Back at home!

Back at Home!!!

What a feeling to be back at home!  I was looking forward to coming home the last 2 days of the trip since I was not feeling well and really missing my family.  And being home has been amazing, yet so different.The adjustment back to "my real" life is going to be a little more challenging than I think I anticipated.  
While in Haiti I would joke about dreaming of ice, which I did.  While on the plane, you should have seen the smiles when a beverage cart came around and a beverage was served with ice.  Then, when we got to Miami, my first meal back in the US was a fresh subway flatbread sandwich.  There wasn't any freshness in Haiti, so the thought of fresh cold  lettuce, tomato, and fixings was a dream come true...and let's not forget the LARGE ICED coke:)  I was set. (Note: there are fresh foods in Haiti, however we could not drink any of the water, eat anything that was fresh that did not have a hard shell or that you could peal, so anything had to be washed/rised was out!)
In Miami I had the opportunity to talk to my family for the first time in a week, it was so great to hear all their voices- my heart filled with so much joy!  We arrived in MN at 11:15pm last night, and I was overjoyed to see Zach and the kiddos at the airport.  It was so comforting to see their faces and get hugs and kisses from them, I missed them so much!!! 
The drive home was my first trigger of missing Haiti: here in the US we have paved roads, that are maintained and smooth.  This is not the case in Haiti.  I savered the smooth ride with my family- our ride was full of stories, questions and laughter.  What joy!
Arriving at home and walking in, wow, the abundance I have.  The blessings I have.  It's a lot to take in.  My lens in which I see has been altered. 
Who knew one would miss a shower so much!  Don't get me wrong, I did shower in Haiti, however the experience is very different- there was not any hot water and the water pressure...well not so consistent?  The experience was something.  I appreciate the hot water and water pressure oh so much now!
There is so much emotion, so much to process, that I will try to keep the blog going for a few weeks while I decompress, process and transition back to "my real" life.  I have been so blessed to have been chosen to serve the Lord, in this time of transition, I must take the time to reflect and incorporate all His great works back into my "real life".  Our God is an Awesome God! 

Thank you so much for all your support and love- I could not do this without you!  God Bless each and every one of you.  With so much love ~ Phuong

Closing verse today: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things become new."

---

Day 6

Day 6
Thank you for all the prayers for health.  Our team was all back and able to go out in the field today.  I wouldn't say we're all 100%, but well enough to serve!
Today started a little bit different for me.  It was the first day that I was awakened with thoughts of home and really missing and wanting to be there.  It's Saturday, and Saturdays are always the best!  Snuggle time, breakfast with the family, the good old Target run, and church!  However, it was another great day in Haiti!
Today started with two water truck runs, delivering water to Cite Soleil.  Our first stop today was at a stop that we had earlier in the week.  It was really nice to be back to a familiar place- the young boy that I previously talked about was there, and he hung out with me again.  He introduced me to his father today- I really wanted to just take him home.  When I left the sight, tears just filled my eyes as he was standing there waving and blowing me kisses.  The next stop was new, and busy.  It's just amazing how Healing Haiti delivers clean water for free to these people.  Water is such a necessity, yet it's so hard to get for the people living in the Cite Soleil for free.  I am honored to be able to serve and bring water to these people and play with the children.
Our final stop for the day was at the orphanage for the sick and dying children.  I spent the whole visit holding the young girl I spent time with at the last visit.  I could hold her forever.  She is 15 months and is so fragile.  She literally is all skin and bones.  She is another one I would love to take home and provide nurishment.  Oh, my heart just breaks leaving her.
What a week it has been, I am thankful for all the experiences that I have had.  It's been truly life changing and so rewarding.  Our God is so great!

My closing verse today:  Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

In Him~ Phuong

Day 5

Day 5

Today was a tough day for our group- as the week wears on the stress, emotion, fatigue and a number of other things has truly begun to take it's toll on the group, including me.  There are six of us, out of 11 that were not feeling well today, two of which did not feel well enough to venture out on today's mission.  Please take a moment and pray for our health tonight.

