Urgent prayers needed

Prayers needed....

The rains have come, more than ever.  Last night, after the power went off, I sat and listened to the rains, at first softly falling and I remembered so much from years ago.  I used to love walking in the rain.  I could walk for hours and miles.  Sometimes sad and crying, for different reasons or for difficult decisions.  Sometimes just simply enjoying walking in the rain and feeling refreshed.  I've always enjoyed the rain.  

Since coming to Haiti, I have seen a different view of the rains.  Yes, the rain is needed, to fill cisterns and reservoirs.  To water gardens so food will grow.  To simply have water for washing clothes, taking baths and all the mundane daily things.  I didn't realize until coming here how much Americans take a simple thing like water for granted.  When we have no rains and droughts come... not only do gardens suffer, and rivers dry up.  Drinking water is scarce, bathing is very difficult if available at all. 

 

But when the rains DO come...in normal amounts, it is a blessing beyond measure.  You see clothing hanging on bushes or on the ground after being washed.  You see families (yes, FAMILIES) in the river taking baths.  You see people with push carts with 50 gallon drums on them, full of water, selling it to homes who have none.  And as a whole, life is good then. 
 

Then the overabundance of rain comes...and the tide turns.  People live in the equivalent of mud huts, with dirt floors.  Yes, some have cement walls, but so many, many have not.  Roofs, even on the cement homes, are tin, and mostly it's rusted and full of holes.  So, when this overabundance of rain comes... it's tragedy.  People sleeping on wet, mud floors, rains pouring in where they have holes in the roof, and sickness.  A majority of Haitians are malnourished, or at least very undernourished.  Their resistance is near zero to anything that comes along.  So, on these damp, cold floors, they get sick.  We have know where some slept on a wet floor, got sick and died in three days.  TRAGEDY!!  And this is not unheard of here.  Water supplies become contaminated.  Gardens are washed out.  The suffering is extreme.

Well, last night as the gentle rains started to increase and become heavier and heavier, my thoughts turned to the people.  First to those we know, who we KNOW were suffering.  Then to the area we live in...and we knew the amount of people at our door would increase for help.  Then to the larger area of this end of Haiti. So, the prayers started.  And the storm increased.  And grew worse and worse.  No, not a hurricane, not even a tropical storm, but a bad storm, none the less.

And I went to bed, and slept...........

Then this morning, we were planning a trip to town for supplies.  It was still raining and I told Don, the roads are going to be really bad.  We have a friend who was going to go with us.  And we were debating what to do.  We needed to get to town, for food and for fuel.  No stations around here have gas, so had to travel to town to get some.  

Our important, urgent trip came to an end with one phone call.  The rains had caused flooding all over our area and into town.  There were landslides, there is mass destruction.  People aren't hungry... they are dead... one family of 8, only the dad survived.  Another family the baby, another youngster and mom were found laying dead on the road, but the rest of the family has yet to be found.... 

My heart is so, so very heavy.  We keep calling friends to make sure they are okay.  Can't reach a few of them, so we are very concerned.  We sit here crying for the lost, for the ones left, who are hurting so much, for yet another devastation causing an already hurting country to go into mourning. 

So again, we ask for prayers... for the families of those who are gone, or not found yet - for the families who have lost everything from possessions (as little as they were) to their homes washed down the hillside - for those wandering, looking for someone to help them find family - for the people in authority who are overwhelmed with what to do for those who have loss of life in their families, have lost their property and livelihood.

Yes, the earthquake of 2½ years ago was really bad...but we are close to that situation here now.  Not as bad, but for this area it is of monumental proportions. 

So, please pray with us, not only for the people, the authority in charge and for the whole situation, but also for us.  We don't have the means to help a whole lot of people right now, but our hearts are torn for the situation we face with them.  We praise God we are safe and sound, with no damage at this point.  But people have already started filtering in here, not looking for a handout, but looking for help...of any kind, to get through this.  

We pray God will step in and help...not only physically, but spiritually, and emotionally.  The hurt is so huge right now, that only the Lord can calm fears and tears.  Pray with us for the Lord to send an extra amount of love and comfort to those lives have been torn apart.

As you can see, my outlook on rain has an added dimension now.  I still can see the wonder of the Lord in showers and yes, even in thunder and lightening.  But I can also see how the devil has used this to cause havoc and destruction.  

