Like Mother, Like Daughter

My mom is a lot of things. She's a professional, a teacher, a volunteer, AND A MOM. I purposely didn't list "Mom" as her first job. I don't think she would list it as her first job either. I'd like to think its probably her "favorite" job, but I know her other life duties have fulfilled her as well! I am grateful she excelled at her career, it made her a better Mom for me. (Even though I like to remind her of the one away basketball game she couldn't make it to)--my Mom found a way to attend everything else.  With all of her commitments outside of being my Mom, I was able to observe the way our community respected her.  I watched my mom wear a bunch of different hats. She can handle A LOT. She doesn't crack under pressure. She always has a plan even if she says she doesn't have a plan, for thats part of her plan. My entire upbringing was a chance to learn from her.

If you think I'm remotely cool at all, then you need to meet my mom. That being said, we are very different. We often joke that I was switched at birth. I'm the free spirit who resists conformity at all costs and can't stand math. I'm stubborn (with good intentions), I let my emotions make my decisions a large part of the time, and I would argue with a lamp post.  As different from her as I am, she loves me. She has reminded me every day for 23 years that she loves me no matter what.  Like I said in a previous post, I have been on the road less traveled before. In fact, I think I might have paved some roads that no one else should go down. My mom always came along. (She wrote me a letter almost every day I was at boarding school, it was 300 or so handwritten letters. Like I said, the lady is relentless)

One thing we share is our love for travel. We like to experience new places. My mom came with me the first time I went to Peru and also the first time I went to the Middle East. She taught me responsibility, integrity, the importance of civic duty. But she also taught me to be myself, to follow my convictions, and use my emotions to channel compassion. I remember her crying the first time I told her that I wanted to live somewhere in the Middle East and work with peace-keeping teams there. (I think she cried because it was so different from her). She has supported me none the less.  I used to feel bad that she was given a child that thrived in less-conventional settings. But then I realize that she's my mom, so isn't she responsible for some of the passions I have? Even some of the radical ones?

Then I met Gladys.

She's 4 years old and we both have the same middle name, "Elizabeth." She is in her 2nd year at the Blanchard School. (Haiti Outreach Ministries has 4 compounds, each with a church and school, the guesthouse we stayed in is part of Blanchard's compound).

I get to sponsor her!!!

She is one of five children in her family and the with the resources at HOM she is no longer malnourished and has been given an opportunity that not all children receive. (although with MORE sponsors, they could accept MORE students!)

 Because she was accepted at the Blanchard school, she will be able to attend there until the 6th grade. With $30 a month from me, she will also receive school supplies, a uniform, 2 meals a day, and an opportunity to be in an environment each day that tells her she is loved, she is capable, and will equip her with tools to feel confident and competent when following her dreams.

She represents Haiti's future. 

What better way to help a country than by investing in their future?

My mom invested in me, financially, emotionally, biologically. She gave me all those things that I wanted Gladys to have. She helped shape me. More importantly, she gave me opportunities to experience the things that have shaped me. Even things that were outside of her comfort zone. (Even though its a very stable career path, she's never even encouraged me to take accounting, because she knows I would hate it; now that IS love).

I haven't had a whole lot of maternal instincts in my short 23 years. Frankly, I was a little scared of meeting Gladys. How do I hug her? Will she be scared of some tall white woman jabbering at her in English? I wanted to do it right. 

After their morning ceremony, the principal nodded for me to walk over. Gladys was standing in the doorway and looked just as scared as I felt. Then it happened.

I picked her up, placed her on my lap, and hugged her. Just like my mom had always done for me.

We sat there without really communicating verbally, one of our many differences is a definite language barrier. But eventually, she held onto me. Her little hands slowly embraced my shoulders. She began to feel safe.

 I realized that with all my mom had taught me--she had SHOWN me how to love. 

And in that moment with Gladys, that is all I needed; to remember how to love.

To love relentlessly, without abandon, and unconditionally.

Just like my mom.

