Thursday, October 9, 2014

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

Thursday, September 11, 2014

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.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

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

Saturday, June 28, 2014

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

Friday, June 20, 2014

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

Thursday, June 12, 2014

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.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

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.

Friday, May 23, 2014

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

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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.

Friday, May 2, 2014

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.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

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

Saturday, April 19, 2014

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 1ST, 2014

Thursday, April 10, 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

Saturday, March 29, 2014

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.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Ships

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

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Faces of Haiti: Boys


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

Thursday, March 6, 2014

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

Thursday, February 20, 2014

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.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Upcoming Gala!


It’s that time of year again! The time for the 2nd 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!

Friday, January 17, 2014

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.

Friday, January 10, 2014

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 . . .