Hope your Christmas was GREAT

 We hope your Christmas was really good.  We had a quiet and nice time here.  I'll only put a couple of photos here.  Some good friends sent in some neat gifts for all to share.  Captain Dick and his wife Linda (MFI) sent Abbie a box.  It was so funny.  The first picture shows what she got.  Now, I want you to know, ELMO is a giggle Elmo.  Abbie slept with us that night...WITH Elmo.  Every time she turned over, Elmo giggled.  That lasted until she was finally asleep....then he was ejected from the bedroom.  Her shirt, with the MFI logo on it was a SUPER hit.  She said now she is like Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa...she IS MFI.  Doesn't take much to make them happy, does it?   

 

We had gotten her some inexpensive dolls...the Disney princess type...she's been into that lately.  Well, Shannon knew I had gotten those dolls, and when she went out for a week and a half, she got Abbie the tent, with the princesses on it, and a crawl space to get into it.  She LOVES that thing...and thankfully it does collapse quite easily and opens easily, too.  Those are her princess dolls in the box in front of her. She got lots of nice things from many friends.  I had her help wrap some gifts.  We had gotten Shannon some huge packs of gum (she LOVES gum).  Abbie had a fit.  She said that is a FAKE Christmas present, it's not real.  Anything you can eat, in her estimation is NOT real.  But this year she did not tell before hand what anyone got.  A first for her.  

Had to throw in a photo of the puppy...keep praying that no one steals him from us, like they have all our others.  His name is Peter Puppy....Abbie named him after one of our grandsons.  He is a cute thing, and surprisingly he DOES listen.  

 

Don has been working hard on the door for the gate.  He has run into so many problems, but ends up solving them.  It just takes SO much time!!!  I think he is going to hire someone to make the big gate....he probably won't be happy with it, but it will get done quicker that way.  His time has just been spent doing too many things, to get time to work on the gate.  Pray for him as he figures out how to do it and who to hire to do it.

New Years will be quiet for us.  We tend to stay at home and normally get to bed early.  Things here are quiet and we are praying they stay that way.  Pray with us on that, too.  And pray for the container that is sitting at the docks now.  We finally sent some money to get things going on the paperwork.  They have been putting it off, so we are happy that at least there is some movement on it.  We know it won't get here before the new year, but that's okay now.  Prayerfully we'll get it the first week of January.  That would be a huge blessing.

I don't know what it's like where you are, but it's COLD here in Haiti.  Our normal LOW is med to low 70's.  Tonight it's supposed to get down to the 50's.  That is BAD for here.  With all the medical problems going on with Cholera, these low temps will create another problem.  People here simply cannot stand it when it gets into the upper 60's, so this is going to be a REALLY difficult time for them.  We'll have more and more people coming with doctor and hospital bills now.  As we all sit here wrapped up in blankets and with sweatshirts and socks on, we think of all of those here who have NOTHING to keep warm in...not even a wind proof home.  A lot of prayers are needed in that area, too.

For now....God bless!!!  And keep in mind how much the Lord has blessed you this last year.  Even when problems arise and trouble seem so huge...HE IS THERE FOR YOU!! And then look at the Haitians who are suffering, and remember, there but for the grace of God, go you.  If you're reading this, you have a computer...they don't even have a sweater.  Keep praying for Haiti...it's leaders, it's health care workers, and the people here.  Thank you!!

Near to Christmas

Hello again,
Well, things are STILL calm and we are very happy with that.  They evidently had someone come in for a recount of the election results.  But are not announcing it until after Christmas.  Some have heard that they will hold off with the announcement until after the new year.  This would not be good, since we have teams scheduled.  That will be a time of NOT being on the roads or being visible.  Pray with us that things will be as the Lord wants it and that there will be safety for the teams.  We would hate to cancel teams since preparations have already been made with flights and all the expenses for a trip.  We are totally dependent on the Lord for wisdom and discernment for things now.  (Well, we always are, but right now it is so important for teams.)

