I recently moved (again!). Moving always makes me think about what’s important. As I pack and unpack items, I think to myself, ‘Do I really need this?’ ‘Why have I held on to that?’ ‘If I haven’t used it/worn it since the last move, then perhaps it needs to go!’
As many of you know, I went to Haiti in January for two weeks and then back again for a week in February. I haven’t blogged since. I just haven’t been able get my thoughts to come together to write. I still have troubles thinking about what to share. There is just so much. Where do I start?? These are many of the same feelings I had when I needed to start packing to move. Where in the world do I even begin?
I started my packing process by sorting through items that should be packaged together. Perhaps that’s where I can start this blog-sorting through.
My first trip was January 4-19. I went with 3 other people. None of us knew each other. We all met in the hotel in Miami. In fact Rachel’s flight had arrived really late and so I met her in the morning by rolling over in bed to introduce myself! We still laugh about it. We were each going to Haiti for different amounts of time. Sue (a nurse from Sioux Falls) was going indefinitely to work in the clinic by the orphanage. Richard (a retired wood-shop teacher from Milford, IA) was going for 6 weeks to do carpentry work. Rachel (a student from Washington) was going for 4 weeks. And I was going for two weeks!
Arriving back in Haiti was a spectacular moment. As we drove down the main road into the village, a couple of the youth I had met in July were following us on their motorcycle. Also, some kids jumped up on the top of our truck and road up to the orphanage with us. When a team comes, it seems that almost everyone from the village makes their way out to the road with waves and smiles to see who is coming!
I was so excited to see all the orphan kids again. They greeted me with hugs and smiles. My heart melted. It was also so fun to see Cory and Lynn Grimm and their kids. They are from SD/IA area, but moved down to Haiti in November to do full time missionary work. I knew Cory from my trip in July, and had briefly met his family, but was anxious to see where the Lord would lead our friendship in the weeks to come. Many of the youth also came to the orphanage to see who was on the team. One priceless moment sticks out in my head. The night we arrived, I was sitting around with a bunch of the kids chatting when a few more showed up. It had gotten quite dark out, but I still was able to recognize Junior from my trip in July. I shouted out, “Hey Junior, do you remember me?!” His darkened face looked puzzled, and he replied, “I cannot see who is saying that!” One of the other youth kids shined his flashlight onto my face and immediately Junior smiled, jumped up and ran over to me with a big hug. I guess he remembered me!
The two weeks were filled. Most days were spent working at the clinic with Sue, Rachel and Adrien (a Haitian/American man who helps run the clinic). We saw anything from common colds to broken arms to charred toes to open wounds (many from motorcycle accidents) to crazy high blood pressures, etc. Rachel and I also spent a lot of time with the youth, translators, orphan kids and the Grimm family. We learned Creole, laughed about our language mishaps, went hiking, did house visits, prayed together, swam in the ocean, played with the kids, held tea parties, watched Richard work hard(!!), talked with Cory and Lynn and so much more! The second week we were there, a team from 1st Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA joined us. Incredible people, with incredible hearts. We joined up together to do vacation Bible school, projects around the orphanage, working in the clinic, praying with people, worshiping with the youth, hiking the mountains, etc. I really enjoyed my time with them and hope our friendships continue in the future!
I better keep moving on…no pun intended.
I went back again to Haiti from February 7-14th. This time I went with three others from my church (The Crossing): Jenna and Kyle Hoff and Michelle Beemer. We joined up with a team of 8 others from Alcester, SD.
This arrival was again so fun. We had plans to do projects around the orphanage, clinics, vacation Bible school, leading youth group, and playing with the orphans. So much to be accomplished in such little time.
However, this trip was so very different than the trips before. The trip was very hard spiritually. I remember upon arriving to the orphanage, Pam stated, “Team, we need to be in prayer a lot this week…there is something heavy around here.” And boy was she right.
The first to get sick was Kyle. He actually got sick in the airport before arriving into Haiti. We think he probably had strep throat or something to that manner. When we got to the orphanage, we soon learned that Cory was under the weather and was enjoying his trips to the latrine. As we were getting settled, Pam soon revealed she was suffering with a UTI. We also learned that Junior (one of the youth) was sick at home. As the week went on, Nestli (one of the orphan boys) had bad stomach pains and fevers, Richard got shingles in his mouth, Jenna had a stomach ache, one little boy got his fingers smashed in the gate of the orphanage and also, I spent about 24 hours in bed with weakness and vomiting.
It was pretty clear to me that Satan did not want us there. And I was so happy to be disturbing his plans!
One of things that had been on my heart before leaving for Haiti was praying for ‘big things.’ I just feel that it’s so easy to put God into a box. And just as it’s easier, when moving, to carry a box rather than other awkward items, sometimes the things we need the most don’t fit into boxes.
Back in November, before I even really knew Lynn, I had felt the Spirit moving me to pray with her to walk(as she is in a wheelchair). As I headed back to Haiti again, I couldn't get her out of my mind. But now, she wasn’t just this woman in a wheelchair. Having deepened our friendship in January, I now considered her a close friend and a woman I admired so much. I didn’t want to force anything on her or bring on any disappointment. I decided to just pray that God would open up an opportunity to pray.
