Two Weeks Notice!

Ok you guys.. I have two weeks before I depart on my trip! TWO WEEKS! That is so crazy! I can't believe that it is two weeks away! I thought that time would drag on so slowly, but it has really passed quickly. In 14 days, I will be in Haiti, which will be my home for 127 days, or four months, or 19 weeks... whichever you fancy.

Things are finally starting to come together, and I feel like I'm finally getting close to leaving. I have made my "what to pack" list, my "what to buy" list, and I'm working on deciding what books I want to take to read while I'm there.

I went to the doctor today, and as many of you know, I absolutely HATE the doctor. Just stepping inside the building made my anxiety skyrocket! But thankfully, after 2 hours and 49 minutes, I got to leave and the doctor had only good news for me! We are trying new medicines, so hopefully in a few months I won't be as crazy (emotionally) as I am now. It should help my mood and hopefully, I won't cry as much :)

Today, I went to dinner with my sister and something she said made me leaving a lot more real! She mentioned that I was going to miss all kinds of trashy TV that I LOVE to watch! As much as I'm ready to get out of the habit of turning the TV on whenever I'm bored, it kind of hit me that I won't get to know what happens on Big Brother, or Hell's Kitchen or some other crappy show that is pointless to watch any way. I know that sounds super dumb to even think about missing a stupid TV show, but it really hit me today, that I'm leaving so soon! I know that once I'm there, I won't even have time to think about TV or the other comforts of home, and I am so excited for that!

A lot of people have asked me what I'm going to do when I get back. I have NO clue, and I really want to keep it that way until I get back. The Lord is going to reveal to me what my future holds when it is His time, and I would rather not try to figure it out now. I know that I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do right now, and that is all that really matters to me. I am so excited to see what He does while I'm in Haiti and when I get back.

If you can think of the little things that I need to remember to take with me on my trip, please tell me! I am so forgetful, and I definitely don't want to forget anything to pack!

Oh, and if you are in Nashville August 7th, we are having a little get together to say farewell at 3 pm in Centennial Park! Let me know if you want to come!

The most nerve-racking talk of my life.

So, as I shared in my last post... I'M GOING TO HAITI! It is exactly 4 weeks from today and I will be on a plane flying to Miami then on to Port-Au-Prince!

As many of you know, I was TERRIFIED to tell my parents about what I wanted to do. I didn't think they would be too thrilled about me telling them that I wanted to spend 5 months in Haiti. When I went in October for 5 days, they weren't too excited. I had talked to my sister about it, and she said to be prepared for the absolute worst. And that is what I did. I had all of these awful situations played out in my head, but I kept praying that the Lord would soften their hearts and they would accept it and maybe even be supportive.

I knew my parents were about to go on vacation, so I had very limited time to tell them. I figured I would ask my mom to cook me dinner while my dad was home and then I could tell them after we ate. Well the day I wanted to do it, they decided to go to the lake with Dawn and Jimmy. So I left, and prayed that when I got home they would still be awake and I would be able to talk to them.

So they tell me they are home so I leave my friends and go to my house. On my way, an old friend from college calls me and tells me that he is in Nashville for one night. Of course, it had to be that night. Every ounce of me wanted to turn around and go visit him, but I knew that I needed to tell my parents. I prayed the entire way home and took a deep breathe before I went inside.

I walked in and they were watching a re-run of CSI:Miami, and I knew that this was the perfect set up because I wouldn't be interrupting anything they were doing. I small talked them for a second then told them that I needed to talk. Automatically my dad got this look on his face, which I call his "thinking face." This face terrifies small children. I felt this calming warmth over me, and I began to talk.

I told them that I was young, single, and unemployed so what better time to go out of the country for a few months then now! I presented it like I was "studying abroad." I told them about the orphanage I would be helping with, and how I would be living with Greg and Michelle. All I needed to do was raise $800 for a plane ticket and $500 a month for food and other necessities.

My mom started crying, and my dad just stopped and was silent for a minute. At that point, I didn't feel nervous or anything, but I was a little worried for a few seconds. Then my dad looked at me and said "I mean, I'm ok with that." He had questions about my safety, but he was overall supportive. My mom didn't say a thing the entire time, and I'm pretty sure she's not too excited about it, but I think she understands why I want to go.

Then came the biggest shocker I've had in a while: My dad doesn't want me to fundraise for my plane ticket, and is paying for it!

There is no way that this would've happened without the Lord. It is such a great affirmation to know that I'm doing what is inside of His will. He is so sovereign, and I am so excited to tell the whole world of his love.

It is finally coming to reality that I'm actually going. I've known for a long time that it is what I need to do, and now that I actually have approval of my parents and a plane ticket... It is an absolute crazy feeling. I'm so excited to see what the Lord is going to do through this trip.

I'm so so so so so so excited to go. I'm also a bit terrified. Moving away to a country where I don't speak the language and know 4 people is a little nerve-racking, but I know the Lord will give me peace.

It is quickly coming close to my leaving date, and my friends are starting to talk about me leaving, which is sad, but I know that what I'm going to be doing is so much bigger than what I could be doing staying in Nashville. The Lord is definitely going to be in every part of this journey, and I'm so excited to see what else He is going to do through me!

Indeed, I count everything as

loss because of the surpassing

worth of knowing Christ Jesus

my Lord. For his sake I have

suffered the loss of all things

and count them as rubbish, in

order that I may gain Christ.

Philippians 3:8

BIG BIG BIG NEWS!

I'M GOING TO HAITI!!!

I was finally able to tell my parents, and they were surprisingly supportive. I never thought in a million years they would allow me, much let support my dream of going to Haiti!

I leave August 9th and return December 12th! I'm pretty sure I'll be having a going away party so I'll let you know when it's figured out!

Please be in prayer for me as I prepare to go and serve the Lord!