Reflecting on evacuation.

Almost two weeks ago we left Haiti for the third time due to political instability. The first two times [Feb. of 2004 and Feb. 2019]  Global Partners made the call and told us to leave.

In many ways that was easier than this one when we were allowed to decided when to leave because people understand listening to one's 'boss'. But leaving under any conditions is hard.

Pray for folks you know in Haiti, pray for those you know who left Haiti. Pray for wisdom and peace; provision and protection. Support them in their decision, listen well, be a safe place for them to talk about all those mixed emotions, love on them.

Realize that 'welcome home' may not be the best greeting if their hearts are breaking for their Haiti home [or any other troubled place in the world that someone had to leave].

The questions that flood ones mind do not stop after one decides to leave or stay....

It is very hard not to compare one's self to others or second guess.  I switch back and forth from reading up on the news/friends social media posts to avoiding all news.

While I want to know what is happening so I can pray and be informed, one image or the wording of a sentence can overload my brain and emotions, sending me scurrying for my bed, some kind of distracting entertainment, or thankfully often-my Bible.

For that is the answer..His word. We pray for His direction and often wish it was 100% clear. For no matter what the others in your world are telling you: Go! Stay! Wait! One needs to seek the Lord's direction and will for your life.

Only the Lord knows you 100% and His plan for you. Some leave or stay out of fear, dedication, pride, indecision, stubbornness...and thousands of other mixed reasons.

And today's plan as you understand it may not be tomorrows. This is true for each of us, not just us dealing with unstable, unsafe international living situations.

We should not 'lean on our own understanding' but 'Trust in the Lord'.  To stay if He's telling you to go is wrong. To go if He's telling you to stay is wrong. How does one really know? This is hard, very hard.

For some whom  He has told to leave Haiti, it is harder than staying. But we need to trust Him. Trust that He has a reason for us to be where He sends us. To interact with those He puts in our lives..or just to have time alone with Him. To trust Him in all the unknowns [when can we go back home, what do we do here, where...what...when...how...who...]

For other's to stay is harder...to face daily the suffering of others and all the unknowns. [what do we do here, where...what...when...how...who...]

Each of us needs to trust the Lord. To focus on submitting to His will and draw closer to Him.

Hard not to compare or judge others..for even those closest to us may not know the triggers or why's in our lives. I'm reminded of John 21:22 when Jesus said to Peter about John " “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

Sometimes the Lord allows us to know reasons why we needed to be in that place at that time..but other times He just wants us to follow Him and Trust HIM.

We need to be extra careful in times of turmoil, transition, and unknowns to focus on the Lord's word and promises because it is very easy to let doubt, negative thinking, and lies to slip into our thinking.

I've read the debates about the saying 'the safest place in the world is in the center of the Lord's will for your life'. And I do believe it, knowing that we're not promised 'safety' or that it will be easy.

To live outside His plan and will for my life is a place I don't ever want to be.

Lord, help me to know what you have for me to do today. May my eyes remain fixed on You. May Your Love fill me so that my attitude remains correct in all situations, especially when I don't understand.

When the unknowns swirl around like snowflakes in a blizzard and plans can change faster than a blink of an eye may I trust You.

Bring other's to mind so that I can pray for them. I pray that each person in Haiti will recognize God, hear His voice, know His Truth, feel His love. That revival will sweep from coast to coast and beyond. To testify how His peace, hope and Love transforms lives.