Former news 2-4-18

I was recently struck by how attached we have become to the world of electronics and cyberspace.  Yes, we do depend on email for so many things, but it was a shock when our internet server went down for 2½ days and we didn’t have communication with anyone.  First, of course, was the fact that we had nothing from our family…that is a hard thing.  Then I thought back to when we first came to Haiti in 1983…our only communication with family (and others) was slow snail mail.  We got mail once a month the first few months here.  Then we got it every other week…wow…loved having that.  Then it went to once a week and now twice a week.  But the turn around on a letter could be 3 to 4 weeks.  NOW?  Instantly we get a reply.  Are we spoiled by all of this technology?  Very definitely.  

But when I realized how much of my end of our ministry depends on technology I was shocked.  Not just internet, but simple things like computer work.  I would guess I spend probably an average of 4 hours a day doing things on the computer, and a lot of that is for other people, not for us alone.  

So this morning, while doing my Bible study and prayer time, I realized, wow…I don’t need technology for that.  It IS an immediate connection, without technology to the One who is in control and has control over all things.  Prayer and communication with the Lord doesn’t require anything except a calm and quite heart and an open channel to Him.  

Yes, I AM thankful for technology, even if I don’t understand how almost all of it works.  It lets me serve the Lord by helping others with many things.  But I have to go back to being thankful for the One who has given knowledge and wisdom to create these things.

We’ve been busy and trying to keep things going here, like always.  We are sort of in the rainy season, but praise God it isn’t as strong as in years past.  The rains come (and yes, the roof leaks), but then the sun comes out and we can do things outside of the house.  

I had shared how I am trying to help the IDADEE orphanage again.  Well, I had mentioned to Veronique that I would love to get some updated photos of the kids.  In my mind, I was thinking of going out there and catching the kids playing, eating and just “being kids”.  Just after noon last Sunday, Vero came in and said, “Mom, the bus is here with the kids, for pictures.”  YUP, 40 kids and some adults were in the yard waiting for me.   What an experience…have you ever tried to herd chickens?  That is sort of like what I faced.  The kids were great, no problem there, but they were all so excited.  And each one wanted to be first for pictures.  Had some fun times trying to get the pics done and it was finally accomplished.  Until that night when I found I was missing ONE picture.  And some of these kiddos were real cut ups.  Goofy smiles and trying to show muscles…you know, just like normal kids.  But it was a joy, too.  As they got back on the bus, Vero gave each one a piece of candy…then as the bus started moving, I heard, “BYE GRANDMA!!!”  over and over.  I loved it.  

An added note here, check out the IDADEE blog...you can see some of the children there, and especially the new kiddos!!  www.IDADEEchildrenshome.blogspot.com 

One of the fellows Don had used to help with building projects lost a leg a few years ago. He is a great mason. First, through MFI we had gotten him a “PET”…(Personal Energy Transportation).  And he was so very thankful. Then, we had arranged for a prosthetic leg for him and he was so happy to be able to walk again. He did get himself a bicycle, and amazingly was able to peddle it.  Don just got him a tire for his bike, so he can get around again. It’s things like this that make our heart feel good.  Being able to help where there would be no help. And then add in to that, those who have received the buckets from our bucket ministry, all the kids who are now in school, those whose medical bills are paid, and medicine purchased, and all because of those of you who have helped us through prayer and support.  We wanted to add a very sincere THANK YOU for standing with us in our ministry!    

Into March

I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted....sorry yet again.

I just finished an email that I thought I'd share on here.  But I think I may have to share more than one.  So, I'll start here and then go from there to our next post.  Yes, it will be backwards, but that is sort of like like in Haiti!  😌

The other thing I'll add are a few pictures that the email didn't have, so in a way, you get a different view of things.  Blessings!!

Greetings,

We have had a busy two weeks (or more) since I last posted.  Someone once said the older you get, the slower you go.  For some reason I am not finding that to be true.  There are times I feel like I’m on a fast moving train and all the things I need to do are outside somewhere, zipping by.  But I think I’ve finally gotten a grasp on things…either that or the train slowed down a bit.  

