...Now My Eyes See You...

It has been hard for me to find the words to blog. The destruction of an F5 tornado is beyond words. You see images on television and in the news, but nothing can prepare you for what it really looks like. I wish you could really grasp the pictures you see that show metal wrapped around trees like tin foil. It does not appear like much when I look back at the pictures - it is only the reality of what it is, that affects me.

This is metal - solid metal roofing from homes, the sides of buildings, and mobile homes. Yet in the fingers of an F5, it was like tin foil in the hands of a man. Several tornado victims referred to seeing the F5 approaching and that is was like dark fingers as it closed in. Eerie, terrifying.  I could only begin to imagine the fingers of this killing beast as it tore apart homes and lives as if they were toys. The vivid images of what I saw in video combined with the horrific stories of survivors broke my heart, and left me in awe of the force of these monsters.

As you can see, a brick home was a child's Lincoln logs against the force of the winds. I heard of the concrete foundations being ripped up in places. And basements - many died in their basements as the house caved in on top of them.

The monster force lifted huge trees from their roots and dropped them, as you can see from this picture. Notice that the tree does not have a large hole around it. It was obviously lifted up clean from its roots and dropped back in to lay on it's side in the hole. You only see a small part of what I witnessed about this mammoth tree. I thought of Job 41:8-10, as the Lord spoke rebuked Job with conversations of the strength of Leviathan.

   Lay your hands on him;
remember the battle—you will not do it again!
       Behold, the hope of a man is false;
he is laid low even at the sight of him.
       No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up.
Who then is he who can stand before me? 


Those that were in the 1/2 mile wedge of this tornado could not stand before it - only the mercy and grace of God, and by His hand were some spared. 

The stories are too many to share, and confidentiality as well as respect for those suffering prevents  me from more but the most vague information. I just pray that you can close your eyes and imagine the indescribable noise of a half mile wide tornado that can do this kind of destruction - seeing it approaching, no time to run, hearing and seeing family members sucked into the air, hearing the screams, cars being lifted before your eyes with loved ones in them, digging through rubble to find an elderly neighbor that was there moments before, hiding in a closet while the building collapses around you killing all others...your wife dead, child dead, husband dead, aunts, uncles, cousins friends. And all of this happens in a small town where many have lived for generations. The rescue squad loses members and those who are digging through the rubble are friends, and related to many. You search for family members for hours, some not found for days, some are still missing. Others find there loved ones - in conditions I won't repeat.

Then imagine going back to dig through the piles that are left to try and find identification papers. And today, one month later, you are still waiting for housing, trying to rebuild your life, that will never ever be the same.  

Wrangler factory. Notice 18 wheeler on top of the debris

Elderly people who lived their whole lives in the same home, now gone. Many did not have insurance - the homes had passed on, or they have worked hard to get them paid off, and they were too poor to have insurance. Most did not have comprehensive on their cars - do you? We can't afford it either. 

Many worked for the Wrangler factory now gone -  I pray Wrangler rebuilds.  The town is gone, the stores are gone.


One young man who lost his wife, I have taken a particular interest in - his whole life has been painful and his present is filled with overwhelming grief. He tries to go on as he cries through his story, "Yes man, Jesus is my Lord and Savior." If you knew his story and depth of his pain you would understand why I ask him, "You are not thinking about taking you life ___ are you?" "No mam. I would not sin against Jesus like that. He is my Lord and Savior and my only reason for living."  

So many faith filled Christians are here. This is one of the few "dry" counties left. No alcohol sold. I have prayed for everyone I met, and cried with most. My prayer has been more than once, that each of them, like Job, would be able to say that they new Him by the hearing of the ear, but now, after love and mercy of God, they will truly see him. 

Now my prayer has been that God will send those who have this vision to help us in ministry - to see chaplains spread through the country and enough help to go around. There is never enough help to go around in this kind of thing. As I serve here, I think of Joplin and wish I could be there too - or send others from Hesed teams. I believe we will deploy to Joplin, I believe we may return here. The work will continue for months. The love and presence of Christ will be needed for months.

