A quick update 8-3-19

Greetings,

This morning I was determined to finish up some projects and get some much needed paperwork done.  In the midst of things, I took a break and checked facebook to see if any of our kids had posted anything for us.  As it turned out, it wasn’t something from a family member, but from a fellow missionary here who set me to realize something very important and also very revealing.  One simple sentence spoke volumes to me.  I thought I’d share that here.  It really is eye opening in so many ways.  I hope you take it to heart, as I have done.  I guess this should be a very important part of my morning devotions and prayers.  

Replacing the word “love” in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 with your own name is really convicting.

I know it was convicting to me, and I have to work on it.

The things I check on internet are our kiddo’s.  Our son and daughter-in-law have a youtube thing going.  Everything from great cooking to building and repairing things.  You can check out “Making it Work” here (they have posted some awesome things): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXcVYosT1hI&feature=em-uploademail

And our daughter has been doing etching on glass and even on PVC pipes… some really neat things and she loves doing it. https://www.facebook.com/etchingelegance/posts_to_page/ 

I guess I’m sort of bragging on my kids (hey all 5 of them have some talents you would not believe, but not sure where they come by it).  But thought you might enjoy seeing some of the things they have done.  They are proof that God answers prayers.  HE gave them talents that they sure didn’t get from their parents!!  (I think you have to copy/paste to get to the sites).

We have had a busy week getting things done here.  I need to share a special bit of one day with you.  Vero’s niece is staying with her and Abbie for the summer.  A very sweet, active 3 going on 4 year old.  Little Debra speaks 3 languages; Creole, a blooming English and then her own language (and no one has a clue on this one).  But she will carry a whole conversation with you in her language and never miss a beat.  She is a real joy to have around.  But… that is not what I was going to share.  I was finishing up the first 25 buckets and had Abbie’s help with it.  Abbie is such a blessing.  After grandpa pounded the lids on the buckets, Abbie was helping move and stack them, ready for delivery.  Debra was NOT going to be left out.  She told Abbie in no uncertain terms, “I HELP!”.   She would push all the buckets (each weighed 28#) into the room to where Abbie stacked them.  Yes, she pushed all 25 for quite a distance and got them to Abbie.  When done, she brushed her hands together and simply said, “THERE!”, and walked away.  I have some awesome help here, and sure do appreciate the help and the joy that comes with it.  (Wish I had gotten some photos of this!)

Don’s been trying to get his “catch-up” work done.  Worked on the batteries in both the dorm and house to keep the inverter systems working great. Today it’s changing oil in the Toyota, and some other things.  I know these things happen in every home, just keeping things running like they should is time consuming.  And not nearly as easy here as in the states.  For some reason, in Haiti, there is always a “glitch” when working on things.  Every job seems to take twice as long because of things going wrong, or with parts not available here.  Keep Don in prayer as he tries to accomplish things. 

We had some really hard rains this last week, but are thankful for them, too.  We have been going through a very dry time and things have dried up everywhere.  Prayerfully they will start growing again!

Well, I’d best get going and finish what I have started.  I’m praying your day is really awesome and Christ centered.  Let Him be your guide and it will be a super day!!!  Remember:  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A few stories to share...

A few stories to share….

When you have a few stories and they all link, where do you start?  It’s not a fairy tale, it’s real life, so it is hard to find the start.  You all know we have a “bucket ministry”.  Our hearts have been with the people who are suffering for many reasons.  Maybe we can’t “walk a mile in their shoes”, but we can share some small part of that walk for you.

Like the older man, missing part of a leg, unable to work or do much, but has a desire to help his family, somehow. 

But wait…have to back up a bit here.  We are really thankful for those who also have a heart for this bucket ministry and try to help however they can.  Our buckets contain things like rice, spaghetti, corn meal, tomato paste, beans, oil, sugar, flour, oatmeal and soap, shampoo, lotion, but most importantly, Scriptures, a salvation coloring book and tracts.  This does help many families, a lot.  Then a family decided to help us even further with helping others.  They sent us a huge box of seeds. A wide variety of them.  But things that would help these families grow some food for the future.  (Thank you, Shirley, Sue and Mary!!)  Now the fun began, breaking these seed packet into small, tiny zip lock bags, to share with many families.  (Don has done a great job of doing that!)  THEN……on to the stories…..