Rescued from Wealth

**I promise my intention is not a guilt trip, it is merely an opportunity for me to share my experience in Haiti and (hopefully) create Awareness! 

{Authors Note: Since stepping off the plane in RDU a week ago, I've wanted to run and tell people "I GOT SAVED IN HAITI" Mainly because I knew they would immediately either think I was joking or worse, they might have a panic attack thinking Aliens had overtaken my body, I resisted my urge.}

I like being able to help people in need. I like that God chooses to include me in His plan to help people in need.

However, sometimes this can get misconstrued.

I have gotten a lot of questions about whether or not I was able to"save" anyone in Haiti.

There's even several (wonderful!!) organizations that tout the slogan "Rescuing Children from Poverty."

Even though the disturbed look on my face would suggest that I was alarmed someone would think I had "saved" anyone, in Haiti or state-side-- after careful thought I have a response.

(and conversations like this cause me to appreciate my diverse "network of acquaintances")

The people who know me know how I feel about "save" and how I like to remind people we were all saved over 2,000 years ago by Grace when Christ died. And that was my answer I've given as I was asked over and over again as a child, teen, and now as a young adult to explain when it was that I got saved. The word just makes me nervous, probably because its outside of my "religious comfort zone." BUT thats what makes it so great-- because I'm quite certain (ESPECIALLY IF YOU READ MY BLOGS FROM PERU AND THE MIDDLE EAST) that my "progressive" (<--- to whomever introduced me to this adjective, you have helped me save face in the religious community, a million thank yous) ideology is outside other people's "comfort zone". It takes all kinds.


The questions of "saving" others has caused me to re-examine my distrust of the word "save" and even encouraged me to explore another word; "rescue."

I visited an under-developed country like Haiti because I wanted to meet my fellow "neighbors" first-hand. I wanted to see them, hear them, serve them, and hug them. Thats my love language. Its not enough for me to read about the poverty, I want to embrace it. But its uncomfortable. You can't turn the page or flip the channel when you're hugging or holding hands with the people in need. Being a physical presence in this country was important for me but is not vital to making a difference in the communities of Haiti. While on the trip and now after being home, my mind hasn't wavered once, I BELIEVE my church and community could make a huge difference in Haiti. And I BELIEVE Haiti could make a huge difference in OUR lives. (read: We need it as much as they do!)

Subconsciously though, I think I was searching when I decided to go to Haiti. Searching for purpose. Searching for renewal. I mean heck, I flew to Haiti for one week with an overweight bag, bringing as many items of modern convenience as possible.  As we exited the airport, I instantly felt as though a sign that said "Still in Need"--should have been hanging over my head. I knew all those things did not make me whole.

So technically I didn't "save" anyone during my time in Haiti. Religiously or otherwise. For me, that wasn't the goal of the trip. The trip was about seeing, learning, and hearing what the Haitian people needed and coming back to the States and seeing if we could assemble a group to MEET that need. Of course we were there to serve in any way that we could but I don't think it ever crossed my mind that I would be "saving" anyone. It was about cultivating relationships; PARTNERships.   Its more than a band-aid, its an opportunity to build a more permanent fix. Its HOPE! Its returning the hug of the child to remind them they're loved. Its making an effort to try to speak Creole (even if they giggle in return). Its the effort put forth to signify that the world hasn't forgotten about them. God hasn't forgotten about them.

How is it that two little girls bathing naked in the streets of Haiti, covered in suds, are giggling and having so much fun? Well, rewind 20 years ago and I'm pretty sure I begged my parents to let me bathe outside in the sprinkler. The joy children experience from bubbles is something that is universal. Can this not be an example that WE are more alike than we are different? That although these people may look and sound different than us, our children behave the same. Haitians are our neighbors and loving them like ourselves means desiring health care, sanitary living conditions, food, and clean water FOR THEM. I don't want to be starving, and I don't want my neighbors in Haiti to be starving.


