about the rest of my trip

Hi, Friends.

I haven't been able to finish blogging about the last two days of my trip for several reasons, including not wanting to waste a moment with the people by sitting in front of the computer screen, not knowing how to summarize everything, and not wanting it to be over. So, it's Saturday now, and I've come to grips, caught up with my family time, and even squeezed in a few loads of laundry (LOL!). I know there are some things I still want to tell you about Haiti, though, so thanks for being patient with me.

On Sunday night we had somewhat of a slumber party - a few of the girls got to come to the hotel with us for the night and we played Haitian card games and laughed more than I thought possible. Ruth braided my hair into 6 braids, which turned out to be much cooler on Monday as we did VBS in 80 degrees under the blazing sun.

My arms were sore on Monday after puppet-ing, but it was so wonderful to meet all of the children today who normally come to school at the mission. Since the earthquake they have not been able to come because of the collapse of the dorm, but Emmanuel is determined to start up classes again in the next week or so, I think under the tarp where we held VBS. At least these 100 kids will have a school again. That's much more than I can say about hundreds of thousands of other children in Port au Prince. For whatever reason, be it poor construction or random chance, 90% of all schools from elementary schools to colleges were completely destroyed, so the children haven't had anywhere to go during the day. I saw many children just sitting next to their parents' road-side "stands" (which was really just sitting on the concrete or maybe a stool if you're lucky, and selling out of a basket or off of a blanket or sheet, probably the same sheet you slept under last night), as they tried to sell some food or produce or whatever wares they had to sell. All in all, I come away with the knowledge that those associated with the Greater Works Mission are blessed by the Lord. It is a testament to His goodness and their faithfulness to serve Him.



We had a lot of give-aways at VBS including candy, big blue punch balloons, lunch, a big bag of food for each child (some older siblings had to carry 2, which was barely manageable), foamy animal masks, and other little toys. We watched the end of the line coming and there was one little girl left in line and guess how many toys we had left on the table - that's right one - we had exactly enough! Talk about your loaves and fishes! It was such a joy to bless them, I cannot even express the fullness in my heart to see their smiles and know how thankful they were for a simple trinket!



Monday evening was a riot - I played war again with the little girls. They would say "won, tuu, tree!" and slap down their cards. We would call out the winner's name as she took the cards and do it all over again - so fun! When I won they would call "Wobeen!" LOL! Another slumber party on Monday night, but I was so zonked that I fell asleep in my clothes and didn't make it next door where the girls were. oh well . . .

Tuesday was a sad day of good-byes. Many of the girls, young and old made drawings or wrote letters for me, saying they love me and will miss me and they hope I will come back to Haiti soon. I asked them what they would like me to bring if I could come back, and they said, first - more Bibles! After that, they wanted dresses for church, earrings, make-up and perfume - typical young girls! How I wish I could give them everything they dream of! I encouraged them to read their Bibles each day and asked if they had ever read all of it - cover to cover. They said no and I gave them my schpeal about reading 4 chapters a day and getting through it in a year. They were hanging on every word - so precious. They really are hungry for serving God and knowing Him more. We have so much in common, my new sisters and me.

After peeling myself from their arms and getting into the truck as I wiped away the tears that just would not stop, we made our bumpy way to the airport and I got another glimpse at extreme poverty as we drove by sewage-scented tent neighborhoods, thousands of people standing on the streets, no jobs to work and no homes to clean, despair and hunger filling their eyes.



The plane ride to Miami was quiet - we were all quite reflective and somber. Upon our arrival, however, we became giddy with exhaustion and managed to draw looks all around the airport as we laughed at everything and nothing at all. We were stopped at a bathroom for a potty break and saw another team who had been in Haiti on mission too. Laura came out of the bathroom and said "Wow, it sure is nice flush the toilet without having to fill a bucket and dump it down!" Someone from the other team said, "You had buckets?!" LOL for about 10 minutes straight!

And I continued to find it hard to adjust as I indulged in simple pleasures like a soft bed and pillow, a hot shower, and scented lotion. While I was and continue to be thankful for so much, it's also hard to be constantly reminded that we take so much for granted and I'd love to be able to give it all to my new friends and family in Haiti. I've gained a new appreciation for things like smooth roads with yellow lines and traffic signs, carpet and rugs, water that comes out of the faucet that you can run your toothbrush under, my washing machine and dryer, electricity that doesn't cause the air to reek of diesel, and a refrigerator full of food to feed my kids.

So what now? Prayer.

Would you pray with me for Haiti? The devastation is far from over, and they are still in so much need of our help and love. They are hungry for Jesus, and we need to authentically demonstrate His grace and power through our giving and going.
Would you pray for God's direction for me? I have an idea of what comes next, but I could use increasing clarity.

Thank you and I love you with the Love Jesus keeps pouring into my heart by the power of His mercy and provision.