So the Journey Continues...

Faithful Friends,

     I'm excited to share how God has been loving big here in Montrouis lately! I was blessed to spend Thanksgiving morning delivering books to a new school I've been building relationships with. As the only free, uniform-less school in the area, God uses devoted, Haitian volunteers to educate children who would otherwise be denied the opportunity. A year ago, God paved the way to provision as He blessed New Vision Ministries with an over-abundnace of French school books. Without hesitation, our New Vision family willingly allowed Kelsea (my roomate) and I to donate the books to my new friends. Without a doubt, I witnessed a thankfulness I've never experienced through turkey before.
     Nevertheless, that evening I shared a Haitian-American meal with all of our kids and staff back at the orphanage. As we sat, shoulder-to-shoulder, flip-flopping between Creole and English, I was humbled deeply. We were family. I can't imagine what my heart would be lacking had I let fear, financial mistrust, and external discouragement keep me stagnant in my journey.
     On my journey, I've learned that peace is seeing each moment through Victory's eyes. I have peace, and now our God has paved the way for me to trust in yet a new way! :) In a chain of events too beautiful to be anything but divine, Kelsea and I now have the opportunity to call Montrouis "home" for the next year. By March, she and I will be moving into a house by the Montrouis market. The location of our home is within equal walking distance form both our ministries in the fishing village (feeding program, bible study, Creole literacy, and English class) and the new school (the founders of which also invited us to participate in their battered-women's empowerment program as well!).
     By living directly in the community, with a closely-mirrored lifestyle, I will hopefully gain a better understanding of the Haitian culture. My prayer is that, by breaking down as many cultural barriers as possible, we will earn the trust of our community in order to live out Christ's intentional, committed, Agape love. As all believers are called to evangelize in our communities, I simply long to answer His call in another language. From December 10th to March 1st, my prayer is for God's continued provision through partnership. Would you pray with me as I continue on my journey?

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account for which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Colossians 4-2-6 ESV

(Although Haiti is anything but prison for me!)

Right where I belong

     My oh my! Since it's been nearly a month (please, put away your pitchforks) since my last blog...I suppose it's time for a little I update, eh? This past month, I've been learning more than I did in high school and college combined! I was privileged to visit another mission, where I observed several surgeries. For those of you who know me well...let's just say I was the whitest one in the room (as if I wasn't already!). We also had a medical team host a clinic in the village of Mango. I assisted our optomotrist, as usual, but was overjoyed when I realized we survived half the day without a translator! I spent a lot of time with another visiting team who brought much needed energy to our kids at the orphanage. Friendships were made as they invited us on their hiking trip, singing and chatting along the way. :)

     Later this month, I was asked to travel north, to Borel, to assist medical and dental teams for the week. While blue is not exactly my color, I gladly sported scrubs as we extracted nearly 100 teeth, including 3 oral surgeries (with some makeshift tools!). I had the opportunity to serve as a translator for the dental team and also give brushing instructions to patients prior to each procedure. While I've always dreaded the dentist, I have to admit it's much more enjoyable from the other end! Still, I felt God using compassion through my past experiences as I held hands with, prayed with, and comforted nervous patients. The medical team and I packed backpacks full of medicine and hiked a mountain to host a small clinic in KaPiat. While the loaded trek up and down was wearisome, the view was breathtaking and the community was welcoming!
     I had a chance to visit my kiddos at the Pierre Payen orphanage from this summer with even more helping hands! God provided financially so that we might bring them a snack and unexpectedly directed us to a home selling a version of Medika Mumba (nutrient-packed peanut butter for malnourished children)! Unfortunately, conditions at the orphanage there continue to be ever-deteriorating. Even with authorities involved, no changes has been made to their standard of living while we are away. we must not forget them.
     Back at the mission, we're in the process of changing....just about everything! In all sincerity, I would ask for your intercession for the wisdom of the leaders here as they make some very impacting decisions. God has provided again and again, so we're trusting His faithfulness to direct New Vision Ministries toward His will.
     This week, I continued to help with English lessons and Kreyol literacy in the fishing village of Montrouis. I also made connections with a recent Haitian graduate who was led to open a school of his own. I visited his young school, held in his uncle's unfinished, roofless house, where lives are being changed. I also learned about a support group he helped his school's secretary start for physically and sexually abused women in their community. The Lord lit a fire in my heart :) Our faithful God has recently been laying the foundation for my partnership with their ministries......but I will save that for another day. :D

