Huge prayer request

 I just sent out an email and decided I'd post it on here as well.  We can use the prayers.  Blessings!!

Hello and Happy New Year!

We are praying your New Year will be all you expect and desire, but we also pray that it is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ!  We have a lot to be thankful for in the last year, but right now, we need some prayers to go up for the situation here.

As I had written before, Pastor Cebien has been interceding for us with Savanah's adoption.  (Also with Sammy's).   The meeting that was scheduled for December went well.  But in the time since, some changes have/will be made.  We need everyone who is willing, to stand in the gap with us for the next month.  Because of circumstances we know nothing about in the government, the president will be changing out his cabinet this coming week.  This may affect the outcome of the meeting that took place in December.  We do not know any of the particulars.  But Pastor Cebien has been asked to schedule 2 meetings the end of this month, January 24th and 25th, concerning the adoptions.  At prayer meeting last night, he asked that we have everyone pray EARNESTLY for these meetings.  Pray for hearts and minds to be open to the way the Lord wants the meetings to go.  Pray for the paperwork to be exactly what is needed.  Pray that, with God's speed, things will progress and these adoptions will be completed.  Pray God's covering over the whole process and for God's will to be accomplished. And please, pray for Pastor Cebien for the correct words to come forth, for him to have strength and wisdom in what he says and does, and for those in authority to be open to what he says.  We thank you in advance for your prayers on Savanah and Sammy's behalf.  These two kiddos need to be at home with their new families and enjoying life. 

With the new year, came some changes with MFI.  We will now have 3 flight days a week.  I have been trying to get to the airport, even without a sitter for Savanah... whew.... what a time.  Twice I had to leave her here with Don.  Once when HE was sick, but she was so good.  And the second time with Don and Abbie, and I think things went fine with them, then too.  But one time we had to take her along...what a time that was.  She did really well for quite a while, then all of a sudden, she wanted home and bed.  The gal who was going to watch her while Bud and Jane were gone, was able to be here one day.  She is just a bit over 7 months pregnant.  The next time she was to come, she ended up in the hospital in labor.  She is now on total bed rest.  Please keep Kettia in prayer.  She is having a time being still.  She has a 4 year old son who is very active.  Her husband helps all he can, but he works.

Once Savanah is able to go home to her family, it will relieve a lot of pressure at the airport for me.  I do get my paperwork done at home, but I should be there to follow through on it all.  Our computer situation has not improved.  I've had three different people, who KNOW what they are doing, come and check it out.  No one can find out what the problem is.  We finally had to bite the bullet and order a new laptop to get things done on line that we need.  Ordered a cheap one, but it's one that will do what is needed and that is a huge thing.  The Lord knows what is needed, and He also knows what is wrong with both the computers, but I think HE is the only one!!! 

With three days at the airport, Don is running in circles to complete a lot of his work.  That statement, "No rest for the weary", is a part of our lives now.  But I praise God we have such wonderful friends here who not only encourage us, but pray with us and can feel our situation.  I guess in essence, it's simply the life of a missionary. 

I am really happy to report, WE don't have any snow or COLD weather like a lot of the United States has right now.  Our son sent an email with a small picture he took of his weather station.... it was -24 with a wind chill factor of -54.  When we get to +69 we are all looking for sweaters and blankets.  What in the world would we do with even the -24?   Praise God He has us here and not there right now!!  One friend was to fly in with a group today for another mission, but is stranded because of cold/snow.  The majority of the Haitians could not even imagine what that cold is like. 

As I sit here and watch the palm fronds on the Royal Palm tree blow in the gentle breeze, and see the turkeys and their babies (NOT ours, the watchman's) walking around, I think how blessed we are NOT to have the cold and snow. 

Baby's nap time is over, so I'd best get busy now.  She really is a good kid most of the time, but has her moments, like all kids do.  Just have to keep an eye on her. 

Our prayers and blessing flow from here to you.  We pray you are in that place that the Lord can richly bless  you.  Please keep the prayers coming... we need them.  We love the Lord and will continue to serve Him as long as He allows.  But time is short... Jesus may return in the near future so we want to reach out to those who do not know Him, and introduce them to the wonders of our Lord!  We pray you are doing the same.