Haiti is expensive, and it's got nothing to do with money

What I mean is that Haiti costs a lot.  Haiti costs…

…My comfort

I can’t say I particularly enjoy bucket showers, unreliable power (if any), legs covered in bug bites, and a constant sunburn.

…My sanity

Trying to teach, barter, and generally communicate in Haitian Creole on a daily basis would drive anyone crazy at times.

#cabbage

…My looks

I know that true beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit.  But as a woman, I think I’m allowed to say that no-makeup and frizzy hair don’t exactly say physically attractive.

…My love life

Not that I have one.  But sometimes I can’t help but think…What guy can possibly handle living in Haiti for the rest of his life??  ((It’s not true of course.  If God calls me to live in Haiti, He will call my future husband to live there, too.  But I still think about it.))

But the thing about following God’s call is that it’s worth it.  When I go to Haiti, and I dance with Janide, and I listen to Rit read, and I get kisses from Laisa, and I play hopscotch with Lovna, I know it’s worth it.

And even though I have to give up my comfort, my sanity, my looks, and my love life, I don’t mind.  Because there’s no better place to be than in the center of God’s will.

I want to live like Hermione

     Those of you who aren't into Harry Potter, just bear with me.

     When we first meet Hermione, all we see are "books and cleverness."  She is devoted to her school work and dedicated to learning.  But there's so much more to Hermione than that.
     One of my favorite things about Hermione is that she is a warrior.

     Hermione takes what she knows, what she's learned, and what she believes and uses it to fight for truth.
     She isn't afraid to go into battle.  She is devoted to others and dedicated to protecting them.  She loves with her whole heart and sacrifices her own safety and happiness for others.

     She's not flawless.  There are insecurities and doubts beneath that curly blond hair.  That's what makes her human.  That's what makes her real.  Like in the Forest of Dean...

     Goodness knows I have insecurities and doubts.  Sometimes I just want to stay where I am.  Settle down and grow old in the comfort of safety and certainty.  But that's not what God calls me to do.

     He calls me to be a warrior.

     He calls me to be devoted to Him and to others and He calls me to be dedicated to fighting for Truth.
     God has already proclaimed victory over sin and death, but Satan, the Voldemort of this world, is still at large.  Just as Hermione rose to the occasion so many times, ready to fight evil in the name of truth and love, I am rising to the occasion.  I am ready to make sacrifices in order to bring God's truth to the people I love in Haiti, who are still under Satan's influence.  I am ready to fight for them.

     That's why I want to live like Hermione.