Where He leads...: 2012

This is perhaps the "advice" I hear most often when the time draws near for my next departure to the mission field. Of course my response is always something like, "I will try my best," and that is a sincere reply. But the topic of safety, in general, makes my head swirl like those vanilla-chocolate mix ice cream cones! Now for many of you who have spoken those words to me--and probably in the last couple of days--hear me out...

Is Haiti "safe"? No. Was Namibia "safe"? No. But God graciously kept me under His hand of protection throughout my 7 months in Haiti and 18 months in Namibia. At the same time, I have other precious friends in both of these locations during those same months who have much different stories to tell. Does that mean they weren't also under God's protection? Of course not! But I am constantly reminded to give all thanks to God for His provision and I never want to take one second of His care for granted.

I'm not driven by safety. Yes, I have a brain and I consider it to be an intelligent one, but I suppose I am still a risk taker. I want to live life, experience every ounce of it, and when it comes to my faith and surrendering to God's call on my life, I want to be completely free to follow after His plan without being weighed down by worry and fear.

No, I am not superhuman. Many of the same thoughts and rationalizations enter my mind as they enter most of yours. Of course I think about what it means to live in a country with a severe rate of poverty and I know that desperation can be a breeding ground for some really bad stuff. So what's my alternative? Don't go? Stay in my comfy bed, safe from the evils of this world? And then that leads to my next question... Is America "safe"? I think we can all agree on that answer, especially in light of recent events. Yes, perhaps the "chances" are an -nth degree higher that "x" might happen to me in Haiti rather than the U.S., but my tomorrow here in America is just as uncertain. Goodness knows my own family is all too aware of that fact. And I suppose that's why James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Well, if my life is but a vapor, I'm determined to spend it wisely (by God's standards), to the fullest, and for Kingdom purposes! And I am convinced that if safety is my priority in this life, those things will not be accomplished.

I was encouraged by a reading in Acts tonight and immediately I had the urge to compose this blog entry. Paul writes in Acts 20:22-23, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." Wow... prison and hardships! Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Now catch verse 24... "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

What a man of faith and such determination to serve the Lord! The only thing Paul knew for certain was that chains and afflictions await Him! But that didn't stop him--not even a moment of hesitation! Paul's priority was not safety. His priority was going where God led Him and telling a lost and dying world about the Saving Grace who is our Lord Jesus Christ. (If you aren't familiar with the many trials and sufferings Paul faced, check out 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.)

Of course it is my prayer (as I know it is yours) that I never have to face even a fraction of the hardships faced by Paul. How dreadful the thought. And I think prayers for safety and protection are valid prayers and prayers God delights in answering. Please know how incredibly appreciative and humbled I am for the prayers that any of you utter on my behalf! But I can't ignore the testimony of Paul's life and his devotion to the Lord whatever the cost. Even my own Savior was beaten and murdered in fulfillment of His purpose. And as I think about Jesus and Paul and many other pillars of our faith, I wonder what their reaction would have been to someone insisting that they "Be careful!" An interesting thought to ponder. (You can actually read Paul's response to one such occurrence in Acts 21:13-14.)

Bottom line... I have to go to Haiti, "safe" or not. I'm compelled to go, and I wouldn't be satisfied doing anything else at this moment. God has opened this door for me for 2013 and I'm going to run through it! I am so excited for what God has planned for this time back in Haiti!

Again, I do thank you for your prayers... for safety, for guidance, for patience, for boldness... however you are led to pray, I am truly grateful. I've said this before, but I don't know that I've ever written it out, I also ask for you to pray for my family--my parents especially. I can only imagine what it's like to see your daughter--still a little girl in your eyes despite the fact that she's in her third decade of life--hop on a plane for a country you've yet to see with your own eyes and of which you haven't always heard the most pleasant reports. Pray that God will fill them with a peace that passes understanding as they do the only thing they can do by placing me in the Lord's care and trusting Him as He leads my life. I truly will try my best to be careful, which for me means the obvious--paying attention to my surroundings, following the advice of those who know Haiti better than I do, traveling with others, learning the language, and generally not doing anything stupid.

