So Many Blessings

As I prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally, to go back to my home in Haiti, I feel so blessed!!!!!  Haiti and God’s Littlest Angels is where I’m supposed to be – God has made that abundantly clear to  me over the past month.  I’ve been surprised to realize that Haiti truly feels like “real life” now.  I feel like I’ve been on a long vacation and it’s time to get back to work.  I’m so anxious to go back to my babies – the ones I get to hold, cuddle, carry around, squeeze, kiss, nurture, care for, and love whenever I want, because they’re mine!

But what an incredible, restful, fulfilling, blessed month I’ve had!

I got to go with my family to pick up the newest members of the Smith farm – 2 goats!!  Meet Billy and Bobby, named by my dad. 🙂

 

 

 

I got to experience a typical Indiana week of weather – snow, huge thunderstorm, dreary, chilly and windy, and sunny and 80……all in one week……  Plus I got to smell freshly cut grass (there isn’t much grass to cut in Haiti, and I’m definitely a country girl.)  I saw the trees and flowers start to bloom.  I also got to witness another awe-inspiring Indiana sunset, full of brilliant colors.

I got to reconnect with and spend time with my incredible friends that I seriously miss so much, including several of my American babies. 🙂  I got to see my cousin, Josh, who was my best friend growing up, and who I hadn’t seen in over 2 years!  I, amazingly, got to visit all of my grandparents, and I was able to spend time with all but 5 of my cousins and all but 2 of my aunts and uncles – let me tell you, there are a lot of them…..  I also got to see my friend, Janet, who I haven’t seen in over 10 years.  I got to meet her handsome little man, too!

I was blessed to be able to visit the church where I grew up, and speak about my ministry for the first time!

I enjoyed the freedom of being able to get in the car and drive wherever I wanted.

I ate strawberries!!! (If you find them in Haiti, they cost about $16/lb – not a luxury I choose. :))

I read 6 books! I’ve found that I get so tired and overwhelmed in Haiti, I haven’t been able to finish a book in almost a year.  I was so excited to rediscover my love of reading.

I got to go out with my siblings and spend time getting to know them again.  I cannot believe how quickly they’re growing up. 😥  I got to go to one of my sister, Anna’s, track meets.  She’s a freshman, running at the level of a junior!

I got to play violin in orchestra at church for the first time in many months!

While I’m getting anxious to go back to my new normal, I’m really going to miss these people, experiences and conveniences.  As hard as it is to have my heart in so many places, I’m truly blessed.

Living Life Together

Sometimes it hits me out of nowhere, how blessed I am by the community and examples of Christ-followers God has given me.

My whole extended family, from the time I was born, has prayed for me and nurtured my relationship with Jesus. Our homeschooling group growing up was not just fellow-homeschoolers, but fellow Christians. When we moved to Indiana when I was in middle school, He allowed us to join a small group of homeschoolers who became my best friends for many years. This group gathered twice a week for singing, prayer, and Bible study. The children were not only included, but were expected to sit through the “service,” and participate, asking and answering questions. Outside of these times of Bible study, we gathered multiple times a week to play and have fun.

When I got a little older, God moved in some huge ways (I’m not going to detail them at this time, but they’re rather ironic and funny) to place me in a small group of “young professionals” who attended my church and other area churches. We met for Bible study one week, and game night the next. We interacted and encouraged each other in our daily walk with Christ. This group is what got me through nursing school.

Now that I’ve moved to Haiti, God has consistently surrounded me by the most incredible Christian women who share my love of Haiti and are always around to listen to me and challenge my thinking. I am so blessed!

Most recently, I have started attending a home church here in Haiti. Most of these families homeschool and have many children – I feel like I’m back in the States as I was growing up! This past Sunday we had our normal morning service – singing, prayer, a sermon, and more singing. Afterwards, we shared lunch, and then the kids went outside to play and the adults continued to talk. Then it was suggested we needed to have a prayer time for several of the families in the group, and without question, all of the adults gathered around for spontaneous prayer. What an example! We don’t just gather for church, but we gather to share our love for Christ! He’s not just a Sunday morning service requirement, but He’s included in all of our interactions. He isn’t an after-thought, but the reason we exist and the reason we gather together.

