Resilience

I have been trying to formulate in my mind, (somewhat unsuccessfully), how on earth to possibly describe in words my time in Haiti. There is a quote that I read that puts my experience into one sentence.

"There is a point where you realize the world has just been revealed to you."-Tracy Kidder

That is simply it for me.

This trip changed my definition of many things; namely poverty. I have traveled many places. 

I have seen poor conditions and vulnerable populations of people from China, to Kazakhstan, and Guatemala. I realize now that I have never known or understood poverty until I stepped foot onto the nation of Haiti. I will not go into the details of this underdeveloped nation or the conditions I found but it was simply astounding and a force of change in my life.

The people of Haiti are remarkable and fiercely resilient.

 I was able to provide medical treatment to many of the survivors of the January 12, 2010 earthquake. These people are beautiful and kind. They are grateful recipients of help which is desperately needed. I was only there for seven days and felt as if I barely touched the surface of the people, the culture, and what the needs there are. My time spent among the Haitians was precious and will remain with me for many days to come. It was a remarkable experience that one blog post will simply not do justice to. I will instead try to describe the landscape, culture, and people through the photos that I took while there.

 Only a photo can capture the sweet innocence of a baby, the tired smile of a single mother with nine children who has been waiting to be seen for three hours in 100 degree heat, the grateful touch of a person whose pain is relieved temporarily by something as simple as a Tylenol. I could go on and on but I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

These pictures are my tribute to the people of Haiti. I have great respect and love for the nation and people of Haiti; for those who perished January 12, 2010, to those who live on with their injuries, visible and invisible.  I have seen firsthand the true definition of resilience in the Haitian people.  It is a country whose spirit and people will never be broken. 

Thank you everyone for your prayers and support.  God is faithful.  Providing medical relief to the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti was an experience I will not soon forget.

Giving Thanks

I am so overwhelmed by the countless blessings I have in my life. Today was a day to remember and reflect on many of them. I am so so thankful.

1.  A Loving God

2.  Freedom

3.  Parents that show me unconditional love. They are my biggest supporters in this life.

4.  Sisters. My greatest friends.

5.  My friends. They are spread out across the country but you know who you are. Thank you for investing in my life.

6.  Being an Aunt. It is one of the greatest joys of my existence.

7.  Coffee. It may seem small but trust me...it's not:)

8.  Being a Registered Nurse. I get the special opportunity to be a part of people's lives in some of their greatest and worst moments. I am a part of their story in those instances and it is an honor and a privilege to care for them in that time.

9.  Traveling with Mercy Ships to Haiti in December 2011

10. The opportunity to obtain my Master's of Science in Nursing at Duke University.

11.  Moving to the beautiful area of Raleigh, NC.

12.  Cupcakes. A Given.

13. Whole Foods

14. Hot Yoga

15. Hiking

16. Laughter

17. Good Wine

18. Literature

19. My Reality TV Musts

20. Fashion (My Ann Taylor Loft Card)

21. Gchat. Ability to see my loved ones that live far away

22. Heart to Heart Talks

23. Grace and Mercy

24. Compassion

Family... it has many meanings. My family brings joy, comfort, strength, wisdom, and dependability to my life. I had the special opportunity to skype with my sisters and their beautiful children. These qualities were exemplified in the time I spent seeing their adorable faces. They bring me such contentment and happiness.  I cannot wait to see these precious little ones grow and develop as they continue on their journey in life. I am one blessed Auntie.

Things that inspire me....

A church at sunset.

God, you continually remind me how incredible you are and that your love is enough.

Thank you for that sweet promise that remains true in my life.

Should I or Shouldn't I????

Sweet.

Adorable.

Fun Loving

Comforting.

Unconditional Love.

But.......

Vet Bills

Food Expenses

Shedding

Kennels for when I travel

Apartment Pet Deposit Fee

It is nice to have the dream of owning a pup. It gave me joy in the moment and that for now is all that matters.

Care Packages of Love and Delicousness

Last week I had a few days off from work and the wonderful opportunity to do something I love....BAKE:)

I knew whatever I baked I would therefore consume....... pretty much immediately......yeah:)

 So, I decided to whip up some lovely treats and send them to my family in Atlanta and Boston so that they could share in the deliciousness...is that a word? It is now! 

I love the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin (you get the idea) baking in my kitchen with Pandora playing softly in the background. It is a comforting feeling that brings me joy.

I have recently discovered a fellow baker's blog, Joy The Baker. She and I would be friends if we ever met. I am certain of this. She has amazing recipes on her blog and I have started following her as if we are best friends. Best food friends...:)

As I was baking this week for my family I was reminded of how blessed I am to have each of them in my life. Family is a constant in my life and for that I am grateful.

Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Apple  Pecan Everything Bread

(Inspired by Joy the Baker)

makes one 9x4x3-inch loaves (and it freezes well!)

