A New Chapter of Life

If life is a journey, God seems to take us down little paths and then turn us onto a different road at some point. Sometimes we don’t understand at the time, but He sees the big picture.

I have entered into a new chapter of my life. I am now a sophomore in college and an International Studies major. God has continued to give me new experiences on the mission field. I have spent a week in Mexico, a week in Haiti, and 4.5 weeks in Guatemala City. In early 2015, I hope to travel to Ecuador for 10 days. In late 2015, I hope to return to Haiti.

I have been thinking a lot about the Hope Hill project. God used that initiative to teach me SO many things! And since returning from Haiti, I have raised over $25,000 for La Montagne. But lately I’ve been sensing that God is calling me personally in another direction. I believe He has wired me to work in different cultures, in different seasons of my life.

I also believe that right now He is calling me to focus on my studies and the mission opportunities He’s given me. With that, I have decided to close this fundraiser and website for now. All the funds that have been raised for Hope Hill will be entrusted to A Child’s Hope—the organization I have partnered with in Houston, which is preparing to build the orphanage and academy that is so needed in La Montagne. I may still post updates from Haiti on this blog, but it will be about what A Child’s Hope is doing down there.

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has prayed for and financially contributed to this project! God is working in Haiti, and I can’t wait to see what He does in the next few years. You can learn more about A Child’s Hope here: http://www.achildshope.org/

God bless y’all! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. J

God's Plan > Mine

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD.

‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Isaiah 55:8-9

I was supposed to go back to Haiti this summer. It was the second year in a row I had planned to return. But God closed the door again. I don’t understand why He hasn’t allowed me to return to one of the countries I love so dearly. But I have peace knowing my God does nothing without reason. I trust that one day, in His perfect timing, I will return to my beloved Haiti.

Waiting Room

Here in this waiting room

Yearning for You to say go

And though I'm convinced that a yes would be best

This time You're telling me no

 

It's not that I don't have an answer

It's just not the one that I'd like

But through this time Lord I must keep in mind

You're always wiser than I

 

'Cause You have a much better purpose

And You have a far greater plan

And You have a bigger perspective

'Cause You hold this world in Your hands

 

The things that I seek are from You

Like the strong healing touch of Your hand

But when You say no, help me trust even though

There's a reason I can't understand

 

'Cause You have a much better purpose

And You have a far greater plan

And You have a bigger perspective

'Cause You hold this world in Your hands

 

When that miracle comes 'cause Your answer is yes

I will praise You for all of my days

But when Your wisdom declares that a no is best

I will praise You just the same

 

You have a much better purpose

And You have a far greater plan

And You have a bigger perspective

'Cause You hold this world in Your hands

You hold this world in Your hands

 

--“Waiting Room” by Jonny Diaz

Waiting Here for You

If faith can move the mountains

Let the mountains move

We come with expectation

Waiting here for You, waiting here for You

You're the Lord of all creation

And still you know my heart

The Author of salvation

You've loved us from the start

Waiting here for You

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore

Singing Alleluia

You are everything you've promised

Your faithfulness is true

And we're desperate for your presence

All we need is You

Waiting here for You, Lord

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's you, Lord, we adore

Singing Alleluia

We will wait for You, Lord, we'll stand with You

We will sing alleluia

Singing Alleluia, alleluia

Singing Alleluia, alleluia

Waiting here for You

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore, we adore

Singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore

Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore, with our lives

Singing Alleluia, singing Alleluia

--“Waiting Here for You” by Christy Nockles

Childlike

"Becoming a child again is exactly what God wants. This is the point of abandoning. He wants us to look at the world through new eyes, eyes that see beauty and joy and excitement in all things, even the most ordinary of circumstances. He wants us to give up our control and to trust Him. Abandoning reminds us to be childlike in the middle of life at a time when we've long forgotten what it's like to be a child. This is why we leave; it's why we go on a journey in the first place."

--"Kingdom Journeys" by Seth Barnes

Soon

One day soon I will get to walk the red, rocky paths again. Holding a sweaty little hand in mine. Marveling at my barefooted companions. Admiring the tropical foliage and sunshine. Worshipping the God who made it all. I can’t wait.

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about the past:

Pa rele “fèmen baryè!” lè chwal fin pase.

 

“Don’t yell, ‘Close the gate!’ after the horse has already gone out.” What’s done is done.

Ready, Set, Go!