I'll close with one of my favorite parts from the whole of C.S. Lewis' Narnia collection. Little Susan is listening to Mr. Beaver describe Aslan the lion who she will soon meet. Nervously, Susan asks, "Is he--quite safe?" To which Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

Safety in the life of a Christian is not guaranteed, but the goodness of God is.

Oswald Chambers wrote, "Faith never knows where it is being led, but it knows and loves the One who is leading." I do not know what the next year will bring. I have an idea of what it may look like, but even if it's altogether different, it's okay. I'm following after God, whom I know and love--and who knows and loves ME--and truly that is all that matters.

Today I had a special reunion with two of my favorite African gals Lily and Ariane. I met Lily at The King's Academy where I used to teach and be a dorm mom back in 2006. Last year I was a guest speaker in one of the classes and Lily introduced herself to me. She and her twin sister Ariane are from Rwanda. We all spent some time getting to know each other last year. I was especially touched hearing stories of their family's miraculous survival and faith during the Rwandan genocide. The girls were just infants at the time.

I can't believe how quickly this year has passed by! It was this time last year since I had seen the girls. I wanted to make sure we got together before I left for Haiti. I thought it would be fun to do something different and go to Circle G Ranch, a place I've only recently heard of not far from where I live. They invited their friend Josyan, also from Rwanda. On our way there, we realized that they had actually gone there in April. That was a bit of a bummer as I had hoped to take them to do something they'd never done before. But they said it was fun and seemed to still be happy for a girls' outing. I was excited as I hadn't been on a safari since Africa! :)

We got there, met a nice man named Raymond, and bought a few buckets of feed. All I knew about this place is they have a bunch of animals, I would be driving my car through the park, and the furry beasts would be coming up to the window to say hello and have a snack. What I didn't realize was how trained these animals were to the situation and how many of them would all try to stick their head inside the car at the same time! I also didn't know an interesting fact about my sweet friends... you can catch that one for yourself in the video at the end of all these photos...

The llamas or alpacas or whatever they are were chasing after the car the whole time!

I loved the baby zebras! There was another one even smaller than this one.

I was excited to see a Highland cow--or Heilan' coo as they call them in Scotland!

"Get my good side!"

This is as close as they would get!

Hungry goats...

And now a short video for your viewing pleasure. This is nothing special, but I wanted you to get a better idea of our perspective...

I'm currently collecting beads and jewelry supplies to take down to Haiti in January. I plan to teach the older kids at the orphanage and maybe some ladies in the neighborhood how to make earrings. If you have any beads/supplies to donate or want to donate Hobby Lobby gift cards let me know! This is a fun and unique way to get involved in ministry in Haiti! :) Email me at hannahsterling@live.com for more info.

This photo is from Namibia when my friends Margie and Maddie Gilham and I taught some ladies how to make necklaces. We had such a sweet time together!

What: Hannah's leaving for the mission field... again!
Where: Leogane, Haiti
When: January 4th to mid-December 2013
Why: Well, hopefully you already know that I love Jesus and want to be part of making disciples in Haiti!
How: That's where you come in!

In less than 6 weeks I'm heading back to Haiti. I'm so thankful to be home for the holidays this year, but I'm really excited to get back down to a country that has quickly stolen my heart. My departure date is January 4th and my soon-to-be coworkers are anticipating my arrival and are ready to put me to work as the Safe Water/Maternal Child Health Intern.

YOU ARE INVITED...

TO PRAY!

