It’s been a long time since I’ve written in my blog, so here are some things and thoughts that have happened since I last wrote.
- I was really busy helping lead the workteams while the Dimbaths and Curlees (American staff) were in the States celebrating Lifeline’s 30th year anniversary. All four of them returned a week ago, and that’s been a blessing to have them back.
- This past weekend included some downtime and relaxation before this last team arrived last night: a drive to DP, beach, hamburgers, church, and restaurant.
- Sunday after church, I was walking back to the house where I’m staying and heard some children yelling Sa-Rah! repeatedly and in unison from behind a fence about 100 yards away. Since I had time, I went over there to say hello. They were so precious and of course told me everything they needed- shoes, clothes, etc. I told them I didn’t have anything I could give them, and then they said, “Priye pou nou.” (Pray for us.) That of course I could do. I absolutely love hearing the way people say my name, especially the children, but I prayed that they would shout the name of Jesus before they would shout my name. Then, through the fence, I gave them each a kiss.
- Last week Wednesday during Ladies Bible study, I sang another song with my friend, Gracienne. It was such a privilege to be able to sing praises to our Lord with my dear friend in a language that is not my own.
- Yesterday I was with Gracienne as she was teaching me a new song when a crowd of high-school age people began gathering. They were about to begin repetisyon (choir practice). I sat with them and listened as they sang. I can’t even describe how beautiful it was.
- God continues to open up my ears, mouth, and heart to Creole (praise God!). I have begun praying in Creole with some of my patients in clinic. I tell them what I don’t know how to say, God hears in my heart. I’m so thankful for how God has been answering that prayer, especially in the last month. I pray for motivation to continue to learn it when I go home.
- These sweet Haitian people are always praying, and they always remember us Americans in their prayers too. I have been so blessed as many of them have told me they are praying for me. And they main thing they are praying for: a husband! “Sa-rah, you are 22 and you finished with university. You need boyfriend and then husband! Why you not have boyfriend yet?” (If any of you have a good answer for that question, let me know because I’ve been trying to figure that one out all summer ;-) One of the ladies who works in the kitchen, Madame Therese, greets me with a hug every morning and says, “How is my little girl? My baby! Me your mommy! I love you!” Last week she told me she’s praying for her son, and after the conversation we had just had about my lack of boyfriend, I know her “son” was referencing a future tense noun.
- The team that got here Monday night is the team I will leave with next week Wednesday. Part of me is ready to go home to see all of you whom I miss, but at the same time, I’m not at all ready to leave. I have been praying a lot over the last month that God would give me guidance and wisdom as I begin this new phase of my life when I return home, since I will not be returning to Northwestern this fall. I really have no clue what will happen in the next year of my life, but I am excited for the opportunities God has for me at home and for the doors He will open. I pray for the next opportunity to return to Haiti and that it is sooner rather than later, but I know it’s not about what I want, and that God’s plan is sovereign. As is a common phrase here in Haiti, si Bondye vle (if God wants).
God is so beautifully good. Someone on a workteam this summer asked if my internship is paid. I told him I get paid so much more than what I deserve, but not with money. I know God has used me to touch and bless lives of Haitian people in His name, but I feel so much more blessed. My heart continues to overflow with love for these people.