Lord, we come before you and ask that You step in and in Your love and grace, help those who are hurting and suffering.  Bring calm where there is chaos, bring healing where there is pain, and bring comfort where there is none.  And Lord, use us in this situation as you see fit.  Let us be Your hands to help where we can, in any way we can. Lord, we lean on You to be with us as we face an overwhelming situation here.  Please let Your love and glory shine even through this.  In Jesus Name...Amen.

Thankful

Thankful for so much....

The rains... oh the ground looks so good.  It's been saturated and things are growing again.  Gardens will be looking good now, too.  We've had some heavy, thunderboomers but that's fine.  

Savanah's birthday... Can't believe she is one already.  She's a smart little bugger, too.  She doesn't want to use words... just gestures for what she wants.  Like goofy people, we give her what she wants, too.  When she is hungry, she points to your mouth, then to hers, and then whines just a little.  She knows a lot though.  You ask her where things are and she will point to them.  Her and Abbie love to dance.  Put in any DVD with music and they start in.  I think she learned all she knows from Abbie on that score.  We got her an umbrella stroller, and the top looks like a princess hat.  Abbie thinks that the neatest thing ever.  We walk her over to get Abbie from school in the stroller now.  She really does think she's a princess.  All the kids there come to talk to her and want to touch her.  She is VERY partial to kids, especially babies.  I thought I'd put a couple of pictures here and let you see what her first birthday was like.  I didn't realize I did not have the makings for frosting here.  So, Abbie (all by herself) made the chocolate cake.  And I whipped up some cream to top it off.  Savanah was not thrilled with the candle on the cake...doesn't like fire, which is good.  And she really isn't into cake that much, but oh the whipped cream...now there was something she could relate to.  The problem was Abbie and Hyadley (Abbie's friend).  Once Savanah got into the cream, they yelled "Yeah, Savanah!!"  When you do that, she claps.  Clapping and whipped cream... well, here's the results....

 

 MFI...  I am not sure what we could do without Missionary Flights being there for us.  Our pump in the well is in REALLY bad shape.  Don needed parts to try to do a "patch job" until he can get the new pump in.  Al, the purchasing agent at MFI, got the parts and sent them in on the next plane.  And needless to say, MFI brings all our cargo and mail, too.  They really do go the extra mile for the missionaries.  They are "Standing In The Gap" for a whole lot of people.  In excess of 800 now.  Pray for them as they continue to serve us.

Family...  I am so happy to have what little electric we do have so we can keep in touch with our families back home.  I (Karen) especially appreciate the fact that we can have daily touch with them.  It's so much easier to share prayers, praises and simply talk to them.  Mom misses the kids (and grandkids, and great-grandkids) a lot.  Well, Dad does too, but won't express it like Mom does.

Friends... What would we do without our precious friends?  They all mean so much to us.  God has blessed us with some pretty awesome people who stand with us in prayer, praise and fellowship.  These are friends both stateside and in Haiti.  

And last, but very definitely NOT least is the Lord Jesus Christ....  Where would we be without Him?  He's the author and finisher of our faith.  The rock of our salvation.  Well, most of you know all He is.... if you don't, guess you need to get into a daily Bible study and find out what you are missing.  He is the most important person in our lives.  He picks us up when we are down.  He walks through trials with us.  And He puts the joy in our lives that for the first 32 years of our lives we missed.  If you know Him personally, rejoice with us in all He has done for us.  If you don't know Him on a personal level.... you are missing out on blessings beyond measure.  Write us, or talk to a Christian friend... walking with the Lord will change your life like nothing else can.

Till next time... blessings on you.  May your walk with the Lord bring joy beyond measure!!!  

 

Is it fun or frustration

Not sure if it's a grin or grimace...but this has been a week that seemed about 2 months long.  Now it's not ALL frustration, but why does it seem that one thing going wrong can outshine 20 things going right?  