I’m in awe of how God has worked in my life. I’m so grateful for the community with which He’s surrounded me. He is too good to me!

Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

Some moments I’m overwhelmed with love for these precious babies God has placed in my care. How can I be so blessed?!? It hit me, the other day, that each of these little ones that I get to love, will grow up. They will go places I’ll never dream of getting to go. They’ll see things I can only hope I get to see. They’ll learn more than I can ever hope to know. But through them, I will get to be a part of something so much bigger than myself! I may never know what each of them does with their life, but I can imagine the plans God has for them, and I know they’re amazing!!!

Where will you go, Little Ones? What will you do? What will you see? What will you accomplish? What will you learn? Who will you meet? Who will you touch with your special story?

• Will you be a doctor who heals other people?
• Will you be a pastor who preaches God’s love and grace?
• How about a farmer who grows healthy food that will help feed the poor?
• Will you be a scientist who finds the cure for cancer?
• Will you be a missionary who reaches people who haven’t heard the message of Jesus Christ?
• Will you be an artist or photographer who captures the beauty of God’s creation?
• Maybe you’ll be a nurse who shows your patients you love them with Christ’s love, by simply listening?
• Will you be a teacher who guides little hearts and minds?
• Will you be a waiter/waitress who speaks hope and joy to the people you serve?
• Perhaps you’ll be an architect who designs strong buildings to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes?
• Will you be a musician who brings a little piece of heaven to everyone who listens?
• Will you be a cashier who brightens peoples’ day by smiling at them?
• Will you be a construction worker who prays over each stone you lay?
• Maybe you’ll be a driver who takes people safely home to their loved ones?
• Will you be a mama or papa who kisses boo-boos and raises the next generation to love God and serve others?

The bottom line, my precious Little Ones, is that God has an incredible, unique plan for each of you. If you keep your eyes on Him and seek His will for your life, you will succeed. I hope and pray you build your life on the stone that is Jesus Christ, and you keep Him as the center, and seek Him in everything you say and do. I love you so much, Little Ones, and I thank God for this time, however short, I get to be one of your mamas!!!

My Mom – Guest Blog

Tomorrow morning my favorite missionary flies back to her home in Haiti.  It has been such a JOY to have her here for the last two weeks (which have flown, by the way.)  My heart is filled because it is such a privilege to know that your child is, not only doing what they LOVE, but what they are called by God to do.  Selfishly…WOW…do I miss that girl when she is gone.  Don’t tell her that though.  It makes her cry. 😉

THANK YOU, dearest friends, for partnering with Emily as she cares for and loves on the people of Haiti.  God put this passion for Haiti and its people in Emily’s heart.  She daily seeks God’s guidance for the best way to share His love.  Emily is well aware, as are we, that this is a team effort.  Your love for Emily, and for the children of Haiti, for Christopher, Anicia, Derlain, Herson, Marie, Djino, and so many more is so evident in your prayers of blessing and protection.  We have been overwhelmed with gratitude at your generosity with gifts of blankets, burp cloths, baby clothing, toys, books, socks, shoes and finally, financial support, so that Emily can remain in Haiti.  YOU MAY NEVER LEAVE THE STATE IN WHICH YOU LIVE, BUT YOU ARE HELPING TO REACH UNTOLD NUMBERS WITH YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT.

