Blessings

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise


Today as I sat in my dorm room, after classes doing some work, I was just browsing my playlists on my computer and I found the song Blessings by Laura Story. And you know, it was the perfect day to find this song because the weather was just so perfect! Rainy! I absolutely love to just sit in my room on a rainy day and think about life, especially after a really hard couple weeks :) To be completely honest I had no idea what this song was and really don't even remember downloading it. I had never heard it before; As I was looking through songs and found it I figured, hey why not listen to it figure out what this song really was. When I began to listen to the song it became clear that it was totally the right song for me in this point of my life.

Like I've blogged about before, I have been having a hard times. But once I listened to this song for the first time(and continuously haha) it became clear to me that this way I am feeling is not necessarily normal, but it's definitely a time that I need to draw closer to God, and lay at his feet.

Psalm 37:4 says:
"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
1 Peter 5:7 says:
Cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”

You know, God calls us to cast our burdens upon him. He died on the cross for us. In the last blog that I posted, theres a pretty profound statement in the video that I shared. Near to the end of the video a voice says, "look at his arms...they are nailed open, so you can place your bags on his arms"(that's not exact wording, but it's basically the same) and it's so true. I have so much stuff going on in my mind, and in my life, that I feel like I can't hold onto anymore, that I can't carry anymore. And ya know, I don't need to. One thing that I am constantly learning is that I don't need to carry these things around with me because that's the entire reason as to why Jesus died for us on the cross. He died so that he could take all our pain, hurt, fears, and worries away.

It's so incredible, to think that Jesus would die on the cross for us to lay all the crap in our lives at the foot of the cross. It's amazing, and makes me hopeful for the future. Although I don't feel amazing right now, or feel like I am worth anything right now, or even like I am ever going to get over this all, but I know that I will. With the help of God, I CAN and WILL get through this. It's a constant struggle, and is something that I ignore a lot, and something that I dwell on a lot, but I'm for real. I'm so sick of living this life, and I know through God and through help with friends I can do it :)

Baggage..

You know, lately I have been feeling like the weight of my sins are resting on my shoulders, and it's definitely bringing me down.

I haven't been doing so well in school, and I feel like I am so focused on my job as an RA that I haven't been able to focus on myself, or studying. I honestly don't know how to step back from my job, and let myself have the "me" time that I deserve, or study like I should be.

I am being face with the decision of whether or not school is really for me, and whether or not I should continue on studying here at the University of Windsor second semester. There's a HUGE part of me that wants to drop out, because I'm so discouraged from the grades I have been getting, but there's that other part of me that doesn't want to quit and feel like a failure. I feel like if I were to drop out of school, and quit my job as an RA, I would be failing everyone-myself, my family, my coworkers, my boss, and most of all God. It's like I would be comprimising his plan for my life, that I can't even figure out.

I wrote before about how I felt like I was loosing my joy. Well recently, over the past week, I felt like I was getting my joy back, and then last night when I found out one of my marks, it's like it all completely went away.

There is a skit called Baggage. It's about this girl who has been carrying around so many bags her whole life, and felt like she couldn't lay them down at the feet of Jesus. That's exactly how I feel. I have been carrying my bags around so long, it's like I can't get rid of them, and when I do, they all just come back.
It's a horrible feeling, and it makes me super sad.

I'm so over feeling like this. I'm so over crying, and feeling like I fail at life. I just want something good to come out of my job, and school, and my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrvJIznZKtU

Get Service...?

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DYKP7GNX

Before you read my blog, watch the video that is linked above...

Watched it? Okay good, you may now proceed to read the blog.

I was shown this video one Sunday a couple months ago at my church. I didn't realize how much this video impacted my life until I returned back from Haiti, and started my second year of university. It wasn't until my 2 weeks of training for my job as an RA that I watched this video again. It was an emotional day of learning about diversity, and this video totally popped into my head. I really didn't remember what the video was called, or really what it was completely about, but God definitely put the video on my heart to watch, to obviously teach me something. I remember coming home that night after that day of training and watching the video, and not really thinking anything of it, or even really acting on it.(this was about a month ago) It wasn't until tonight when I watched it again. I was out for dinner with one of my friends, who is also an RA, and we were talking about another video. It was a video called Everything Skit, by Lifehouse. It's definitely a powerful skit, and I would recommned you watch it. I have watched that video millions of times, and everytime I cry and get insane goosebumps. However, with watching that video I thought of this one.

Over the past couple of days I have a had a rough go. I was given some not so good news from my parents regarding my family, and it totally tore me apart. My bestfriend and I got in a disagreement, and that was totally rough on me to. But I have also bee struggling with what my purpose in life is. I really have been doubting the Lord's will and plan for my life, and have been wondering really what he wants to use me for. I have been totally bummed out because I feel like what I am doing now is completely and utterly wrong. But it wasn't until Friday and Saturday, when I was a total wreck, that God showed me what he want's to do with me. Part of me wants to go away in order to figure myself out, but then that would be sort of running away from my problems. But God has definitely showed me that he wants to use me here, in Windsor Ontario, at the University of Windsor, in Macdonald Hall as an RA.

Now, where does the video come into play? Well the guy who is given the glasses was given the eyes of the Lord. God knows all of our problems, and our lives. How cool would it be if those glasses really did exist? I would wear them everyday in order for me to become more like Jesus. This video is exactly what the Lord wants to use me for. I have now realized that God wants to use me to help others. I mean I knew that I was going to be used to help people, but I always thought it would be in a foreign country, but I am called to help here as well. Since I can't be in another Country throughout the year, God is going to use me here. He has definitely given me a heart for others, and has given me compassion, sympathy, empathy, patience, joy and most of love. He has given me those gifts to shower amongst the people I encounter on a daily basis.
Although I don't have a pair of glasses like the man in the video did, I am still called to the people who are hurting. God is putting me in the situations where I am needed the most. I so want to be an image of Christ, and have him shining through me on a daily basis, and when I interact with hurting people.

I can now say that I am excited for my future here at University, and have reason to worry a little less.
I hope that the video impacts you just as much as it impacted me.

Mark 16:15-16 says:
"He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

I have been called to help the people who do not believe. I have been called to preach the gospel, and share the love of Christ, and by being put in the situation of the compassionate joyful loving RA, I think I can accomplish atleast part of that calling.

