Above: Christi praying with a group of Haitians.
Seriously. Is it really time? YES, it’s time for me to pack my suitcase. I am DONE with the chemotherapy treatments for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) which began in October 2023 and will be on my way back to what God has prepared in advance with the mission in Haiti.
There have been four rounds of Chemo with four nasty injections in four months. Besides that, I have experienced priceless moments spent with family. This alone I could say outweighs the times of pounding headaches and persistent nausea, not to mention being poked like a pin cushion more than I’d like to repeat. Beyond this, what an inspiring time of being shown love and care including a long list of gifts of generosity shared by the Beloved Children of God who have reached out to me.
Meals together with incredible people, conversations to ponder, handwritten letters to be cherished, prayers prayed in unison, road trips to connect, opportunities to share about life, and special events, have all been beautifully integrated to bring JOY and HOPE into this time of ‘inconvenience’.
Friends have shared scripture, poems, photos, and art to keep focused on the goodness of God.
“You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
“May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Throughout this time stateside, with the gift of technology, phone calls and messages to Craig and Many Hands Haitian staff have been part of nearly every day. It’s all good, but oh, how much easier it will be in person. Might have developed a bit of carpel tunnel in all the texting. And now, the tasks at hand include the construction of Many Hands’ fifth Love-in-Action Center, an exciting upcoming wedding event, plus being in the swirl of the day-to-day ‘hard stuff’ in Haiti where life won’t become easier any time soon.
Craig has carried the load of the sole ‘spinner of plates’ for MH operations. Currently, with 130 Haitian staff working hard and collaborating together, there are many plates to spin. I am ready to share the load.
About Many Hands:
Established in 2008, Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families. In Haiti, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 30,000 people through its operations in the Caribbean, Impact Trips serving in Abaco, Bahamas, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa.
Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.
