Great news. There was a patient that came into the clinic the other day from the same area as the boy who was hit by the passing vehicle. I questioned her....she told me the boy's name is Stanley and his mom's name is Alexandria. She also blessed me with the news that Stanley did not die and that he was in a hospital in Port-au-Prince. God is still in control and seated on the throne. Thank you Lord for "the rest of the story" or at least the next segment of Stanley's story. His life is important to God and his life has impacted mine. I pray God's glory throughout this whole situation.
Please continue to pray for Stanley and his mom, Alexandria. Thank you!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Mrs. Judy's Mom
Please keep David and Judy Heady (& family) in your prayers. They headed back to the U.S. yesterday after receiving a phone call that Mrs. Judy's mom had a heart attack and her kidneys were shutting down. They did not make it to the bedside of her mom before she passed away around noon but, they are now with family and preparing to make funeral arrangements. God bless.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Small Boy - Yet Such a Huge Impact
....I answered the phone about the same time I noticed Kevin's brake lights at the right hand side of the road. I hit my brakes and slowed way down. I heard Kevin's voice on the phone say something like, "a little boy was just hit in front of us, do you want to do something?"
My first reaction is YES, but God gave me the courage to say, "we can not, we are not allowed to stop and help, we have to keep going." As I sit hear typing that, the tears just flow from my eyes. It hurt more than you can imagine. You see we don't live in the United States of America. Things are different here. Crowds get angry at the site of a hurt one on the side of a road and things become dangerous. Riots can break out and more people can be injured. So we kept going.
I told the group in my vehicle that we were unable to stop, but we could pray. So, Nickie led us in prayer for the boy and for the situation at hand.
As I looked over to the side of the road, I saw a little boy who looked to be about six. He was lying motionless on the side of the road. The crowd was gathering. No one was going near the small boy and many had began running down the side of the road to catch the car that hit the boy. I saw machetes in hand, I heard yelling, and up in front of us I saw the car had pulled over next to where the police sit. He had traveled to where the police were to pull over for his safety. I saw the police hold up their hands to keep the crowd from gathering too close to the vehicle. My heart continued to break...
As many mentioned, there was no 911 to call. There was no ambulance on the way. There was really no place to take the boy if he even had a breath of life left in him. It didn't appear that life was still with that little boy. I believe he was in the arms of our Creator the moment that vehicle hit him. My heart broke for the family and friends of that little one and my heart hurt for the one who hit him. My heart continues to ache for them all.
What has God shown me through this? Let me continue to process this and I will get back with you....
My first reaction is YES, but God gave me the courage to say, "we can not, we are not allowed to stop and help, we have to keep going." As I sit hear typing that, the tears just flow from my eyes. It hurt more than you can imagine. You see we don't live in the United States of America. Things are different here. Crowds get angry at the site of a hurt one on the side of a road and things become dangerous. Riots can break out and more people can be injured. So we kept going.
I told the group in my vehicle that we were unable to stop, but we could pray. So, Nickie led us in prayer for the boy and for the situation at hand.
As I looked over to the side of the road, I saw a little boy who looked to be about six. He was lying motionless on the side of the road. The crowd was gathering. No one was going near the small boy and many had began running down the side of the road to catch the car that hit the boy. I saw machetes in hand, I heard yelling, and up in front of us I saw the car had pulled over next to where the police sit. He had traveled to where the police were to pull over for his safety. I saw the police hold up their hands to keep the crowd from gathering too close to the vehicle. My heart continued to break...
As many mentioned, there was no 911 to call. There was no ambulance on the way. There was really no place to take the boy if he even had a breath of life left in him. It didn't appear that life was still with that little boy. I believe he was in the arms of our Creator the moment that vehicle hit him. My heart broke for the family and friends of that little one and my heart hurt for the one who hit him. My heart continues to ache for them all.
What has God shown me through this? Let me continue to process this and I will get back with you....
Enjoying the Beach
Monday was a "day out" for our New Work Fellowship (NWF) team. They chose to go to the beach and enjoy bonding with one another there. Town (Port-au-Prince) has been hectic, there has been rioting in the streets related to the presidential election, there has been allot of traffic, and you can buy souvenirs at the beach, so we chose to load up after the Gran Moun feeding program and clinic were over and head to the beach.
We got to the beach around 10:30 a.m., unloaded 23 people, and poured onto the beach. The waves were crashing, the sky was clear blue, and there was a nice breeze blowing. It didn't take long for the souvenir sellers to scope us out and bring their ware over to sell to the team. A few glanced at the items, but most headed to the water. It was a bit different this time when we arrived at the waters edge. Like I mentioned, the waves were crashing against the beach, it appeared to be high tide, the water was murky, and the water was a teensie bit chilly.
We entered the water. Once immersed in the grandness of the ocean, the water didn't seem so chilly. We played, we jumped to keep the waves from engulfing us, we laughed and joked. We enjoyed the time we had together. Lunch time rolled around and we headed up to the restaurant to eat. They had the food prepared and ready for us after our drink orders were taken and delivered (we had ordered when we arrived at the beach, so they could have it ready at 1 p.m.). We enjoyed our meal and fellowship and headed back for the beach.
The waves seemed to be more fierce. I prayed for safety for everyone and watched with caution as some played in the water. I decided, for my own sanity, that I would watch by the waters edge. The waves were tossing them around like rag dolls and so I continued to pray. I saw some get slammed into the shore line, get up with confusion and then a grin, and head back out for more of a beating. It didn't make allot of sense to me, but I continued to pray silently in my head and watch.
While they played in the water, others were on the beach haggling with the merchandisers for the best bargain. We decided that the water was getting too rough and so we headed up to join the hagglers. I was thankful for that. Although it was enjoyable to watch them have fun playing in the water, I was glad they were done and had remained safe. Shopping time was about over, so we decided to get packed up to head home. That took a good 30 minutes or so and we all met out at the vehicle.
Packed into two vehicles like loose sardines, we headed down the road. In our vehicle, we enjoyed small talk. In the vehicle in front of me, I am told they were doing the same along with some singing. We talked about driving in Haiti, and we talked about the good time we had just had, and we talked about the fact that I must not have been paying close attention to Kevin and his vehicle because I didn't notice when we weren't behind him any more. I was thankful I knew the way home and that it wasn't that important that Kevin was further ahead of me.
Next thing I know, we were traveling through a small town called Source Matelas, and my phone rang....
We got to the beach around 10:30 a.m., unloaded 23 people, and poured onto the beach. The waves were crashing, the sky was clear blue, and there was a nice breeze blowing. It didn't take long for the souvenir sellers to scope us out and bring their ware over to sell to the team. A few glanced at the items, but most headed to the water. It was a bit different this time when we arrived at the waters edge. Like I mentioned, the waves were crashing against the beach, it appeared to be high tide, the water was murky, and the water was a teensie bit chilly.
We entered the water. Once immersed in the grandness of the ocean, the water didn't seem so chilly. We played, we jumped to keep the waves from engulfing us, we laughed and joked. We enjoyed the time we had together. Lunch time rolled around and we headed up to the restaurant to eat. They had the food prepared and ready for us after our drink orders were taken and delivered (we had ordered when we arrived at the beach, so they could have it ready at 1 p.m.). We enjoyed our meal and fellowship and headed back for the beach.
The waves seemed to be more fierce. I prayed for safety for everyone and watched with caution as some played in the water. I decided, for my own sanity, that I would watch by the waters edge. The waves were tossing them around like rag dolls and so I continued to pray. I saw some get slammed into the shore line, get up with confusion and then a grin, and head back out for more of a beating. It didn't make allot of sense to me, but I continued to pray silently in my head and watch.
While they played in the water, others were on the beach haggling with the merchandisers for the best bargain. We decided that the water was getting too rough and so we headed up to join the hagglers. I was thankful for that. Although it was enjoyable to watch them have fun playing in the water, I was glad they were done and had remained safe. Shopping time was about over, so we decided to get packed up to head home. That took a good 30 minutes or so and we all met out at the vehicle.
Packed into two vehicles like loose sardines, we headed down the road. In our vehicle, we enjoyed small talk. In the vehicle in front of me, I am told they were doing the same along with some singing. We talked about driving in Haiti, and we talked about the good time we had just had, and we talked about the fact that I must not have been paying close attention to Kevin and his vehicle because I didn't notice when we weren't behind him any more. I was thankful I knew the way home and that it wasn't that important that Kevin was further ahead of me.
Next thing I know, we were traveling through a small town called Source Matelas, and my phone rang....
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Visitors For Christmas
How many of you are having company over the Christmas season? How many of you are going to be company over the Christmas season? If you are going to be someones company or have company over, be thankful. God has placed people into our lives to minister to us and to allow us to minister to them. When I say "our" I mean you and me...
Who does the Lord want you to minister to this Christmas season? Today? Tomorrow? How does HE want you and me to minister to these individuals? Why does HE want us to minister to people? I may not know who to minister to ahead of time, I may not know how to minister to them ahead of time, but I do know why HE wants us to minister...because HE loves us and HE wants us to love others and show HIS love through us to others.
My mom, Lynn, and my nephews, James and Zachary, are coming to Haiti for Christmas. They will be flying in on December 22nd. Please pray for a safe flight and the peace of God to be upon them and upon this trip.
May you each enjoy the holiday season and you know, it doesn't have to end on January 3rd when most go back to work and school. Enjoy this upcoming year. May the Lord pour down His love upon each of you and may He bless you greatly. I pray that we will each grow in our relationship with Him and with one another. I pray that He will be glorified in our thoughts and actions and that He gives us clear direction in the path He chooses for us to take.
Who does the Lord want you to minister to this Christmas season? Today? Tomorrow? How does HE want you and me to minister to these individuals? Why does HE want us to minister to people? I may not know who to minister to ahead of time, I may not know how to minister to them ahead of time, but I do know why HE wants us to minister...because HE loves us and HE wants us to love others and show HIS love through us to others.
My mom, Lynn, and my nephews, James and Zachary, are coming to Haiti for Christmas. They will be flying in on December 22nd. Please pray for a safe flight and the peace of God to be upon them and upon this trip.
