A really GREAT week!

It has been such a great week! James came to visit this past week and I LOVED getting to show him MOH and serve together. Saturday was sad but I’m thankful that he got to see what my day to day life is like here.

We got to do a couple of really cool things this week. First, on Tuesday we went to a waterfall that was about 2 hours away. When large groups are here we rarely do anything that is too far off campus, but since we only had about 8 people last week, it was more flexible. The waterfall was AMAZING!! The power of the waterfall was astounding and it was one of those times all you could do was look up and thing “wow God you are awesome”. James and I climbed to the top and got some great pictures. I can’t properly describe the waterfall with words but it reminded me that Haiti has a lot of beauty. Even the drive up to the waterfall was beautiful. At the waterfall there were obvious signs of voodoo. At MOH we rarely see this, and it was very strange to see it at such a stunning area that was clearly made my God. Sad. On Tuesday we also got to visit one of my favorite orphanages and dance for the kids. Justin Bieber is always the music of choice. Baby, baby, baby, olllll’!
On Wednesday James and I helped at 3 Cords. We made a new hanger for the purses and fixed the sign. Brianna informed me on Friday that we get to go next week and talk to Shelley (the founder of The Apparent Project), and ask her questions. This is an answered prayer. Not only am I SOOOOO excited to meet Shelley, but I’m super pumped to get her input about 3 Cords! Please pray that this meeting will go well!

Thursday we painted. We have painted a lot this week, well this whole month really, and I think that when I get home I may be a professional. Friday was our restful beach day and we went snorkeling. Haiti has beautiful reefs! Who knew? I’m learning more about Haiti everyday and trying my best with Creole. Learning language is a challenge for me, but I do think Creole is easier than most. I have a couple tutors, my friends Victor and Clara, but it’s a slow process.

Saturday James left, but more NC people arrived! I don’t think I realized how much I miss NC until people show up from Greensboro of all places. It is just one family and there friend from church. It is so great to talk with them about Greensboro, UNC, State, anything NC really. I have friends from all over the country now, but this was the first group from NC! I’m very happy about this not only because I get a little taste of home this week, but because I want people in NC to know about Mission of Hope! It is such a great place and we need more NC people to come! This week there are around 50 people here. There is ALWAYS something to do, someone to talk to, etc.

When James came he brought me letters that all my girlfriends had written me (fyi I get made fun of for saying girlfriends here). They were beyond encouraging! God has blessed me with the best friends. Thanks girls (if you read my blog haha) I love y’all! It has been a wonderful week. Thanks for the prayers.

O' and half century Happy Birthday this week to my beautiful mother and congratulations to my amazing housemate Kelsey and her fiancé Jon on their engagement! Great week all around!

Bec

PAP/Apparent Project

It’s been a busy week. I had the weekend off so that was a huge blessing. Friday was THE BEST DAY EVER! We had an intern day and we got to visit The Apparent Project. I love the Apparent Project! It has been so cool to watch them grow over the past year and getting to visit their project in Port au Prince was so encouraging. It was neat to actually see the process of how the beads were made and to shop in the store that had every necklace, earring, and bracelet imaginable. Shelley, the founder was in NYC with Donna Karen at the Clinton initiative so we didn’t get to meet her but we did get to meet her intern Sophie. Sophie is starting a line that makes jewelry out of Haitian sea glass. BEAUTIFUL. Don’t worry I got a pair of her earrings. Brianna, the girl who is over 3 Cords (the headband and bag making project at Mission of Hope) came with us. The Apparent Project model is very similar to 3 Cords and I think they will be a great contact! God is the best networker. I explained to Brianna how I hosted a jewelry party for the Apparent Project and my passion for social entrepreneurship, and now I get to work with 3 Cords and help set up house parties in the States! I’m SOO excited. I get to work on a project that I love and am passionate about. Watch out America here comes 3 Cords. Funny enough the verse that 3 Cords is modeled after (Ecclesiastes 4:) is the verse that Al, Manda, and I always loved growing up, and it is one of the reasons I felt called to MOH!

