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Hello from Wisconsin... and yes it is warming up a bit here. I think we thought that it would not warm up, but slowly it is doing it. We do miss our weather in Haiti, at least the warm part of it.
Well, we have spent over a month here and it seems to have gone so fast. We had a minimum of 3 days a week with eye doctor, doctor, tests and check-ups through this whole time. It's not quite over yet, but coming close. But it's been good to get it all over and done with and soon we'll have some of the final results. I have had both cataract surgeries done. It's a bit difficult though. Eyes are much better, but need my glasses to read and see yet. But since the surgery, it's the wrong prescription, but have to wait for the eyes to heal before getting new glasses. I'll be SO happy to get that done and be able to see clearly again. We are so very grateful for all the doctors and the fact that the Lord put Christians in our path yet again. Not looking forward to the bills and those mundane things, but know the Lord is not about to let us down in that area either.
One area that has us concerned about not being in Haiti at this time is this virus that has pretty much taken over the country. It's called Chikungunya (pronounced chick-en-gun-ye) virus. When we first heard about it, not long after we came out, they had said close to 800 cases were reported. Within a couple of weeks, that rose to over 40,000 cases. There is a site you can check it out at, it's: http://news.health.com/2014/06/20/mosquito-borne-chikungunya-virus-may-be-headed-for-u-s/ This story tells about the virus and where it has all been reported. But it doesn't specify any real news about Haiti. Our concern, and that of quite a few in Haiti, is that there are at least double what was reported, since most people don't make it to a doctor, and thus aren't reported. And in Haiti, as in some other countries, once that virus sets in, many DO die. Not from the virus itself, but because their resistance is so low, they contact other things, like pneumonia or other problems, and those things do result in death. But a lot of our concern ended up being Abbie and Savanah. Both of them contacted it. The only thing to even help with this is Tylenol. And Vero told us it was not available in country now. We had Missionary Flights send in a case of Children's Tylenol immediately. But more is needed, and the adult doses are also needed. Savanah seems to have recovered from it, but Abbie has some lingering problems. We are praying that Vero does not get it. She is so overworked already and now this added situation is sure to wear on her even more. At the last time we talked to her, the 24 children at the IDADEE orphanage had not gotten it, but the surrounding area is rampant with it. I was able to talk to our missionary friend, Belle a few days ago. Her husband has it quite bad, and two of the missionaries working with them had it too. Their orphanage, at that point, had about half of the children down with it, too. A lot of prayers needed in Haiti with dealing with this virus.
We had very few "down" days, but the few we did have were fun. Don was able to see and spend time with his younger brother and sister. We hadn't seen Richard for many, many years, so it was a blessing. His sister Sandy lives in the area so we do get to see her each year. But it's still such a blessing to be able to see those we miss. ((check the picture below))
Then for father's day, our daughter got Don flowers and a pot, so he could work with flowers again. She said when you go back to Haiti, I get the pot, because the flowers will be alive. She has the same problem I have, flowers seem to simply die on us. But Don works with them and brings them back to life again. ((check the picture below))
Now that most of our testing is done and we simply are waiting for results, we'll have some time for family and friends that we have as yet, been unable to meet with. Once our glasses arrive we can make the final plans for our return trip.
While we wait we ask that you keep the following things in prayer:
- That all our tests return great and no problems.
- Pray for Vero, Abbie and Savanah as this virus continues in Haiti.
- Keep Haiti and it's government in prayer, not only because of the virus, but to start following the Lord in decisions being made for the country.
- Pray for Savanah's adoption process. We have been unable to find out what is happening at this point, but know that prayer can expedite it.
- Pray for Vero for strength and wisdom in all she is dealing with.
- Pray for our return trip.
- Pray for the Lord to go before us in the financial situation we will face with all the medical work that was done.
- Pray for America... for the leaders, the situations that are coming to light and for God to put His Hand on things and turn them to His ways.
- And pray for revival... for God's Holy Spirit to be poured out in a mighty way all over the world.
We'll
close for now, thanking you for praying and for standing with us in our
work in Haiti. Now we are praying for you, that God will open your
eyes and let you see clearly what and where you can best serve Him. May
He richly bless and be with you in all you do and in all of your
situations.
It's in HIS name we close.
These are a couple of the photos I wanted to share. The first is Don and his younger siblings. His brother, Richard and his sister, Sandy.
This one is Don with his flowers.... YES, the thing on his head is for UNDER the pot. But he had fun with it anyway.
And now, we'll simply say, Blessings from the Lord on you. May He be the center of all you do and all you are. Keep your eyes turned to him in all situations.