We had Vero take these buckets, along with seeds, out to families in very difficult situations.  We would rather these families see their own people helping them, than depending on foreigners.  All praise and thanks go to the Lord for this, but then the poor can also be thankful for their own people helping them.  So, on to some of these stories.

When Vero and her evangelism group gave out buckets, the stories started.  Back to the older gentleman… when Vero showed him the seeds, he was rejoicing…he said he could plant and take care of a garden but had no way to get seeds.  He had a start to being an asset to his family, at last.  

Then there are the moms…who not only rejoiced in being able to feed their families, but now could teach the children how to plant and grow the food they need. 

   The young street boy, who had no where to sleep…Vero let him stay at her mission and gave him food and seeds…he was thrilled, not only to have a place to sleep, but to have something productive to do.  And maybe in the future, he could sell some of the things he grew.  

The older couples who can’t even get to the town, not only have food, but a way to grow some for the future.  

 So, the stories go on and on…. Such a small thing when we think of it, but such a HUGE thing when in situations these families are facing.  Yes, the buckets are a tremendous blessing for many, but the seeds are also adding to a future for them.  We are praising the Lord for the insight of a few gals in the US for thinking of those in dire straights in Haiti.  And praising the Lord for those in the US (like our grandson) who have a heart for our bucket ministry and want to help however they (or he) can!  So, the praises go on and the thanks go to not only those people, but to the Lord who supplies the needs and opens the hearts of His people.  THANK YOU LORD, and thanks to those He has used to help the needy here! 

A Beautiful Day

Greetings,

I didn't realize it has been so long since I have written on the blog.  Forgive me, please.  We have had a bit of a whirlwind here the last 8 months.  But the Lord has been with us through it all, or I'm not sure what we would have done.  My heart goes out to those who do not know the Lord, because without Him at our side, we would have simply floundered.

I did want to share with you all my last email, sent out today.  It sort of helps you see some of our daily joys and prayer needs.  So... blessings beyond measure as you read this...

Hello to all,

Well, I’ve been doing a bit of studying and found something interesting.  The Lord is TOTALLY AWESOME.  Oh I know, I have been known to say that a lot, a whole lot.  But isn’t it amazing when you sit and talk with other Christians that the Lord is working in so many, many lives in a whole lot of different ways. 

Our EBF group, small as it is right now, is such a blessing and so encouraging to me.  Yesterday as I looked for something to share with them, the Lord led me to a message the pastor in our home church shared.  He’s done a total study on the book of Romans.  And we are blessed by the fact that he shares it with us, via email each week.  That, first of all is a blessing, but second, it opens so many doors to share with others, too.  (Thanks Pastor David).  Now I have no idea why but the Lord led me to a part of one he shared back in June last year.  These fellows have shared that they want to learn how to evangelize in the right way.  So, Enoch and I talked about how we need to be grounded, or at least know “the salvation road”.  Well, I had pulled up a study guide from when our son was here and was ready to print part of that, and send it to Enoch to lead with.  Then the Lord nudged my spirit and led me to the sermon that Pastor David had shared.  So, I printed that instead. 

Understand we have a great group of fellows that come.  They are more open than they have been in the past, and are willing to share questions with us.  I started out with the question, “Are you a person who longs to impact your world for Jesus Christ?”  After several nods, I read the next lines.  “I’m convinced that the Lord is looking for men and women who yearn for a satisfying and fulfilling mission in life.  If you are a FAT person, God can use you in ministry.”   Oh how I wish you could have seen their faces, mouths hanging open, eyes wide!  Then I read the next line, “And by FAT, I mean F.A.T., as in Faithful, Available, and Teachable.”  The laughter that followed was awesome.  I went into each word and asked them what they thought each word meant.  Their answers were so inspiring and right on the mark.  We shared a bit more than this, but this one section set the pace for them being a PART of what we were doing.  Yup, we ran over time and had a great service. But seeing the Lord’s word being opened in their eyes is something I wish you all could have seen. They searched out and found what they needed to see in God’s word.  Most of these fellows know the Bible and a general view of how to find things.  Others are learning. 