For youth group one night, there were some Haitians that had wanted to lead. This meant it was going to be on ‘Haitian time’ AND go however long they wanted it to go! I was ‘preparing myself’ for an all nighter.
The worship and service was all in Creole. They sang many hymns and had a few speakers. I’m not sure what they talked about, but it was clear that they loved “Jezi” Jesus :)
After I thought they were about done, they invited Starlon up for prayer. She is a 12 year old girl that we had been praying over many times before. She was supposedly ‘demon-possessed’. We had prayed over her when I was there in January, but hadn't seen any demon manifest itself.
Many people gathered around to pray over Starlon. It seemed like we prayed forever and weren’t getting anywhere. I had just closed my eyes when “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” was shouted out before me. I quickly opened my eyes to see Starlon being thrown all over the place. She was soon rolling on the hard, dirty cement floor, screaming, and clearly possessed.
Lord, forgive me for my doubt.
We continued to pray for the demon to be bound in the name of Jesus. There came a point when she stopped and the guy that had been leading the prayer time went up to her and asked her what her name was. With a grimaced face and a growl, we quickly knew we needed to keep praying. As we started up again she again started screaming and flailing herself all over the place. I’m not sure how long we prayed again before she came to another halt. This time she got up, looked around the room and went to sit down in her chair. Her face spoke loud enough to have said “What in the world just happened? And why am I covered in dirt?” The man that was leading prayer again approached her and said, “Who are you?” In her normal voice, she responded “Starlon.”
The man then invited Lynn to come up for prayer. My mouth probably dropped a little. Was Lynn really coming up to be prayed over?! Lynn wheeled up for prayer and we all surrounded her. I looked around as we started praying. Many team members surrounded her. Also, some of the youth. But not just any youth. Some of the vital parts of the youth group were praying with all their hearts. Many of the orphan kids gathered around Lynn's feet. Their big brown eyes staring up at Lynn with wonder and hope as they prayed. Lynn’s husband Cory stood behind Lynn, along with their daughter DD. I thought to myself how special it was to have him in that position. No matter what happened that night, he was standing behind his wife with prayer and trusting in the Lord’s provision for their lives.
Then there was Lynn in the middle. Her head bowed, tears rolling down her cheeks, and her hands open to receive from the Lord whatever He had for her.
As we prayed a couple of people shared thoughts, visions, and words they were receiving from the Lord. I think this all brought us a lot of hope…at least it did for me. We never did see Lynn walk that night, but I felt a certainty on my spirit that Lynn was going to walk. I didn’t know when. I didn’t know how. But there was a reassurance.
I feel somewhat hesitant to leave those words on this blog. Even to type them was somewhat difficult. I’m not sure who will read this or what they will think. However, I remember what I felt that night. I remember KNOWING that the Spirit of God was surrounding us. And as I said before, it’s been on my heart to pray for ‘big things’ and to let God out of this box I try to keep Him in. So I continue to pray for Lynn’s deliverance from the wheelchair. And until she walks, I won’t stop praying for it.
I’ve been able to unpack many thoughts on here. Thanks for reading. Whether or not you are in line with what I’ve said, I pray that you would open up the box you’ve been keeping the Lord in, and allow him to show you even bigger things. Maybe it’s time we all clean out our spiritual closets, invite the Holy Spirit in to fill the gaps, and then just sit back to watch Jesus move.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Floored
I am floored right now...wow...God is so good.
So here's the deal. I was planning on going back to Haiti from January 4-11. Some things changed with the group going...and long story short...plans changed to come back on the 19th. I already was scheduled to work that week and didn't know how I was going to get off working. I headed up to work today to try to figure it out. I said to God on the way in, "God if you want me to go, I just pray finding people to work for me goes smoothly. If not, I pray finding people to work for me is difficult (as it can be when your trying to find people to cover for 4 shifts!) and I will stay home."
When I got up to work, I first went to talk to my manager. I wanted to inform her of what had happened. I wasn't expecting what she told me. "Heidi, I'm going to take you off that weekend. (3 shifts) All I need you to do is to see if you can find a few people to consider being oncall for those days. Or else, consider it taken care of!" Whoa! Really God? Its that easy? I only had to call a few co-workers before all but one shift was covered. Wow.
The last day that I needed to trade I could only trade that shift with about two people. The first phone call I made, my co-worker was more than willing to help me out! Wow again!
I walked out of work with a smile :) Merry Christmas to me! haha
The last blessing today....I called my mom to inform her I was going to be in Haiti for two weeks instead of one...and she was happy for me! Thank you Jesus.
I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present :)
P.S. I have saved quite a bit for my trips to Haiti, but with switching my ticket, its costing me a little more than planned. If you feel led to give a few bucks, let me know...I won't turn you down this time ;)
And even more than money...I'd appreciate all your prayers as I prepare for this trip!
So here's the deal. I was planning on going back to Haiti from January 4-11. Some things changed with the group going...and long story short...plans changed to come back on the 19th. I already was scheduled to work that week and didn't know how I was going to get off working. I headed up to work today to try to figure it out. I said to God on the way in, "God if you want me to go, I just pray finding people to work for me goes smoothly. If not, I pray finding people to work for me is difficult (as it can be when your trying to find people to cover for 4 shifts!) and I will stay home."
