Friday, July 19, 2013

Back Home in Haiti

Greetings to all,

Well, I have been trying for a few days to get on here and neither my laptop or desktop would let me do it.  Frustration is a mild word for how I was feeling.  I THINK I may have found out why now, but we'll see.

I did send out an email and that went through, since I did have a few responses to it, but this site ...  well, I just could not get into it.  So, that said, I'll first post the email I sent and go from there.

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Greetings to all,

 Well, we are FINALLY back home in Haiti.  Had a great, no make that fantastic, time while stateside but it's also good to be home again.

We made it to Fort Pierce in time to unload our cargo and head to Orlando to get our grandson, Peter. We had a good time with him there.  Peter and grandma did a bit of "sightseeing" while grandpa rested the first day.  (Had fun getting lost and finding our way back).  Then spent the next day at The Holy Land Experience.  A family staying at the same hotel traveled with us via free transport.  They were so nice.  Had two boys who were really well behaved.   The Experience has changed a lot since the last time we were there.  It had been created by Marve Rosenthal when we visited before.  Then I guess Trinity Network purchased it.  We did miss a few of the original things, but the expansion was really great, too.  Overall it was an awesome experience.  We were really glad Peter was able to go with us. 

Came back home to heat, humidity and a ton of happy greetings, first at the airport then at home.  But oh, the pile of things we need to go through and sort out. 

We had been a bit concerned about how Savanah would react, and if she would remember us... no problem at all there.  And she has become a clinging vine since we got here.  They had been having some minor problems with her while we were gone, but having grandma back set that to rights.  And shocking, she obeys when I speak to her, too.  Doesn't take any time outs, or swats on the butt, either. 

Today is our first full day back, and Peter has already been gone twice.  First with Pastor Codo, and now with one of our "kids", Daniel, to pick some things up in town.  Peter is doing GREAT.  We had been concerned the heat might be a problem, but there has been absolutely NO problems for him so far, either in Florida or here.  I'll have more photos to share when I get things set up and can download them.  In between trips, another missionary, Jenny, came and set up for him to spend time with her and her helper.  Seems he will be a busy guy.  We keep pushing water and hats, and he is doing great.  He does know enough to take care of himself, but grandma has to make sure he keeps remembering.  (From kids to grandkids, I keep the concern going.)

Once we get settled in and can work things out, I'll be back on to share more with you.  Keep praying... customs about threw us for a loop, but we know God knew that, too, and will take care of it. 

So, for now, keep your eyes on Jesus, let Him be your guide and direction in all  you do.  Until next time.... blessings and prayers!!
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I've decided to include some photos and let you know what all has been happening.  We got here fine... unloaded all our things here at the house and had a huge mess.  Thankfully Peter is here with us.  He has been such a TREMENDOUS help in so many areas.  First full day back Vero came over with Abbie and little Sammy, who she is caring for while Bud and Jane are out.  I really enjoyed them being here, but it sort of put a stop to unpacking.  And I would almost rather have the kids around right now than unpack... we have missed them a LOT.  Then yesterday was plane day.  Vero went to the airport and I stayed home with the two little ones.  Thankful for Peter yet again...his help has been invaluable.  Today it's just Savanah.  So, while she napped, I was able to get some work done on computer, and Peter unloaded boxes and sorted things into piles.  Don worked in the garage getting vehicles running and putting things away there.  So, now Peter took the kiddo outside and I am able to catch up on the blog.. isn't life fun???   But we are really praising God for Peter's help.  As of tomorrow he will be out and moving about with other missions.  So, glad he only had one day so far with Pastor Codo.  Peter will be working with Pastor Codo for a couple of days, then heading over to help another missionary group with their English school.  Things keep falling into place for him to see all different things everywhere.  Keep praying for him that God will reveal where and what HE wants Peter to do.  He is open for the Lord's leading and it's much easier to hear God's voice when away from the stateside pressures of "things". 
 
Okay, now on to the pictures... with explanations... and they may not be in order, since I have problems doing that on here.
These first ones are from the Holy Land Experience...
 
 
 
This is little Sammy, in the back yard playing while Peter and Abbie were playing soccer.  Our son gave us these mats and what a blessing!!
 
 
 And then there is little miss Princess... she thinks she is hot stuff sitting with Grandpa.  Yes, and a bit of a ham, too.
So, what are our prayer requests??  Well,
Pray for Peter to be able to handle the heat... yes, it's up into the 3 digits most days.  Pray for the adoption papers for both Sammy and Savanah. 
Pray for God to guide and direct us in all we do and where we are to minister.
And finally pray for me to be able to conquer these computer problems!!! 
 
Until next time, prayerfully soon, let the Lord guide you in all you do and keep your eyes on our only hope, JESUS!!! 

Friday, July 5, 2013

And now....

Greetings and we hope your 4th of July was wonderful.

As we wind down our trip here in the US, we were happy to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends.  Two more days and we will be on the road.  But yesterday was a great way to bring things to a close here.  

Our neighbor/landlord offered to take us on a pontoon boat trip.  Donny, our grandson with CP loved this 2 years ago when we were here.  So, this was a great trip for all of us, but especially for Donny.  Bud (our guide) let Donny "drive" to the pontoon again.  This joy and fun will be with Donny for months on end again.  To be treated like a normal person is such a blessing and such an uplift for someone who normally can't do some things.  I thought I'd share just a few photos of the fun we had, thanks to some wonderful friends.
 
 
 
 And then in the evening we went to town for the fireworks.... well, we got there late... and had to park in the shopping center parking lot... but it was great to be with family anyway.  And the fireworks were great.  Don tried to get some photos of fireworks, and he did get some awesome ones.  So, here are just a few... 
 
 
 
 We plan to go to more fireworks tonight, here at the lakes.  And we will have family here with us again.  God is blessing us with this time with the kids and grandkids.  We are so happy to have had this extended time with family.  It's been really wonderful.  And our kids and grandkids have been such a blessing to us!!  

Through all this trip, we have seen the Lord work miracles, we have seen the wonders of His creation, we have experienced love from family and friends that warms the heart, and we have simply drawn closer to the Lord through so many things and in so many ways.  Yes, the 4th of July is Independence Day for the United States, and we thank all of those who have served in the military to make this country free.  This includes our grandson, and our grandson-in-law.  We are so proud of all of those who have given the time and yes, sometimes their lives, to give us this freedom.  It's a day, and a weekend to honor them and we do.  

But we also want to thank the Lord for what HE has done for us.  It's been exciting to walk with Him and to see how He has also given us "INDEPENDENCE" from satan and sin.  We are so thankful for the work Jesus did on our behalf, to give us the freedom to come to the Lord with our problems and with our praise.  

May you always walk in the way of the Lord and be and do what He directs.  We give all honor and glory to Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!