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Romans 8:14-17

Flying Boldly

     Friends, I first want to apologize for my inconsistency in blogs! Due to technical difficulties with the Internet and a very busy week, I was a little off my game. Fret not my dears...this gal is prepared to blog till the cows come home (which could take a while if they're on Haitian time!).
     All joking aside, I wanted to take this opportunity to write of something a little more transparent this time. Last week, I hit a spiritual and physical wall. Satan first began to discourage me when I awoke to a nasty case of pink eye. I'll spare you the details, but I did have to wear my glasses all week, as opposed to my contacts. Blessed as I was to even have a second option, I became easily frustrated with my super-glued, half-prescription glasses that were long overdue for an update. About 2 days into my pity party, I came down with a cold, which led to frequent bloody noses. It was about this time that God showed me just how fleeting my joy can be when rooted in circumstances, rather than His Truth. I found myself losing patience with my kids, fighting tears, and spending more time away from the community of believers He's blessed me with.
     The good news is, once we welcome Christ into our lives, He promises to NEVER leaves us to face our struggles alone. :) Last Wednesday night, the missionaries and Haitian staff here met for our first, weekly bible study, and God began to reframe my perspective; With Christ as warrior, you win...every time. He helped me to see that, alone as I had tried to be at times, the truth was...we were all struggling with something last week. We were placed together for the very purpose of encouraging one another and turning eachother to the peace of The Lord. The week ended with nothing less than that very unified love to push us through to this week!
     I know this has been long-winded, but if you've made it this far, I urge you to listen to me brag on my Lord just once more (for tonight!). For over 8 years, insufficiency and worthlessness have been fiercly biting at my heels, causing me to trip often and walk weakly. My senior year of college I privately sought Christian counseling, which God indeed used for growth. However, self-doubt remained my heavy chain, keeping me from flying. Yet, I serve a God who loves me enough to let me experience growing pains, for they always lead to growth.
     This morning, the greatness of just how much God has done in the past 2 weeks overwhelmed me in a beautiful way! When I was checking Wilencia's blood sugar, I realized (perhaps for the first time) that I really can do ALL things though Christ who gives me strength! A month ago, I would have told you I could never give a child a shot, I could never teach English (to kids or adults), I could never cook meals without a recipe, I could never be in charge of staff, and I would never handle conflict well. In just two short weeks, I've done all of these on a daily basis....but only with God's sufficiency, not mine! That's what I've been missing all these years, and it took Haiti to finally see Christ's strength and ability tangible within me! What I didn't know was that I've had all His "enoughness" all along....but what I'll forever know is that I am capable of doing whatever He may call me to do, no matter what that may be!
     The beauty is, if you also have Christ in you, then you too have free access to his power, humility, patience, endurance, and ability! Never sell yourself short when the Living Redeemer resides in you...just act in obedience to whatever He asks of you, and I know you too will find yourself amazed at just how much more you can do!


Your prayers are never unanswered! 
           * New Vision is experiencing many changes in staff, ministry approaches, and budgeting. Would you remember their wisdom, discernment, and patience through these times?
           * The children were accepted for school and will start next Monday! Please pray for loving teachers who know the Lord so our children will see positive examples outside these gates.