A couple of “major” things have gone on in the last couple of weeks. The first being that I made a quick 5 day trip to Fort Pierce, in Florida.  MFI had asked me to come and be at the banquet they had in West Palm Beach.  It was a great banquet.  Had 300 people, plus or minus…I didn’t count.  The music was done by the wife and son of one of our pilots (Ray), and the wife of our president (Joe).  That was wonderful and I know everyone sure enjoyed it. There were pictures and short stories of quiet a few missionaries who are serviced by MFI.  And then they had asked me to share a couple of “impact” stories of how I have seen MFI impact lives because of the service they provide.  I shared two that through the years have kept MFI at the forefront of many people’s thoughts.  I was able to spend some quality time with our friends Paul and Belle.  In fact I stayed with them.  And was also able to see some friends who I see very seldom. And, of course, seeing the MFI staff and their families was a blessing. So, it was a great weekend.  I also ended up shopping to bring back needed items for here at home.

This is Paul and Belle at the Banquet!!  GREAT friends!!

Then, the day after I returned, we celebrated Don’s birthday.  Another milestone added.  Don didn’t want a traditional birthday cake, so I made pineapple upside down cake.  And did add a few candles.  Not for every year…we don’t have fire insurance here.  But Abbie decided grandpa is now 8 years old.  But he was able to blow out all the candles he did have!!

Happy Birthday Don!!

Thanks to MFI and Belle, I now have curtain material for Vero’s new addition.  I was going to use it for the dorm windows, but figure I’ll get Vero’s done first and then the dorm, as material and time permits.  MFI was given many large bolts of material.  Belle knew what I was looking for, so she picked out the material she knew I would like.  A huge thanks to MFI and to Belle, for solving one of my problems!!

Don is diligently working on the screens for Vero’s house, trying to get them finished.  And we have someone coming to paint the walls and it will soon be ready for the final touches, like plumbing and finishing the electric.  

We do have a prayer request and a sad note for those of you who know Pastor Saintil, who works at the airport.  He was on his way to the airport for our MFI flight, on a motorcycle, when he was hit by a pickup truck.  He was taken to the hospital, but the doctors we not available.  I talked to him and he asked if MFI would be willing to take him back the US.  They had already left, but when I called, they made arrangements for the plane that was then in the Dominican, to return and pick Pastor Saintil up.  Once stateside our former president, Dick Snook, took him to the emergency room.  His left arm is broken just below the shoulder joint.  As I am writing this he should be heading in for surgery on that.  They will have to put a plate in with screws.  He will need our prayers for this to heal correctly.  So please keep him in prayer.  I will update as we know anything more.

We have some former missionaries from here in Haiti, staying at the dorm right now.  What a blessing to see and be able to fellowship with Ron and Denise.  I know there are many people wanting to spend time with them while they are here, so we feel blessed to be able to spend even a fraction of it with them.  Keep them in prayer also, as they minister to so many here.

I have shared with you that the book “The Battle Plan for Prayer” has made an impact on my life. Each chapter of the book ends with a prayer.  I would like to share one of those prayers with you as a closing to this update.  Please read it and pray it with me.

“Lord, You are a good and loving God. You didn’t need to allow us to know You and pray to You, but You did.  I thank You that through Jesus we can boldly approach Your throne of grace in our time of need.  Make me a strong and effective prayer warrior.  Help me walk closely with You, to pray in faith, in Jesus’ Name and in agreement with other believers.  May I delight in You above all else.  Give us grace and faith to trust You for great things.  And prompt us with great requests so we can lift them back to You and watch You answer them for our delight and for Your glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.   “The Battle Plan For Prayer”, by Stephen & Alex Kendrick (pg.79)

I know you would enjoy the book if you got it!!!  Blessing beyond measure to you and yours!

Into the New Year

Greeetings,
I had sent out an email, and then it dawned on me, I hadn't posted on here in a LONG time.  I'm so sorry for that.  Please forgive me.  I am going to post that email I sent, but I am also going to put photos in it that didn't get into the email.  

Greetings and Happy New Year…

It seems I am always apologizing for taking so long to get a message out to everyone.  So, AGAIN, I have to say I’m sorry.  

