![\"Leann\"](\"https:\/\/corehealingfromtrauma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Leann.jpg\" "\\"Leann\\"")
\n\tAfter hearing about a natural disaster, terror attack or other tragedy, have you thought, \u201cI could never survive something like that\u201d? Perhaps the secret in surviving something that could<\/em> happen is trusting God with what is<\/em> happening today. In Life Together, <\/em>Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, \u201cWe prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good\u2026only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things.\u201d<\/p>\n This month\u2019s blog guest is Leann Chong, a woman who learned to trust God in small things, which prepared her to experience a big thing most of us can\u2019t imagine\u2013being buried alive! Leann\u2019s response to trauma is incredibly encouraging\u2013because the God who sustained her can sustain us, too! Leann, thank you for sharing your story!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2666 \u2666 \u2666 \u2666 \u2666 \u2666<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By Leann Chong, Director, Missions & Travel\u00a0<\/em>(pictured above)<\/p>\n Food for the Poor, Inc.<\/p>\n “When people find out about my experience in Haiti 10 years ago, they often describe it as a miracle.\u00a0 I wholeheartedly agree! Our mission group from Lynn University had experienced impactful days in the field, visiting our Canteen where we served meals to hungry families, and playing with children at a school in Cite Soleil and at a Food for the Poor (FFP) supported girl\u2019s home.\u00a0 The powerful earthquake that struck close to 5 p.m. on January 12 forever changed the lives of so many people.<\/p>\n While I was buried alive for almost 17 hours, unable to move, I experienced peace that surpassed all understanding.\u00a0 Those 17 hours were spent talking and singing to God.\u00a0 I tried to stay positive, praising my miracle-working God and thanking Him that I was alive.\u00a0 I proclaimed over my situation that I have the faith the size of a mustard seed, so I expect this mountain of debris (or whatever was on top of me) to be moved.<\/p>\n Never underestimate the power of prayer.\u00a0 The Lord sent three men to rescue me.\u00a0 I spent the next four days in a hospital in Santiago, Dominican Republic.\u00a0 I then continued my recovery in Florida, where I finally returned to work two months after the ordeal.\u00a0 I have traveled to Haiti many times since the earthquake.\u00a0 Despite the tragedy that occurred, Haiti is a country that captures your heart.\u00a0 One FFP Haiti staff member asked me why I return to Haiti.\u00a0 My answer is, \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n I give thanks to the awesome God that I serve.\u00a0 I admit that many of the details of that day and the recovery period have faded a bit over the years. \u00a0So I welcome any opportunity to share my story with others.\u00a0 It keeps the memories alive.\u00a0 I figure it is part of the reason my life was spared.<\/p>\n I continue to ask myself, \u201cWhy?\u201d\u00a0 That is a question many of us ask God as we try to figure out why bad things happen to good people.\u00a0 Why did we have to lose six members of our mission group?\u00a0 Why so much loss of life?\u00a0 Why was I rescued and others not? \u00a0Since I do not have the answers, I have to rely on my faith.\u00a0\u00a0 I have to believe that our sovereign God is in total control.\u00a0 My ways are not His ways, and there are just some things that I will never understand.\u00a0 And that is OK.<\/p>\n Whether buried under rubble or just going through life\u2019s daily routines, what remains the same 10 years later, is that Jesus is my constant companion.\u00a0 To God be the glory!”<\/p>\n In memory of Lynn University students Stephanie Crispinelli, Britney Gengel, Christine Gianacaci, Courtney Hayes and Professors Patrick Hartwick and Richard Bruno.<\/em><\/p>\n\t