Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Grace-Filled Journey Begins...

"I HAVE BROUGHT YOU GLORY ON EARTH BY COMPLETING THE WORK THAT YOU GAVE ME TO DO." JOHN 17:4

Well, its so hard to believe, but I finally made it to Haiti after a long day of flying! Flights went smoothly except for a slight delay getting out of Miami. I was very thankful I was able to get a hold of my contact person at Samaritan's Purse who was then able to contact my pick up people down here to let them know! I have been overwhelmed with God's grace today...I started the day rushing around and a bit emotional because I was so exhausted. But then Melanie gave me a packet of encouraging notes from her and the girls for each day that I am gone (thank you roomies-I am so blessed to have you in my life!) And then I had forgot to ask for aisle seats when I checked in, but the Lord graced me with aisle seats on every flight!! And then I met a couple ladies who were going to be on my same flight to Haiti so I was able to have a buddy to go through customs with and walk out of the overwhelming airport with! : ) I admit that I did get a little nervous at first when I reached the very chaotic parking lot and was not seeing anyone from Samaritan's Purse there, but then, praise God, I saw the sign!! I have never been so overjoyed!

I also have to interject a thought here...it was such a privilege to leave the Dayton airport today knowing that a Honduras team and Mexico team had already gone before me from Apex and then 2 friends were also heading to Kenya later that day. I am so thankful to be a part of a church that desires to GO! And I love knowing that even some of the same things I am experiencing, others will be experiencing too! It brings so much comfort! And leaving the Dayton airport was a youth group heading down to Mexico for a missions trip, then I encountered several others on the plane going on missions trips to Haiti and other places as well!

I was reminded of a verse today that is always a source of comfort as I head into the unknown is ...

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)

Once I got to the compound this evening, I immediately picked up sheets for my bed and then headed over to a medical meeting to learn of our assignments. I found out that I am only spending one night here and a few of us will be heading to a place called Jack's Beach, and yes its on a beach! (Praise the Lord!) : ) It is a new clinic that hasn't even started yet...we will be the first ones doing it! And we will be there the rest of the 2 weeks, as of right now.

I can't say enough how impressed I am with Samaritan's Purse and the people that they have on staff here. One of the staff nurses stays in the corner part of a big tent with her husband and she said its amazing how they can survive on so little stuff! Definitely something we all need to be reminded of!

I can't say thank you enough again to all those that helped support me and are currently supporting me through their prayers! I am so abundantly blessed! As I sit in the stillness of the night on the SP compound, with a delightful breeze blowing, I am thankful that the Lord has brought me thus far! Please pray that we can make an impact on the patients we see and with each other!

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the update LJ. Praying for you!

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  2. I just love you. God is doing awesome things in your life, friend! Praying for you, and looking forward to more updates :)! Much love!

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  3. I am glad you made it safe and found where you need to be. Sounds like you have an amazing 2 weeks ahead and you will be doing wonderful things and meeting great people. We will miss you at house church and can't wait to see you next month. Stay safe and god bless! Thank you for sharing your journey!
    Xo

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  4. Sounds like a terrific journey. Thanks for starting the blog so we can join you and pray so specifically.

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