Haiti Day 1!

Day 1: wow....i came here with no expectations at all! It has truly been a joy and blessing the few short hours that we've been here. Coming on this trip I was extremely scared for the devastation and oppression I would see. It was a new place that'd I'd never been and I was extremely unsure about it! I am already overwhelmed by the greatness and beauty of this place. Here's the day in review: we landed in Port Au Prince and got all of our bags and headed to the bus! The drive from the airport to the orphanage where we are staying was about 25 minutes. I have been in some pretty poverty stricken communities and I have never seen or felt the devastation and oppression I felt while riding on that bus. There were times I couldn't even look at out the window because of the darkness I felt. It was an overwhelming feeling of darkness. I was getting really nervous and unsure about my safety for the week. Stan(guy who works for mission discovery) said, "Wait until we arrive at New Life Children's Home." I overheard him and had a little bit of hope! Well after the drive and darkness I was not feeling at peace, then this large gate opened and I was amazed at what I saw. It was like we were entering heaven. We got off the bus and there were kids everywhere. I was so excited! We got all settled in and then we were free to hang with the kids! I was just walking around checking it all out. There are several kids who are severally disabled and I knew they just needed love! We all were surrounding them and loving on them! I felt the presence of the Lord in a whole new way! My heart was melting for each kid! I loved seeing everyone on our team just interact with the kids! I was walking around playing with kids but didn't really connect with any of them. Then, I found the most precious little girl, Islande! She is about 2 and so adorable! We played on the swing, played on the ground with a ball, and just walked around! I sat down for a rest for my hurt knee and she fell asleep in my arms! I looked down and just felt so much love! I saw the picture of what it looks like when Christ holds us in His arms! I got up and walked around and Kristin said, "how many times do you think she's every felt asleep in someone else's arms?" That question broke my heart! I was forever connected with this sweet precious child of God! I already can't wait to see her tomorrow! Then we had dinner and just hung out! After that we had worship and then small groups! We broke up into girls and guys and the girls had some good discussion! Loved hearing how God provided for everyone to get here and what they were already feeling after being here for a few hours! I am excited and expectant for what God has in store! Please continue to pray for our team and I will try to blog as much as I can! Pictures will be posted to facebook on my page! 

Our verse for the week:  "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 

.:peace. Love. And hancakes:.