Time for 5 minute Friday where I join with other writers to write purely for the joy of the craft. Unscripted. Unedited. Real. Today's word....
I showed my passport and boarded the plane, my stomach twisting in knots. I didn't know what to expect, no clue how to plan. Just go.
Fear knawed at my mind. I knew I was opening myself up to change in a big way. No going back. I would never be the same. You can't immerse yourself in a country without leaving a piece of yourself behind and taking a piece of that place with you.
Haiti infiltrated my blood, much like those pesky mesquitoes in country. There is no forgetting the picture of hungry children, eager teens, or strong adults that know how to survive. There is no erasing the image of poverty and destruction or hope pushing up like a daisy in the middle of weeds.
I took the risk. I left for a place that I knew would NEVER allow me to infiltrate back into my own culture quite the same way. I think about the extra food I leave on my plate at restaurants and the clothes I donate to goodwill because I just get tired of them. I think of the things I take for granted, and my actions change to match my heart.
Risk always comes with a consequence, but that consequence can often be a blessing in disguise. I left a piece of my heart in Haiti and my life at home is better because of it. Now what I do with that change is a risk all in itself...deep breath....
Let's do this!
Linking up with the Gypsy Mama.
Risk
Fear knawed at my mind. I knew I was opening myself up to change in a big way. No going back. I would never be the same. You can't immerse yourself in a country without leaving a piece of yourself behind and taking a piece of that place with you.
Haiti infiltrated my blood, much like those pesky mesquitoes in country. There is no forgetting the picture of hungry children, eager teens, or strong adults that know how to survive. There is no erasing the image of poverty and destruction or hope pushing up like a daisy in the middle of weeds.
I took the risk. I left for a place that I knew would NEVER allow me to infiltrate back into my own culture quite the same way. I think about the extra food I leave on my plate at restaurants and the clothes I donate to goodwill because I just get tired of them. I think of the things I take for granted, and my actions change to match my heart.
Risk always comes with a consequence, but that consequence can often be a blessing in disguise. I left a piece of my heart in Haiti and my life at home is better because of it. Now what I do with that change is a risk all in itself...deep breath....
Let's do this!
Linking up with the Gypsy Mama.
Oh mylanta this was fantastic! So glad we were neighbors today. It's been too long since I've been here. And oh how you've tugged at my heart. I've left pieces of my heart all over. You'd think I would know by now, but still have to ask myself --- now what? And ya know...I still have more to give. I'm with you. Let's do this!!
ReplyDeleteRisk always comes with a consequence, but that consequence can often be a blessing in disguise.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, yes,indeed! And sometimes, if we don't take the risk, the consequence can be worse . . . as I wrote about . . .
http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com/
Good risk! And well worth it!
ReplyDeleteI took a risk in college and spent 6 weeks in a children's dorm in Thailand. Changed my life. Worth it. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteMB
newlifesteward.com
Your words take me back to my experience in Beijing. I never saw my life the same. I expect you will do something wonderful. Thank you for taking the risk.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from 5 minute Friday. Powerful words here. So strong and tender. I am going to Haiti on my first abroad mission trip this year, Lord willing. This touched me in a deep place, as I have friends who go OFTEN. wishing His grace as you continue to risk....
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Your awareness and teachability is inspiring. Happy to be here again, reading more of your words. Lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteRisk does open us up to change, and we had better be ready for it because it could go this way, or that - it's a risky business after all. Enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteWow... I agree and have experienced this every time I've worked overseas so true--" You can't immerse yourself in a country without leaving a piece of yourself behind and taking a piece of that place with you."
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Nickki! Glad someone else is in this with me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Nikki! I'm glad I'm not in this alone!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's courage. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you took a pretty big risk yourself. The Lord uses those who are willing, and He even uses us when we are stubborn as I can sure attest. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you get the opportunity to go! I would go back in a heart beat if I could get off of work. Be ready to be used, and be ready to fall in love with these people. The Lord is doing BIG things down there, and it was a blessing to be a very small part of the big picture.
ReplyDeleteThat is so encouraging. I'm glad you came by and shared with me!
ReplyDeleteAs long as the Lord is in the middle of it, the risk is well worth it. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that such a beautiful part of the Lord's plan? It makes us much more aware, much more prayerful, and much more active because that place is all of a sudden familiar and a bit like home. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. :)
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