So the question is...do you want to 'Get Service?'

Bittersweet Birthdays

Well, today is a wonderful day of celebrating birthdays, however part of me feels super depressed. My two oldest sisters Alanna and Alicia are celebrating their 27th birthday today. It's a super happy and exciting day, as that's a big age to reach haha, but it's super bittersweet because as most of you know my sister Alanna passed away.

I've really been struggling today with wanting to celebrate, but feeling sad for celebrating aswell. It's hard to believe that 10 years ago Alanna died. That she only ever made it to her 16th birthday, and that almost exactly 2 months after her death she would have been turning 17. For the past 3 years of my life, I have been living in denial of the fact that I am aging. I really struggle with the fact that I made it to the age of 20, and she didn't. I feel bad for being able to have accomplished the things that I have in my life, and she didn't. Like the fact that I made it grade 12 and graduated, or the fact that I made it to university. I know that I shouldn't feel bad for having accomplished these sorts of things in my life, as they are super exciting, but I constantly feel bad that I am enjoying them. It's as if I am rubbing it in her face. I continually struggle with moving on with my life, and having fun. I really do wish that I could get over these fears of growing up, and moving on with my life. I so wish and long to be content with my life and not worry.

I often times wonder if the reasons that I sometimes feel like I am making the wrong decisions, or the fact that I haven't allowed myself to open up to others, or get my first boyfriend is because I feel bad, and have a problem with letting people close to me because I don't want to loose them. I guess that's why this is such a bittersweet birthday today. I know it's not my birthday, and I probably shouldn't feel this way, but just to think that Alanna would have been 27 this year makes me super depressed. I have to say that I was crazy depressed all day just thinking about it. I tried to be happy for Alicia, and celebrate with her, but when it all comes down to it, I was more focused on the fact that Alanna wasn't here to celebrate and turn 27.

I often wonder where she would be today if she was still alive. What kinds of things would she be doing...would she be married? have children? have a sweet hair dressing job? or what? I know I shouldn't really dwell on those sorts of questions and focus on the now, but I find it so hard.
I really miss her, and today has really made the missing her so much worse. I wish I could turn back time, and bring her back, but I know that's not reality. I have to trust in God and know that this all happened for a specific reason. I mean I do believe that, and I do know that there was a reason behind this, and I know that that reason will never be clear to me until I face Jesus himself face to face..when I can then get all the answers to my questions.
Until then, I shall wait, and remember those amazing times I had with her, and celebrate her life, even though she only lived for 16 years.

Today is a bittersweet day, but Happy Birthday to two of my favourite sisters.
I love you both so much, Alanna and Alicia.
Alicia- I pray that the Lord blesses you with many more years to come, and that he keeps you safe in all that you do. You are an amazing mother and those girls deserve the best, and you are that. I don't know what I would do without you. You are my big sister, and I am forever thankful that I got stuck with you. I love you so unbelievably much.
Alanna- I hope that you are watching over me daily, and that I am making you proud in all that I do. I really miss you and know that you are indeed in heaven, and that at one point I will meet you again. I cannot wait for that day to come, but in the mean time, keep watching over me and helping me make the right decisions in my life. I love you sooo much, and miss you more than words could ever say. Keep on smiling.

Happy Birthday :)

....

Well, today is just one of those days.

You know, one those days where you just feel so lonely, and disgusting? Well, today I am having one of those days. I haven't really done much today and the times when I was out and about I felt good. But for the mass majority of the day I have been in my room doing nothing, and let me tell you it's not fun. I feel like I am all alone in this world, and it makes me feel disgusting.

Like I said in my last post, I have felt like the weight of the world is riding on my shoulders. It's as if every single sin that I have committed in my life is put on a screen and I am continually watching it. Now, let me reassure you, I am NOT depressed what-so-ever, it's just one of those days, where God is testing my faith and basically calling on me to spend more time with him. I know that God is only doing this to test how faithful and obedient I am to him, and it seems like I am failing sort of, yet I'm doing great. Haha, it's a really complicated situation, and I think that's what God wants. I think he wants me to re-evaluate how I'm feeling, and realize that I need to stop acting dumb and spend more time with him. I mean, I read my bible enough, I pray enough, and I spend enough time in worship, but in reality is "enough" really enough? I don't think so. I need to go above and beyond "enough" and spend every waking minute with him. When I went to Haiti, I spent every minute of everyday in the word, in prayer and in worship....now that's what I want my life to be like again.

It's days like today that I am super thankful that my life rests in the hands of my wonderful creator! I couldn't imagine feeling like I do today without God. I would be so lost and confused, and my life would be crap. I am so grateful that I am a Friend of God, and that I am worthy enough to be called his child.

Today is one of those days, it may not be the best day ever, but I'm happy I'm having one of those days! I am happy that I am forced to think about my relationship with my amazing Heavenly Father, and forced to want to get to know him more, and am forced to spend more and more time in the word, in prayer and in worship-some of my favourite things ever to do!

I hope that you all will have days like today, and that you a forced to think about your life, and what you are living for.
Think about it; what are you living for? What keeps you going in life? What do you want to be remembered for?
I know I want to be remembered for my faith in God, and for all the things that I do in this world, because ultimately they are for God, and having the reward of knowing that he is proud of me is the best thing ever!

I love you all, and I hope you all just have "one of those days"
Stephanie

Everyone has a story; what's yours?

As most of you may know I was chosen to take upon the role of a Resident Assistant at my school- The University of Windsor. Applying for this job I was so ready to become a leader and bring all that I have forth and basically be the "best" RA ever to walk the face of the earth. It is the night of day 5 of training, and let me tell you, things have CHANGED! I no longer feel like I am on top of the world, in fact I feel like I am basically lower than dirt.

A little thing that you probably don't know about me is that I really struggle with stress. In most situations, whether it be big or small I usually stress. I've struggled with this for a while now, and it seems like no matter what I do, no matter how many hours I spend in prayer, in my bible, in worship I still stress. This "stress problem" is something I am working to overcome, and I know that through hard work and with the help of the Lord I WILL get over this. I believe!