Many have asked how they can reach how they can reach Emily to encourage her and for the best way to send support.  To write and encourage Emily:

Private message Emily on facebook or email eks4haiti@hotmail.com

Letters and packages can be mailed to:

Emily Smith
3170 Airmans Drive
Unit 2081-GLA
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

(Please note that packages will cost Emily an additional $1.50/lb over the cost of shipping)

To support Emily and receive a tax deduction you must give through God’s Littlest Angels.

glahaiti.org > Donate > country from which you’re donating > Missionary Support > Emily Smith

To give with your credit or debit card through GoFundMe (convenient, but GoFundMe keeps 7%):

https://www.gofundme.com/2nbzaff8

100% of your gift is given straight to Emily if you mail a check to her home address.  We deposit it for her and she then has access to it:

Emily Smith, 4991 East 800 South, Markleville, IN, 46056

 

Emily is called by God to be in Haiti.  She receives no compensation for her work there, but relies completely on the support of those who believe in the work she is doing there.  I can testify to the fact that Emily has never doubted for a moment that God will provide for ALL of her needs.  She simply doesn’t worry about from where resources will come.  And, she will remain in Haiti for as long, and only as long as God calls.  Thank you for walking this AMAZING journey with her.  As her mom, I personally couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of you!!  Mary Smith

 

 

 

 

 

Love is Painful

​Love is so painful. I flew back into the States, yesterday, for my brother’s wedding, and I’m completely torn in pieces. Below is a post from one of my good friends, a fellow missionary in Haiti. It explains a little of what I’m feeling.

“So here I am again sitting in an airport halfway between Haiti & Canada.
People ask me if I’m going home, & when I get to Canada they’ll say welcome home, & I’ll smile & say thanks cuz how do I explain something I don’t really understand myself? Canada no longer really feels like home, other than that my family is there. I feel more comfortable in Haiti now. Sure Canada has things like AC & hot water but I’ll take dripping sweat & cold bucket showers any day.  I feel so much more alive in Haiti. I feel God so much more.
I guess I have 2 homes, at the same time I feel like I have no home, forever wandering back & forth. But one benefit from this- it keeps me focused on the only permanent home I have, my heavenly home.
“For the world is not our home, we are looking for a home yet to come.” -Hebrews 13:14
💗 #thoughtswhilesittingonadisgustingairportfloor”
– Aggie

Yes, I’m “home,” because my family is what makes a home. But I miss my other home. I miss where I live my life, now. I miss my babies. I miss my bed. I miss my routine. I miss my friends. In the same way, when I leave to go back to my other home, I’ll be leaving friends and comfort and the other piece of my heart – my family.

I’m also hurting, thinking about southern Haiti, which was recently smashed by Hurricane Matthew. Most of the homes washed away; all of the gardens gone. Just now, a week after the hurricane passed, are we able to infiltrate the more remote areas, and the devastation the missionaries are finding is horrific. Many more lives have been claimed, than originally thought. Absolutely no clean drinking water. No food! Cholera has appeared and claimed at least 5 lives, so far, and this is just the beginning. And I left them! I flew into the United States – a first world country where we throw out tons of food, every day, because we can’t eat it all. Where we use clean water to shower, wash dishes, flush toilets, water gardens, bathe pets, and on and on and on. I’m not saying these things are wrong! But we take them for granted.

(Photos borrowed from http://www.maghaiti.net/ce-nest-pas-la-syrie-cest-la-ville-de-jeremie/. There are many more pictures showing the devastation.)

As I lay, crying, in the bed my siblings gave up for me, I know I need to enjoy my time here. I know I need to focus on recharging so I’m ready when I go back. And I will. But my heart hurts.

An Introduction to God’s Littlest Angels

How different my life is now!

– Instead of sweating all day, I freeze.
– Instead of cooking and baking, I feed babies.
– Instead of washing dishes, I change diapers.
– Instead of washing and folding laundry, I organize medical supplies.
– Instead of hosting teams, I hold babies and research developmental milestones.
– Instead of suturing, I retrieve beads from noses.

Thankfully, not everything has changed….. I still get to practice Creole, I’m still surrounded by gorgeous mountains, and I still get to eat Haitian food!

Let me start by explaining just briefly about God’s Littlest Angels, the organization for which I’m working. We have 3 locations – the toddler house in Fort Jacques (houses 41 children, approximately 2.5 – 13 years old), the main house in Thomassin 32 (houses 31 children ages newborn – 2.5yrs), and the guest house (about a mile away from the main house.) Today I’m just going to talk about the main house, where I live. I have my own room and half bathroom, and share a shower with several other Americans living here. The other Americans also living on this compound are the directors, John and Dixie Bickel (they started the organization over 20 years ago), their son Steeve, his fiance’ Chelsie (who is in charge of the sponsorship program,) and Miss Vickie (who is the personal caregiver for one of our children.)