In a country that has so much materialistically, I find so many people in the United States to be unhappy. Myself included. We have a lot of stuff! Stuff thats supposed to bring us joy (at least thats what the lady at Anthropologie promised me when I overpaid for that sweater.) I've learned its not just the kids who become infected with the "greed" monster, and its not just around Christmas time. I hear stories from adults with kids, adults without kids, church go-ers, proud atheists, people who make tons of money, people who don't make enough money, the list goes on... about Stuff not bringing JOY! The stuff brings comfort and well, thats comfortable. Its safe. But eventually, you yearn for more.

 Relationships cultivated over the years in Peru have brought me more JOY than any material gift I have ever received (yes Mom, even the trampoline). I hope the same for our future with Haiti. Serving the people in Haiti filled me up! And yet I've learned there are seasons. Some seasons you can spend a week in Haiti and some seasons you can't. I do not have a husband or children. But someday I'd like to think that even with my family, I will still yearn for more. And I will want to instill my yearning into my children. But it will be hard. Because once you have seen, you cannot un-see. Once you realize that things like brand new cars, big houses, and the cutest clothes (sorry co-workers at Banana Republic) don't bring happiness, you are forced to want to DO something. Doing something might mean you have to sacrifice some of those worldly possessions.  Material possessions somewhat dictate our socio-economic status and thats a big deal in our society. So its not just a monetary sacrifice to visit Haiti for a week, its also a social sacrifice (not everyone will understand why you are using your vacation time to serve others).

I understand better now that there is a connotation associated with mission trips that suggest we are the ones "saving." We have more, so we'll be giving more. We know more, so we will be teaching more. 

I do know I served to the best of my ability--but I am also certain I received MORE. By giving and teaching and helping. I was given. I was taught. I was helped.

So while Facebook, Instagram, the church bulletin and even this blog may make it appear as though I was on a mission to rescue or save people from the poverty in Haiti. Just like in Peru, its NOT the case.

I did not rescue the poor.

The poor rescued ME.

They rescued me from wealth.

They rescued me from my excess. They rescued me from my voids left unfilled by my material things. They rescued me from a life without purpose.

They rescued, they reminded, they renewed, they replenished. 

 {So maybe I finally got "saved". In Haiti.}

LOVE TRAIN!!!

People all over the world (you don't need no money)Join hands (come on)Start a love train, love train (don't need no ticket, come on)People all over the world (Join in, ride this train)Join in (Ride this train, y'all)Start a love train (Come on, train), love train

ITS TRUE! EVERYONE CAN JUMP ON THIS TRAIN! 

Since I'm posting this on Valentine's Day (or as I affectionately refer to it: "Single Person's Awareness Day")--I was reminded that LOVE is not just something shared between significant others. I love a good Molly Ringwald or Julia Roberts movie as much as the next girl. BUT LOVE IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THAT!

Love is for EVERYONE! It transcends every boundary that humans have set up to separate ourselves from each other. And it took a little boy in Haiti to remind me.

2/4/13:  I sat in a small room with a table, 2 chairs, and a tiny window. I had just finished my first day of triage when a very energetic little boy named Roobens came in  trying to talk to me in Creole.  I smiled and nodded but he was insistent that I understand what he was saying. He went to find his cousin and brought him back to see me and I continued to try and make out what they were saying.  My interpreter, Weed-Mark, said to me with a smile,  "they want to know if this is your house."

I looked up and both Roobens and his cousin were grinning ear to ear. I explained (through Weed-Mark) that "no, this is not my house." It didn't dawn on me until after they had left how perfectly simple our interaction had been.

You see, our first day of clinic had been filled with many "adult" things.  I, like many of our team, had been asking a lot of "why? After personally listening to the health problems of over 75 patients, the circumstances that separated us were so clear and in my face. I felt the guilt. I had clothes, food, access to healthcare, a plane ticket back to the United States. I wanted to know WHY my new friends didn't have these things. I felt the barriers of socioeconomic status and nationality.