May you each enjoy the holiday season and you know, it doesn't have to end on January 3rd when most go back to work and school. Enjoy this upcoming year. May the Lord pour down His love upon each of you and may He bless you greatly. I pray that we will each grow in our relationship with Him and with one another. I pray that He will be glorified in our thoughts and actions and that He gives us clear direction in the path He chooses for us to take.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Work Fellowship Team
We had a team arrive on December 15th from New Work Fellowship (NWF) in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. This church is our sending church to the mission field and Haiti. Needless to say, we were very excited to see them. The night before their arrival in Haiti, Global Outreach Haiti Team was called together for a meeting. We had gotten word that riots would begin again Monday, December 20th. The reason for the riots was going to be the announcement of the recount from the Presidential Election that was held on November 28th. The people believed that the count was corrupt, so they wanted a recount of the votes. Word on the street was that riots we going to start back up and that the airport may be closed down (again) for safety purposes.We contacted NWF team leader to inform them of the possibility of their return flight to the U.S. being postponed if the airports we shut down. This could mean that they would not make it back home for CHRISTmas. We asked them if they still wanted to come. Needless to say, they came. PTL!
We have enjoyed working alongside them in ministering to the people of Haiti. They have 11 team members. They have been working on well-drilling and repair, working in the burn/wound clinic, and maintenance on the GO Haiti property. They also had the opportunity to show the Jesus Film two different nights in two different areas of Haiti. What a blessing.
Maintenance on the GO Haiti property has included: replacing the wood on the galleria (or sun porch as Willis calls it), cleaning out trailers that included dancing with roaches and mice stomping (yuck), fixing the Bruns' water heater, and putting lights on the Bruns' galleria.
We spent Saturday morning packing around 400 backpacks and other bags with toys, toiletries, and candy. These bags are going to be passed out at our Gran Moun (Old People) Feeding Program on Monday morning and at the morning and afternoon school in TiTanyen on Wednesday morning. I love seeing the faces on the people who receive gift bags. You know, it seems weird in America to give someone toothpaste and soap for a CHRISTmas gift, but here it is a joy and blessing to receive.
Saturday also included collecting large rocks from the property to aid in the construction of the addition to the clinic. Although we don't have the manpower or experience to pour the foundation to the clinic while the team is here (our men are on vacation for the next two weeks), I appreciate their willingness to help gather the supplies needed to begin again in January. Also, we had a group help in clearing the edge of part of our property. We have to plow a fire break along the edge of the property during dry season to help keep our property from catching fire. Wild fires, or controlled burnings gone wild, are one of our dry season hazards.To say the least, this team has been willing to do whatever was asked of them and I thank them for their willingness to serve.
On a side note - never eat green eggs unless they are dyed that way on purpose.....for those that know Willis, ask him about this. Please keep NWF in your prayers, they are raising money for more wells in Haiti and the group travels back to the states on Wednesday - may HE give them a safe and smooth trip home.
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| Potable Drinking Water - What an AMAZING CHRISTmas Gift! |
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving (Late)
It has been a blessed Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I pray this finds you well. As I reflect back over this past year....it makes me exhausted to just think about it.
We have so many things to be thankful for, I'd like to take this time to list some of those things...
We have so many things to be thankful for, I'd like to take this time to list some of those things...
- Salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Survived our first year in Haiti and adjusting pretty well.
- Experienced a major earthquake.
- Lived through an earthquake and able to minister to those around us in the process.
- Prayed with many and for many throughout this past year.
- Breath of life and good health.
- Wonderful family and friends.
- Roof over our heads, food to eat, and good water to drink.
- Survived and healed wonderfully from gallbladder surgery.
- Financing for surgery - it was neat to see God work it out.
- Enjoyed furlough.
- Jessica's confirmation of Salvation.
- Learning Haitian Creole - slowly, but surely.
- So many have been sick, God has healed many and continues to heal others.
- So many have gone to be with HIM in heaven. We continue to pray for these family and friends.
- The trials of life. Although they are not fun most of the time, they are allowed by the Lord.
- Surviving homeschooling and I think the children are learning something.
- Protection when needed.
- Guidance from the Lord.
- A relationship with Jesus Christ.
There are many more things to list, but I will just give you the first 20 that popped into my head. It is now a week after Thanksgiving and I am just now getting this posted. God is good and perfect. Love y'all.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
God Didn't Give Up On Us
I just got done reading an article about Cholera in Haiti. What it's doing. How many have been effected. The path that it is probably going to take. The way I see it is....it could be much worse but, as I read the comments of some people that posted, I was saddened.
No hope for Haiti, why try to help, they should have stayed a slave nation, all the money in the world could not help Haiti, just give up, it's just a nation full of trash anyway....
Well, that is how some human minds deal with Haiti. That is not how I see it at all. All of us could have been born in Haiti. We didn't have a choice as to where we were born, or how we were raised, but God knew ahead of time. He loves those who live in the U.S. and Haiti just the same. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our (yours, mine, everyone before me, and everyone after me) sin. Sin is sin, no matter how big or how small.
Why do we as humans feel the need to blame someone for the problems of the world? Why do we feel like we can fix all the problems in the world? Why do we feel like, when problems have difficulty being fixed, we should just give up?
Jesus Christ did not give up on me or anyone else in this world. Why do we give up on others? It made me angry to read those comments. Yes, there are problems here in Haiti, but there are problems everywhere. Some are just kept secret better.
What problems do you feel like you have in your own life? Are you perfect? Am I perfect? As I shared with a friend the other day, I often pray, "Lord, help me to be as much like Jesus Christ as a sinner possibly can." I have been saved by the blood of the Lamb. I am an heir to the thrown. God loves me and He love you. He loves me as much today - with all of my filth and unfaithfulness - as He did the day I was conceived, the day I was born, and even before I was conceived. Wow!
Don't give up. Don't give up on your family. Don't give up on your friends. Don't give up on your pastor. Don't give up on your spouse. Don't give up on your church. Just don't give up. He didn't give up on us and He has our best interest at heart. Stop trying to figure it all out - and I am talking to myself here especially - and walk with Him. Close your eyes and just follow His lead. Trust Him enough to let go of the daily and let Jesus Christ lead you through life - all of it, not just the selected parts.
He loves you and I love you.
Back to the Cholera Outbreak...
Cases of Cholera patients are slowing down. Praise the Lord! That doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet, so please, keep praying. We have a friend in for the Thanksgiving weekend. He has volunteered to help out in a Cholera Clinic here in Haiti. What a blessing! Pray that the people's hearts will be willing to listen to instruction from reliable sources and take precautions as needed to protect themselves and others from this deadly bacteria.
He is able....
No hope for Haiti, why try to help, they should have stayed a slave nation, all the money in the world could not help Haiti, just give up, it's just a nation full of trash anyway....
Well, that is how some human minds deal with Haiti. That is not how I see it at all. All of us could have been born in Haiti. We didn't have a choice as to where we were born, or how we were raised, but God knew ahead of time. He loves those who live in the U.S. and Haiti just the same. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our (yours, mine, everyone before me, and everyone after me) sin. Sin is sin, no matter how big or how small.
Why do we as humans feel the need to blame someone for the problems of the world? Why do we feel like we can fix all the problems in the world? Why do we feel like, when problems have difficulty being fixed, we should just give up?
Jesus Christ did not give up on me or anyone else in this world. Why do we give up on others? It made me angry to read those comments. Yes, there are problems here in Haiti, but there are problems everywhere. Some are just kept secret better.
What problems do you feel like you have in your own life? Are you perfect? Am I perfect? As I shared with a friend the other day, I often pray, "Lord, help me to be as much like Jesus Christ as a sinner possibly can." I have been saved by the blood of the Lamb. I am an heir to the thrown. God loves me and He love you. He loves me as much today - with all of my filth and unfaithfulness - as He did the day I was conceived, the day I was born, and even before I was conceived. Wow!
Don't give up. Don't give up on your family. Don't give up on your friends. Don't give up on your pastor. Don't give up on your spouse. Don't give up on your church. Just don't give up. He didn't give up on us and He has our best interest at heart. Stop trying to figure it all out - and I am talking to myself here especially - and walk with Him. Close your eyes and just follow His lead. Trust Him enough to let go of the daily and let Jesus Christ lead you through life - all of it, not just the selected parts.
He loves you and I love you.
Back to the Cholera Outbreak...
Cases of Cholera patients are slowing down. Praise the Lord! That doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet, so please, keep praying. We have a friend in for the Thanksgiving weekend. He has volunteered to help out in a Cholera Clinic here in Haiti. What a blessing! Pray that the people's hearts will be willing to listen to instruction from reliable sources and take precautions as needed to protect themselves and others from this deadly bacteria.
He is able....
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Night Shift
Samaritan's Purse (SP) and the Haitian Academy needed a nurse Saturday to pull night shift with the Cholera patients that came from a nearby village. I was willing. I told Dr. Vlad (the Haitian doctor who came to ask if I would work), I am out of practice on initiating an IV, but I can clean poop and change IV fluids till the cows come home...
That is what I did, cleaned poop (allot of it) and kept an eye on IV fluids and IV sites. SP made these really cool beds with a hole cut out so, with a bucket underneath the bed, the patients don't have to travel anywhere to potty. Love it. It worked much better than the bed pan thing.
We started with three patients, one went home before 9 p.m. (didn't have cholera - just diarrhea), and another came in about 8:30 a.m. He was so weak it took two men to carry him. By the grace of God we got his IV going on the first try and started his antibiotics soon there after.
It was a blessing to be able to help. I also realized that I missed the night shift (slightly). I left there about 9:10 a.m. and walked home. I threw all of my clothes and shoes in the washer with bleach and soap, showered and was off to bed to sleep for a few hours. Fortunately, the sky was cloudy and it wasn't hot in the room, so I slept like a baby. Thanks Lord for the cooler weather.
That is what I did, cleaned poop (allot of it) and kept an eye on IV fluids and IV sites. SP made these really cool beds with a hole cut out so, with a bucket underneath the bed, the patients don't have to travel anywhere to potty. Love it. It worked much better than the bed pan thing.
We started with three patients, one went home before 9 p.m. (didn't have cholera - just diarrhea), and another came in about 8:30 a.m. He was so weak it took two men to carry him. By the grace of God we got his IV going on the first try and started his antibiotics soon there after.
It was a blessing to be able to help. I also realized that I missed the night shift (slightly). I left there about 9:10 a.m. and walked home. I threw all of my clothes and shoes in the washer with bleach and soap, showered and was off to bed to sleep for a few hours. Fortunately, the sky was cloudy and it wasn't hot in the room, so I slept like a baby. Thanks Lord for the cooler weather.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Jessica's News
As a mom and Christian, I should be beat for not sharing this news sooner...
