Haiti: Beyond the Headlines

(Alone, we can do so little. Together we can do so much.)

In January of 2010, a 7.0 earthquake focused the world's attention on the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The devastation was sobering. Over 200,000 Haitians died and 1.5 million people were left without homes. In the days and months following the disaster, humanitarian aid arrived from countries around the globe. Three years later, the headlines have faded, but the needs are still great. This is a story you are likely familiar with.

But there's another story you probably have not heard...Amidst the chaos following the earthquake, a large group of deaf individuals gathered near Port-au-Prince. Without access to the announcements regarding aide, these individuals were among the most vulnerable. They struggled to find enough food and water to survive. But they were determined, they worked together, they formed a community, and they survived. In 2011, the Red Cross replaced the tents they had lived in for over a year with temporary transition structures. Then, in January of 2012 with the help of the Haitian government, Mission of Hope, and The 410 Bridge a permanent community was established. This community, comprised of 500 families, is located in the village of Leveque, located one hour north of Port-au-Prince. Deaf leaders have risen up, homes are being built, construction has commenced on a church building, clean water is now flowing, and adult literacy classes have begun. Much progress has been made, but the story is not over. When the community is complete, there will be housing for 150 deaf families, a community center, a primary school, roads, and more. 

This summer, the 410 Bridge is sending a team of deaf educators from the United States to partner with the efforts in Leveque. I am thrilled to have a chance to be a part of this work, but I can't do it alone. The trip will cost over $2,000, and I have just under 6 weeks to raise this money. I am asking that you consider partnering with me in this mission. You can do this by giving a donation on my fundraising website and by praying for me and my team as we prepare to go.

A Consolation Prize

I miss the beaches and warm weather of Florida--A LOT!  But East Tennessee does have a few consolation prizes.  This morning, as I waited in the drive-thru line at Chic Fil A, I couldn't help but  take this picture.  Sure I miss my ocean sunrises, but I love that trees like this surround me all day.  I'm on a mission to enjoy every color and moment of Autumn.  It really is my favorite season.  It really is beautiful.  And I really have missed it these last four years.

Autumn

I’ve always loved Autumn.

Jeans, sweaters, boots

Friday night football games

Bonfires and S’Mores

Cider and Pumpkins

Corn Mazes and Haunted Houses

And of course, the breathtaking fall foliage

It’s always Autumn when thoughts of you,

like the leaves swirling in the breeze,

flutter around me beyond my control.

Memories of our days together

span the four seasons.

But It’s always this time of year,

when I miss you the most. 

Two October nights,

bookends to our time together,

play through my mind

like pictures of an outdated filmstrip.

You and me,

just two of the many teenagers

on a crowded bus

headed to Scaremare.

You-a deaf guy,

looking for someone to talk to.

Me-a shy girl,

working on her 9th grade homework.

You ask for paper,

I oblige.

You ask my name,

and I reply.

Two hours, over a hundred miles,

and countless pages later

a friendship is forged.

You and me

Just two of the many people

in a parking lot

leaving a revival service

You-a deaf guy,

unabashedly calling my name.

Me-a shy girl,

smiling as I stop to turn

You run towards me,

I wait.

You hug me tightly,

and I’m safe.

Several goodnights, twenty-four hours,

and one phone call later,

you’re gone—forever.

Fourteen years have passed

without you in my life.

Still you live on

in the memories,

especially this time of year.

I’ve always loved Autumn. 

...journey...

"Embrace the past.  Hope for the future.  But always live for the journey."

~Jen Kilpatrick

I know I'm not the first person to say these things, so I can't take any real credit for this saying.  These words, basically, just sum up the thoughts of some wise souls, who have gone before me.  Nevertheless, I like to refer to this quote as my mission in life.  I've always found that it's easiest to love your life (aka--be happy) when you are able to do these 3 things.  Of course, like all things...this is much "easier said than done".  

The first year or so that I lived in Florida, I had a difficult time following my own advice...particularly the part about enjoying the journey.   I could spend a lot of time detailing how I forgot that joy shouldn't be dependent upon circumstances or how I thought (and chased after) certain things (that I thought) would make me happy...but that's not the point of this post.  (You can read more about one of the lessons I learned from some of those experiences here.)  While I often admit that it was one of the hardest years of my life, I truly am thankful for the things I learned about God, about myself, and about life during that time. 

By May 2010 a lot had changed in my life.  I had bought a house, I had been given a classroom position, I had ended a relationship, and somewhere along the way I had found my joy.  I found myself thankful for the lessons (Embrace the past-check) and truly loving life (Enjoy the journey-check. ) But I realized that for the first time ever I honestly had no vision (Hope for the future-I knew I forgot something)  And I began to pray that God would give me new dreams.  (You can read more about that realization and prayer here.)

