Where He leads...

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my job with Family Health Ministries... though my journey in Haiti actually started in 2011. And I've now lived here for over 2.5 years. Longer than I've lived in any one place since starting my missionary journey almost 10 years ago.

Coming back from my Christmas break was strange. This is the first time since working in Haiti full-time that I've returned for such a short duration. From touching down in Port au Prince on January 2nd, I'd be flying out again in exactly two months and one day. March 3rd. That's my "end" date. Or "break" date. Or... well, I don't exactly know what to call it! People have read my latest update or heard it through the grapevine that I'm leaving and I've been bombarded with questions. "Why are you leaving?" "Are you leaving for good?" "What are you doing next?" And honestly, I can't completely answer any of those questions... but I will try...

Why am I leaving?

My main answer to this question is typically... I need a break. I can feel it. I have begun to recognize the symptoms of burnout and I'm willing to acknowledge that a break would do me some good. As I mentioned in my November update, I have learned a lot these past couple years as I've served in Haiti. I've been on some incredible adventures and experienced so much of the Haitian culture and have mostly loved every part of it. But there have been many challenges too, and I suppose those are the parts of it that seem to get heavier with time and you have to eventually figure out a way to exist under that weight and still be effective. One of the things that I have learned is that I would be more effective in Haiti (or a similar environment) serving with a community of believers who have a similar vision for reaching the lost and discipling other believers. I've kinda been a lone ranger for the past two years, serving with great organizations in Haiti, but really being the only one within those organizations with a missionary mindset. So I'm leaving because I need a break and I want to take some time (physically outside of Haiti) to recharge my batteries, reflect on my time here, and renew my vision of what it means for me to be effective for the Kingdom as I go forward.

Am I leaving for good?

While I don't know the future, I'm not planning to leave Haiti for good. In fact, I'll probably be back on a trip this summer if not before. But I don't know if I will serve long-term in Haiti again in the near future. As you know I have a strong connection with the children's home I've been helping with. I plan to continue to help them as I'm able, even from a distance. There is still a lot I can do to raise awareness and funds when I'm stateside, and I plan to check in regularly to keep up with how the kids are doing and what the current needs are. There are other opportunities to serve here with Christian organizations that I trust and who have a great community of missionaries serving together. But we'll just see what God wants to do. First step... get on the plane March 3rd and let God lead me to those still waters for some refreshment. I can feel my mind becoming clearer just thinking about that. :)

What's next?

I have no idea. But I'm so excited for whatever it is! A few things are certain... I'll spend as much time as I can catching up with family and friends... I'll attend a conference or two on subjects that I'm passionate about... and I'll explore possible options that include a range of opportunities like serving short-term in the States, furthering my education, and looking into future possibilities to serve abroad with a missions organization. The thought of leaving Haiti and never serving here again for a long duration of time is hard to process. For one, I have invested so much here, especially in terms of learning the language and culture. Imagining starting all over in another country and having to learn a language much more difficult is intimidating. But I know that as I trust in the Lord, He will lead me right where I'm supposed to go. And He will help put all those pieces together, just as He has done for me so many times before. I'm reminded again of one of my favorite Scriptures, telling me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not try to figure it all out on my own.

I definitely appreciate your prayers as I try to finish strong these next few weeks. We have found someone to take my place here at the guesthouse, and I'll begin to train her mid-February. In the meantime, I'll be doing my job to care for the guests, prepare the staff for the transition, and of course spend as much time as I can with the kids at the children's home and the other families here who are so dear to my heart. I want to thank all of you who have been so faithful to support me in prayer and in many other ways as I've been adventuring with the Lord on the mission field. You have seen the work that God has done in my life and have encouraged me from that first assignment in Mexico until now. God has blessed me with so many new friends along the way, and I'm thankful for each of you and how God has used to you brighten my days and keep my spirit lifted! I'm looking ahead with anticipation and look forward to sharing with you my next steps... as soon as I know them! ;)

(This is a post I wrote for FHM's blog.) Cooking up meat in Haiti is not as simple as removing it from its package and throwing it on the grill or in the oven. Because much of the meat is purchased in the outdoor market, there are some extra steps for "cleaning" it.

Haitian cooks take a lot of time when preparing chicken to remove all the skin and any extra fat. They will then scrub each piece with limes and set them aside. After the thorough rub down, they will pour boiling water over the chicken and let it sit for about a minute. After they drain and rinse the chicken, they'll add more lime juice and seasoning and then begin the cooking process.

