Back in Haiti

I'm thankful to be on here again.  This system is really driving us to distraction.  At times we go days without connection, then it's fine for a day or two.  But we have to believe God knows all of this and will help us struggle through.  I have had to remind myself that when we came to Haiti, almost 31 years ago, that we had only letter mail for communication.  No internet, no phones to speak of and not even Ham radio at that point.  For a phone line we had to travel 12 miles, get in line (for maybe up to 6 hours) then pray we could connect...but that was very iffy... and IF connected to an operator, then we had to pray we didn't get cut off, which was a real possibility.  So, waiting a day or so to get on internet isn't all that bad, since we can reach so many.  I don't pray for patience, I pray for endurance.  

We arrived here last Thursday, a week and one day ago.  We were still settling in on Friday when we got a phone call.  The gal and her daughter who clean the dorm called.  Juliette (the mama) said, "You said if you were here  you may be able to help with Maz's (daughter) flowers for her wedding."  I had totally forgotten that, but said yes.  Then asked when it would be.  "Tomorrow!"  Well, that threw me for a loop.  But I could praise the Lord for Carolyn (a good friend from West Palm Beach).  She had been here while we were gone for a wedding and did all the flowers for that wedding.  She had left them here.  I asked Maz what color she wanted.  She said whatever you have is fine.  That at least made me happy.  So, decorations were right there for me.  But I had to work on flowers for bride, groom, maren, paren (God parents), mothers and pastors and whoever else I could get done.  I did most of them with what was here and felt fine.  Decorating the church on Saturday was another trial... no one there had the key.  Had to call all over and find someone to let us in.  An hour and a half later we were able to get in.  One gal there wasn't happy with anything.  She was no relative and just a distant friend.  So we ignored her.  We went home to change and Savanah went down for a nap.  Don went to the wedding, I didn't.  Savanah slept through the time for the wedding, so her and I stayed home.  Don took photos, and they didn't turn out good at all.  Something wrong with the camera.  But we were glad that situation was over. 

Then Sunday I had to lead English church.  I had no idea who our speaker was, but simply planned it as if we didn't have one.  July and August are very slow months for our church.  We ended up with about 20 Haitian fellows, Don, Savanah, me and our other committee member (and piano player), Enoch.  We have a hard time getting the Haitians to respond to the praise and prayer time.  I shared all our blessings with them and asked if anyone else had any praises to share with us.  At first nothing....then one man stood and praised God for being with him in a tough situation.  From then on, maybe 7 or 8 stood up and shared.  That was such a blessing for us.  Then Enoch gave the message.  What a powerful man he is.  God used him to touch all those there, including us.  We had a fantastic service praising God.  What a great start to our return to Haiti, seeing God working and using people. 

When we first arrived in Haiti, we were amazed at the progress at the airport.  It's still a ways from being done, but it is really moving along at a fast pace.  The director took Don and I through the whole building and explained so much.  We really were amazed.  And on October 5th, American Airlines will be flying in with their first flight.  It is already booked solid.  So, we really are moving into the 21st century.  

Oh, wanted to share one more picture with you all.  (I keep forgetting all the blessings we have had...and I'll probably end up sharing more later when I go through the photos we took.)  This photo is another 4 generation one for our family.  On our travel back to Florida to fly back, we were able to spend one night with our son, Tim.  His daughter was there with her twins, so we took the opportunity to get that four generation photo.  These two little ones are doing great after a hard start.  Aren't babies fun?  Yes, we did the twin thing, too, and it's a bit tough at times, but worth it.

And then, of course, Savanah.... She has grown so much in the 3 months we were gone.  But always ready for a photo.

Well, I'd best get back to work and start catching up on things.  Three months of mail and other work to do and get caught up on.  I hope to be back on here soon with some more photos and news of how things are progressing here.  

Remember to keep praising God for what He does in your life.  Both the big and the small.  He does a whole lot more than any of us realize in our lives.  Keep Jesus at the front and center of all you do.  Blessings to all!!!