A few more changes as of this evening. Now we are flying from Miami directly to Haiti, which brings us to Haiti a day earlier. It is nice to arrive earlier, travel less and not take a long bus ride. I'm sure it's good in the area of traffic, travel and safety.
This recent change means I need an additional $200 American for my flight.
Yesterday morning had some added expenses as well. After some drama with the specific airline I'm flying to Miami from Winnipeg with, the ticket price raised a couple hundred dollars within a few days. Also, I found out that I will need some finances for a hotel in Miami from the 8th to the 9th, because I can't get to Miami in time for my Haiti flight if I leave on the 9th. I've been in contact with a team member about sharing a room that night, because some of the others are having the same flight issues and need to fly in a day early as well.
So, though we were getting close to the amount needed, there are additional expenses coming up that require more than we thought. If you were hoping to give but then thought it wouldn't be needed after all, please still consider giving to my trip!
Also, to add some just for fun info, I let my husband give me an intramuscular injection this evening! I needed my typhoid shot updated, since my last one was in 2003 for my medical mission trip to El Salvador. I think I'm quite the trooper for teaching him and talking him through the steps, which watching the needle hanging out of my arm for a bit of time! But, the smile and proud look on my husband's face was worth being a little nervous =)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Haiti Mission Trip - Update 2
To my friends and family,
My trip to Haiti is now less than 2 weeks away and I’m growing in excitement! There is much packing and organizing to do in the next 2 weeks but I’m certain it will all come together at the right time. All the details will fall into place and I’m sure this experience will be a life changing one.
A few details for the trip have changed since I sent out my first email. I will be flying out of Winnipeg early on March 8th and returning late on the 18th. My team was originally going to fly out of Miami together and directly into Port-Au-Prince. Haiti is still pretty unpredictable and it is predicted that aftershocks will likely take place for the next months or years, which could affect commercial airlines in getting to Port-au-Prince. We want to make sure we get there, which meant taking a different route. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic as a team from Miami and then driving the 5 hours to Port-au-Prince by bus.
My team will not be staying at the school base anymore, but on the other side of the city. The school we were going to be staying at already had medical supplies for us to use. Now that we are across the city, we need to gather our own medical supplies before our trip. My workplace is collecting opened but clean, unused items that we aren’t able to use in our facility. I also got my hands on a doptone to borrow for the trip and am so excited to be able to listen to fetal heart rates in Haiti! What a gift to the pregnant mothers in a ravished country to be able to hear the sweetness of their unborn baby’s heart beat! I think it will be a special gift that I can give them!
We will be doing medical and pastoral care in tent cities, in orphanages and possibly in hospitals. We will spend one day at an orphanage 3 hours outside the city and another day at some orphanages within Port-Au-Prince. We hope to feed 10,000 or more people with our Food Program on one of the days, as well as the 1000 children we will be visiting at the orphanages. If there are enough resources, we hope to make that number 20,000 people in Haiti that won’t be hungry that day!
I’m looking forward to meeting my team members and had the pleasure of meeting one of my team leaders and the director of One Heart Ministries International: Haiti while in Kansas City last week. A meeting in person was a nicer way to dialogue than a phone interview, since we had the opportunity! It sounds like the team is made up of nurses, a doctor, a paramedic, pastors and counselors. I think it will be a good group of people to work with in Haiti!
Provision has been coming in and blessing me incredibly! Within the first week, we had an incredible response and we are so grateful! Thank-you to every one of you who has given so generously for my trip to Haiti! The people of Haiti will be blessed by your contribution!
We are getting close to our expenses being covered! A few expenses were added in the process and so our amount needed is a little larger than I thought. But we’re getting close! Anything that comes in over and above our expenses, I will give directly to the Food Program. Our team needs to raise $5,000-10,000 to reach our goal to feed 20,000 people. 100% of the funds will be used for the food program. The money for the Food Program has to be in by March 1, next Monday. I will be sending a cheque on that day so let me know before then if you want to give to the Food Program.
My greatest request is for prayer support as the trip nears and throughout my time away. Pray for safety and protection, everything to run smoothly with flights and travel, grace and strength for the packing, traveling, serving and giving of myself. Pray that my team bonds and works well together. Pray for miracles and the nearness of God. Pray for physical healing, emotional healing and deliverance for the people of Haiti.
Thank-you so much for your prayers and support! I couldn’t go without all your prayers and finances!
My trip to Haiti is now less than 2 weeks away and I’m growing in excitement! There is much packing and organizing to do in the next 2 weeks but I’m certain it will all come together at the right time. All the details will fall into place and I’m sure this experience will be a life changing one.