As many of you know, Jessica is our 11 (almost 12) year old daughter. You may also know that she prayed in 2004 to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was five at the time. After this, it was her desire to be baptized and she followed through with that at New Work Fellowship in Hopkinsville, KY.
Jessi has questioned her salvation for the past months, about three months actually. I asked her to pray about it and that I would be praying with her and for her in this time of uncertainty.
Jessi came home from a youth lock-in in Port-au-Prince last Monday with some new news...
She said she hadn't been sure of her salvation and so she prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Praise the Lord! I am glad that she has peace about her salvation, finally. She wanted to be sure to accept the free gift of salvation, she wanted to be a Christian, and live for Jesus.
It is my desire as her mom to be a better leader and teacher of the Word for her. It is also my desire to be a better example of a Christian living a life fully devoted to our Lord and Savior. I pray that she is surrounded by Christians who are good examples for her and a good encourager toward her.
Please keep her in your prayers, as well as all of us, as we grow in a right relationship with the Lord.
As many of you know, Jessica is our 11 (almost 12) year old daughter. You may also know that she prayed in 2004 to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was five at the time. After this, it was her desire to be baptized and she followed through with that at New Work Fellowship in Hopkinsville, KY.
Jessi has questioned her salvation for the past months, about three months actually. I asked her to pray about it and that I would be praying with her and for her in this time of uncertainty.
Jessi came home from a youth lock-in in Port-au-Prince last Monday with some new news...
She said she hadn't been sure of her salvation and so she prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Praise the Lord! I am glad that she has peace about her salvation, finally. She wanted to be sure to accept the free gift of salvation, she wanted to be a Christian, and live for Jesus.
It is my desire as her mom to be a better leader and teacher of the Word for her. It is also my desire to be a better example of a Christian living a life fully devoted to our Lord and Savior. I pray that she is surrounded by Christians who are good examples for her and a good encourager toward her.
Please keep her in your prayers, as well as all of us, as we grow in a right relationship with the Lord.
Tomas Has Passed
Hurricane Tomas has passed by Haiti. Although there have been some deaths reported due to flooding, I praise the Lord that He moved the storm far to the West and so, besides causing the storm to disappear, it moved to the path of least damage for Haiti. Thank you God!
We had some wind, wind gusts, and some rain, but by the grace of God, there were only a few tree limbs down on Global's property. We enjoyed the cooler weather, although we did it with sweat shirts on. It got down to about mid 70's and it felt pretty chilly.
Kevin went for a drive to see how things were in the surrounding areas. TiTanyen, the town where we live, was still having market.
I was told by Samaritan's Purse last night that the Haitian Academy, on our same driveway, now has 5 children there that are in pretty bad shape from Cholera. Please pray for this devastating illness to not have a stronghold on Haiti and that God would be glorified through these situations.
We had some wind, wind gusts, and some rain, but by the grace of God, there were only a few tree limbs down on Global's property. We enjoyed the cooler weather, although we did it with sweat shirts on. It got down to about mid 70's and it felt pretty chilly.
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| Before Hurricane Tomas |
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| During Hurricane Tomas |
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| Market during Hurricane Tomas |
The sunset was beautiful after the storm passed. Thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement.
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| Isn't it Beautiful |
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| Sunset after the Hurricane |
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Earthquakes, Cholera, Hurricanes, Elections...
It seems to me that the Lord is just wanting us to draw close to Him. January 12, 2010 an earthquake devastates Haiti. October 21, 2010 a deadly illness called Cholera kills hundreds and causes sickness upon thousands. Now, they say a hurricane is slowly approaching Haiti.
Sometimes it makes me tired just to think about it. Possibly another blow for the people of Haiti to endure and I have only lived here for 16 months. I can only imagine how the people who have lived here there whole life must feel. I know there have been other tragedies, but I guess on the upside is there haven't been earthquakes to live or die through and they haven't been hit hard by deadly disease (that I am aware of).
What we need is prayer. To rely on the Lord, because He knows what is best for us and He desires the best for us. We (our family) are missionaries in a country far from our home, friends, family, and comforts that we are use to. Now, I don't know about you but, in my mind, before I became a missionary or ever thought we would become missionaries, those people where suppose to be closer to God. Their prayer life was strong, they spent hours in the Word of God, and they walked with God - hand in hand just like Adam and Eve did the the Garden.
I don't feel like that today. I feel as though I haven't made God a priority in my life. I try, but the activities of life, mission work, and family, seem to take over. Let me dream with you for a minute on how I would imagine my day going...
Is this how your day goes? Well, it's not how mine goes. The alarm goes off at 5 a.m. I lay in bed talking to the Lord, in and out of sleep for the next hour or so. I finally rise sometime around 6 a.m. (or 6:30 on a bad day). Grab a cup of coffee, try to talk with God as I go. Occasionally sit to read my Bible. Greet my husband (most of the time) and then off to shower and get ready for the day. Wake the children, give instructions to them, and then out the door to clinic, usually 5 minutes later than I wanted to leave. Enjoy the 45 second drive to clinic. Think to myself that I should have walked - it would have been better for me. Get frustrated that if I had left when I planned, I would have had time to walk. Then, remember that the Lord allows me the privilege to minister through nursing....put a smile on my face and walk into the clinic and greet those that are waiting at the door to come in (or already in cause Sheryl has made it there before me).
I enjoy ministering at the clinic. It is a highlight of my day. I enjoy nursing and helping people. I enjoy encouraging them and watching the healing process. Knowing that healing only comes from God, I am encouraged. My God loves me and desires the best for me. He also desires a deeper relationship than I am pursuing. Forgive me Lord.
I guess I am rambling...but you know what is on my heart now...
Cholera is still here, still affecting lives in Haiti. I am not sure of the death toll, but know it is greater than 300 and the number of ill has exceeded 4,000 people. A hurricane is on the way. Projected to be here by Friday. Thousands of people still live in tents from the earthquake destruction. Right now the weather is suppose to be slow moving which means allot of rain will/could be dumped on Haiti and the wind is suppose to be around 90 to 100 mph.
I can not imagine being a mom, living in a tent, and the rain pouring all around and into my tent. I can't imagine my children being cold and wet and I can't imagine them being hungry. My heart is heavy for Haiti. Please pray with us. God is able to move this storm or cause it to dissipate. Pray His perfect will be done!
I mentioned "elections" in the title - we'll have to talk about that later, but please be in prayer, not only for your government, but for the elections here in Haiti. People tend to riot, protest, and cause trouble during election time.
Sometimes it makes me tired just to think about it. Possibly another blow for the people of Haiti to endure and I have only lived here for 16 months. I can only imagine how the people who have lived here there whole life must feel. I know there have been other tragedies, but I guess on the upside is there haven't been earthquakes to live or die through and they haven't been hit hard by deadly disease (that I am aware of).
What we need is prayer. To rely on the Lord, because He knows what is best for us and He desires the best for us. We (our family) are missionaries in a country far from our home, friends, family, and comforts that we are use to. Now, I don't know about you but, in my mind, before I became a missionary or ever thought we would become missionaries, those people where suppose to be closer to God. Their prayer life was strong, they spent hours in the Word of God, and they walked with God - hand in hand just like Adam and Eve did the the Garden.
I don't feel like that today. I feel as though I haven't made God a priority in my life. I try, but the activities of life, mission work, and family, seem to take over. Let me dream with you for a minute on how I would imagine my day going...
I wake up, talk with God as I lay in bed, and then finally rise. Enjoy a cup of coffee that my husband has already prepared (he actually does this for me already) and sit down with my Bible, pen or pencil, paper, and God. God and I then communicate, converse, listen, instruct (on His part), and be obedient (on my part). This could go on for a hour or for many hours. Just me and God. Hand in hand, enjoying one another's company.
In this image, my husband and children do the same. Well, maybe not the coffee for the children. Then, after we have been filled and have received instruction, strength, and power from the Lord - we are off ministering and witnessing for HIM! Not in and of ourselves, but of God alone. When this is done by HIM, He receives the glory, as it should be in every instance of service for the Lord.
Is this how your day goes? Well, it's not how mine goes. The alarm goes off at 5 a.m. I lay in bed talking to the Lord, in and out of sleep for the next hour or so. I finally rise sometime around 6 a.m. (or 6:30 on a bad day). Grab a cup of coffee, try to talk with God as I go. Occasionally sit to read my Bible. Greet my husband (most of the time) and then off to shower and get ready for the day. Wake the children, give instructions to them, and then out the door to clinic, usually 5 minutes later than I wanted to leave. Enjoy the 45 second drive to clinic. Think to myself that I should have walked - it would have been better for me. Get frustrated that if I had left when I planned, I would have had time to walk. Then, remember that the Lord allows me the privilege to minister through nursing....put a smile on my face and walk into the clinic and greet those that are waiting at the door to come in (or already in cause Sheryl has made it there before me).
I enjoy ministering at the clinic. It is a highlight of my day. I enjoy nursing and helping people. I enjoy encouraging them and watching the healing process. Knowing that healing only comes from God, I am encouraged. My God loves me and desires the best for me. He also desires a deeper relationship than I am pursuing. Forgive me Lord.
I guess I am rambling...but you know what is on my heart now...
Cholera is still here, still affecting lives in Haiti. I am not sure of the death toll, but know it is greater than 300 and the number of ill has exceeded 4,000 people. A hurricane is on the way. Projected to be here by Friday. Thousands of people still live in tents from the earthquake destruction. Right now the weather is suppose to be slow moving which means allot of rain will/could be dumped on Haiti and the wind is suppose to be around 90 to 100 mph.
I can not imagine being a mom, living in a tent, and the rain pouring all around and into my tent. I can't imagine my children being cold and wet and I can't imagine them being hungry. My heart is heavy for Haiti. Please pray with us. God is able to move this storm or cause it to dissipate. Pray His perfect will be done!
I mentioned "elections" in the title - we'll have to talk about that later, but please be in prayer, not only for your government, but for the elections here in Haiti. People tend to riot, protest, and cause trouble during election time.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Calm before...
The Cholera outbreak here in Haiti is slowing down. We are enjoying the calming state that this illness is in. I was told today that usually with Cholera, there is a decline in cases and then a spike again. I pray that there is no spike this time. I pray this time is different. You know, Haiti is different from most countries (in my opinion) and so I pray that it is different in this case and there will not be another spike in this illness.
I have also been told that you cannot get rid of Cholera in the rivers. Haiti will need to learn to live with Cholera in its water source. That means that the hygiene practices we are teaching need to become a way of life for everyone. Please pray that the people here would take hold of that and adjust quickly. I have also been told that the body can build an immunity to Cholera. Pray that this will happen quickly for the people.
