The ongoing struggle

Well, another day in a turbulent country. It looks like soon we will have to revert back to the days when we first came to Haiti. No electric, no fuel, food becoming rather scarce after a bit. It sounds depressing, but we have done it before and survived, so we will again. The ship that was supposed to bring fuel for the Cap Haitien area seems to be a dream now. We heard, and this could be rumor, but we've heard it from several sources...they have decided to sell the fuel to the government of Haiti, not to individuals. Well, the gas stations are individuals. And if it goes to the government, it will go to Port au Prince, where it cannot reach Cap Haitien. Somehow, someway, we are praying fuel, aside from black market, will become available. There are still some food supplies coming in. Not sure from where, or how they are getting in here, but we will not complain about it. The only problem now, is the cost. But somehow we will find a way. When God puts a burden on your heart, He will find a way to help you achieve what He wants.

I will be putting another entry on here today. Don wrote a prayer letter and it went out on the plane yesterday. I think most of you know, this was hard for him to do. Normally, he tells me what he'd like, and then has me write it. But this time, he spent a whole day, praying and writing.

We were asked what we put in care packages that we give out. Much of that depends on who and where it is going. But basically, Don puts a gallon zip lock bag of each rice, and corn meal and a quart of beans. Then he puts a container of oil, some spaghetti, and a can of tomato paste. This all goes in a 5 gallon pail, with a cover. These buckets, depending on the size of the family, will last close to a week in most situations. Now we are thinking of making another type (or adding to an existing) bucket. Many of the people have lost everything through these storms. We would like to add to those buckets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, washcloths, and maybe even some other personal hygiene products. This one is still in the process of working out. Food we can get, these other items may be pretty expensive here. But The Lord can work that out too. So, as you can tell, this is in the planning stages.

Yesterday MFI brought in the part we pray was hit by lightening on our generator. It is expensive, but we need the generator to keep up communications and do some of the important work that needs to be accomplished. Don is working on that this morning.

We are praising God for so many things right now. He has given Don and I a heart for the people, and we rejoice when we can help any of them. We are so thankful for the help we have received thus far in reaching out to those in need. The lines are so long, and the needs so great, but it's like the vision God gave Don a long time ago. He showed Don this long, beautiful beach with unlimited amount of sand. He said, this sand is like the people in Haiti...but I am giving you just a handful of sand (and people) to help. Each handful I give you, I will help you provide for. When looking out over the vast amount of sand, it's overwhelming, but when looking at that handful, and God's provision, it's a reachable goal. Now we are waiting on those God impresses to help meet those needs.

Another praise is Abbie. Each day she comes up with so many different things to lift our spirits. Oh, she has her times when we would like to just put her in a room until she gets her naughtiness out, but that is the smallest part of time. She is something else. I think the Lord put her and her mama with us so we can keep a perspective on the lighter side.

Well, as always lately, we are asking you to pray. Pray for Haiti, pray for the tough situation here, and pray for us to follow God's leading and direction.

Keep smiling, you never know when a camera is about. Makes you want to keep a smile on your face all the time!!!