Before Christmas, it was getting ready for a wedding for the fellow who heads up the IDADEE orphanage in many areas (he was married on December 23^rd).  I wasn’t involved in the wedding preparations themselves, but in getting rings and some of the clothing for them.  Then Vero had a gal they had led to the Lord getting married, and I helped a bit on that wedding.  Helping with the dress and doing a very simple cake for them. (the funny thing was they were thrilled to have a "decorated cake".  It was just a few flowers...) 

Then came Christmas Eve service at English Church.  That I was pretty much in charge of.  We had a great meeting and it went very well, thanks to all who helped and participated, especially the congregation!!

And of course, Christmas.  We spend it with Vero and Abbie and simply enjoy a family tradition of reading the gospel story in Luke and opening presents.

The following week we had another missionary family over for a meal.  We have known Prit and Dana for almost the whole time we’ve been here.  They came with their two grown sons.  Such a joy and such a wonderful family!  We had a great time and really enjoyed their fellowship.  Prit and Dana and their boys, and "Our girls"....

 

Then I made a quick trip to Florida….I should say COLD Florida.  I don’t ever remember being in Florida when it was down in the upper 30’s and low 40’s.  I had originally gone to help Belle, my friend and prayer warrior, with some things, but also to get both my laptop and desk top computers working correctly again.  It was a good time of fellowship and work, too.  All though Belle had hoped to get some help putting in some shrubs and things…she really didn’t know that having ME do that would have caused a problem.  (Don doesn’t even give me plastic flower because they die….does that tell the story?)  

Returned to Haiti the day after our friend from West Palm came to stay for a week.  Carolyn had been in Haiti with a team doing their cooking, but wanted to stay an extra week and get to spend time not only with us, but with all her Haitian “family”, too.  Her heart is attached here as well as ours.  Here is the morning I flew back in...fog cleared as we were ready to depart.

Carolyn has gone back to Florida and we now have a team here.  Pam and Luke are precious people and always have great teams. This one is no exception.  We don’t have a lot to do with the team, since Pam and Luke have their own ministry and simply use the dorm for teams.  But it’s a blessing for us and some great fellowship, too.  

So, now that I have caught you up a bit… oh wait…not quite!!!  I didn’t mention Don… we can use some prayers.  Our Toyota quit running and he has been trying diligently to get it going.  And then our generator went down and he’s been working on that, too.  And trying to get about 10 other things accomplished in between.  But I think you get the picture of how it’s going for him.  Constantly trying to keep things running, and yet trying to serve the Haitian people as well.  

Vero is busy as usual with the IDADEE orphanage, her ministry out in the countryside and with working with MFI.  Abbie has been very diligent in her school work and has brought her grades up and we are so proud of her.  

And last, but definitely not least, is MFI and the airport work.  It is neat for us to be able to meet new people and to greet “old” (in other words, returning) people, too.  Have had some good times dealing with pilots, flight attendants and passengers.  And we always find some fun times with all the different workers at the airport.  I can honestly say, the majority of people we deal with at the airport fun friends.  

Vero got me a book for Christmas that I would greatly recommend to anyone who is studying prayer as we are.  It was written by the Kendrick brothers, who did the movie “War Room”.  I am really learning a lot and enjoying that book.  It’s called, “THE BATTLE PLAN FOR PRAYER”.  

Okay, Don is calling for a bit of help so, I need to close out and get to work.  Thank you for being a part of our ministry, in whatever way you can… in prayer, in service, or in help.  You who are on that end praying and supporting us are as much of a missionary as we are!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  And BLESSINGS BEYOND MEASURE!!!

Well that was our email, (but they didn't get the pictures).... As I was looked for the pictures to include, I found a VERY old short video we took.  I thought you all might like a laugh, if I can get it to download.  This was Abbie (who is now 12) when she was 14 months old.  She had come into the computer room and when I didn't immediately respond to her, she took a paper out of trash and started reading it to me.  I told her go read to grandpa.  Then I heard grandpa say, go read to grandma.  So I went out in the living room, and this is what we got.

 I hope you enjoy it, if it does download.  

Again, BLESSINGS BEYOND MEASURE TO YOU!!