Church today

Here is what I said at church today. Hopefully you've all had a chance to see the slide show. They may have an mp3 of the service today on Christ Community's website.

This year I was fortunate enough to go on both trips to Biloxi and to Haiti. On mission trips, I’ve learned that many times, you can’t go into it with expectations. While I was excited to share the trip with my wife, she was unable to attend. I enjoy being a part of a small group or Bible study, but I would have never expected to be a small group leader. I would have been very nervous about it. On the trips themselves, you have an idea of what you are doing, but most of the time, you cannot follow your own schedule, made up of your own expectations. Life is sort of like that too. Many times we find our selves slaves to our own schedules and to the lives that we are “comfortable” with. We get lost in our busy days, work weeks, family lives, and social lives. What I found through these mission trips is that I needed a gentle reminder, that there is really only one person that controls my life, and it’s not me. I was reminded in Mississippi and in Haiti that having trust in God is essential. Things go much smoother when you let God take control of your life, especially in foreign places. And you have to trust in God that it will be okay and things will work out the exact way He wants it to. I also saw first hand that everyone here plays a role in the God’s plan. Whether it was the people I shared this experience with or with the people that I worked with directly in Mississippi and in Haiti, or the family members, friends, and church that supported us and prayed for us while we were away, I truly believe that everyone had a specific role in helping us carry out God’s plan.

Some examples of when I learned to trust in God, are finding our luggage at the airport in Port Au Prince and walking out of the airport and trying to find our ride. Not speaking Creole and having certain expectations made it a very nerve wrecking experience. When we saw Rick go in the caged truck with the luggage, and we got in the other car with a different driver, I really had to give it up to God and trust that we were with the right people and going to the right place. You’ll see some pictures of Rick in that truck (the first one). An example of us having our expectations change, as you’ll see in these pictures was when Rick and I were woken up at 7AM and rushed out, to drive down on top of the back of that same truck (in the cage!) through Port Au Prince to unload the 40 ft container trucks filled with donations that desperately needed to get out to the people of Haiti. We ended up doing this for two days and as trusting as I am (now especially) in God, I never could’ve imagined the things I was able to see or the experience I would’ve been able to share with Rick and John and Watson and James.

I also found that as “scary and uncomfortable” as Haiti may seem to us, if you look for God’s work being done, you didn’t have to look too far. The family we stayed with was spreading the gospel to literally thousands of Haitians in the tent cities who are beginning to accept Christ. They provided great fellowship for us during our stay. Seeing God work through God’s Littlest Angels, their organization, and through all the people who worked there and volunteered there was very humbling to me. While we were there for two weeks, some of the volunteers are raising their families there and staying indefinitely. Haiti was a beautiful place, and while there aren’t a lot of pictures in here of the land itself, you will definitely see God’s work in the children that we were fortunate enough to work with on Photo day, where we got to dress each child up, play with them, and help get their photos taken. I also saw God’s work being done by the members of our team: Rick, Drea, Jessica, Mamma T, and Vicky. I saw it in their patience while scraping paint and painting. I saw it in their organizing and lifting and sorting and creating over 500 garbage bags filled with donations to be handed out to the Haitian people. I also saw it in their attitudes towards life and the whole experience. While some of us were sick for a day or two, it didn’t seem to slow any of them down a bit. If anything, it motivated me and reminded me to approach life with a similar attitude in every thing that I do. There is so much to talk about, and these pictures can only give you a snapshot of what we experienced. If you would like to know more about the trip feel free to ask any of us about it, and check out the blog too. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Pictures are up

Pictures are up. If you'd like to see them bigger just click on the slide show.

J-me

Well...God has other plans

What a great day of travel. We were able to spend some quality time in Miami....since our flight to Chicago was cancelled. Rick was able to get a flight home to be with his wife and girls, and the rest of us are staying at a hotel that the airlines put us up in. Going from Haiti, to immediate immersal in American excess has been a challenging adjustment, at least for me. I know all of us are eager to see our family and friends...but God has us on stand by for a 7 AM flight tomorrow. While it is a little difficult to adjust to the Farraris and glitz and glamour in Miami, I will say that the little things that we all take for granted are very welcome. Like a hot shower. Beds without bugs in them. AIR CONDITIONING! Ice in my beverage, electricity, quick internet access, a short ride on a bus with seats to the hotel, and Starbucks. MMMMM.....but I will say, I am very partial to REBO (the Hatian Coffee that most of us are bringing back). That said, I have learned a lot about trusting in God. As Rick reminded us last night, there is always a benefit that can be found in every situation. Over the years, because of the amazing people who have come into my life, I have learned that it is best not to argue with what God has in store for me. I just need to go with the flow. If you stop along the way to smell the roses, and notice how great life really is, life can be really amazing. Some of the things I saw along the way over that last two weeks:

