Jezi.

Sometimes I forget that I'm in Haiti.  That sounds crazy - I know - but, it's true.  I know that I'm working in 100 degree weather in a hot tent because they don't have a clinic built yet.  And I'm thousands of miles from home.  And I'm surrounded by mountains.  And I work with, smile at, give shots to, talk with, and place electrodes on Haitians all of the time.  And even though so much of my life is different and temporary right now, it feels so right.  I just know that I am where I'm supposed to be and I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing.  And the people that I work with are just people - God's people - and there is no distinction between 'me' and 'them' or black and white or Haitian and American or rich and poor, we're all the same.  When I think - or don't think - of all of this that way, then I start to understand how I forget that I am somewhere else and just land on the fact that I am where I have been called to be.  And then peace closes in all around me.

Peace that I cannot explain, that I don't need to explain.  

One of my favorite parts of my day is early in the morning, before we start seeing patients and the busyness sets in.  The staff lead devotions for the patients and they always start with a hymn.  It is loud and beautiful and I can't understand a word except for the occasional 'Jezi', but I know that they are worshiping and praising my God.  And in those moments, their pains and worries are quieted and there is peace.  Not in ignorance, but in knowing that God is in control and He is good.

Over these last several years, that is what has been holding me together - God is good and God is in control.  I need to hear that truth all of the time.  I needed to hear that this week, because this week was not easy.  I wanted so badly to be with my family and my extended family through some hard times this past week.  And we faced a lot of sad and challenging moments in the clinic these past few days.  And I'm wresting with my future and where that may or may not lead.  But even still, God is good and He is in control.  

And that brings me peace.