When I got up to work, I first went to talk to my manager. I wanted to inform her of what had happened. I wasn't expecting what she told me. "Heidi, I'm going to take you off that weekend. (3 shifts) All I need you to do is to see if you can find a few people to consider being oncall for those days. Or else, consider it taken care of!" Whoa! Really God? Its that easy? I only had to call a few co-workers before all but one shift was covered. Wow.
The last day that I needed to trade I could only trade that shift with about two people. The first phone call I made, my co-worker was more than willing to help me out! Wow again!
I walked out of work with a smile :) Merry Christmas to me! haha
The last blessing today....I called my mom to inform her I was going to be in Haiti for two weeks instead of one...and she was happy for me! Thank you Jesus.
I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present :)
P.S. I have saved quite a bit for my trips to Haiti, but with switching my ticket, its costing me a little more than planned. If you feel led to give a few bucks, let me know...I won't turn you down this time ;)
And even more than money...I'd appreciate all your prayers as I prepare for this trip!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Faith as small as a mustard seed!
Matthew 17: 20 "He replied, "Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
I've often heard that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed that God can use you. I've never really understood exactly what was meant by that. I've even made prayers before, such as "Hey God, I pray that you would move that mountain right before my eyes"...and after waiting, and not seeing anything I figured I didn't have enough faith. But the thoughts would continue to stir within me..."Heidi, your faith only has to be as small/big as a mustard seed. How hard could that be?!" I just figured it was hard...something I would always strive for and maybe never understand...maybe I just didn't have faith.
It was only a week ago that my lower back/tailbone started hurting when I sat down. It started as just a mild pain one day and as the week went on, I noticed the pain getting worse and worse. It mostly hurt when I would sit down in bed to read...I don't know if it was the position I was in or what. It got so bad that I could no longer sit in bed to read, I had to lay on one side or another. I even went as far as to google what it could be...a fractured tailbone, a herniated disc, some other long words/diagnosis that I didn't understand. Ugh. Seriously. I did not want to even think about what it could be, but the pain continued to intensify, so of course I started getting more concerned.
At the end of last week, I was listening to a prayer/prophetic conference online. Good speakers, amazing worship. It became a time of fasting and prayer for me. However, I didn't even think about my tailbone. I was just going to 'deal' with that issue. The thought didn't even cross my mind to fast and pray over the pain...I was just going to figure that out on my own...me and webmd.com ;)
In watching the conference online, I truly felt the Spirit of the Lord as I spent time in prayer and worship. I felt Him speaking to me specifically about a couple of my friends' marriages. He spoke so clearly that he has good things planned for them. I also was challenged to treasure my time with the Lord...much in the same way that I treasure my time with my friends and family.
On the first day of the conference I heard a speaker speak about Mark 9: 14-29. This is a story about a demon-possessed boy. His father asks the disciples to pray over the boy, but nothing happens. The father then asks Jesus, "But IF YOU CAN do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus replies, "IF YOU CAN?! Everything is possible for him who believes." and immediately the boy's father replies, "I DO believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" The demon is then cast out by Jesus. and when the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn't do it themselves, he replies "This kind can come out only by prayer."
As I heard this story, the part that stuck out to me was when the father stated, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." It became my prayer as I listened to the conference the next couple of days.
Even in all this learning though, I continued to writhe in pain with my tailbone...forgetting to pray about it...thinking I just needed to deal with it.
On Saturday when I woke up, the pain was the worse it had been. I still wanted to listen to the conference online, so I decided I would do so laying on my bed, on my belly. This way the pressure was off my lower back/tailbone. I honestly didn't get much from that speaker, but as that speaker spoke, I kept praying "Jesus, I believe in you. I so often stray so far from you. Please Lord, help me overcome my unbelief in you!" As I prayed that, I kind of chuckled to myself. "Oh Lord. You know I've had this pain in my tailbone and I haven't even prayed about it! Forgive me. Lord, if it be your will, I pray for healing over my tailbone RIGHT NOW. I pray that not because I deserve it, but because I know how big you are. Please Jesus, help me overcome my unbelief in you!" I kind of laughed, rolled over, and then sat up in bed.
What? Really? NO PAIN! I sat in bed bouncing on my butt..."Are you serious?!" NOOOO....it couldn't have happened that fast. I bounced some more...I sat back in weird positions that had previously hurt me so bad. "Really God?! Wow. Thanks." He had healed me on the spot.
Now, I tell you this story not because I want any credit in this...I think its obvious my doubt in that healing! I obviously didn't have the kind of reaction to healing that Mary had(a story I shared below about a woman who received healing in Haiti). She ran around praising God. I sat in disbelief that it actually happened to me. But what I gathered from this is that maybe faith as small as a mustard seed isn't such a far off reach. I think Jesus wouldn't give us a command just for kicks and giggles. Maybe he was serious.