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, or just under two cups

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup chopped pecans plus 8 pecan halves

1 heaping cup fresh cramberries

1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored and cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place a rack in the center of the oven.  Grease and flour two loaf pans (mine are 9x4x3) and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.

In a medium bowl, carefully whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, maple syrup and water.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold all of the ingredients together.  Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl well, finding any stray flour bits to mix in.  Fold in most of the chopped pecans, cranberries and apple chunks.

Divide the dough between the two greased pans and arrange pecan halves on top of each loaf.  Sprinkle loaf with cinnamon and granulated sugar if you’d like.  Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from the oven.  Let rest in the pans for 20 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.

Cool completely before slicing.  Slice into thick pieces and serve.  Maybe even wrap one loaf up in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for future munching.

Super Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

(Inspired by Joy the Baker)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup canola or corn oil

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips, or any chip you like

Position a rack in the middle of the oven . Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and butter the paper.

Stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices together in a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth and lightened in color, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix the oil, pumpkin, and vanilla until blended. Mix in the flour mixture to incorporate it. Mix in the chips.

Using an ice cream scoop with a 1/4-cup capacity, scoop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies at least 2 1/2-inches apart. You could also simply use a 1/4-cup measuring cup if you don’t have a scoop. Use a thin metal spatula to smooth and flatten the rounds.

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until the tops feel firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, about 16 minutes. Cool them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a wide metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool cimpletely.

Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar. The cookies can be stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

A Beautiful and Precious 7lb 7oz Miracle

November 12, 2011 7lb 7oz.

Welcome Eden Mercy Hall.

I am overwhelmed with absolute joy and love for this little girl. 

I am so honored to be her Auntie. 

Eden means "Delight". 

Delight truly embodies her name and the blessing that she has already been to my family and I.

Eden, know that you are loved and cherished.

Carpe Diem.....Seize The Day

Passport..... Check!

Flight Booked..... Check!

Camera.....Check!

An Expectant Heart.....Check!

Another Spontaneous Adventure.....Double Check!

Port Au Prince, Haiti: December 3, 2011

Something New

New Restaurant.


Unique Menu.


Quirky Decor.


Terrific Company.


A Quality Night.

"When She Was Just A Girl

She Expected the World"

Coldplay.... You. Hit. The. Spot.

A little bit of Peanut, A little bit of Banana, A Whole Lot of Goodness

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

serves 2

2 bananas sliced and frozen
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup milk

Put oats in blender and blend until they're powdery. Add remaining ingredients and blend until there are no more chunks of frozen banana. Garnish with fresh banana slices if desired.

Banana Bread Recipe Not Included-Compliments of Lane Hagenau, aprondays.blogspot.com :)

Fall, Please Stay

I have had the past few days off (Thank you Lord for small blessings!) and way too much time on my hands for baking purposes. I have all of these yummy fall recipes that I want to try out and finally the free time to make them! 


Unfortunately (in this instance), I am a single lady, and in living alone I single-handedly eat everything I make...oh well:)


 Today was a cold and rainy day. I enjoyed the leisure of it really. 


I basked in it so much more after I had sat down with a glass of wine and could smell the wonderful aroma of pumpkin and pecan wafting through my sweet little apartment.


I discovered a new artist today while baking and listening to Pandora; Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. They are a mix of Indie and Rock and quite a wonderful mix at that, (song in particular, Apologies). 


It turned out to be a lovely, cold, rainy, fall day. Normally, those qualities don't quite fit together. 
In this instance, they do.

Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (the original recipe called for 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 
  

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease bottom of 9 x 13″ pan.  Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Pour mixture into greased pan.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and top with pecans.  Drizzle melted butter over pecans.  Bake 50-55 minutes.


Enjoy!

Send Me

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Isaiah 6:8

Global Healthcare Missions = My Heart's Desire 

Chill

I Enjoy Wine.

I Enjoy Baking Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble On Top.

Sometimes It Is The Simple Pleasures  In Life.

"Autumn, The Year's Last, Loveliest Smile."

-Anonymous

People say that time is a great healer.

Which people?

What are they talking about?

I think some feelings you experience in your life are written in indelible ink and the best you can hope for is that they fade a little over the years.

-Allison Pearson

Sweet Moments

I am convinced that I have one of the sweetest sisters around. 

She is beautiful, tender, kind, considerate, creative, and above all a woman that fears the Lord.

The sister I refer to is Faith and she embodies every beautiful aspect of her name.

 Faith is expecting her first child in early November. I have no doubt she will be an incredible mother. 

 She sent me this lovely card as a thank you for some things I had sent to her for the baby. The card is written from the perspective of the baby. 

 It is so simple and yet made my entire day and brings a smile to my face whenever I think of it. 

 I cannot wait to hold and love on this baby girl. She will undoubtedly bring joy to my life.:)