Haiti is able to over come this obstacle and survive this illness. I truly believe this. I believe that God is able to show favor upon the nation and rescue us from Cholera. That is my pray in conjunction with God being glorified in this. I pray nothing or no one takes the glory from God.
Saying all of that brings me to our family situation. I don't believe, at this time, we will try and take the family out of Haiti. Cholera will need to become a way of life, not only for the Haitian people, but also for those of us that choose to live here. Now, if the situation changes, we may reevaluate our plan.
The children seem to be okay with this. Kali had been complaining of some belly pain (I think due to stress), but she told me today that her belly hasn't hurt at all today. PTL! I can remember when I was a child, going through tests and having to drink Maalox often to help with a sensitive stomach. Yuck, but I also know that I have learned to deal with some stressors of life - with the Lord's help. I pray this also for Kali and the rest of our family, that we learn to deal with the stressors of life in a positive way and allow the Lord to be our strength, wisdom, and source.
We take little things in life for granted like running water and flushing toilets. This is where our problem in Haiti comes in. Running water is often the river and flushing toilets are often a bucket or a hole in the ground (although we have seen it just about everywhere). Cholera is transferred through water, feces, and flies. Pray we can teach better practices without freaking people out and causing panic.
We love you all. God bless.
I have also been told that you cannot get rid of Cholera in the rivers. Haiti will need to learn to live with Cholera in its water source. That means that the hygiene practices we are teaching need to become a way of life for everyone. Please pray that the people here would take hold of that and adjust quickly. I have also been told that the body can build an immunity to Cholera. Pray that this will happen quickly for the people.
Haiti is able to over come this obstacle and survive this illness. I truly believe this. I believe that God is able to show favor upon the nation and rescue us from Cholera. That is my pray in conjunction with God being glorified in this. I pray nothing or no one takes the glory from God.
Saying all of that brings me to our family situation. I don't believe, at this time, we will try and take the family out of Haiti. Cholera will need to become a way of life, not only for the Haitian people, but also for those of us that choose to live here. Now, if the situation changes, we may reevaluate our plan.
The children seem to be okay with this. Kali had been complaining of some belly pain (I think due to stress), but she told me today that her belly hasn't hurt at all today. PTL! I can remember when I was a child, going through tests and having to drink Maalox often to help with a sensitive stomach. Yuck, but I also know that I have learned to deal with some stressors of life - with the Lord's help. I pray this also for Kali and the rest of our family, that we learn to deal with the stressors of life in a positive way and allow the Lord to be our strength, wisdom, and source.
We take little things in life for granted like running water and flushing toilets. This is where our problem in Haiti comes in. Running water is often the river and flushing toilets are often a bucket or a hole in the ground (although we have seen it just about everywhere). Cholera is transferred through water, feces, and flies. Pray we can teach better practices without freaking people out and causing panic.
We love you all. God bless.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Contamination is Moving Closer
If you have not read the previous blog.... read it first, then come back to this one.
There are many organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and people working together in Haiti to combat the bacteria that is infecting Haiti - Cholera. You know we (Kevin and I) have expressed concern for our children's safety.
Bad news is the town about 15 miles from us, Arcahaie, now has a contaminated river. The bacteria is getting closer to us in the water supply. The good news is, we have spoken to the epidemiologist doctor that came in with Samaritan's Purse (SP) and he seems to think there is no need to evacuate our children at this time. From what I understand, this doctor has worked with Cholera for over 30 years, all around the world. He also said that because we have deep water wells (over 50 ft.) here on our property an we chlorinate our water, he is not concerned about our water becoming contaminated. PTL!
However, I have been in brainstorming meetings all morning with SP and I am concerned a little. My concern is not that our water source will be contaminated, but that flies can also carry this disease from one spot to another and I don't want to put them at risk.
Keep praying for us for wisdom and discernment. We want to be wise and not overlook our currently safe situation until it is too late and someone becomes ill. God bless and have a great Sunday worshipping our Lord corporately. We love you all.
There are many organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and people working together in Haiti to combat the bacteria that is infecting Haiti - Cholera. You know we (Kevin and I) have expressed concern for our children's safety.
Bad news is the town about 15 miles from us, Arcahaie, now has a contaminated river. The bacteria is getting closer to us in the water supply. The good news is, we have spoken to the epidemiologist doctor that came in with Samaritan's Purse (SP) and he seems to think there is no need to evacuate our children at this time. From what I understand, this doctor has worked with Cholera for over 30 years, all around the world. He also said that because we have deep water wells (over 50 ft.) here on our property an we chlorinate our water, he is not concerned about our water becoming contaminated. PTL!
However, I have been in brainstorming meetings all morning with SP and I am concerned a little. My concern is not that our water source will be contaminated, but that flies can also carry this disease from one spot to another and I don't want to put them at risk.
Keep praying for us for wisdom and discernment. We want to be wise and not overlook our currently safe situation until it is too late and someone becomes ill. God bless and have a great Sunday worshipping our Lord corporately. We love you all.
Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
A Cholera outbreak has come to Haiti. Cholera is a water-borne bacteria and if it goes untreated, can kill its victims in a matter of a few hours to a few days. It moves quickly and the cause of death is dehydration from copious amounts of watery diarrhea and vomiting and/or electrolyte imbalance.
Haiti has not had a problem with Cholera in 50 years. It chose now to come and trample through an already devastated nation. Over 2,600 people have confirmed cases of Cholera and at least 208 people have died as a result of this bacteria.
As many of you know, we (Global Outreach Haiti) have had a team of five here from Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate, TN. They had to leave early due to the unpredictability of this illness. There were talks of - if the illness reached Port-au-Prince(PAP), the country may have to shut down the airport. We were told that the border to the Dominican has already been shut down. We did not want the team stuck here in Haiti for an unforeseen amount of time, so they left early.
Samaritan's Purse helped organize a flight out of PAP to Cap Haitien, which is on the northern side of the island. The team then caught another flight, a DC 3 (I think) in to West Palm Beach, Florida. They are overnighting there and will work on returning to Atlanta, GA and then to Harrogate, TN, tomorrow. From what I understand, which isn't much, they have had a long day of traveling and arrived around 9 p.m. tonight. PTL they arrived safely.
We are taking the necessary precautions to combat Cholera. We are informing those who come to the clinic of the precautions they need to be taking in order to be proactive in this fight. We are praying for this to be contained and eradicated quickly. If at any time we feel like our children are in danger, we will seek to get them out of the country and on to safer ground in the U.S.
Pray with us that we will have the wisdom and discernment to know what to do and when to do it. Our desire is to glorify God in all we do and plant the seed of the Gospel as we minister to those around us.
Also, pray for the people of Haiti and the people in Haiti. I know that Haiti may not be dear to your heart like it is mine, but I ask that you try and remember, make yourself a note, to pray daily for these things. I know that our (and your) prayer lists grow daily, but I also know that the Lord wants to hear our petitions. Please pray for these needs.
Haiti has not had a problem with Cholera in 50 years. It chose now to come and trample through an already devastated nation. Over 2,600 people have confirmed cases of Cholera and at least 208 people have died as a result of this bacteria.
As many of you know, we (Global Outreach Haiti) have had a team of five here from Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate, TN. They had to leave early due to the unpredictability of this illness. There were talks of - if the illness reached Port-au-Prince(PAP), the country may have to shut down the airport. We were told that the border to the Dominican has already been shut down. We did not want the team stuck here in Haiti for an unforeseen amount of time, so they left early.
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| PSBC Team along with the Bruns Family and Sheryl Brumley |
Samaritan's Purse helped organize a flight out of PAP to Cap Haitien, which is on the northern side of the island. The team then caught another flight, a DC 3 (I think) in to West Palm Beach, Florida. They are overnighting there and will work on returning to Atlanta, GA and then to Harrogate, TN, tomorrow. From what I understand, which isn't much, they have had a long day of traveling and arrived around 9 p.m. tonight. PTL they arrived safely.
We are taking the necessary precautions to combat Cholera. We are informing those who come to the clinic of the precautions they need to be taking in order to be proactive in this fight. We are praying for this to be contained and eradicated quickly. If at any time we feel like our children are in danger, we will seek to get them out of the country and on to safer ground in the U.S.
Pray with us that we will have the wisdom and discernment to know what to do and when to do it. Our desire is to glorify God in all we do and plant the seed of the Gospel as we minister to those around us.
Also, pray for the people of Haiti and the people in Haiti. I know that Haiti may not be dear to your heart like it is mine, but I ask that you try and remember, make yourself a note, to pray daily for these things. I know that our (and your) prayer lists grow daily, but I also know that the Lord wants to hear our petitions. Please pray for these needs.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Painting With PSBC
The team from Pump Springs Baptist Church painted yesterday in TiTanyen. Since shortly after the earthquake, with the generous givings of some in the U.S., Global Outreach has been constructing concrete and block homes for some in the village. We are now on number ? and we had a few that still needed paint.
Yesterday, PSBC helped paint. It was a hot day, but could have been allot worse. We were blessed with some cloud coverage and a slight breeze. The house that we began to paint yesterday, is almost finished. All will return today to finish up.
To have these homes sit empty until they can be painted seems sad. So, I am thankful for teams that come and are able to help paint them, so we can move a family in.
Yesterday afternoon, we went to a Bible study were Ian, from PSBC, shared his testimony. It was such a blessing to hear how God has and is working in his life. Many commented on how people stopped on the other side of the fence and listened in as Ian was sharing and Michael, a Haitian young man, was translating. Keep spreadin' the Good New!
To have these homes sit empty until they can be painted seems sad. So, I am thankful for teams that come and are able to help paint them, so we can move a family in.
Yesterday afternoon, we went to a Bible study were Ian, from PSBC, shared his testimony. It was such a blessing to hear how God has and is working in his life. Many commented on how people stopped on the other side of the fence and listened in as Ian was sharing and Michael, a Haitian young man, was translating. Keep spreadin' the Good New!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
PSBC
The team from Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate, TN arrived safely to our compound by noon today. PTL! They are a team of five; Pastor Scott, David, Ian, Sherry M., and Sheri S. They will be here for one week.
The team brought in, unpacked, and sorted much needed supplies today. They brought in medical supplies, engine parts/supplies, hygiene packs, computer parts, and Powerade. Thank you to all who donated supplies for this trip. I pray the Lord's blessing upon you for your contribution to the ministry here in Haiti.