"If you BELIEVE you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
I sit here still in awe that I'm sitting period...pain free. But in all of this, I'm just continually reminded how much He loves us. He just asks that we come to him in prayer...spending time with Him...BELIEVING in Him with our whole hearts. He wants good things for his children. If you haven't heard it today, or yesterday, or ever! for that matter, Jesus loves you. And He delights in you. And desires to spend time with you today :)
I've often heard that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed that God can use you. I've never really understood exactly what was meant by that. I've even made prayers before, such as "Hey God, I pray that you would move that mountain right before my eyes"...and after waiting, and not seeing anything I figured I didn't have enough faith. But the thoughts would continue to stir within me..."Heidi, your faith only has to be as small/big as a mustard seed. How hard could that be?!" I just figured it was hard...something I would always strive for and maybe never understand...maybe I just didn't have faith.
It was only a week ago that my lower back/tailbone started hurting when I sat down. It started as just a mild pain one day and as the week went on, I noticed the pain getting worse and worse. It mostly hurt when I would sit down in bed to read...I don't know if it was the position I was in or what. It got so bad that I could no longer sit in bed to read, I had to lay on one side or another. I even went as far as to google what it could be...a fractured tailbone, a herniated disc, some other long words/diagnosis that I didn't understand. Ugh. Seriously. I did not want to even think about what it could be, but the pain continued to intensify, so of course I started getting more concerned.
At the end of last week, I was listening to a prayer/prophetic conference online. Good speakers, amazing worship. It became a time of fasting and prayer for me. However, I didn't even think about my tailbone. I was just going to 'deal' with that issue. The thought didn't even cross my mind to fast and pray over the pain...I was just going to figure that out on my own...me and webmd.com ;)
In watching the conference online, I truly felt the Spirit of the Lord as I spent time in prayer and worship. I felt Him speaking to me specifically about a couple of my friends' marriages. He spoke so clearly that he has good things planned for them. I also was challenged to treasure my time with the Lord...much in the same way that I treasure my time with my friends and family.
On the first day of the conference I heard a speaker speak about Mark 9: 14-29. This is a story about a demon-possessed boy. His father asks the disciples to pray over the boy, but nothing happens. The father then asks Jesus, "But IF YOU CAN do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus replies, "IF YOU CAN?! Everything is possible for him who believes." and immediately the boy's father replies, "I DO believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" The demon is then cast out by Jesus. and when the disciples ask Jesus why they couldn't do it themselves, he replies "This kind can come out only by prayer."
As I heard this story, the part that stuck out to me was when the father stated, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." It became my prayer as I listened to the conference the next couple of days.
Even in all this learning though, I continued to writhe in pain with my tailbone...forgetting to pray about it...thinking I just needed to deal with it.
On Saturday when I woke up, the pain was the worse it had been. I still wanted to listen to the conference online, so I decided I would do so laying on my bed, on my belly. This way the pressure was off my lower back/tailbone. I honestly didn't get much from that speaker, but as that speaker spoke, I kept praying "Jesus, I believe in you. I so often stray so far from you. Please Lord, help me overcome my unbelief in you!" As I prayed that, I kind of chuckled to myself. "Oh Lord. You know I've had this pain in my tailbone and I haven't even prayed about it! Forgive me. Lord, if it be your will, I pray for healing over my tailbone RIGHT NOW. I pray that not because I deserve it, but because I know how big you are. Please Jesus, help me overcome my unbelief in you!" I kind of laughed, rolled over, and then sat up in bed.
What? Really? NO PAIN! I sat in bed bouncing on my butt..."Are you serious?!" NOOOO....it couldn't have happened that fast. I bounced some more...I sat back in weird positions that had previously hurt me so bad. "Really God?! Wow. Thanks." He had healed me on the spot.
Now, I tell you this story not because I want any credit in this...I think its obvious my doubt in that healing! I obviously didn't have the kind of reaction to healing that Mary had(a story I shared below about a woman who received healing in Haiti). She ran around praising God. I sat in disbelief that it actually happened to me. But what I gathered from this is that maybe faith as small as a mustard seed isn't such a far off reach. I think Jesus wouldn't give us a command just for kicks and giggles. Maybe he was serious.
"If you BELIEVE you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
I sit here still in awe that I'm sitting period...pain free. But in all of this, I'm just continually reminded how much He loves us. He just asks that we come to him in prayer...spending time with Him...BELIEVING in Him with our whole hearts. He wants good things for his children. If you haven't heard it today, or yesterday, or ever! for that matter, Jesus loves you. And He delights in you. And desires to spend time with you today :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Marathon!
On September 12, 2010 after 5 hours and 1 minute of running (26.21 miles) my marathon was COMPLETE!
As I sit down to blog about the marathon, so many thoughts, emotions, and feelings come over me. I have so much I could say, but if I wrote it all down, I’d be writing a book instead of a blog ;)
I need to first rewind before blogging about the marathon.
All of last week I was sick. I spent most of the week coughing, lying around, coughing some more, attempting to sleep through the coughing spells, and Oh, did I mention coughing?! Haha. You get the picture. My voice was pretty sweet too. I sounded manly and tough :)
Wednesday night I had a conversation with a good friend and was reminded that this marathon wasn’t about the actual marathon. Well, it was, but it wasn’t. It was about the journey. It was about all the training, dedication, hard work, tough runs, and all the time that was spent in preparation. It was about my friendship with Charisse and how it had grown in training for the marathon together. It was about how our runs had been used for glorifying the Lord. Hebrews 12 reminded me “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith…”
Last Thursday, as I laid in bed, I journaled, “I haven’t done much. Mostly slept and laid around. I feel like a bum. I’m supposed to run a marathon Sunday. Ha. Lord only in your strength. Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I kept that verse close to my heart all week. Even the night before, as I was sitting at dinner with my parents, my mom looked at me and said, “Are you sure you should run that marathon tomorrow? You make me nervous.” The night before the marathon was another restless night, full of coughing spells. When my alarm went off at 5am, I just laughed. I thought to myself “Ok Lord, this is completely in your hands. If I’m going to run this, it’s going to be on your strength.”
