Potential Return

Yesterday I received an email from Heather G. from CURE International telling me that CURE is sending another medical team back to Haiti March 14th and we were in their minds for this return. I immediately spoke with my friend Anne Marie, who also traveled with me on my first trip, and decided that CURE International is the team we both feel represents ourselves and our faith best. We plan to talk over details about the return today and hope to get the logistical matters figured in order to get us back! I plan to wait to tell Yveline and her family about my potential return just to be sure I don't keep telling her I am coming back then not actually going. I am so excited for this potential return- I feel like it comes at a great time... School will be done, work (hopefully can be figured out) and my friends and family know my heart is stuck in the destruction in Haiti. I had another dream last night about Haiti- I often dream about Haiti and what my return life will be like there. Last nights dream was more anxious than before.. I had forgotten my scrubs and all my cloths, forgot my personal supplies (shampoo, body wash, eye care, face wash etc). When I finally opened my luggage I noticed in my bag it was only filled with toys, little kid cloths and medical supplies and my bible. When I woke up I began thinking about the significance of that dreams and as I sit in my living room writing this blog- I realize that its because I know in my heart I don't "need" anything. The things I bring such as the items for the kids, medical supplies that will help to serve the affected and ill patients, and my bible is everything that will allow me to serve graciously while keeping the Lord at the forefront of my mission. The Lord will give me everything I need in my life. It is exciting to know I could survive in Haiti with only my bible in my bag if my dream were true!!

Anne Marie and I plan to hold a fundraiser for Haiti hoping to raise enough money in order to bring needed supplies, toys, cloths, shoes, soap.. basic needs to the kids in Haiti. At this point we don't have a location however we are talking with different locations hoping that one will volunteer to hold our fundraiser on March 6th, 2010. Please keep this in your prayers as we work to raise money and our return to our families in Haiti.

As far as an up date on Yveline.. She and her family are very difficult to get a hold of! I've tried endlessly everyday without actually connecting on the phone! It is hard for me to not talk with one of them reassuring me that Yveline is ok and happy.. My wonderful friends in Haiti still have tried their attempts at calling.. all with unsuccessful connections as well. I will up date her site as soon as I hear she is well!

Please keep your prayers heading toward Haiti and all the relief members helping assist the Haitians. My friend Dr. Eric Troyer has volunteered his time as a second mission down in Haiti for 3 months... he told me 2 days ago that during a sermon he prepared 2 people accepted Christ. After hearing this news I felt so excited that the Lord is so present in the hearts of those who are serving in Haiti. Please keep praying more and more people will find their salvation and accept Christ in their lives!! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!!

A New Day

This past week was much like a roller coaster ride... on my birthday (feb 8) I received a phone call from University of Chicago asking if I would like to join a medical team deploying for Haiti on Thursday Feb 11th. I quickly responded yes and began packing that day. I was very excited however, I knew that my trip would not be in the same location as I was last time- and there could be a small chance I wouldn't be able to see Yveline. I prepared my heart for that disappointment however the Lord comforted my heart and I knew if it were ment to be I would see her and her family! Tuesday was all about rushing around getting my needed vaccines and finishing up last minute shopping.

-Later Tuesday afternoon I received a phone call from UofC global outreaching telling me my paperwork was unable to be processed in time for departure. I was crushed!! I had already asked my friend to contact Yveline and her family about my return and I had prepared my heart for this new task. I felt angry, frustrated and very disappointed that I will not be deployed. I immediately emailed my friend in Haiti asking her to tell Yveline that I won't be coming, informed school and work about the changes and began working on comforting my own heart. I knew the Lord would comfort me and would protect me- so I could not argue that was would not be leaving.

The Lord is in complete control over my life and I know His plan is perfect!!! When it is His time I will be on the first plane back to Haiti. Until then I will continue to pray for His will in my life, along with His protection over Haiti. I will also continue to do His work here in Chicago waiting for my departure date.....

Anxiety!!

Today I've felt very anxious. I was told yesterday that Yveline would be discharged home today from Haiti Community Hosptial (HCH)- which is both very exciting but is also causing me some anxiety. I am anxious because I am not exactly sure where she will be living, and with whom she will be living. I am hoping her uncle Thony will take her and grandma in with him in his home- but I am not sure. I am also feeling a bit anxious because I haven't spoken with anyone from her family, although my friends in Haiti provide much relief- I would love to hear from her family.. especially Yveline herself. I had a dream last night about my return to Haiti. My dream was absolutely beautiful! I was with Yveline and we were playing in her uncle's house with her doll 'Tiffany'- although we don' t speak the same language we were able to enjoy each other's company. She also looked beautiful- her wounds on her face were healed, she had control over her right arm- able to use it functionally. I just pray that my dream is not only just a dream. I pray that I can return to Haiti and play with her and 'Tiffany' and see her use her arm how other little 8 year old girls use theirs.

Please continue to pray for Yveline and the others who have lost and suffered so much!! Please continue to pray that I am able to return to Haiti quickly and that the Lord will open the right doors in order for me to see my little angel again. Please keep these things in your thoughts and prayers..

I pray all this in Jesus's name... AMEN!!!

Have a wonderful evening!!

Love and Peace!

Up date today

Today I received an email from a wonderful girl named Anastasia from Haiti. She forward me a picture of Yveline that was taken today. She updated me on Yveline's status saying that her condition keeps improving. Based on the picture of Yveline it looks like her wounds on her face are clearing as well as her swollen left eye. She now is able to open both eyes- being able to show more of her sparkle. Yveline is truly a God send! She is absolutely beautiful inside and out. Her arm also continues to improve daily. She now wears a forearm splint and the swelling is also improved significantly.

-Yveline's story is a story about faith and prayer. I hope this story shows the power of prayer and how gracious our God is. I knew He would be her protector and healer and He was. He has healed this little girls wounds and her heart! I continue to pray for further healing.

Thanks for reading..

Update on Yveline

I returned home from Haiti on Thursday night- since that night my heart aches knowing I left so much that still needed to be done. I have reconnected with many of the people I met while in Haiti and we continue to be each others crutch as we learn now to walk in our once "normal" way of life. Haiti has changed me forever! Forever in the sense that I look at my life differently knowing that I can utilize my skills away from my comfort of work- I can give my talents and gifts to people and nations who have nothing. As I began performing my normal activities my heart continues to yearn for Haiti and my special little angel. On Sunday morning my cell phone range to a very familiar voice saying, "Bonjour Tiffany". I immediately knew that voice was from Haiti and specifically Yveline's uncle Thony. He updated me on Yveline and her condition and without hesitation asked when I would be returning. For all who are curious Yveline's condition is improving- she can now wiggle her fingers on her right hand- the swelling in her eye is also improving. Praise God!!
-Thony knows my heart remains in Haiti with everyone who was affected as well as the relief members serving them. I told him I would be returning in March 2010 God willing. He said, "Yveline misses you very much and will be so happy when I tell her I've talked to you!" I asked him to give her a big hug and kiss from Chicago and said we would talk soon. After his phone call Kraig (my boyfriend) and I went to the 9am service at Park Community Church to learn about God and how it is to truly love. First John was being studied- ironically the sermon served me more than just learning how wonderful our God is.. it gave me the reason why the Lord sent me to Haiti. Haiti is experiencing a time of great need and love- the Lord sent me to Haiti to love them unconditionally and provide the kind of grace the Lord provides me unquestionably everyday I walk this earth. My heart is set assured that my endeavors in Haiti are not finished. I am looking forward to the day I return to Haiti to reconnect with the people who showed me how to love unconditionally.
God Bless You!!
Tiffany