A small girl hanging from a bar in a doorway of a shack that sold bits and pieces of salvaged cars. Graciousness of Hatians like John, Watson, James,and Johnny who took us through some of the sketchiest parts of Haiti, and still found a way to make us feel safe. Learning how to speak Creole with sayings like Sak Pase Mabouya! Which roughly translates to "What's up big lizard." House keepers laughing at my broken Creole. I mean doubled over with laughter. Sharing made up bed time stories with two little girls who reminded me how important it is not to lose your imagination. Watching the same girls hit an magical ball with a real bat. I pitched a "slime ball", and when Kylee hit it (who is 3 by the way) she said in a very dramatic fashion, "EEEWWWW now I need to go take a bath!" I saw Haitians helping out less fortunate Haitians by handing out extra supplies, shirts, shoes, pants, baby wipes, diapers, toiletries, and other necessities. I even saw the graciousness of my own group giving shoes to some of the workers pouring cement, chiseling rock, and lifting broken wheel barrows down hills all in shoes that literally had no soles. Toes and bare feet bursting through the seems. I watched as three Haitians, that Rick and I were with, bought Rick and I Ragamon and Torrow drinks (think sugary red bull goodness) and plantain chips. I found out early on that Gum is a hot commodity in Haiti. Seeing the smile of a grateful Hatian ( a grown man!) as he pops in a piece of gum which most of us were able to share since we all had more than a couple boxes in our bags or purses. I watched a young boy who seemed to be mentally challenged, give me a slow and steady smile so bright that it could have lit up the powerless night in all of Haiti, when I gave him an extra Cliff bar I had in my bag. I watched street vendors bargain quite viciously to get the most out of us they could, while the vendor two shops down says....here's how it works...I give you high price, you give me low price and we meet in the middle. The honesty was refreshing. I worked for about three days to get Naela to smile at me. (Naela is orphan who had been at the orphanage for about two weeks. She was found abandoned on the street and severely malnourished. They believe she is two years old...she weighed about 15 pounds.) She had the deepest eyes that held back so much. I can only imagine what she had been through. She never spoke a word, but just stared at me while I ate dinner next to her. On our last night there, as I was saying good bye to everyone, I kept trying to work my magic, and wouldn't you know it, a little tickle of the tummy and a couple smiles later, you would have thought the heavens opened up as many of the people who were around had seen her smile for the fist time. (I must say that Mrs. Vicki-one of the full time nurses who takes care of Naela full time- says she laughs and cries and giggles and smiles when she is with her, but usually not in front of other people.)

Mrs. Vicki- she is amazing. To hear her speak and to be in her presence was something not to miss. Our group. I've never seen so many smiles and utter care for people in need. The people who took care of us, Brandon and Nikki, as well as Dixie, Holly, and Patrick. We never went to bed hungry in spirit nor body. Watching how John took care of Brandon and Nikki and their girls, as if they were his own family, and he took care of us. He even let Rick win a contest to see who could run up the hill (or should I say hills...no...mountains!) the fastest and race to the house. John even gave Rick a head start. Did I mention John was in sandals?

John. His story is amazing-ask someone about it. George and his puppy. George was from Canada and had recently retired and moved to Haiti with his wife and dog to help out wherever he can. Most people his age move to Florida or Arizona and he chose Haiti so he could continue to serve. Amazing. Waking up every morning and being able to go out on the balcony and see the sun rise over the mountains while reading my book and drinking a cup of REBO (see above) is something I'll never forget. I felt connected to the man across the way who was out doing the same thing. I realized how beautiful simplicity can really be. I speak for all of us when I say that being away from our families makes us appreciate them more than ever.