Since I had this weekend off I had some time to do what I wanted and rest. A group from Florida had come in for a couple of days to tour MOH because they are starting a non-profit restaurant (DUO 58 Catering and Events) and want to partner with the Mission! Most of the group was involved with Campus Crusade at the University of Central Florida. It was cool to hear them talk about CRU at their school and hear about their vision for the restaurant. Stacy and I went with them on Saturday back into Port au Prince. At MOH I am pretty sheltered. We see the villages around MOH but we rarely venture into PAP. Jeremy, a guy who has worked in Haiti and with MOH for years and now works with Lespwa means hope was here with the Florida group so he was our guide. We went through one of the poorest areas, Citie Soliel. We were looking out the windows of the four-runner and it’s impossible to take everything in. I’ve been around Port au Prince but Citie Soliel was a new level of poverty. Jeremy took us to a Catholic Church that had been demolished during the earthquake. It was hard for me to see. One of the girls that was with us is a wonderful photographer, so check out her website to see the pictures: http://alyssamarieart.com/blog/?p=51 . Saturday was a good day, but a hard one. It’s easy to be happy and content at MOH. I have friends, the food is great, I get to play with the kids, etc. Then I go out into the poverty of Haiti and I remember the need to pray and beg for these people. Psalm 140:12, was on my mind while we were at the dilapidated Church: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” I had read that verse earlier in the day and thought about it continuously.

My fun story for the week is that a man told me I looked like a Haitian women on Thursday. As I was trying to think about how I "looked Haitian", he told me I was tall and had strong skinny legs. Thanks Haitian man, I feel accepted now!

PS…Today was my first day working with Brianna at 3 Cords and I’m SO excited. Gosh, it’s exactly what I love to do! The Lord is cool how He uses your passions.

Love and miss you guys. Pray for the growth of 3 Cords and the poor in Haiti.

Simon and Philip

It’s been a good week in Haiti. Our teams left on Friday and Saturday so those were sad days. It’s funny how in a week you can grow to love people so much. As an intern I’m with the teams most of the time. We normally have two or 3 ministry days and then painting days. Through all of this time you get to hear the team’s story and learn how the Lord has brought them to where they are today. I’ve always love hearing how people became who they are, so being an intern is a pretty sweet deal for me. Meal times are also crucial. We have three great meals at MOH and meal times are relaxing and typically pretty long. I love getting to sit and talk, play mafia or nertz, and not rush off to something like I would normally in the States. Days are pretty random around here. Some day’s you work all day in the sun and then others (like today) I get to rest and write on my blog. I enjoy both of them. There is no “typical” week in Haiti.

Now that I have been here almost two weeks I’m starting to feel a little different then I normally do on a weeklong mission trip to Haiti. I’m gonna be here for a while so I better try to understand the Haitian people a little more/ get used to Haiti. In reading When Helping Hurts this week I was convicted of a couple of things. In Chapter two the author poses some questions: “why do you want to help the poor? Really thing about it. What truly motivates you? Do you really love poor people and want to serve them? Or do you have other motives? I confess to you that part of what motivates me to help the poor is my felt need to accomplish something worthwhile in my life, to be a person of significance, to feel like I have pursued a noble cause…to be a bit like God… It is a very ugly truth, and it pains me to admit it, but “when I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Rom. 7:21).” These words hit home. Do I really love the Haitians? What do I really have to offer them? Is my heart pure towards them? As I asked these questions I was reading Acts 8. In Acts 8 Simon is a sorcer who does many magical works and has a large following. When Philip comes to town and preaches the gospel, Simon believes that Jesus is the son of God. Simon believes in Jesus but yet after he sees the power that John and Peter have in verse 18 because they can give the “Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands”, he offers to pay them in order to have this ability. I’m Simon. I want the glory. I can see where Simon was coming from. He had been powerful for so long, people had looked up to him, and now following Jesus, Peter and John were the ones who could do cool “magic”. After he offers to pay for this ability Peter responds to him that “his heart is not right before God” and he should pray to the Lord for forgiveness. Simon may have shown his ugly, selfish, glory wanting heart, but God is a forgiving God and He wants Simon’s heart (and my heart) to be right with His. I have nothing to offer Haiti but through the Lord I can offer everything. Further along in Acts 8 Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and then literally zapped away to another town to share the Gospel. Philip isn’t zapping himself. It’s ALL through the Lord. Philip didn’t know to go to the road where he would meet the eunuch to share the gospel, but the HOLY SPIRIT led him. I’m a Simon but through daily surrender to the Lord I can be a Philip!!! If that’s not exciting then I don’t know what is!

