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!
