They day after Christmas

I hope your Christmas was wonderful. We had a good time. Christmas Eve we opened the few presents we had here. (Thanks to a good friend in West Palm Beach). We did have a couple of things here, but they weren't the highlight of the evening. We read the first part of Luke chapter 2. It is amazing watching Abbie absorb all of the truths set forth in scripture. A definite plus from her mama. Aside from doing "homework" every evening, they do scripture reading and memorizing. It sure is paying off with Abbie. She loves to tell you what she "knows" from the Bible. Yes, she does mix some things up, but listens when you correct her. And her mama loves to impart these scripture lessons to her.

Then Christmas day we had our open house and fellowship with the missionaries who could come. Not a lot came, but we enjoyed the time we had with those who were here. It was a time of reflection and reminiscing on a lot of things. From Christmases past, when we were younger, and our Christmas times here in Haiti. And we had snacks to help us along with that. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing. God is good and He shows forth in the times we have had together here.

Now that the "Big Day" is over, we are working toward the New Years celebration. That is the really big time here. Being so close to the radio station here (like right next door), we have listened to so many things going on. This is a time of year that many, many people want to get married and the station (upstairs) is busy every day for two weeks. The night before Christmas Eve, whatever was going on went on until 5 AM. And people celebrate LOUDLY here. Each day there have been at least 2 or 3 things going on at the station. And they are gearing up for New Year's. Most of it is good and we can enjoy the singing and joyous music. Some, but mostly on the streets, can get wild. But that is the minority of things. Stands are set up all along the roads and someone always has CD players, playing through a sound system and it is LOUD. Sort of like competing. But thankfully this only lasts for about 2 weeks, then it will settle down again. You hear Christmas music mainly, but in English, French, Spanish and sometimes other languages. Anything they can find, they play.

On the container...well, I guess we are doing a normal thing...in some respects. WAITING!!! They have started working on the papers, but now we have to have MORE things done. Have to have some sort of accountant doing things at the offices now, too. So, although we were supposed to have the container the first week of November, they are just starting on doing the paperwork. And with their big holiday coming up, things will come to a halt. So, maybe we will get it the second week of January...we'll see. But we sure can use some major prayers on this one. Both on getting it cleared and on the cost factor. The costs are raising and we haven't even gotten to the inspection yet. This is discouraging, but we know God is in control and He can do things we cannot. So, please pray with us on this, and ask others to storm the gates of Heaven for us, too. God can work on hearts and move the paperwork along and bring the cost down. Let's pray He will do that for us.

We are anxious for our upcoming teams. January is always a busy time and a lot is accomplished by the teams. The first four months are busy with teams, and that is good. Tiring, but great for the country here. Please pray for strength, peace, and wisdom in all we do. We have to lean heavily on the Lord when we are so busy.

Let us know how you are doing and keep us informed on your prayer requests, too. Until next time....God bless and keep you.