Who Knew?! — LOCALE

On May 22nd, I set out on a journey that you can only feel so prepared for. While there is no way to put into words all the things the Lord showed us, I want you to hear my heart and know the struggles & victories! Thank you for all your support and prayers- believe me, they were felt across the ocean! There's also no way I can put it all in one update, so I will be adding more over the next few weeks.

To start I would like to share-
THINGS I KNEW vs THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW

I would also like to add- even though you are called to do something, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even if you know you’ve been equipped, you are being led by the Spirit, & constantly pray about the things you are doing- It is not a walk in the park!

•I knew the language would be a barrier, but I didn’t know how helpless I would feel to deliver the gospel.
•I knew I would miss my people, but I didn’t know I would tear up at the thought of not being home for a holiday when making our schedule.
•I knew I would have emotional days, but I didn’t know how much everyday can be an emotional rollercoaster.
•I knew there would be less comforts of home, but I didn’t know I would have random cravings (queso- obviously, but BLT & Hot pockets? I don’t even eat those on the reg.)
•I knew there would be bugs, but I didn’t know I’d feel threatened by them daily, or wake up with them crawling on me! Don't worry, Katie and I became professional exterminators.
•I knew I’d miss Aaron, but I didn’t how much I would miss all the little things or how much I would be so ready to see him.
•I knew the cultural pace was slower, but I didn’t know how much it would drain me to not have daily tasks.
•I knew I’d probably get sick, but I didn’t know I’d catch a virus Chikungunya (maybe that's what it was, maybe not)...aka Chicken munga to my ears, that would give me a fever every night for a week leaving me sweating through ALL my clothes as it broke.
•I knew I’d build relationships, but I didn’t know others would feel the same about me as I did them. Having people in the community yelling your name "Lendi", from down the road is the sweetest sound.
•I knew I would battle the feeling of lack of community, but I didn’t know how much I would grow in solitude, or how much you can still have community with a language barrier.
•I knew we’d see medical patients, but I didn’t know how much joy I would get from taking care of a little boys foot week after week. And then getting to carry him home!

Mostly, I knew the Lord would work on my heart, but I didn't know how much I had to learn on a deeper level.

I can't wait to share with you the funny moments, scary moments, and the spirit-filled moments!

JOIN MY JOURNEY:

I'd love to share even more details in person- Let's meet up for coffee, or a bite!
I will be returning to Haiti in October.

Partner with me in prayer and/or financially. In Haiti, we are facilitating medical clinics, building projects,children's programs, and a child sponsorship program for an organization called Voices of Hope. Check out http://voicesofhopehaiti.org for more info!

I would love to talk to you about how you can partner with me specifically on this journey. To partner with me financially go to https://www.voicesofhopehaiti.org/take-action/ . One time donations & monthly partnerships are available! Thank you for your support!