Don has been working on the door for the gate, and as with everything here in Haiti, problems come up and make it so difficult.  I think the saying "everything that can go wrong will go wrong" has been a part of this whole job.  Add to this the beggars who stand right next to him and won't leave, you can see his frustration level is VERY high.  So please pray for him.  But  not for patience.  He needs strength, wisdom and for his mind to be clear on how to accomplish things the right way.

Yesterday we had a plane load of cargo...almost 6,000 pounds.  It was a hard, hot day, but God was good and we didn't have any major problems.  I am doing so much better physically, but the trip to the airport sure does work on me.  I am glad I am only making the trip once a week.  I could not handle more than that.  Don wanted me to go to town with him and Vero and Abbie to get some things this last week.  I said, nope, I know my limits.  I sure wanted to go, but know how it would affect me.  

Vero is doing SO good at the airport.  I'm so glad the Lord worked it out that she can be there for me.  And not only the pilots, but the airport people really like and respect her.  She has a great work ethic and does a fantastic job.  Her work with the evangelism is going really well, too.  She sure loves working for the Lord.  You can see it in her eyes when she gets home.  Pray with us that the Lord will touch hearts to help with her support.  She needs to meet her needs (and those she helps, too).  We know the Lord can do it, but still ask for your prayers.

Shannon has been working with Vero on the evangelism and also has her ministry with the older girls at EBAC.  They seem to be responding so well to her influence and to the way God is directing them.  Keep her in your prayers, also, for God to continue to use her as He directs.

Abbie, well, Abbie is Abbie.  She is a joy and inspiration to have around.  I had made a calendar for her to mark off the days till Christmas.  One day she marked off two days, hoping to bring Christmas sooner.  She is constantly sitting her dolls up and "preaching" to them.  And I have to say, she pretty much does a great job.  She takes a message she has heard in church and "expounds" on it.  And she is constantly playing with Peter Puppy.  The one puppy that survived when our dog Leah had pups.  We just pray that someone doesn't steal him like they have our other puppies.  

Well, I'd best be going and getting some work done here.  I keep waiting for someone to do it, but oh well, no one knows WHAT to do, so I'd better work.  You all have a super great Christ centered day.  Keep smiling, Jesus loves you, A LOT!!!!

Dec. 14th...on our way to Christmas

I was a bit shocked when I realized I had not posted since the 9th.  Then it dawned on me, I had only sent an email to a friend about what was happening here.  I'm sorry for not keeping in touch better.

It's really been relatively quiet.  Traffic moving, things seem back to normal, although tensions still exist.  With all that was expected, nothing came about.  This is a blessing, to be sure.  But it did put our planes off for a few days.  MFI finally came in on Saturday with 2 DC-3's.  Not a whole lot of cargo for Cap Haitians, as they were taking some to 2 other cities as well.  I was not at the airport, but Don and Vero kept me informed as to what was happening.  The one plane came with passengers and then headed to PIgnon to pick up others, and come back to clear them out of country.  The second plane developed engine troubles.  .......

Let me back up here a few years... When MFI only had the radial engine planes, we would be blessed with having the pilots spend a night every so often, while they worked on the planes here, after having problems.  Since they purchased the turbine we haven't had them stay with us hardly at all.  But I used to keep a beef roast in the freezer, JUST IN CASE they had problems.  It sort of became a joke, that if there were problems, I had a beef roast for them here.  ......

Well, when Don called and said the one plane would probably be overnighting...I put on the beef roast I had.  I knew there were either 2 or 3 crew we would be putting up.  Well, it wasn't long when Don called back and said the other plane was back from Pignon, and it also had engine problems, and we would be putting them up, too.  I figured no problem.  I asked how many beds to get ready.  I wasn't sure if they had a flight attendant or not.  Don said, well, 6 crew, and 23 passengers.  We DO NOT HAVE 29 beds.  Our max is 20, if it's evenly divided between men and women.  I was about to go into panic mode.  then realized that two of the groups flying out were from missions in this area.  I called those missions and asked if they could return to the airport and pick up their teams for another night.  Very graciously they did that.  And I asked the one mission if they had room for a small team.  They did.  That meant we had the 6 crew and a small team of six from Pignon.  