We have the NICU/Intensif where the babies live, the nursery/Urgence A where the crawlers live, and the toddler room, where the walkers live. We have approximately 80 Haitian staff, including nannies, nurses, cooks, an accountant, cleaners, drivers, people who do the market shopping, etc. During the day, we have several other Americans who come to work from our other locations.
My official title is NICU nurse…..I’m still trying to figure out exactly what that means. 🙂 When we don’t have critical babies (like now), I fill in wherever I’m needed. Right now, I’m trying to get to know all of the kids, nannies, and nurses, and learn their names. Just a few of my responsibilities these past 3 weeks, in addition to that, included:

– Learning how to give TB tests and working with 2 of our Haitian nurses to give approximately 25 to our babies. They all came back negative, by the way! Praise God!
– Retrieving a bead that was stuck in a nose
– Researching the best way to de-worm babies
– Researching developmental milestones and making notes on what each of our babies should be working on, so our volunteers can help out
– And lots of changing diapers, changing clothes, feeding, holding, rocking, comforting, playing, clipping fingernails, and taking walks.

I’ve been here 3 weeks, now, and I’ve had quite an adjustment. But finally, God’s peace has taken over once again. I’m feeling hopeful and looking forward to the future. I’m starting to get excited when I think about coming back to my babies after my brother’s wedding. I feel like just maybe, I’ll be able to call somewhere “home” again. I still really miss my friends in LaDigue, and I miss going to the market and knowing what to expect each day, but God is good!
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

This was one of the verses in church a couple of weeks ago, and it was exactly what I needed to hear. It spoke into the chaos that consumed my life, just 3.5 days after moving. How beautiful! God reminded me that I’m here for Him. This is His plan, His mission, and His job. I’m simply the vessel; His hands and feet. Thank goodness.

As I learn more about this mission and my job, I’ll continue to update you. Thank you for following my journey, Friends!
P.S. I just found out I can receive mail here!!!!! It does cost $1.50 a pound, after your shipping costs, so just keep that in mind if you choose to send something. 🙂 It can be sent to

Emily Smith
3170 Airmans Drive
Unit 2081-GLA
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

It can be addressed the same way if it’s shipped directly from a company. (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.) 

The Adventure Continues

​

As many of you know, when I return to Haiti in 2 weeks, I will not be returning to stay at Children’s Lifeline, where I spent my summer. I had an incredible experience and learned so many new things. I picked up more Creole; I did my first (and 6th) sets of sutures; I made some awesome friends; I learned to ride a moto and how to buy things at the market; I learned how to live on my own; I learned (or, depending on who you ask, maybe not so much…..) how to cook for 1 person instead of 8; I acquired several new “sisters;” I renewed my relationship with my sister, which has struggled over the past few years; and so many other things.

However, as my internship drew to a close and I considered my future, I spent a lot of time praying and seeking wise council, and I decided God has called me to an orphanage up in the mountains. God’s Littlest Angels is an orphanage that does adoptions, but my main role will be NICU nurse. Families bring their very sick, malnourished, dehydrated, premature, high-risk babies to us to nurse back to health, and it will be my job to care for them.

I have such mixed emotions going into this! I’m sad to leave my friends and the familiarity of Children’s Lifeline. I know how life works there and though you can’t ever expect what’s coming in Haiti, I’m comfortable in the sense that I feel I can handle whatever does come. Which is a huge part of the reason I think God is calling me on to other things – He doesn’t allow me to get comfortable. When I get comfortable, I stop relying on Him and start relying on myself, instead.

