In Septemeber 2008, I traveled 6000 miles to Haiti's Kenscoff mountains. My mission: to care for some of the orphaned and abandoned, the sick, malnourished and premature infants of this beautiful but beleagured Caribbean nation.





Wednesday 1 April 2009

Four Weeks Today

For 8 years, my heart burned with a desire to work in the developing world. For 4 years, I prayed fervently that God would open up a path for me to serve long-term in missions. Two months ago, out of the blue, he did just that.

When Dixie Bickel first put the proposal of a permanent contract in front of me, I couldn't believe she really meant it. When she told me she really did, I was quite incredulous, and drew back in fright at the vision taking shape in front of me.

In my defence, I had surrendered to God's timing. I'd thought he would grant my prayer piece by piece over the next few years, not all at once, and I was caught unprepared.

I said no. I said I don't know. I said let me think about it. It was a book of Acts Chapter 12 moment. So many prayers sent up without really expecting God to come through. And then he did.

Thankfully he has seen it all before, and is gracious. Actually, come to think of it, there have been patient, understanding people all around me. There still are, and I am so thankful to them all for giving me time and space, when I needed it, to think, and pray.

For several weeks, I slept fitfully, but that has passed now. God spoke to me in his still, small voice and calmed every doubt and addressed every fear.

Four weeks today I expect to wake up in Haiti. I will stay there and do the work I love for as long as I want, because I asked, and God said yes.

Now, please pray that he would sanctify my heart, my mind and my will, and that he would bless me with all the love, patience and gentleness and all the knowledge, wisdom and skill I will need for the task ahead.

"I have made no secret of your faithful and steadfast love....You lord, have not withheld your tenderness from me." Psalm 40:10-11

14 comments:

Hillcrest CRC Haiti Mission Team said...

That's awesome! So cool! I'll get to meet you then- I'm coming for 4 weeks in July
Kristin Vanderwell

Stephanie said...

How exciting! I have missed your updates and look forward to hearing about the wonderful ways God will continue to use you in the lives of His littlest ones.

Salzwedel Family said...

That is great news! It is so amazing to be following God's plan for your life. I will pray for you as you prepare for this journey.

BSC said...

I don't know why but I'm just crying tears for you. I'm so happy for you and all of the little babies you will be blessing with your skills. Wow!!!!

Blessings,
Beth in Nova Scotia

Catherine said...

Now I understand.... ;-)))))) this so great, I love the idea of you beeing a link between my daughter and I, even if it is a silent link, but it is a beautifull link... you are in our lives and heart since the end of august... please, continue to do this wonderfull job that He asked you to achieve.... be in Nadège's life and all GLA's children's lives, this is sooooo important.
Many blessings and thank you.
Catherine (momy to Nadège)

Nikki said...

That's really amazing!

I am in a similar position to what you first mentioned- just waiting. In the mean time.. short term trips it is! I just got back from Ethiopia, leave for the DR in one month, and will be spending 2 weeks in Haiti over Christmas!

Lena Just Lena said...

Praying for you. Thank you for stepping up.

God bless.

nicnacpaddywac said...

I will miss you more than you know, but i think i understand. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful, caring and generous person in my life, and know that friendship will continue, even via temperamental Skype!

Annette in Vermont said...

Susan,
We are so excited that you are returning to GLA. God has gifted you to love and care for these children and it is a beautiful thing to witness through your blog. Thank you for answering His call to serve Him in Haiti. We look forward to meeting you when we come to being G-bebe home. We have missed your blog and feel like we already know you!!
Blessings!
Annette Franklin

Catherine said...

Hi Susan, do you already know when you leave to go back at GLA ? You must be soooo excited !!!! Can't wait to meet you overthere in some months ;-)
Catherine (Momy to Nadège)

Cécile said...

Congratulations, Susan ! What a great news !
Cécile from France

Anonymous said...

What will you be doing now? How exciting!

Kay said...

Wishing you the very best. Will keep myself updated on the great work you and the team are doing at GLA.
L.O.L Kay x.x.x.

Gwen said...

Wow - I didn't have any idea you were going back to GLA?!!! Praise the Lord for His work in Your life and the lives of all the precious babies/children at GLA!!
Thank You for heeding to God's call in your life! He knows best!
I have some catching up to do - reading your blog! : )
Many Blessings,
Gwen