As for the Salvation Army. I am honored to be working with this loving and dedicated group of individuals. They serve Jesus from a pure, committed and sacrificial heart. The more I learn about them, the more I admire them.  The army provides food, clothing, help with housing, prescriptions - you name it - they try to provide.  I whole heartedly endorse them and their financial support. They are above board and full of the integrity expected by those who call upon the name of Jesus. 

Today is the one month anniversary of the disaster, and high school graduations took place. It was a sad day for many. 

Tomorrow or Sunday I will blog the miracle stories - the happy ending, or the mixed blessings. 

Until them, may God grant us the love to give all for the sake of Jesus. To be his hands and feet, to shine His light. To be willing to live, or die for His name. Amen. 

In the Absence of Faith, God Is

    I was ordained last Tuesday, May 10th, and considering I spent the majority of my Christian life not believing women should, or could be ordained, this was a true work of the Lord. I don't question God's will in my life anymore, and if by reason of man's limited knowledge I stand before Jesus and learn I have missed the mark in the theological interpretation of womens' roles (don't tell my egalitarian son, Elijah), I am not afraid that his grace covers those who love and serve Him out of a pure heart. 

On being ordained, it has been a wild ride. Over the years I have heard many brothers and sisters in Christ "claim" greatness and set their sights upon things much higher than this homeschool mom of 27 years has. At one time I would have loved to have been something before man - to fill that feeling of inadequacy  as I stood naked before God - just me, a mother to 8 who had tried desperately and failed miserably to lose my sharp tongue, and failed even more at rejoicing in all things.

I repeatedly tell others that if you had said to me 6 years ago that I would be an ordained chaplain, I would have simply thought them a false prophet (seen plenty of those over the years) and with a hard and rebellious heart continued on my path.

Like Job, David and I have gone through many trials to know how to truly put our own thoughts aside and learn to seek the voice, will, and sovereignty of God, in our lives. Unlike Job, we have had an easy time of it - our losses have been few, our trauma's minimal. Yet, His will is (and was) being accomplished in our lives and most importantly, we are learning more and more what it means to hear His voice, and walk in HIS ways.

I understand in part what Job stated, "I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted....I will ask You, and You instruct me."

      1      Then Job answered the LORD and said,
      2      “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
      3      ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
“Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
      4      ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
      5      “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
      6      Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.” 

During the years of confusion, trials, and brokenness, there were many times that I wanted desperately to believe God. In the midst of pain, the presence of God can seem fleeting. With my background a great emphasis was placed on faith. Mark 9:23-24 seemed a contradiction, Jesus tells the father, "...all things possible to those who believe...." and the father responds, "Lord I do believe, help my unbelief" and yet Jesus healed his son anyway? How can unbelief and belief work together?

Those of the 'hyper faith' movement will tell you they cannot, under any circumstances, ever, work together. With faith, we get all we want, without faith, we get nothing. The presto- chango fix it kind of faith, that is touted in many churches, who want a quick fix, instant gospel answer, to fit in with our microwave, credit card, life is good, society.

In the sovereignty of God, no plan of His can be thwarted. The choice for us is whether He has to break us and remold us, or if he can just mold us from an original lump of clay. If we understand the sovereignty of God, or if we think we can always master, the Master.  I am the type that was molded, broken, and remolded, again, and again, and again.

God is full of mercy, and the father of the epileptic son called out for mercy - for pity. God's plans cannot be thwarted and His mercy is new every morning. In the absence of faith - God is.

"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"Daniel 4:35. 

 

Thankfully I no longer want to restrain God's hand, (most of the time), nor tell Him what to do, or how to do it. I just trust that by His grace and mercy I will stay on the course He has set before David and I, and that   when I feel the need to ask Him, "What have you done?" I will remember, in the absence of faith, God is.


New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Job 42:1–6). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Mk 9:23–24). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

The Long Ride Home and Some "Funnies"

Fort Lauderdale before flying to Haiti.

We left for the airport early on Wednesday because traffic in Port au Prince can be very bad. As it worked out, we were 3.5 hours early for our flight - no traffic.

While waiting we met some people from the US who started a ministry about an hour out of Pap with a feeding program and clean water being put in, etc. They were bound for Miami 45 minutes after our flight. They asked what I thought of the people, to which I replied, "I fell in love with them." She replied, "How can you not?"