So that’s just a bit of what I’ve been learning. I’m starting to understand the saying “for the glory of God” more each week. I miss the teams but I now have a lot of new friends from Texas and Oklahoma! Hook em’ Horns and Boomer Sooner!

Love y’all lots and lots,
Bec

The first arrival of teams!

I have been in Haiti for almost a week now. Time has flown by. Our first two team came in on Sunday. They were supposed to come in on Saturday but missed their flights. I have LOVED having teams to help host. As an intern my job is basically to help with the teams in anyway needed. I announce meals, go with them on all there ministry and construction projects, and hang out with them. The two teams this week are from Texas and Oklahoma. Because now is school time most of the teams are made up of older people. Businessmen, doctors, partners with Mission of Hope, etc. Having wise men and women here has been amazing. They love to talk to us interns and I have loved hearing their stories and heart for God. I have met two men in particular who have really encouraged me.

Gary came in with the Texas team but only could stay one night because he is a speaker and has conferences back in the States. He was raised Hindu and came to know the Lord in college. He was coming to look at how the Mission ran because he had a similar Mission in Kurdistan. On Sunday we toured the Mission and the Bercy property and I learned how Gary got to the place where he is today. Hearing his story of how he was raised in a wealthy Hindu family, played soccer for a college in the States, met his wife and started going to church, accepted the Lord, got exiled from his Hindu family, started a successful company (Panera Bread), and then sold everything to start his mission in Kurdistan, really encouraged me. He was one of those men who I could have listened to speak all day. After he left and I thought about all he had taught me and the way he spoke about the Lord I was reminded of Moses. Like Moses in Exodus 34 Gary glowed for the Lord. He quoted scripture when he talked. He spent time with the Lord and it was obvious. His purpose was to glorify the Lord. Yes he had been hugely successfully in the words standards, starting Panera bread etc., but he was not living for the world. Even just a week in Haiti reminds me not to live for this world. One thing Gary really reminded me is that it’s not about me. Yes I want to love on the Haitians and try to help Haiti in any way I can, but honestly I can’t help. The only thing I can offer is Christ love.

During our internship we are reading a book called When Helping Hurts. It is about the importance of indigenous mobilization and not accidently hurting those we are trying to help in poorer areas. I’m only on chapter one but this is a concept that is huge at MOH and to all the people I talk to. Another friend I have met is Matthew, a business man from Texas. He is starting a concrete company in Haiti. The basis of his company is business as mission. Before I left for Haiti my boss this summer at Church World Service talked to me about business as mission. The idea is that by starting businesses in poorer areas and hiring local individuals, the gospel will be shared through relationships and daily living. Talking to Matthew about his heart for his business and the way the Lord has brought him to this idea was amazing. The Lord was so faithful and clear in leading me to Haiti for this semester and He is so faithful in Matthew’s life with his business. God loves all his children and wants to guide us. I love talking about social entrepreneurship. It’s almost like I’m in a class for my minor with all these great businessmen telling me their stories! It has been remarkable to see people from all walks of life serving the Lord. Here are a few things that I have happened this week/I’ve been reminded of:

