When I was younger, about 9-10 years old, I really enjoyed writing short stories and poems. I get my creativeness from my dad who can write the best poems about passing gas, ticks and the such. I remember sitting at the dinner table with my family (do families do that anymore?) having candle lit dinners and my dad reading Robert Frost or me reading James Harriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" to my family. I enjoyed those simple moments, no TV on for distraction, no cell phones going off or video games. Just simple family time and a good poem here and there. At about age 9 or 10, I wrote a short story titled "The Great Prairie Adventure". It was about a girl named Louise who was a young cowgirl who was in love with a hunky cowboy and it followed their wild adventure out on the prairie battling grass fires, stampedes and Indians. Now, it's my turn to write another "Great Adventure" about my own new adventure::Moving to Haiti!! Hopefully with no grass fires, stampedes or wild Indians!
With only 4 days left, people have been asking me if I'm excited. Quite honestly I haven't felt motivated to update my blog for a while. Don't get me wrong. I'm excited to be following God's call to go to Haiti. I think that the many to do lists and last minute runs to Wal-Mart to get the never ending need for supplies has stolen some of the excitement. (If anyone knows any good packing tips on how to get a years worth of supplies into 2 suitcases, please feel free to send me a message, it's not looking pretty!) Guys- I envy your capability to live like, well...guys. Just a few pairs of shirts/shorts/jeans/shoes and your ready to go. Me on the other hand, I'm a girl and I need options! I was contemplating posting pictures of what it looks like to pack for living in a 3rd world country for a year, but I will spare you the gruesome photos. I should post a sign outside my room stating "Enter At Your Own Risk".
4 days..... 4 whole, fast approaching days until my world is turned upside down and I'm the new "blanc on the block". With one of my bags already packed, my supplies purchased and a crazy amount of "favorite" foods being consumed, I'm ready to get the show on the road!
So to speed everyone up on what's been happening the past several months. I will be joining Thirst No More (visit www.thirstnomore.org for more information on what TNM is all about) in Haiti. I will be committing to be in Haiti a year as the Haiti Volunteer Team Coordinator working directly with incoming teams planning out their activities they will be a part of the week or two that they are with us.
I'm looking forward to what God has called me to do and can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!
With 4 days until I step foot on that plane to Haiti, I couldn't be more encouraged or excited!
Thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement. Here's to helping make a difference in Haiti together!!
Putting my faith in action,
::Jessica