We had two visitors who hadn’t been there before.  No idea how they knew we were now meeting in our home, but it was great to meet them.  I hadn’t paid much attention as they all walked in, except to greet everyone.  When we were finished and I stood up, one of the fellows (a new one) came to thank me for letting him come.  I looked UP, and UP, and with my mouth hanging open, I asked, “How tall ARE you?”  He laughed and said about 6’ 6”, maybe a bit more.  He said, I need a picture of you and me.  And I told him, so do I!  I’ll try to remember to put it here.  He is a Haitian, but lives in the Dominican, and works in a call center helping people.  He told us when he is in Haiti, he will be back with us.  

Well, I think I’d like to share some praises and prayer requests with you all.  This is another thing we have been talking to the fellows at church about.  Sharing and praying for each other, in both prayer and praises areas.  I think I’ll put a just a couple of their praises and prayers, too.

Orinel: 

⇒ His girlfriend lives in Port and was robbed last week.  He asked for prayers for her protection.  And also for his “project” for this year.  Enoch asked him what the “project” was…. To marry his girlfriend.  He is praising the Lord for the people who come to know the Lord when he witnesses to them.  (He is on of our leaders on the committee and an awesome evangelist.)

Johnson: (our tall dude)

⇒  He is asking for prayers for wisdom, and perseverance in all areas, and for the Lord to instill in him ideas of what he is to do.  He praised the Lord for his faith, strength and for his health.

Sienet: (this fellow ALWAYS has a smile on his face!)

⇒  Praised the Lord for his salvation and for his health.  Asked for prayers for his “project”.  When asked, he said he’d like to go to college, but needs the Lord’s direction and guidance. 

Enoch: 

⇒  For wisdom and open doors for his future and his family.  He wants to Lord’s leading on what steps he is to take and when and where to take them. (Enoch is our leader).

Karen & Don: 

⇒  Prayers for Don as he is having some problems with the plumbing at Vero’s house, and also problems getting one of our vehicle running.  (I think he is very close on both, but frustration is a factor.

⇒  Pray for me, Karen, as I head out again this week for this nose surgery.   

⇒  We are praising the Lord for His intervention in the lives of two of our children.  He has answered our prayers in ways we could not have imagined.  Isn’t God awesome?  (yup, again.) 

⇒  Also prayers for Abbie’s schooling for next year.  Looks like she will be returning to the same school, but prayers needed for the cost of school going up. 

⇒  And of course, pray for both Haiti and the US, for the Lord’s hand to reach down and move things in the way He directs.  I keep coming back to 2 Chronicles 7: 14… “IF MY PEOPLE, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray…..” you know the rest, I’ve mentioned it often enough.  (If you don't, it's a good time to open the Bible and read the whole verse.)

Well, I’ve taken enough of your time, but I thank you for reading, rejoicing and for praying with us.  We may be miles apart, but our spirits are close, in the Lord Jesus!

From March to April '19

Greetings,

As we end March and head into April, I’d like to share a few things with you.  I don’t have any earth shattering news or even insight, but just a heartfelt message that I’d like to share.

You all know I’ve been through some struggles these last 4 or 5 months.  Yet, I’ve had a peace that I simply can’t explain.  And again, I head to the states again in May to have some Basal cell Carcinoma removed from my nose.  I’m not concerned about any of this.  I’m simply upset that I must take yet another week away from our mission for this.  Don’t misunderstand me, I do enjoy seeing the dedicated people at Missionary Flights.  And I will see them since I’m going to a dermatologist in Fort Pierce.  But there is so much here I’d like to get moving on, and being gone for another week brings that to a stop again.   