A few of us  woke up at 5am today to attend a church service at 6am with our Haitian staff, FanFan.  What an awesome experience that was.  We walked a few blocks to this church, the walk was very interesting- we hadn't walked the streets of Haiti yet.  We walked through a tent neighborhood, up a hill, and down a few streets to arrive at an American owned school and open air church.  The church typically sits under a huge white canopy, but with with recent winds and storms, the canopy was ruined.  The benches were lined up in many rows and the view was breath taking.  This church sat on a hill that overlooked the beautiful hillsides of Haiti.  In the far distant, a natural rock formation of a cross lays in the hillside.  God's amazing works.  The whole service was in Creole, but that did not matter, the passion and praise that was being sung was so heart felt.  I wish I could bottle up the emotion I felt after sitting through church.  God filled me so much!  

Our day was another amazing day.  It was low physical impact, but another high emotional one.  We started our day visiting a school named Elders, a school that Healing Haiti supports.  It is located in Cite Soliel, the schools here a nothing like our American schools, but it's amazing what Healing Haiti has done to help improve it.  

Our next stop was the mass graves. The mass graves are for all the hundreds of thousands (200,000+) who lost their lives during the earthquake.  The mass graves are located in the country side, tucked on a side of a hill. There are no headstones, no plaques, just black crosses that line the field.   It overlooks the ocean.  A beautiful sight, a sad moment.  The tears just welled in my eyes.  

We then headed to Grace Village, that was a joyous stop!  Grace Village is a community that Healing Haiti is building that will house two dormitories (one for girls, the other for boys) where two current orphanages will be moving to.  The new site is beautiful.  The orphans will have a nice place to sleep with real walls that are painted that are bright and cheery.  There is also a feeding center to feed all the orphans and the surrounding community.  What a glorious gift.  

Our next few stops where actual visits to two elders at their home (tent).  I visited one, and stayed back on the truck for the other.  The first visit was really tough, a 78 year old man sat on his bed in a tent, blind and hard of hearing.  Standing there touching him to let him know I was there he cried out, take me from my misery.  It was really tough.  The second visit, I did not attend, I was not feeling well enough so I stayed back in the truck.  This visit was to a 107 year old woman.  

The final visit for the day was Yvonne's Orphanage.  This orphanage will be moving to Grace Village when it opens.  The children at Yvonne's were just stunning.  They greeted us with song and praise.  I was saddened when we arrived as there was no field and little space to just play.  Today we painted, did more spa treatment (head massages, and finger nail polish), as well as soccer and jump rope.  It was a fun time.  As we pampered and played with the kiddos, they in return started pampering us.  While I was polishing a young girls nails, another girl started braiding my hair, shortly after another young girl polished my nails.  I was so taken back at how much they were pampering me, when I was trying to pamper them.  After spending time with the girls, I began to play with a young boy.  He was so cute.  He and I were throwing a glider back and forth.  After the glider was broken, he and I just sat on a step.  Then we painted a picture together, it was so moving.  He kept the picture and protected it.  Another little child that I really wanted to take home with me.

Even though I was not feeling well, God provided me all that I needed to get through the day and filled me up again.

He is so great!

Here is today's closing verse:  Psalms 6:2  Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

  

To Him be the Glory~ Phuong

Day 4

Day 4

Oh what a day!  I want to reassure all of you that may have been worried about Tropical Storm Emily- it never did come, and we haven't even received any rain :)  

Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit the orphanage for the sick and dying children.  Today we visited two additional orphanages.  The first one was Gertrude's Orphanage for special needs children.  What an awe struck morning.  My heart was saddened, but filled with so much joy.  Today I felt the need to just sing to the children.  It just filled my heart with so much joy to praise God. I walked into a room and sat on the floor next to a blind boy in a wheelchair with other special needs and just began to sing, and sing.  It was such an experience.  The young boy began to smile and sway back and forth and then leaned in towards my voice in his chair.  Though we have our language barriers, music is something that can connect us.  Pure happiness and joy filled me knowing that singing God's song connected me so much to this young boy.  I definitely felt connected to many children there this morning and definitely have many stories to share.  My heart sings with so much joy!