Our dorm had not been used in a month, so it needed a LOT of work.  Vero called the gal who helps us and sent her over.  Two of "our guys" came, too, to help out.  And then Betty (one of our girls) came to help.  They did a superb job of cleaning and making beds up.  I had gotten three beds made, but not 12, so the help was GREATLY appreciated.  Then my next problem arose.  I had 12 people to feed.  I knew the roast would not make it.  So, I scrounged my freezer, came up with hot dogs, mac and cheese and green beans.  Not a feast, but it would do.  I knew the head of the small team, since he flew with us quite often.  But the other five I didn't know.  The Lord really blessed us with a great group.  And of course our pilots were awesome, as always.  Made pancakes for breakfast and they were off.  It took a bit for them to get the planes going, but they finally did and were in the air.  Then we found out the passenger plane had problems in  Provo.  But there they had ways to get help.  

I found out Saturday that our speaker for English church would not be able to make it.  Not a huge problem, as we could have a prayer and praise service.  I just had to let the worship leader know.  Couldn't get in touch with her, but knew it would work out.  Then Sunday afternoon, I found out that she was sick and wouldn't be there...I was asked to take over.  Although I do lead service every few months, I normally spend a day preparing for it.  God was good and gave me something I had gotten last year to share.  A good friend is an author and she had sent a three part story on "The Birth of a King" last year.  It dealt with Mary, telling Jesus the story of his birth.  What she went through in her life...as a 14 yer old girl, pregnant and not by her fiance.  What her family may have felt, what her intended must have gone through, and what the community felt.  A whole different perspective on the birth of Jesus Christ.  Yes, it was a "story", but with so many truths in it.  I have loved that whole story and am thankful for it, because it shows me that Mary was human, just as Jesus was.  That, yes, she was highly favored by the Lord.  But also that she went through a very hard time, serving the Lord.  

I do believe God honored Mary's faith and HE carried her through all those troubles.  But I also believe there is a parallel in the story for US.  WE will encounter problems and the Lord is there for us as well.  Being a Christian does not exempt us from trouble and hard times.  But it does mean we have Someone to walk with us through these times and Someone who can relate and help us to cope with it.  



I pray that this CHRISTmas season you will look beyond the glitz and glitter and realize that, that little baby came to earth for YOU and for me.  He went through more than we will ever experience, and He did it all for US.   Keep in mind the WHOLE Christmas story...yes, Jesus is the focus of it all, but the whole story shows us that God IS with us in all things.  IF we turn to Him.

Have a blessed day in Him.  Hold on to that Hand offered to you.  And keep smiling!!!

Dec. 9th and it's TOO quiet

I know you have all heard of the term "lock down".  Well, that's what we feel like here.  No traffic moving (roads blocked everywhere), and no one can go anywhere.  It's just way too quiet.  We are not used to this.

Two nights ago we had gun fire here in our yard.  We were not sure what was going on.  Someone told us it was kidnappers.  But evidently they had left with no hostages.  Then yesterday we found out what really happened.  Even with the election problems, people are still not happy with the UN because of the cholera situation.  Well, evidently there were some UN fellows out walking and checking things out.  People started throwing rocks and bottles at them.  They ran up a road, and one of them fell into a hole they were digging for a public latrine.  They started shooting in the air, to keep people away.  Got the one out and they ran...thinking our drive was a road they came this way.  When they found out it wasn't a road, they reversed and ran back out...shooting in the air.  People were still throwing rocks and bottles.  Our house had been hit with the rocks, too.  It sounded awful, like huge boulders hitting the roof.  It was simply rocks, some good sized, hitting the tin. But they were thrown over the wall behind us.  (This was at 11:45 at night!!)

Last night I couldn't sleep, so was up reading.  At about midnight, it sounded like someone was ripping tin off the roof at the dorm.  (or somewhere close).  My second thought was that they were taking the flat steel for the gate door.  There was no way for Don to secure it, although the door frame was chained down.  I got Don up, he got our watchman up and they went looking.  The watchman didn't want Don outside at night, with the kidnapping threat here.  But after he made the rounds, Don went out to check the door he had welded.  All was fine, nothing missing.  NO idea where the noise came from.  But...after Don was up, he could hear it too.  So, must have been somewhere close by outside our compound.  