God bless.
The team brought in, unpacked, and sorted much needed supplies today. They brought in medical supplies, engine parts/supplies, hygiene packs, computer parts, and Powerade. Thank you to all who donated supplies for this trip. I pray the Lord's blessing upon you for your contribution to the ministry here in Haiti.
God bless.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
School in Haiti
School in Haiti should be in full swing by now. Most Haitian schools began October 4th, but some waited until October 11th to begin. Either way, all children that have the funding to go to school should have begun by now.
School is not free, like you may think it is. It is amazing how a 3rd - or 5th as some would say - world country have to pay for so many things. It almost seems unfair, then you really think about it. They don't have government programs to help with funding the schools. Teachers have to be paid, books and supplies have to be bought, and maintenance and upkeep have to take place. Where does this money come from? Well, that is why they charge each student a fee to go to school.
Now, I am a supporter of uniforms. I believe it helps level the playing field of the students. There are already so many other obstacles for children and teens to overcome, that I say, "Yes," to uniforms. The down side to that is - so does Haiti. So, children not only have to pay for school fees, and some books, but they also have to buy their uniforms. Now, they look very nice heading to school and when you peek into a classroom, the students look very professional sitting there (yes, even the little 3 & 4 year olds), but this can be a hurdle for some families to overcome. I said "some," but I should have said "most."
Fortunately, many have committed to provide aid for those who are not able to afford the expenses. Many missionaries and organizations throughout Haiti help children and teens (and often young adults) go to school. They work on raising the awareness of the situation around the globe. Global Outreach has not overlooked this need. We do have a sponsorship program to help the local children and teens in our area. The normal sponsored amount is $200 a year per person. This amount usually helps pay for all of the child's fees for the younger children and supplements the older children's expenses to help make it possible for them obtain an education.
If you are interested in helping in this area, please feel free to contact us. Also, we request your prayers for the children/teens attending school, for the teachers, aides, and staff of each school, and for the families of all. May the Lord bless Haiti's people and the work being done here and may HE get the glory.
School is not free, like you may think it is. It is amazing how a 3rd - or 5th as some would say - world country have to pay for so many things. It almost seems unfair, then you really think about it. They don't have government programs to help with funding the schools. Teachers have to be paid, books and supplies have to be bought, and maintenance and upkeep have to take place. Where does this money come from? Well, that is why they charge each student a fee to go to school.
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| The blan (white people) have interrupted class - yet again, but look at those smiles - aren't they great! |
Now, I am a supporter of uniforms. I believe it helps level the playing field of the students. There are already so many other obstacles for children and teens to overcome, that I say, "Yes," to uniforms. The down side to that is - so does Haiti. So, children not only have to pay for school fees, and some books, but they also have to buy their uniforms. Now, they look very nice heading to school and when you peek into a classroom, the students look very professional sitting there (yes, even the little 3 & 4 year olds), but this can be a hurdle for some families to overcome. I said "some," but I should have said "most."
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| We were doing a hat distribution - it helps when you are walking to school each morning or afternoon. |
Fortunately, many have committed to provide aid for those who are not able to afford the expenses. Many missionaries and organizations throughout Haiti help children and teens (and often young adults) go to school. They work on raising the awareness of the situation around the globe. Global Outreach has not overlooked this need. We do have a sponsorship program to help the local children and teens in our area. The normal sponsored amount is $200 a year per person. This amount usually helps pay for all of the child's fees for the younger children and supplements the older children's expenses to help make it possible for them obtain an education.
If you are interested in helping in this area, please feel free to contact us. Also, we request your prayers for the children/teens attending school, for the teachers, aides, and staff of each school, and for the families of all. May the Lord bless Haiti's people and the work being done here and may HE get the glory.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Brain Dead
Have you ever felt brain dead? I mean, have you ever had times in your life when it seemed you could not remember anything? That is how I feel these days. I think homeschooling this year is trying to do me in.
I have come to the realization that the Lord has given me two main mission fields. The first is my family. How would the Lord have me to minister to my husband and my children? Now, I know I said "my" and technically they are HIS, but you know what I mean... I often find this mission field the most challenging. Some things in life you can walk away from at the end of the day. Family is still there. For that, I am thankful and also exhausted.
The second mission field is the world around me and right now that is in Haiti. Now I could say the Haitian people, but I don't believe it stops there. It is anyone and everyone I come in contact with at any given time. I am to be open to minister to that person or persons as God sees fit. Now this seems to be the part where I have trouble. "God what would you have me to do, what would you have me to say, how would you have me to act or react?" These are the questions I need to be continually seeking the answer to.
Back to my family...
Home schooling my children this year has been a challenge. First, we struggled with being able to connect to the internet and stay connected. We got that worked out. Then we struggled with the new curriculum. It seems to be harder than last year's curriculum. "Taking notes...what's that...how do I do that...what do you mean I'm not working up to my potential?" These were all questions coming from my crew.
This year we have a 9th grader - Skyla, an 8th grader - Kali, a 6th grader - Jessica, and a 5th grader - Josiah. Most of the kinks are worked out for right now as far as their curriculum goes. We were blessed earlier in the year with donated laptops for the family and this has helped in the schooling process. As I walk into our home after clinic each morning, I see four computers up and running...except this past Friday.
Here were the events of last Friday...
I wake up, fall into my morning routine, eventually get in the shower and work toward getting to the clinic by 7:30 a.m. While in the shower, the power goes out...time to switch the generator over. This is done every 4 or 5 days - perks to living in Haiti with no public electricity. I finish getting ready for the day and I head out to check the computer, you see, they weren't turned off before we lost power and computers don't like the sudden loss of electricity. Jessi's laptop usually has trouble coming back on after an experience like that, so I head to hers first. It comes on nicely - PTL. Josiah has our old desktop and his was next. I try to turn it on and it won't work...I try several times with no luck. I stop and pray about it, try it one more time and have to run out the door to clinic without his computer working.
Clinic went well. Finished up there around 9:15 a.m. and headed home. I walk into the house, get bombarded with questions, take off my shoes, wash my hands, pet the dog, all while trying to answer the questions of the moment. Then, without a second thought, I head to Josiah's computer and push the button. Josiah is steadily talking in my ear, follows me over to his computer and after I try to turn it on he say, "Mom - I got it working already." So now the computer is shutting down - can't stop it at this point, so I bow my head in frustration.
After the computer shuts down, I turn it back on after giving it a rest. It comes back on, but won't connect to the internet. Live and learn - always check to see if the computer is working before you push a button. Needless to say, the computer never would connect to the internet, so Josiah was not able to complete his online classes for the day. Good for him - bad for me/us - cause now he is behind. Gotta love it. I just checked his computer and tried to reset the internet (today is Sunday) - still not working.
Thank God Pump Springs Baptist Church is coming soon. They will be here October 20th and there are multiple reasons I am glad they are coming. The first reason is because I am excited to expand the ministry here in Haiti to new hearts. It always amazes me as to who and how Haiti touches the lives of those who come. Second, I am excited to see old friends and make new friends. God has placed each person in our lives for a reason - may we bring HIM glory. There are many more reasons, but the last reason would be that they are able to bring needed supplies to Haiti and one of those supplies is a wireless adapter for Josiah's computer. Yippee!
I do have a prayer request that I have not shared publicly yet...
I feel a deep desire to go back to school to get more training. I would like to get my Masters in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner's license. I have been looking at both some online programs and programs that we would have to return to the states to attend. I am praying for direction. I am asking that you join with us as we pray. I want the Lord's will. I love serving here in Haiti and this is why it makes this decision more difficult to make. What would HE have us to do? Pray for discernment and obedience.
By the way, Kevin recovered from his week of injuries and mayhem (see past blog for this). Thanks for the prayers.
I have come to the realization that the Lord has given me two main mission fields. The first is my family. How would the Lord have me to minister to my husband and my children? Now, I know I said "my" and technically they are HIS, but you know what I mean... I often find this mission field the most challenging. Some things in life you can walk away from at the end of the day. Family is still there. For that, I am thankful and also exhausted.
The second mission field is the world around me and right now that is in Haiti. Now I could say the Haitian people, but I don't believe it stops there. It is anyone and everyone I come in contact with at any given time. I am to be open to minister to that person or persons as God sees fit. Now this seems to be the part where I have trouble. "God what would you have me to do, what would you have me to say, how would you have me to act or react?" These are the questions I need to be continually seeking the answer to.
Back to my family...
Home schooling my children this year has been a challenge. First, we struggled with being able to connect to the internet and stay connected. We got that worked out. Then we struggled with the new curriculum. It seems to be harder than last year's curriculum. "Taking notes...what's that...how do I do that...what do you mean I'm not working up to my potential?" These were all questions coming from my crew.
This year we have a 9th grader - Skyla, an 8th grader - Kali, a 6th grader - Jessica, and a 5th grader - Josiah. Most of the kinks are worked out for right now as far as their curriculum goes. We were blessed earlier in the year with donated laptops for the family and this has helped in the schooling process. As I walk into our home after clinic each morning, I see four computers up and running...except this past Friday.
Here were the events of last Friday...
I wake up, fall into my morning routine, eventually get in the shower and work toward getting to the clinic by 7:30 a.m. While in the shower, the power goes out...time to switch the generator over. This is done every 4 or 5 days - perks to living in Haiti with no public electricity. I finish getting ready for the day and I head out to check the computer, you see, they weren't turned off before we lost power and computers don't like the sudden loss of electricity. Jessi's laptop usually has trouble coming back on after an experience like that, so I head to hers first. It comes on nicely - PTL. Josiah has our old desktop and his was next. I try to turn it on and it won't work...I try several times with no luck. I stop and pray about it, try it one more time and have to run out the door to clinic without his computer working.
Clinic went well. Finished up there around 9:15 a.m. and headed home. I walk into the house, get bombarded with questions, take off my shoes, wash my hands, pet the dog, all while trying to answer the questions of the moment. Then, without a second thought, I head to Josiah's computer and push the button. Josiah is steadily talking in my ear, follows me over to his computer and after I try to turn it on he say, "Mom - I got it working already." So now the computer is shutting down - can't stop it at this point, so I bow my head in frustration.
After the computer shuts down, I turn it back on after giving it a rest. It comes back on, but won't connect to the internet. Live and learn - always check to see if the computer is working before you push a button. Needless to say, the computer never would connect to the internet, so Josiah was not able to complete his online classes for the day. Good for him - bad for me/us - cause now he is behind. Gotta love it. I just checked his computer and tried to reset the internet (today is Sunday) - still not working.