I need prayer warriors who will commit to praying for me regularly as I tackle the tasks set before me. My internship with Children's Nutrition Program will be outside my normal realm of experience, but I believe in their programs and I'm trusting God to equip me for this assignment. I'd appreciate your prayers in this way, that I would be able to quickly dive in and do all that is required of me in this upcoming role. Safe water and nutrition are what most of us consider basic necessities... and also what we often take for granted. Unfortunately, for most of the world, these are luxuries! I've seen dozens of malnourished children in Haiti so far, and it breaks my heart to know that so many children in that impoverished nation will not survive if help does not come to them soon! I've shared this statistic before that 20,000 children die each day before their 5th birthday. I've also seen a statistic for Haiti as high as 44 children dying each hour.

Not only am I passionate about wanting every nation and tribe to know about God and the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, but I think everyone should have access to clean water and the information and resources they need to keep their families healthy. Thank you for praying for me and for the individuals and communities I will be trying to help within these programs. And pray also as I share my life with the Haitian people. It is my prayer that Jesus will be evident in all that I say and do, and that my work in Haiti will go much further than just physical healing.

TO GIVE!

I am on my way to reaching my goal of $3750 (=$250 monthly need + $750 outgoing need). That amount will cover my expenses for the entire year, including plane tickets, medical insurance, application of one-year visa, and items I am purchasing in advance for my time in Haiti. As of today, I've raised and have pledges committed totaling $2,790. Thank you for all of you who have given towards this cause so far. It's been incredible to see how God continues to provide, even in just the last 24 hours!

Only $980 left to raise! God is good!!

If you feel led to give towards my year in Haiti, here are three easy options:

1: Mail a check to me at the address below.

Hannah Sterling

P.O. Box 4878

Maryville, TN 37802-4878

2. If you would like your gift to be tax-deductible, you can mail a check made out to "FBC Friendsville" with my name in the memo to the address below:

Friendsville First Baptist Church

403 N. Farnum St

Friendsville, TN 37737

3. You can give through PayPal by clicking on the button below. (Note: My PayPal account is registered under my jewelry business name "The Paper Bag".)

THANK YOU again for your prayers and support, not only during my time in Haiti but since God first called me to full-time ministry nearly 8 years ago. What an incredible journey I have had the privilege of living out since that night. And it's been a blessing to have so many of you walking beside me along the way. I appreciate you accepting the invitation to join me in this Kingdom work. And I'm reminded each day that it is not my ministry... it is first God's and then ours. Together, we CAN make a difference in the lives of people around the world, going out, making disciples, and teaching them about our Heavenly Father. And oh, how thankful I am that God is with me every step of the way, until the end of time! (Matthew 28:19-20).

I just returned from a quick visit to Haiti. When I left in August, I told my friends I would return as soon as possible. Originally I had planned to return in the fall for a few months. When that changed and my return moved to January, I still wanted to make a quick trip before then if possible. This trip was my fifth and shortest time in Haiti so far. Short as it was, it was just as sweet as always!

The main purpose of the trip was to see friends and deliver donations. Thanks to your help over 40 pairs of shoes were donated and several piles of fabulous children's clothes. I had casually put the word out that I may need help carrying everything down, and my friend Celeste took me up on the offer for a travel companion. I met Celeste on my first trip to Haiti with Samaritan's Purse in August last year. We were on a construction team together. She had been looking for an opportunity to get back down to Haiti and see the children at the "Lamb Center" orphanage (now named Greta Academy), and so she was excited to tag along.

We had a "fun" time getting to and from Haiti. We scored a great deal on our flights, but unfortunately it required an overnight on the way down and on the way back. Our journey in a nutshell: I drove to Chattanooga, met up with Celeste, we took the Megabus to Atlanta, grabbed the Marta to the airport, flew to Fort Lauderdale that night, slept (or at least tried!) in the airport, and boarded our 7:30am flight to Port au Prince Monday morning. Coming back we were scheduled for an early flight home but it was delayed four hours. We finally got to Fort Lauderdale, ate pizza and ice cream and waited around until our flight to Atlanta that night. We slept in the Atlanta airport--popular both for weary travelers and the homeless escaping the winter weather--took the Marta and froze waiting on the Megabus, and headed back to Chattanooga where I met up with some friends for church and then drove home in time to cook for our Thanksgiving meal at church that night. WHIRLWIND! But... let me get back to our time in Haiti...