In countries like Haiti where most families don't have refrigerators and the meat is not always kept cold between the farmer and the market, these are important extra steps to protect against bacteria. According to many Haitian cooks, meat isn't properly cooked without these steps. When I managed a guesthouse in Croix des Bouquets, our cook looked on with horror as I cooked up some chicken for a casserole. I had purchased imported chicken at a grocery store, took it out of the package, cut it up, and tossed it directly in the skillet. It took a while (especially in my broken Creole back then) to explain to her that this was ok and the chicken would be edible and wouldn't make us sick. I can't remember if she ate any of the casserole...

I'm so thankful not only for the delicious meals that Yvette cooks, but the care that she takes to prepare each one. Whether she is serving up a salad, meat, or anything in between, we can all enjoy her meals in peace knowing that they are safe to eat. And did I mention delicious?!

Haiti has many needs.

Better infrastructure. A unified government. Education for all. Food security for impoverished families. More and better jobs. The list goes on...

These needs are evident in the statistics we read about Haiti:

78% of Haitians are poor and live on less than $2 a day.
54% of Haitians live in extreme poverty (less than $1 a day)
Half of children under the age of 5 are malnourished.
Over 7% of children die at birth.
Over two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs.
Half of children under 5 are malnourished.
Over 7% of children die at birth.
50% of primary school age children are not enrolled in school.
One-third of girls over six never go to school.
37.9% of the population is unable to read or write

I'm grateful to serve with an organization like Family Health Ministries who is helping to change these statistics. The medical services and educational opportunities we provide certainly are making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. 2015 will be another exciting year for us as we break ground on the Family Health Center in Leogane and finish construction on the birthing center in the mountains of Fondwa. Even more Haitians will have access to life-saving surgeries and have a safe place to deliver their babies.

Even with all of these great projects, I'm convinced that one of Haiti's biggest needs is for prayer. Prayer that our big and sovereign God will protect this fragile nation and appoint leaders who will have the wisdom and vision to make positive and sustainable changes to improve Haiti now and for years to come. Prayer for Haiti's vulnerable children and families who are struggling to hold onto hope that things will get better. Prayers that Haiti can finally begin to break free from the shackles of her past and into a future that is bright with opportunity and progress and peace.

Here's a video and prayer that I love from Operation World. Will you join me in praying this for Haiti??

Winding down

As we approach the end of the year, things are slowing down here at the guesthouse. I'll only have a handful of guests between now and December 17th when I fly home for a two week break. This year has flown by but I have really enjoyed my time with Family Health Ministries. We've hosted around 300 guests this year. No wonder I'm feeling tired! :) Even with all the guests I've been able to find time to visit with the kids at Hope For Life Children's Home, spend time with other missionaries here, and travel around Haiti a bit. It's been a unique year of reflecting on what I've been involved with in Haiti up to now and how God is shaping me for the future.

Plans for 2015

While most of next year is still up in the air, I do know one piece of the puzzle. I will finish up my position as In-Country Coordinator for FHM by the end of February. This was a decision I made after much prayer and consideration. My contract with FHM ends at the end of 2014 but I have offered to come back after Christmas and help them interview, hire, and train a new person for this position. We hope to hire someone by February 1st and I will overlap with him or her for the month of February. After that handover my plan is to head back to Tennessee for a few months. My time home for Christmas will be sweet but very short. I'm looking forward to a longer time at home next Spring to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy a time of refreshment. So if I don't see you in December, I hope we can get together then!

Some specific plans while home next Spring:

A one week sabbatical in a quiet cabin in the woods. During this time I will unplug from the world and draw near to the Lord in prayer and study of His Word. I'll also use the week to work through some re-entry material I have for missionaries coming back from the field.
I plan to attend the Christian Alliance for Orphans' Summit in Nashville April 30 - May 1. I'm looking forward to learning from organizations and individuals who are helping orphans and vulnerable children around the world with wise and gospel-centered approaches.
I will be praying through ministry opportunities that I already know about and any new ones that I may find and trust that in God's timing, He will lead me to whatever is next.

It's been the best year hanging out with all the kiddos at Hope For Life! I'm so thankful for the progress we've been able to see there this year... new mattresses, more food, a new well, a finished church floor, painted classrooms, new textbooks, a mama cow, and more! One of their biggest needs right now is for more monthly sponsors. For more information on how you can help click here.

Click here to read the rest of my update...

(This is a post I wrote for FHM's blog.) Many Haitian dishes are not complete without "pikliz". I'm a Southern gal and cole slaw is a common side dish where I'm from. Well, pikliz looks similar to cole slaw but less creamy and a lot more spicy! Haitians use it as a relish to spice up their dish, taking as much as they want to add some flavor and zing to their rice, meat, and veggies. It's commonly eaten with fried pork and fried plantains—one of my favorite dishes! I love eating it on top of fried plantains, fried breadfruit, fried sweet potatoes, fried akra... you get the drift. :)

Here's the basic recipe, though you can find many variations online.