In the afternoon we visited our second orphanage for the day, it was Guiliaume's.  This is Healing Haiti's orphanage.  What an experience- when our team got there and got off the truck, children just swarmed us with hugs and laughter.  What a sight, what a glorious sight!  Guiliaume's orphanage will be moving to Grace Village in the near future, what a blessing that will be.  At Guiliuame's our team hosted a spa activity, bead necklaces, soccer and play- it was such a great afternoon.  I participated in the spa activity, at the nail polish table.  I truly felt like I was able to be God's hands and feet today.  I polished many little hands and older hands too, and feet that were worn, tough, and dirty.  These girls and women need to be pampered and feel that someone cares for them, and today, through Christ, it was me.  What a privilege it was.  After the activities, it was time to just play and love the children.  A young girl who was under the weather bonded with me, and I held her for hours.  When it was time to leave for the day- tears filled my eyes.  My heart broke leaving, I wanted to take all the children home with me, especially the little girl who had been holding and clinging to me.  

After we got back to the guesthouse after the orphanages, a few of my teammates and I were talking, I just have to share- that everyday here in Haiti has been better than the last.  I don't possibly know how that could be, but I do know that God is great and He moving us in so many different levels.  I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings!  Another Best I hope!

My closing verse today is:

Psalm 100:1-2 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

All Glory, All Honor, Belongs to Him~ Phuong

Day 3

Day 3 
I can't believe it's already day 3.  What a miraculous day- the Lord is so wonderful.  Today we had an opportunity to go to the orphanage for sick and dying children.  As many of you know, I was very worried about going to the orphanage, and to be honest I was probably so worried about it that I hardened my heart and was a little numb to it. However, the Lord knew this and gave me another opportunity.  We had gone to the orphanage in the morning, and then returned for the afternoon.  This morning, I walked in and really was numb and would not let any emotion come through.  We came back to the guesthouse for lunch and a break and during team time, I even said to the team that the orphanage was not as bad as I  thought it would be...now fast forward to the evening visit...God opened my heart, and I walked into the orphanage tonight and my heart sunk.  I stepped back, saw all the children and the little girl I had spent the morning with waiting in her crib for me just laying there crying, waiting for me to pick her up.  At that moment, God un-numbed my heart and I began to see all the beauty, pain and hurt around me- emotion began to fill me.  Oh, the day was another wonderful, best!
Then this evening- what a great group I am traveling with, our evening team time is always so amazing as we discuss our day and our experiences.  Today our Haitian staff, FanFan, shared how he joined the Healing Haiti staff and his faith story- his story was so incredible!  He then led us in worship, it was AMAZING, we sang Everlasting God, and Mighty to Save- our voices together filled the room as we gave all praise to God.  
After the wonderful worship, Jean our Healing Haiti, Haitian Director taught us how to salsa dance- HOW FUN!!! And what a workout!
Such an amazing time- God is filling me up in so many new ways.  Oh He is Great!


My closing verse today:  1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts


To Him be the Glory~ Phuong

Day 2

Day 2
What a day!!!!  Where do I start this blog...
This morning, I got up early, since I didn't sleep too well- it will take me a few days to get comfortable with my surroundings before I can just "sleep".  I had a conversation with one of my group leaders saying that I hope that I could feel more connected to God and less connected to my "normal" life- because as you can see - I have access to the internet, which means staying in the loop with work, facebook and everything else...so I was just saying that I wish I could turn everything else off and let God do his work in me.  Well...our AWESOME God did...today was AMAZING!
Today was water truck day in Cite Soliel.  Cite Soliel is one of the most deprived areas in Port Au Prince.  Today we delivered clean water to the people of Cite Soliel for free.  Cite Soliel is a tent city, it truly is the slums.  
My word for the day is: heartbroken.  Today, my heart was truly broken, all for God.Yesterday when I arrived in Haiti, I was overwhelmed and the drive from the airport to the house was a lot to take in, but nothing like what I saw today.  The house that we are staying in is in a nicer part of Port Au Prince, but I didn't realize that yesterday...today, driving to Cite Soliel, emotions filled me, my heart was truly broken.  When we got to Cite Soliel, it was everything that the Healing Haiti video was, but more.  It was truly a reality.  Children swarmed me, and it was amazing.  They had so much love- and all they wanted was to be held and played with.  In Cite Soliel, half of the team played with the children, the other half worked the water truck.  We ran 3 water truck stops today- all three stops in different locations within Cite Soliel- I got to experience working the water truck and playing with and loving the children.  I cannot even tell you how awesome it was.
At my first stop, I bonded with an 8 year boy who just stayed by my side and really took care of me there, and a little girl who was 6 that was so sweet- these children reminded me so much of Hunter and Alexa- smiles and warmth fill my heart, and sadness all in the same moment- these beautiful Haitian children have so little, yet love so much.  And their love for God is amazing.  
A beautiful day!  A quote I love from a song "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I have for kingdom come"  So true, so true :)  Thank you God for breaking my heart..
I have so much to say about today, but I will end with this was an AMAZING DAY!!!!!
As I end this blog, I have to say, Thank you God for all that you do, and for allowing me to be your hands and feet.  To You be the Glory!!!!

My closing verse today: Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.


All Praise, All Honor, to you Lord~ Phuong

Day 1

Day 1
What an amazing day!  I can't believe I am in Haiti! 
The morning started at 1:30am, and hasn't stopped yet!
In the shower today, I realized this is REAL, and will be my last warm shower for the next week.  But let me tell you, this whole experience has been surreal.  
I met my team at the airport at 3:45am this morning, went through security and our flight was actually at 6am (not 10am like I said to some of you- sorry).
We got here around 3pm today- but the airport experience was like no other! 
The guesthouse that we are staying at is very nice and comfortable- The ride from the airport back to the guesthouse was...another EXPERIENCE.  The house is only 1.5 miles away, but took ~20 minutes to get to.  We rode in a top truck...I'll post pictures later- I wasn't able to take in my surroundings because I was holding on...and there was a lot of luggage in the back with us :).
All and all, a great day- so thankful for this day! 
Tomorrow- Water Truck day- I can't wait!  I will be seeing and experiencing Haiti tomorrow!


Today's closing verse:  1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.


Blessings~ Phuong 

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

Good Morning!!!!
TODAY IS THE DAY...He has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!!

THANK YOU all for following along as I have been preparing for my mission trip.  Well, today is the day!  Just wanted to thank all of you- and hope that I will have the ability to blog down in Haiti...if not, I'll be back and will provide an update then. 

Praying that we all have a safe and full filling week.  God Speed!

~ Phuong

1 Day and Counting...

1 More Day…

I woke up early this morning because I don’t want to miss a second of this day with my family!  Though the kids are still asleep, it warms my heart that I am up and ready to go whenever they are…

So many emotions fill me today.  Anxious about all the things to come, but grounded in God’s word to not be anxious.

I’ve packed my bags, doubled checked them last night…and will triple check them today.  I can’t believe that tomorrow at this time, I will be sitting at the airport getting ready to depart on my life changing experience.

My to do list today…

1.       Take a family picture

2.       Take a picture and record a personalized message for Hunter and Alexa for bedtime

3.       Make sure to give lots of hugs and kisses

4.       Make a final Target run

5.       See my parents

6.       Read God’s word

7.       Laugh

8.       Take all my medications

9.       Give THANKS

10.   Take in all the moments and blessings

So much emotion today- but so grateful for the journey that I am about to embark on- my heart is breaking a little already, not for the Haitian people, but for my family.  I will miss them greatly.  I am so thankful for my WONDERFUL husband, Zach, who will be holding down the fort at home.  The week ahead for him is going to bring challenges too.  I know this journey is not mine alone, and so thankful that all of you are coming along and supporting me and my family through it.  Please say an extra prayer for my Zach and the kids- this is going to be a hard week for them too.  Pray that they find comfort in each other, and lean on the Lord when sadness creeps in.  Remind them that my heart is with them, and God is with us. 