Celeste and I were able to take down most of the donations and spent our time between orphanage visits and getting to know the staff at Children's Nutrition Program, or Kore Timoun as it's known in Haiti. We stayed at the CNP house which is where I will be living next year. It is located just a street away from where I stayed this summer. It will be great to be back in an area I know well and around so many familiar faces.

The two destinations we were looking forward to the most was the SP orphanage I mentioned and Children of Hope Orphanage. The kids at Greta were so thrilled to see Celeste! They remember her well as the one who danced with them and taught them the Macarena last year! We had a great time visiting with the kids, playing with the little crazy ones running around everywhere, and the ladies insisted we join them for a spaghetti lunch one of the days. Mayonnaise and ketchup are the required ingredients for most spaghetti dishes in Haiti. It's not as bad as it sounds. :)

Here are some photos from our time with the kids at Greta...

Israel has always been my little buddy. When I first came with SP, we'd always find each other out and it would usually end with him asleep in my arms. Now he's running around like a wild man who owns the place. Love him!

SP is rebuilding the orphanage and this is the nearly completed building that will operate as the orphanage, school, and church. They've set their dedication day for December 15th. I know they would appreciate your prayers that everything will come together on time. As you can imagine, projects in a third-world country are never without their obstacles and delays. So crazy to think that during my first visit to this site in August last year this was just a plot of dirt!

On Wednesday we spent some time at Children of Hope Orphanage. Most of the children's shoes and clothing went to these sweet kiddos. It was so good to see them again. Three months was too long without those hugs and kisses I love so much! Even Beni (my puppy friend) was glad to see me. Sadly, he's gotten scrawny again and is abused by the other dogs. Hopefully when I'm back next year I can keep him alive and healthy! Speaking of which, I wasn't excited about the condition of the children. Some of them looked worse than when I left in August. One in particular looked as if he'd lost 5 pounds. A medical team visited this week, so at least that's one step in the right direction. Those children need regular attention. I know Pastor Jean Mark loves the children and is doing the best he can do, but more is needed. I hope next year brings positive change and more help for these kids.

This is Adley. He's a new child at the orphanage and the younger brother of Dinio (my favorite) and Romerson. I'm still piecing together the full story of this family and I'm looking forward to getting to know Adley.

Celeste was a trooper all week! I never had my doubts. She's former military, marathon runner, was in the Peace Corps in Peru, and is always up for any challenge! She made the trip extra special and I'm so thankful she could come along! She has several more mission trips coming up next year. You can read about her adventures on her blog: http://celestegrisham.blogspot.com.

On Thursday, Lesly surprised us with a car. We had been taking taptaps and motos and walking wherever we needed to go. But having the car was a nice blessing! We went to the Samaritan's Purse base at Jax Beach and saw my dear friend Nina. Since we had the car, we drove out to Grand Goave in search of an organization called the Hands and Feet Project. We tried and failed last minute to get a local phone number for them, so we set out on our own to see what we could find. We called a friend who called a friend to meet us on the side of the road and lead us there. There was a huge sign off the main road, so it would have been easy to spot. Thankfully, they agreed to let us wanderers in. We spent about an hour chatting with Angie and Michelle, the two missionaries in charge there. I couldn't have imagined two better people for the job! They were so sweet and down to earth. Oh, and I highly recommend watching the Audio Adrenaline video "Kings and Queens" on the Hands and Feet website. Watching that video is what led Celeste to wanting to find this organization to begin with. Audio Adrenaline founded this organization in 2004 and it's going strong caring for 100+ orphans. After our visit with Angie and Michelle we headed across the street to Taina Beach. There is a restaurant there, quite overpriced, but the atmosphere is nice... right on the beach. Though we weren't prepared for swimming, Celeste and I couldn't resist and dove in anyways!

