Day 1 - Getting Here

I sit here tonight on my bed, pondering all that has brought me to this place again.  A little over a year ago, I traveled here, by myself, to find out even more about the wonderful organization that is Apparent Project.

Shelley and Corrigan not only welcomed me into their home but also into their lives.  I met the beautiful Haitian artisans and got to see how Apparent Project was changing their lives.  God did such an incredible work in my heart and life that week that when I left I really felt like I was leaving a piece of myself behind.

I boarded the plane to fly home and wondered if I would ever return.  What was God going to do with all that He had taught me?

While I was here last time, Russ was at home interviewing with Hickory Grove.  God, in His infinite grace and mercy allowed us to be a part of a new church family that has embraced Apparent Project with a passion.  It is their excitement that helped launch my ridiculous amounts of sales and parties and speaking engagements in the last year.  Because of those sales, I was asked to be on the Board and I was also asked to return to Apparent Project with a team from our church.

Tonight I sit here surrounded by nine other wonderful people who have come to Apparent Project to learn.  To serve.  To soak in all that is Haiti.  Jarod and Russell are included in that nine.  I cannot begin the describe the excitement I felt today as I began sharing this place with these people.  We've spent the last three months talking about it and now we are finally here.

Honestly, I haven't really taken any photos yet.  I was surprised today at how much I remembered.  How much felt so familiar.  The sights, the smells - all of it ingrained deep in my heart. Coming into Port au Prince, getting through the airport, riding in the TapTap and watching all of the people come and go.  The ladies balancing all kinds of craziness on their heads and the guys driving their motorcycles so close that you think they are going to just drive it right up in your lap.  The people selling anything and everything on the streets just to make a living. Carrying jugs to fill with clean water.  The bright colors, the exhaust fumes, the traffic jams, the tent cities.  The dirt roads, the colorful TapTaps and the beautiful faces of very real people.  I didn't need photos - I just soaked it all in.  Remembering all that God did in my heart the last time I was here. It was a bit overwhelming.

Now, I am not saying that I am a Haiti expert --- far from it!!!  I cannot speak the language and I would be afraid to try and get around without Shelley.  Goodness knows I've only been exposed to a TINY part of it.  I know that I still have sooooo much to learn - to understand.  But this beautiful country will forever be a part of my journey - of who I have become and how I view our world and the people in it.

I am so thankful to be sitting here again.  I am thankful to be sharing it with these wonderful people. I am thankful that God is still working in my life - still using me - still growing me - still stretching me.  I am thankful to be able to share it with you.

Today's travels could not have gone any smoother.  The new Guest House is AWESOME!  I will take pics - I promise!  It was so wonderful to be with Shelley, Corrigan and their great kids again!  I love them all so much.  Tomorrow we are taking it easy - we have a few on our team fighting colds - please pray for them and that the rest of us do not come down with anything.  At 1:00 we head to the metal works market (Croix de Boquet) and then tomorrow afternoon we will receive our instructions for the week. 

I look forward to sharing it all with you -

God is soooooo good.

Until next time........