1. The food is great! Last night we had apple crisp (just like the dessert Hil and I love to make back at the Glendie)! I almost feel spoiled because the food is so good. Thank you Lord!
2. It’s HOTTTT! Somedays are better than others but overall it is pretty sweaty.
3. There are BIG spiders. I’m avoiding them at all cost.
4. We normally go do ministry 2 times a week and construction 2 times a week with the teams. Yesterday we went to an orphanage and a village to talk with people. I really enjoyed the orphanage.
5. God’s word is living and active. I always know this but I often forget it. It’s the way He speaks to us, so if I want to hear from Him then I better read it.
6. We play games at night a lot. Y’all know I love this. I haven’t brought out Picture Down the Lane yet but the time will come. We have been playing Mafia and Nertz. It’s a great past time.
7. The internet is good. Surprisingly good. I’m thankful for that.
8. I can see the ocean from MOH!
9. Haitians really praise Jesus at church! I love the worship!

My friend Gary wrote this to me and it summed up what I have been learning and the way he lived in the short day I met him:

The Apostle Paul lived a life worthy of his calling and he let the following principle guide him--"For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (PHIL 1:21). My deepest desire is to live for Christ in this life in a way that the lost and dying generation all around me will fall at His feet and cry out in repentance. Each day I cry out to my Lord asking Him to help me be poured out as a drink offering to the people that He has asked me to serve. Each time of prayer I ask Him to impress upon me my deep dependance on His mercy and grace to live another day in this world.

What a great prayer. Love y’all and miss you lots! Love from Haiti!
<3 Bec

I'm Here! I'm Here!

I made it! Back in good ol’ Haiti. Traveling went great and it feels good to finally be here at Mission of Hope. Everything at MOH is NICE for Haiti. I have been so pleasantly surprised with the food, property, and living conditions. God is good. I’ll give you a brief synopsis of our days so far.

On Wednesday we got in and basically rested and got to meet the long-term staff. There are about 14 North American staff members and around 200+ Haitian. One of the main things MOH believes in is indigenous mobilization. The people here love Haiti and the goal is for local Haitians to run as much of the organization as possible. My job will be to help organize and host the teams that come down for a week. I’m excited and ready for our first team to get here Saturday.

Thursday we got a tour of the property in Titanyen and the new Bercy property which is in the process of having plans drawn. MOH has great plans for the property which include and old folks home, school, guest house, medical clinic, etc. The Bercy property is ocean front! On the property there is a "clinic in a can". The school will be functioning this fall and there are ongoing plans for this 65 acre plot including an elderly/disability care home and a seaside hotel for North Americans to stay at as a means for revenue towards the care center, orphanage, school etc.When Joe was telling us about how MOH got started and all they have been blessed with, I was amazed. God has really provided for MOH in big ways. On the site where I live there is an orphanage which houses about 55 kids, a medical clinic, a prosthetics lab, school, church, and a headband/textiles making ministry for amputees called a Cord of Three Strands. Lots to do! MOH has so many projects that I feel like I am learning about new things every hour. After our tour we had free time to play with the kids and hang out. It’s super hot in our room when the power is off because the fans don’t work. We had a crazy rain last night and left some of our windows open. A flooded bed and floor taught us a lesson (it wasn’t my bed that flooded, but still)! The rain cooled it down though and I slept better last night!
Haiti is always shocking to me. Maybe after 3 months it won’t be, but I kinda doubt it. Riding though the streets the van is always quiet because we just look around. We drove through a market and it was like nothing I had ever seen. People EVERYWHERE!! We ate at a Haitian restaurant yesterday. It was good: rice, bean sauce, chicken and sauce. I enjoyed it. I like the other interns a lot. The 4 other girls are from Canada, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas. The one boy is from Michigan. No southerners but really great people that I can tell will be great friends in the coming months. I still really miss y’all though. Friday night is movie night with the Mission of Hope kids! I'm excited :)

Love from Haiti,
Becca

Prayer Letter

Here is a letter (I meant to mail it to everyone but...) that explains my heart behind working with Mission of Hope. It has some prayer request at the bottom. Wednesday is the big day. I fly out from RDU to Miami, meet up with the other interns, and then on to Port au Prince. I'm excited and nervous. Thanks for the prayers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I wanted to write and tell you about my upcoming plans for fall of 2011. I know that I’m friends with all of you in different capacities, but you are receiving this letter because I’m confident in your love the Lord and belief in the power of prayer.