Now today it's REALLY quiet.  We know the road blocks are still up.  But we don't even hear the people on the street talking and yelling, like they normally do.  So, we sit tight and wait it out.   I was put in the position of having to decide to call off our MFI flight.  AGAIN.  I do call and get other opinions on it, so it's not just my call.  But the government took it out of my hands.  They closed the airports until further notice.  

We did hear that there is traffic moving on the other side of the airport, but nothing in town or on this side of town.  Airport is still closed and no one can get there anyway.  So, how long will this go on?  Who knows.  

All of this to say, PLEASE keep praying.  We know prayer works.  God is keeping us safe and we totally depend on Him.  We won't do anything foolish.  Why tempt God when He is already caring for us?  We'll try to get some work done here.  I know Don is working overtime on the gate now, and doing what he can to get it done.  He doesn't have all the material to get it totally finished though.  So, we'll pray things cool down and he can get what he needs.  

We are still looking up and praising Him for His love and sacrifice for us.  We do serve an awesome and mighty God.  Since He sent us here, we will depend on Him to take care of us in all things.  We'll keep you posted as we hear things, but remember, many of the things we "hear" are just rumors.  We wait until we have some sort of confirmation on what is happening before sharing it.  We could probably write a book on some of the rumors we have heard.  Some you simply have to laugh off and hope no one really pays any attention to.  Others, you wait and see.  

So, pray with us that this whole situation will calm down and things return to "normal" here.  That is in parenthesis because we're not sure just what normal is.  

Love to you all from this "interesting" country of Haiti.  

Our Newsletter for Dec. 2010

We sent out our newsletter on Tuesday, so wanted to post it here, too.  I had a third page on the letter that I am not putting here.  It was one requesting a response if you still wanted to receive our hard copy letter via postal service.  The three options were:  via postal service, via email (which I may change our email address soon) or here on the blog.  If YOU have a preference, please let me know.  Thank you!!

Davis' in Haiti  ~  December 2010

God's grace and peace at this Christ centered time of year.  I will try to do a recap of this year in Haiti for you.  So much has gone on, and a lot to tell, but I'll try to keep it as short as I can.

The New Year entered with "Earth Shaking" awareness.  An understatement, to be sure.  The devastation, destruction, loss of life and injuries were beyond imagination.  Yet, what satan meant for evil, God turned into triumph for Him.  We are still seeing the results of the shaking 11 months later.  Yes, physically it has created chaos.  But spiritually, there have been hundreds of thousands coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Missionary Flights had a huge impact on Haiti through this trying time.  To get a glimpse into that, you can go to MFI's  web site.  (www.missionaryflights.org).  They also compiled and published a book with input from many people as to what happened and how the people were helped.  It's an excellent book.  Check it out at:  www.shakinggroundunshakablefaith.com.  I hope you have the change to see this.  It is awesome!!  We praise God for all the responses we had to help those in such great need.  It's an ongoing struggle for the people and we are thankful for those who see that need and send help.  God has used you mightily in Haiti.

From that point on, we had many teams come.  So much has been accomplished through teams this year.  No matter what the project was, it brought hope and faith building time to the Haitian people.  The fact is that Haitians know that these teams give up vacation time, use their money to come and help, and end up being a part of many Haitian lives.  God has blessed both the Haitians and the team members through these trips.  Lives have been changed and that is the aim of teams.  To change lives, both Haitian and American (or Canadian or others) for the better, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have had 5 containers (40 feet long) of food, scriptures and supplies arrive this year already.  Another, with the Christmas Bag project and food and scriptures, should have landed here in Cap yesterday.  We are praying for a quick release and distribution this time.  It would be amazing to be able to send out the Christmas bags on time this year.  No matter when the container is shipped, it seems the powers that be on this end hold it up and they don't go out until the new year.  This year we are praying that we will be able to get these out in time for Christmas.  (An added note:  the children don't care if they are late, they are thrilled to get them at any time, but we care.)