Hope

     Okay friends, I am going to keep this one short and sweet (it's very late here and it's been a refreshing, but long day). Yesterday, I had the privilege of traveling to a fishing village to begin English classes for a group of villagers there. We plan to go every Saturday, and it seems like our adults will be very quick learners! It's refreshing to be on the other end of the language-learning! ;) The ability of so many of my Haitian friends to quickly learn English is humbling and serves as motivation to my language practice (Haitian Kreyole is much, much more simple in structure than English....I wouldn't want to learn English!)
     This morning, we were invited to attend my dear friend Simeon's Haitian church. Everyone was so welcoming, and I even tried my hand at reading/singing French and Kreyole hymns! (of course Simeon and I were the only ones who heard my efforts, and I eventually gave it up so that he could worship...rather than laugh at me) :) Then we attended our very own English-speaking Church, where nearly 3 of our kids fell asleep on me. The rest of the afternoon, Jenn and I played nannies at Club Indigo (a beach hotel where a missionary couple is living). The afternoon was wonderful! We watched the kids by the pool, sat on the beach, and I became a lobster. :) God's way of reenergizing us for the weeks ahead, and boy was it appreciated!
   Above all, God has been using this trip to enrich the hope that is in my heart for Haiti. After my last trip to Haiti, my prayer was for the church to be stirred into men's ministry. That men of God, faithful to their wives and devoted to their families, would rise up as leaders and restore the future generation. My prayer was for hope. Each day I am here, God has been revealing to me just that! Tonight, Jenn and I had the privilege of fellowshipping with Franz (the "dad" of the orphanage) and Simeon (the selfless brother). What began with laughter and jokes ended, nearly 3 hours later, with broken hearts for a broken country...but we serve a God who is bigger than brokenness. :) It was beautiful to hear the wisdom that these two men received from the Lord! We discussed broken families, hurting wives, and abandoned children in ways that took me 4 years of Sociology to understand! All they had to do was look around, and the answers were clear: Love God, Love people...Agape! I could get on my faith-filled, sociology soap box, but instead, I'll just bid you adieu. :) There is hope for Haiti....if you don't believe me, book a flight...

So much for short and sweet!!! Please pray in the power of Christ for:
           * New Vision Ministries as they are undergoing major changes and new partners.
           * That the hope that lives here would speak loudly and boldly for the Kingdom's sake.
           * For the missionary children who live with us here. This makes 6 weeks so far in Haiti, and they will continue to process and experience in their own unique ways. Pray for God's Agape love to speak clearly to them though their family and for patience through their adjustment.

Forever Learning

     Have I mentioned God keeps life interesting? I went to school to study Sociology, God brought me to Haiti to keep me a learner. :) the past few days I've been administering breathing treatments and holding sick babies, as the fever bug is making it's way rapidly around the orphanage. I learned how to test blood sugar, and give insulin shots 3x a day to Wilencia, a 12-yr-old girl who was brought to the orphanage after Dr. Tom diagnosed her with diabetes. She has been so patient with me as I try to minimize the pain, despite my shaky hands...I think I was more afraid than she was my first time! I also spent the past 2 days creating a preschool room from the bottom up! My roommate

Jennifer and I have offered to teach the 3 youngest while the older children are away at "big" school. Our goal is to encourage their English in the classroom, as none of the children at New Vision currently know it. 

     Jenn and I have also been given the task of finding creative ways to encourage the Haitian women on staff in proactive work ethic. In the past 2 days, I've noticed tremendous changes in sanitation and cleanliness around our children. Our prayer is that, while dust is unavoidable here, the bar will be raised on the things we can control, simply because all children deserve a safe living environment.

      Today we spent some time sorting pills and preparing for a clinic in the mountains tomorrow. I'm excited to see more of Haiti and to assist the Dr, the Optomotrist, and the Pharmacist in their mission. There is also a little boy here named Mishelet who is living with an enlarged skull and clubbed feet. He used to sit in a wheel chair all day, often ignored, and rarely spoke. The past few days, jenn and I have been taking him out of his chair and into our new preschool room to stretch and play. Now, Mr. English-speaking jabber jaws army crawls across the floor, and has the cutest giggle!!! His motor skills and coordination have improved drastically, and he's become so happy and talkative! Praise God for restoration and the joy of a child!

     I had a friend named Franz share his beautiful testimony with us today, which turned this tough cookie into a cried. I also learned that 4 of the older girls accepted Christ into their hearts last night! We are going to begin a bible study with them each night, as we celebrate their new walk with the Lord! 

   Well, I better get some sleep; we leave at 6 for the mountains tomorrow. For all of my prayer warriors, please join me on behalf of:

          * Michelet's physical and emotional progress though love and attention.

          * The girls who recently gave their lives to the Lord, that they would be dependent upon Him  and examples to the other children here.

