Every day God seems to blow me away with His work. I am so thankful that we serve a God who is much smarter than we are and who has already gone ahead of us and knows the plan for our life.
As many of you know, I came to Haiti in January with YWAM and planned to stay on board with them for at least 6 months and then see what God had in store.
Since arriving in Haiti, my heart has been in utter chaos. I was frustrated with the job that I was given, I was missing my kids in Cap-Haitien, and I just wanted to go out with the people and love on them.
God has been stirring in my heart for 5 weeks or so now that maybe YWAM isn't where I'm supposed to be. My initial thought was, "Seriously? Did I misunderstand God? Am I not supposed to be in Haiti?". I quickly threw those thoughts out as I recalled all of the amazing ways He provided and the things He showed me as I've been preparing for this life the last 3 years. YWAM wasn't at all what I was expecting. The things that I thought I would be doing weren't what I ended up doing, doctrinally we didn't align on a few major issues, and I just wasn't with the Haitian people the way that I believe God has called me to.
This past week God made it obvious that my time with YWAM had come to an end. He lined everything up perfectly and I moved out Friday. It all happened in about 48 hours. I was joking with my mom about how any normal person would be so stressed about being in the third poorest country, not totally knowing where they're going to live for a short time, and randomly waiting for a ride at a grocery store.
But I had total peace about everything. Literally, I've never felt so at peace! On Thursday I turned in a resignation, my friend Frantzy came and picked me up Friday morning, and we waited at a grocery store/restaurant until a missionary friend could pick me up and take me to Gonaives.
I am currently in Gonaives spending some time with an incredible missionary couple. They are great friends of my grandparents and I've heard so much about their ministry. It's a huge privilege to get to see it! They have been incredible as I've processed and prayed through this time. This definitely isn't how I pictured my first few months in Haiti.
On Monday we will be traveling to Cap-Haitien where I will be hanging out and helping where needed until March 8. Then I will be moving to the EBAC orphanage and teaching 2nd grade.
Through this experience God has reminded me that before any person, organization, or work...I'm here for Him. I needed that! It's easy to get caught up in helping people in need, they are everywhere in Haiti, and forget to take care of yourself spiritually.
Thank you all so much for your love and support! If you have ANY questions about this sudden change, please email me. I will be more than happy to share as much as I feel God is okay with.
"But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. So you should say, 'if the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that.'"
-James 4:14-15
3 comments:
God has blessed you Jenny, I am so proud of you for following Him even when it can seem contradicting and confusing....He is the Master Weaver - your tapestry is already a thing of beauty because of your listening heart! I will pray for this time of movement and change to bring more growth in you for Him! Hugs & much love, Yvonne
Jenny, I have tried sending messages, but I don't think I'm doing it correctly or something. I clicked on something and ended up in face book and so I sent a message, but I really don't think you got it... anyway... I can't imagine you being anything but at peace in your heart, because God is with you. I don't think I have ever listened to a heart as strong as yours, and there is no way God wouldn't give you peace in your service. I would be so bold to guess that you went to YWAM and touched someone that perhaps you are not even aware of, but I know God wants you with children. When I was given the blanket,that I mentioned in one of my messages on face book... God told Shirley(head of our blanket ministry) that she was to buy the material(when she had no intention of buying any that day) make the blanket and give it to me. She said I would know who to give it too..that there was a child that needed the comforting of this blanket. I have children around me all of the time too, but I knew that blanket was to go to you in Haiti... I had the nerve to question the need for a blanket in a country where I thought it would not be cool enought to warrent a blanket...but the longer it takes me to reach you, the more I want to box this blanket up and get it to you. Please get me a mailing address so I can reach you with a package.... and Kourtney is biting at the bit to send you some goodies too.... God bless you Jenny and the Light of the Holy Spirit that comes from your heart and soul lights the world where ever you go... His Love is so ... part of just being near you... Peace and happiness to you and if we can do anything else for you from here... you are in our prayers daily. but if the children need anything, please let us know and we will try to provide it if at all possible. (Bright Futures in Greencastle closed, and I got some of her decorations and pencils etc.... so I could send them too if they would be appropriate for the custom there to decorate with them... let me know.. Love you!! (I put anonymous because I don't know how else to get this sent What is a profile?)
Hi Jenny, I just found out about all your changes tonight at church. What a wild beginning to your time in Haiti! I'll be praying for the new situation. Sorry to hear you had those experiences, but glad you see so clearly God's involvement in ordering your steps. Sue White
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