Our flight was "delayed" by 10 minutes but a short while after arrival it was obvious we were not leaving any time soon as they stated "technical difficulties." Those of you who can appreciate how much  LOVE to fly can imagine how ready I was to get on that airplane, so when a  young man told me the flight was canceled, and the airport closed overnight, Dave called Pastor Calixte to come and get us. I was somewhat relieved to not get on THAT plane!

Thank God I asked more questions to discover that even though our flight was canceled, the Miami flight was delaying take off for us to get on board. Everything was being spoken in Creole! They would get us taxis to Fort Lauderdale. Great, but our flight only had 2.5 hours between and I doubted we would make.

While I was arranging for the flight change Dave called and canceled our flight to Plattsburgh with Spirit Air. The problem was - Spirit doesn't fly daily and we we would stranded until Friday and the price had tripled, not to mention cancellation fees. Fitzroy would also miss his flight to Jamaica most likely, but we waited to cancel that.

We arrived in Miami and went through customs where I was asked, "Did you ever report your Passport stolen?" No I replied, I have not even used it in 7 years...." "I did not ask you that, I asked you if you ever reported it stolen?" The friendly demeanor had changed somewhat and I was feeling like a criminal. Repeating the question several times, David's passport was returned to him as I was told, "Stand by the wall until someone comes to get you."

Our little friend!

Meanwhile, Fitzroy has gone through customs and is leaving the area ( you have to) without any minutes on his cell phone. I was finally retrived from my wall side location and taken into a room with about 75 people waiting. "You're kidding me, right? I'm a US citizen!" I say to my escort as we enter the room. "Don't worry ma'm, US citizens get pushed to the front of the line." Wow, I am really feeling badly for the rest.

As time goes by I realize that Fitzroy is...Where? So I suggest that Dave leave to find him and I will be OK. (My imagination was playing out what kind of detainment center they had for "alleged" US citizens, and thankful that I had just left Haiti with peace and patience beyond measure. What's a night in jail? No biggie.)

Dave was now going to have to fill out paperwork to leave me, so they said I was about to be taken back. They were right, and as soon as Dave finished filling it out, we were called. A very nice young man said he did not know what everyone was freaking out over, but he could see that a number was transposed on someone else who HAD reported a passport stolen, but that I could go and he would call Washington to get it straightened out.

L to R. Pastor Solange (orphanage founder) Pastor Daniel & Fitzroy

Where is Fitzroy? Several pages and wandering the airport later I see the flash of his brightly colored orange vest. We had declined American Airlines ride to Fort Lauderdale once they had informed us that since we were not booked all the way with them, ("Um, you don't fly to Plattsburgh, NY!!!) they would not refund us anything for our missed flights.

The detainment with customs meant Fitzroy had missed his flight now for sure, as well.

I thought, surely we can fly out of Miami as easily as FL, and being exhausted we decided to get a hotel. All the hotels are expensive close to the airport and knowing that I had to get back to a room to google flights, we just chose a Best Western and went.  "Almost $200 per night? Seriously?" And we needed two rooms.

On to booking flights - now I discover that Fort Lauderdale flights, are way less expensive than the airfare out of Miami. We are pretty hungry at the point so Dave walks to the Burger King while I book flights. "What, the local fast food all closed at 10 or 11? Really?"

I discover we need to take a TAXI to Fort Lauderdale and fly out of there or pay 3X the price of airfare.
By this time we are out about $1600 in hotel and last minute booked flights .I book the flights, and pay extra to leave later in the day (we could not get up at 3 a.m.!) disapointed that Dave and I can't get seats together on the last leg. Big deal, I just left Haiti where the hearts are thankful in all matters.

Next morning is a quick trip to the airport (thank you Lord, no traffic this time of day) and we leave Fitzroy at Air Jamaica, and head for our flight. Jet Blue is our favorite and the flight from Fort Lauderdale to JFK is smooth. While waiting at the gate at JFK, I tell Dave, "I want to go and see if anyone cancelled to get a seat together." "Looks like a full flight, I doubt it" he replies. "God has been blessing us, I am going to see if we get another blessing."

At the gate I ask the women if anyone has canceled because I was hoping to sit with my husband. She replies that she does not have "two seats together anywhere on the plane." The thought flashes through my mind that Dave would leave it at that, but I say, "I don't need two together, I just need one next to 18c or 15e." She stops typing and looks up at me smiling and says, I just had someone switch a seat from 18!" I reply, "God has been blessing us. He is a good God." (Be instant in season and out of season)

I go back to Dave laughing, dancing and kissing him and he is laughing and saying, "I don't believe it" The woman across the row asks me, "Are you two newlyweds?" I explain that we have 8 kids and 8 grand-kids, to which she replies, "You act like newlyweds." So I jokingly told her to watch more closely that I, "act like a newlywed, he does not!"

Kacey and Joy were there to meet us at the airport, but by then Dave was feeling really, really sick from the large french fry he had eaten (I warned him!) so the ride home was a bit rough.

While in Miami I found out that they found my lost bag at the airport in Pap (a miracle) and that Dave was leaving for Germany for 4 months! "Seriously God, does everything have to be a mixed blessing?" I ask Him with a smile on my face. 

Today (Saturday) Dave gave one week's notice at IBM, and we are both rested and waiting to see what God will do next. Our cows are leaving in a week and we have cash in hand - enough to pay off the extra credit card debt we got in Miami! God provided 100% for the trip, and though our financial "trials" are not yet over, we are confident that we are in His will, and He is full control. We may never own a home again, but our Father knows what we have need of.

Dave with our friend Jeff. (feeling washed out)

Moments of Laughter: 


Dave tans in the summer but this is the north country - need I say more? In Haiti he looked in the tiny mirror a couple of times, or at pictures of himself with others and would ask me, "Do I look washed out to you? I look really white"  I laughed every time and reminded him that we are surrounded by black people so of course we look "really white." "We ARE REALLY white!"

We also laughed over how often we knew people did not understand what we had said, but they would reply, "OK" and how I found myself doing the same thing a couple of times; but they often caught me as well and said so, and we would have a good laugh.  What did I just agree to??? I will not repeat what had transpired here!

Once I was speaking to Pastor Joseph about his upcoming wedding that we that we were invited to attend (and did). I was trying to ask him if the wedding would be "big wedding or a small wedding"  complete with hand gestures to explain myself. Several exchanges later he replied, also with hand gestures, "No,  my wife, she is big."  It was precious.








I was also reminded today as I read thank you notes from the conference attendees, how Pastor Daniel was so used to watching me closely, and translating with expression and my every word, that sometimes he translated my creole into Creole, or translated  English into English. The people would always get a good laugh over that!

Today I read, "Before the seminary I was sad, I was very sad," and I recalled Daniel reading it to me when we were working on translations in Haiti. It was already in English and so he read it in English and then stated, "They are saying they were very, very, sad."  To which I burst out laughing and replied, "Really, Daniel,  were they sad?" as he realized what he had done and we both had a good laugh.

 

And of course I will never forget David capitalizing on having 8 children and showing off with macho gestures to get the people laughing. Who ever thinks Dave is shy has not seen him in ACTION! Oh, my!

Pastor Simone - Port au Prince church of 3,000+ 

 

In reading all the thank you's I am also reminded how they are all written to "Pastor David and his wife." God is keeping me humble  - I get ordained, do all the work, all the writing, and all the teaching, and Dave gets the glory.  Next to God, there is no one who deserves it more than Dave. As the people were so blessed when they realized the personal and financial sacrifices Dave makes for me to be in missions. Some day David, we will have that anniversary on the beach, sipping cool drinks while I fan you. I just wont promise you where!!

Some day David ....Some day...The beaches are beautiful in Haiti.

Thank you David, I love you, and Jesus loves you too. 

Jezi renmen nou.

Wap Toujou Nan Ke m. " I’ll Hold You in My Heart "

Believe it or not, she is my little friend, but likes to play hard to get sometimes.

But I will hold many in my heart very tightly. Other than my family and a few close friends in the US, I have never held so tightly or loved so deeply. (And I am trying not to sob as I write) My Christian brothers and sisters here have captured my heart; they have captured David's as well and we have both shed tears over leaving our new friends.

 Pastor Calixte and Guirda, whose love and hospitality is the salt of the earth. They have become fast friends – examples of those who give of themselves as spiritual leaders to so many. Guirda, who is always making others feel welcome, feeding and caring for them as her own, tirelessly working to see that everyone is content.  Pastor Calixte, whose laughter is contagious and makes even David want to speak Creole to understand his wit, and wisdom, when he preaches. He is a shining example of an overseer of the flock entrusted into his care – and his kind heart breaks for those he cannot help.  

It would be so easy for many to get hard at the endless and overwhelming pain and poverty, but not this dear couple who love deeply and care for each, one (starfish) at a time. They have suffered tremendous pain – all here have, but they help other tirelessly putting themselves behind the people of God to serve. I have learned so much from them. Thank you my friends. You have taught us much in a very short time.

We will remember the warmth and love of Pastor Joseph – who told us he has family in America. When I asked him about it he replied, “I have two family. You and David. When you are the family of Jesus, you are true family.” David is especially touched by Pastor Joseph. May God bless you with joy unspeakable in your new marriage Pastor Joseph. 

Pastor Joshua whose energy is contagious, and his quick smile makes us feel joy just to see it. He loves to praise the Lord in dance and song and you can’t help but join in him in joyful celebration.  We look forward to worshipping with you again my friend. 

Jeff is always willing to help out in the big and the small matters and excited to tell you about what he can do to help. He is a bit of a computer whiz and was invaluable to us a few times.  An example of a young man whose joy is his strength, and whose testimony is strong.  

Pastor Simone, we will not forget his church that has grown to over 2,000 at one service since the earthquake, and he has 3. May God provide what you need to expand your building. Thank you for entrusting your flock to our care by allowing us to teach in your church and preach on Sunday. 

Cristilla whose adorable smile lights up our day, as she shyly giggles when I try to teach her English. Or how happy she was when we purchased pizza and realized it was for her too. (Pour me? Pour me?) Of course silly!  Her internal beauty radiates even brighter than her smile. 

Grandfather – whose smile and love for his grandchildren is evident. His joy in the Lord as he approaches  every task.  Thank you for making me hot water and your example of service.

The children of Pastor Calixte and Guirda, who have given us joy every day and helped to ease the pain in our hearts missing my own dear children, Sam and grandchildren; Jean Carl, Luis em, and Andalina. (I apologize for my spelling if it is incorrect.) 

And Pastor Daniel who has become a dear friend, and brother; my voice in Haiti, and my ears. David’s voice and ears. You have made our experience rich and we thank you for it. You are my staff in Haiti, a trusted co-laborer in Christ’s vineyard. I will miss you my friend.  M pap jan-m bliye – w.  

To my friends in Haiti -  Mesi Anpil!   I will see you soon –  si bondye vle. 

Until that time, M pap jan-m bliye-w. 

Be Careful What You Pray For - Happy Anniversary David

Be Careful What You Pray For - Happy Anniversary David

Happy 28th Anniversary - Visiting Mission of Hope

Today is David and I’s 28^th wedding anniversary.  Happy Anniversary Dave. You make me whole.

David and I spend out anniversary visiting Mission of Hope, Convoy of Hope’s partner in Haiti. Mission of Hope is a lovely complex, clean, well built but simple structures that offer a feeling of openness and hope, as their name implies. The complex is much larger than I expected and has many buildings. They have a nice open eair church, and even a playground and a basketball court where we stopped to compete for a few minutes of basketball. None of the men were putting it in the net and I was hoping to show them up when Pastor Daniel  *FINALLY* put it in the net. 

A small part of MoH

Even though Mission of Hope has only been here about 13 years, it is obvious they are called of God to provide the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, and He has provided for them. The directors were warm, welcoming and Christ filled. 

They have several ministries here, an orphanage, evangelism, medical, feeding, school etc.  They have a team here doing prosthetics for those who lost legs and feet in the earthquake.  It was a privilege and blessing to see the work that MoH is doing here in Haiti. 