Thank God Pump Springs Baptist Church is coming soon. They will be here October 20th and there are multiple reasons I am glad they are coming. The first reason is because I am excited to expand the ministry here in Haiti to new hearts. It always amazes me as to who and how Haiti touches the lives of those who come. Second, I am excited to see old friends and make new friends. God has placed each person in our lives for a reason - may we bring HIM glory. There are many more reasons, but the last reason would be that they are able to bring needed supplies to Haiti and one of those supplies is a wireless adapter for Josiah's computer. Yippee!
I do have a prayer request that I have not shared publicly yet...
I feel a deep desire to go back to school to get more training. I would like to get my Masters in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner's license. I have been looking at both some online programs and programs that we would have to return to the states to attend. I am praying for direction. I am asking that you join with us as we pray. I want the Lord's will. I love serving here in Haiti and this is why it makes this decision more difficult to make. What would HE have us to do? Pray for discernment and obedience.
By the way, Kevin recovered from his week of injuries and mayhem (see past blog for this). Thanks for the prayers.
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Note From the Headys
Dear Prayer Partners,
Our grandson.. Paul Pegram ...son of our son and daughter-in-law David, Jr and Betsy was killed in a tragic traffic accident yesterday morning. He was riding his bike and was struck by a car. He was an eight year veteran of the Louisville, KY Metro police department and was training to join the bike patrol. . He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. Please pray for the entire family. .
The visitation will be Monday from 12 to 7pm EDT at the Pearson Ratterman Funeral Home at 12900 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville, KY 40243
The funeral will be held at Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy, Louisville, KY on Tuesday Oct 2nd at 10 am.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to any Fifth Third Bank in the Louisville area % Paul Pegram Scholarship Fund.
--
In His Grace,
David and Judy Heady
Global Outreach Haiti
TiTanyen, Haiti
http://www.freewebs.com/gohaitimission
http://www.headyhaitiupdates.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=RhVwXO1oRLU
Our grandson.. Paul Pegram ...son of our son and daughter-in-law David, Jr and Betsy was killed in a tragic traffic accident yesterday morning. He was riding his bike and was struck by a car. He was an eight year veteran of the Louisville, KY Metro police department and was training to join the bike patrol. . He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. Please pray for the entire family. .
The visitation will be Monday from 12 to 7pm EDT at the Pearson Ratterman Funeral Home at 12900 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville, KY 40243
The funeral will be held at Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy, Louisville, KY on Tuesday Oct 2nd at 10 am.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to any Fifth Third Bank in the Louisville area % Paul Pegram Scholarship Fund.
--
In His Grace,
David and Judy Heady
Global Outreach Haiti
TiTanyen, Haiti
http://www.freewebs.com/gohaitimission
http://www.headyhaitiupdates.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=RhVwXO1oRLU
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tragedy Just Keeps Hitting the Heady Family
In need of prayer...
 |
| Judy & David Heady |
Also, back in the Spring, we were told that Cindy, David & Judy's daughter, has Poly Cystic Liver Disease. After multiple trips to see different doctors, they have come up empty handed. To sum up what they are telling Cindy is...they can't do anything for her at this time and when her liver gets bad enough, they will put her on the transplant list. This disease is very rare from what they are telling her and therefore not much they can do.
As if they hadn't already gone through enough, this past January/February time frame, Judy's mom fell and broke her hip. She has been in a nursing home since she left the hospital. There were times when we thought she wasn't going to make it and then she would pull through. Sometimes her mind is very sharp and other times it is not.
This information only skims the surface of the trials that have been heaped upon David & Judy and their family. I am asking each of you to keep them in your prayers. They need it and are counting on us to lift them up.
Monday, September 27, 2010
An Accident Waiting to Happen
This past week was a bit eventful for Kevin....
As we finished school one day, probably around 4 p.m., Josiah asked Kevin if he would go with him to the Brumley's pond (really just a large hole dug to collect rain water - I think to help with preventing flooding on the lower side of the property where our shop is). Kevin agreed even though he was pretty tired. I was proud of him for that.
The mission: Collect pond water for a Science experiment.
The objective: View microorganism under a microscope.
So, they set off. Jar in one hand and machete in the other hand (of course). Never leave home without one - this could be Josiah's motto. He loves a good knife or tool of almost any kind. They hopped on the four wheeler that has been lent to us by the mission and away they go.
Just a short while after they left, they returned. Pond water in hand along with the borrowed microscope from Josh Brumley (thanks Josh). We had a visitor when they returned home and after about a ten minute conversation, the visitor left. As soon as he left, Kevin says, "Ouch, I am in pain." Of course I ask what the problem was.
Now these are moments that you wish you didn't have to miss, but this is what Kevin and Josiah proceed to tell me...
When they were heading to the pond, a wasp (now this is just one wasp that we know of) came out of nowhere and headed for Kevin. Kevin began to swing the machete around trying to get it away from him. Wish I could have seen this dance. After fighting off the horrid wasp that seemed to be determined to rid Kevin of this area, he obtained the pond water (that by the way didn't have a single moving organism in it).
As Kevin peeled off his shirt to reveal red sting areas, we counted five stings. One to the right wrist, two on the back, one on the left front shoulder, and one on the right ear. Of course we did what we always do for stings...grab the toothpaste (how many of you have ever tried this one for a sting?). For most stings, toothpaste works well. Not for the black wasp with red wings here in Haiti. They say these are the wasps that kill tarantulas and they have a myth in Haiti that says, if you get stung by one of these you will die in 24 hours. PTL - Kevin lived to tell about it. He also lived to share how much pain he was in. I think he had pain in the sting areas for about a day, then they started itching.
I guess if you get stung by the same wasp 5 times in a day, you don't die...
Friday, September 24th...
Kevin...power washing the pool deck. As he is working hard trying to maintain the facilities here in Haiti, tragedy hits...well, not really tragedy, but trouble. Moving along, walking backwards, washing the pool deck and minding his own business. When out of the blue....BAM. One foot slips off the pool deck and into the pool.
Now we have a rule here that says "one must shower before entering the pool." One strike against Kevin right there. No shower and down he falls. His whole body, minus one leg, falls into the pool. The other leg decides to stay on the pool deck a little longer that Kevin would have liked. This proved to be painful.
He is still sore from the accident. I think he was bruised from his groin to his foot, on the leg that waited a bit before joining him in the pool.
He hops out of the water, quickly looking around to see who might have seen the comical event, shuts off the power washer and attempts to get on the four wheeler to come home for medical care.
The four wheeler is a kick start, so with wet flip-flops, his foot slips off the thingie that you kick start the four wheeler with and cuts his ankle open.
Did I mention that before all of these events took place, Kevin hit his other ankle with the power washer wheel and scraped it.
I think we need a bubble to keep him in for a bit.
Pray for Kevin's safety...he needs an extra portion of protection right now.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Creole Training
We began language training again today. It has been since the 1st of July since I have had any classes in Creole. I will be honest...I was dreading it. My thoughts were, "one more thing on my plate...don't know if I can handle that!"
Pastor Etienne, our language instructor, was wonderful. He backed up his lessons so I could learn what he had taught while I was in the states recovering from my cholecystectomy.
Although it was hard to get my brain in gear for learning Creole, overall it went well. What does this mean for us now...HOMEWORK and learning to talk to one another so that we (Kevin, the children, and myself) can learn to hear the language as well as formulate a sentence properly.
Man, it sure sounds easy when you type it that way. Pray please.
Summer Months Have Passed
Today is a blessed day. We have had a busy summer. We returned to Haiti at the end of May after a six week trip to the U.S. We were blessed to visit with so many, although there were many friends and churches we still wanted to spend time with on our brief stateside stay.
We were busy in June, July, and August helping to facilitate teams here in Haiti. We normally try to have a team every other week during this time, but due to the vast amount of teams, we had to decrease the amount of "regrouping time" between teams. This proved to be exhausting.
I, Susan, returned to Kentucky from July 7 - August 4th for a semi-urgent gallbladder removal. Our girls, Skyla, Kali, and Jessica, decided that they would be fine in Haiti, so
Kevin and Josiah joined Susan in Kentucky for her surgery for four days then returned to Haiti
to continue serving there. This trip was not scheduled, but necessary due to the increase in p
roblems her gallbladder was causing. PTL - all went wonderfully.
When I, Susan, returned to Haiti in August, I was quickly reminded of
the toll ministry can take on you. This year we decided to use a different curriculum for schooling the children and we decided to start on August 9th. Big mistake! I am not sure what I was thinking - but apparently I didn't think it all through well enough.
The Brumley Family left for their 5 weeks in the states August 5th (the day after I returned to Haiti). Clinic was slow for about a half a day. Starting about 11 a.m. on August 5th we started getting new burns in to treat. The amount of patients we have at the clinic usually runs in a cycle. We will have a ton (okay maybe 20) of burn/wound patients than, as they heal, it will slow down to about 5 patients at a time. We started August off slow, so it seemed like each day we would get a new burn or wound patient in.
By the end of the month, it seemed like it was taking all morning to see patients at the clinic. I could feel that clinic was becoming more of a "job" to me than "ministry." I really struggled with this for a few days. It seemed as though the weight of clinic, home schooling, teams, family, and other aspects of ministry just took over. My joy was not being displayed in the everyday areas of my life. For this...I am sorry.
I feel like, by the grace of God, I am being restored. It is a process. I am the type of person that needs order in her life. Well, I say order, but if you ask my mom - she might disagree with me when I compare my order with her order...
Things are coming together. Home schooling is starting to level out where we all understand our role and the curriculum. Clinic - well, Sheryl is back (PTL) and almost everyone is in a good healing stage right now. Well, except for Dina. Pray for Dina...she is about 4 years old and just started coming to clinic less than a week ago. She has a third degree burn on her bottom and 2nd degree burns up one side of her back. She is in need of healing and comfort during this time.
I say all that to say...thank you. Thank you for your prayers. They have been felt as we have been stretched.
We were blessed to meet many new people this summer. There were teams from Colorado, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, New York, and either Illinois or Ohio as well as the World Race Team (they were from all over the US). I always count it a blessing to meet new people and see what God has in store for the relationship.
SO...we are hip deep (most say knee deep) in the activities of ministry and daily life. Please keep us in your prayers. I will try to post a list of specific prayer concerns at a later time. Gotta run 4 now. God bless.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Ministry Opportunity Around Every Corner
We have been back in Haiti for 4 weeks (tomorrow). There have been many adjustments with new ministry avenues to venture down.
