Hurricanes, Disappointment and God's Call... Haiti, T minus TBD

I left the house this morning ready to go.  Half way to church to pick up my travel companions I get a call.... our trip to Haiti is postponed.  There is a hurricane churning in the Caribbean.  It is currently at a category 4 and there are just so many uncertainties.  I completely trust and support the decisions of our director and leaders.  At the same time, I am so disappointed.  I am ready to go to Haiti, and I'm ready right NOW!

That is where I must stop and think.

This trip is not about me.

This trip is not about me.

When I pout and stomp my feet (which I did do a little this morning) I am making this about me.

This immersion trip is not at all about me.

There are so many factors that go into this experience.  Yes, I feel called.  I feel beckoned.  I even feel like I am being pulled toward Haiti.  Yet, at the same time God is up to bigger things.  I, in no way, believe God causes bad things to happen.  However, I know that God has a lot to teach us through each situation we encounter in life.

Hmmmmm... I wonder what I'm supposed to learn through this.

• I am not in control.
• There are factors in this world that no one can control.
• There is a big picture.
• I am privileged to be able to avoid hurricanes.
• I do not have the full knowledge of what this situation entails.
• Most importantly, just because I want to go to Haiti NOW, doesn't mean it is exactly the right timing.
• This list will undoubtedly grow as I continue to process.

In conversation with Haitian Timoun Foundation's director, there are so many pieces that need to be considered.  If our group from the United States travels around Haiti we have no guarantee that the roads will be open.  They are predicting 10-15 inches of rainfall.  Mudslides will be a factor.  The Haitian leader of our group would be traveling away from his family.  That would be completely inappropriate to take him away from them during this weather.  We would put undue strain on the ministry partners we would be visiting.  They shouldn't have to worry about some Americans immersed in their country and culture during a natural disaster.  They will have enough on their plates keeping the children and families they serve safe.  This trip and this timing is clearly not about me.

God calls us to serve, to listen, to see, to share and to accompany others.  He also calls us to recognize that it is not about us.  It is about His ministry in the world.  I am going to try to let that sink in while I watch The Weather Channel and pray that we can fly to Haiti on Monday!