Being Thankful, Even When It's Hard

To be honest, this has been a bad week.  It’s been a week where children have died.  It’s been a week where we have failed a new mom and her newborn.  It’s been a week where the realities of Haiti have seemed too much.  It’s been a week where as much as I wanted to, there was nothing else I could do.  It’s been a week where God chose not to step in, even though I thought He should.

It’s been hard.  It’s been long.  I’m tired and I’m sick, yet neither of those changes anything that has happened.  As I was dwelling on what a rough week it has been, God reminded me of how much I have to be thankful for.  That’s what I want to focus this blog on. 

I am thankful for two successful weeks of surgery.  Overall, 85 major operations and over 30 minor cases were completed.  Not only were physical needs met, but every patient was also prayed over and poured into.  What an opportunity that is.  My Aunt Debby was there for the second week of surgery! I am so thankful she was able to come and see a little of what my life is like as well as pour into her patients. 

I am thankful to be surrounded by children who love me even when I don’t deserve it.  There is so much love on this campus.  Between the orphanage, the Miriam Center, and the nutrition program I am showered with hugs and kisses everyday.  For Valentines Day, the preschool had a party where they all dressed up.  I loved being a part of it!

I am thankful to be in a country where I can openly share about the gift of God.  Even if my message was rejected, I can only pray that seeds were planted. 

I am thankful for the continuous opportunity to learn, for both myself and the staff here.  We have had many opportunities to learn these past two weeks from nurses, doctors, pastors, and so many others.  We also made some mistakes this week and learned from them. I am thankful though that we were able to make changes for next time.

I am thankful that so many people loved Owens.  His death hurts so many, but also shows how loved he was.  I am thankful for all the people that poured into him his last couple of weeks and tried to help as much as possible. 

I am thankful for Lovemicka's life and the eternal impact she had on so many.  I am thankful that she is no longer in pain and is rejoicing with our Savior. 

Most of all, I am thankful that this life is only temporary.  I am thankful that there will come a time with no more suffering or pain.

Revelations 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  Thee will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Christmas parties, birthday parties, and more!

Blogging is not something I necessarily enjoy, but something I am striving to get better at doing.  Sometimes I feel like if I don’t have a big story there is nothing to blog about.  However, I am slowly realizing that’s not true.  For example, there hasn’t necessarily been a big story these past couple of weeks, but many exciting things have happened.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I came back into Haiti after a month stateside for the holidays.  I am very thankful for my time in Kentucky with friends and family.  It also gave Liam and I some time to work through wedding planning.  However, after a few weeks away I was very ready to be back home in Haiti.  I may not have had the best trip here and had some unpleasant surprises to welcome me back (hello black mold everywhere), but I am very thankful to be here.   

The day after I got back we had our staff Christmas party.  It was so fun to see everyone all dressed up.  Most people also came with their spouses, so it was so enjoyable to meet them.  It is very common for couples (and whole families!) to wear matching outfits to events like this.  I told Liam we will have to find something that matches!  We also did a secret santa.  Let me tell you, they take secret santa to the extreme.  Music is going and you dance until you find who you had and then dance together.  My secret santa gave me a beautiful vase with fake flowers.  The whole night was a lot of fun!

Another highlight of my first week back was Benji’s birthday!  He officially turned three years old.  We had a celebration with his family and a couple neighbors and friends.  He got all dressed up and was the life of the party.  The very next day he started preschool. It has been quite an adjustment, but everyday seems to be getting a little better. 

We also had a mini Christmas party for the nutrition program.  Daybreak Community Church helped me collect items and each child received a new church outfit, a pair of socks, underwear, and a hair bow (for the girls).  On top of that, each mom received a care package.  The packages had nail polish, nail clippers, deodorant, a wash cloth, a mini soap, a mini shampoo, a mini lotion, toothpaste, dental floss, a toothbrush, and some pads.  They were so surprised and excited to receive a gift themselves.  There is more to this story though.  A lot of the families use the excuse “we don’t have clothes for our kids, so we cannot go to church.”  That was the main reason why I wanted to get church clothes for all of them.  Last Sunday we had eight nutrition program kids (and guardians) at church who are not usually there!  What an answer to prayer!!

One of the girls in her new outfit with her mom!

ALSO, our surgery wing and clinic have been getting a facelift!  This week we have replaced eight air conditioners, two washers, two dryers, a toilet, and several lights.  I am so excited to see how this makes surgery weeks move more smoothly.  The medical staff is excited about the changes that are being made.  We still have a long way to go, but I am excited about each little step that gets us closer to being where we want to be. 

I am so thankful for everyone that prays me through each transition.  It is a bit difficult coming back without the part of me who’s in Australia.  However, we are very excited about our future together and in Haiti.  I promise to try to be better at blogging as we continue looking towards the future! 

To help look towards the future.. we started building our house!!