A few details for the trip have changed since I sent out my first email. I will be flying out of Winnipeg early on March 8th and returning late on the 18th. My team was originally going to fly out of Miami together and directly into Port-Au-Prince. Haiti is still pretty unpredictable and it is predicted that aftershocks will likely take place for the next months or years, which could affect commercial airlines in getting to Port-au-Prince. We want to make sure we get there, which meant taking a different route. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic as a team from Miami and then driving the 5 hours to Port-au-Prince by bus.
My team will not be staying at the school base anymore, but on the other side of the city. The school we were going to be staying at already had medical supplies for us to use. Now that we are across the city, we need to gather our own medical supplies before our trip. My workplace is collecting opened but clean, unused items that we aren’t able to use in our facility. I also got my hands on a doptone to borrow for the trip and am so excited to be able to listen to fetal heart rates in Haiti! What a gift to the pregnant mothers in a ravished country to be able to hear the sweetness of their unborn baby’s heart beat! I think it will be a special gift that I can give them!
We will be doing medical and pastoral care in tent cities, in orphanages and possibly in hospitals. We will spend one day at an orphanage 3 hours outside the city and another day at some orphanages within Port-Au-Prince. We hope to feed 10,000 or more people with our Food Program on one of the days, as well as the 1000 children we will be visiting at the orphanages. If there are enough resources, we hope to make that number 20,000 people in Haiti that won’t be hungry that day!
I’m looking forward to meeting my team members and had the pleasure of meeting one of my team leaders and the director of One Heart Ministries International: Haiti while in Kansas City last week. A meeting in person was a nicer way to dialogue than a phone interview, since we had the opportunity! It sounds like the team is made up of nurses, a doctor, a paramedic, pastors and counselors. I think it will be a good group of people to work with in Haiti!
Provision has been coming in and blessing me incredibly! Within the first week, we had an incredible response and we are so grateful! Thank-you to every one of you who has given so generously for my trip to Haiti! The people of Haiti will be blessed by your contribution!
We are getting close to our expenses being covered! A few expenses were added in the process and so our amount needed is a little larger than I thought. But we’re getting close! Anything that comes in over and above our expenses, I will give directly to the Food Program. Our team needs to raise $5,000-10,000 to reach our goal to feed 20,000 people. 100% of the funds will be used for the food program. The money for the Food Program has to be in by March 1, next Monday. I will be sending a cheque on that day so let me know before then if you want to give to the Food Program.
My greatest request is for prayer support as the trip nears and throughout my time away. Pray for safety and protection, everything to run smoothly with flights and travel, grace and strength for the packing, traveling, serving and giving of myself. Pray that my team bonds and works well together. Pray for miracles and the nearness of God. Pray for physical healing, emotional healing and deliverance for the people of Haiti.
Thank-you so much for your prayers and support! I couldn’t go without all your prayers and finances!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Haiti Update
To my family and friends,
By now, many of us have heard and been moved in compassion by the news of Haiti’s 7.0 M earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this natural disaster, leaving many dead, wounded, homeless and lacking the very basics of necessities.
The need in Haiti has become urgent, as you well know. Many of the primary relief agencies are pulling out of Haiti due to their temporary nature. With many of the relief workers from around the world returning home, and medical professionals estimating that 50-60% of the people treated will die in the next few months and many more left deformed, Haiti is in need of long term help.
With great excitement, trembling and many different emotions in my heart, I write to tell you that I have the opportunity and pleasure of going to Haiti in March!
I will be going to Port-Au-Prince with One Heart Ministries (www.ohmhaiti.org) based out of Kansas City, leaving on March 8th or 9th and returning on March 18th. My team will be staying at the Quisqueya Christian School, which is also a base for US military personnel providing relief to Haiti. The mission work we will be doing off the base and in Port-Au-Prince, includes providing medical care through clinics in the tent cities, providing food, water, clothing and personal necessities, rebuilding homes, carrying for the orphans and elderly, offering individual group counseling and therapy, doing outreach, preaching the gospel and ministering in prayer.
It is my desire to take what the Lord has given me in my skills as a nurse and go and serve the people of Haiti in this way. In the first few weeks after the earthquake, whenever I saw the images of the people of Haiti on the news, my heart would long to go and help, yet it felt so impossible.
God has made a way, pointed me to the right people to go with and given me peace about taking the plunge!
A friend of mine who was in Haiti last week with One Heart Ministries reported seeing and treating 1800 patients in one week. She said they are working 12 hour days, hoping for two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch, but not guaranteed. This is exhausting, but rewarding work.