Lived so long with my eyes on me

Too deaf to hear, too blind to see

Broken hearts on the city streets but

I can hear that You're calling me to

Be the hope, be the light,

Be the love right now

Oh, You put my life in motion

Your love makes me want to give my all

Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

So no, I'm not holding back anymore

Like an engine ready to explode

Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

Can't stop, this clock is counting down

So many lost waiting to be found

I will go where You're leading me, God

Reach my hands to the least of these

Be the hope, be the light,

Be the love right now

Starting right now

Oh, You put my life in motion

Your love makes me want to give my all

Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

So no, I'm not holding back anymore

Like an engine ready to explode

Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

Give me the green light, Show me the finish line

No more spinning in circles, No more wasting time

So let it start today, Where I flip the switch and say

You're my light, I won't fight, I'll go wherever You say

To the top of the highest mountain, to the bottom of every valley

I'll be the spark that turns into the grand finale

This love is something everyone needs to know

Hearts are calling, no more stalling, it's just

Ready, Set, Go

Broken hearts on the city streets but

I can hear that You're calling me to

Be the hope, be the light,

Be the love right now, Starting right now

Oh, You put my life in motion

Your love makes me want to give my all

Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

So no, I'm not holding back anymore

Like an engine ready to explode

I'm Ready, Set, Go

Ready, Set, Go

--“Ready, Set, Go” by Royal Tailor

Faces of Haiti: Sassy Pants

I’m sure I’ll be surprised this summer to find that all the little kids on La Montagne have grown up! I look forward to it anyway.

Haitian Creole Proverb

Here’s a great Haitian Creole proverb about neighbors:

Vwazinaj se fanmi.

“Neighbors are family.” Good neighbors are like family. What one wants for one’s family, one should want for one’s neighbors.

Oceans

La Montagne, Haiti

You call me out upon the water

The great unknown, where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep, my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours, and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed, and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours, and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours, and You are mine

I am Yours, and You are mine

I am Yours, and You are mine

I am Yours, and You are mine

--“Oceans” by Hillsong United

2014 Summer Mission Trips

As many of you know, I am helping lead two summer mission trips to Haiti for A Child’s Hope this summer! I have posted some of the details below. If any of you are interested in going on one of these trips, please let me know ASAP!

Where: La Montagne, Haiti

When: August 3-8, 2014 and August 11-16, 2014

What: Construction projects, sports ministry, VBS

Cost: $1,800-$2,100

Commitment Date: MAY 1^ST, 2014

A Child's Hope

The second annual “A Child’s Hope” charity gala went well! Instead of writing up another post, you can go here to read all about it! J

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about God:

Se Bondye ki pout a Bondye vre.

“It is truly God who would have to be God.” There is no one like God.

Ships

“A ship in harbor is safe—but that is not what ships are for.” –John A. Shedd

Faces of Haiti: Boys

I can hardly wait to go back to Haiti. I miss the beautiful Haitian people so much!

Summer Plans

My impatient heart is starting to beat a bit faster. It’s already March and I have no idea if and where I will be going on a mission trip this summer. My heart yearns to go back to Haiti and see my beloved Valencia. But I have also been given the opportunity to return to Guatemala, possibly for an extended time.

And then God opened up yet another door for me to take an extended trip to Haiti. But right now, I simply don’t know. I feel convicted to wait patiently on Him. I know He will make it perfectly clear in His timing. He may have a completely different plan for my summer that doesn’t involve Haiti or Guatemala! I look forward to finding out. J

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about influences in our lives:

Sa ki kouche ak chen, se li ki leve ak pis.

“He who lies with dogs rises with fleas.” Bad influences lead to bad character.

Opportunity vs. Security

“Never surrender opportunity for security.” – Branch Rickey

Upcoming Gala!

It’s that time of year again! The time for the 2^nd Annual Charity Gala for A Child’s Hope! At the inaugural event last year, an incredible amount of funds were raised, and it was an all-around smashing success.

I would encourage any of you who are able to, to attend this gala! You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what’s going on in Haiti on La Montagne, discover the vision of “A Child’s Hope,” and more!

Gala tickets can be purchased here!

Haitian Creole Proverb

This is a good proverb about God’s justice and judgment:

 

Jistis Bondye se kabouèt bèf.

 

“God’s justice is an oxcart.” God’s judgment is slow but strong.

Faces of Haiti: Sweet Family

How I miss this sweet Haitian family! W and I were an integral part of the ministry happening on La Montagne. I hope to see them again soon! Lord willing, later this year . . .