So, training has been super intense and I have really been feeling stressed. I feel like the weight of the world is riding on my shoulders, and every single thing that has happened in my life has been thrown on my back, and I have to carry it around. But the fact of the matter is that I don't, and I want to be able to get this crap off my back. Throughout training we are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff. Since it's a university, and is very diverse, as an RA we are more than likely to encounter almost anything. My life is a ball of junk, and participating in this training has really resurfaced my life. I am not a person that likes to talk about my life/feelings/emotion, I just bottle it up, forget about it (for the most part) but on a happy face and move on with my day. I try to be a strong person, and I try to be happy because I feel like that is what I HAVE to do.

Part of me is wanting to quit this job, and just leave. Every single night since training has started I have just wanted to leave. There hasn't been a night that has gone by where I just get the urges to pack my things up, call my parents and go home. BUT I am not a quitter and I don't like to disappoint. Now you're probably thinking "if you don't want to do it, then just leave." Well, it's not that easy. I feel like if I were to leave I would be letting my staff and team members down, letting myself down, letting my parents down, and most of all letting God down...as if I am failing his plan for my life. I really don't like to disappoint, and because that's basically what I did my whole life, it's like I need to prove something. I want to show the world that I CAN do it, and that I CAN make a difference in someones life, and by sticking this out, I think I can. Do I think I'm a good fit for this job? NOPE! I feel like I am one of the worst picks ever, but obviously God has another plan because I'm here and still will be hopefully at the end of the year.

Like I said earlier, it's as if I am carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have felt the weight of my sins being loaded onto me over the past couple days and I feel weak and vulnerable. I don't like being in this situation. I like to have some control over my life, and I feel like no matter what I do, I can't go on, I can't help myself, and I can't help others. It's as if the words that come out of my mouth are hypocritical. It's as if I am wearing a mask. I try to be joyful everyday, but in reality I'm broken. I'm broken beyond repair. I so long to show the real me, and be myself. I feel like I am able to show the real me when it comes to my faith and my love for Jesus, but when it comes to showing my story, I fail; I fail majorly.

I LOVE love, and I so long to be loved. By my family, by friends, and most importantly by a man. I so long to be in love, and know that I am meaningful to someone, and know that I can make a long lasting difference in their life. BUT, I know I need to wait it out and wait for the good Lord's timing. He has my plan all figured out and despite all that I said in this blog post I am going to continue to strive to trust and rely on the Lord, and never fiddle with his plan.
It says in Hebrews 13 verse 5:
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'"

My prayer for all of you who read this (if anyone does) that you will be able to keep your eye on the One who matters, the One who has your plan all figured out. It's alright to feel as if you don't have you story figured out, or completed, or as if you feel like you aren't able to control your story. I feel like that everyday, but I know that with the Love of God I will be okay :)

Peace!
Stephanie

lookin' through the lens....

So lately, I have really taken up photography. I guess you could say I've always had a knack for it, but never really acted on it. Partially because I always had a crappy little camera(however, I'm not complaining!) It wasn't until I went to Haiti that I decided I wanted to buy a better camera. I contemplated over and over again whether or not I should buy the camera before or after I had gone to Haiti, and at last I decided to buy it when I returned. Only days later after I returned from the BEAUTIFUL country of Haiti that I went out and bought my Canon Rebel EOS. Now, let me tell you...I am in LOVE with this camera. Although I don't really know how to use all of the features just yet, I know the basics and have been able to take some pretty crazy pictures.
I have also had the opportunity to do some minor "photoshoots" here and there, and I wanted to share some of those pictures with you :)

The Couckuyt Family

                   

  Hayley                                                                                                                                                        

Tristian                                                                                                                                                  

                                                             

Tucker                                                                                                                                               

 Ireland                                                                                                                                                   

There you have it folks! A little insight into my family and my 'photography' skills.....                                    

Peace out! Stephanie :)                                                                                                                           

Oh, how time flies....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHooH4464dQ&ob=av2e

I will Remember You.....

10 Years today my bestfriend/sister passed away. She was 16 when she left this crazy world, and I was 10. I was so confused. I really didn't know what was happening, and I definitely didn't understand the concept of death. I was in such denial the night we got the phone call that I didn't want to believe that she was really gone, I mean she was REALLY gone, and I would never get to see her again.

The years to come after her death I expected to become easier. People always told me as time goes on it gets easier, well the truth: that statement is a LIE!(mostly) As time went on I found that dealing with her death actually got harder. I felt like with each passing day, week, month, and year times got harder, however it wasn't until I realized that I needed to forgive God for something he really didn't do before it could get easier.
I never really grieved, mainly for the fact that I didn't know how to do it. Over the past couple weeks, I have started my grieving process and feel like I have completed most of it. I have come to be at peace with the fact that my sister is gone and the she FOR SURE is in Heaven waiting for me. That I will get to see her once again, and will finally get to say the things I've always wished I could say to her. For example " I love you, and thank you for making me who I am today" I am sure of it, that without my sister in general, and without her death i wouldn't have come to know Christ. I am at peace with God, and I am going to celebrate and praise the Lord on this day!

Alanna,
You were the best friend that I always had. I will always Remember you, and never forget that hilarious laugh you had. A smile was always plastered on your face and you could make anyone happy. The 10 years we had together was amazing, and if I had the chance to take you back for a day I would. But I am happy you are up there sitting my our wonderful saviour and saving me a spot right next to you. You are the most beautiful women inside and out, and know that everything I do in my life is because of the influence you had on me.
You are my big sister, my best friend, and my biggest inspiration in life. I wish you could be here, infact I wish you could have had a life longer than 16, but God knows whats best and I plan to carry-on your life.
I Love you soooo much and I miss you like crazy!

http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/memoriam.asp?oId=518509

Hope for Haiti?

Lately I have been thinking....are we as Canadians (and Americans) really giving hope to Haiti and countries like it, or are they giving us hope?

I recently just got back from a trip to Haiti, and oh let me tell you, it was AMAZING. God worked wonders while I was there, and it was amazing just to see the Holy Spirit work in the lives of myself and my group, as well as the lives of the Haitians....but if you want to know about my trip, read the post below this one.