Well, there is no beating around the bush…as Charisse and I began our run, my lungs were clear! The Lord had proven Himself faithful again :) I had asked a few friends to pray for me throughout the week and I knew prayers were being answered. I felt a sense of peace while I ran too. It was easy to breath. I could even talk and tell stories!
There was only one point when my lungs began to fill with junk. I told my running partners (Charisse and Terena(a girl that began running with us around mile 4)) that we needed to stop and pray for my lungs to clear again. So we did. And they cleared. The rest of the race I felt freedom from junky lungs!! I also felt good running…I felt strong…when I crossed the finish line I felt like I could have kept running. Praise the LORD!!
The minute I crossed the finish line though, my lungs began to fill again, and my man voice came back! Haha. I just laughed.
The Lord had blessed me. He gave me the strength (and clear lungs!) to run the race. That’s all I really had prayed for :)
I feel like the Lord taught me so much more, but like I said, you’d be reading all night! SOO….faithfulness. That was the biggest lesson. He is so stinkin’ faithful.
Lastly, I felt so blessed to have a number of people cheering me on as I ran the marathon. I want to give a shout of thanks to Mom, Dad, Betsy, Stacey, Drew, Brad, Lexi, Mike, Jackie, Michelle, Jamie, Abigail, Paul, Mert, Lin, Kristen, Celeste, Jess, Emily, and Jon for coming to cheer me on! I was blessed beyond what I deserve!!
Thank you Jesus!!
(on a side note…went to work today…they didn’t like me being there and sent me to the doctor…bronchitis it is!...antibiotics and cough meds now on board...)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ragnar Relay 2010
On August 20-21st, 13 co-workers and myself traveled along the Mississippi River from Winona, MN to Minneapolis, MN in a race called the Ragnar Relay. We were divided into two vehicles, taking turns running different legs of the race. The Ragnar took our team about 36 hours from start to finish! Throughout our travels and adventures, I was blessed with the people that surrounded me. For me, whenever I've ran in a race, the people around me have influenced my run. I'm talking about both the runners in the race with me, and also the crowd cheering me on.
1. On my first leg of the run, I and another girl were 'neck-in-neck' with one another. As I looked at her as she passed me the first time, I made speculations about who she was. Tall, skinny, cute hair and running clothes, the latest Ipod. I thought to myself, "yup, she will beat me. she is so much more a runner than i am. she has it made. my body just doesn't naturally move like that." After the second time we passed eachother though, I felt a challenge coming on. I would not let her beat me. I reminded myself that I had trained just as much for this race. I was physically and mentally prepared. Maybe I wasn't super tall or skinny and my hair definitely not cute, but I had determination and motivation. And I realized that was all I needed to beat her. And I did.
Many times in life, we let things roll on by us because we give in to those self-defeating thoughts. We let the world around us determine who we are or what we'll accomplish. It's not about that. When we put time and effort into something that is honoring to the Lord, I believe He wants to bless us.
Just to clarify though, I was very judgemental of this girl. That was wrong of me. But what I was reminded throughout this leg of the race, was that ultimately we all are just numbers in a race. It doesn't really matter what place we come in or how we look at the finish line. What matters is how we run the race...and WHO we are running it for. We have each been given different characteristics, talents and challenges and can use them however we choose to. The question is...will we use them to glorify God? I guess the choice is our own.
2. On the next leg of my race, I met Pete. 60 year old Pete was a great guy. He had ran 40 marathons and was preparing for his next one in October. Pete caught up to me in the beginning of my race, and never left my side. He was clearly taller than me and could run at a faster pace, but he chose not too. As I got to know Pete, I learned that he had been training people to run marathons for 14 years. This summer was his first summer that he wasn't training anyone any more. Pete let me in on the secrets behind marathon training. He also pushed me in that leg of the race. We were running at night too...pitch black. Seriously, very dark. Without Pete at my side, I would have been more scared. However, I felt like Pete was this angel, sent to guide me and protect me during that part of the race. He also pushed me to run at a faster pace. Without Pete I know I would have walked.
I realized that sometimes we are given people into our lives who will keep us going...they will run the race with us...they will encourage our 'marathons'....they will keep us feeling safe when everything around us feels 'pitch black.' I'm so thankful for Pete. I hope that I can be a "Pete" to someone else struggling around me.
3. As we each ran in our 'legs' of the race, the vans would stop to encourage the runners throughout their runs. This was one thing I personally really looked forward to. Whenever I would come around a curve and see my team waiting there to cheer me on, a big smile came over my heart and face. I had people who were in this with me! I had support! They didn't care how fast I was running. In fact they didn't even care if I was running. They were going to support me regardless. They really helped me to stay motivated and encouraged.
