Greetings…
So
many thoughts running through my mind today, but I wanted to take a bit of time
and share with you all. We are rejoicing in the fact we are back at home
in Haiti. It’s been a L.O.N.G… and wearing journey these last few months,
but the Lord has been with us and seen us through it all. I am really
happy to say that the doctor told me ALL THE CANCER IS GONE, and I do not have
to have any further treatment!! As for my heart, I’ll go out for a
recheck in 6 months!!!
And
I’m also glad we are no longer in Wisconsin…our son sent a picture of the temps
there… at a -24 degrees (wind chill in the next few days…-50 to -55
degrees)… NOPE don’t want to be in that. It was even chilly in Florida
while we were there. So, our 80 degrees plus is just fine with us.
As
per doctors orders, I will slow down a bit. I will be doing most of the
things from here at home and a lot of it on the computer, but that doesn’t take
a lot of energy or stress. I can’t wait to start with the kiddos again
with English. That is more fun than work. They sure are
precious. And I sure missed Abbie and her “Grandma, I have the best idea
ever” statements. Some are just silly and some have some meaning, but hey
are all “Abbie-isms”.
And
of course, coming back there are the multiple problems that crop up. Some
wires came loose and blew out the battery charger and inverter at the
dorm. Don has spent a couple of days working over there to get things
working again. And we had to order a new charger and inverter. But
here at the house Vero did a great job. When things needed working on,
she had Marco working on them and it was all working great when we arrived.
The
situation here in Haiti is really rough. We have shared before that many
people come to us for help because they cannot afford to send their children to
school. That has increased terribly. The exchange rate is a huge
factor. Let me explain a bit here. The value of American money is
increasing daily. Which is fine for those who have American money.
But the regular Haitian has no access to American currency. I have a
chart that I downloaded today. It shows the increase in the last
year. But let me explain it a bit easier, using an example.
5 years ago: $100 US = 4000 gds. or
$ 800.00 Ht. $ ( 8% exchange rate)
1 year ago: $100 US =
6100 gds. or $1220.00 Ht. $ (12.2% exchange rate)
Today:
$100 US = 7882 gds. or $1576.40
Ht. $ (15.8% exchange rate)
Now, consider the Haitian
economy. When someone IS working, no pay raise for the 5 years. But
costs of food have increased along with the exchange rate because many places
buy their items from outside of Haiti at American prices, so they need American
money to do that. And with those prices rising, ALL prices in the country
rise. Now take into account that the normal Haitian has no access to
American currency. Where does that leave them? Without money for
food, clothing or schooling.
This
is why Don is faced with so many coming for help to put their children in
school and for help with money for food. We do understand the problem,
but cannot meet every need, either. So, pray with us for wisdom and
strength.
While
pondering all of these things, I opened our daily Bible Study from a good
friend, Roy Coy. It hit it right on the head for me. I’ll share
that last part of that with you:
“Papa
Roy says, does it feel as if your
world's been plowed-under, perhaps turned upside-down? If God's just plowed
your field, it's because He's planning on planting something wonderful in its
place. Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it. “Are you willing to wait for God's
planting? What could God be building in you?” (Tom)
In God we trust so the thing to remember is that each position is important, from the
“lowest” person to the head boss. Each person has their part to do. The work
for each one is in God’s field–the earth. They are working on building God’s
kingdom. It does not matter if you are washing the toilets, preaching a sermon,
or witnessing on the streets, all of it is used together to build His kingdom.”
Quite
often I find that Roy’s message is just what I need, just when I need it. Right
now I have to stop and think about the fact that we are closing in on return of
the Lord Jesus. In the coming days, weeks, months….are we prepared for
what we will face, prior to His return? This may just be the start.
I am
not being morbid, I’m excited. We may, or may not have to go through some
really tough times. But if we are prepared and need it, praise God. If we
are prepared and don’t need it, praise God!!
Had
our first time back at English Bible Fellowship (EBF) yesterday. We have
a small group, but they are the ones searching and digging into God’s word, and
asking very poignant questions. Both Enoch and I are thrilled with those
rearching out and asking for help. Please keep EBF in your prayers.
We will need wisdom and strength to find all the right answers.
We
have one huge praise at this point. Yesterday, before leaving for church,
Vero came over and told us that Milot (our watchman) had asked if he could go
to church with her. He is not a Christian and we have struggled with that
for a while. When they returned from church, Abbie walked in and smiling
said, “Grandma, Milot accepted Christ in church today!!” So we are
rejoicing in this. Vero has been teaching him English, using the Bible as
her text book! The Lord answered our prayers for sure! Pray with us that
his whole family will follow him and be open to the Lord’s leading.
At
this point we are getting ready to purchase food for our bucket ministry.
Trying to find out the prices of things before we can proceed. The food
prices have risen, so we’ll need to make some adjustments on how much to
purchase. Keep that in prayer, please.
I’d
best close and start catching up on some of the paperwork that needs
doing. We just wanted to let everyone know we are home and very happy to
be here. And the work continues…. Keep us in prayer, for wisdom and
strength, and to follow the Lord's leading.