I have traveled to Haiti twice on weeklong mission trips with Young Life International. I went in 2008 and then this past spring. Each trip was unique and challenging in its own way. No words can describe Haiti. I was shocked at the level of poverty in 2008 and returning in 2011 after the earthquake was just as stunning. It’s hard to believe that the island of Hispaniola is only 1 and a half hours from Miami. This past year Haiti has been laid in my path many ways. First, I ran across The Apparent Project on a blog. The Apparent Project is based in Port-au-Prince Haiti, and its goal is to create jobs for Haitians in order that they might be good parents and citizens. The project makes beautiful jewelry out of recycled cereal boxes (http://www.apparentproject.org). After having huge success in hosting a jewelry party for them, I did a semester long project on how micro-business could be expanded. The spring semester of my Jr. year I also took a class on Caribbean women, where I did a research project solely on religion on the island of Hispaniola. In March of the spring semester I returned to Haiti with Raleigh Young Life to serve. It was a different experience than my trip in 2008 because I was older and had studied the country. I knew the history of corrupt political leaders and deforestation. I questioned more about how the Haitian’s felt about American missionaries and aid workers. I struggled with thoughts and questions that I still haven’t answered, but was reminded by each child that I played with that we are all made in the image of our living God. Once back from Haiti I continued my classes and work with the Apparent Project and prayed for my Haitian friends, often hoping that maybe next spring break I would get to visit again.

I met Laura Kirchofer in my social entrepreneurship class. She knew of my interest in Haiti because of my project and travels. She is active in UNC Greek Life which is a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ in which I participate. Laura asked me to go to lunch one day to talk about Haiti. She told me she felt called to take the following fall semester off and serve there. I was impressed by her clear discernment of God’s will and evident desire to follow His leading. I told her all I knew about Haiti, organizations, etc. I told her I would pray for her and give her all the help I could. Laura and I continued to meet over the next few weeks, talking about Haiti and becoming quick friends. Laura is very gifted in business and is fluent in French. She is passionate, faithful and intelligent. I can easily see how she will be an asset in Haiti.

After school ended Laura and I still kept in touch and she asked me if I would ever consider going to Haiti next semester. I responded “if the Lord showed me” (aka I don’t really want to leave Chapel Hill my senior year, so if I see a burning bush… maybe). I told her I would pray about it. I prayed and God started the process of changing my heart through Psalm 84. In Haiti when asked my name and responding “Becca”, everyone laughs. “Baca” “Baca”, they would chant and giggle. I didn’t get it until an older kid said your name means pig. They loved to tattoo me with the word Baca. Psalm 84 states “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage, As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they will make it a place of springs;”.The whole Psalm spoke to my heart and the “Baca” caught my attention. If “better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere”, then why would I worry about leaving for a semester? After many prayers and continual confirmation that I am supposed to serve in Haiti next semester I am ready to move forward. The Lord has worked everything so perfectly that I only need one more semester to graduate college, and I will graduate with my class in May of 2012! This summer I have so clearly seen the Lord’s faithfulness and provision. He is GOOD!

It has been a busy summer. I will be leaving September 7th to intern at Mission of Hope (mohhaiti.org). I’m excited. My main duties will be helping host and lead mission teams that come down for weeks at a time. The Lord has so graciously provided a subletter for my room and many other blessings along the way. As September 7th quickly approaches please pray for Haiti and the upcoming semester.

Here are a couple of things that you can pray for:
-pray for the people and poverty of Haiti. Pray that they would know the Lord and His glory would shine throughout the land.
-pray for the weather and political leadership of Haiti.
-Pray for the programs at Mission of Hope (Orphanage, Medical Clinic, School, Cord of 3 Strands Ministry, and the week long mission teams.)
-Pray for the leaders of Mission of Hope and Young Life in Haiti.
-Pray for both Laura and my heart, that we would love the Haitians with Christ love and have servant attitudes.
-Pray for safety and travel and against worry.