We had a team here for a week.  Not for us, for another mission.  We met them and talked a couple of times.  So, let's back up here before they came.  (Now don't get me wrong, the team and the mission they were with were GREAT, THEY are not the problem).  But before they came, we realized we needed to get a new refrigerator for the dorm...the old one gave out.  The leader for the mission came ahead of time (coincidence?) and gave us the dorm rental.  That was the exact amount for the fridge.  But before that, Don said we needed to get a generator for the dorm use.  With our electric like it's been, we knew we had to have a source of power for them.  Ordered it, and it came in a few days before the team got here.  Don checked it out, was happy that it could handle everything.  Hooked it up to our place for two nights, to make sure there would be no problems.  Well, the night before the group got here, the new generator was leading oil on the garage floor...so we had no power for them.  Don had rewired a lot of the things in the dorm to be able to use the generator (time consuming).  But... oh well, we weren't sure what to do.  The generator we use would not handle the dorm.  We did have the 12 volt system so they had a little light, but just enough to keep them from running into things.  And Don had finished wiring up the fans in the dorm so there would be ceiling fans all night for them.  (ONE plus that was working).  Had to put a couple of our new batteries over there to handle it, but no problem.  With no generator, they had no water for showers.  There were 11 people on the team.  We had what little power we had to pump water, but it was never on when the group was here.  So, Don spent a day (when he didn't go to the airport because of the situation) fixing the chuck valve that would hold some of the water in reserve.  Got that done, and then the mission brought over a generator they borrowed from someone, so the team could shower and have power in the evenings.  

Two days before they left, our watchman came over and said the pressure switch on the pump was making funny noises.  Praise God it held until the team left today.  Don is now over there, trying to replace the pressure switch (praise God he had one here)!!  Well, things never go as planned, right?  As he was putting it on, three of the pipes connected to it broke!!  So, we are without water, with a ton of laundry from the dorm to do, and things here needing washing.  But again, praise God, Don knows what to do to fix it, although it will take him all day to do it.  

Savanah is doing great.  She is running all over the place, but for some reason has decided she needs to be RIGHT with me all the time.  If I'm at the sink doing dishes or fixing a meal, she backs up and sits on my feet.  I knew my going to the airport might cause some problems, but I figured she needed to have some time away from me.  She loves Vero, but was not a happy camper this week when I was at the airport.  So now we have to figure a way to get her used to being with others.  Her first birthday is in just a few days.  I'm hoping her presents come before then, but if not, we'll simply celebrate when they do get here.  Her new mommy sent her a present, and it came, so we are happy about that.  She really is a joy to have around.  Definitely God's blessing!

Don was hauling some sand for one of "our kids" for his new house.  He has to go to Gran Riveare to get it.  Since we had virtually no rain for so long, the rivers were pretty dry, and getting sand out of them very hard.  The place he used to get sand, PowWow (phonetically spelled), had no sand at all, so he had to make the trip to Gran Riveare.  No one goes there because the road is so very bad.  Don has been there before, and has felt drawn to the "family" who works the river there. It's grandparents, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.  Don said most of the kids have very red hair (from malnutrition).  He always takes out candy for the kids.  This time he felt led to take out three buckets of food plus some soaps and shampoo a family from our home church sent down.  (They didn't open the buckets, just took them to their house).  He did take  candy for the kids, too.  On his next trip back out there, the grandma (probably in her 80's) grabbed his arm and hung on the whole time he was there.  She was SO thankful for the help.  He said even the guys who load the truck were extra pleasant to him.  The women work down at the river, sifting sand and gravel out into piles, so he didn't see them.  But the kids were so excited to see him, and the grandma (who oversees the kids while parents work) said the kids just knew when they saw the truck that Don would bring candy.  They are shy... take the candy and run off to play, but grandma told Don how they reacted.

Then on the way home... about half a mile from here, he had two flat tires.  Same side, rear... and had to drive home on those flats with a FULL load of sand.  Now we have to get two tires, to the tune of $200 US each.  But we're sure God will provide somehow. 

We put up a gate, to keep Savanah out of the bathroom and computer room, and in where the kitchen and living room are.  One day, grandpa forgot to close the gate, and she flew like she was shot out of a cannon, and ran down the hall.  By the time I got to her, she had a picture in her hand.  No idea where she got it, but it is an old photo of our kids.  All five of them in one place at one time!! Since only 2 live in the same town, and one more in the same state, it's hard to get together.  It was taken March 20, 1999.  I thought I'd share that with you all.  Our "baby" was 27 in that picture, and that was 12 1/2 years ago.  I can't believe she will be 41 this year.  But then, we'll be married 50 years in 6 months...wow... a long time with the same man, huh?  

