I've been thinking for a long time on how to even make this post. Well, without babbling on for days that is. The simplest and most sincere way to put it is this:
We are moved.
Five years ago, Stephen and I made our first trip to Haiti. We instantly fell in love with the people and culture. Since that first trip, it is crazy for us to look back and see that God has been shaping and refining us for the last five years to serve somewhere in the country full time. It wasn't something we planned out, but something that God was planning out for us. Over this past year, God has specifically burdened our hearts for the orphan and the social injustices of the world. As parents it breaks our hearts, just as it does our Father's heart, for the thousands upon thousands of children in our world that have not one person to advocate for them.
Psalm 82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed."
We are moved.
Our family has the opportunity to serve at at a children's village in Cyvadier, Haiti called The Hands and Feet Project. Their mission exists to care for orphans and abandoned children of the world with the love of Christ. The vision is to raise a generation of orphans who will grow into men and women who will have a relationship with Christ and be leaders in their communities. The Hands and Feet Project has a big impact on the community around them, employing 40 + people in an otherwise job-scarce country.
Stephen and I truly believe in this mission and are humbled by the opportunity to join their team full-time. With the burden of our hearts, we are excited to use the skills God has given us to advance His kingdom....in Haiti. Hands and Feet currently has one main site in Cyvadier with 50+ kids and a new site in Grand Goave with 31 kids. Stephen will be the project manager for these sites as well as dealing with daily needs around the orphanage. My role will evolve as we get there including tutoring the kids, working with the nanny's, the many short-term groups that come throughout the year etc. Grady, Ella, and Mikah's role: to be kids, make lots of new friends, and spend more time with their daddy than they currently get to :)
Our move date is October, 2011. Now let me tell you dear friends and family, we of course have some fears! We know it seems a little crazy to move our family of five to the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and the reality of our move is hitting closer and closer to home as our plans move forward each day. With each and every fear though, God confirms to us each day that this is His will for our lives right now. We have had friends, family, and even somewhat strangers ask if they can financially support our mission before we have even launched our funding endeavors. God is good, and He continues to tell us to fear not, for "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). We know in this journey we will face many trials, some of which are currently known and some unknown. But we know where our Hope and future lies, and with that in our hearts we are confidently abandoning our lives as we once knew it and embracing the journey God has in front of us.
Our prayer as you read this, is that you will join us on this journey. We are extremely blessed to have loving family and friends in our lives and we will continue to update this family blog regularly along the way.
Blessings,
Carrie & Family
9 comments:
We so admire your obedience to God's will --- truly, He has been working in your hearts for a long time. Your passion and love for the children shows each time you speak of them. So glad that you will have an opportunity to show them God's love on a daily basis. We're already planning our trips down! Love to you all! The Keeling's
What an excited, and I'm sure scary development! I look forward to your updates and how all 5 of your are adjusting! We'll be praying for you!
How exciting! I remember when you guys went for the first time and listening to Stephen talk all about it over our 'valet days' on Wednesday nights. Please keep us updated!
Sorry...I was logged into my gmail account and forgot. That last comment was from me :)
Love it... so excited for you guys!!! :)
This is amazing, Carrie! God will be able to use such a willing family in such a needy area! Thank you for your willingness to go and serve! We'll be keeping you in our prayers, along with those you will be serving.
Wow! We are happy for you and proud of you for listening to Gods call. What a hard decision to leave the "American dream" to serve in another country...but AWESOME, AWESOME--hats off to you! Praying, praying for you and your kids as you prepare!
As your old neighbor I know that this is something you have been thinking about for a long time. I will always remember the conversation we had when you were pregnant with the twins and thinking of making this move. Your faith in God impressed me then and now as it continues to become a reality to move where God needs you to be. You and your family made a big impact on heart and will continue to be prayed for and missed.
Elaine
Hi Carrie, is this the first blog you wrote about Haiti? I have always felt led to be a missionary since before I was married or had children and now that I have a 6 person family I thought it was impossible. Then I heard of the Hands & Feet Project, started reading everything there is on the website, learned about you and your family and now realize IT'S STILL POSSIBLE!!! I wanted to read your blog to see how your family did it and was just wondering is this the first blog you ever wrote concerning your decision about Haiti? So that I may start here and read forward...
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