On into spring...

Greetings to all,

We have been really busy this last month, but that is not an excuse for not sharing.  It's just been awesome watching how the Lord works in so many, many ways.

In looking back, I cannot pinpoint certain things we have accomplished, but I know we did a lot.  Of course, we are always busy with Savanah.  She is SO active and is always on the go.  But she can be so cute, too.  Over the last year and a half (thanks to our daughter Christine's smart move), Savanah has been into the "Doc MacStuffins" DVD's and toys.  At first I thought, oh cute, then I sat and listened to what actually went on in the movie.  There are SO MANY great things encouraging children in life.  Not a Christian movie, but a great children's guide.  Just emphasizing everyday things we try to teach children.  And we are so happy she is listening and following many of those things.

Of course the work at the airport continues.  We were able to hire another worker to help out.  He is a real blessing and a strong Christian.  Someone who had been on the plane said, "oh, so you only spend a hour or so a week helping MFI?"  Wow, they have no idea.  On plane days we are there long before the plane, and long after it is gone.  And on the day before planes, I try to get all the paperwork needed accomplished.  So, it's actually two full days and two partial days helping with MFI.  But it is so worth it.  I enjoy working with people, and especially with our pilots.  They put in such LONG days.  Each flight day is about 14 hours for them.  And all the preparation work for loading the planes is part of their work, too.  So, please keep them all in prayer...all those who work with MFI, not just the pilots.  They are ALL working to help the missionaries and to get the Lord's word out to the world.  And their motto "Standing in the Gap" is so very true for all of us on this end.  This is a picture of some of our workers.  There are two missing but I seldom get the chance to catch them all together, standing still.

 

 Someone asked me isn't it hard, not being with family and friends in the states?  I said yes, in many ways it is, but then I remember the joys and peace of being right where the Lord wants us.  I am constantly thanking God for internet, phones and letters.  Our lifeline to our family.  We are able to get pictures of most of them via emails and that is a huge blessing.  I found a picture on pinterest that says it all.

 I really liked this saying.  As long as we are able to connect with people (family especially), distance doesn't seem that great.

Okay, have had a LOT of questions on where Savanah's adoption stands.  Well, we have had her with us for 5 years and almost 5 months now.  Praise the Lord her adoption IS finished.  She does have a passport.  But the wait is for ONE paper, finishing her citizenship for Canada.  It is somewhere in the Canadian embassy... just waiting to be found.  She so wants to be with her new family.  All she talks about is mommy, daddy, and her three sisters.  She was blessed to have Grandma Bibiana come and spend a week at our dorm with her Argentina doctor friend.  I praise God that Bibiana is able to come and spend some time with her, because she is a positive link to Canada for Savanah.  So, again, we ask you to continue prayers that will move this young lady home to her new family in Canada.  

And now on to some heavy prayer requests.  First and foremost, we have had horrible rains lately.  It just keeps coming and coming.  Although the streets had been cleaned up after the tsunami, we are getting back to how terrible they were then.  Mud, rocks and garbage are now, AGAIN, filling the streets of Cap Haitian.  People are suffering so much again.  And add into that, the exchange rate.  Now, for foreigners who have American money, the constant rise in the percentage rate is not a problem.  But with this rise, prices also increase.  The majority of Haitians do not have an increase in income and they were having a hard time BEFORE this increase.  A lot of prayer is needed.  The suffering is increasing.  PLEASE keep these two things in your daily prayers.  Pray for the rains to stop and for the economy to ease off.  

Something else I found on the internet is what I want to close with.  Blessings!!

"May God give you perspective on the things that frustrate you.  May your heart of compassion grow for those who suffer in unimaginable ways.  May you pray as passionately for them as you do for yourself.  My God protect you from a small, selfish mindset.  May He fill you up with thanksgiving and joy for the freedoms you enjoy!  May He renew your resolve to be a grateful, humble soul.  And may He use you tomorrow in ways that surprise and bless you!!!"