Be assured that from the first day I heard of you, I haven’t stopped praying for you...I pray that you’ll live well for the Master. I pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy,thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us. - Colossians 1:12 

Almost 2 months ago I went to Haiti. When I was first approached with the idea, I didn't see any reason for me to go. Sure, I had heard about the struggles of the Haitian people - especially after the January earthquake - I knew there was a lot of devastation and hurt, but why did I need to go? I had prayed for them and even donated to the relief efforts. What more did I need to do?


I've traveled to Croatia, Guadalajara, Malaysia and many other countries on mission trips and seen much poverty and need. Why did I need to go to Haiti? How would it affect me differently than these other countries had? 


These questions, and my own doubts about raising $1,000 in one month and taking time off work, caused me to turn down the offer to travel to Haiti. As far as I was concerned, it was impossible. 


Well, God has a funny way of dealing with our claims of the impossible. 


Only 30 minutes after I said "no" to Haiti, God and I got into a conversation about my hasty decision. It went a little something like this...


God: "Did you even ask me if I wanted you to go to Haiti?"


Me: "Well, no...but, what about the cost and my work schedule and the short notice? It just seems impossible!"


God: "Aren't you always telling other people, 'All things are possible with God'"?


Me: "Yes..."


God: "Then show Me you really believe that."


Needless to say, I had no doubt I was meant to go to Haiti. God had called out my unbelief and hastiness to answer a call without seeking His will. 


About a month later I was on a plane from Charlotte to Miami to Port au Prince and my life has changed forever. 


Not only did I learn a stronger sense of obedience to God, but I fell in love with a country that is not easy to love. There is devastation, hurt and extreme poverty. It's often ugly, smelly and uncomfortable. I don't speak Creole, I don't struggle with finding clean water or food, I have a warm bed to sleep in and safe home to live in. All in all, Haiti and I are a strange match.


But, we have the hope of Jesus and the promise of strength from God. It's because of these commonalities that I will always be connected with the people of Haiti and do what I can to share their beauty and struggles with my sphere of influence. 


I'm going back in March...and this time I'm certain of why I'm going and Who is sending me.