Peace that Floods the Soul

The flight was delayed today because of mechanical failure. The windshield cracked.

It was actually great to have an extra day - very much needed. In fact, after hearing updated reports: seeing the televised devastation, and reading about the festering violence and turmoil - I considered unpacking my bags.

My head tells me to stay home. But my heart won't comply. When my heart knows - it moves me. It's a force all it's own.

About 12 years ago, I went in a different direction. I was drawn to embark on a voyage to the Mediterranean, working with Operation Jabotinsky with Livets Ord (a large church in Sweden) www.livetsord.se. Six months in advance, I started packing my bags to set sail with the M/V Restoration - helping Russian Jews to Israel. http://www.livetsord.se/default.aspx?idStructure=531 The financial circumstances in my life at that time made it hard to consider the trip. But deep inside I knew I would go and I started to pack. My trip was paid through a miraculous avenue. And it was an unforgettable visit.

Another time, back in 2003, for whatever strange reason - I wanted to work in the fishing industry in Alaska. When summer-time came, I went knocking on company doors (literally) to see if I could get on a fishing boat or processor. This short paragraph cannot describe the divine appointments I encountered, the ship that I ended up on, and the incredible people I met aboard. What timing. If you want to have a glimpse, visit http://newsradiomagazine.blogspot.com/
I posted the stories of George, Lino, and Moses - 3 of Sudan's Lost Boys. Each boy (now grown men) asked me to pass their account to others (they were on that ship). That summer's journey became my senior photo project for graduation at the university. The Lost Boys memories of their tragic experiences in Sudan were displayed for the show that winter.

I'll never forget that trip nor the thread of tapestry that connects me to others. From the beauty of Alaska, to the hardship of the work, and the people I met. It's etched in my memory. Oddly enough, that fishing processor, the Discovery Star is the sister-ship to the M/V Integrity. The one we'll sail to Haiti with Friendships www.friendships.org.

The Captain of the Discovery Star one day struck up a conversation and casually asked "So why are you here?" The story on both sides revealed the incredible work of what I believe to be a purposeful Creator. I learned that the Captain's wife, who met our ship in Homer, worked with "Shared Hope" - an organization that helps women out of prostitution. The Captain's cousin - Linda Smith, was a politician in D.C., saw the hopelessness in India and called her friends and acquaintances in the United States to contribute financially. Both Linda and the Captain's wife followed a calling and commitment to end these horrific rings and bring hope to shattered women. http://www.sharedhope.org/

A significant birthday...


A couple of years ago, I started thinking about giving myself a present for an upcoming big birthday. I wanted to do something special, something that I'd put aside in my "Someday Maybe" mental box. So I started a subconscious search. Visiting New York City was a possibility, a desire that I'd had since I was child. A kindergarten teacher sparked my interest when she brought back pictures for "Show and Tell" of her trip to New York City. New York City was a favorable birthday choice, so I put it on my list.

While an acquaintance was chatting with someone in my presence last winter, I was immediately drawn to the conversation. They discussed a sailing school that one of them attended in the San Juan Islands. Learning how to sail was it! And in the San Juan Islands! I acquired the details, logged onto the sailing site and signed up for a summer full-week course near the time of my birthday. A dear friend joined me on the trip. And I'll never regret following my heart that summer. There are so many examples. Sometimes I weep (from the profound impact) of God's love in my life.

Now this...

Words escape the excitement and overwhelming peace that now fills my heart. My dad used to say "Follow your heart, not your head". On many occasions I went in the other direction, and learned how life was drained as I put my dreams on hold.

I'm learning what it means to face life's challenges by following an inner peace. When I listen, it always leads me to a unique purpose and place, and on an adventure. The peace always comes when I follow my heart. Solomon once said - "Guard your heart - out of it flow the issues of life".

So...

The situation in Haiti seems insurmountable. News reports reveal staggering numbers of casualties and overwhelming medical need. Surgeons can't perform amputations fast enough. Bodies are piled along the streets. The stench is unbearable. Prisoners have escaped. People wander in shock. Children - now orphans. Loved ones, gone. It's a mess.

And with all this news, I have peace. I'll get on that plane tomorrow.