I am humbled by all your love!  THANK YOU.  And…I am feeling better today- THANK YOU, LORD! 

Take in the day, and make it a GREAT ONE! 

The closing verse I chose today:  Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

May the Spirit be with you today and always!  ~ Phuong

2 days and counting...

2 days and counting…

Started the morning off visiting the great Target Clinic!  This wonderful cold just does not want to go away.  Thank goodness for the PA at Target Clinic, she is familiar with Healing Haiti and knows the founder and organization well- she was willing to prescribe antibiotics for this viral cold, to ensure it does not grow into a bacterial infection while I am in Haiti…hopefully by Sunday, which is actually tomorrow- I will be feeling better.  I asked if I should be concerned with going to Haiti with this cold, and she said NO!  THANK GOOODNESS!

Thank you for all those who have been sending me prayer for good health.

I cannot believe this is the last weekend before I go- I am really hoping to that I have finalized all my things and did not forget anything… there will be no Target to make a quick run to. L  What will I do without Target for 8 days?

I hope you all have a great Saturday- talk to you again tomorrow!  Enjoy the glorious day He has made!

My closing verse today:  James 4:10  Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up in honor

To Him be the Glory~ Phuong

5/4 days and counting...

4 days…

So with 4 days until departure date the stress is on.

Not only did I miss a blog post yesterday due to being under the weather, I am stressed about having this cold and going.

So let’s catch-up from yesterday-

Yesterday I got to see Alexa’s final soccer game for the season.  What a proud moment.  She did AMAZING!!!!  You know how you hope that your child does their best- well she did, and it was so cool to hear the other parents cheer her on and get excited for her too.  SO PROUD!!!  The humidity yesterday was so thick- sitting/ standing watching the game was painful!  I didn’t have on my new dry cotton/active wear, so I was miserable…I guess I should have tested out my new clothing yesterday J.

I have been so exhausted with this cold, and found myself in bed by 830pm last night- Hunter actually came in and gave me a hug and kiss goodnight. Is it bad that my 7 year old is tucking me in and giving me a kiss goodnight.  Oh- I sure hope this cold goes away soon.

Life is so good.  I can’t imagine a day without the love and support I have from my amazing family.  My children make me so proud and just fill me up, they are full of love and life- and in a few short days I will encounter children who long for love, who are sick and dying- how can that be?  How will I process that?  How can I remember in those moments…What is God trying to teach me?  I don’t know how to prepare my heart for that.

Today- another day closer to departure- 

As I was leaving a meeting today- a co-worker asked if I was going to be at work tomorrow… Oh my goodness, there is only 1 day left of the work week before I am gone on the mission trip- YIKES!  The questions and comments I keep getting are…are you excited?  It is going to be so fun.  Of course my PC response is, “Yes” to both.  My true response is…I am looking forward to the life changing experience, but not excited to see the devastation.  I don’t think it’s going to be fun, I think it’s going to be a lot of hard work, and very emotionally draining.  I honestly believe I have been numbing myself to the reality of what is to come…because I can’t even imagine what it will be like.  I have seen the videos, but the reality is…this will be like NOTHING I have ever experienced.  I have lived a sheltered, privileged life, full of love, family, and support, and am going to the poorest country in the western hemisphere, where little is left- but there is still HOPE!  I want to be able to sprinkle a little HOPE in someone’s life…even if it’s just ONE person.  If I can do that, this trip will be well worth it.

Today, I will ask all that read the blog for an extra little prayer- would you mind sending me a little prayer that I will overcome this cold and be healthy for the mission trip ahead?  THANK YOU.

Today’s closing verse:  James 5:14-15
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

In Him~ Phuong

6 days and counting...

OH NO!

Yesterday brought a few sneezes, and today a full blown cold…SERIOUSLY!

I have six days until departure date, and I am determined to feel better!  Rest and a lot of hot tea will hopefully help.

R-E-S-T

Such simple letters, sounds so great, but how do I go about getting that?  It’s my final week of work before being gone for two weeks, so of course there is absolutely nothing to wrap up there, no stress about loose ends,  or anything- OKAY, all joking aside, I have a great team at work who encouraged me to go home and get some rest this afternoon- THANK YOU to all who stopped by or said something to me- I took your advice, and do feel a little better.