Before I let my existential crisis get the best of me, Roobens reminded me of the innocence of a child. He got it right. It didn't matter that I was white and he was black, that I was American and he was Haitian. He didn't know that my bathroom is probably bigger than that entire room. For him, it was a day at the doctor. Its his normal. Its all he has known. He just thought he was visiting my house and he was excited and wanted to show his cousin as well. It was refreshing. He hadn't analyzed our differences but instead treated me just like he would any other new friend. And in a world full of ways to divide us, I was comforted in knowing that Roobens was accepting me into his normal.


Does anyone remember that vacation bible school song "come and go with me, to my father's house, its a big big house with lots and lots of room, with a big big table with lots and lots of food." It had great dance moves that went along with it and if you know me, I love anything that comes with dance moves.

I remember making the motions with my hands, arms outstretched as wide as I could go when we sang "big big house" and "big big table." There might have even been something about a big big yard to play football. I don't remember feeling particularly evangelical when I sang the song, I was 9 and I'm pretty sure I was focused on making my arm movements better than the person next to me. 

What I do remember is understanding that God's house was big enough for EVERYONE, and his table was big enough for EVERYONE, even big enough for me to share with my enemies (shout out to my mom for helping our 3rd grade sunday school class memorize pslam 23)

Growing up I was able to observe inclusive Christian communities and it had a huge impact on my view of service. Service was something we did. And luckily, at FPC, we did it with a smile. I WANTED to grow up and be part of service because everyone had smiles on their faces. I'm under no illusion that service does not come without some sort of sacrifice, but the "big kids" and adults I saw always appeared "filled up" by their service. It provided them joy!  A different kind of joy than a Zack's hotdog or unlimited tokens at Skids Kids (remember, I was 9). Service was never seen as a chore or punishment, it was a part of living. Cross-cultural relationships are very special and IMPORTANT! I have been intentional about letting that sink in over the years as I've participated in my own acts of service.  

What about people who didn't observe "service" growing up? What about people who don't particularly feel like "missions" is important or really applies to them? I choose to believe its not their fault--maybe service just wasn't something that was instilled into them and it doesn't matter the reason. ITS NEVER TOO LATE!!! Getting involved with something bigger than yourself will change your life. 

"Compassion is something other than pity. Pity suggests distance..compassion means to become close to the one who suffers. But we can come close to another person only when we are willing to become vulnerable ourselves. A compassionate person says 'I am your brother, I am your sister, I am human, fragile, and mortal just like you. I am not scandalized by your tears nor afraid of your pain. I too have wept. I too have felt pain. We can be with the other only when the other ceases to be "other" and becomes like us. "
--Henri Nouwen Here and Now: Living in the Spirit


BEING IN HAITI, around other people who believed in service, WAS IMPORTANT. Ofcourse people shared why they came to Haiti each year and what service meant to them, but also a joint understanding that Haiti brought them to a place within themselves and in their relationship with God and his creation that they could only seem to tap into when they were physically in Haiti. They got more out of it than they put into it. Every time. Each year.


I talked about Bill and his experience with the crescendo during his visits to Peru in this post. Click on "Bill" to read it.

Love is for everyone, and I do believe Celine Dion was onto something with her hit "Love Can Move Mountains."

Love makes us do silly things. It also causes us to do amazing things. It forces us to rethink our priorities. It urges us to answer the call. It takes us to Haiti where we experience love in the tiniest fingers and toes and in the largest mountains surrounding the walls of our compound. 

THE REST OF THE POSTS WILL BE COMING TONIGHT! IF YOU'RE STILL HANGING ON, IM SENDING YOU A VIRTUAL VALENTINE!

Filling the gap!

(Be sure to scroll down, this is one of 3 new posts I was finally able to update!)

They needed 3 more people. We were 3 people needing to be needed. Call it a coincidence. I call it a god wink.

It all started on our first night when Kathy (the leader of FHM) mentioned that her group was going to worship at City Solei the next morning. City Solei is the site of another compound, like Blanchard, it has a school and church. However, City Solei has the highest crime rate in all of Port au Prince. Unemployment rates are over 60% in Haiti--even higher in City Solei. So many people, without jobs, in such a small area of land can lead to problems.

