We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes. -David Platt

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Happy Birthday Jess!

I'm grateful for the time that I've been able to spend in Haiti for many reasons.  One of those is, undoubtedly, that it's enabled me to become friends with some pretty incredible people.  I've met so many awesome people during my time here...Haitian friends, short term volunteers, adoptive parents.  My life has been so blessed and enriched by these relationships.

One that I'm particularly grateful for is my friend, Jess.  We first met at Hospital Bernard Mevs in November 2013, when we were both volunteering for the week.  Since that time, she's become one of my closest and dearest friends.  It's crazy to me that we've only been friends for two years, yet have had so many adventures together.  Working night shifts together in a Haitian hospital, flying a toddler to his new home at an orphanage, running 5Ks in the mountains of Colorado, hanging on a beach in the Caribbean, and ice skating in Minnesota, are just a few of the memories we've shared.

She was with me when I made my first trip to COTP.  After two days here, I told her that I thought God was calling me to move here and she didn't think I was crazy, but she was excited for me.  She was also there when I made my second trip to COTP.  On the airplane ride back to the States, she was the first person that I told.  It was official.  I was coming to Haiti.  Since that time, she has been one of my greatest supporters and encouragers.  One of the first ones to sign up as an official supporter.  The one to give me a Creole bible.  The first one to visit me at my new home.  The one who has truly been my go to person when the days down here get tough.  She "gets it" in a way that few others could.

Jess, I am so very thankful for your friendship.  I'm so thankful that, through Haiti, God allowed our paths to cross.  I am blessed to call you my friend and my sister in Christ.  I hope you have the happiest of birthdays.  I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you.  But I know that you, of all people, understand why I'm here instead.  Happy Birthday!  Bon fet!














Children of the Promise has given permission for the posting of the photos on this site.  Photos taken of  the children in the care of Children of the Promise are not to be posted publicly without explicit permission given by Children of the Promise.

No comments:

Post a Comment