Let The Count Down Begin!

18... the number of days until I leave for Haiti.

In 18 days I will jump on a plane and travel to the poorest slum in the western hemisphere.  Over the next 18 days I will talk about my experiences and emotions as I prepare for this endevour.  So here I am, graduated from college, and heading to one of the poorest countries in the world.  I am so blessed to have so many supportive people in my life who encourage me to strive to be like Christ in my own life.  I am so fortunate to have open eyes to recognize the desperate situations of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Haiti.  For years it has been a dream of mine to serve those I need in Haiti and here I am... but traveling to Haiti for a week isn't just a "dream", its a calling.  I have been called by Christ to do his work for the Haitian people.  Never in my life have I been so sure of a calling in my life than now.  This is where I am supposed to be, This is what I am supposed to be doing.  Of that, I am 100% certain.  Will 1 week in Haiti completely change the circumstances of the people in Haiti, no.  But here is what it will do: 
1. Instill hope
2. Take a small step towards change

Going to Haiti for a week wont change all of Haiti's problems, but every dollar donated to Haiti and every volunteer who travels to serve there, makes a step towards the betterment of Haiti. If no one took a stand to protect the most vulnerable of people within our own country and within Haiti and other 3rd world countries, those innocent people would die.  If I can bring a smile to the face of one person, if I can instill even a mustard seed of hope, if I can care for someone who is sick or dying, if I can feed someone who would otherwise go without food, and if I can spread the love of Christ to the Haitian people through my actions... then I will have made progress and I will have pleased God.  I cannot change everything, but I CAN make a change.. even if its in the life of just one person.  

All of my mission trip experiences through Totino Grace High School, St Cloud State University, and The University of Wisconsin Stout have moved me to a point of preparedness and readiness for this mission.  Over the next 18 days, I will prepare my mind and heart for the experience that I will have and I will be praying for the people of Haiti.  I am preparing to have my heart broken and my eyes opened.  I am going to step outside of my comfort zone and into the most heartbreaking situation as soon as I step off the airplane.  So here goes nothing.....  

"God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference"