So, here we are...the airline tickets have been purchased, the packing has begun...10 days until I make my journey to Haiti and a new life. Over the course of the last month or so, an insurmountable plethora of thoughts, emotions and a crapload of anxiety have ruled my brain. What do I take? What stays behind? I will be existing for quite some time without many of my creature comforts of home. It's soooo crazy, the things we take for granted in our day-in/day-out lives. Seriously, think about it...Imagine yourself picking up and moving to another country and yet, not knowing EXACTLY what awaits or how long you'll be there. Take a visual walk (or a literal one) through your bedroom and your bathroom and think about ALL your stuff you use on a daily basis and even the stuff you don't. Scary, right? (But OH SO EXCITING!!!)
Typically, when we go on vacation, we only take what we need specifically for that trip...the basics. But now imagine more than that...the little things: your work clothes (instead of a suitcase FULL of only bathing suits, mini skirts & tank tops...or cargo shorts and Polo's for the guys), ALL your jewelry (which means your jewelry box too!), your tool box (most girls probably don't have one, but I do...what if I need some pliers?!?!), your MagLite, framed photos of friends and family, Jenga... the list goes on and on...the basics right? And that's just to survive the summer! It has put a whole new perspective on the necessities and the mundane stuff. How am I gonna fit my whole life into 2 suitcases and a carry-on? Am I making the right decision?
But one thing has remained steadfast and true...my heart. I tried toiling with my decision... perhaps looking for an excuse to talk my way out of it ("What the heck are you thinking?!?!")
But I keep coming back to the same answer over and over...It's Time.
Simple as that.
If it's one thing I've learned...Uuuuummmm...OK, it's been a MILLION things I have learned over the last couple years in observing myself, my friends, my family and the friggin' economy:
There is something bigger than ourselves out there in this crazy world.
DUH! But sometimes we need that extra kick in the pants...that extra UMPF to open our eyes and make us realize it...the epiphany...and I've had mine.
A dear friend (who shall remain nameless for fear of retribution from the orator) told me that someone asked her, "What is so wrong with Valerie's life that she would just pack up and move to a place like HAITI?"
OH HELLLLLLLLZ NOOOOO!!!! Really?!?!
Sweetheart, there is absolutely nothing WRONG with my life...everything is so RIGHT!
I understand Haiti wouldn't be 99.99% of people's first choice. And many have defended me in my decisions because they truly KNOW me and how much of my heart lies on this so called "Godforsaken island" (THANK YOU...You are my TRUE friends!!!! <3>
Food for thought: What are we here on this earth for? What is our purpose? I'm pretty sure my purpose is NOT to play it safe as I have done for most of my adult life. My purpose is NOT to sit around around and for others to do for me. My purpose is NOT to just hang out lookin' all cute 'n stuff (LOL...just kidding...maybe). My purpose is NOT JUST to be A parent... it's to be the BEST parent I can be for my own child (I understand it's different for everyone). I look around and I see soooo many kids who have EVERYTHING and then some. I wonder how many kids have ever experienced being without? Maybe not without EVERYTHING...but just enough to make a difference.
Try not having electricity 24 hours a day. Maybe it's just for 12 hours...you'll still get to watch TV...and be satisfied.
Try not having a gigantic pantry stock full of food that you'll NEVER finish even within a month's time...you won't starve.
Try not having full water pressure in the shower because the power is out and the water pumps don't operate without it...so you learn to wash your hair out of a bucket...you're still clean.
Try not having Disneyland down the street, a movie theater next door, or a mall full of every shop imagineable...so you go hang out with friends and family instead...and I bet you'll be happier than you ever imagined.
Spend more time outdoors listening to the sounds of the world. Experience something MORE than what you're used to...even if it makes you uncomfortable at first...you'll live...truly.
I've had the privelege and the opprotunity to grow up experiencing these things...and I honestly believe it's made me a better person because of it. I APPRECIATE what I have here in The States...I don't take it for granted.
That's what I want my son to learn...and it's time.
So let the haters keep hatin' and the doubters doubt! I am soooo excited and the happiest I have been in a loooong time. Because this is MY time!
XOXO,
Miss V.
(My next blog will be from Chez Liautaud, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti!) <3
