I spent a little less then two months in the states and through the ups and downs I am truly thankful for the time that I had there. True, I spent most of the time sleeping or at my chiropractors but when I got up and raced around there were people who made an effort and were there for me and y'all deserve a shout out.
Going back I was nervous and excited and I think I had an easier time leaving here then the friends I've made in Haiti because I knew that I was coming back very soon. But coming home after being gone was hard.
It was hard seeing that my siblings have grown so much. It was hard not getting the new inside jokes. It was hard when my nieces and nephews would rather be with a different aunt or uncle. it was hard when people that I thought I would get to see didn't make an effort to make that happen or discouraged me from going back to Haiti. It was hard when little children didn't understand my Creole. It was hard.
But, the support system God has given me was incredible.
I am thankful to my mom who put together everything for my support dinner, made the doctors appointments, reminded me to take my pills, ordered things for me, made me sleep, tried to tell me that I was still pushing myself to far and has prayed for me and loved me since the day I was born.
I am thankful for my dad and his hard work, protection, caring and strong heart and all of his prayers and love as well.
I am thankful for my siblings and the individual relationships we all have with eachother. Though some are better then others we are all still siblings and we look out for each other, pray for each other, support each other, love each other, fight with each other, listen to each other and we all laugh together.
I am thankful to the wonderful ladies that took me out for breakfast and lunch and listened as I poured out my heart and encouraged me as I shared hopes, dreams and fears though I'm sure none of them meant to talk for 3 or more hours they never said a word about it and it meant a lot.
I am thankful for my bible study group: Bonfire. For the lessons, deep conversations, friendships, laughs and over all the community that I've found there. I'm sure it's a lot quieter there now though (I have a very loud laugh)
I am thankful for my swing dancing buddies!!!! I had an absolute blast and it meant a lot to be able dance again, even if it was just for fun and not as technical as ballet.
I am thankful for my chiropractor and all of the adjustments and for putting together a garage sale where the proceeds went to my work here in Haiti.
I am thankful for my Judgment House scene 5 family, our awesome director and that I was able to play a role in it again this year.
I am thankful for making all of my connections and wonderful people to sit beside on the planes.
I am thankful to be back in Haiti and I am thankful for all of my supporters and all of the different ways that they support me!!!!
And I am eternally grateful to my Lord and Savior for everything that He has given me and all the lessons, whether they were easy or hard I'm grateful because they have made me who I am today. I am not who I want to be but God is always growing me and loving me despite all and no amount of praise and thanks I give Him will ever be enough but I'm still very grateful and look forward to following Him wherever He leads me.
I posted a comment, but then couldn't tell if it went to you. So, I may be repeating myself, but I want you to know that no one else will ever have as clear a vision of what your role is in Haiti as yourself; keep pursuing it as the Lord leads you. Don't let sickness or changes at home stop you. Some people don't know how BIG God is and they need you to lead the way and show them that He can be trusted, that you can do things unconventionally. Because He is your Father and Leader. Hooray for being back to the place that most needs you right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your words of encouragement Jill, they brought me to tears. I will do my best to keep that in mind :)
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