Now, off to a family dinner.  A little more family time tonight, and tomorrow the departure of family begins. It has been really nice to see all my family and spend a little extra time with them. 

Please send prayer for a quick recovery of this cold! 

Today’s verse: "And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness..." Deuteronomy 7:15 

Blessings~ Phuong

7 days and counting...

OMG- 7 days!  7 days until my life will be forever changed!

What do I know today:

1.     That in 1 week I will be standing in Haiti

2.     That my to do list is longer than I thought

3.     That I have the most amazing family

4.     That stressing out doesn’t help the situation

5.     That though my Haiti trip is on my mind- so are a million other things that are just as important if not more

6.     That I have amazing friends and support

7.     That it’s okay to not want to talk about the Haiti trip, it’s okay to ask me about other things in my life…I do have other things going on J

8.     That work is work and it will still be here when I get back

9.     That I am so looking forward to getting my haircut with Alexa once I get home

10.  That not everyone is going to support my trip and that’s okay

In closing- I hope that each and every one of you takes a moment from your day to sit back and soak in all the blessings in your life.  In the midst of chaos, we tend to take for granted all the blessings we have. 

Today’s closing verse:  John 1:16  From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

To Him be the Glory~ Phuong

8 days and counting...

A jammed packed weekend!

I officially missed my first blog posting yesterday- SORRY to those that are following.

The weekend has been filled with so much family and preparation for Haiti.

Yesterday- bummed, but honestly a little relieved that Alexa’s soccer game was canceled due to the rain- which allowed for more family and prep time.  The morning was spent reviewing and going through snack spreadsheets to determine what still was needed to be purchased.  After spending the morning working on the snack spreadsheet- I finished the analysis and made a Target run J. I am happy to say- the snack shopping is complete, I have over 600+ snacks that the group can choose from J.  Thank you to my sisters who helped me unpack the snacks from the packages so that they could all fit in the suitcase- too bad it well over exceeded the 50 lbs weight limit- so desperate times drive creativity!  So over half of the snacks fit in the large checked suitcase, and the other half will be coming on my carry on J.  What a relief to be done with the task of ensuring snacks are bought!  One stress down…now on to the other hundred.

I also had the opportunity to serve at church yesterday with the kiddos- for those of you that aren’t involved in serving and giving back, I would highly recommend getting involved.  It’s one of my favorite things, and truly makes me feel connected to my church family! 

After serving at church at Spring Lake Park, Zach picked the kiddos and I up and we headed to our Lino Lakes campus for the 6pm service.  What a great service last night- what a great experience to have both my sisters and their families at church with me too.  After service, was a very touching and amazing experience.  The Haiti Commissioning service took place.  It was such an awestruck moment to see how much support filled the room.  The service was not only for the team members leaving for Haiti, but for the support team and family that will be at home while the Haiti team is away.  It was great opportunity to bond with the team, and for my family to get an opportunity to meet the new friends that I will be traveling to Haiti with.  Thank you family and friends for all your love and support!

Today…was just a day filled with running around, and spending time with family.  What a day J. 

As I sit here and write this blog, it hit me…next week at this time I will be checking my list, once, twice, three times…and I am sure I will be filled with butterflies!

Oh- and one more note…THANK YOU to all those who have stopped by, donated, and provided my bandanas and a tutorial on how to wear one and tie one... I think I am set J.

As the weekend comes to a close- I am thankful for all the love around me.  Stressed about the week ahead, but thankful for every moment.  Our closing song in worship yesterday is one of my favorites: Take my Life, by Chris Tomlin:  check it out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Byp7aK2DA

My closing verse today:  1 Peter 5: 6-7  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

In Him~ Phuong

10 days and counting...

Friday…oh what a day!

The house is full of family, laughter, some stress, but fun, but oh what a night.  We had a family Christmas dinner in July.  The dining room table was full of holiday trimmings with prime rib, salad, pasta, potatoes, bread and vegetables- we are all stuffed! But more importantly, the room is full of love.

