Exactly What I Needed

I am continually amazed at how encouraging God can be for us at time. Today marked just two weeks until I have to leave this incredibly place that has stolen my heart. As you can imagine, I was a little upset by this. Even though I had an awesome quiet time and a fabulous morning at Bonneau, I was still constantly reminded that I only have 14 days here and that was making me a bit sad.

Yet as a daughter of the King, He always seems to know when to bring me comfort, support and encouragement in my times of need. This started while at Bonneau, a woman came down to the playground with two ice chests filled with sloppy buns (Haitian popsicles). These were so great! They came in flavors of coke, strawberry, mango and coconut. They were also only 5 for a dollar so we were able to buy one for each of the kids. I was even able to enjoy a coconut one myself! There were so sweet, but more importantly…THEY WERE COLD! It was fantastic!

Upon getting back from our trip to Bonneau, I ate with Justin and lunch. He had gone down to talk with Autumn, Stephanie and Heather. Stephanie had apparently told them about me purchasing the popsicles for the kids, and Justin brought up money to pay me back and offered to buy me a Coke. He also thanked me for all the work and love I show the kids. It was such an uplifting thing to hear!

After this load of encouragement at lunch, it was time for Outreach were I was able to work one on one with a little girl. I had her do exercises working to strengthen her neck and stomach muscles for her to be able to try and sit up on her own or crawl one day. It was such a cool experience. Autumn was right there working with another girl if I ever needed anything and gave me a few pointers, but even when I wasn’t sure what I was doing for sure at time, Autumn said I was doing a great job! It was such a wonderful experience!

When we had finished Outreach I walked outside to find that a group was washing the feet of ALL of the Miriam Center workers, Haitian and American, so they pulled me over. I have washed the feet of others before but I have never received such a loving act before personally. I felt so cared for and appreciated. It was pretty cool.

I sat next to Stephanie, Autumn and Heather during this and they asked me if I was planning on coming back next summer. It felt so great to hear them ask this and that they were actually hoping I would say yes. Which I did. Without hesitating.

Later on this afternoon, Kelsey and I went to Autumn’s room to get a snack. Earlier in the day Autumn had invited me to her house for nuts since she can’t eat them. Kelsey had not eaten lunch since her group went to Tortuga, so I invited her along. While we were snacking and talking with this incredible woman of the Lord, not only were we offered Strawberry Poptarts (awesome) but Autumn informed me that she, Stephanie, and Heather are planning on treating me to the restaurant on Saturday. I have heard many things about this place called the Breeze, all good, so I can’t wait to spend this time with them eating incredible food in a couple of days. I feel so blessed to be treated so well and truly encouraged so much in such incredible community here. If any of you are reading this, I really appreciate it and I love you all so much!

The rest of the day continued on fairly uneventful, with the exception of the massive spider that accompanied me in my shower. I NEVER took my eyes off of it as it sat on a water pipe a few feet against the tiles on the backwall. NO JOKE. It was the size of my hand and certainly the largest spider I have ever seen that has not been behind some sort of glass at a zoo enclosure. It was freaky. Upon getting out of this dreadful shower, I informed my friend Kelsey of my gruesome discovery. Kelsey was determined to kill this thing even after I described its size. She walked into the bathroom with me and Tore a far distance behind her as she carried a mere flipflop in her hand. When she saw the spider she scream before turning and running away. We had to get another brace soul to actually kill the thing. I am just glad that it is dead now and will not be disturbing me any longer. I just pray that I don’t have any dreams of something crawling on me tonight. Ew.

My last moment of encouragement today, as I was writing this blog Autumn came over to me and handed me chocolate candy (which I had been craving) and said, “for being the best intern ever”. Thanks Autumn!

My God is so faithful and supplies me with exactly what I need to keep going, even when I am saddened to be leaving so soon, yet also homesick (conflicting feelings I know). Today I really needed some encouragement though, and that was exactly what He provided me with. Thank you Lord!

Prayer request: a lot of people are getting sick here. One of the kids here is thought to have strep, another girl was just carried from the girls bathroom by two guys on her team because she was throwing up in the there. Plus the Miriam Center kids are on the home stretch of getting over a fever, runny nose and difficulty breathing. I myself am not feeling all too great. I mean alright, but not awesome. So please be praying for that.

Thanks and good night