We spent 2 month stateside in May and June.  It was a needed break after all the chaos and after effects from the earthquake.  The amount of people coming to our door has increased dramatically.  There are so many with honest needs, but then we also have those who take advantage of things and want to get whatever they can, even if they don't need it.  A lot of discernment is needed with this.  

In November Haiti was hit with another disaster...CHOLERA.  There are still minor disputes over the origin.  What really matters is controlling it and getting help to those who need help.  The death toll raises daily, and that is dramatic.  In a lot of areas, they have been treating the sick with great results.  But those who cannot reach help in time, simply die wherever they are. And without proper training or advice, those caring for the sick contact the disease and become another fatality.  We have heard several different scenarios on what will happen and how long it will take to control this.  What is desperately needed now is prayer.  Prayer for the health-care workers here, who are wearing out.  Prayer for trained people to come in and supplement those workers.  Prayer for those who have cholera, and for the families of those who have not made it through.  Prayer for the people to listen and respond to those trying to teach them how to avoid getting cholera.  

And now the elections here in Haiti.  This is another case of chaos here.  Very few seem to be happy with the election...aside from the head of the UN and Preval.  We are hearing many different stories from all areas of how it was not a fair election.  We have no personal knowledge of what transpired, just what we have heard.  But we do know, no matter what is announced on the 7th as to the outcome, there will be problems from those who did not make it.  Everyone is expecting wide spread demonstrations once the announcement is made.  But we also know God can put His hand on this and take care of it all. That is what we are praying for.



We know without a doubt that the Lord is with us in all things.  But like all of you, at times it seems we can't tell He is there.  Our faith has to take over where our senses lead us to doubt.  We do serve an awesome and great God.  We know He is with us in all situations and through all the strife here.  And we praise Him for all he does for us on a daily basis.  From the little things He controls for us to the huge problems that He takes care of.  He IS an intricate part of every aspect of our lives and we acknowledge that.

                       Our prayer list includes:
Haiti:  all the situations that have shaken this country in the last year
Our ministry and lives:  That the Lord would guide, direct and protect us in all areas
Our family:  that the Lord will open doors, guide and direct them and keep them safe
The future of Haiti and our ministry here

May the Lord guide and direct YOU in all things.  And may your Christmas celebrations be centered on the true meaning of this holy season...the birth of Jesus Christ.

In His Name and Service,

Don & Karen Davis

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6

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(designate for Don & Karen Davis Fund Code #10)  

On our way to Christmas

I have decided that this post is only going to be upbeat things.  Everyday has it's down moments, but today I'm not going to let it get to me.

  I am posting pictures, only four of them, that show some of our upbeat things.  Don and Vero went to the airport today.  It wasn't too bad there, but the road coming home was something else I guess.  They have blocked the main road, so you have to take back ones.  I think they are FINALLY going to pave the main road...won't that be a great thing?  Shannon went to EBAC to be with the kids and do Bible study.  Keep that in prayer as she ministers to the older kids there.

Okay, the pictures.  This first one was just a fluke.  I looked out the door, saw this and ran for the camera.  I loved the way the sun was shinning on the trees and coming through the smoke.  Yes, it's smoke.  Someone was burning something, but I loved the effect of it on the yard.  

 The next one is a nativity set I made way back in 1979.  My sister and I had joined a ceramics class.  This is the first nativity set I ever owned, and I did it myself.  I now have several.  I love the differences in each one.  Guess that is something I would collect if I collected things.  Hummm....I have eagles, and cups...but anyway.  The three little colored angels are our Abbie angles that I either bought or received as gifts.  The hanging white one my daughter sent me.  Gee...I like angles, too.  Good thing I'm not collecting, huh?  

This one is my village I put up for Christmas each year.  This belonged to our oldest son and he gave it to me.  I've added a few pieces to it, but not many.  I don't have it all up here, because of space, but I like it anyway. 