I’m nervous because I’ve always struggled with making friends. I’ve never been part of the popular crowd and I’m so quiet and shy, I’ve just had very few friends over the years. I hope and pray I’ll make friends quickly because I start to feel lonely. But I keep reminding myself that God has always been faithful to provide exactly what I need in His perfect timing, and He won’t stop now!

I feel so inadequate. I’m worried I don’t have enough training to be these kids’ best chance at life. And then I have to stop and remind myself that I didn’t choose this. I constantly give God back the gifts He’s given me, and ask Him to use me. Therefore, it’s not me who’s caring for the babies – I’m simply His hands and feet. I so appreciate all of the encouraging comments I’ve received over the past few months. However, if you’re tempted to say something along the lines of, “you’ll be great at this,” or, “you’re an angel,” or, “I could never do something like that,” (all things that have been said to me,) give God the glory for giving me the strength to make it through each day, because it’s not me. It is all Him.

One of my favorite songs, right now, is a Creole song called Pale Pou Mwen.

The chorus says,
“Pale pou mwen, Segne, pale pou mwen.
Aji pou mwen, Segne, aji pou mwen.
Kanpe pou mwen, Segne, kanpe pou mwen.
Ou se tout sa’m bezwen.”

“Speak for me, Lord, speak for me.
Act for me, Lord, act for me.
Stand for me, Lord, stand for me.
You are all I need.”

“Lord, may it be you everyone sees when they look at me. May it be you they hear when I speak. May it be you they feel when I touch them.” – This is my prayer!

I would really appreciate all of your prayers as I continue on this journey. I’m so excited to see what my future holds!! Being at the center of God’s will is the best thing you can imagine – there is peace despite the chaos and hope despite the seemingly hopeless situations. So here’s to the next leg of this adventure!

Spiritual Warfare in Haiti

​Moving to Haiti, a country dedicated to the worship of Satan, I knew it would be difficult and I would face trials. However, I naively thought they would be more along the lines of people angry with me for my work, things breaking, plans changing, etc. I’ve found that Satan is much smarter than that. He takes good things and twists them around. He causes confusion. He makes me question everything I do. He makes me doubt myself and my calling. He tells me there’s no way I can make a difference. He tells me I’m not brave enough, good enough, outgoing enough, confident enough, compassionate enough. He tries to distract me. He makes it difficult to think clearly.

He’s very good at what he’s trying to do, so here is a way you can pray specifically. God clearly told me, the other day, “You are called,” but it’s hard to remember in the moment-by-moment chaos of Haiti. Satan is fighting very hard for this beautiful country. He’s attacking all of us. He’s causing division between missionaries. He’s preventing us from forming a community amongst ourselves and causing us to feel lonely. He’s stirring up trouble. Please pray for my new home and my friends and family. Please pray that this country will be changed. Please pray that these people will find Jesus. Please pray that this country will no longer be a country dedicated to evil, but will be overcome by the power, grace, peace, and love of Jesus Christ. I love this place and these people so much. I want them to know Christ as I do. Pray, also, for the missionaries. Pray that we’ll unite and fight together for our home. Pray that we’ll resist Satan’s discouraging words. Pray that we’ll be drawn ever closer to Jesus and that we’ll rely on Him, and Him alone. You all are so incredibly important to my ministry and I’m absolutely certain I couldn’t do this without you.

Si Bondye Vle……

​Si Bondye vle (see Bon-je vle)…… If God wants……

A saying spoken often in Haiti. At first it was frustrating…… 

“Are we doing ‘blank’ tomorrow?” 

Si Bondye vle……. 

“This will be fixed in a few minutes…..”

Si Bondye vle…….

“Will this person be here from the mountains tomorrow?” 

Si Bondye vle…….

In Haiti, a huge percentage of people can’t read or write, so word of mouth is essentially a contract. As one of the other interns often explained it, if you tell someone you’ll see them tomorrow, but you don’t, the next time you see that person, they may be quite angry with you because you didn’t follow through. However, in Haiti, things often come up, keeping what you had planned from happening. For instance, if you’re expecting a visitor or someone is supposed to come help you with something, but it starts to rain, there’s a very good chance you won’t see that person because the roads may quickly become impassible. 