The trip to MoH was another one of contrast – country tents and poverty across the road from breathtaking blue seas and mountains in the distance.  Tourism would thrive here if the country had a political system focus on development, and we are praying that the next president provides that. 

 I've been trying to catch some smiles of all my friends by candid footage this week – easier said than done.  This blurry image was my feeble attempt at getting Pastor Daniel to laugh and catch it at the same time.  It is not difficult to get him to laugh, and Dave and I are having fun with him, but it is difficult to catch it. (You reading this Pas?)  

Once again today, he was invaluable as a translator; I want to be part of this wonderful experience and without a speaking or understanding what is said, that would not happen. I am going home to learn Creole for the next trip – just a few more phrases and some understanding would help me. I told him that I would not let him know that I understand Creole and then I will catch him when he thinks I don't know what is being said. That would be awesome!

As we were driving back from MoH, Dave reminded me of how often we have a spoken about spending an anniversary on a tropical island in the absence of ever having a “honeymoon”.  Here we are on a tropical island for our anniversary. Not exactly the sipping fruit cocktails by the beach that I had imagined, but we are quite happy with the Lord’s sense of humor in answering prayer.  We would not trade the friendships we have made or the people we will miss so dearly for all the tropical paradises in the world; they have become our family in less than two short weeks. 

We had Domino Pizza (yes Domino’s is here!) and cold cokes (I love coke with Pizza) as a celebration, and broke into our Milanos and Oreos from last night. 

There was lots of laughter - we find our friends love to laugh, and those who know us also know that laughter wins our hearts. 

Everyone is helping me with my Creole and gets a good laugh over my speaking to David in Creole as well. Occasionally Daniel will forget and translate English for me into – well -English!  

We had intended to visit a family or two that was living in a tent city upon our return, but I have found that exhaustion is beginning to hit hard. Traffic and the conditions of the roads are always difficult, and travel can take twice the time you think it will. We left home at 1:35 in the morning on the 3^rd and we landed with our feet moving. They have not stopped moving since.  We both needed a rest. 

Tomorrow we head back out past Mission of Hope to visit the beaches with Pastor Calixte and Guirda, and we are hoping to meet with Violet for a cup of coffee on the way home. 

 God has a plan for Hesed Hope and we simply have to trust and obey the call; and I am thankful that plan includes Haiti.

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"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."

A School

I met AG missionaries, Pastor Bill and Dorothy Smith yesterday.  It was just a short visit but inspiring. They have been in Haiti for 20 years and their love for this Haiti is evident. Pastor Bill referred to the country as having such “contrast”. I had not thought of it that way until he mentioned it, but the beauty of the mountains in the distance viewed over rubble and trash, the extreme wealth to the overwhelming poverty, and the joy to the pain, is the stark reality of this country. 

We saw this yesterday as we parked the car and had to traverse a bit around piles of rubble and rotting trash, to attend Pastor Joseph’s lovely wedding in an equally lovely Baptist church. As always, Daniel is always there to open doors, point out puddles and watch over both Dave and I, but especially me – a woman. In the church, he made sure that David was seated under a fan because he knows the heat is bothering him, even though he himself was in a suit and also very hot.  We are so welled cared for. 

Pastor Joseph and Mercedes

It was a beautiful wedding and fitting for a man with an equally beautiful spirit as Pastor Joseph has. David developed an immediate love and connection with Joseph. He was widowed before the earthquake and has 3 children. He was filled with joy unspeakable at the goodness of God for giving him his wife, who he told us in broken English, “I love her.”  We told him that we could see that. 

At the wedding a young man recited a poem with an apple in his hand in a very animated manner. I asked Pastor Daniel what he was talking about, and he replied, “He’s talking about love.” I said, “Duh, I know that!”  Dave meanwhile was laughing over the animations, spoken in Creole without a word of our understanding. His imagination was running wild and he was not afraid to whisper things to me to make me laugh out loud. We were chuckling as we were thinking, “marriage – apple, forbidden fruit!” 