I shared with you that I agreed with the cardiologist to slow down some, but I feel like I’m coming to a stop, and that is what has me concerned.  So, I’ve been searching scripture, yet again, for some help.  And I found a favorite verse…Psalm 46: 10 (in part).  “…Be still and know that I am God….”  Well, that said it all for me, AGAIN!  It is not ME, it’s God who will and IS doing the ministry here.  Whatever He wants to accomplish here WILL happen, with or without me.  So, I’ve taken a deep breath and have stepped back.  Oh I’m going to start with those precious kids from the IDADEE orphanage again.  That is more of a blessing for me than for them.  I simply enjoy working with the kids.  So, I just ask you to keep me in prayer, not only to do what and when the Lord directs, but for health and strength to do exactly what the Lord is directing.   

So…am I worried about this next appointment?  No, I have no fear or concerns about any of it, just as I had none through the operation and heart attack…I knew without a doubt that the Lord was with me, and that was all I needed.  The same now.  And I’ve decided that I will let the Lord show me just what He wants me to do while I am out again.  I’ve really been blessed by attending the service at Paul and Belle’s church.  The message is always uplifting and insightful and the people there are, for a better word, FANTASTIC.  You can feel the love and concern and the Spirit of the Lord through them!

But, yet again, I leave Don behind.  Wish I could talk him into going with me, but he is determined to stay and do things here.  Within the next few days I plan to get some photos of the work he is accomplishing here with this crazy septic system he is working on.  To say it’s a challenge is putting it mildly.  But perseverance is paying off.  You all know we don’t have a local Home Depot or any other wonderful hardware store close.  We have tons of little tiny stores that hold “some” items…but not usually just what you need when you need it. It’s another teaching on patience and creativity.  The Haitians really do have the creativity part down.  And we are learning how to adapt to these circumstances, too.  But prayers for Don are appreciated, too.

And then there are Vero and Abbie!!  We really miss our kids and grandkids, and Vero and Abbie are a help in that area.  Vero works so hard and is going to Bible school along with all her other activities. But she is always cheerful and happy.  And constantly asks how our kids are and what they are doing.  She manages to bring a smile to our faces.  And Abbie?  She not only brings smiles, we spend a lot of time laughing, too.  She now wants a “pet”.  At 14 this is normal I guess.  BUT, a dog would be a nice pet… but she has decided that an elephant and a dolphin would be WONDERFUL pets.  Yup, this is our adopted granddaughter.  She has a lot of ideas that keep us in laughter, and sometimes laughing so hard (like with elephants and dolphins) that we about cry!  She is an excellent student (and has grandma as a study buddy).  I’ll tell you, I’m learning a whole lot more now, than when I was in school!!  She is a gem and keeps us on our toes.  Her latest question, “Grandma, why do teens rebel?”  I told her there are probably a lot of different reasons, but if she does, she’ll get smacked.  She laughed and said, “Grandma, I won’t, I know it upsets mom’s and grandmas, and I don’t want to do that.”  So, keep praying for her, too!!

I know there has been a lot of concern about the problems here in Haiti.  And yes, there have been some tough times.  But we, along with many others, have learned to simply stay at home and don’t go where the problems are.  I know I did get into one of those before, but believe me, Vero won’t let me go to the airport if there is even a hint of problems. And since I have agreed with the cardiologist to reduce it to once a week at the airport, it’s a bit easier to stay out of “problem areas”.  Vero, being a Haitian, knows how to get around and avoid problems if it’s possible.  And we do trust her advice.

All of that to say, yes, there are problems off and on, and they may erupt at any time, but we have learned that the Lord has put people in our lives here who give great advice on when/where things are happening.  We have not had any real problems here in our area, and we are really thankful for that.  The major problems are in the Port au Prince area, rather than in our town.  But at times they do happen here and we just stay out of the area.  No one we know has been hurt or effected by these problems.  But the economy has taken a very hard hit.

We do ask that you keep Haiti at the top of your prayer list.  The value of the American dollar has increased here, tremendously.  But this is hard for the “normal” Haitian.  They don’t have American dollars.  And merchants need to purchase things in American dollars, so prices are raising.  It’s a very difficult place for these impoverished people to be in.  They were hardly surviving before and now with prices rising, they simply can’t make it.  We are working more toward our bucket ministry now than before.  The needs are so great!  Please keep Haiti and it’s people in your prayers.  

