Hey, what’s up, hello world, it’s Abby. I’m mosquito bitten, probably sun-burned, and bruised but hey, we’re in Haiti so all is well.
Coming into this trip, I was in a very different place than last year. The two weeks leading up to the trip, I honestly didn’t even want to come. I had just lost my grandfather and my grandma was back in the hospital with a broken hip and other medical conditions. Just starting the grieving process, I was angry, confused, and hurt. I had no idea how I was going to pour into these beautiful people when my cup was so empty and felt so broken.
But immediately on night 1, God showed me exactly who He was. He really and truly is a God who meets us exactly where we are and can use us even when we feel so useless. As long as we just trust in Him, He will find ways to shine through us. And that, was so encouraging. As soon as we got to Haiti, I was content. Sure, I miss home (and of course my dogs) but there’s just something about this place that is so special that makes me feel so at peace. Seeing the orphans completely light up as we walked through the gates, reminded me exactly why I’m here. Their smiles are so genuine and so pure.
Today we split up into our groups and my group had construction for the first part of the day. We helped pour cement to finish up laying a foundation. Construction is not only physically challenging, but it’s mentally challenging as well. Not being able to see instant results can be frustrating at times. But as I found myself getting a little frustrated, I just kept thinking that this is teaching us to look at the big picture. We might not feel like we’re doing much, but one day when the building is finished, it will house elderly people who need to escape for the night because they don’t feel safe in their homes. It puts into perspective how God works in our lives. We don’t always understand why certain things happen (sometimes there’s simply no explanation) and we question what God is doing in our lives, but that’s because we are so focused on the here and now. We need to just step back, take a deep breath, and realize the picture is so much bigger than the time of struggle we are going through. God is so much bigger than the hurt and the pain that we feel.
God truly uses this trip to break our hearts for what breaks His. As we played with kids today at VBS, they quickly attached to us. All they wanted was a hand to hold, someone to hug, and just someone to love on them. So many of these kids don’t have that. They don’t have someone to go home to and tell them how loved they are or how much they matter. So just a simple hug and a simple smile means the world to them and that is something we so often take for granted in America.
God is doing big, big things in Haiti. The way God can move even in the midst of so much darkness in so inspiring and breath-taking. I am so incredibly proud of my team and the way they are shining Christ’s light. I’m so thankful to be able to serve aside such wonderful people.
Much love,
Abby
P.s. Dixie and Buddy, I miss you. IF KARA OR VERONICA ARE READING THIS, PLEASE COMMENT AND TELL ME IF VERONICA GETS ENGAGED. Logan, enjoy all of your shows, super proud of ya. Gigi and Bill, thanks for all the comments and support. I love y’all lots. Mom & Dad, love you and I’m so thankful to call you my parents and have you as role models. I love y’all so so much, my dudes. See you soon!!!
P.S.S Tori’s parents: is Brexley okay?? Is she alive?? Thanks
P.S.S.S Lex’s parents, – this is lex, are you reading this?? Lemme know cause I haven’t heard from you