So often in this race we run (this race we call life here on earth) we try to run it alone. We find ourselves wondering if we are running on the right path. We find ourselves turning around or vering off into wrong directions. Its only when we have people cheering us on, that we can truly stay motivated to keep our heads in the race. We can stay motivated about running up 'big hills' because we know we have people at the top of the hills ready to cheer us on and keep us going.
My prayer for each person reading this blog is that you have people in your life who are supporting you and encouraging you during 'difficult runs' in life.
If you don't, try starting with Jesus. He has been a great companion for me :)
And if you need more support, let me know! I'd love to run beside you or cheer you on from the sidelines!
1. On my first leg of the run, I and another girl were 'neck-in-neck' with one another. As I looked at her as she passed me the first time, I made speculations about who she was. Tall, skinny, cute hair and running clothes, the latest Ipod. I thought to myself, "yup, she will beat me. she is so much more a runner than i am. she has it made. my body just doesn't naturally move like that." After the second time we passed eachother though, I felt a challenge coming on. I would not let her beat me. I reminded myself that I had trained just as much for this race. I was physically and mentally prepared. Maybe I wasn't super tall or skinny and my hair definitely not cute, but I had determination and motivation. And I realized that was all I needed to beat her. And I did.
Many times in life, we let things roll on by us because we give in to those self-defeating thoughts. We let the world around us determine who we are or what we'll accomplish. It's not about that. When we put time and effort into something that is honoring to the Lord, I believe He wants to bless us.
Just to clarify though, I was very judgemental of this girl. That was wrong of me. But what I was reminded throughout this leg of the race, was that ultimately we all are just numbers in a race. It doesn't really matter what place we come in or how we look at the finish line. What matters is how we run the race...and WHO we are running it for. We have each been given different characteristics, talents and challenges and can use them however we choose to. The question is...will we use them to glorify God? I guess the choice is our own.
2. On the next leg of my race, I met Pete. 60 year old Pete was a great guy. He had ran 40 marathons and was preparing for his next one in October. Pete caught up to me in the beginning of my race, and never left my side. He was clearly taller than me and could run at a faster pace, but he chose not too. As I got to know Pete, I learned that he had been training people to run marathons for 14 years. This summer was his first summer that he wasn't training anyone any more. Pete let me in on the secrets behind marathon training. He also pushed me in that leg of the race. We were running at night too...pitch black. Seriously, very dark. Without Pete at my side, I would have been more scared. However, I felt like Pete was this angel, sent to guide me and protect me during that part of the race. He also pushed me to run at a faster pace. Without Pete I know I would have walked.
I realized that sometimes we are given people into our lives who will keep us going...they will run the race with us...they will encourage our 'marathons'....they will keep us feeling safe when everything around us feels 'pitch black.' I'm so thankful for Pete. I hope that I can be a "Pete" to someone else struggling around me.
3. As we each ran in our 'legs' of the race, the vans would stop to encourage the runners throughout their runs. This was one thing I personally really looked forward to. Whenever I would come around a curve and see my team waiting there to cheer me on, a big smile came over my heart and face. I had people who were in this with me! I had support! They didn't care how fast I was running. In fact they didn't even care if I was running. They were going to support me regardless. They really helped me to stay motivated and encouraged.
So often in this race we run (this race we call life here on earth) we try to run it alone. We find ourselves wondering if we are running on the right path. We find ourselves turning around or vering off into wrong directions. Its only when we have people cheering us on, that we can truly stay motivated to keep our heads in the race. We can stay motivated about running up 'big hills' because we know we have people at the top of the hills ready to cheer us on and keep us going.
My prayer for each person reading this blog is that you have people in your life who are supporting you and encouraging you during 'difficult runs' in life.
If you don't, try starting with Jesus. He has been a great companion for me :)
And if you need more support, let me know! I'd love to run beside you or cheer you on from the sidelines!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Adventures in Haiti
Many of you are aware of my recent travels to Haiti. I went through an organization called "Mission Haiti" and spent time at an orphanage in Ti-Riviere, Haiti. I had an opportunity to travel with a fabulous team. Other than spending time with the kids at the orphanage, we hiked up into the mountains and put on three medical clinics.
We also had a children's program at each clinic. Each night when we returned to the orphanage, we helped with youth group. Youth from all over the village (and beyond!) came to hear testimonies and to worship together.
My eyes were really opened to more of the spiritual world. In Haiti voo-doo and witchcraft is popular. The heaviness of satan and demons were often too close for my liking! I felt the Spirit of the Lord among us though, keeping us safe. As we prayed about our adventures in Haiti, Luke 18 was spoken over our group. Check it out. Many of my stories I will share line up with teachings found in Luke.
I'd like to share a couple of instances that really jump out in my mind.
1. We hiked up steep mountains with many unsteady, unclear paths. I kept saying over and over in my head "someone SHOULD be hurt right now. this is crazy!" BUT, no one got hurt. I knew that prayers from back home were being answered! Thanks for praying for our safety. Also, I NEVER felt unsafe. Ok, maybe once...we took a crazy row-boat ride to a private island. But even then, I knew I was in the Lord's hands. Even as we passed many people with machetes, fear never came over me.