On our way back to Leogane we stopped at my friend Mersina's house. We were told she'd moved to her mom's house a little off the beach. We found her and she was overjoyed! She is always VERY excited to have visitors! Every time I take someone new, I warn them that she gets very excited and that she is VERY strong! She wants hugs, lots of them, and she will pull you down if you are not ready! We sat for a long time with my chair in front of her and her head in my life, death grip around me with her arms. Mersina can't walk due to medical issues she's had for years. My friends David and Anna came with a group the same week I was there and brought her down a wheelchair! I had been contacting organizations all summer to try and secure a wheelchair for her, but nothing had ever materialized. I was so thrilled when I heard the team could bring one down. You can see the photo below, smile on her face, in her new chair!

We did a lot of walking... and consequently, sweating! But I loved being out in the community. We got a few nights of rain, so it left us with some muddy paths. On Thursday we walked what we estimate to be 4.5-5 miles to the Samaritan's Purse orphanage. I don't even really know how that was decided. We could have taken a taptap or moto, but the next thing I knew, we were just walking the whole way!

On Friday we went by Pastor Jean Claude's orphanage to say hi to the 110 children there. I first met Pastor Jean Claude through my friend Kalebe who was the director of the Lamb Center. Kalebe knows of dozens of orphanages in the Leogane area. It was great to see these kids again. I haven't spent much time there, but this is another orphanage with many needs. Here are a few of many photos from that day...

This little gal is one of my favorites! Celeste's too I think! :)

This is Jonas. Some friends of mine had looked into adopting him. I made sure to take extra shots of him so I could show them how he's looking these days.

Like I said, this trip was short and sweet! But it was the perfect time to go and see how everyone was doing since I left in August. It was also a blessing for me to be able to see where I'll be living next year and start meeting some of my soon-to-be coworkers. I'm excited to get back down there in January and get rolling with my new duties with CNP! I'll be ready to hit the ground running and look forward to seeing how God wants to use me in my new role as the Safe Water and Child Maternal Health intern. I've got a lot to learn, but I know that God has been preparing me for this role and it is my prayer that everything I do will bring glory to HIM!

The following is a story I've been wanting to share for a couple months. It is about a dear friend of mine named Nova. I met Nova when I served as a missionary in Namibia. I've shared about Nova and her family in previous blog entries, but I wanted to write out this story since returning from my August visit to Namibia.

Nova is a waitress at a restaurant called Vintage. The first time I went to Vintage, neither myself nor my friend Linda had much cash on us. Nova confirmed I could pay with a card. When the time came to pay, however, my particular card was not accepted. The only option was for me to bring cash the next day to cover the remaining balance. I promised Nova I would. She was understanding and so sweet about the whole thing. In the meantime (I later learned), Nova had to cover the missing money with her own tip money. When I showed up the next day, Nova was delighted to see me and gave me a big hug! From that time on, every time I went to Vintage, I would ask to be sat in Nova's section. Or if I was given another waitress I would always ask for her and we'd chat for a while. Same sweet smile and big hug every time. Nova has such a special spirit about her. I would go with different friends and family to eat at Vintage, and everyone agreed.

A couple months later, I noticed she was pregnant. I asked her about it and though unmarried, she was very excited. I also found out she had another child as well, a son named Tudeski, who was about 9 years old at the time. That day I went out and started buying baby gifts for her. Apparently I was as excited as she was! I ordered a digital camera and had my mom and aunt bring it when they came for a visit. Every mother should be able to capture those special moments of her baby's life! I filled a diaper bag with all the goodies and we all went to Vintage for a delicious lunch and to deliver the gifts. Nova was nearly brought to tears. I later learned that I was one of two people who gave her a baby gift throughout her pregnancy. I can't even imagine that with all the fuss we do over mamas here in the States! After opening her gifts, Nova told me that I would name her baby! On one of the next visits, she told me that I would be there for the birth of her child!