I have been thinking a lot about Haiti and how much I have been changed since I have come back. God really worked in my life while I was there, and the changes he made in my life are totally evident. For example..I used to be super negative and depressed all the time; I can now say that I am a much more positive person and I am usually always smiling and happy. The joy of the Lord is in my forever, and I'm finally allowing it to fully shine through me :)
But when I think about Hope, I feel like being in Haiti, ya we gave them hope but ultimately that hope is God, but the people of Haiti gave me hope. It gave me hope that there really are people out there who can be thankful for what the Lord has given them. People who can be grateful for one meal a day, people who can just Praise God 24/7 and not care about what people think, and hope that there are thousands of other Christians in this world who suffer just like I do, and can relate to me.

I used to always think that I was alone in this world. That no one really understand how hard it is to grow up in a non-christian family, to have a sister/bestfriend die when you are 10 and she was 16..to understand what a broken family is like, and to understand just how hard it is to live in this world we have. While I was in Haiti, I met people who have it waayyy worse than I do, and it gave me hope that I can make it through to tomorrow without really having to worry. The people of Haiti don't know if they are really going to live to see tomorrow, they don't know when their next meal will be, when they will get clothes again, if they are going to be cured of a sickness they have, if they are going to return to a home, if they are going to get to go to school...catch my drift? We here in Canada and America don't really have to worry about those things. You're probably thinking that any of those things can happen in a instant...you don't go home to a family, you become poor, you loose your job, your house burns down, your car breaks down...but really, are those the first thing on your mind? Are those something you worry about everyday? For most of you that answer is probably a no; I know that's not the first thing that comes to my mind. After experiencing Haiti I have learned that those are some of the main things they think about, but a lot of the people I encountered, their first thought was God. How many of you can say that no matter what you think about, you always think about God first? You always think about the worldly things second and God is your first thought no matter what. your first thought when you wake up, your first thought when you start a new conversation...I can tell you honestly that that is not always the case for me, but I would like it to be.

Haiti gave me hope that that can be my life. It has reassured me that there really are people out there in this world who are willing to listen to God's calling and serve him. It says in the bible that all are called to preach the gospel in all of the nations. God's calling to be a missionary isn't just to a few people here and there, it's to everyone..yes, everyone...that means you and me!
So let's rise up to be the people God has called us to be and give HOPE to the people that deserve it most.
I have been called to serve the Lord in many different places and I shall continue my work in Haiti..to give back some of that Hope that they gave to me!

You're all awesome, loved and are amazing children of God.

Life is good.

2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

For those of you who read my blog, you would have read earlier that I was headed off to Haiti. Well I went, and I am back, and let me tell you life post-Haiti kind of stinks.

I had an absolutely amazing time while I was in Haiti, and God was sooo unbelievably amazing! I saw some amazing things happen in the lives of my group members, the lives of the people we worked with, my life,and most importantly the lives of the people of Haiti.

The children were just so receptive to what we had come to do. Our ultimate goal was to share the Love of Christ Jesus while we were there, and I think I can say 'mission accomplished' :)

Let me start from the beginning, and give you a little background information. Since January of 2010 when the earthquake hit Haiti, my heart has been broken and definitely always feeling for Haiti. I really wanted to go and help and make a change but I really didn't have the way or the money to go. A little over a year since the earthquake, I was given the opportunity to go on a missions trip with a Christian organization out of Texas to serve my God and help the people of Haiti. I was super hesitant to go because I really didn't think I was ready to help others, heck I was still struggling with a lot with myself. But being the faithful(for the most part) Christian that I am, I decided to follow God's commands and apply to go on this missions trip. I knew that if it truly was the Lord's will that I went on this trip, that he would make it happen and I would get the funds. And what do you know, God provided the funds for me to go and definitely prepared my heart for what I was about to experience. So from May 13-23 I ventured for the first time out of Canada to the beautiful country of Haiti.

Now, let's get to the good stuff! When we left for Haiti, I was continually praying for the Lord to prepare my heart. I was sure that I was prepared for what I was going to see, however, it wasn't until the plane was landing that I realize I wasn't completely prepared. I remember looking out my window as we were preparing to land and seeing all the house that were built that don't have roofs. My heart instantly broke and I found myself crying like a child on the plane. I was definitely not prepared to see and experience what was going to come over the 10 days, but I had to keep remembering that the Lord put me on this trip for a reason, and I was going to glorify him in all I was going to do on this trip.

We started off by just settling in and getting to know one another on the team. My team was absolutely amazing, and it was pretty easy for us to get to know each other. We warmed up to each other great, and acted like we had known each other for a while now. Isn't it great how God can put people in your life, and have it seem as though you have been friends for a while? That's what this was like. Don't get my wrong, it took a little bit to break the ice, but once we got to Haiti it was pretty much smooth sailing :) My group consisted of 20 University/College aged(and some a little older) missionaries, and 1 project director, so 21 in total. 19 of them were from various states in America, and 2 of us(including myself) were from Canada(Ontario)

For the most part our trip consisted of construction in the morning and ministry in the afternoon, and then just hanging out with the group, and the other missionaries on our base at night after dinner. For the first day(monday) we did construction at a camp area that had homes for people to move into when the flooding got bad. All of the houses were donated by Samaritans purse and we helped to paint the bathrooms and clean the area up. It was so fulfilling to be able to do just the smallest task at this area, knowing that someone would be able to live in these houses. Although they weren't the most ideal houses to us Canadians and Americans, but just to see how happy the people would be living in these houses is amazing. The great thing about Haiti is that people are so thankful for the smallest thing ever. A house that has 4 walls and roof and a bed makes them happy, why can't us Canadians and Americans feel the same way? I guess that we will never know.

The second and third day of construction we went up the a lady named Eve Rose's house. She is an absolutely amazing women of God and definitely has a heart for children. This lady was so full of God and was truly willing to do whatever God has called her to do. She used to live in Haiti, but then had the opportunity to move to America and teach french and at University. After sometime of that and having 12 miscarriages in her life she felt the Lord calling her back to Haiti. Once she moved back to Haiti, and the earthquake hit she adopted 20 kids who were left homeless and had no parents. Wow, amazing. Seriously, how many of you would adopt 20 random kids that you didn't even know. Now that's some serious heart she's got going on :)

The organization we worked with in Fond Parisian-Victory Compassion was helping to build her home bigger. While we were there, for the 2 days we had the opportunity to help build that house. We did simple tasks like digging so they could build a rock wall, pour concrete and level out areas to make her home safer for the children that she had at her orphanage.  It seemed as though, no matter what the task, big or small, Eve and her family were soo thankful, and that was super fulfilling. God was so good and used us through the smallest task and I think that's amazing.  The two days we did construction at Eve Rose's house in the morning, we were able to do ministry at the schools that she had down the hill from her house. It was amazing to see the kids face's light up when we walked in and got ready to do face painting, skits, games, songs, and share the good word of Jesus with them. Even though they were young and were desperate for love, they were very receptive to what we wanted to say.