1. Israel, a young man that we have been getting to know since we moved here to Haiti, began a children's program in Arcahaie, a small town about 10 miles from where we live in TiTanyen. This program meets every Saturday at 3 p.m. in a small area belonging to Israel's family.
Israel loves to sing and play music, so, he is teaching the children to sing. He is also sharing a short Bible message each week. We have given Israel some children's books that share stories from the Bible. We pray he can use these to help teach the children about God.
We are also partnering with Israel to help feed the children every Saturday. As of right now, he is feeding the children a meal every other Saturday and just a snack on the alternate Saturday. It is a blessing to partner with Israel in the manner. Please lift him up to the Lord often. He is in need of wisdom and obedience to the Lord (as we all are). Also, pray for the children and families that are associated with this ministry. May hearts be changed toward the Lord and may He be evident in their lives for all eternity.
I don't have pics at this time of the children's program in progress. I will try to post some later.
2. Madame Filino, a lady who has worked for Global Outreach for 20 years and dear friend, has asked for us to partner with her in ministry to the prisons, sick people, and those hospitalized. Mme Filino is part of a group that goes out and visits people. I think they go out every weekend for visitation. During visitation, they pray with people, share the Word of God, and give some food to those they are visiting.
Mme Filino used to have a sponsor to help pay for the food and transportation for this ministry. This sponsor is no longer able to help. She is requesting help. She says she is needing $200 U.S. a month to pay for these items. She has asked me to pray and request help for this awesome opportunity. I am praying...and requesting your help. God has someone (or some people) set aside to help in this area. Is it you? Please join us in prayer, not only for the finances to come through, but also for the group members and those that are being ministered to. May God get the glory. Please contact us for more info and how you can give. Thank you.
I also request prayer for Mme Filino. Mme Filino lost her daughter in the earthquake. She says she is often sad and still cries allot. Please be in prayer for her and her family. Please pray that in her time of mourning, she will still find joy in the Lord, and that she will find her spirit renewed in the Lord and made complete.
On another note...Our children are adjusting well. Josiah is over with the group called Friendships. I saw him earlier with a nail gun in his hand. They are busy building homes. These homes are semi-permanent homes made of wood and vinyl.
Skyla is on her bed reading a book. This happens to be her favorite past time. She has also been working on making a blanket. It is one of those fleece blankets. I told her if she hurried up she could use it soon. I mean...it's only 95 in the house right now.
Kali and Jessica are sitting next to one another playing on the computer. It is nice to hear them getting along. The Lord blesses us moms with moments like these. Thank you Lord.
I thank each of you for your friendship and commitment to the ministry here in Haiti. Kevin and I begin language training again this Thursday, June 24th. I am praying that the Lord work a miracle in us and help us to not only speak the language effectively, but also bless us with hearing the language spoke to us. Please join us in prayer.
Please continue to pray for Susanna Whittaker. She is the 4 year old (I think) daughter to Cody and Maria Whittaker. She has a big sister, Isabella. Susanna and Isabella are pictured below. They are missionaries to Haiti. Susanna has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and is undergoing chemotherapy in North Carolina. I am praying for healing, pray with us.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
We're Back...
The children were apprehensive in coming back to Haiti. I want each of you to know that they have adjusted back to life here very well. They were even bickering with one another yesterday, so Kevin had them help move concrete block this morning for character building. They seemed to do a good job and when I pulled up to check on them after clinic this morning, I heard no bickering. PTL!
Kevin preached this past Sunday at Pastor Daniel's church in TiTanyen. I think it went well. I had the opportunity to invite the Pastor's wife over for a fellowship time. She came this morning to our home and we ate cookies and drank coff
ee. After that we had a prayer time. That was refreshing and she thanked me over and over again. I think she enjoyed our time of visiting.
There is a team coming this afternoon from New Work Fellowship in Hopkinsville, KY. There are 12 people on this team. Please keep them in your prayers as they minister here in Haiti.
I have much more to tell you, but not enough time right now. I will write later....luv ya'll!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Traveling in the US
We arrived in Denver, Colorado on April 7, 2010. We are here in the states for approx. six weeks. We spent a few days with Kevin's parents and visiting with Pastor Jerry and his wonderful family and church in Torrington, Wyoming. On April 15th we drove to Minnesota to visit with Kevin's grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. Kevin spoke at a prayer meeting yesterday morning and last night we were able to enjoy church with some of the family.
Today has been a slow day. Church first thing this morning then off to the nursing home to visit grandma with grandpa. Those two are such a blessing. Even in the midst of their chaotic world, they still take time to encourage others and share wisdom they have gained over the years.
We will leave in the morning to drive to Western Kentucky. Please pray for safe traveling and little to no tension in the car with the six of us. Yes, I said car...our Suburban had water in the oil (or something like that) and needed the intake valve repaired or replaced or something...so - we sold it. We are traveling in our Ford Taurus. It does seat six and it has not given us a moment of grief and so we are thankful. However, the tight quarters can be trying by the end of a 12-14 hour day, so pray.
We look forward to seeing friends in the Hopkinsville area and visiting with New Work Fellowship. Can't wait to see everyone! God bless.
Today has been a slow day. Church first thing this morning then off to the nursing home to visit grandma with grandpa. Those two are such a blessing. Even in the midst of their chaotic world, they still take time to encourage others and share wisdom they have gained over the years.
We will leave in the morning to drive to Western Kentucky. Please pray for safe traveling and little to no tension in the car with the six of us. Yes, I said car...our Suburban had water in the oil (or something like that) and needed the intake valve repaired or replaced or something...so - we sold it. We are traveling in our Ford Taurus. It does seat six and it has not given us a moment of grief and so we are thankful. However, the tight quarters can be trying by the end of a 12-14 hour day, so pray.
We look forward to seeing friends in the Hopkinsville area and visiting with New Work Fellowship. Can't wait to see everyone! God bless.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Kevin had the privilege of preaching on Palm Sunday in a small church about 10 miles northwest of where we live. It was a blessing to say the least. A church that is focused outward and not just inward.
We arrived at the church and the pews were full. We were escorted to our seats (that really means we had the usher squeezed us in where he could). As we sat there, we listen to each Sunday School class recite the scripture that was taught earlier in the morning. Many do not have a bible and/or can not read one anyway, so the best way for the Word of God to be spread and meditated on is by memorization. The people of Haiti seem to be able to memorize scripture so easily. Such a blessing.
As we listened, we looked around and watched the people. We began to notice a theme popping up. Red shirts...there were red shirts everywhere. Funny and sweet all in the same breathe. Some shirts had been donated to the Haiti Earthquake Relief and some of those shirts were given to the pastor of this church, Pastor David, to distribute to his people and in the community. Now I am not a country music listener, but I think Blake Shelton is a country music artist. Many in the church that morning were wearing Blake Shelton shirts. I took pictures and hope to send them to him with a note of thanks.
There were two new people who accepted Christ that morning. Praise the Lord! Kevin also had the opportunity to participate in a baby dedication. God is changing lives!
Susan was able once again to go out and work in one of the mobile clinics with North Carolina Baptist Men disaster relief teams. The pastor's son where Kevin had preached was sick and Susan was able to get him to the clinic and treated. We delivered the medicine for the child and treated the whole family so the sickness wouldn't spread. We also have scheduled to show the Jesus Film there when we return from the states.
As many of you know we are returning to America for a short time, six weeks. We really look forward to seeing everyone and sharing with you what God is doing.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
3 Weeks Later
It has almost been three weeks since my last post. Let me try to recap those for you...
On March 7th our daughter, Skyla-pictured on the left, turned 14 years old. Man, I know you have all heard this before and many of you have said this yourselves, but here goes...It just seems like yesterday that she was just a baby. We are blessed to have her as part of our family. She is a joy (most of the time) and I praise the Lord for her (all the time). I also pray that, as her parent, I don't ruin her - such responsibility. Happy Birthday Skyla!
That first week, some of the missionaries we work with left the country on a, much needed, ten day break. That week was a challenge and a blessing for us. A 40 foot container, packed from wall to wall and ceiling to floor, with relief supplies that many of you donated, arrived. I believe it arrived on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 9th. We had until Friday to have it emptied and ready for pickup. That was fun. It was like a combination of Christmas and wor
king at a Good Will Store. If you have ever helped clean out those drop boxes at a Good Will store or second hand store, you know what I mean by that. Unpacking and sorting was hard work, fun, and overwhelming. It was such a blessing to see how God, and the people He chose, provided for the earthquake relief. There were boxes and boxes of clothes, food, hygiene supplies, and medical supplies, as well as some generators and other machinery. We piled some in a trailer on our property and the rest in our shop. There were boxes everywhere.
king at a Good Will Store. If you have ever helped clean out those drop boxes at a Good Will store or second hand store, you know what I mean by that. Unpacking and sorting was hard work, fun, and overwhelming. It was such a blessing to see how God, and the people He chose, provided for the earthquake relief. There were boxes and boxes of clothes, food, hygiene supplies, and medical supplies, as well as some generators and other machinery. We piled some in a trailer on our property and the rest in our shop. There were boxes everywhere.The second week came and proved to be just as busy. The other missionaries returned to Haiti. We praise the Lord for that. Eight extra hands and four extra brains carry the load better. Thank you Haiti Global Team! Sorting the supplies, organizing distribution, and handing out newly arrived relief supplies was a joy. Excitement and hope shone way on the faces of those who came to pickup "Manna from Heaven."
This month has flown by. This week we have been working on getting our Visa paperwork done, obtaining our Haitian Id Cards and our Haitian Driver's Licenses. Yesterday, we went to the immigration office. I think there was around 200 Haitians standing outside the office. The front of the building was barricaded and manned by Haitian Police. There was pushing and shoving...more police called in...police batons pulled out...and angry people. Unfortunately, our white skin allowed us to get in. Don't get me wrong, it was a blessing to not have to wait in those long lines, but on the other hand we cut in front of so many. Now, it seemed that we needed a different office than they did, but just the same, I wondered if I would get stoned when I returned to the mob on the street. Praise the Lord, we didn't get stoned and, to my knowledge, I don't even remember getting dirty looks.
Clinic has been going well. Many of our patients from the earthquake have healed. We are seeing more sickness, wounds, and minor burns now. I pray we don't have any more serious burns for a while.