We had a Haitian pastor (James) speak at English church last Sunday.  He was really good.  He shared on who was "silly" in the Bible.  He picked Matthew.  He said this man left everything... his money, his family, his friends to follow a stranger that simply said, "follow me".  He stood up, walked away from his money, and a very lucrative job.  He didn't go and check with his wife (if he had one) to get permission.  He lost his friends (most of them were friends because of his position), and simply followed Jesus. At the end, he said, "Sorry, Matthew was NOT silly.  He followed the Lord.  What are YOU willing to give up to do what the Lord asks of you?"  Probably 2/3's of the congregation were Haitian.  And they were impacted by his message, but so were the missionaries who were there.  Yes, we followed the Lord to be here in Haiti, but are we willing to follow His leading now that we are here?  James didn't ask us that, but we felt it.  I talked to others after service and most felt the impact as much as I did.  His message was good... it reached those who weren't following the Lord, but also reached those who are, but are not willing to keep going where God directs.  God used James to touch a lot of lives last Sunday and we are so thankful He keeps sending things to reach and teach us.  

I mentioned I had been to the airport again last Tuesday (my day to work there).  I was amazed at how fast things are moving there.  It's a bit of a challenge to get things done now, but it will be awesome when finished.  And at the rate they are going, it won't be long.  I can't remember seeing anything move this fast in Haiti before.

Time to go and get some work done while we have power.  Please remember to pray for Haiti, it's leaders, and especially the poor people of the country.  Also, please pray for the upcoming elections in the US.  And finally pray for us.  Being here right now is a challenge in so many ways.  Pray for the Lord's direction and guidance in all we do.  And remember also, to keep YOUR eyes on the author and finisher of our faith.  "Keep your hand in the hand of the Man who stilled the waters..."  I pray you are in that place where you can totally depend on the Lord!!

Late again

I think I am having a "blog breakdown".   I posted a blog about a week ago, and it doesn't show I sent it.  I realize I am pretty computer illiterate, but boy this is getting to me.  So, pray that I will be able to figure out what/where I'm messing up. At least I  was finally able to change settings so I could get into this thing.

I asked for prayers for rain, and of course, HE came through.  We did have some nice rains, and EVERYONE here has been so thankful.  We can still use more, but this is a great start.  

Sunday at English church, that was one of the praises mentioned.  I really do praise God that we have been having more and more Haitians share in English church.  I'm glad they are feeling a part of our worship enough to participate.

I was checking to see what I HAVE been able to share...and wow, not only missing ONE post, but two.  So, let me see if I can remember what all has happened in the last 2 weeks.... and WOW, it's October already.  Is it just that I'm getting older, or is time really going so much faster now?  Well, maybe I don't want an answer to that one.  

Guess I'll start with the center of our lives for now.  That, of course, is Savanah.  She will be one year old this month.  I can't believe we have had her that long already.  Now I have to hurry and get something ordered for her birthday.  I didn't realize it was coming up that soon.  She has her two bottom teeth, and really does use them a lot.  The two top ones are trying to come in.  One day one of them poked through, but by that night, was back under the gum again.  One of our girls did the same thing, if I remember right.  This little one is running (not walking) all over the place.  She has been for about three weeks already.  The first two days were rough on her...she would start out and try to run and fall.  But she mastered it quickly.  And at ten months old, this little tyke started whistling.  I had whistled at the dogs, and she watched my mouth very closely.  Then puckered up and started whistling.  She is SO very observant, and tries whatever she can.  She snaps her fingers, too, but at this point, no noise goes with it.  Doesn't quite have the SNAP part down, although all the actions are there.

One of the communities where Don delivers water is way up on the mountain.  He has quite a time getting there.  He was taking it to one family, but others came and asked for "only a small bowl" of water.  So, he has gone back up there and taken water for the small community.  One older lady (I wonder if she is older than we are?) has helped him keep order.  So, when all was said and done and the tank empty, he gave her a small box with some rice meals, oatmeal, soaps and shampoo in it.  She was really thankful for that help.  So little meant so much.  It is really hard for Don to go into these communities and help, when the needs are so great.  They have absolutely NOTHING and are so thankful for any help, even a pitcher of water.  This is definitely a case of "There but by the Grace of God, go I".  And several other areas are the same.  They would plant a very small garden, IF THEY HAD SOMETHING TO PLANT!!  Again, the needs are so vast, and resources so limited.  I know the Bible says the poor will always be with us, but it's really hard to sit down to a meal here and think of those with nothing, down the street.  Pray for strength, wisdom and compassion for us as we deal with this.