          * The men of Haiti; that God would raise leaders, loyal husbands, and devoted fathers.

          * The wisdom and safety of our team and children, as alcoholism has been an issue with our neighbors and even amongst officials.

Thank you Zanmi (friend), from all of us here! It is my confidence in your support and in the Agape love of God that encourages me to press onward for the Kingdom!

     

       

     

The Journey Begins!

     Well, I woke up at the buttcrack of dawn and made it to the airport with ample time to spare (thanks to my awesome big brother!) and dreamt my way to Dallas. From there, I practically walked right onto my next flight, after a tram malfunction, of course! ;) Luckily, I serve a God not bound by time, and I managed to make it onto my flight to Florida just in the nick of time! I wish you could have seen me, smack dab in the middle of a college football team that had just won the 1st place trophy the night before....needless to say folks, you don't need to leave the country to experience adventure; Simply obey His commands, and you'll never see endure a dull moment. :)
     I've never been back to the same exact foreign place before, and it was incredible how much more smoothly everything went! I was familiar with what customs would entail, and I wasn't at all surprised by the "fend for yourself" baggage claim. I even stood my ground in Creole when the suitcase-carrying brigade bombarded me at the exit. Even more noteworthy, I saw a familiar smiling face at the end of the exit underpass! Tall, beaming Wysner (sp?) met my eyes and immediately began jumping and laughing! Neither one of us knew who to expect...he was apparently sent to pick up the American in Port, lol.
     With him was a missionary couple who left their careers in optometry and pharmaceuticals to serve the Haitian community. I felt like I'd known them forever, and I had the privilege of being a passenger during his first driving experience in Port (he drove like a true Haitian, I might add!). 3hrs and dozens of Wysner stand-up comedy later, we arrived at the New Vision Orphanage. There I reunited with another missionary family I had met this summer, as well as my new roommate Jenn! Jenn arrived 2 days ago, and this is her first time leaving the country! She is 17 and has an incredible heart! We've not stopped talking since i arrived, and i can tell this is the beginning of a b-e-a-utiful friendship! I also got to meet the kids for a short time! They were intensely watching Peter
Pan, but i was able to steal the attention of 3 of them for about a minute ;) haha! I feel right at home...

Friends, I am going to try to blog as often as possible, Internet willing, but please let me know if you have any questions I can address! If you would continue to be in prayer for :
     * The fever is going around at the orphanage, already infecting 4. Pray for healing and wisdom.
     * Continued accommodation to the culture and language (the kids don't yet speak english)
     * Ministering to women through a beading ministry tomorrow. Please pray for intentionality and opportunity!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! I'm praying for you as well :)

The Final Countdown

 Agape: Greek term referring to the love from God for His people. This love is intended to be reciprocated back to God, as well as sacrificially unto our fellow man. 

    This summer, the Lord called me and enabled me to spend a month and a half in the captivating country of Haiti. A brilliant blend of the other countries I've explored, Haiti soon felt like my home away from home. From walking to the market and riding tap-taps into town, to hand-washing clothes every Saturday with Loveline and learning to cook Haitian cuisine with S'Edna...every day was an adventure! I even learned to speak Kreyol with my new friends, who were quite the match for my sarcastic sense of humor!
     Though I went with the plan to invest in a single orphanage, God surprised me with the opportunity to visit a school, 4 clinics, 4 churches, build relationships at 3 different orphanages, participate in a weekly prison ministry and, unfortunately, attend 2 funerals. "Now to Him, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" Ephesians 3:20-21. I serve a God who "causes all all things to work together good, for those who are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28.
     As I write, I am in the final countdown as I prepare to move back to Montrouis, Haiti. I will be living at an orphanage through New Vision Ministries (run by missionaries I met during my first Haitian adventure). While there, I will likely be managing their child sponsorship program, which enables nearly 200 children in the Montrouis area to receive an education. Would you consider partnering with me, through prayer, on this agape adventure?!
     Please pray for:
          * The peace of Christ for my family as I am away
          * Willing sponsors for the children of Montrouis
          * Financial provision for plane tickets
          * Patience and flexibility as I readjust to the culture and language

Click to view New Vision's link!