Days around here are sometimes hectic, sometimes quiet, but never two alike. Always peppered with the unexpected; there is no way to expect the sorts of things that come up.

I’ve gotten used to somethings that once felt like a big deal. Things like walking down rocky paths past pigs, goats, and roosters to get to church. Things like greeting each person you see, whether or not you know them. Things like not understanding most of what people say around and to you. These things feel like home now.

Something I didn’t expect was how quickly, freely and deeply I could love so many people. It seems, logically, that the more people you love, the less love you have for each one. But I’ve broken off bits of my heart all over Titanyen and Cite Soleil, and my heart is not less complete. It’s expanded. This is how I know it is God’s love within me and not my own mustering of feeling.

Earlier today, a woman I am friends with placed my hand on her pregnant belly. Her story is hard and sad and beautiful and confusing, full of faith and questionable choices. She already cares for five children on her own and she is HIV positive. So when I heard she was expecting another child, excitement for her want my first response.

But as I sat in the chair next to her with my hand on her belly, at first there was no movement at all and then a very definite kick! And I nearly immediately thought, “Great, now there’s another person I care about!”

So even if my heart is growing like the Grinch’s, my resources are still limited. I don’t have the capacity to give enough time and attention to each one that I love here. I feel torn with a lot of the pieces of my heart here in Haiti and a lot still in the states.

So announcement time for anyone who’s read this far… I have decided to stay on another year working with the eldercare program here with Healing Haiti. However, I’ve decided I also need more time for my stateside friends and family, so in 2020, I will be living in Haiti about 2/3 time, visiting the states more frequently and for longer stretches.

I’m so grateful to everyone who supports me in prayer as each day presents its list of “things Katie doesn’t know how to respond to”. 😂 Because I really don’t know what to do so many times! But God is faithful and his love has no bounds.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13