Two weeks!!

I can't believe I've already been in Haiti two weeks! It seems like time stopped once I got here.
The people are wonderful. They are friendly, beautiful, generous people. I've already learned that they don't like silence, being alone is not valued or even possible (there are people everywhere), and the most important thing that I love the most about Haitian people is that they will find a way to get something done. Problems in life are inevitable, but that doesn't stop them from working their way through it or around it.
My students are excited about music. They erupt after a concert, they want to learn (most of them), and they're absolutely adorable. I'm catching on to some of the language--I have many willing teachers. :)
The schedule is rather hectic. Pretty much going full speed from 8-21:30--sometimes later. But the other volunteers are great, fun, and we've found time to have fun at the same time.
I find myself thinking about my next year here and having a slight sense of fear about not having the company of the other volunteers, being on my own (even though I know I won't be--the Haitian teachers are awesome and have been very welcoming), not knowing the language. But I will make it. I believe I am supposed to be here and God will provide. I will learn. I will change. And I have no idea what it will be like.
If you would like to pray for me, specifically, I need sleep or just rest and my body is very tired. And wisdom in how to interact with people--always a prayer request no matter where I am in the world. And ease with picking up the language and wisdom in adjusting to cultural changes, especially psychologically.
Thanks to all my friends. I love you!!
~Kelsey

Words of death and life.

Jesus came that we might have life—and have it abundantly!! Also, did you notice that nowhere in the bible does it say “God helps those who help themselves”. Nor does it imply that we have to do things on our own to somehow persuade God to help me. And it doesn’t say we have to work our tails off to get what we want or to do what God calls us to or anything else. You know what the Bible ACTUALLY says about what our level of action should be??

“…Trust in the Lord . . . Dwell . . . feed on His faithfulness . . . delight in the Lord . . . Commit your way to the Lord . . . Trust . . . Rest and wait . . . do not fret . . .” Those are the words of life (Psalm 37:1-8). America’s version and hence my version: “Work . . . work hard . . . don’t take a break . . . breaks are for losers . . . sleep is overrated . . . rest is for weaklings . . . you control your life . . . work harder . . . control yourself and your time and your life and your future . . . if you’re not doing anything, you’re worthless . . . activity . . . job . . . money . . . meet the expectations of a working, active, fast-paced world . . .” Words of death, no?

"Details"

I will be leaving July 12!
The summer camps (two) will be first and then I have about a month before school starts on September 10. During the school year, I will be teaching elementary kids, conducting the Jr. High orchestra, and teach some private students, to name a few things. I'm super excited! I honestly wish I knew more and was more experienced, but I guess there's only one way to get experience--plunge in head-first and just do it!

Change or die!

"God does not call the equipped; He equips the called."

I have officially graduated from Bradley University; I am no longer and never will be an undergraduate student again. For this I am beyond grateful. However, I am sad to be leaving SO MANY people I love. I feel like I am moving on before my time--so many conversations left un-conversed, so many relationships underdeveloped, just begun; so many hearts untapped, so many people I don't know well enough to say good-bye for a while. I love watching people grow and being there to encourage them and I won't be here to witness some of my closest friends and family grow.

Change is inevitable. "Change or die." "Nothing survives but change." My circle of influence is about to change. I have two options: 1. try to hold on to all that I know and clamp tight to those things I feel like I'm losing. 2. Embrace the impending change, the unknown, the new and unfamiliar. Obviously, the second option would be the healthier choice as I cannot in any way hold on to what is passed. And trusting that God works all things together for good, those conversations and relationships that I feel like I'm losing: what I cannot do, He will complete. I trust what has been done in the last year is enough and God will fill in where I have failed. He is not limited by my humanness.

And so I go on to Haiti. I choose to embrace every part of the change that it will entail. Am I afraid? I was. But I have absolute confidence in the One who has never failed me and He has cast out all need for fear.

yes, a blog...

This is my blog. To state the obvious. If I feel so moved, this is where I will keep you up to date as to my Haiti travels, life lessons, and insights. Feel free to follow or not. I won't be offended if your thoughts are, "yet another blog". Enjoy! :)