Our temperatures are still in the upper 90's... I think we have left the 100's behind (I pray we have anyway).  But at noon it was  only 95 today, so it did come down some.  With the rain we had, it's muggy, but we are still thankful for the rain.  I planted some tomato plants in little pots.  I can't believe they are actually growing.  (My plastic flowers die... I just can't get anything to grow).  In a day or so, Don will replant them into our Topsie Turvey planter.  Then we pray the birds won't eat them.  We are the only ones around here with birds.  And Don really likes having them.  Mostly humming birds and some little finch like ones (those are ONLY in Haiti).  Everywhere else the kids try to kill the birds... not sure if for food (which a finch or humming birds would not be) or if they are just being mean.  But everyone is really surprised we have birds nesting in our yard.  Really like the sounds of birds singing.  Just hope they don't like my tomato plants.

Found out recently that when we go out, we will be able to stay in the beautiful little cottage on the lake where we stayed before.  Don is SO looking forward to seeing deer everywhere again.  We are so thankful to Bud and Sharon for having this fantastic retreat.  It's such a blessing.  Our trip starts the first part of April this year because of Don's cataract surgery.  So it will be a lot cooler than we are used to, but that's fine. 

Another mission will be using our dorm facilities for a while.  Glad to see it in use again.  We won't have much to do with the teams, since they are not for us, but one group coming in are former missionaries and good friends.  We will be spending some time with them, for sure.

I have started working at the airport one day a week again.  Vero will stay with Savanah on those days.  The director asked if I could put in a little time out there, so that is fine.  My first day back was a real challenge.  They closed the old runway and opened the new one.  We are still in the same buildings, but have to get on a bus or van to get to the planes now.  You can't even see them land, it's WAY down the other end of the airport.  It was an interesting day, but you could see by the end of the day they were getting things working smoother than at the start.  Pastor Saintil and I had stayed to see the plane off, and all of a sudden, we  had no transportation to get back to the buildings.  And it would be a L O N G walk back.  But security saw our predicament and got someone out there to pick us up.  This will be a very interesting transition for the airport as a whole.  Keep MFI in prayer as they too, have to adjust to these changes.

We are praying for the US elections.  Have joined in the 40 days of prayer for the whole situation.  I hope you are not only praying, but planning on voting.  We already have our absentee ballots and are sending them out on Thursday.  

Along with that, please pray for Haiti, it's officials and the people.  Both countries are in need of intervention by the Lord.  As I posted before, we need to follow 2 Chron. 7: 14.  which starts... "...if MY people, who are called by My Name,  will humble themselves and pray...."   I hope YOU are a part of those people who are diligently praying for your country.  

Until next time, and prayerfully this WILL post... God bless and keep you.  May you turn your eyes and ears to His leading and follow where He leads.

Is it just me?

Well, I'm sure my "techie" kids would have a field day with advice to me on this program.  I finally got it to post, but AFTER I had sent two other ones.  

I have no problem admitting to NOT being computer literate.  I simply go with the flow and pray it all works.  

I have just a few minutes, but was thinking on things to be thankful for... after all my frustrations.  And there are a lot of items that should go on my "thankful list".

Yes, it's VERY hot, but we have a  house that is cooler than outside...
Yes, we need rain, but we are not in a real drought like some places...
Yes, we are VERY short on electric, but at least we have some...that's more than a lot of people here have.
Yes, Savanah can be a stinker at times, but she is far more of a joy than anything else.
Yes, there are problems at the airport, but they are working to improve it, for better service. 
Yes, MFI has had some problems, but God has been there and walked with them through it all.
Yes, there are problems all over the world, but God knows and is working IN them.
And finally, yes, I'm getting older, but PTL... I'm closer to meeting the Lord than many others.  

Now, please pray with me for Haiti, it's government and leaders, to have their hearts touched by the Lord and to respond in a positive way.  Pray for America, that God will oversee the coming election and it's outcome.  We may not like what happens, but God in His wisdom knows what is happening.  Pray for God's word to flow like a mighty flood all over the earth, and that men (women and children) will respond to it and enter into a new life in HIM.  Pray for the persecuted church, that God will give peace, direction and wisdom to all who are suffering.  And I will be praying for you, that your walk with the Lord will help you to grow stronger and closer to Him in all ways!!!
 

Keep trying...

