Trajectory - Four Years

I’ve been told that when I talk about Haiti, I light up like a Christmas tree and I wouldn’t want it any other way. So enjoy today’s post as I reminisce.

Four years ago today a team of 8 women left the United States for a mission that changed the trajectory of not only the lives within the community they went to serve but also each of their own. When we arrived we met up with our team leader from the USA side as well as the one from the Haiti side. David and Ishtar are phenomenal people and provided such peace. I realized earlier today that it is the anniversary of the team’s first trip to Piatre and started to tear up because I miss the community so very much.

Thankfully that was the first of 3 trips to Piatre. God was moving there way before we arrived and still is to this day. Women and girls got to learn about their cycles and feminine hygiene and also how to make reusable pads to sell for a consistent income. Little did we know that sewing and making those pads would lead to opening a sewing school and help in breaking cycles of dependency. I’m still amazed at the humbleness and faithfulness of each person there. I see the faces of the Leadership Council and those sweet kids when I pray for them.

You see, missions wasn’t on my radar back in 2012 or even the first half of 2013 probably. It wasn’t until I went to Costa Rica (2013) and then Russia (2014 for missions that I realized that was part of God’s purpose in my life. This was one of the trajectory shifts I certainly didn’t anticipate. I’m a woman that enjoys air conditioning, indoors, makeup, and a good vodka soda.. It seemed like missions was something for other people to do. In December 2014 my heart was broken when the door to full time missions got shut unexpectedly. I thought, “okay - fine. I’ll just be a professional (I know, it makes me laugh, too) and keep moving forward. In April of 2018 I was asked to join the team going to Haiti 8 days before they left. Not even remotely realizing my heart would be captivated by a small community called Piatre, Haiti as well as a little boy named Besneau who is now 14. All of these trajectory changes have taught me a great deal. While waiting for what is next can be painful, annoying, or even heart breaking, I’ve learned that being open to what God has is worth it. That trip was one that shifted the course of my life and how I view a lot of things these days. I didn’t want to leave and our leader, Misty, had to make sure each time that I made it to the plane because I might have tried or threatened to stay.

I left part of my heart in Haiti that first trip as well as the others that followed but the funny thing is, I don’t want it back.

What an incredible adventure that God continues to amaze me with. It’s not done and neither is He. Til we meet again sweet Piatre.