House TalkN is a fun lookiloo at houses, houses, houses. It will answer pressing questions like, "When folks build a McMansion on a small lot, what are they compensating for?" or "Was the real estate agent drunk when they staged this house?" or "Why don't the Smiths' ever leave their drapes open when I am on a harmless walk-by?"

Sunday, January 13, 2013

I'm Going To Haiti

There are two quotes that I have a love/hate relationship with.
The first is: 
"If you want to make God laugh, make a plan." 
I am a planner. I like to be in control prepared. I scoff at this quote and hide behind "free will" arguments. 
The second quote is: 
"Leap and the net will appear." 
This kind of talk is dangerous for me. I get big ideas and I make big plans and I get in big trouble. 
I have felt a pull to join a mission trip since I was in high school. 
The time was never right...for me. 
I had very important things to do. 
School, work, family, meetings, yard work, laundry...blah, blah, blah.
I watched as members of my church went to Haiti to serve. 
I ignored the whisper in my ear. I made more excuses. 
As I was telling myself "I can't afford to go," I was overwhelmed with guilt. I can't afford to go? I felt so self-absorbed, so greedy, so arrogant. 
I write about houses and our stories that go on inside of them. 
I saw a clip on television several years ago. A young girl living in a tent had attached a scrap of pretty fabric to her makeshift wall. I was so struck by her desire to create something pretty, her desire to create a home for the young siblings that she was raising. They had lost their parents to AIDS. 
I looked at my four children. They have happy, healthy parents to embarrass love them and provide for them. They live in the land of superstores and restaurants and ipads and amusement parks. 
I want them to be grateful. I want them to have a bigger world view. I want them to give back. I want to be that kind of role model for them.
I'm going to Haiti. 
Yesterday was my birthday. I made predictions that my friends would "surprise" me with joke gifts and take me out on the town. 
Well, I had the "surprise" part right. 
For my birthday, they started a "go-fund" for my trip. I am so overwhelmed with love and gratitude that I cannot adequately express. (Without blubbering and stuttering!)
We all give and serve in our own ways. 
For me, I am going to leap. Thank you for being my net.


Link Par-taay at: 
http://www.houseofhepworths.com
http://www.the36thavenue.com
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
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22 comments:

  1. You have always been such a loving person (and brave!)

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    1. I don't know about the brave, but I got a whole lot of love! Thank you.

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  2. Happy birthday. Haiti is a great idea. Good luck.

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  3. What a beautiful gift. Sounds like God has surrounded you with some very special people! Blessings as you now celebrate your birthday and prepare to go!

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    1. This gift did me in. I am soooo not a cry-er and I had to shove food in my mouth to prevent much blubbering.
      Thank you, Laura.

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  4. How awesome are you- and what wonderful friends you have!!! I have a few friends from high school that have gone to Haiti on mission trips- and worked with a company last year that has ties to Hope4Haiti- and was inspired. You are DOING something. Awesome my friend. You make me proud to know you. You're not just a pretty face :)

    AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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    1. Thank you! If I keep saying I'm going, maybe I will start to believe it.

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  5. This is so touching! There are moments in life that you just know you will never forget. I imagine receiving that gift was one of those moments. What a blessing to have such wonderful friends!
    -Amy

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    1. Oh, Amy! It was def one of those moments! I thought my friends were taking me to a "bookstore" and they pulled this out of the hat. I was stunned and touched and overwhelmed. Then, I shoved food in my mouth so I wouldn't cry.
      Thank you!

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  6. What a wonderful thing - you leap, girl! You'll never be sorry you did.

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    1. Thank you, Robyn! I'm a leapin'...send medics.

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  7. Hi Kerry!!

    I'm so happy for you!! What a great gift. Does Haiti know that you're coming? LOL

    Pam
    xox

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  8. I actually jumped out of my chair and cheered for you and we don't even know each other! What an awesome feeling knowing you might make a difference,even if it's a smile, we all know you can do that :)

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    1. Thank you, Leeann! Making people laugh is a drug to me. If I do nothing else, I hope I can make someone chuckle in Haiti.

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  9. Bless you & your desire to take on this adventure! Been there, done that, as did my now-grown kids as teens. Changes lives - yours and theirs. Despite attempts to prepare, your mind and heart won't believe the poverty. But nor can you prepare for how your very core is moved so deeply. Go with and for God! Blessings, Barbara (donothing_restafterward@aol.com)

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    1. I keep hearing that there is no way to prepare for this experience. Thank you so much for sharing, Barbara!

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  10. I am in awe of you and proud to know you Kerry. You are an inspiration to all of us...do you realize that? I have goose bumps now just thinking about it. I will be with you in my heart and look forward to you sharing your experience with us. You are blessed.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sue. I got goose bumps reading your note! I am very blessed and hope I can give back in this way!

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  11. Congratulations! We have several people in our church who have gone and they come back and say that they can barely describe how blessed they feel to have gone. How inspiring!

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    1. I'm bracing for impact! Everyone who has gone says that it was a total blessing to serve in this way. Thanks, Amy!

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