Surprise To Some…

If you have been reading my blogs or following my journey, this may not come as a surprise. I have shared about the good times and the extreme struggles that I have faced throughout my time in Haiti. I have grown and learned more than I could have possibly imagined. 3 months ago, I stepped off the plane onto a land that now feels like home. As I reflect on everything, I have been praying on some huge decisions that will affect my life pretty seriously for the spring.

I fell in love with this small island and its people last Christmas when I visited for the first time with my family, but I myself wasn’t even aware of how deeply until recently. I truly noticed my deep passion for Haiti when September ended, and I realized I was already half way through my stay here. Upon this realization, I began to notice every little thing that I would miss when I leave. I was obviously crazy to start missing stuff I would still be around for another 2 months right?? Even so, with this in mind, my eyes were opened to another set of options.

Around this time, I was offered a position to stay at Middle Ground for another semester. This would add 6 more months onto what began as a short 4 month stay in Haiti. If you had told me that I would even consider this option last August, I would probably laugh and dismiss it. But now, it’s becoming a reality.

I have decided to take this once in a lifetime opportunity to continue broadening my knowledge and awareness of Haiti and malnutrition. I know that this is the right decision because it wasn’t difficult to make. Once I finally said the words out loud, that I would be living in Haiti for another 6 months, I immediately felt at peace.

I am not making this decision because it’s easy, as it’s anything but that. I know that I will continue to face emotions and devastation that months ago, I didn’t know was possible, but God is guiding me through it all. I don’t fear for the future because I know that He is protecting me. Any challenge I face is only building the fire of passion that I feel for these children who are going through more pain than I will ever know. Watching these babies fight malnutrition has truly given me a new purpose and I will continue to do all that I can for this cause. As Middle Ground says… I will fight what you are fighting, and to the babies who have lost the fight, we will continue it for them.