Seems so hard to believe, but 3 weeks from right now, we will be sitting in our house in Haiti, preparing for our first day of clinic. So many memories of previous trips, and so many feelings of wonder. For several of us, it will be a renewal of old friendships. Seeing those people who make our time in Haiti very enjoyable. Catching up on their lives, and working again with them like we had never left. For one team member, this will be a lot of firsts. First time flying! First time out of the country. First time on a mission trip. And the first time not having all the technology we are so used to right at our fingertips. Oh how spoiled we often are! Because this is "down and dirty nursing." This is "Florence Nightingale" nursing. This is using only your head, your heart, and your hands to care for people. It really gives you a chance to see what you are truly made of. And it gives you the chance to really make a difference in the lives of others. And that is why we keep going back!!
Seems, in some ways, that we just got back yesterday. And in others, we have been gone a long time. We have been fundraising almost since we return, and have been able to fund our trip for this year. We will admit, we are already working on ideas to raise the money for next year's trip...and don't tell anyone, but for the 2017 trip as well. Wait...tell everyone you know!!!! We never started this to be a one-time thing, and have looked to the future..and know what we must do. And so, even as we are preparing for this year, we are preparing for several years in the future. And for projects close to home, as well.
As we have talked about before, we in this country are really blessed in our lives. We don't often know true hardship, true hunger, that not knowing where you will be living or even if you will be living next week, next month, or next year. We often take for granted the little things in life, and focus on those things that, in the long run, will not even matter. Being able to wake in your own house, surrounded by family, and knowing that tomorrow that will happen again, and next week as well. And that there will be food on the table to eat, safe water to drink, and a future that is generally bright. But for many people, this is a dream that they have, and one that might never be lived. And this is especially true for the littlest ones, the ones with no choice, no voice, and often no hope.
One of the organizations we partner with works closely with the youngest and most fragile population in Carrefour, Haiti. And one thing that they see is hunger. Mothers unable to feed their babies. Babies not receiving enough nutrition. Babies literally dying of hunger. And our team wondered what we could do about that. Formula was the answer. But, anyone who has purchased baby formula knows how expensive it is, and that seemed so far out of our reach.
We worried about how to help with this situation. We talked, we thought, we prayed, and we thought some more. So we did the only thing we could do. We turned to Facebook, and sent out a plea to others. For those with access to formula that they were not using. To see if anyone would be interested in donating a few cans that we could take with us, to help feed the hungry babies. No baby should ever starve to death. And images of Ode came back to us. And we prayed some more.
Were we able to get a few cans donated? Nope. We received more than 30 cans of formula donated. All types, all brands, many sample cans. All ready to feed the hungry babies. And we have word that more is coming. More that can make a difference, more that can save lives. To say we have been over-whelmed with emotions is an understatement. We never expected to see this outpouring from our small community. And feel even more blessed to be living in our small part of the country, where people are willing to help others, even those they will never meet.
So as we continue to prepare for our trip, there are many parts we are still not sure of. Some questions we haven't had answered yet. Some continued wondering of how things will go. But there is one thing we are absolutely sure of....we will NEVER DOUBT the amazing things that our Heavenly Father can do. He has guided us to this point, and He will not leave us now. He is the reason so many people responded. Because He whispered in the ears of those amazing people to help out. Because He has a plan, and through us, that plan will be accomplished.
So the next time you have worries, concerns, trials, or tears, NEVER DOUBT that He is with you, and that He loves you. He will never leave you, nor will He ever stop loving you. Of that, you can be sure, and of that NEVER DOUBT.