Nova and I spent the next several months getting to know each other better. I would try to encourage her in her faith. I invited her to church and would often pick up her and her son to come with me. I would frequent Vintage as often as I could, take her out for dinner or to FHS, and spend time with Tudeski playing soccer with other kids. We even spent a weekend together at her grandparents' village a few hours away. I just as quickly fell in love with Ouma and Oupa as I did with Nova. By that time, the baby had finally decided to join us! On July 28, 2010 we were blessed with Baby Matthew! I named him after my brother. :)

Welcome Baby Matthew! :)

But all the above you may already know if you followed along with my adventures in Namibia. What I really want to share now is from my time with Nova in August...

If you are in ministry, as a pastor, missionary, or really any role where your desire is to help and influence people, you often wonder if you're ever actually making a difference. I often feel like my contribution to the world is a fraction of a drop in the ocean when I look around at all the needs around me. I spent 18 months in Namibia. Did I make a lasting impact? In the nation? No. In a city? No. In a community? Doubtful. In the lives of a few... or even one? Maybe. I certainly hope! And it wasn't until I took this return trip to Namibia that God revealed to me some of the seeds I did plant in fertile ground.

My friend Myra and Bruce picked me up from the airport when I arrived in Namibia. Their family was so dear to me during my time there. Myra knew Nova through my introduction. When I left, I asked her to check on her from time to time. I knew Myra was busy with her own ministries in Namibia, so I didn't expect her to spend as much time with Nova as I had. I was simply glad that others knew Nova and were around to visit her occasionally. One of the most difficult parts of leaving the mission field is wondering how our precious friends are going to continue on. They face so many challenges day to day. Will they stay strong in the faith? Will they go back to their old habits? It had been difficult to leave Nova and her family with all the unknowns ahead. And in the year and a half since I had left Namibia, I didn't know what to expect about how she had been doing.

On the ride from the airport, Myra began sharing about how God had been working in Nova's life. Several months after I left, Nova gave her life fully to the Lord. Myra was meeting with her weekly and they would study the Bible together. Nova began making some tough decisions in her life as she became serious about living for the Lord, including breaking off relationships that were holding her back, and standing up within her own family for Biblical values. With the help of a mentor in the church and another lady in her community, she started a weekly Bible study that is still going on today. She also recently began teaching Sunday School. I sat in the back of the car with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I hadn't known what to expect coming back. Hearing these things was such a blessing to my heart! We went by Vintage that afternoon and Nova and I had a tearful reunion. It would have been special regardless, but after just hearing all that God had been doing in her life and how she had been so faithful and obedient, I was extra emotional... praising the Lord for His goodness! Myra didn't share all the details, as she wanted Nova to tell me more in person how God had changed her and is using her. What a blessed time we had catching up throughout the week and hearing how God had been moving the past 18 months! And Baby Matthew... well, he's not much of a baby anymore! He's a sassy toddler and as adorable as always!

My return to Namibia was a blessing in so many ways. But my time with Nova takes the cake! There is nothing more validating in ministry than seeing fruit from a seed you planted... especially a seed you aren't sure if it really took root to begin with. I am all the more aware that it is God who does the growing, but what blessing to be used if even in the smallest way! (1 Cor 3:6-9) And I am so thankful for Myra, and Pam, and others who came alongside precious Nova and did the watering. Indeed, we are laborers together, sowing seeds, watering them, and trusting God for the harvest!

So I have to close with these hilarious photos!! During my last visit with Nova's family, I was sitting on the couch with Matthew and Tudeski. Matthew was on my lap and Tudeski was beside me. Somehow we started taking funny photos of Tudeski. I would show Matthew and of course he would have to try to copy them. Thus began quite an amusing photo session!!

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