Leaving on a jet plane...

Okay so I'm sitting in the KC airport about to head to Atlanta.

I'm feeling a broad mix of emotions. Excited and nervous are probably the two most overpowering right now. I'm not quite sure what the next two months will hold for me.

However, I do know a few things - some details I thought you all might want to hear. :)

First of all, I will be staying at the Methodist Guest House in Petionville, Haiti, right outside Port au Prince. There I will be working as the missions coordinator on the ground in Haiti for United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. I have been told that during "off weeks" I will also be assisting United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) with their various duties in Haiti.

Last summer I interned in Galveston, Texas and saw first hand what communities that have recently suffered from a natural disaster look and feel like. However, Haiti is going to be a totally different animal. First of all, instead of entering the area 9 months after the disaster, like I did in Galveston, I will be entering just 4.5 months after the disaster. Also, with the widespread poverty in Haiti, the situation is much more desperate.

My hope is that my presence will help bring healing and hope to the many Haitians I will meet, work with, and serve. It's going to be a big job, but I feel blessed to have the opportunity to do something. When I first saw news of the earthquake I prayed that God would lead the right people to go and help. Little did I know that God would call me.

I can't say that I'm ready, but is anybody before embarking on a big journey such as this one? I am, however, optimistic and enthusiastic about this missions experience in Haiti. It's going to be difficult - but memorable, life-changing, and eye-opening.

Thank you, once again, for your continued prayers and well wishes. I cannot fully express how much I appreciate it. I love you all and I'll see you when I see you!

Beth