2. We went and prayed over a demon-possessed girl: Rosemonde. Her grandfather had made a 'deal' with satan that someone from each generation of his family would carry a demon. The demon fell on this little 13 year old girl. As a group we had decided we would go pray over her and her family. Upon arriving to her place, we learned her parents weren't home. Rosemonde's cousin carried Rosemonde out to us, where we were confronted with a girl that basically looked dead. We had to hold her body up in the chair. Her eyes rolled back in her head. Her mouth hung open. If I hadn't seen her eyes roll on their own, I would have thought she was dead. She was unable to speak to us. Her family was starving her, as they didn't want to 'feed the demon.'
The Lord had just spoke to me that morning in Proverbs 25:21-22...
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
We attempted to feed Rosemonde while we were there, but she couldn't move her mouth. We carried Rosemonde to a mat and then gathered around her to pray and worship. This was such a powerful experience. I felt the Spirit surrounding us...fighting battles. As we prayed, I felt the Spirit moving me to wash Rosemonde's feet and wounds. I battled with God for a while. Her feet were filthy. Her wounds open. Bugs crawling on her. I thought, "Seriously God, you want me to touch her? You want me to wash her feet? Seriously? Do I have to? But God, I don't have gloves to wear..." I felt a strong pulling. Yes Heidi. Get down and wash her feet. I love her.
So, after I finally 'got over myself,' I obeyed. It was after washing her feet, it seemed as though Rosemonde 'came to' a little more. We saw her feet and arms move. She attempted to look around. Her eyes focused a little more. It wasn't until later that I found out the Lord was speaking the word "water" to another person in our group. She told me she was trying to figure out what God meant, when she saw me bend down to wash Rosemonde's feet. "Ah Ha. water. washing feet." I'm able to look back at that now and realize the power of the Spirit...speaking to both our hearts in ways we didn't understand at the time.
We never saw a complete healing while we were with Rosemonde, but I definitely knew that the work of the demons had been disrupted, and they weren't liking it. We placed Rosemonde back in the chair before leaving. Her head still hung low. I was sad to go, but knew we needed to. God was going to continue His work...we had to trust that. As we walked away, I needed to see her one more time. I looked back to find Rosemonde pulling her head up, her eyes focused on us as we walked away. Those eyes still stick with me. I also continue to remember what it was like to hold her lifeless body. An experience I know I won't forget.
(Side note...Rosemonde passed away about a week ago. Before her passing away, her parents accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They also dedicated Rosemonde to Jesus. I only pray I see her in heaven some day. Please keep praying for her family.)
3. Mary. I don't think I will ever forget Mary. After youth group one night, Cory came up to me and told me that a woman had come to the orphanage for medication. This was nothing new to me. Michelle and I, being the nurses in the group, had been asked by many people for medication. As I approached Mary and the translator, Mary began telling me that she had back pain for a year. As I sat down next to her, it was noticeable the stiffening pain she was having in her back. I ran inside to grab some Tylenol for her. As I explained to her (through the translator) how much Tylenol she would take/how often she could take it, I felt compelled to ask Mary if I could pray with her. She agreed to it. As I went to start praying, a thought came to me. "Does she even call Jesus her Lord and Savior?" I asked the translator to ask her that question.
This is the part that I cannot fully explain in words.
As the translator said "Jezu" (Jesus in Creole), Mary screeched and flung her body over me. She then jumped up and ran around the room, shouting "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" and speaking many words in Creole that I could not understand. As she ran around and got down on her knees, I continued to sit there praying for her. I was shown (again) the power that the name of Jesus held/holds! She eventually came back and sat down by me. I asked her through the translator what she had just experienced. Freedom. Mary had just experienced freedom from her back pain. She told me that since her back pain had started a year ago, no one had prayed for her. She also was unable to go to church since her back pain had started. When she went to walk in the doors of church, she felt a power holding her back from going in. "Hmm," I thought, "Satan can just go take a hike."
4. The kids at the orphanage. Of course they captured my heart. Especially Schneider. This little 7 year old boy was so sweet. As I would be walking along, all of a sudden I would feel a little hand in mine. It was Schneider. I never knew I could love someone so fast.
These are just a few of the things I saw/experienced in Haiti.
When sharing these stories with friends/family, I've had many different reactions. A couple of things that I want to emphasize...yes, demons exist. and yes, healings can happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF JESUS!!
The Spirit is at work in Haiti.
Please pray for Rosemonde's family and for Mary. Please pray for "Mission Haiti." Please pray for Pam, the founder of "Mission Haiti." Please pray for Cory and Lynn Grimm, and their family, as they prepare to be full time missionaries in Haiti. Please pray for Ti-Riviere and the surrounding communities. And of course, pray for the kids at the orphanage :)
We also had a children's program at each clinic. Each night when we returned to the orphanage, we helped with youth group. Youth from all over the village (and beyond!) came to hear testimonies and to worship together.
My eyes were really opened to more of the spiritual world. In Haiti voo-doo and witchcraft is popular. The heaviness of satan and demons were often too close for my liking! I felt the Spirit of the Lord among us though, keeping us safe. As we prayed about our adventures in Haiti, Luke 18 was spoken over our group. Check it out. Many of my stories I will share line up with teachings found in Luke.
