repeat if necessary.

I've been home from Haiti for one month, today. And what I'd like to tell you all, is that I'm transformed. That I've been overcome and filled with the Holy Spirit. That I'm fully renovated, and rejuvenated, that I'm whole.

Well, I'm not all of those things. And I don't presume to be.

But I have changed. And am changing.

And while I am no less sinful, or broken. No less earthly, or selfish,

I have witnessed God's hand at work, and I've felt the presence of the Lord.

We will think what we will think, and often we fall short of suppressing our innermost desires.

We battle against ourselves every day, to be better. to work harder. to know more.

And all I know, is that I am trying.

What Haiti has given me- in this first season,

in the aftermath of Christmas parties and vacation, of loved ones and celebration- is courage.

The courage to try.

Every day, over and over, knowing I'll never get it exactly right,

and knowing that God is present, regardless.

The next chapter is coming: Haiti bound February 12th, 2013.

And I hope, and pray, that I have the continued courage

to try.