Trust

I have to admit that I am feeling so sad about Haiti. I think of streets that I know. I think of the smells of Haiti. I think of buildings. Mostly though, I think of people. I think of so many sweet-faced children. I think of my friends the Pierres and Coblentzes.

I wonder how I am going to be of help. At first I was planning my trip to go. I was ready. In fact, part of me longs to be there... to feel like I am helping the hurt and broken. I know, though, that I am not going right now. I thought perhaps we would take in one of the so many orphaned children. To a request for homes for 300 children, over 5000 people responded! I have to say PRAISE GOD that these children are so wanted by so many! I have to admit that I was a bit sad, too. For some reason, I thought that by taking care of this one hurting and alone baby would make me feel like I was doing something to help. My family was ready.

I trust God and in His plan! With aftershocks happening all of the time (6.1 this morning!), more buildings are falling, more children are being orphaned, more loss is happening. God is bigger than all of this. I pray for the workers who must be so broken-hearted and weary. Praying for them to have strength and peace in the midst of devastation. Praying for Dianne Pierre and her children coming to the states for a time. Praying for Jared and Jalayne as they are caring for others. Praying that I would be ready to accept the call of God when He has a job he wants me to do and that I would move forward boldly!

A tough one...

This has been a tough one! My heart is so heavy with the weight of what is happening in Haiti. I think of friends there. I think of their needs. I think of the fight the Haitians have in them to survive!

Yesterday marked the first and last time I became a mom. My William, who was born at week 29, was born on January 13, 1999. My Kate, who was born at week 32, was born on January 13, 2006. Want to talk about fight? William in particular had to fight to live. I reflect on those days after his birth as the worst time in my life. I remember the doctor's words, "If your son survives this, he will have to fight. If he fights to survive, he will always be a fighter."

Those of you who know my William, boy, is he a fighter! Life has not been easy for him, and he usually chooses the difficult path. Isn't he a blessing, though? I just love that kid's smile and laugh.

When I think of the devastation that has hit Haiti, I think of my William. Haiti is a country of fighters! They are tenacious! And, like my William, they have tender hearts with a lot of love.

As I have watched the horrific images of people pulling others from the rubble, people carrying bodies down the street, and of the loss, I am heartbroken for their pain. My hope is that at the end of this pain, is a refining in their spirits that will bring glory to God. Much like I pray that God has big plans for William and that his sufferings were times of refining.