The last few days that we were there we did a lot of ministry at schools. We went to elementary schools, middle schools and even highschools to share the good word. We found ourselves usually doing the same sort of service for all ages, but to see the way the kids react and to witness salvation amongst the kids was great. The first couple days we witnessed a lot of salvations among the younger kids, but once we started to do ministry with the older kids, the amount of salvations was less, but still amazing!

The amount of oppression in Haiti was HUGE and to see atleast some kids get saved, we knew we were doing what the Lord had called each and everyone of us to do. Our job was to share the Love of Christ, and witnessing kids being saved and accepting the Love of Christ was fulfilling and meant a lot us all.

While we were in Haiti, I encountered various people who Blessed me and changed my life completely. The people of my group changed my life. They showed my so much compassion and love that I hadn't recieved in my life. The people of Haiti changed my life while I was impacting them. Some of the other American's that lived on base for us were so encouraging and super inspiring. I will forever remember the people that changed my life, but I want to share with you four people(that I haven't mentioned above) that completely changed my life and will forever stick close to me.
 

 This boys name is Ethnol. He is one of the 20 children that live at Eve Rose's orphanage. While we were doing construction he was playing soccer and broke his arm. It was intense to see this little boy go through so much pain, and was definitely a situation where I wished it had of been me who broke my arm instead of him. He was such a trooper and acted so strong throughout the whole thing. I'm pretty sure this little boy knows about the Lord, but after breaking his arm, and having us pray over him, I think the Lord was something he held onto to get him through this tough time. Before he left for the hospital, one of the guys in my group have him the cross necklace he was wearing. It was inspiring and encouraging to see that Ethnol was still wearing the cross necklace Matt had given him before he left for the hospital. Through this little boy I learned strength and to always rely on the Lord, no matter what you are going through.

 The second person who completely changed my life was a little girl named Audrey. She was American and was apart of the missionary family that lived on the base we lived at. Throughout the whole trip, she became acustomed to me, and I definitely grew to love her. She is 10 years old, full of spunk and loves the Lord. She was super encouraging to me because she reminded me a lot of myself when I was her age. Although we grew up in completely different styles of home, her love for people, and desire to see the world is like me. Throughout the trip, her presence reminded me of why I was on this trip, and the people that I was meant to bless. Before I left for my trip, I would always wear a braclet that say WWJD(what would Jesus do) and it was a reminder that no matter what I do, rely on the Lord, and if Jesus wouldn't do it, then neither should I. I knew that I was going to give that braclet away, and I didn't think it would be to an American. This little girl blessed me so much, and I know she is going to great things in life, but giving her my WWJD braclet will hopefully help her to remember that no matter what she does think about what Jesus would do, and let me tell you, she is definitely living that command out.

The third person is a little girl named Vanessa. Throughout the trip I was determined to find the perfect little Haitian child to play with and love. I didn't find this little girl, instead she found me. I can remember just playing with another little girl when she came up to me and just huged me. In that moment I knew this little girl was going to change my life. She was an orphan and had to parents, and just longed to be loved. The whole time we were at this minstry site this little girl layed in my arms and just hugged me, and looked into my eyes, as if she were to say, "hold me and never let me go". That is exactly what I did. I didn't want to say goodbye to this little girl, but if she taught me anything while being with her, it is Love. She taught me just how to Love others, and how to Love the way the Lord has commanded us to.

The last person is my project director Belinda.Wow, this lady was an amazing person and so in love with the Lord. She was super encouraging and definitely challenged me to go deeper in my relationship with the Lord. She was hilarious, so full of life and was a great PD for my first missions trip, she definitely made my life in missions enjoyable. Throughout the trip I found she was super easy to talk to, and she just knew exactly what to say when I needed to hear something, even if I didn't want to hear what she had to say!

She was the type of person that always wanted us to be happy, and in good comfort.

Over the trip the love that she poured out on the Haitians was inspiring, but the love that she poured out on me was unforgettable. She showed me love like no one has ever showed me before. For my whole life I was longing for something more, for someone to love me life I deserved. She helped me realize that no matter what I am loved, that I have a purpose on this earth, and that I AM worthy of living and being loved. I am SOO thankful that she was my PD, and I wouldn't have asked for anyone better.

Overall, my time is Haiti was amazing. God showed me a multitude of things,and changed my life forever.

My prayer for the people of Haiti is that the Lord would continue to bless them emensly and that he would provide people to continue to share the Love of Christ to these Haitians.

 I definitely have a heart for Haiti, and will return there someday. When the Lord calls me back, I will be ready. When the Lord calls me to missions I will be ready. I am so ready to be used my God and to continue my life in missions.

Haiti changed my life, and I will be forever thankful for that.
I will never forget this opportunity.

Remember, God loves you, so love others like he has commanded.


Love you all.
Stephanie :)

Perfection?

So today I was watching Glee(yes I am a gleek!) and it really inspired this post.
They were talking about "being born this way". Yes, they were referring to the Lady Gaga song, as that is what they were singing, but the deeper meaning behind the whole reason for them choosing that song was really encouraging and inspiring.

In today's society, all around North America, and even the rest of the world, people both young and old battle with self esteem issues. There is always a part of a person that they don't like. With this Glee episode, each glee member touched on their imperfections, and it really got me thinking. It instantly brought me to my all time favourite bible verse.

1 Corinthians 13:10
"But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappear."
 And you know, this verse is soooo true. That day when we stand face to face with God every single one of our imperfections are going to be washed away. Exciting isn't it? I think it is, but that time hasn't come, and there are still soo many people struggling. So in this moment, I believe we, as a people of God have been called to lay those feelings at the feet of Jesus, and to help others do the same.