The blessings are abundant, the table full of food- how can this be that we have so much and in a week I will see those that have nothing.  The mere contrast of the two worlds causes so much pull on my heart. 

I really do not know what to write tonight, especially since I am surrounded by so much- it’s hard to imagine having so little.

If you want to see a little bit more about Healing Haiti’s mission- check out his video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwriy4Bc9g

So tonight’s closing verse:  Matthew 6:1  Give us this day our daily bread

In Him~ Phuong

11 days and counting...

At my last Haiti prep meeting- we watched a powerful message from one of the founders of Healing Haiti, the late Alyn Shannon, who talked about and delivered a message titled “What is God Trying to Teach Me”.  In this message Alyn reminded us that in each situation, God is trying to teach us something, and though the situation may not be hopeful, there is still something God is trying to teach us.

So with that…my message today is about “What is God Trying to Teach Me”.   July has been a month full of emotion, of losses, of challenges, anxiety and anger.  I have experienced more sadness in this month hearing of losses of young lives, of marriages that are struggling, children who are hurting, lives that are being challenged with medical obstacles, and of friends who have been betrayed- it’s been a tough month.  So what is God trying to teach me?  I am taking all these struggles, all the sadness, anxiety and anger and asking today- What is God trying to teach me?

As I reflect back on the month- here are the things that God has been teaching and reminding me of:

1.     Be thankful and trust in the Lord

2.     Earth is not the final destination, there is eternal life

3.     That our journey has already been planned

4.     That faith sometimes hurts

5.     That true friends always outshine the shallow ones

6.     That strength comes from the deep pit in your stomach

7.     That even in the sadness, hope can be found

8.     That the Bible can deliver so many answers

9.     That true friendships are the BEST kind

10.  That the beauty of the cross always provides comfort and strength

So even in this emotionally tough month, I believe God has taught and reminded me that faith in the Lord will comfort and bring me more joy than I could imagine.  I will have to take this lesson and remind myself as I enter a land filled with devastation, poverty, illness and distress that there too, God will be teaching me many more lessons.  I will continue to open my heart and prepare my soul for the journey and lessons that I am about to embark on- I can’t wait- 11 more days!

Today’s closing verse:  Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

To Him be the Glory~ Phuong

12 days and counting....

12 days to go- and an email blast went out to many of you to introduce the blog!  So…the pressure is on to write something intriguing and fun.

Today’s blog topic…fashion! Not that I am some fashionista…but I will share with you the fun inside scoop on my upcoming fashion trends.  The weather in Haiti, which if you don’t know is HOT, 100+ degrees daily!  So, the weather here in MN today is a taste of what is to come.  Many of you know, I am not a sporty kind of girl.  I like my classic preppy look- but with that look in Haiti I would suffer from unbreatheable cotton…so instead- you will find me in sleeveless sport tanks (the dry, breathable kind)…so not my thing, but I hear I’ll be thankful for them!  Shorts- I like them and love khakis, however the khakis I like aren’t the khakis that are breathable either…so sporty Bermuda shorts are in order!  Sandals- no flip flops instead- sporty, heel strapped, covered toe sandals are in order.  Sunglasses for the sun…NOPE, no sunglasses are allowed L, the gang members in Haiti where sunglasses.  A brimmed hat, nope, not allowed either- but a bandana is…can you see me in a bandana? Yes, I will sport a bandana…I just have to figure out where to buy one, and how to wear one.  Anyone want to give me a tutorial?  Out of all seriousness, I will be so out of my comfort zone, but really…fashion and clothing are the least of my concerns!  I am so thankful that I have the means and ability to purchase the things I “need” for the trip.  Can you imagine your everyday life not having the possibility of getting these things?  I will soon encounter this- my eyes will be opened, my heart broken.  I do not take this lightly, all the wonderful fashion and clothing items being bought and used, will be gratefully gifted to the Haitian people I will be meeting and serving.  The Lord is great!

