Headed to Haiti

In three days I will be headed to Haiti!  It seemed like such a long way off when I started packing all the items we pre-ship in October, but now it's right around the corner.  Note to self: next year, write down all the things you packed in October so you can remember them in January.  I'm getting very excited and extremely nervous.  As you all know, I am a worrier.  It's just who I am.  Over the years, I definitely have learned to manage my stress/worry/anxiety issues, well most of the time.  My normal method is to make a mental list of all the things I'm worried about, then I go through them and explain to myself how I am going to be able to handle it.  I know, that's pretty silly, c'est la vie.

So here's my current list of concerns for the Haiti trip...

1. All my stuff will not fit in my backpack and carry on, including the 4 ipads and computer that are not included in the photo above.
2. If I somehow squish it all in the bags, I will be found in the airport flat on my back from how much they weight.  Think turtle on shell.
3. I will get all the way to Haiti and my database won't work for some unknown reason that I didn't think about and test well enough.
4. Ella will be sad while I am gone.  Ahh, sweet soft-hearted Ella
5. I will miss my family, terribly.
6. There might not be enough coffee.
7. I won't be able to sleep, since I'm generally a crazed insomniac.

So with the new year, I am trying to focus on the positive.  I thought that might help with talking myself out of worrying.   I'm now going to make a list of all the positive things I will get out of this trip.  Even if I am sitting here all night, this list is going to be longer than the one first one.

1. Our team will get to help about two thousand people.
2. My database will help us determine which interventions work best.
3. I will see first hand, what I am planning on for my future.  
4. I will be inspired by people of Gobert.
5. David and I will be able to work together once our kids have gone to college.
6. I will be reminded of the simple things in life.
7. I will be doing what I feel called to do.
8. We will be so busy that I won't have time to miss my family, too much.
9. My family will be proud of me.

Ok that's all I have today, but I will try to keep you posted from Haiti, when possible.  Please pray that our team is safe and helps all the people of Our Lady of Miracles who are in need.

Lisa