Twenty-Five.

Really? When did it become February?! The time continues to fly by as I approach three months here in Haiti at God’s Littlest Angels. So, what have I learned so far? Here are 25 random things that I’ve become more aware of, have learned or am learning, embraced, accepted, etc.

1. Haiti is absolutely beautiful.

2. I don’t miss television but I do miss my dog.

3. I can buy just about anything at the stores in town that I would want in the states… just at a cost.

4. Three adults, two babies, an oxygen tank, and an ambu can all fit into the front seat of a truck (The Transport).

5. Sometimes you have to look past the dirt/litter/fog to see beauty.

6. Altitude makes a difference

7. Children are hurt intentionally and unintentionally.

8. Many things are beyond my control.

9. I like riding in UTV’s/back of a truck better than inside a car/truck.

10. Prayer is the most valuable tool/medicine/weapon.

11. It is hard not to bring work home with you when your home is your work.

12. Adoption is a beautiful thing.

13. I have a great support system.

14. I love the children I care for more than words can describe (7 babies in 24hrs).

15. Each smile, embrace, miracle reminds me why I moved here.

16. I miss my family/friends tremendously… but February does contain the most family birthday’s so it stings a little more this month.

17. Medical supplies get used until they don’t work anymore.

18. I work with some pretty great people (Haitian, American, Canadian & Australian).

19. The Creole/Kréyol language is a part of everyday conversation.

20. I despise student loans.

21. The Haitian staff is very patient with me as I learn/ try to speak Creole.

22. I need to take more pictures.

23. iTunes is amazing/ I listen to a lot of music.

24. Although I listen to a lot of music, I don’t like being in charge of picking the music in the car.

25. God’s plans for me are bigger than my own.

So, there you have it… maybe not the blog post you were expecting, but a blog post none the less.

…to be continued…

-B

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago". Ephesians 2:1

Lyrics to ease a heavy heart.

Jars of Clay: Love Will Find Us

Child of all creation don't let the world define you
And if you can't remember who you are
Let these words remind you

On the path of the empty handed
He will speak to the heart of the abandoned

These orphan hearts (Will find a home)
Run to these arms (Be not alone)
Light is leading
Love will find us all
Love will find us all

So hard to feel the fires of home
When all we see is darkness
We forgive but not our own and grasp what's around us

Till the dawn starts to break around you
Let all the stars in the night remind you

These orphan hearts (Will find a home)
Run to these arms (Be not alone)
Light is leading
Love will find us all
Love will find us all

These orphan hearts (Will find a home)
Run to these arms (Be not alone)
Light is leading
Love will find us

These orphan hearts (Will find a home)
Run to these arms (Be not alone)
Light is leading
Love will find us all
Love will find us all

Run to these arms, be not alone
Run to these arms, be not alone
Run to these arms, be not alone
Run to these arms, be not alone

Love will find us all
Love will find us all
Love will find us all (Run to these arms, be not alone)
Love will find us all (Run to these arms, be not alone)
Love will find us all
Love will find us all

You just know.

You know those nights when you can't sleep. Maybe you drank some caffeine too late, maybe you have better things to do, or maybe you just have continual thoughts running through your brain... Whatever the reason, sleep doesn't exist. Tonight is one of those nights. Swirling thoughts, emotions, plans, etc. After over a week of traveling from between South Carolina, North Carolina, & Pennsylvania; I arrived home via a delayed plane and I've been sitting here decompressing. Continuously thinking about how wonderful the time was seeing two of my bests get married to the loves of their lives, visiting family and friends, shadowing in the NICU, and making new friends along the way. Yet, also thinking about how much needs to be done within the next four weeks.... I'm a list person and the list seems forever long is such a short time but I know God has it covered.

To most people, my choice to move to Haiti is shocking and is sometimes questioned. This past week or so has been full of questions and talking and talking and questions (you get the picture). I am happy to answer the questions though because I am so excited about the opportunity God is giving me! At the same time though, I am speechless because I am in awe and incredibly thankful that God has chosen me to lead the life I do. Life is never boring when you follow God!

A lot of people have been asking me if I am nervous to be moving to Haiti or my why I am moving to Haiti. Honestly, there are really too many words to describe how I am feeling but at the same time it is indescribable! Nervous, though isn't really a word that I use. I am nervous about the preparation over the next 4 weeks but not about the move. Why? Why move to Haiti?... The answer to this is described in a blog I posted 5 months ago, I left a part of my heart in Haiti, although many, many, many things have changed since this post. The only answer is that it's a God thing. Did you ever just know... like when you met your husband or wife, found the perfect car, chose your career, school, etc... well, that's just it. I just knew Haiti was where I would be. At the airport, as I left Port Au Prince last April, I told my team and my dear friend Ronald that I would be back before the years end. Our team at Newhope Church would not be returning until January of 2013 but I new I just had to be there. So November 11th, I will start life in Haiti at God's Littlest Angels. Seriously, as I mentioned before... Life is never boring when you follow God! So here is to the next 26 days! Praying for the Lord's guidance over the next 26 days and for all of the "list items" (dog, furniture, work, travels, money,  friend & family time, etc) to get taken care of and flow smoothly!

As I try to close my thoughts (and my eyes) for the night. I want to share a song/music video just released by Audio Adrenaline, it was taped in Jacmel, Haiti and answers the questions, Why Haiti? Why an orphanage? Why infants & children? Why love the least of these?

Kings & Queens

...to be continued...

-B

You don't want to miss this.

Shock. Awe. Amazement. Nervous. Excitement, Ready, Thankful... Those are just a few emotions I'm feeling right now...

When I was left Haiti, 6 months ago after just spending a week there I knew that God was calling me to a life in Haiti and I told my fellow team members that I would move there before the years end. I realized that was a God-sized goal, but guess what, it's happening! I am so excited to announce that I will be moving to Haiti mid November 2012 ( yes, in just about 2 months)! I just was offered and accepted a position as a Registered Nurse at God's Littlest Angels, Inc. (GLA) in Haiti... You can check them out at www.godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org & www.glahaiti.org. Here is a glimpse into GLA...

Here is a little idea of what my role will be at GLA- My duties will include but are not limited to (along with another RN), watching over the Main house nursery, NICU, and Toddler House children, CPAP supervision, vaccination schedules, keeping track of things needed in the pharmacy and medical depot, treating of common ailments of the children and working with our pediatrician and other nursing staff.  I will also be traveling to outlying clinics at time to pick up sick children. All of the staff works multiple jobs. My position might require that at times too.  Such as baking cupcakes for the children’s birthday parties or helping unload containers of supplies that are shipped in.

I will update you as more details and dates arise.

I am so very excited about this opportunity and I can not wait to see what the Lord has in store!

...to be continued...

-B