Kathy had 3 spots in her van. We immediately asked if we could join them in City Solei. The services in Haiti last about 3 hours. We arrived at 7:30 and they had already been worshiping for atleast an hour. There was so much singing! And several times where the congregation would turn and kneel and verbalize their private prayer all at once. There was a lot of emotion and although it was outside of my personal "worship comfort zone"--afterall I'm a proud member of the "frozen chosen" (Presbyterians!)--it was beautiful to see! In fact, I think they could have a lot to teach us about prayer and their FAITH in general. The same people who were scared to go back into their houses after the Earthquake, stand confidently in the House of God, thanking Him for allowing them to live another day.

And the Singing!!! It wasn't just your average hymn sung by an often off-key congregation. They were songs sung acapello and with such feeling that although the lyrics were sang in Creole, I was caught speechless by the sound. Several different choirs proudly marched to the front of the church.

That afternoon we talked with Kathy about her work with FHM and learned that they could use our help in their clinic. We ended up spending Monday through Thursday working in the clinic!

FAMILY HEALTH MINISTRIES (FHM) is based out of Durham, NC. It is very ecumenical with churches of all denominations donating their time. Kathy's husband David is the Director of FHM and served on the board of HOM (which is the organization we were staying with)--Kathy has been coming to Haiti for 20 years. This particular FHM team was from Kentucky and traveling as part of their diocese.

*****THE REASON I AM MAKING A BIG DEAL ABOUT EACH OF THESE MEMBERS IS BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL JUST LIKE YOU AND ME! With the exception of Joe and Dr. John, they are all in their late 50s-70s! THAT MEANS AGE IS NOT A FACTOR WHEN WORKING WITH MISSION TEAMS! You also don't need a medical background, I AM PROOF OF THAT!*****

 Here is my personal brief "down-low" on each person of the team:

Kathy: leader of the pack, retired Pediatric Nurse Practioner, such a gifted leader. She also appreciates a cold beer, which clearly means she gets gold stars in my book. She is hilarious and always looking for a chance to laugh. She values relationships and above all, values PEOPLE! She told us each day before clinic "remember, its about relationships!"-quality not quantity. She spent the week leading us and serving as the pediatric doctor at our clinic!

Jan: an Episcopal Priest who actually helped with the construction team. She is married to Ken who has spent the past 20 years serving on medical mission trips as an Optometrist. They both helped build a house this week! She also spent part of her work days giving out shoes and clothing to people in the community. She was always first to note things about the culture and how we could best respect it.

Colleen: she has such a quick-wit! She did all the labs at our clinic. Although whenever I saw her, she usually had a cup of urine in her hands, she was always smiling. Our patients were able to be tested for HIV/AIDS as well as for pregnancy and diabetes. She is a therapist and works for a free-mental health care clinic. We shared many conversations about my desire to work with Prisoner Re-entry systems. She was definitely a god-wink!!!!

Pam: southern belle at heart! she's been to Haiti for several years. She even came just 2 weeks after the earth quake! She worked in the pharmacy of our clinic. She also has a long-standing relationship with one of the Haitian nurses who FHM works in partnership with (see what I mean about the relationships!)--they're so close that this young lady calls Pam her god-mother and invites her into her home like family.

Dale: my bunk mate and kindred spirit! little did I know when I gave up my bottom bunk bed, I'd be making a forever friend. She is the most energetic lady I've ever met. Her spirit transcends any barrier imaginable. We both worked triage together and her joy as she interacted with her patients was inspiring! She also is an avid participator in Hot Yoga!

Elizabeth: retired RN and head of the pharmacy at the clinic! If you have a question, she has an answer. Not only is she full of knowledge, but she is full of compassion. With the help of an translator, she gave  out medicine and instructions to almost 500 people over the 4 days of clinic. She was patient and kind with each patient. She also helped me several times when I needed medical attention--!