Today, I was supposed to drop our group off at the airport, stop at the store to get a few groceries, and meet my friends back at home for plans they had made. However, we got to the airport and dropped off the group, and one of our drivers said we needed to run to the mechanic to pick up our vehicle that was being fixed. When we got to the mechanic, we found out they didn’t have the right piece until Saturday, so they didn’t even start working on our vehicle until we got there this morning. When they finished, they went to lunch, forgetting to sign some piece of paper…. We ended up hanging out at the mechanic for 3 hours and didn’t get back home until 4:15, instead of 11:30. Such is life in Haiti.

I’ve come to appreciate and love this saying! 

“I’ll be there……si Bondye vle.” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow…..si Bondye vle.” 

“I’ll take out your sutures on Friday…….si Bondye vle.” 

It’s saying, “I’m doing my best to follow through on my word, but God may have other plans.”

What a beautiful way to live life!

Lessons from Haiti

​Don’t you just love it when God convicts you of something? It’s even better when He chooses several things in one day….. The best, yet, is when He uses an entire chapter of the Bible and addresses all of these things at the same time.

*I’m being sarcastic, by the way.*

When I can, I’ve really enjoyed grabbing one of our drivers and making the 30 minute trip to Saintard to go to church, where I’ve gone most of my previous trips to Haiti. I have lots of friends there, and it’s nice to get away for a few hours. When I went last Sunday, one of the texts was Romans 12. When I got home, I decided I was going to look at it further….. Wow. That chapter addresses so many things with which I’ve been struggling.

• “Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Vs 2

It’s not only ok to be different, it’s GOOD! One of the things about which I’m tempted to worry is, “Where does He want me next? Is there a place for me here at Children’s Lifeline? Is there another organization where I’m supposed to spend some time? Or does He have another plan, altogether?” If I allow God to work in me and form me, I’ll be able to discern His plan for my life!

• “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Vs 3-4

While sometimes I have to be careful not to become proud and think I’m the only one who could have taken care of something, more often I think I need to be reminded that I’m part of a body. I have as much of a role in this place and at this time, as each of the other people here.

• “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Vs 6-8

God gave me gifts and I need to be using them for His glory, even if it takes every speck of courage I have. I need to walk over to the orphanage and spend time with the kids, even though I don’t like walking through the village by myself because everyone stares at the one white person. Ugh. 

I also like the part that says not only to show mercy, but to do it cheerfully, not begrudgingly. Wow.

• “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Vs 11-12

Every situation I face is an opportunity to draw closer to God. Please pray for me that my first reaction is to go to Him in prayer!

• “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Vs 13

Regardless of how tired I am, how emotional I am, or how many things are on my list to accomplish, God has placed me here at this time to host groups of people who have come to love on my friends and family. My job is to practice hospitality.

• “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Vs 15

Even though I don’t like to show emotions, as a Christian, it’s one of the things I’m called to do.

• “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Vs 16

Even those who are incredibly difficult people with whom to get along……

• “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Vs 18

It’s my job to be a peacemaker! Even when it’s so hard!

Every day God is teaching me something new. One of my absolute favorite things about Haiti is how I’m forced to rely completely on Him for everything.

I’ve watched as my daily journaling has gone from listing the day’s events at the beginning of this journey, to now telling stories, sharing emotions, and praying for/about so many situations, all mixed up together. It’s like an ongoing conversation with Jesus. It’s so sweet to be able to talk to Him like I would any of my friends sitting next to me. I can ask questions, share disappointments, pray for friends and family, and just talk through situations. As I grow closer to Him, I can feel Him gently nudging me in different directions. And I’m finding, once again, what a blessing “His mercies are new every morning” is. 

Living in Haiti is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This place is physically beautiful, yes, but it’s also beautiful because of the lessons it teaches. My sister wrote to me, today, “Not many people are able to follow their passion like you have. You’re pretty lucky.” I’m not only lucky, I’m blessed. Thank you for walking this journey with me, friends!