During that summer God really started to put it on my heart that I wanted to teach at the college level in the future.  By the time fall came I was confident that this was something I wanted for my future.  That semester I decided to apply to the Masters in Literacy program at UNF, knowing that I was hoping to one day pursue a PhD in Literacy.  What I didn't know was how soon that day would come.  

I can't even begin to explain all that has happened in the last 2 years. I have learned so much through 

• my coursework at the University of North Florida.
• an unexpected position teaching sign language to adults online.
• my experiences leading the Deaf ministry at Celebration.
• administrative and environmental changes at work.
• an opportunity that ultimately wasn't for me, but happened for great reason.
• lots of advice and encouragements from amazing mentors in my life.

and, of course,

• lessons from my students, who are always the best teachers.

In less than 2 years, God has given me a hope for the future that is exceedingly, abundantly above anything I could have imagined.  Not only has my vision for my destiny grown, but God's provision has been made clear through an amazing opportunity to follow my (new-found) dreams much sooner than I had planned.  

A month from now I will be standing on a stage issuing congratulations to my 8th graders, who will be moving on to high school.  And I will be keenly aware that I, too, will be moving on.  As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I know that I may never again teach deaf students in the classroom--a job that was, for me, a dream come true.  While goodbyes are always hard, I know that I am where I am supposed to be in life.  I am thankful for all of the moments that brought me this far, I am excited for what lies ahead, and I am loving every moment.  To put it simply--I am happy.  

"Embrace the past.  Hope for the future.  But always live for the journey."

SoleMates

I just registered to be a SoleMate at the Gate River Run. I'll be running the 15K on March 10th to raise money for Girls on the Run (GOTR).

GOTR is an awesome organization where girls can train to run a 5K and learn that anything is possible. Supporting my mission, could impact a young girl's future by allowing her an opportunity to be a part of a fantastic program that teaches girls self-respect and healthy living.

If you are interested in donating, please click HERE. If you're interested in being a Sole Sister (or Running Buddy for the Spring 5K), please let me know!

For the girls,

Jen

You Rock

I always say "I don't want to live a destination life. Life is about the journey." I never want to get so caught up in "life" that I miss the moments that really matter. In honor of my 30th birthday I thought I'd post a manifesto that expresses my feelings on the celebration of life in a much more eloquent way than I could.

LovethisLife...
is about celebrating the moment
and that we're not guaranteed or owed another day
and how cool it is that what we hide
can actually be the fuel towards our glory
and that it's not so bad being proven wrong

LovethisLife...
is about welcoming the blind turn
and the possibility
that there's no such thing as coincidence
and that empathy is incredibly sexy
and that it's never too late
to pick up a guitar or a paintbrush
or to make an amend or to make a new friend

LovethisLife...
could be about rekindling a past flame
or igniting a new one
or shapeshifting from a dreamer into a doer
or savouring the caress of a love long gone

LovethisLife...
means whatever it is you want it to mean
because

LovethisLife...
is a celebration of you and your path

LovethisLife...
cuz it could go at any second

you rock.

(Love This Life Manifesto)

One Nation Under God

September 11th is one of those dates that will forever be etched in memories that seem as though they occurred only yesterday. On this 10th anniversary I can't help but listen to the stories of survival and loss and be brought to tears. I'll never understand why events like this come to pass, but I do know that God can use them for His glory as many of today's stories have shown.

When I think back to that day I am thankful that I was a student at Liberty University.

I remember walking from my 8am class to my 9:25 thinking it was just a normal day and then hearing the towers had been hit. Mrs. Wilmington canceled class and allowed us to come to her office to watch the news unfolding on her small TV. That was when we heard the breaking news that the Pentagon had just been hit. And suddenly this event that had seemed distantly awful, confusing, and heartbreaking hit home. Knowing that many of the members of my family were working at the Pentagon or in Crystal City that day, I was now worried for my dad, uncles, aunt, and everyone that I knew in the government and military in D.C.

When I arrived at my 11:50 class my professor, Dr. Diemer, asked us all to get on our knees. And for the next hour we prayed. We prayed for the victims. We prayed for the families. We prayed for the responders. We prayed for our president. We prayed for answers, understanding, and comfort. And I prayed to hear from my family.

Classes were canceled for the rest of the day. And at 3pm the students of Liberty University convened in the Vines Center to pray for our country. I will always be thankful for that moment. I'll forever be grateful for a university that taught young people how to respond in a moment of crisis. Gather together and look to God.

I will always remember the lives that were lost and the lesson I learned that day.

On the 10th anniversary of such a tragic event...I am thankful to God that my family was protected...I remember those who were not as fortunate...and I pray for those they left behind. May we never forget the events of 9-11-01. And may we always remember the spirit of togetherness that followed.

One Nation Under God.