I want to start off by saying that I'm sorry it's been quite a while since my last post. I couldn't tell you the amount of times I have sat down and tried to get this post published. I am not sure why it has been so difficult to get out the words I want to say. I want to tell you all about what these next exciting steps God has planned. I want to update you on the so many amazing adventures I've had with the amazing people I'm surrounded by. I've really struggled though. I've struggled with getting out the right words, with making sure you really understand my heart. Sometimes I don't even quite understand what's going on in this head of mine and so to explain to you can feel a little overwhelming. I have had such bitter sweet feelings about deciding to return home. It hurts my heart deeply to leave the place I've called home the past year. I am back home now and the transition has been a little difficult. I would love to write more about it at a later time and share with you. Right now I want to finally tell you about what I am going to be doing this next year while I am stateside. I am extremely grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends who I've missed so much. I am thankful for yet another amazing opportunity to spend my days doing what I love most. I need you and your support more than I think you may know.
Thank you for loving and caring for me!
Next steps!
In 2001, I took my very first visit short-term mission trip to Haiti. It changed my life forever. By the end of the excursion, at just 15 years old, I decided I would move to Haiti some day. I had fallen in love with my brothers and sisters there. I fell in love with their joy in the midst of difficulty, with their love and hospitality and with the unity that comes when two cultures share a common bond. Not only did God reveal to me a love for Haiti that I possessed within myself, but He also began to show me the joy of loving and serving others.
My journey to Haiti was so life altering that upon returning to the States, I began to tell everyone that they must go on a mission trip - and especially to Haiti! Knowing how impactful the voyage was for me, I truly believed it would be the same for everyone else. This initial experience was like a seed God had planted, growing over time into a passionate dream, and now finally coming to fruition.
I am so excited to announce that I will be the Short-term Missions Coordinator for Hosean International Ministries! I am so grateful and thankful because this position allows me to continue working with HIM while combining so many of the things that I love. I will travel to different areas around the U.S. – where we have existing relationships - encouraging people and congregations to come serve in Haiti. I literally get to share my experiences with people, invite them to serve, and help them plan their trip and learn about Haiti along the way! I cannot begin to tell you how special, and truly beautiful this opportunity is to me.
This new position is going to be my full time job. I will be dedicating my time and efforts to making sure I do everything I can to achieve our ministry goals. I will therefore not be working a "paying" job. Living in the states is a bit more expensive than Haiti, but I know that I am exactly where the Lord wants me and believe that He will provide. If you are interested in talking to me about how you can offer your love to the people of Haiti please let me know. If you live in a region that I did not mention, and believe that I should come, please contact me, as I would love to travel to you. Please feel free to email me at nycolebradley@gmail.com. If you feel led to support me, you can make a one-time or monthly donation for "Nycole Bradley" at hosean.org. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please continue to pray for me during this journey! Everything I've done over the past year has been new territory to me, and so will this upcoming year. Your prayers have been vital, and I am asking you to continue. No prayer is too small or insignificant.
Whether people go on a mission trip one time, or they end up moving abroad and doing it full time, I am positive that the experience is life changing. I am so excited that I will help give people the opportunity to experience this, and I am so thankful that I get to partner with each and everyone one of you.
Love, Nycole
