Malaria Meds

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Just one more thought before I head to the bus station....

When they tell you the Malaria meds won't make you sick- they are incorrect. UGH!

More adventures yet to come!

2 more days

After two panic attacks this morning, a really good cry in my husband's arms, and Paulo's girls showing up to clean my house (yes, my sweet husband gifts me with a house cleaning service 2 times a month as an anniversary gift every year- he figures he gets a less stressed wife and more dinners cooked at home if I don't have to wear myself out cleaning) - I think I am going to make it. But only with God's help. I don't doubt Him. I never doubt the end result. I just get caught up in the how's  and the when's . And I can't do that! The fear of what COULD happen gets in the way of the FAITH of what is happening.

So my bags are packed. One for me, one for humanitarian aid items. I grab a Greyhound out of Orlando on Friday morning and arrive in Miami around 5. Sounds easy enough.

I just have no idea where I am staying at this point. This is a HOW and a WHERE.

I determined this morning as my husband prayed over me that something BIG is going to happen while we are in Haiti. Satan is all around this trying to make us doubt, trying to get in the way, trying to get us to throw in the towel (out of country travel is hard stuff you know). So something BIG is going to happen.

And I am looking forward to it. And I am looking forward to finding out where I am staying....

One week from today, about now....

One week from today, about now I will be embarking on a journey to Haiti. 30 times in the last 24 hours I have said "I am not going", because something or other keeps coming up. And while I am not even handling everything well, somehow I think in my small little brain that I am going to hold everything together. I have evidence of this...

A week ago, I was supposed to be on a very relaxing trip to Los Angeles with my husband. All expenses paid, he had to work a few hours, and then it was just time to reconnect and relax. But the kids were all wired up, and my babysitter found out that she couldn't get off work after all, and it just seemed easier to stay home. Plus, my college girl was struggling and I didn't want to be even further away. Well, let's just say this : I should have gone. It was one of the most stressful weekends ever.

So that being said, here I am faced with an already paid for trip, nothing to do but show up (and that stupid packing I was fussing about yesterday) get on a plane and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Oh, and buy some protein bars and a bottle with a water filter in it....

And I can't let go of 'here'. It's not like I am even in control. It's not like I am even struggling to be in control. It's that I just feel like I need to be here. I don't want to be away from 'here'.

I wonder if I could just bring Haiti to me?

Satan or common sense? I can't decide.

The Long and the Short of it

Today, as I told a friend I was going to Haiti, she remarked how very hot it was going to be. I laughed (inside) because it is the same temp as here in Central Florida. I had on a light weight, long-sleeved shirt. I was no where near hot. There is a light breeze, so it keeps it very comfortable.

Here's where we will be from the 3-6 of March

Here's where we will be for the 7-10 of March

I only bring this up because I am debating, over and over, whether to heed the advice of the International Travel organization that vaccinated me (those meanies!) that suggested I wear long sleeves and pants. Now, I know I have to wear shirts with sleeves, and no above the knee shorts are considered acceptable at all. But long sleeves? In 85-90 degree weather seems a bit excessive to avoid mosquitos. Having never been to Haiti, I am unsure as to whether I want to take all long sleeves or all short sleeves, or a mix. My inclination is a mix, but then I tend to over pack. UGH! I hate all this "I have no idea what to plan for" planning.

Now mind you, this isn't like trips I have taken in the past. Where we were part of a construction team, or hiking down a mountain to help a family in a hut, or climbing through major brush to get to a village. All of which I wore longer shorts and short sleeved shirts (it wasn't considered in appropriate to wear shorts in that area) at times when it was okay and safe, and jeans when it wasn't (like the middle of the night slide down the mountain). So it was HOT, and we were working hard. I knew what to wear. I didn't have fear of Malaria. I knew the people who were escorting us and taking care of us. I know NOTHING of the people who are going with us, escorting us, or taking care of us.  I know we have a few days of working, some days of just loving on folks and playing with children, and some days of getting to know more about Compassion International and the needs of Haiti in general. We won't be building anything, we won't be climbing through the jungle in the dead of night, and we won't be trudging through mucky land to get to a village.

So do you have a vote?

Long sleeves to avoid malaria (and having to use the 98% DEET mixture I was given).

Short sleeves and take my chances.

Or a mix of both, and using that POISON on my body?

I am really starting to lose my mind by over-thinking this.

It's all kind of coming together now

I embark in 10 days for a small, very impoverished country called Haiti. I am going with Compassion International, and will be able to meet one of the children we sponsor and her family. I am  excited, overwhelmed, behind in my lists, and kind of just ready to go now. I have known about this trip since last June, and yet, here I am 10 days away and I have done nothing to prepare. Well, I did get my shots last Friday- about 6 months too late.

Never have been one to follow all the rules, and get anywhere on time.

Since this is my first post for this new blog, I think I will just leave you with a picture of the sweetie I am going to visit, as well as some info about her family.

Please pray for travel mercies, for fair weather, and most of all that God will renew a strength in me as lately I have felt very worn out from life's demands. I am hoping and praying that I get a renewed outlook on my purpose here on earth, as well as the blessings I do already have.

And with that- I welcome you to Wendi's Haiti Adventure 2012.