One other part of Glee that really stuck out was how each and every glee member wore a T-shirt that displayed their insecurities. Most of them weren't what you see in everyday life, like the fact that a person can't dance, or sing, or has the wrong coloured eyes, but ultimately, a lot of people struggle with those aspects of their lives. I think it's about time that we get past the fact that the only type of insecurities a person has is weight, height, intelligence, etc, and start helping the people who struggle with the fact that they can't dance, or doesn't have the right kind of hair. Now don't get me wrong, the sort of insecurities we see in everyday life are important, but I think the hidden ones are just as important too!

If I had a T-shirt with my insecurity on it, it's definitely say "socially awkward".
What would your T-shirt say? How are you going to come to terms with it and accept that God made you that way for a reason.
Sure I don't like being socially awkward but that makes me unique :)

Listen to this song, it's good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qewj8EsMaFQ&feature=related

Stephanie :)

A fresh start....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1bxlDAjGCo&feature=BFa&list=PL339DD2676812C0A7&index=13&shuffle=765176

You know lately, I have been stuck in that valley I was telling you all about, and this morning as I was sitting listening to music waiting to skype with my sister, the song posted above came on, and I decided that it's my time to move on. It's finally my time to get out of this valley. I need to stop saying I will, and then don't; now I am for real!

I'm going to start my journey off with going to Haiti. For the past couple nights I have been having doubts about my trip, and whether or not I am going for the right reason. My best friend Beth is younger than me but she seems to have the right things to say. I mean somedays I feel like because I'm older than her that she really doesn't understand me, therefore she isn't able to give good advice, however that is not the case. This girl is amazing and always knows what to say when I need to hear it, even if I don't want to hear it! ha. Well we were talking about how I thought I needed to deal with myself before I can go help others, and she said to me that she thinks this is a special circumstance "that it may be the rare occasion where I can do both", and you know what, I am coming to believe that. I really do now believe that God is going to use Haiti as a way to help me get out of this valley for once and for all..ya I realize that I will be back in the valley at another point in my life, but it'll be for a different reason. I feel like going to see the people of Haiti and what they go through will help me realize that what I have here in Canada is enough, and that I need to stop thinking about myself, and starting serving the Lord.

So, I am moving on. I am so ready to start my life fresh, and get on with it. Good-bye valley, hello mountain :)

What am I going to do you ask?
Well, I am going to go to Haiti, Pray more, read the living word more, worship more, and most of all I am going to be a shinging light to this world. I am going to live a more positive life- no more of this "I can't do it" or "I don't like" I'm done with that! I'm moving onto "I can do this" and "I love life"!
I'm going to take up new hobbies. Continue with sports(soccer), but now I am going to take up photography. I used to be so artistic in the sense of music, but I gave that up, so now it's time I take back my artistic lifestyle. I am going to blog more often, and I am going to LOVE life to the fullest!

God is sooooo good, and I am just so ready to go into this world and let my light shine :)

Stephanie

Down by the Valley....

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." --Psalm 23:4

You know, lately I have just been experiencing a downtime with my faith, and have been stuck in this valley. Ya sure when I write my blogspots I seem fine, however, heres the thing...when I write my blogs I usually put aside my struggles and fears in order to encourage others. I live to encourage people, and when it comes to life, I put others first and don't really think about myself unless it's absolutely necessary. I guess that's where my life being stuck in a valley comes in. For the longest time I have tried to make sure other people- that being friends and family- are okay, and I kind of just let my self sit off to the side until I felt it was the right time to deal with my problems. I'm not sure if I will ever really know when it is the right time to deal with my problems, but I guess now I am coming to realize that my time is coming soon. I'm not sure if I feel this way for the right reasons, but I'm just so sick of being stuck in this valley and feeling like a sack of crap.

As time flys by and the amount of time I have before I go to Haiti becomes less, I really feel like I need to get out of this valley. I feel like if I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of the people in Haiti I need to get my life figured out. well, maybe not figured out exactly since that takes forever, but perhaps just get a little bit of an idea as to why I am stuck in this valley. I have been recently re-evaluating my life and figuring out what sorts of things, people and events I want to be apart of my life.

I was recently talking to a new "friend" I guess you could say about my up coming trip and just life. She was asking me what sorts of things are putting me in this valley, and what sorts of things I need to do in order to get out of this valley. I'm not a really good talker, and I'm not good with expressing my thoughts. Give me a pen and paper (in this case a computer and a blog) and I could write it all out for you, but when it comes to talking about my life and the problems I face, I just can't do it. But after I talked to her, I felt like I was actually right, that I really didn't know what put me in this valley for so long, and I'm not really sure what I need to do to get over it. But as I got to thinking later this night and as I start this blog and let my thoughts and emotions just flow out, it seems as though God is making it clear as to why I am stuck in this valley, and why I have been here for so long. As I get to thinking, I feel like these reasons and solutions have been made clear to me for soooo long, but it's like I have been ignoring them.

For most of you who read this blog, you would know that my sister died when I was 10. I was so young that I really didn't understand what was going on, and I felt like I had no one to really talk to about this issue. None of my friends related to me because they didn't go through something like this. Since I was so young I really didn't have a grieving process, in fact I really didn't know how to grieve. I felt like I had no guidance when it came to dealing with the death of my big sister. I guess I would say that my grieving process started the year I got back from Katimavik, so the summer before grade 12, all throughout grade 12, and up until now. As I reflect on my relationship with God, and my family, it seems as though I have lost contact with pretty much them all. Ya, I mean I live with my family when I'm not at University, but it just seems empty at home, same with my relationship with God. I know he's there, I pray, I worship and I read the living word, but there has always been something missing. And I guess all along I knew what it was but I just didn't want to admit it, or even face the fact that that is the reason as to why I was and still am sort of running from God and am stuck in this valley.

My sister. I have been just so angry with God for taking my sister, and although I won't know the reason as to why she had to go so early, I am still angry at God. I felt like the one person I needed most in my life was taken away, and I wasn't sure if I could forgive Him for that. There have been a lot of other heartbreaks and heartaches in my life that I didn't think I could forgive God for and I have, but it seems as though this anger is just sooo huge that I couldn't forgive him.

So what's the thing that is putting me and keeping me in this valley you ask....the anger that I have toward God for taking my sister. I feel like I have been so angry and have been focusing on the fact that God took her so much that I have lost touch with friends, family, and most importantly God. So what do I need to get out of this valley? I need to forgive God and look forward to the amazing things and people he is going to put in my life. I need to realize that ya, she may gone from my life in person, but she will always be in my heart. There are so many memories that I have with her that will keep me going.

