of Haiti. The parents have little hope, and the children probably even less. But you can make a difference, one life at a time. You can touch those in need and make a difference. You can save a life. You can't save them all, but you help those you can. And you go back home, and you learn more, and review what was seen and done, and you get prepared for the next trip. And resolve to do the best possible you can for the people of this area. Haiti has my heart, and as long as God allows, this team member will return. And I pray that my heart never hardens to the souls that so need our help.
Sharon

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Monday, May 12, 2014

Morning Sun and Sky

Good morning to all, and we hope that everyone is having a great start to the day.
The weather here is nice and breezy, at least for this morning. What this afternoon will bring remains to be seen. So just sitting here trying to decide what to do. So much to think about! And of course, the thought that is tops in my head is our upcoming trip to Haiti.

We leave in a little over 2 weeks. And with the excitement of the trip, comes the uncertainty of the future. We each have no idea of what tomorrow will bring, let alone next week, month, or year. The only thing sure is that you can't control the future, and have to try to live the life that God has planned for you, with the hopes of being with Him in Eternity. But whoa, that is a bit further than I wish to go right now, as there is still too much left undone here on earth. But one never knows, so you must live your life doing what is right, and trying to please our Heavenly Father. Hence, these trips.

So much is different about this trip from the last one. Last time, there were 6 people total, including 1 from International Medical Aid, and 3 from Bread To The Nations. This trip, our team alone has 5 people. There are 2 from Children's Health Ministry (formerly were a part of Bread To The Nations) and 3 from International Medical Aid. That is double the amount! And that is not the only thing that will be different.

This year we will be hosting 2 medical clinics. The first will be in the location of the previous year's clinic. The second will be in a location that has never had a medical clinic before. Located just a few miles from Carreour, this location will bring a lot of unknowns. But it will also bring a lot of chance to touch others and to help. The goal of our clinics is to provide care on an ongoing basis, just not a drop in once and run. And IMA has a lot of good ideas on how to accomplish this. We plan to work closely with them during these clinics to learn what we can and to help make them the best clinics ever.

Focusing a bit more back on our team, we want to thank everyone for what they did to help us achieve our goal for this trip. The donations from all, the support of many in the community. We have learned a lot during our first year as an organized team. We have had some wonderful successes, and some miserable failures on the fundraising scene. But we endured and we have succeeded. But will all the efforts be worth it? Guess that depends. For some, this will be their first trip to Haiti. For others, a return trip. And the fear is, will it touch them as much as it did me; and for the returning members, will it still have the same impact as before? These are very important, and vital aspects to consider. Because the long range future of our team, and our goals, will be determined.

My first trip to Haiti was life-changing for sure. But lets be honest, had I not met that young girl, I probably would not have wanted to return. The pull towards something that I am good at is what directed us to return last year. And the prior uncertainty of before last year's clinic made me wonder if the feelings I had were real, or just something that had altered as time went by, to be more than they actually were. And would my niece experience the same feelings, or would this hinder her future plans. Happily, both of us left knowing this was right, and that we would strive to return. And now I have the same thoughts about our new team members. Have I built it up so much to them that they will be disappointed? Will they have their hearts touched as I have? Or will they leave wondering why they ever came? Will the urge to return be so strong for them, that they are discussing it before leaving Haiti? And will they find their faith renewed and feel closer to our Heavenly Father because of this poor location?

Because of our profession, we have a tendency to become jaded in our thinking. Will this happen with too many trips to this country, where poverty is evident and futures seem so dim? Will it get to the point where a child's smile won't mean as much, and where hunger no longer bothers us? Where we see the skinny dogs and tiny chickens and not feel compassion for them? Where the site of the kids playing in the stream, the same stream where the pigs are walking not touch our hearts. Where a tiny child with a big belly will not bring us to tears? Just like the plans for the day, I don't have any answers for these questions. We can only move forward and listen with our hearts, and feel for the touch that points us in the direction we are suppose to be moving.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Good Morning!

Good morning! It seems that spring has finally arrived, and we hope that it stays. Yes, this is the midwest, so that could mean anything. And they are mentioning that "s" word for Monday. Maybe the weather will be too busy to listen. But we know that eventually it will warm up and the grass will turn green, and the past winter will be just a memory.

Memories, that is kinda what is on my mind today. Yesterday, I read a blog from a friend who first visited Haiti 18 months ago. And it got me to thinking, it has been about that length of time since I first stepped onto the soil of that land. And thinking back now, I can see how life has changed for me over that amount of time. Oh, life changes for all of us. We move, or change jobs, get married or divorced, welcome new family members or say good-bye to others. We have people come into our lives for a short length of time and we never see them again. And than there are the one who enter our lives, and are responsible for changes that they could not have imagined!

In September 2012, when I first went to Haiti, I figured it would just be a trip to a third-world country, and that would be the end of it. But it became the beginning of something so much bigger! It has become a driving force in my life, and I in turn, are pulling others into this passion. I took so many photos of that first trip, and find myself looking at them a lot. I see the faces, and I remember the people. The missionaries who made up the team. The children at Bible School. The ministers and caregivers of the community. And I so wonder what has happened to a lot of them. And if their lives have changed over the last 18 months.

We all just want to make a difference. Be it raising our children to be productive members in society, or doing well in our careers. And some want to make a difference more than others. Neither is wrong, just different. We should all strive to leave an impact on the world when we depart. To be able to sit in that rocking chair as an old man or woman and say, yep I touched someone's life for the good. We don't want to feel as if, when we were gone, that it would make no difference to anyone, and that our lives were useless. We, as a people, have a sense of being needed, and of needing someone else. It is born in us, and it is up to us to see how we can answer this call in our lives.

Standing on the soils of Haiti in 2012, I could never have imagined how my life would be changed today. Since that trip, I had the pleasure of being a part of a medical Mission Trip to Haiti in May 2013. My niece Lilias was a part of that trip as well. And I could tell she knew what her plan was as well. To see the faces of need, the children and the parents, and to know that for a time, you made a difference. And you also know that there is so much more work that is left to be done.

The last year has been a very busy one indeed. We have been striving to collect the money needed for this year's trip. We have expanded our team to include 4 more people; Tiffany, Jan, Zack, and Chaz. We have started our organization Hands 4 Hope, who's title really says it all. We have discussed ways we can make a difference both here and in Haiti. And we have learned what it is really like when you open your hearts to others. For some of us, that hasn't been too hard. But for others, this is really stepping outside the comfort zone they have had around them all their life. But when you do this, you open yourself up to some amazing things! And this is what we pray we can achieve with our organization.

As for the people I first met in 2012, well I can say that I have been able to stay in touch with several of them. And hope to see them again this year as well. As for this year's mission trip, we will be headed out in May for Haiti. To join with 2 other organizations to provide 2 clinics in 2 locations, for a total of 4 clinic days. It will be long and hard work, but the rewards just can't be measured by money, but by the love you bring back inside yourself. In knowing that the difference will be reflected in you more than anywhere else. And knowing that, with our Heavenly Father's help, there will be another clinic next year, and the year after that, for as long as He will allow.

Which means...work! And I had better get to it. Lots to do before the trip, and lots to do to get ready for the next one. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon!