One thing... Remains. (The Armor of God)

   Your love never fails, never gives up.

Never runs out on me.

  While in the process of preparing to move to Haiti, I was met with a lot of spiritual warfare. I wrote a blog called "Jesus take the wheel", which went into some of the struggles and spiritual warfare I was facing. While in North Carolina, the devil knew exactly where to hit me... and that was financially. I made the decision to move to North Carolina because I knew God wanted me there. I took a significant pay cut and dropped down to only one job (which was a first). I continued to finish my BSN and pay for that. After graduating, my college didn’t file a paper correctly for tax purposes and I got a bill from the IRS (this was eventually fixed) & not to mention the over $10,000 I paid out of pocket for dental work just in the two and a half years I was in North Carolina. Along with a few other bumps along the way, the devil knew finances were the one thing that may hinder me from moving to Haiti. I kept working through each bill, loan, etc… and kept telling Satin to “get out of my life”. After receiving the job offer at GLA, God provided in each circumstance in which “I was running low” and I am continual thankful he gave me the strength and courage to trust in Him and in His promises. I think Satan also realized that God can always beat him, even when it comes to finances! The few weeks before moving I felt calm and comfortable that God would provide because I was doing what he wanted me to do and moving to Haiti to serve Him and the people of Haiti.Fast forward to now. 

     Tomorrow marks three weeks of living in Haiti. I have been healthy and feeling good maybe 5 whole days. I had bronchitis the first week, followed by stomach problems and now I have had fever/chills & Strep Throat since Thursday night. New germs, food, travel, fatigue have most likely played a part in this but seriously in needs to stop. I want to be able to give 100% to the children, staff & volunteers at GLA. In my previous blog post I asked “What do you do to combat spiritual warfare? & Does anyone know of any good verses or passages to read?” I wanted to share what I found in case you were searching yourself and hadn’t found what you were looking for. Ephesians 6:10-20 says:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

     This set of verses is labeled “The Armor of God”; as you face the day doing God’s work, put on the full armor of God and let God do His work in your life. I will stand my ground against Satan and be cheerful, knowing that I am working for the Lord and he is my ultimate healer and provider. He will comfort me in my sickness and help me fight each battle Satan puts in front of me; whatever that may be. As I write this I can’t help but feel selfish. I live in this beautiful country full of beautiful people who are suffering. I know my financial and physical burdens will be healed. Others live without that possibility or even the hope of that possibility. I hope that as I live this life God has given me, I exude the Armor of God and am able to share the hope, strength, courage, & possibilities that come when you have faith in Jesus Christ. I leave you with this verse; “Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek his face always” Psalm 105:4.

…to be continued…

-B


An addendum... A day later.
As I finished up this post yesterday, I really wanted to find a song to lift my spirits along with Ephesians 6:10-20; so here it is: One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture.

In death, In life, I’m confident and

covered by the power of Your great love

My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can

separate my heart from Your great love...

 

Week "number two", in more ways than one.

This past week has just flown by! Sunday marked two weeks here at GLA. There is just so much to see, do & learn (including a lot of names & creole)! I am so glad that the welcoming of both the Haitian and foreign staff has been warm and inviting! Just in the past week we have gotten two admissions and released four back to their mothers from the NICU. Sadly, I was a bit under the weather when the admissions occurred so I wasn't able to see the process, but I'm sure there will be more. In case you missed it (I doubt it), but Thanksgiving also happened this past week! First holiday is Haiti went well! As a nurse and having worked in the restaurant business for many years, I am well acquainted to missing the holidays, but I have to say the food was absolutely delicious, we had fun decorating for Christmas and although I missed my family, the company of the staff and volunteers helped GLA feel like home!

I feel as if I am starting to become accustomed to the flow of the nurseries and the schedules of the children. Slowly, names are being learned and my knowledge of the creole language is expanding. Soon Rebecca & I will start language classes, which will help tremendously. Not only to speak with the children but also to speak with the staff, but as I mentioned before I'm sure there will be many stories about things being lost in translation or misunderstandings... For example! The other day a child just happen to put his hand in his dirty diaper and then proceed to you know, put it in his mouth. I was three seconds too slow for his fast little hands! YUCK, first of all... but pretty typical for a kid. Secondly, I told one of the nurses, "Ah! li manje ca-ca!", I thought I was saying... "Ah! he ate poop!" Little did I know ca-ca is a "bad" word... So, I pretty much said "Ah! He ate S***". What I should have said was "Ah! li manje ta-ta!" (ta-ta=poop). I was very nicely told by my dear friend Miss. Esther that I used a bad word and to use ta-ta instead of ca-ca! Oh man, I quickly apologized for my little mistake! Mwen Regret Sa (I am sorry). Now I know the difference and so do you!

Ok, so now that I've explained that fun time... Here's to more fun times and stories from Haiti & GLA. Off to bed... Early to bed, early to rise as they say.

...to be continued...

-B

Something heavenly.

Well, first things first... November 11, 2012 at just about noon, I stepped back on the soil of my new home... Haiti! Rebecca & I met in Miami airport just before departure to Port au Prince... besides a slight electrical problem on the airplane prior to departure (Thank the Lord!!), traveling went smoothly!! We then met a few nice gentlemen who helped us find our bags and escorted us to where Joyce & Molly were waiting!  The car ride was pretty short up into the Kenscoff Mountains where God's Littlest Angels calls home. The roads were primarily paved & there was even a yellow line dividing the sides of the road... not that anyone pays attention to them!!

Fort Jacques- Toddler 'Pods' 1-3 built, 4-6 being built!

We then arrived at GLA and were welcomed with open arms, balloons, streamers, signs & cookies! Seriously, the staff here is wonderful and inviting and am so glad to be a part of the GLA team! Over the last few days Rebecca & I have been settling in at GLA and into our wonderful accomadations! We've gotten the tour of the main house where we will be working and the NICU is along with the younger children & we were also able to be apart of cinema night at the toddler house which is about a 10 minute drive from the main house... Oh my goodness, such a fun time with all the kids (and with the staff as we worked together to make popcorn for the kids).  Today, Rebecca and I also went up to Fort Jacques where the new orphanage is being built... It's absolutely beautiful! Seriously, God never ceases to amaze me in the beauty he has created for us to enjoy.

We also have been getting oriented to the different nurseries at the main house and attempting to remember names of the children, nannies, nurses, & staff... Not to mention trying to communicate with our broken Haitian Creole! Can not wait to have language lessons!! I'm sure I'll have lots of fun stories about conversations getting lost in translation!

I have been a little under the weather since I left the U.S.... unfortunately I feel like I'm dragging a bit and a little foggy, so I apologize if this blog seems like a ramble.  Overall though, I am feeling excited about my new home and also thankful for God's provisions!  Well, that sums up the last 4 days in very little words but before I go, I want to thank those in the States that sent me off. Thank you for your prayers, support & love. I am so thankful for each one of you and blessed to have you in my life! 

...to be continued...

-B

"Whatever you're doing inside of me 
It feels like chaos but now I can see 
This is something bigger than me 
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly" 
-Sanctus Real "Whatever you're doing"

See you soon, Haiti!

Well, just two days away! Can you believe it?! I am so excited to start this journey God has called me to at GLA and become part of the team/family! I'm sorry if I wasn't able to see any of you in NC or PA. Can not wait for y'all to follow my blog in Haiti! So... off to strategically pack my bags, so they are under or at the 50lb weight limit and say my "see ya later's" to my family. Yep, that's about it... Short and sweet. See you soon, Haiti!!

...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

So there it is, take it as you will.

Well, today marks 3 weeks until I am in Haiti! At this exact time in 3 weeks I will be on a south bound flight from Miami to Port Au Prince and will land in Haiti at noon Sunday, November 11th. Crazy?!? Isn't it! Sometimes my life seems so surreal. I'm still amazed by the opportunity God has given me. As I pack and sell/give away the majority of my personal belongings, I hang on to those things that have the most meaning... like my diploma's from Gwynedd & Drexel, a night stand that I painted when I was in high school, a dish my mom got me when I first moved into a place by myself, stuffed animals  (two of which are my sister's & one from when I was born)... Silly things but meaningful none the less. Each item has a particular meaning and represent a different phase of my life.

For me, moving around has always been pretty easy. I know God will take care of me as long as I follow His lead. This move is no different in knowing God will take care of me, but as any twenty-five year old would, I have my insecurities about the unknown... Every move I've had the same insecurities. Insecurities arise whether it's a change in job, moving to a different city (or country), choosing a new church, trying to pay off debt, meeting new people, trying ANYTHING new. They're just silly thoughts the devil puts in your head to make you think that you're not adequate enough, smart enough, pretty enough, cool enough... These insecurities make you think about old friendships & relationships; why they lasted or didn't last and the new friendships that are sure to arise. Yet, still there is a calmness inside knowing that God's got it covered. No matter what. He's got it. 