Tap-Tap

They all came back to the house in their wedding finery, riding in tap taps, (pick- up trucks with built in seats to fit many) Again, the sense of community and hospitality here is a true example of the early church, and Christian fellowship. Pastor Calixte and Guirda are two of the most beautiful people I have ever met - filled with love and compassion, good works and faith in the Lord. You can see that they pour their lives into the church community and into blessing others. They have treated wonderfully, caring for our every need. Our lives are enriched for knowing them, and I am so happy to call them our friends.

We stayed up late speaking with Pastor Calixte and Guirda – hearing their stories of the earthquake. My heart breaks for things that no human should ever have to even hear about, let alone live through. I am reminded we live in a broken and fallen world that groans for our redemption. My respect for this couple has sky rocketed as I see the love, devotion, and commitment to the churches they oversee for the glory of God’s Kingdom. 

Over 2,000 crowd to hear God's Word

This morning I preached at the church to a crowd of 2,000+ I was told. The sanctuary was filled to overflowing – the people outside surrounding the church. Since the earthquake the church has grown as many have come to Christ, and the Pastor is hoping for about $10,000 to expand. They are out in the glaring sun by day, or getting wet if it rains. I wonder at their commitment to hear God’s word in a country that no longer allows prayer in the schools. 

David was saying, “Merci Senor” as we praised and Pastor Daniel heard him. He jokingly said, “Good, he has a prhase. FINALLY!” and we both laughed. I told Dave, and we have been teasing Daniel and laughing all day. When I told the crowd I had 8 children they all roared in laughter. I asked Pastor Daniel why they were laughing and he said, “Because you have 8 children, they like that. “ I knew it was something more, as the people had heard this before. I turned around and David had stood up and was raising his fist in a gesture of accomplishment – THAT is why they were laughing! We are so comfortable with all of these people – we have fun with them, and they with us. 

I wanted to ask the people to sing, “The Love of God” as those of you on Facebook may have noticed a dialogue between Violet (Salvation Army here in PaP) and I about the song. I was going to ask them to sing when I was done, but time had run out.  As I sat back down and the pastor closed the service, I hear voices rise in unison to “The Love of God.” I began weeping, once again overwhelmed at how much God has restored our faith in a living God, who cares for us in all things. The power of God in our lives has been restored here – faith renewed with a fervor and hope we have not had in many years.  

Dave’s job offer the night before we flew out of Florida, meeting the personal expenses that we had  borrowed against our house to come; and whom some thought if it was God, “He would provide.” He did provide – who says we have to own homes?  God provided the exact amount David and I spent in the moving allowance. 

Then there are the cows – for two years we have not been able to give them away. Driving home from the conference one afternoon we discussed how they needed to go – and I told Dave I knew that God was going to take care of it. I knew this time – somehow I knew. I came home that night to an email out of the blue asking if we still had a herd to sell, and now, there is a check in the mail for the herd.

Today, God blessed me with the desire of my heart – the song that all week I had been singing for Haiti.

On the way home from church we toured the most earthquake damaged areas of the city, and the largest tent cities – and they are cities. I could not contain the tears, and as David had wept on Friday, I sobbed. To know there are still bodies under some of this rubble – that so many of the displaced people had homes and jobs, loved ones and life was more than I could bear. To love these people and know that not one has been left untouched by the carnage of this broken world is heart wrenching. God has shown me I will come back to Haiti – and I will go home and work towards that end.  

David stopped a store and purchased “comfort food” for me and the others – chocolate, Milano’s, Oreo’s and chips. He knew how to minister to me through some thoughtful acts of celebration.  We have had a lovely meal and enjoyed good conversation and laughter. My Creole seems to always bring a chuckle as I work hard to speak in the language that surrounds me (and have a difficult time remembering). I am forever asking Daniel how to say _ _ _???  Over, and over, and over, and…..and when I speak to David in French or Creole, it causes a chuckle. 

He has shown you what is good, and what the Lord has required of you; to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.  Micah 6:8 lives in human form, in Haiti. 

Tomorrow we go to Mission of Hope and Convoy of Hope’s feeding center. 

Once again I close listening to the sounds of adults and children of the "Orphenalat" next door (orphange) raised in praise to the Lord Jesus Christ.

            JEZI RENMEN NOU!!!!!!

                   Amen!

          (Jesus Loves You - Amen!!!)