Where I'll Be on January 2nd (unless the world ends on the 21st)

Another Odd Couple...

Greetings Readers!

Some of you know I'm half German and half Greek—well, we're pretty sure about the latter half of that statement.  And while I don't generally buy into stereotypes, these two nationalities fit the two halves of me.  The Greek side embraces life with passion and unbridled joy.  And the German side feels guilty about it—especially if that joy might be derived while in service of some sort.  Service, my German side says, should only be accompanied by grave visages and persevering determination.  Service should definitely NOT be considered "fun".  At the end of a period of service, a mild feeling of joy may be allowed—if it is kept stolid and unemotional.

This makes telling you about my upcoming trip to Haiti difficult.  So, I'll give you the news in two languages/perspectives.  If any of this sounds strange, btw, it's likely because I'm not fluent (or conversant really) in a third language—the language of missionaries (and Christian speak in general).  (Forgive me, God.)

The Greek

I'm super-baconated (excited is over-used) to tell you that on January 2, 2013, I'll be joining a small (but completely awesome) team (Mathew, Mark—no-no—Jan, Dave, Scott, Susan, and Erin) from the Heart of God International Ministries (HGIM) and heading to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 

There we'll be "installing" Erin (a teacher) into her full-time missionary "job" and abode.  Among other things, I'll get to paint!!!!  I'll also get the chance to interact with the children at Orphelinat des Enfants Évangélique which is the orphanage where Erin will be teaching and where HGIM cares for children in the impoverished area who are in need.  I'll even get to do a Bible lesson with them—I chose a you-are-the-light-of-the-world theme which turns out is very appropriate as the orphanage sits on a hill.  How cool is that?

Mostly, though, I'm praying that I don't inadvertently say something misleading—like the time I said Jonah wore a coat of many colors in the lion's den. 

Just kidding.

But not by much.

When you don't grow up in the church (or have a mind like Sam's), it's difficult keeping up with who did what and where and with whom.  The Bible is more intricate than a soap opera.

The German
On January 2, I will have endured a sleepless night as Jan Ross scheduled me for a 6:00 a.m. flight out of Dulles.  I will likely be hauling two 50 lb suitcases full of pajamas and sweaters.

Thank you, Jan for this upfront gift of non-pleasurable severity.  

The heat in Haiti will likely be humid with a capital H.  The roads are rocky, rough, and steep (both ways)—meaning I can only bring sensible (read: ugly) shoes—which is okay as it leaves more room for sweaters and pajamas for the children—it gets cold at night.  

I should stop there to preserve the mental health of the Greek side.

The Greek

On the bright Greek side, I don't need financial support for this trip!  

The German

But please send your much-needed prayer support. 

Also, Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and the work HGIM does there is critical.  If you were so inclined to give a donation or sponsor a child (tax detectable), your money would go to practical and wonderful use.   The word "wonderful" was borrowed from The Greek.

You can go HERE for more info. 

The Greek

If you decide to donate, would you let them know it's because of me?—at this point they're probably wondering if I'm really an asset to their team.

On a final note (not the final final note), I want to thank Sam for letting me go when he really wanted to go, too—but can't  because of work and deadlines.  He's sending me as the Mikitarian Family Representative—oh, hang on—he said to hold off saying that until we see how it goes…

On the final final note in which I will attempt to speak in Faith:

I truly feel blessed and thankful to be going to Haiti.  HGIM is an organization with an agenda of love. And it's unconditional.  The same love Christ has for each of us.  Those involved express that love by nurturing the children in their area—whether it's in Haiti or India or Africa.  They provide for children's (and adult's) physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.   It's genuine and that's what I love about it, and that's what makes me want to be a part of it.

During the past summer, I've felt a longing/urgency (calling?) to put my hands and feet to my faith.  I've prayed for it.  Neither Sam nor I have ever wanted to live in a way where all our effort went into maintaining the nuts and bolts of living.  And while we've  been active in the community, we feel like it's time to go further—not meaning in miles, but I guess that can be included, too. 

We're grateful for this opportunity to learn and to serve.

The Greek

Opa!

The German

Selah

Both in Goodwill,

~Lisa

The content of this blog post should in no way reflect on HGIM.  Unless you like it.