Ft Lauderdale - The Rundown

So after having not flown in over half a decade, today's sure was an awesome way to ease back into it. The first leg of today's flight started with the most beautiful sunrise. In some strange way, I found great comfort in its subtle elegance. God took what could have been one of the most intimidating days and turned it into just another opportunity for me to rest in awe of Him. So both flights today went seamlessly as did meeting up with head of the ministry. I definitely think wearing electric yellow helped him find me in the crowd! Upon leaving the airport and arriving at the Chaulker's home I quickly made friends with a group of Christians from Indiana who were amazed to find out that I was flying solo. We all had an amazing afternoon at the beach, driving through the ritzy Palm Beach area, and packing bag after bag full with medical supplies and other necessities to bring to the people. I have learned so much already about what to expect tomorrow. I am also pleased to announce that my excitement has increased tenfold the more I learn about the Haitian people. I really can't wait for this experience of a lifetime to get started and to see all that God has planned for us to serve in.Tonight will be the last night with all the conveniences of home...at least for the next 10 days. Just a heads up but I will most likely be out of contact altogether during this time as well. Just go with then old motto of..."no news is good news."

Just a Fact for the Day:
Desperation leaves the people of Haiti making "cookies" of baked dirt that are often fed to the children in an effort to quench their hunger. Though the dirt cookies make the children feel full, the adverse reactions do a great deal of damage to these poor childrens' intestines as one might imagine. Just for record's sake, these cookies sell for a nickel each.(see photo)

Verse for the Day:
He must Increase, I must decrease. (John 3:30)
-This is my prayer for our whole group, that when we serve, the people would not see "Us," but rather, You...Your love Lord pouring out of our genuine hearts of service in Your name.

Only hours to go...

I am new to this 'blog business' so please be patient with me as I figure it out along the way. So it is down to the wire and I am in desperate need to start packing. The airlines are currently allowing one 50lb. bag plus a carry-on (which for me, will be dedicated primarily to camera equipment). Packing will definitely have to be very minimal because any extra poundage that I don't use, the ministry will be able to bring additional supplies over with. The excitement is building as are the nerves. Many of us are so unbelievably Blessed in our nation to never really have any 'real' needs that go unmet, that I am certain this shall be a truly humbling experience above all else. I am so very Blessed by this opportunity.

Why blog?

I have created this blog with the hope that I will be able to keep track of my journey through Haiti over the course of the next few weeks. The Living Water Ministries group will be departing on April 1, 2010. Earthquake ravaged Haiti has without a doubt been brought to it's knees due to the recent events. And while the group has a medical focus, I have been placed in a position that has me documenting, via photography, this journey from beginning to end.