So, things to do in the next 3 weeks (Lord Willing):

**Find Boo a new forever home**

Empty out my apartment

**Find Boo a new forever home**

Spend time with friends and finish up my last 5 shifts at Duke

**Find Boo a new forever home**

Drive through VA to see Kevin, Susanna, Karaline, Audrey (& hopefully my newest nephew)

Drive to PA to see the rest of the family

Catch a 0615 flight to Miami & then a 1000 flight to Haiti on Sunday, November 11th.

Continue this great adventure that God has blessed me with at God's Littlest Angels in Haiti

So there it is  take it as you will... insecurities and all. 

I'll leave you with my life verse:

Philippians 4: 6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

...to be continued...

-B

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

Slingshots and Giants

So today is a big day... My big brother, Kevin is being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines! Super excited for him but sad I am missing the ceremony and picnic to follow! So excited for him!

Anyways, after my last slightly sad and challenging blog, I was reading the story of David & Goliath and was looking though some of my sermon notes from the unlikely heroes series at newhope... (if you didn't catch them... make sure you do at newhopenc.org)! So yeah Pastor Scott spoke about David and being an unlikely hero. He was just a Shepard. Pastor Scott said few things that have brought me encouragement and have made me think during my journey to Haiti (whether it be in a couple months or in a couple years).

He said "The only two credentials God is looking for is Humble & Willing". I had to think about that, I am definitely willing but am I humble about my decision. I feel so strongly about my choice to move to Haiti that sometimes I don't think I am humble. Does that make sense? It may make sense to those I have spoken to about my decision. Needless to say... I really need to work on my humility and being humble not only in my decision, but in my life.

Pastor Scott also said that God is trains world changing heroes through their daily routines and asked how much we complain about routines... but David did the same thing day in and day out but his job was to protect those sheep from predators such as lions (Did you know David killed a lion before defeating Goliath? You should check out his story in 1 Samuel... it's a good one!). You know what weapon he had? Just a slingshot! So God gave David some amazing aim and trained him well on that slingshot... I bet David never thought his slingshot skills would lead him to be king over Israel... but guess what it did! My point is, at times our lives may seem mundane and somewhat pointless but one act can change your life forever. The routine that you have been in for the last however many days, weeks, years may just be God training you to be a world changing hero or how about we just start with one.... That routine could make you a hero to one person or even better, bring them to Jesus!

So, here's the blog questions of the day. Are you an unlikely hero? Maybe you are and just don't know it! What will be your slingshot? Who/what is your Goliath?

There is one thing I keep trying to remind myself during this application process... God can make opportunities arise at any second! Haiti is on my heart and on my mind. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted of any news or decisions! Please keep on praying! 

...to be continued...

-B

Jesus take the wheel.

A long overdue blog...

So life has been running faster and faster so it seems. I have been able to spend more time with my whole family in the last month than in the last two years! It is amazing how God knows just what you need. Just a little update on getting to Haiti... I have some serious prospects and I am praying that the organization, myself and most importantly God are all in the same agreement. I feel like we all are on the same page but there is nothing official, yet. Except one thing makes it seem more real than anything... the spiritual warfare. 

I'm going to need some advice on this one. Satan seems to be roaming around hitting me right where it hurts, trying to break me down, give up my heart for Haiti, etc. Satan knows the little things that may make you not trust in God to provide. I literally just got home to find a very unpleasant "letter" in the the mail. Which I'm praying is just a error on Drexel's part and not mine!

Have you ever dealt with this? What do you do to combat spiritual warfare? Okay, so this is also a blog to ask for prayer. I need it big time. 

My heart keeps going back to my life verse Phil 4: 6&7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

So again I ask what do you do to combat spiritual warfare? Does anyone know of any good verses or passages to read? 

God is telling me to Go and I will! Satan you better watch out!

...to be continued...

-B

Here it goes!

Well I've given in to blogging.


So, here it goes... my chance to inspire. 


The Goal:

Inspiring others through my journey & keeping myself accountable. 


I know you're asking yourself... Journey? Really? Well here are some things I'm working on right now that will be the main focus of this blog.

1. Deepening my relationship with God.

2. Becoming debt free.

3. Move to Haiti potentially by the end of 2012. (Depending on God's timing of course)

I'll go into further detail eventually about all of those. 

Welcome to my journey... 

-B