 The last one is our tree.  I have ornaments that our kids made when they were a lot younger.  Some have gone the way of many aged things and aren't anymore, but I still have a lot they made.  I love those.  And one year our daughter made me a set of Gingerbread boys and girls...those were all our grandkids.  BUT we are now missing one since we have a grandson who isn't there.  I'll find a way to get an ornament with his name on it, too.  And our three great grandsons aren't on there either...another project to think on.  The packages under the tree need a bit of explanation.  Looks like a lot, huh?  Well, I put all of our ornaments in used gift boxes each year.  Then once I hang them up, I put the boxes under the tree, and it looks like a lot of presents.  There are a few there, but not that many.

I'll start working on our Christmas letter this week.  And I'll post that on here too.  I made a calendar for Abbie to mark the days off till Christmas.  She loves doing that.  She has a school program coming up and she has every one's parts memorized.  She is so excited about that.  It tells the real story of Christmas, so she tells it to us each day.  I'm so glad she is in a Christian school with such a positive influence.


Well, time to go and get supper ready and get more work done.  I hope your "pre-Christmas" time is spent focusing on the REAL REASON FOR THIS SEASON!!!  That little baby in the manger came to save us all, and we need to make sure that the real story is told!!  Have a blessed Christmas season, with Christ at the center of it all.

Wednesday and it's calm

Very happy to say it's relatively calm today and tonight.  Have heard a couple of gun shots in the distance.  But many times that is simply a home owner shooting in the air, saying I'm here and I have a gun.  Nothing exciting.  We keep praying this calm remains.  The situation with cholera is still a very prevalent thing.  It doesn't seem to be getting much better.  In fact in many areas it's getting worse.  Please keep praying for the whole thing.  Talked to the doc on Tuesday.  He looked totally worn out.  Health care workers are few and needs are many.  We've been praying for workers experienced in, or trained in, cholera situations.  If the workers we have here now wear down, they too, can become ill.  Maybe not with cholera, but sick just the same.  Please pray for the workers already here and for those God is moving to come and help.  

I found a paper a neat friend, Audrey, gave me (in Nov. of 2008), and I wanted to share it with you.  No idea who the author is, (it could be Audrey) but it reminded me of all of you out there, praying and keeping us going here!! You really are true friends.  And we praise God for you!!!

FRIENDSHIP

F ~ Fun-loving, Faithful

R ~ Risk of being real, understood

I ~ Interested in the welfare of others

E ~ Expect the best of others

N ~ Natural relationship, accept others

D ~ Delightful to be around

S ~ Sympathetic, Supportive, Sweet

H ~ Helpful, Hopeful, Healing, Happy

I ~ Interdependent by helping others

P ~ Patient, Pleasant to be around

If I were given another opportunity at life and friendship I would seize every minute of it!  I would look at it and really see it and live it for Jesus!!

Thanks Audrey, for keeping me looking UP and relying on Jesus for my strength and support. 

We just received a book from a friend.  It's a book on dealing with trauma, like the earthquake, in a Biblical way.  It's in Creole and is totally geared to the earthquake situation.  Everyone who has seen it has been really impressed with it.  I'm thinking we should order some for the pastors...maybe a few anyway.  It is geared for a seminar situation where the pastor would teach the leaders in the church, who would in turn, teach those under him and so on.  Pray with us as we make some decisions on this.

Our container is supposed to dock tomorrow.  We are praying it will, with some reservations.  But if we can get it soon, it would be great.  I have my Christmas Bag booklet and am getting ready to make decisions on who/what/where the Christmas Bags will go.  I really do like doing this, since we've seen the outcome of what these bag, with scriptures can do.  They give joy, yes, but they give hope, in the form of the Gospel.  And people ARE reading them.  Praise God for the work He is doing through Stan and Gloria, and Missy, and the whole group who put SO much into this program.  This DOES change lives for the Lord!!  Keep praying for them and check out the web site at right.  

Everyone here is in bed already.  They poured the ceiling on the IDADEE orphanage today.  A HUGE job...had 120 workers to mix cement, haul buckets and do the actual pouring.  But it's done, praise God!!  Vero and Shannon, with the help of others, made a meal for those guys...lots of work doing the meal, too.  God is REALLY good and is working wonders at the IDADEE compound!!

Tomorrow I'll try to download and share some photos with you.  Until then, keep smiling and keep Jesus at the center of all you do!!!