Shane and I are praying that God would move peoples’ hearts to partner with us financially and in prayer. We need $3000.00 for the trip, the flights and to pay the bills back home as I will be taking a 2 week unpaid LOA from work. This does not factor in the things I need to purchase to bring along, the prescriptions or any vaccinations I need updated. We are not able to issue tax receipts for any donations. My workplace has been fabulous about giving me the time off. That is a huge mountain that could have been difficult to cross, but it wasn’t! Praise God!
I am also asking for your prayers. Prayers during the next few weeks as things come together with flights, plans, finances and packing. Prayers during the time that I will be away for protection, safety, health, strength, the nearness of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit throughout out trip. Pray that my team bonds well and serves the people of Haiti well. Pray that healing flows from our hands and knowledge abounds, even with medical issues we are unfamiliar with.
In the first few days after my trip was confirmed, I was thinking about the verse in Isaiah, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10). Spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed means we give something that requires a cost. We actually spend something. The cost may be energy, sleep, strength, finances, comforts, time, or emotions. Whether you get the chance to go to Haiti, like I have right now, or not, we all have opportunities here or there to spend ourselves on their behalf.
I’m asking for you to give generously to my trip to Haiti and join me in spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry, oppressed and wounded of Haiti. If you are wanting to give, contact me directly by email, facebook, phone, in person or leave a comment. Thank-you and bless you!
By now, many of us have heard and been moved in compassion by the news of Haiti’s 7.0 M earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this natural disaster, leaving many dead, wounded, homeless and lacking the very basics of necessities.
The need in Haiti has become urgent, as you well know. Many of the primary relief agencies are pulling out of Haiti due to their temporary nature. With many of the relief workers from around the world returning home, and medical professionals estimating that 50-60% of the people treated will die in the next few months and many more left deformed, Haiti is in need of long term help.
With great excitement, trembling and many different emotions in my heart, I write to tell you that I have the opportunity and pleasure of going to Haiti in March!
I will be going to Port-Au-Prince with One Heart Ministries (www.ohmhaiti.org) based out of Kansas City, leaving on March 8th or 9th and returning on March 18th. My team will be staying at the Quisqueya Christian School, which is also a base for US military personnel providing relief to Haiti. The mission work we will be doing off the base and in Port-Au-Prince, includes providing medical care through clinics in the tent cities, providing food, water, clothing and personal necessities, rebuilding homes, carrying for the orphans and elderly, offering individual group counseling and therapy, doing outreach, preaching the gospel and ministering in prayer.
It is my desire to take what the Lord has given me in my skills as a nurse and go and serve the people of Haiti in this way. In the first few weeks after the earthquake, whenever I saw the images of the people of Haiti on the news, my heart would long to go and help, yet it felt so impossible.
God has made a way, pointed me to the right people to go with and given me peace about taking the plunge!
A friend of mine who was in Haiti last week with One Heart Ministries reported seeing and treating 1800 patients in one week. She said they are working 12 hour days, hoping for two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch, but not guaranteed. This is exhausting, but rewarding work.
Shane and I are praying that God would move peoples’ hearts to partner with us financially and in prayer. We need $3000.00 for the trip, the flights and to pay the bills back home as I will be taking a 2 week unpaid LOA from work. This does not factor in the things I need to purchase to bring along, the prescriptions or any vaccinations I need updated. We are not able to issue tax receipts for any donations. My workplace has been fabulous about giving me the time off. That is a huge mountain that could have been difficult to cross, but it wasn’t! Praise God!
I am also asking for your prayers. Prayers during the next few weeks as things come together with flights, plans, finances and packing. Prayers during the time that I will be away for protection, safety, health, strength, the nearness of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit throughout out trip. Pray that my team bonds well and serves the people of Haiti well. Pray that healing flows from our hands and knowledge abounds, even with medical issues we are unfamiliar with.
In the first few days after my trip was confirmed, I was thinking about the verse in Isaiah, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10). Spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed means we give something that requires a cost. We actually spend something. The cost may be energy, sleep, strength, finances, comforts, time, or emotions. Whether you get the chance to go to Haiti, like I have right now, or not, we all have opportunities here or there to spend ourselves on their behalf.
I’m asking for you to give generously to my trip to Haiti and join me in spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry, oppressed and wounded of Haiti. If you are wanting to give, contact me directly by email, facebook, phone, in person or leave a comment. Thank-you and bless you!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Haiti!
In less than 5 weeks, I will be on the ground in Haiti serving alongside One Heart Ministries to the people of Haiti that have been effected by January 12th's massive earthquake.
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Throne room Revelations
In my writings and records of what the Lord speaks to me, I have started something new in the past week and a bit. They are called "Throne room Revelations".
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
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