I'd like to share a couple of instances that really jump out in my mind.
1. We hiked up steep mountains with many unsteady, unclear paths. I kept saying over and over in my head "someone SHOULD be hurt right now. this is crazy!" BUT, no one got hurt. I knew that prayers from back home were being answered! Thanks for praying for our safety. Also, I NEVER felt unsafe. Ok, maybe once...we took a crazy row-boat ride to a private island. But even then, I knew I was in the Lord's hands. Even as we passed many people with machetes, fear never came over me.
2. We went and prayed over a demon-possessed girl: Rosemonde. Her grandfather had made a 'deal' with satan that someone from each generation of his family would carry a demon. The demon fell on this little 13 year old girl. As a group we had decided we would go pray over her and her family. Upon arriving to her place, we learned her parents weren't home. Rosemonde's cousin carried Rosemonde out to us, where we were confronted with a girl that basically looked dead. We had to hold her body up in the chair. Her eyes rolled back in her head. Her mouth hung open. If I hadn't seen her eyes roll on their own, I would have thought she was dead. She was unable to speak to us. Her family was starving her, as they didn't want to 'feed the demon.'
The Lord had just spoke to me that morning in Proverbs 25:21-22...
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
We attempted to feed Rosemonde while we were there, but she couldn't move her mouth. We carried Rosemonde to a mat and then gathered around her to pray and worship. This was such a powerful experience. I felt the Spirit surrounding us...fighting battles. As we prayed, I felt the Spirit moving me to wash Rosemonde's feet and wounds. I battled with God for a while. Her feet were filthy. Her wounds open. Bugs crawling on her. I thought, "Seriously God, you want me to touch her? You want me to wash her feet? Seriously? Do I have to? But God, I don't have gloves to wear..." I felt a strong pulling. Yes Heidi. Get down and wash her feet. I love her.
So, after I finally 'got over myself,' I obeyed. It was after washing her feet, it seemed as though Rosemonde 'came to' a little more. We saw her feet and arms move. She attempted to look around. Her eyes focused a little more. It wasn't until later that I found out the Lord was speaking the word "water" to another person in our group. She told me she was trying to figure out what God meant, when she saw me bend down to wash Rosemonde's feet. "Ah Ha. water. washing feet." I'm able to look back at that now and realize the power of the Spirit...speaking to both our hearts in ways we didn't understand at the time.
We never saw a complete healing while we were with Rosemonde, but I definitely knew that the work of the demons had been disrupted, and they weren't liking it. We placed Rosemonde back in the chair before leaving. Her head still hung low. I was sad to go, but knew we needed to. God was going to continue His work...we had to trust that. As we walked away, I needed to see her one more time. I looked back to find Rosemonde pulling her head up, her eyes focused on us as we walked away. Those eyes still stick with me. I also continue to remember what it was like to hold her lifeless body. An experience I know I won't forget.
(Side note...Rosemonde passed away about a week ago. Before her passing away, her parents accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They also dedicated Rosemonde to Jesus. I only pray I see her in heaven some day. Please keep praying for her family.)
3. Mary. I don't think I will ever forget Mary. After youth group one night, Cory came up to me and told me that a woman had come to the orphanage for medication. This was nothing new to me. Michelle and I, being the nurses in the group, had been asked by many people for medication. As I approached Mary and the translator, Mary began telling me that she had back pain for a year. As I sat down next to her, it was noticeable the stiffening pain she was having in her back. I ran inside to grab some Tylenol for her. As I explained to her (through the translator) how much Tylenol she would take/how often she could take it, I felt compelled to ask Mary if I could pray with her. She agreed to it. As I went to start praying, a thought came to me. "Does she even call Jesus her Lord and Savior?" I asked the translator to ask her that question.
This is the part that I cannot fully explain in words.
As the translator said "Jezu" (Jesus in Creole), Mary screeched and flung her body over me. She then jumped up and ran around the room, shouting "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" and speaking many words in Creole that I could not understand. As she ran around and got down on her knees, I continued to sit there praying for her. I was shown (again) the power that the name of Jesus held/holds! She eventually came back and sat down by me. I asked her through the translator what she had just experienced. Freedom. Mary had just experienced freedom from her back pain. She told me that since her back pain had started a year ago, no one had prayed for her. She also was unable to go to church since her back pain had started. When she went to walk in the doors of church, she felt a power holding her back from going in. "Hmm," I thought, "Satan can just go take a hike."
4. The kids at the orphanage. Of course they captured my heart. Especially Schneider. This little 7 year old boy was so sweet. As I would be walking along, all of a sudden I would feel a little hand in mine. It was Schneider. I never knew I could love someone so fast.
These are just a few of the things I saw/experienced in Haiti.
When sharing these stories with friends/family, I've had many different reactions. A couple of things that I want to emphasize...yes, demons exist. and yes, healings can happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF JESUS!!
The Spirit is at work in Haiti.
Please pray for Rosemonde's family and for Mary. Please pray for "Mission Haiti." Please pray for Pam, the founder of "Mission Haiti." Please pray for Cory and Lynn Grimm, and their family, as they prepare to be full time missionaries in Haiti. Please pray for Ti-Riviere and the surrounding communities. And of course, pray for the kids at the orphanage :)
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