Test Packing

I am going to Costa Rica on Monday. I am really excited to go and spend time with my mom! It hit me today that when I come back I will have only a week before I go to Haiti. I started to get anxious about packing and having everything I need, so I decided to do a round of test packing. 

I first got all my clothes out that I wanted to take. My goal is to fit all of those into one suitcase. Well, I got a majority of them in one. When I take the time to roll them up and do it more neatly I am hoping they will all fit in one. (I guess in a real test packing I would actually do that but that takes WAY too much time!) 

I need to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I know that He has called me to Haiti, and I know that He will provide. He has always been faithful in my life, and He will continue to be. I need to hold firm to the promises of His goodness. When thoughts enter my head that are from Satan I need to combat them with Truth.

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Romans 8:28-32

God, 

Without you I am nothing. Thank you for showing that you loved me by sending your son to die for my unrighteousness. I am daily overwhelmed with your grace and mercy. Help me truly believe that when I confess my sins you forgive me and wash me white as snow.  Help me to fall more in love with you. Show me that you are enough for me.  I pray the things I know in my head about You would connect more deeply in my heart. Help me know that I am never alone. Carry me in your love. 

Your Daughter, 

Jill 

Crafting for Haiti

I leave for Haiti in 16 days. Tonight I decided to make something cute to decorate my bedroom in Haiti. It had to be small, compact, and cheap. 

Finding clothespins was like going on a wild goose chase. I ended up finding a pack of 96 for $3.00! I decorated each clothespin with paint and scrapbooking paper. I am going hang twine on my wall and clip pictures to the twine with the clothespins!

Here are some pictures! 

 

"God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all"

This summer God has really shown me the importance of being honest. Being honest with others, being honest with myself, and being honest with God. Reading through the Psalms reminds me of how I need to be transparent before God. As I lay my heart before the Lord and surrender my own ways, He will take care of me in ways that I cannot even begin to imagine. He will love me, comfort me, and give me peace. 

I am scared of all that comes with living and teaching in Haiti for the next couple of years, BUT I am really excited as well. 

Here are some of the things that I am SO excited about:

-Learning more about the Haitian culture

-Serving God by teaching

-Loving on the children in my class

-Ridding my life of all the extra "stuff"  

-Meeting new people

-Experiencing God in new ways

"there is no fear in love, but Perfect Love casts out fear"

In one month I will be moving to Haiti to teach 2nd grade. As I begin this journey in my life I have to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I need Him. Without Him I can do nothing. 

Fears about teaching in Haiti:

- Being unprepared (teaching and living) 

- Loneliness 

- Getting malaria 

- Missing out on the lives of people I love in America

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7