Thank you guys so much for your prayers. I have seen its power over the months.

In Our Fathers Love,
Becca Troxler

It's almost August 8th

It’s been awhile. Honestly, between the garden, the Loft, and being MOH, blogging has not crossed my mind. I came across a blog tonight and decided that I should write just for old time sake. There is not much to tell. Summer ’10 has been pretty much what I thought it would be. Lots of wedding talk, a little work, and sweet time with my crazy family. All in all, a wonderful summer. Here is a quick photo recap of all the main events from May-July.

-Hanging out with the family. Whether at the lake, dance recitals, or in the garden, family time has brought many laughs and fun memories.





-Taking Al and Steven’s engagement pictures at the lake. I love taking pictures and it was fun to have a photo shoot. What a pretty pair they make!





-Charleston for Al’s Bachelorette weekend getaway. Gotta love girl trips!



-More wedding craziness. Showers. Bachelorette parties. Who knew what being MOH entailed?




-4th of July at SML! Always one of my favorite holidays. We had the best time at the lake and we couldn’t have had a more fun group!




Although much more has happened since returning from Firenze, these photos seem to capture most of the excitement of the past 2 months. I’ve learned a lot being home. Some of the main things I have learned come through being MOH (maid of honor). For all of you (the two people who probably still read my blog) who do not know what being MOH requires, I’ll give you a brief synopsis of the requirements:
1.Fix the brides dress and hold her flowers when she says her vows. Hold the ring until she puts it on the groom’s finger.
2.Stay calm and reassure bride at all times. Try to keep drama to a minimum
3.Go cake testing. Eat lots of yummy cake  (my favorite part so far)
4.Give a toast (a little worried about this one)
5.Plan bachelorette party/ events

I’ve enjoyed being MOH. My favorite part about this whole wedding deal is the things you hear people say. I’ve been keeping a word document of my favorite quotes. Here’s a few for your enjoyment:

-(Alex and FiFi talking about wedding bands in Panera. Al trying to explain to Steven why he can’t get his wedding band from Walmart. Steven responds that he can always just get another one because all that happens anyway is…) “A human being is going to bless a piece of metal and call it special”. O’ males.

-(after I had been reading mom the His needs, Her needs book that describes how men and women need different things in marriage/a mate. The author says that one important thing to males is an attractive mate, while he suggests that women need is love, regardless of attractiveness. At this my mother scoffs and responds…) “Why do we have to suffer with the bald fat man…did a man write that book (after I laugh and try to explain)… and you think I’m kidding Becca.”

-And my personal favorite dad’s response to most situations that arise in the planning…. “Gosh girls, it ain’t that hard.” The funny thing is that most of the time he is hitting the nail on the head.

Aside from all the wedding laughs and fun, I have seen again how changing environments affect my heart and thoughts. Being home, reading books, having some time alone to read and reflect has once again shown me that despite my circumstances God is always the same. My days are not my own. If Christ is not the center, my everything, then my life is in vain. Despite knowing these truths, there is no use in worrying or working effortlessly for the kingdom if my work is for myself or with a heart that is not listening to Christ. Faith. Patience. Humility. Trust. Just a few very tough but cool lessons I’ve been learning this summer. It’s been quite the ride. I’ll leave you with a few quotes and passages that have marked my heart this summer:

17. Keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
–Ephesians 1:17-20

10. “Be still, and know, that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

“There comes the baffling call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly, it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him. It cannot be stated definitely what the call of God is to, because his call is to be in comradeship with himself for his own purpose, and the test is to believe that God knows what he is after.” (My Utmost for His Highest- Oswald Chambers)

“Obey God in the thing he shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. God will never reveal more truth about himself until you have obeyed what you know already…This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God.” –Oswald Chambers

I’m always being molded and shaped into the woman God has called me to be, and knowing that I have great HOPE and excitement! “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you” – Romans 8:11

2 weeks till the big day. I gain a brother and Al loses the last name Troxler. Weird!

Wing Wing. Meow Meow. Love Love.
Bec