It's about time that I get out of this valley and start living my life fully for God. I am soo ready to be over this time of crappiness and to just move on. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, because it's definitely not, but I think it's important for me to get over this before I venture over to Haiti.
Wait, I say get over all this...I don't mean that. I'm never going to get over the fact that God took my best friend, my big sister, and my inspiration, rather I need to forgive God and give him the room to work in my life.

I'm so ready God, so just use me and teach me how to forgive and just live my life to the fullest for you. I used to be sooo on fire for you God, and I pray that I can get back to this spot. I pray God that you will help me to find it in my heart and in my life to figure out the ways to get past my anger and resentment that I have for you, and towards my family for not being there when I needed them most. God I pray that you will help me to find the strength to talk about this with my family, and help us to grow. I just love you soo much God and I am soo ready to be out of this valley and worship and praise your name on a daily basis! In your name I pray, Amen!

Stephanie :)

The power of prayer!

Jeremiah 42:3
"Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”




As most of you know, I am heading off to Haiti. In 28 sleeps I will be on a plane starting my journey. I am so incredibly excited to go over to Haiti and see what God has in store for me!
 
For the past little while I have been praying for Haiti, and they have definitely been on my heart.
The power of prayer is crazy, and I believe through prayer anything can happen, God will make a way.
 
When I first became a Christian prayer was the absolute last thing on my mind. I thought that I could just read my bible(which I didn't do often), listen to worship music, attend church, and act as a Christian; I failed to realize that the greater aspect of living a life of a Christian is prayer! I really didn't realize how important it was in order to further my relaionship with God.  Over the past year, since Haiti has had their earthquake, I have found myself praying soo much more, and I love it. I love being able to just spend loads of time in prayer. It's great!
 
If you pray already, I encourage you to pray more and keep on doing it! If you don't pray, and you feel that emptiness in your relationship with God, I encourage you to start praying. It's crazy what the power of prayer can do to your relationship with God. It is so cleansing, and wonderful! Start a prayer log;write down all the things you pray for, it's great and really helps develop your relationship with God and others!
 
I am praying for you all!
 
Stephanie :)

The unthinkable?

Lately, it seems as though I have been doing the unthinkable!
This past week it was join twitter. Something I never thought I would join because I was annoyed by peoples constant facebook updates via twitter. BUT, I've joined forces, and let me tell ya, during exam times when my facebook password has been changed by a friend to stay off it, twitter has become my substitute! oopsie!
either way, for those of you who read this, follow me on twitter :) name- stephanietree

What kinds of things have you been doing lately that you would consider the unthinkable?

Stephanie :)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

I'm a 19 almost 20 year old women, and I have never had a boyfriend. I have never experienced Love, nor have I experienced the worldy things that come along with a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. For the longest time I thought this was bad, and I thought I was alone forever. I really didn't take into consideration the Lords will. Being almost 20 and in my first year of university, gaining new friends and talking about relationships and how much I've missed out, and how much they experienced I found myself always jealous because that's what I have so longed to have.  It's really bothered me that I haven't been able to experience these things, and I started to feel like I would never get to. I was convinced that I was going to be single for the rest of my life. That is was the Lords will that I stay single and never experience a boyfriend, husband, and ultimately love.

As this year has gone on, God has really been working in my life to show me that it is not my time. I always had the picture in my mind that I would live happily ever after with my husband until we died. We would grow old with each other, and we would be highschool, or even university sweethearts. Once the idea of highschool sweethearts was a bust, that's when I began to think God didn't have a mate for me. But as I read through the Corinthians Paul is reminding me that Love is Patient, and that in time my "other half" I guess you could say will come. I am not usually the one to be hung up on the fact about love, or even really want it. I guess I just never really shared it or indulged in that lonliness in my life.

I remember watching 16 and Pregnant(ya I know haha) and one of the teens wrote a blog while she was on the show, so being the curious person I am, I searched it. I found her blog, and she was just so inspirational. But anyways, one of her blog posts had a song by Brooke Fraser in it. The song is call "Love is Waiting" and once I heard it, I was reassured that God has a plan for me, and in time he will reveal it to me.  One line of the song says "Love is waiting 'til we're ready" and oh man, is that ever true! I have now learned that I'm not ready. Ya, sure I'm almost 20, most people would say that's the point in someones life when they are ready, and it's the age when people should be considering marriage, but it's not. The Lord has showed me that it's not my time, and that there is still sooooo much more things that I need to do before love comes my way. There are still areas in my life that God has to work on, and is slowly beginning to do that. I know in time love will come, and I will eventually get to be like that old couple I had always imagined I would be with my future husband.

What has the Lord been doing in your life recently? What areas were you completely wrong about, and are finally realizing that God has a better plan for you?

I hope and pray one day you all will find Love, and if you have hold onto it and remember "Love NEVER fails". If it was Gods plan it'll happen :)

Trust in the Lord and he shall provide!

Stephanie :)




I am Second; are you?

Recently I have been stumbling upon very inspirtational things.
The other night I came upon this website and it's really inspired me to think about how I can make myself second when it comes to my relationship with the Lord, and in my life. Instead of putting myself first and always thinking about Stephanie, why not think about others before I think about myself. I have been thinking about what life would be like if I didn't buy a new pair of shoes for myself, instead bought a pair for a person who really needs them. I think it is about time I delve deeper into my relationship with Christ, and put myself second in my life.

Are you second? If so, how did you get to that point? What trials and tribulations have you endured that you have finally realized it's time to be second? If you're not, what can you do to make yourself second.

Think about it..the reason you are here today, living in this world, hopefully happy and content is because of the Lord.

Thats all from me folks.
Stephanie :)

- http://www.iamsecond.com/

Here am I Lord.

As I sit here at my desk, trying to study for my up coming exams I can't help but let my mind wander. Studying is just oh so boring to begin with, but add to my boredom that fact that I am heading to Haiti in about a month, my mind just can't help but wander and think about the people of Haiti. While procrastinating tonight I decided to check out some of the cool videos they provide on the Global Expeditions website. After browsing for a good hour, I came across the last video that I hadn't watch. It was the very last video on the list, and man am I thankful I came across this!

