Not what I expected

We have been living in Haiti full-time over a year now and all I can say is….it's not what I expected.  The only realistic expectation one can be certain of in Haiti is to expect the unexpected. Matt and I both felt God calling us to Haiti for the purpose of discipleship but we have yet to disciple a single person.  I felt like I had failed until God revealed to me what His expectations are for me right now.  WE moved to Haiti to minister to Haitians, but right now God has us preparing the field. We are building a foundation physically. Just like Nehemiah built the wall, and Solomon built the temple, we have to build the Hope Rising facilities. Our jobs are many including construction, maintenance, cooking, cleaning, teaching, finances, caring for teams, and sometimes medical. These tasks are not glamorous and at times we get tired, discouraged, and frustrated just like everyone else. But its a season and with each season comes change.  We are excited when the change from building a physical foundation to building a spiritual foundation comes, but until that time God continues to encourage us that what we are doing is important. No, its not what I expected, but it's what God intended for now.  Maybe you are down and discouraged today.  Maybe you don't feel like what you are doing is effective for growing God's Kingdom. Let me reassure you that if what you are doing is unto the Lord and not to man (Colossians 3:23) then it will bring Glory to God!  Ask yourself..why am I doing this and who am I doing this for?  If it's not to bring Glory to the Father ask Him to change your attitude today. Philippians 2:14-16 says.. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 
Praise the Lord our labor is not in vain!!!