For now, blessings beyond measure and we are praying your life is reflecting the Love and Light of the Lord!!!  And again…1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, “¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

In Him, through Him, and for Him,

Karen and Don

The Journey

The Journey…  this was sent and not posted on 12-15-18 (a computer error)

I know we have all had a “journey” that brought insight to us.  That is what this is, My Journey.  The fact that it took me less than a week to travel it, does not make it any less important.

Many know the road I traveled with finding out I had cancer.  It wasn’t long.  Less than a month.  It’s the road that followed I’m talking about.  And I thought I’d share a bit of that journey with you.  I can lay down the “facts” without much thought….

Day 1:  I traveled up to the hospital for surgery.  It was in and out…well, it was supposed to be in and out.   The fact that I had a problem coming out of the anesthesia was the start of this journey.  Within a few hours there was a line outside my room, of people waiting to come in and “test” me.  I’m not sure who was all out there, family simply said there was a line waiting.  The result of all of this?  I was sent down to SICU (surgical intensive care unit).  

Day 2:  Don, Christine (daughter) and Dale (son) were there all day. That night I had a heart catherization.  Don and the kids returned home (couldn’t sleep in the room).  

Day 3:  Was released to go back to Christine’s home.

Day 4:  Afternoon, had a heart problem. (heart rate 145 bpm).  After calling hospital (the one I had been in about 40 miles away), they said take me to the ER here in town.  Sent over 6 hours there (2 cat scans and an ultra sound).  Then sent via ambulance back to first hospital.  

Day 5-6:  Under observation.  Finally released and returned to Christine’s home on day 6. 

Doesn’t sound that intense.  But it wasn’t until day 4 that I found out I had a minor heart attack.  All of the above does NOT tell you about my REAL journey.  The fact that the surgery took care of the cancer problem (it was contained, and I only have to return for check~ups) is not the highlight of this.  Although it IS a huge highlight, praise the Lord!!

What I want to share with you is the people the Lord put in my path through all of this.  First is my family!  They were here by my side, (or on the phone) the whole time. I am so thankful for them.  Next was the Chaplain at the hospital…we knew Randy from a long time ago.  What a blessing he was with his encouragement and prayers.  I hold them close in my heart!  

Now I know staff at hospitals are NOT to become personally involved with patients, and they didn’t… BUT….

My doctors (and they were many) were all great and thankfully had a good sense of humor. (They had to, to deal with me!). 

But it’s my nurses and nursing practitioners who impacted my life!  And although I totally appreciate the work they do, and are not acknowledged for, it was the personality of these people that made a difference.  First, I do understand that these professionals are the mainstay of hospitals.  They work hard but also do so much more than most people realize. And for this I am really thankful.  But the people I came in contact with this time were far above their work.  Yes, they were kind, thoughtful, speaking softly, and kindly and did their work without fault.  But it was their spirit that reached out to me.  I felt a connection with them.  It was everywhere I went….From the 7^th floor at the hospital to the SICU, the ER and technicians, to the ambulance guys, and again back to the 7^th floor.  I feel the Lord just drew these wonderful people to help me calmly and peacefully through this difficult journey.  

Through all the tests, the 20+ punctures with needles, the one day when I simply didn’t understand why the Lord allowed it all, to the final day I was declared in great shape to go home, it was the Lord, but it was also all those caring, wonderful people who gave me joy, peace and hope.  They lifted me up and helped me deal in a wonderful way!

I know I am in a crazy, wonderful family.  And along with them, we had a very interesting time on my journey.  

I’ve dealt with some tough stuff this week, but dealt with it in a great way, with some great family and friends.  I know I probably won’t see these wonderful professionals again, but they made a huge impact on my life.  So, if you ever get into the type of situation I was in, look for the people the Lord puts in line with you.  Then PRAISE HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE!!! 

1 Thess. 5: 16-18, “”¹⁶ be joyful always; ¹⁷ pray continually; ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”