Last night as I started to wind down and prepare for bed, I listened to Jane Monheit's version of Over the Rainbow, the lyrics really jumped out at me and I began to compare them to the mission that is ahead of us (as a whole not solely the band) and the people that will be helped and how their lives will be impacted.

When all the all the clouds are a hopeless jumble and the raindrops tumble to the ground. Heaven opens a magic lane. There are so many people who need medical attention here in Haiti, but just don't have the abitlity to get it. Whether it's unaffordable or that they may not know where to go...I don't know, but whatever the reasoning is, I'm sure it seems like a hopeless jumble when you are ill and can't get the minimum healthcare needed to sustain a comfortable life for you and your loved ones. God Bless the Hatian doctors and nurses for all they do for their patients...

When all the clouds darken up the skyway, there's a rainbow highway to be found. Leading from your window pane. To a place behind the sun, just a step beyond the rain. Some of the patients that will be seen here on the Comfort, whether it be for dental work, vaccinations, or even for surgery...may have never thought that they would be to get their painful teeth pulled instead of having them rot and fall out, they may have never thought they'd be able to avoid getting TB by simply getting a vaccine or medication, or they may have thought that their child who was born with a cleft pallet would never be able to suck their bottle properly let alone avoid infections, future stares and taunting that are certain to come along because of their difference...but here we are the ship, just beyond the rain, ready to administer care to those most needing it.

Some where over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow...skies are blue...and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. This last part makes me think about myself and how long ago as a pre-teen, I saw many of my friends go off on summer retreats with their families and churches. I always wanted to be a part of something so beautiful and selfless. So for a very long time, I prayed and prayed about getting an opportunity to also go on a mission...and after a while I realized...that perhaps it was just not my calling so I eventually stopped praying specifically about going on a mission. Well, here I am years and years later doing something I never imagined my job would allow me to do...mission work...in a sense. We will be playing for people and speaking the universal language....MUSIC! When we don't have performances, I may be able to go out with the chaplain on his Community Relations days and help with whatever they deem necessary for that day. Though it was not what I prayed about specifically when I was young...it is exactly my idea of what I wanted to do. Talk to people, help in any way that I can...do God's work. I spoke with my sister about it and she said that my prayer wasn't answered when I wanted it to be, but it was answered right on time...I probably would not have been prepared for what I may have encountered at a young age...God was preparing me. And for that I am thankful. I can't wait to get started. The dreams that you dare to dream, or in my case prayers, really do come true. It may not have been when I wanted it (when I was a little ol thang)...but it was right on time!

The ceremonial group headed out this morning for the shore. They are playing an arrival ceremony and I can't wait to hear about it. The movement to get there is a bit interesting...they are in smaller...rockier...boats. As soon as I get an update from them, which should be tonight, I will be sure to write about it.

I think I'm gonna head up to lunch because my tummy is rumbling...so until next time friends...

Thanks for stopping by....
Keisha