Jeannie: my hero! She is a retired nurse practitioner and has an amazing story. She is a breast cancer survivor and also started a support group in her town for family members of drug addicts. She served as one of doctors in our clinic. She talked about praying for each patients ailments outloud and even though she said them in English, she could witness her patient's reaction when they heard their name and God come out of her mouth. She is also hilarious and full of advice on dating and marriage.

Andy: the husband of Jeannie, he is a retired Orthopedic surgeon, and served as another doctor for our clinic. He is brilliant! He is also very down to earth, always willing to share knowledge with someone like me whose knowledge of the human body stops after biology in 9th grade.

John: our 4th doctor for the trip! He is an Internist! He is also very compassionate and a big believer in prevention. He is very involved with the Cervical Cancer initiative/clinic that FHM is trying to begin in Haiti. He believes everyone should have access to health care!

Tom: runs a food pantry and soup kitchen back home--worked on construction! He also went to seminary, because he loves to learn! He is a grandfather to 9 and seriously makes you laugh until your sides hurt.

Jo, Mike, Ken= construction team!!!


NEXT POST WILL INCLUDE A TYPICAL DAY//SCHEDULE//AND HOW THE CLINIC OPERATES 

Help, Thanks, Wow

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it.”
― Anne Lamott

If you're still reading, thank you. Anne Lamott is the author of a book called "Help, Thanks, Wow." It just so happens she is also my kindred spirit. Hang on while I find my point...

“Your problem is how you are going to spend this one and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.”
― Anne Lamott

I tend to take the path less traveled, and never by choice. It would be so much more inspiring if I could attest to choosing a path because I knew it would help me grow. More often that not, I am trying to get on the crowded path with everyone else. No growth for me, no thank you, I'd like a smooth ride. I seem to find myself trying to do everything 'just' so in order to give myself this false sense of security. However, for one reason or another, I end up on a different path where I kick and scream until I realize its just where I need to be. Although I've heard you can't fit a square peg in a round hole, I still try, every. single. time. EVEN ON MISSION TRIPS! (gasp)

“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”
― Anne Lamott

Like I wrote in my previous post, I had a sense of urgency after our car ride through what I would consider "the slums." I was seeing naked children, I wanted them clothed. People looking starved, I wanted them fed. And I wanted it done right then. As we settled into the compound on our first day, I couldn't shake my questions. "Why aren't we doing something right now?" "What will our project be?" "When will we start?" "Will we help people?" "Will we do it right?" "Will it last?"--right before my brain played out exactly how I thought our week should look, we were asked if we wanted to visit the vocational school inside the compound.

This is where we first met Madame Sterling. She teaches sewing at the vocational school. The vocational school was set up for students who could better excel outside of the traditional school environment. She took our measurements and immediately began working on skirts for us. She was so happy. And I was so happy that she was so happy. And she was happy that we were happy. It was a happy fest. Little did I know that this relationship we were cultivating would be part of the foundation for our work with HOM.

It was in the evening that the group with Family Health Ministries arrived. I'll go ahead and warn you that it was only fitting that they came into my life with a bang--as all 6 of the women ran at once into our small room, scattering their luggage about--because all 6 of them have changed my life. I'm kind of like their groupie. Ranging in age from 50 to 70, these ladies GIVE ME HOPE! Not only do they have servants hearts, but they are deep. Each of them able to discuss theological topics way over my head were willing to have intellectual conversations with me. (as well as good ol' girl talk.) They were all Episcopal and from Kentucky. We bonded over our love of the liturgical-type worship and our conflicts of being raised in the South.

“Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, "Well, that's pretty much what I thought I'd see," you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. [...] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.”
― Anne Lamott

So by taking it easy our first day, I was able to meet Madame Sterling and Family Health Minsitries--and those awesome women, who would help me navigate the next week. My on-going prayer went something like "God? HELP! I need a sense of purpose here. You called me here, I came, now I need to do something to fulfill my earthly desire to always be doing something. Where is my job? ....hours later....THANKS for bringing these people into my life to cultivate relationships with....a few more hours later....WOW! now I see that you wanted me to be still and ease myself into this whole "mission" thing. Man oh man am I glad you have the plan!"

****SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE NEXT NEW POST!

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Jimmy Buffet got a lot of things right.

I remember singing along to his greatest hits with my dad on the way to the beach.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise" confirmed that although it was fun to yell "I like mine with lettuce and tomato, heinz 57 and french fried potatoes"--I actually prefer hotdogs.

"Margaritaville" was confusing because I could never find it on the road map.

"Fins" was always interesting because we were on our way to the BEACH, with a huge ocean filled with the unknown, singing about being the only bait in town.

I digress.

Its no secret (at least not now) that I do not like flying. I plugged in my headphones to the armrest as soon as I could and my ears were graced with the lovely voice of none other than JIMMY BUFFET! He was singing "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes."

How appropriate. 

DAY 1, We woke up at 3 am, met at FPC by 4 am, and were taking off by 7 am. We made a stop in Miami and landed in Port au Prince by 2 pm. In a matter of hours, we had been transported to a different world.

A change of pace, a change in attitudes, a prospective shift. 

But really, Haiti IS part of our World. A 2 hour plane ride and 592 nautical miles separates us from a place that I can't believe I went almost 23 years without experiencing.

I resist change. Even though my parents always affectionately describe me as "dancing to the beat of my own drummer", I like knowing what to expect. I had been to Peru three times. I knew the airports,  the route. I was familiarized to the pangs of hurt I would feel as I saw sick children at the clinic. I had experienced awe as I watched Peruvians work 8 hour days at a construction site where I was struggling to make it until lunch. Most of all, I knew the Vargas family. I always felt like my time in Peru was easy because I was spending time with my second family.

As soon as we arrived in Port au Prince I knew it would be different. I could feel my palms start to sweat and my grip tighten on my overly packed purple suitcase (some things actually DON'T change).  

It was Trina, Katie, and I in a sea of other Americans rushing around, trying to navigate our way to our respective drivers and Outreach organizations. Rushed. As if there was a sense of urgency. Moments later as we met Matt, the director of Haiti Outreach Ministries, and loaded up in the pick-up truck, I couldn't stop looking out the window. Poverty, right there in our faces. Our culture's tendency is to rush--especially when fixing a problem. I learned on that first ride through the streets of Port au Prince that this was no quick fix.

The roads are unpaved and full of pot holes, so we bounced along until we went through a gate and the truck came to a stop. One second I was witnessing children bathing in the street and in the next instant we had arrived at the compound. The compound is juxtaposed all the poverty. I remember feeling like it was unfair that I got to come through the gate--until I noticed that the gate didn't close behind us, it remained open for anyone to come in. It would take me almost all week to understand how important a role this compound played in the community.

Haiti Outreach Ministries has 4 compounds, Blanchard was the one we were staying at. Each compound has a church and a school. We were taken to the "guest house" which is actually inside the school. They changed a few classrooms into dorm rooms. Our living quarters were basic--no air conditioning, no electricity, no hot water. We had an air mattress, sheets, mosquito net, and a fan. I immediately recognized my need to change my attitude.

It's 4 o'clock somewhere...

4 o'clock in Haiti means the work day for us Americans is winding down here and we get to put on  comfortable clothes--and women can wear lounge pants!! It's a big deal here at the compound! 

Internet rarely cooperates but I promise I still have posts written to post!

For now let me share this:

 "A man once asked 'what will happen to me if I stop and help this man? And he was advised to think instead 'what will happen to this man if I DON'T stop and help him?!"

Haiti has been a shift of focus--and it feels right!!

Xo

Morgan 

We made it!

               I am writing you from Port Au Prince! We made it and are settled into the overflow room at Haiti Outreach Minsitries (HOM)! It is packed with volunteers which is great!

Theres no air conditioning so the cold showers feel good!