This song is basically what my life has been for the past couple months. It talks about being so ready to be used by God, and to serve him. When I first applied to go on this missions trip I really don't think my heart was where it was supposed to be. I really wasn't thinking about going to serve my Lord, I was going more to help these people(awesome) but also to just go to say I went on a missions trip, and got to experience traveling outside of Canada! However, over the past couple of weeks as time ticks away and my trip becomes closer the true reasons as to why I have felt complelled to go on this trip have been made clear to me.

Growing up in a family that was not religious what-so-ever I didn't think I would be in the position I am in now. I mean my family didn't go to church, didn't pray, or anything. We all knew God was in existence, and for the most part believed in him. We weren't really ones to believe in evolution(atleast I think, I've never really asked my family), but this sort of thing(faith, missions, church) just seemed sort of silly. When I turned 10, my sister died and my family seemed to some what fall apart. We had just gone through what we thought would never happen to our family. We didn't really know what people felt when they lost someone so close to them until it actually happened to us. I felt as a young child, losing their 16 year old sister, I felt lost. I didn't know what to do with my life. My big sister, my inspiration in life has just died, and I was left without anything. Don't get me wrong, I have amazing parents, and 2 amazing other older sisters, but until you lose someone you don't know just how much they mean to you. I lived a pretty charmed life when I was younger. We were pretty well off, we had friends, good grades, and we were a pretty close family. Ya, sure we fought like most families but we were pretty content. But it seemed when my sister died, my content, close knit family sort of fell apart. I mean we still talk, we still do things together, but it seems as though the fun times started to minimize. I felt lost, I felt like I really couldn't talk to anyone about my feelings. (I'll have all you readers out there know that emotions are the hardest things for me to express. I really dislike sharing them and talking about them because I feel like if I don't talk about them, I don't have to think about them...horrible I know.) I was so young and so were my friends, that none of us really knew how to deal with it or even talk about it. I didn't feel comfortable talking about it with my parents or my sisters, because I just didn't understand what exactly had happened, and I felt like I was disappointing people if I were to ask questions about what happened, I felt like I was required to understand.

After a couple years(maybe 2) of searching and feeling like I couldn't relate to anyone, or really had comfort in my life I turned to God. I felt like God was the only thing that could fill the void of my sister (which he hasn't completely) and I felt like I could finally live my life again and not be so sad. Although I became a Christian about 7 years ago I still have my low times when I question God, when I question why exactly he took my sister from me, but I have learned that I really will never know those answers until I face God on judgement day. As the years went on my desire to serve God and to just do what he wanted became prominent in my life. I can say that I really never acted on what God has told me over the years because I was scared and felt judged by my family. I am still to this date the only Christian in my family and that presents a lot of struggles. In this past year, my first year of university, as I sit in my dorm room with minimal friends(i'm very intraverted) and none of which are Christians, I find myself spending more and more time with God. Yes, I still have the days when I don't interact as much as I should but I find that I am able to just sit with God and listen to him and serve him. Now this is where my original post idea comes into play(haha sorry about the LARGE bunny trail).

I applied to go on this trip with Global Expeditions in February and was accepted almost instantly. I was so fired up and ready to go on this trip, until the stressful aspects came into play. I knew that I had to fundraise and do paper work, but I didn't realize how crazy stressful it would on top of school work. I prepared myself for this by obtaining help from my best friend. She has been an amazing help throughout this process, but I still felt like giving up. She told be over and over again that it may not seem worth it now, but it will be once you are there and when you come back. Beth would say that God has given me this opportunity and that he is going to use me and work in me before, after, and while I am in Haiti. It is now that I am just beginning to realize this. As I was searching those videos on the GE website, the song Here am I, came across(the very last video I was talking about) and once I heard it(infact I have been listening to it on repeat as I write this song) everything became clear. The reasons as to why I decided to apply for this trip, and the reasons why I have raised all the money and will be venturing off to Haiti in 30 days, and that simply is because I am just so ready to be used by God and serve him.

So God, Here am I, I am yours, use me to further your kingdom and to bless the people of Haiti.
I am super excited to go and just live my life for God.

This was a super long post..sorry folks! haha,
But I pray that my words will bless atleast one of you who read this(if people do)
I want to challenge each and everyone of you to delve deeper, to find the reasons why you serve our awesome God, or why you don't. If you do, step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Bring a new person to church, or go on a missions trip...further the Kingdom of God, and your relationship shall be furthered and deepeded with him. I pray that each and everyone of you reading this, and for the ones who don't read this, that you will be blessed, and the God would use and each everyone of you in an unique way!

God Bless your socks off!!!
Stephanie :)

heres the link for the song!
http://www.youtube.com/user/GlobalExpeditions#p/u/7/mUXOaeePBFY

Travel Time Again!

Wow, it has been years(literally) since I have written a post on my blog, but I think it's about time that I start using this again! For those of you who read my blog(if any) you would know that I started this blog to share my thoughts while I was off doing my 9-month travelling program called Katimavik. Well I have been back from this program for about 2 years, and it was the best experience of my life!! I don't have time to go through my time there with you, but I shall later(I promise). For now, I shall talk about my new experiences coming up. Some of you who read this may have me on facebook, and will already know my news, for those of you out there who stumble upon my blog and don't know me I have been given the most amazing opportunity in my life to venture off to Haiti to serve my wonderful God. I will be leaving May 13th and I am super excited to just give my all my God and let him use me while I am in Haiti. I am super excited to see what God is going to do in and through my while in Haiti, as well as how he is going to use my team to serve and honour his name. Galations 6:10 says "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." God has given us many opportunities in life and as Christians it is our duty to follow his will and do what he says to serve others and help them. God has given me the opportunity as a believer to travel to Haiti, and I am going to do exactly what he commands. With this opportunity comes many challenges and obstacles to overcome. One of them being finances. My trip is pretty expensive, but God has come through and wowed me like always and my finances have been completely paid for!! Praise God!!! Thank you to all my fellow church members at Crossroads Alliance who helped make this possible :) Well fellow bloggers, it is time for me to sign off. I am going to try my hardest to keep posting and keep you all updated on my trip and everything that comes with it. Heck, I'll just try to update you on my life and try to encourage you all. Stephanie :)