1/2 medium head of green cabbage
2 large carrots
1 oz shallots
1/4 cup onions
3 thinly sliced Habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup white vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper

*Some common additions: a pinch of ground cloves, shredded turnip, thinly green and red peppers

Shred the vegetables into very thin slices about 2 to 3 inches long. Mix them together and sprinkle the salt and pepper over them. Remove the seeds from the Habanero peppers, slice them into thin circle slices, and place them into the freshly squeezed lime juice. (Be careful handling the hot peppers!) Mix everything together and enjoy!

In Haiti this dish is often made and served fresh. But many recipes recommend that you pickle it for at least 4 hours. Simpy pack all the vegetables into a glass jar, alternating layers of vegetables and a few slices of pepper and lime juice. Pour the white vinegar over everything to cover the vegetables. Cover the jar and let it pickle for at least 4 hours. Pikliz is at its peace after 1 or 2 days of pickling. Refrigerate it if kept more than one day.

As I mentioned, the internet offers several variations to this popular Haitian side dish. You can't really mess up this recipe. Use whatever amount of hot peppers you want. Some people like onions in their pikliz, some don't. Make it your own! And enjoy!!

For a good fried plantain recipe, click here.

My sister successfully made some pikliz for a dinner with her book club. They were reading Haitian author Edwidge Danticat's Claire of the Sea Light.

Yvette's pikliz (she makes the best!) served on top of fried plantains. Yum!

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” Philippians 2:5

I woke up realizing I needed a bit of an attitude adjustment today. I was already complaining about early morning calls and visitors (no calls and visitors before 7am please and thank you!), the staff not doing things exactly as I would (you mean people don't read minds?), and just feeling ready for my Christmas break coming in 26 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes (not that I'm counting...)

Fact #1: This missionary gets tired.
Fact #2: Sometimes this missionary isn't her best for herself or others.

Truth to live by... DAILY: My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

I found this devotion and spent some time asking God to search my heart for the source behind my negativity this morning. Sometimes I'm tired, stretched too thin, feeling burned out. These are things I need to ask God to help me deal with. They are not an excuse for a poor attitude. I need to ask Him to replace my pride with humility, my complaining with gratitude, my selfishness with generosity, my bitterness with kindness...

And of course I'll share the devotion with you in case your Friday morning is feeling like a Monday morning! Choose joy, kindness, and gratitude today. Your attitude will thank you for it. And so will everyone else around you! Breathe deep. It's a new day.

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

To read the devotion, click here: www.proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/attitude-adjustment

[This is the third post in a series I wrote for FHM's blog of my favorite places in Haiti. My two previous posts are about Kokoye Beach and Rustik.]

Jacmel is about 30 miles from Leogane. The two towns are separated by a steep and curvy mountain road that is not for the faint of heart—or stomach. You are, however, rewarded with breathtaking mountain views all along the way.

In the mid-1800s, Jacmel was an important port town, used by many traders between the Caribbean and Europe. Many of the buildings in downtown Jacmel are over 100 years old and were built with a unique Creole style architecture similar to styles I've seen in the French Quarter, New Orleans. And similar to New Orleans, Jacmel gets its influx of tourists around Mardi Gras time, called Kanaval. Jacmel is known for its colorful celebrations and parades, complete with incredible papier-mâché masks and decorations. Just in the past year, Jacmel has invested in some beautiful improvements including a tourist-friendly waterfront promenade showcasing the tile work of local artists. And of course there are plenty of shops throughout the downtown area selling all of the local crafts.

If you've traveled to Haiti with FHM, there's a good chance you've at least made a stop in Jacmel. And if you haven't visited yet, be sure to take a day to go explore this artists' town. You'll be glad you did!

The view from Cap Lamandou Hotel. If you're on a budget, don't stay there... just go for a nice meal. They have tasty cheeseburgers of all things!

Coterelle Breeze is a peaceful and very affordable place to stay. It's a little further outside of Jacmel but well worth the extra travel time.

Just two miles from Coterelle Breeze is Ti Mouillage Beach. They have bungalows near the water and also let you spend the day there if you order from their kitchen.

A fresh catch from the Ti Mouillage kitchen. DE-LICIOUS!

Hotel Cyvadier is a bit pricier when it comes to an overnight stay, but the view of the cove is spectacular and their food is delicious and very affordable. We often go just for a meal.

Surf Haiti is a neat organization in Haiti that offers some great programs for the local kids and youth. You can also stay there overnight and/or rent surfboards for the day.

And when you visit Jacmel, of course take time to go visit Bassin Bleu!

Jacmel Fun Fact:
Jacmel was the first town in the Caribbean to have telephones and potable water.

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