We rarely  have electricity so internet is not very relaible.

Have no fear, I am wiriting my posts and trying to post them strategically when the internet pops on quickly in the afternoon.

We have teamed up with Family Health Minsitries--theres a team from Kentucky with 2 doctors and several nurses. They have been coming to Haiti for years and its nice to have people who know the ropes.

"We pursue the dream of building healthy families, healthy communities, and a better tomorrow by developing long-term relationships with people and communities 'in need'. Of course, true relationships do not develop until we take the time to listen and learn. Once we become friends who trust and care about one another, we gain insights into each other's needs, hopes and desires.

Our work is directed by the goals of each community and implemented by the local people who are motivated to see their own lives improve. Often the most important thing that we give each other is honor and respect.

This strategy has given us insights into the meaning of God's greatest commandment (Matthew 22: 37-39) and our daily lives become enriched in ways that we never dreamed possible.

Paradoxically, we have learned that when we love our neighbors as ourselves... even when our plans don't work out... that God's plan ensures that our relationships grow in confidence and trust... and then real progress begins.

We invite you to join us and discover that wealth and happiness do not come from self-centered goals; instead they come from caring, other-centered, long-term relationships"

--A message from FHM's founder and board chairman, David Walmer, MD, PhD

His wife Kathy is leading the team from Kentucky and we actually met her here at HOM in the dining area and bonded over her twin sons attending Elon University! SMALL WORLD!

We are so excited that Kaathy and her team and letting us join up with their team, theyre all from the same Episcopalian Dioscese in Kentucky. 

I wlll post more after our meeting tonight!

PS: I was hugged by about 10 children ALL AT ONCE today after church--they were hanging all over  me as we took "self-potraits" with my iphone. Their immediate trust and affection were BEAUTIFUL examples of the innocence of children. We humans all start out as babies, even though life takes us in different directions. Its nice to be reminded that we're all more alike than different. We also had a little boy who came up and hugged me around my waist and held on so tight as I walked around, he actually ended up in our group photos because he would not let go. Ten minutes and no words were exchanged between us, but his smile and little arms hanging onto me spoke right into my heart! 

xo

Morgan

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

We are sitting on the runway at the Miami Airport waiting on some mechanical things!
Hope to take off soon!
Xoxo

GET READY!

(I've taken some liberties with these lyrics to fit our trip, but I'm sure the Temptations wouldn't mind!)

HIT PLAY AND ENJOY!! [ & how about that dancing?? Color me impressed!]

I've never been away to a place that makes me feel like you do
(You're alright)
Whenever I'm asked who makes my dreams come true, I say that you do
(You're outta sight)

So, fee-fi-fo-fum
Look out Haiti, 'cause here I come

And I'm bringing you a love that's true
So get ready, so get ready
I'm gonna try to write about it too
So get ready, so get ready 'cause here I come

(Get ready 'cause here I come)
I'm on my way
(Get ready 'cause here I come)

If you wanna change my heart while I'm away, let me remind you
(It's alright)
Only two airplane rides is the time it takes to find you
(It's outta sight)

So, fiddley-dee, fiddley-dum
Look out Haiti, 'cause here I come

And I'm bringing you a love that's true
So get ready, so get ready
I'm gonna try to write about it too
So get ready, so get ready 'cause here I come

(Get ready 'cause here I come)
I'm on my way
(Get ready 'cause here I come)
(Get ready)

All my friends should want in too, I'll understand it
(Be alright)
I hope they'll come with me next time, the way I planned it
(Not outta site)

So tiddley-dee, tiddley-dum
Look out Haiti, 'cause here I come

And I'm bringing you a love that's true
So get ready, so get ready
I'm gonna try to write about it too
So get ready, so get ready 'cause here I come

(Get ready 'cause here I come)
I'm on my way
(Get ready 'cause here I come)
Haitiiiiiiii
(Get ready 'cause here I come)
(Get ready)


***WE'RE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT AT 4 A.M.***
I'll update more once we've landed!