Writing from George Bush country

It is due time for an update, this I know. I am very sorry it has taken me so long to write. It is not my intention to make you worry, it's just been a while since I've been in the mood to write.

I had a wonderful time with the Canadian team at Mission of Hope. Being surrounded by friends and family instantly lifts your spirit. Being with the kids helps too. Those kids are such a blessing, to so many people. Myself included. I love them with all my heart. I've said it before and I'll say it again, they are my life. I live for them, to teach them, to love them to support them and to help them smile. In return they teach me, love me, support me and help me smile.

Smiling has not been easy lately. I've been having a real hard time with everything. I've been exposed to so much pain and suffering over the years. It's been especially hard since Maggie passed away January 12th of last year. (One year, to the day, before the earthquake hit.)

I've been exposed to so much joy too. More than I ever imagined possible.

I am so blessed to be called to Haiti.

My updates have been few and far between lately because I am currently not in Haiti. On my trip to Texas, where I met with the trauma counselor it was recommended that I take a sabbatical. I am at the tail end of my fourth year in Haiti and have no plans of leaving (permanently) any time soon. It was time to take the time. I knew that I needed it. Time to rest, time to be restored.

It is so hard to be away, especially when there is so much going on, when there is so much need....but I also know that I want to be the best I can be for those kids and without a break, without this time of restoration I will only be giving a small fraction of myself.

I don't know when I'll be going back yet. I'm just taking it a day at a time. My time here has been amazing, I continue to meet with the counselor and am staying with an amazing family here. I am blessed beyond anything I ever imagined. God is good, all the time. In the midst of darkness His light shines brighter.

Thank you for your prayers, feel free to email me I have my computer with me.

Peace, love and restoration,

Rachel

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