In closing today, here is the verse I selected:  2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.  The Blessing of Giving”

Father, God, thank you for the gift and upcoming experience to truly encounter the blessing of giving to the least of these.

Blessings~ Phuong

13 days and counting...

What’s today’s hot topic, hot post?

Let’s be honest- I am not much of a writer, but I had such great hopes to start this blog to be able to keep all who are interested up to date on my journey to Haiti.  Great intentions…let’s hope the execution is just as good J

The countdown is 13 days until departure- whoot, whoot J.  A small piece of the second whoot is a little stress in my voice.  As some of you may know…this week is full of family visits.  I am super excited about all the family that is coming in to town, but a little stressed about it too!  My grandma and great aunt arrived yesterday, my sister and her two kiddos arrive tomorrow, my aunt and her two kids arrive Thursday, and my uncle arrives Saturday…can we say FUN!!!  I am super excited to see everyone, super stressed that the one overlapping day that everyone is in town is Saturday the 23^rd…however the 23^rd is my most chaotic day and sad that I don’t think I’ll be able to spend much time with my family L…Alexa has a soccer game in the morning, I volunteer at church in the afternoon, will run over to the Lino Lakes campus for the 6pm service and then participate in the Haiti Commissioning service at 720pm.  My mind is already stressed about the day- I hope I can find some time to spend with my family.

So although that stress is occurring on Saturday…it begins to creep into action today…and with stress comes cleaning for me…so at least my house will be clean J

Managing the food and snack supply continues to be something that causes me a little anxiety- I received an email from my leader today letting me know that I should plan on roughly 45 snacks a day for the group…SERIOUSLY!!!  As many of you know…I really do enjoy planning meals, gatherings, etc…but 45 snacks a day, or 360 for the 8 days…not so much.  I also need to find a way to make sure I can pack all these wonderful snacks.  At first I thought this would be easy- my suitcase should be plenty of room…I am starting to scratch my head and think…golly I hope I have enough room and come up with enough different options- I know I wouldn’t want to snack on the same food everyday…would you?  So, I need to get creative…stay tuned…

I will try to find a verse that fits into each day’s post, today’s:  Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,Your comforts delight my soul.

THANK YOU for continuing to check in. 

2 weeks and counting...

Hello to All-

I thought I would start a blog so that I can keep you all updated on my upcoming Haiti trip!

I can hardly believe it, but my trip is only 2 weeks away!  I’ll try to blog everyday up until my trip and hopefully be able to update my blog while there.

Here’s what I can share with you today: 

·         A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have provided me financial and spiritual support- I am so blessed to have all your support and love.  I am so honored to be able to serve through your generosity!

·         We completed our last preparation meeting last Thursday, July 14th, and received our tentative daily schedule.  My emotions run high- I knew we were going to be serving the water truck for a minimum of two days, but didn’t realize the number of days committed to an orphanage.  My heart is breaking and will be broken over and over again while visiting the children.  To be honest, I was preparing- if you can call it that to have my heart broken for 1 day, but now 3 will be a journey I can’t explain or prepare for.

·         The group packing was done yesterday (7/17)- that was an AWESOME experience to see all the items that have been bought and donated to such a wonderful cause.  It was a little overwhelming to see how many bare essentials there were and what I consider bare essentials are the greatest gifts for some.  My heart and soul are humbled.

·         I have also volunteered to be the coordinator of snacks and supplies that still need to be purchased, etc…I am a little concerned that I may mess this up- and if I do…we won’t have enough to eat.  So pray hard that I keep this spreadsheet as accurate as possible J

·         My family has been my rock- and the thought of being away for 8 days is a little tough- but they remind me everyday it’s for a greater cause

·         Am I scared?….YES!!!  of what you may ask…today it’s about the heat, but I am getting a good taste of it here in MN today! 

Many of you are asking…Am I excited for my trip?  My answer, YES, however I am not sure if I’d call it excited, because I am not excited to see the devastation I am about to experience, but I am excited to see and feel God work in me. 

I cannot believe that when I get to posting this first entry- in two weeks, I will be forever changed. 

In Him~ Phuong