We are attempting to get our schools up and running by April 5th. There will be many hurdles to overcome, but pray that it is His will and we are able to open. The children are restless and beginning to cause trouble. Just the other day I did not have time to talk with a boy that was about 10 years old and I told him I would talk with him later. He proceeded to call me cheap in Creole and began yelling and fussing at our clinic door. They are bored, want everything, and don't have parental supervision. What a combination. Please lift them up in prayer as well as me (Susan). I found myself frustrated with him and not wanting to help him or even see him later in the day. I am to love others - I pray that it is Jesus that shines through me...not self.
Tomorrow is our second daughter, Kali's, thirteenth birthday. She is turning into such a wonderful young lady. As I mentioned before...It seems like yesterday she was just a baby. That's her picture on right, isn't she cute. Again, we will need many prayers to make it through these teen years and then on to adulthood. Such precious times and I have found that bringing them (the children) to Haiti has been a blessing for our mother-daughter relationship. I pray that the Lord blesses them for their obedience and cooperation, as well as strengthens their relationship with Him each and every day. Happy Birthday Kali!
Thank you Jesus!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Better Day
Josiah had a better day today. Actually, I would call it a great day, as far as school is concerned. Keep praying.
Yesterday we had a couple join us here on the Global Haiti compound. Linda and Glen Erickson joined us here from Colorado. They are here for three months. They are praying about joining us here as full time missionaries. Join them in praying for direction.
This week Kevin has been busy helping complete a new well in Ti Tanyen. They put the pump in today and fresh water was pumped out for those to enjoy. Also, we began to repair the wall at the school in Ti Tanyen. The back wall had fallen in the earthquake and now is on its way to being fixed.
A new well, here on our property, is being attempted. The men started drilling on Thursday. Pray that they hit an extra large source of water. This water will help maintain the extra need here at our facility now and allow for growth in the future.
Clinic has been steady. Two of our burn patients were blessed to get skin grafts last week. The mission down the road, Mission of Hope, had a plastic surgeon in. What a great opportunity. Andre, a 6 year old boy that got burned in October 2008, is now on the fast road to recovery. This does causes a bit more pain right now, but will help both patients to heal quicker and better in the long run. Praise the Lord!
Yesterday we had a couple join us here on the Global Haiti compound. Linda and Glen Erickson joined us here from Colorado. They are here for three months. They are praying about joining us here as full time missionaries. Join them in praying for direction.
This week Kevin has been busy helping complete a new well in Ti Tanyen. They put the pump in today and fresh water was pumped out for those to enjoy. Also, we began to repair the wall at the school in Ti Tanyen. The back wall had fallen in the earthquake and now is on its way to being fixed.
A new well, here on our property, is being attempted. The men started drilling on Thursday. Pray that they hit an extra large source of water. This water will help maintain the extra need here at our facility now and allow for growth in the future.
Clinic has been steady. Two of our burn patients were blessed to get skin grafts last week. The mission down the road, Mission of Hope, had a plastic surgeon in. What a great opportunity. Andre, a 6 year old boy that got burned in October 2008, is now on the fast road to recovery. This does causes a bit more pain right now, but will help both patients to heal quicker and better in the long run. Praise the Lord!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Homeschooling
Josiah, bless his heart, decided that today he was going to quit school. He was tired of doing it, it was boring, and he wanted to go to town with his father and work on rebuilding a wall that had fallen in the earthquake. There were tears, locked bedroom doors, me (Susan) holding him tight, and discussion - lots of discussion.
We prayed, seeking guidance and understanding. We brainstormed trying to get a feel for where his frustration was coming from. We brainstormed on where to go from here. I explained that although he lived in Haiti, he was still a U.S. Citizen and as his parent, I was required to provide an education for him. As the discussion came to a close, he still had school to finish for the day.
Leigha, our children's temporary teacher, has been a trooper. She tries new avenues of encouragement and pressure. It usually works, but only for a few days. Then he is bored again. I explained to him that some things in life will be boring and expecting us to change things up every few days was asking a bit much.
Josiah is on the last stretch of his curriculum and he has had a crazy year...
We prayed, seeking guidance and understanding. We brainstormed trying to get a feel for where his frustration was coming from. We brainstormed on where to go from here. I explained that although he lived in Haiti, he was still a U.S. Citizen and as his parent, I was required to provide an education for him. As the discussion came to a close, he still had school to finish for the day.
Leigha, our children's temporary teacher, has been a trooper. She tries new avenues of encouragement and pressure. It usually works, but only for a few days. Then he is bored again. I explained to him that some things in life will be boring and expecting us to change things up every few days was asking a bit much.
Josiah is on the last stretch of his curriculum and he has had a crazy year...
- He and his family moved to Haiti on June 30, 2009
- Curriculum was late getting to us - we didn't start till September
- Earthquake hits Haiti in January 2010 and causes mass destruction
- The property that we live on has become an area of continual activity
He is ready for a break and so are the rest of us. Keep us in your prayers. We are planning a 6 week trip back to the U.S. That trip should begin on April 7th. I will try to keep everyone posted on the final dates.
We have been in Haiti 8 months. Most of those days have been great and we knew we were where we were suppose to be. There have been other days when we have asked the Lord if this was really where He wanted us. He keeps giving us conformation that Haiti is where He wants us to serve Him. I count that a blessing. I love being here and I love ministering the way He has me ministering. I don't believe that questioning our call to Haiti is a bad thing. God is completely able to confirm His call on our lives. He is also completely capable of giving us the strength when it is needed and comforting us when that is needed.
I say all that to say, God is in control. He desires to help us (and you) through each day. God wants to help us with Josiah's schooling and raising, just like He wants to carry us when we feel as though we can't go another step. He wants to love us and lead us. Pray that we can take hold of that concept.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Blessed Week
Wednesday, February 24th, we had two men from New Work Fellowship (NWF), a church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, come for a visit. Both Kevin Clayton and Willis Adkins have been to Haiti on short term trips before.
After the first night of visiting over supper and conversation, I said to my Kevin, "You don't realize how much you miss comic relief until you haven't had it for a while." Those guys are so funny when you get them going.
Thursday and Friday they spent the days traveling through the destruction of Haiti. They took photos and footage of all they saw. Mr. David was their escort/driver/tour guide. Saturday, they were able to join a crew heading "up" and they were blessed to obtain aerial photos and footage from a helicopter. What an experience. Willis said that traveling by vehicle doesn't portray an accurate picture of the destruction here in Haiti. He showed me pictures of a house that may look completely normal from the ground, but from the sky you could see a collapsed roof and collapsed interior walls. The other thing you can get a better realization of from the sky were the multitudes of tent cities. They were of every size and fabrication, from tents to sheets, to tarps. They were everywhere.
Also, on Thursday I, Susan, was privileged to go and help at a different clinic in a nearby area called Cite Soleil. I went with a group from Samaritan's Purse. The group and clinic were very well organized and very efficient. We saw around 70 people that day.
There was one family that particularly stood out to me. It was a lady, her baby, and the baby's father. The man stated that the lady has gone crazy since the earthquake. She would run into the streets, zone out mentally, and cry allot. As I talked with them, I asked if she knew Jesus. She shook her head no and he said she did. After all, he said she had been baptized in the church. After much counseling it came out that neither of them had a personal relationship with the Lord and if they accepted Jesus they would have to find a different place to live, immediately. You see - they lived with her father and he was a man who practiced voodoo. They would not be allowed to live in the same house because of their difference in beliefs. How sad.
We got that family hooked up with the pastor of the church and he was going to visit them the next day. Now, I know that post-traumatic stress disorder is very real, but I also know that Jesus can help and wants to help. There is a balance, so please keep this family in your prayers.
Well, the guys from NWF left this morning. It was an encouragement and blessing to spend time with them. I pray they make it back home safely. Tomorrow starts another week. Please keep our team here in Haiti in your prayers. Pray for safety, wisdom, obedience, and perseverance. We are all in a world surrounded by needs - which do we meet - how do we meet that need?
On another note, please keep Mrs. Judy Heady's mother, Mrs. Blanche, in your prayers. She is continuing to recover from a hip fracture and yesterday they discovered a large blood clot in her leg. She is in quite a bit of pain. Pray .
We had a blessed week. Thank you and God bless.
After the first night of visiting over supper and conversation, I said to my Kevin, "You don't realize how much you miss comic relief until you haven't had it for a while." Those guys are so funny when you get them going.
Thursday and Friday they spent the days traveling through the destruction of Haiti. They took photos and footage of all they saw. Mr. David was their escort/driver/tour guide. Saturday, they were able to join a crew heading "up" and they were blessed to obtain aerial photos and footage from a helicopter. What an experience. Willis said that traveling by vehicle doesn't portray an accurate picture of the destruction here in Haiti. He showed me pictures of a house that may look completely normal from the ground, but from the sky you could see a collapsed roof and collapsed interior walls. The other thing you can get a better realization of from the sky were the multitudes of tent cities. They were of every size and fabrication, from tents to sheets, to tarps. They were everywhere.
Also, on Thursday I, Susan, was privileged to go and help at a different clinic in a nearby area called Cite Soleil. I went with a group from Samaritan's Purse. The group and clinic were very well organized and very efficient. We saw around 70 people that day.
There was one family that particularly stood out to me. It was a lady, her baby, and the baby's father. The man stated that the lady has gone crazy since the earthquake. She would run into the streets, zone out mentally, and cry allot. As I talked with them, I asked if she knew Jesus. She shook her head no and he said she did. After all, he said she had been baptized in the church. After much counseling it came out that neither of them had a personal relationship with the Lord and if they accepted Jesus they would have to find a different place to live, immediately. You see - they lived with her father and he was a man who practiced voodoo. They would not be allowed to live in the same house because of their difference in beliefs. How sad.
We got that family hooked up with the pastor of the church and he was going to visit them the next day. Now, I know that post-traumatic stress disorder is very real, but I also know that Jesus can help and wants to help. There is a balance, so please keep this family in your prayers.
Well, the guys from NWF left this morning. It was an encouragement and blessing to spend time with them. I pray they make it back home safely. Tomorrow starts another week. Please keep our team here in Haiti in your prayers. Pray for safety, wisdom, obedience, and perseverance. We are all in a world surrounded by needs - which do we meet - how do we meet that need?
On another note, please keep Mrs. Judy Heady's mother, Mrs. Blanche, in your prayers. She is continuing to recover from a hip fracture and yesterday they discovered a large blood clot in her leg. She is in quite a bit of pain. Pray .
We had a blessed week. Thank you and God bless.
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