I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I have had a horrid time trying to get a post done.  I did ONE post 3 different times and it simply won't go.  Let's me preview it, but then won't post.  

Just wanted to let you all know I AM trying to get one done on here.  Keep checking... I'm sure the Lord knows what's wrong, but it's someone like me who can't figure it out.

Blessing to everyone....

Time and Frustrations

Time flies when you're having fun, or are simply so busy you don't realize it has gone so fast.  Either way, I know it's been a while since I've gotten on here.  Sorry for that.  Then I finally got the post done, and it would not save it or publish it.  It's one of those....not days, not weeks, maybe MONTHS?

We've been a bit overwhelmed with a few things lately.  One of the main things was the notification that the Cap airport was to close down for 5 1/2 weeks.  Needless to say it upset a lot of people.  MFI has people scheduled in for those 5 weeks, and these people have already made other flight arrangements to get to MFI.  This would cause some major problems for them.  But MFI would also have some major issues with cargo backing up and things that needed to get here to Haiti or the Dominican.  The word came out on a Wednesday and it was to close on Friday...not enough notice for anyone to do anything.  I will say that MFI "took the bull by the horns" and was trying to make arrangements to at least be able to get mail to the missions, if nothing else.  They didn't sit and stew and wait, they went into action right away.  I'm not saying they were happy or that it would not cost them quite a bit to do this, but they were not idle.  Closing this airport for that length of time would really have been hard on the economy in northern Haiti.  I was in constant contact with the airport director through this.  I really felt bad for him.  He did not make these decisions, but he was the one who would get all the flack for it from everywhere.  So, when I called him, I simply told him we knew it wasn't his decision, but was there anything we could do to help him or was there any way he could suggest for us to get around this.  He did have suggestions and we were very thankful for those.  And he said that we were at the top of the list for him to call if/when firm decisions were made.  He said MFI has always been there to help Haiti, and he would do his best to help us.

Not sure where the most pressure came from, but the government finally rescinded the closure.  The airport stayed open.  They may have to start with some restrictions soon, like only allowing planes to land/take off in the mornings, so work can continue on the airport in the afternoons.  And there may be some weekends where they will close to do some major runway work.  But these would be minor things for most airlines anyway.  We had sent out prayer requests for this whole situation, and God came through for us yet again.  

We have had some real "fun" times with electric lately, too.  The radio station where we get most of our power, decided to cut way back on their hours of generator time.  We were spoiled by having power from 6 AM to 10 PM.  Then all of a sudden, it went to 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and noon to 5 PM.  But they didn't let us know it was to be cut down.  This has created some major problems for us, since I use the internet for a lot of things.  I couldn't even do my MFI work at first.  We have a generator, but not a huge one that works.  Then we had trouble getting fuel for it.  Well, you can see the whole scenario and the mess we were in.  We are starting to get things worked out a bit now, but it's a challenge.  I have to get all the work I can, done in those few hours.  Even on our small generator, we have no power to the pump house, so we have no water most of the time now.  Keep us in prayer as we keep trying to get this whole situation worked out.

Vero went to the states for 2 1/2 weeks.  Abbie spent the first week in Port au Prince, then came and spent a week and a half with us.  She started school during that first week.  She really likes school, which makes us happy.  And she does well, too.  The Saturday before her mama came back we had a couple kids over, set up the pool and set up the little bounce house we have.  They had a lot of fun.  Then Sunday, Abbie was in a concert.  She played piano, played the flute, and was part of a dance routine.  I was able to stay for part of it, but since the concert was over 2 hours long, I ended up bringing Savanah home,  Don was able to record most of Abbie's performance, and that was great for her mama to see.  These are just a few pictures from that day.

 

 

 

It has been extremely hot here lately.  It should be cooling off, but it sure hasn't.  The rain we got when Isaac went through was great, but we sure could use some more.  We have been getting just little bits now and then.  Enough to keep a drought away, I guess.  But the heat has sure not let up at all.

Don has delivered water again.  People are so very thankful for it.  It's a shame we can't get wells drilled in some of these places, but different people have tried and not had success.  Keep that in prayer.  So many areas are without water.  And with no measurable amounts of rain, many existing wells are coming up dry.  

Well, back to work.  Want to get a lot accomplished while we still have power.  Blessings to everyone.  Keep praying for Haiti.  And keep praying for the US and the upcoming elections. 

Remember 1 Thess. 5: 16-18... "be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (NIV)