One year ago this month, I moved my things to Montellano a town 5 1/2 hours north of Quisqueya, where I had lived for two years. I remember having tears in my eyes on the way to the States four days later because everything had been new, the people looked and talked differently, and I saw ahead of me a big change. And, while I knew that I was following my Father's lead, I was unsure how it would all work out. Committed to being obedient to the Lord, seeing His hand in all the steps of the decision to move, and trusting fully... I had dropped off my stuff, attended a few days of orientation at Makarios, and was headed back to the States for Missionary Training in Colorado.
Two months later, I returned... still quite emotional and needing rest. I was trying to get emotionally, spiritually and physically healthy again.
And God gave me 2 months to ease into this new life. I was here, able to be in quiet and concentrating on having Sabbath, grieving losses, resting my body and getting excited about the future.
As I continue to think about God's goodness since August of last year, I'm reminded of all of the changes that I have been through in just 12 months.
So many adjustments.
So many moving parts.
And naturally with change comes fear, and doubt, and anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. And as I reflect on all of the changes and adjustments, it is SO easy to see that God is good, and that He is present and that He knows everything that His children need. There are so many reasons to praise Him and shout for joy as I reflect on all that my Father has done to provide, protect, and take care of His daughter.
Oh, He is a good good father!
Matthew 7:9-11.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Some of the changes that I've experienced over the last year:
- moving to the northern side of the island where culture, climate, language and comforts are different
- and living in between two popular tourist towns
- living with American roommates after having lived with a Dominican for 2 years
- adjusting to a new role as a reading specialist and member of the community outreach team
- starting to learn Kreyòl and building relationships that way in the Haitian communities
- building relationships with the Makarios staff and missionaries
- mentoring and guiding a Makarios intern for the first time
- missing old friends and learning how to love old friends well from the south of the island and in the States
- learning to balance ministry time with down time and Sabbath
- learning to take care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually
- beginning an alternate certification class at the local university in Education
- participating in a new church and seeking future ministry opportunities
In Exodus after the Israelites left Egypt, where they had been surviving in a place of slavery and treated unfairly because of their cultural status, they praised God for their being freed from slavery. They confronted the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army behind them, and their Father was with them and parted the waters. They had no water to drink, and their Father produced water out of a rock. They were hungry and God sent them just what they needed, manna from Heaven. They were in danger and He fought for them. What a perfect father that they had!
God does not change.
He is the same all-knowing, protective, loving, providing and ever-present Father that took care of the Israelites as they left Egypt as He is our Father today if we have been adopted into His family. I praise God for allowing me to remember who He is and what He has done for me and those around me in the past 12 months.
(having trouble seeing a clear video? Click Here.)
To God be the glory forever and ever. AMEN!
