Since 2014, I have been trying to piece together the remnants of my broken life. Although teaching is a door that has been shut, I was never happier nor felt more fulfilled than when I was helping my students. To them I became mentor, counselor, chaperone, accountant, tutor, motivational speaker, and so much more. I have realized through all of this that God is calling me to help His people. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse in Philippians rang true for me twice in the past year when I travelled to Haiti. We stayed at the Wesleyan Church’s compound on the island of La Gonave, where we repaired, painted, and cleaned a pharmacy, painted roofs, and repaired shade structures for the adjacent hospital. Last year was an eye opener, but this year was a chance for me to bond with my team and see more of the beautiful country and its people. When I came home from my second mission trip to Haiti, my heart felt anew the sentiment that had awoken last year: I belong to God. I belong to His people. That is my calling. And a conversation with someone dear to me solidified that.
As a result, I applied for the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. It was such a risk for me to take. I had little money saved up, as I used most of it to pay off previous school loans, and very few living supplies. I prayed about it it and asked God to show me the way. I applied to UMPI on June 6; I was accepted on June 9. I looked at apartments on August 24-25; I signed a lease on the 26th. I applied for a job on August 24 and went in for an interview on the 26th; I was hired in 20 minutes. I’m not bragging about my victories, I assure you. I am simply praising God for showing me so quickly and clearly the path I need to take.
Now I have seized the opportunity to return to La Gonave in a longer term than I have before. My goal is to spend the month of June on the island assisting Nurse Susie in whatever capacity I can. As I previously mentioned, I don’t have all the details yet, as the devastation wrought by Hurricane Matthew has taken rightful precedence. But I will post updates as they come.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in some way or another in this journey with me. Thanks to Jenn and Sean for always being there for me, whether it was opening your home to me or helping me move. Thanks to my family for loving me. Thank you to the Haiti Mission Team (Eddie, Jerusha, Wayne, Colby & Big Rhonda, Carrie, Janice, Clay, Big Mo, Arthur, Terry, Kevin, Andy, Lacey, Laurie, Scott, and Carlene!); you guys were such an integral part of my journey. Thank you, T&S Market, for teaching me to stand up for myself. Thank you to Suzi and Lacey M for supporting me, making fun of me, and playing cards with me. Thanks to Jess for running, laughing, and doing that stanky leg with me.
Just THANK YOU EVERYBODY!
Trust without Borders 