As devastating, and depressing, and terrible as Haiti may seem from far away, up close we were watching Christ in action in everything from the smile of an abandoned two year old, thumbs up from just about every kid who saw us in the back of the truck driving up and down the mountains, teddy bears decorated by American kids and sent to comfort Haitian kids, 6 Americans authentically living out our passion for Christ and having the opportunity to share our love with the others who serve and those that were in need, to the imagination of a little girl, and the spirit and resilience of the Haitian people that was shared with us, especially through John. We have much to be thankful for, and yet still so much to learn. If you don't pay attention or look for how God is working, you might miss out. It is an amazing feeling to know that someone is looking out for all of us.. There is a benefit in everything that we experience. Do you see? Keep looking.

Last days here

Well, today is our last day working for GLA. We worked up at Ft. Jauques today to help organize more bins, separate diapers, and make more room for the new donations that will be coming through. It's pretty amazing to see so much stuff come in, see it bagged and distributed, and donated to other orphanages. Today a large dump truck came to pick up a load to take to anther orphanage and they filled it over the top and put a tarp on it. That was only 1/2 of their stuff. Made it back to GLA for lunch and were going to spend our last afternoon playing with some of the infants and toddlers that don't have volunteers assigned. It should be a great end to a great two weeks of service. We leave for the airport at 6AM tomorrow. We can't wait to get home, decompress, and share our stories with all of you. I'll also be sure to post some pictures on the blog as soon as I get home. Please keep checking the blog for more info. Take care!

Smile! It's photo day!

We'll today we got to spend the morning helping out with Photo day. Here at GLA they take photos of all of the children to keep in their file and give to the foster parents. We had the job of finding each kid, (with the Nannys' help of course) and bring the up to the balcony. We were able to clean them off, lotion them up, and dress them to the nines in some really cute outfits. Everyone chipped in and I was even lucky enough to run the bubble machine and try to help make them laugh. I can't imagine what was going through these kids' minds as they see some crazy guy blowing bubbles, making noise, and dancing around like a goof! They were probably thinking they same thing my students think on a daily basis. HA! It was a good time however, and I know everyone enjoyed it. The pictures were very precious. Had a great lunch and not sure what is in store for this afternoon. As always thanks for following us and praying for us. I'm happy to report that everyone is in good health. Well....except for the Queen of Farkle, Drea. She tried to take on a 10 year old in basketball and they headbutted! Who knew she was so competitive? She has quite the shiner. With a little make up, she could make the other eye match. Lesson learned. (Really she is okay and laughing about it, but of course we all have to give her a hard time!)

Special Guest bloggers!!!

This is special guest Vicky here to tell you details about the Haitian hurt.... no I don't think you want to hear about that. Suffice it to say, I have never had to get out of a vehicle(in the middle of a huge hilly road)and puke on the roadside. Let's hear it for new experiences!! Never the less, I was up this morning and ready to work at Fort Jacques. We put together about 500 garbage bags full of men's, women's, kid's clothes, shoes, towels, blankets and a hygiene kits. This will be distributed to a tent city in Port au Prince. So Vicky just called me (Jessica) over from dinner which was some sort of Haitian yumminess, which included black rice, chicken, peas and watermelon - sounds simple haha yeah right its filled with flavor and spice and ALL THINGS nice. Dinner is always a good time! I think Mama T and Drea are in the other room doing dishes... Blogging isn't really my thing and doing dishes with the Haitian women here is MY thing- So I am going to grab them and do dishes (and get the opportunity to learn some Creole/French) while they entice you with their blogging skills... Enjoy! They just chickened out.. So until tomorrow- The girls.

Underserved Grace

What a great last two days! We've had some ups and downs, but we are all haning in there. Where to start?...Hmmm...Well, Saturday night was a lot of fun! There was a little Farkle here, A little Farkle there a little Farkle everywhere! (For those of you who aren't from Wisconsin, Farkle is a dice game like Yahtzee, Zonk, or other variations) We had a lot of fun and I'm happy to report that Drea has been crowned the Queen of Farkle. The family we are staying with are amazing. Brandon, Nikki, Kylee, Baylee, and Kofee and their Haitian boy John have been treating us very well. The food has been great, but the fellowship even better. On Sunday we woke up to French toast for breakfast. We went to a small house that doubles as a church for most of the mission staff. We packed in about 20 or so people and some of the Haitian orphans joined us too. Brandon was our pastor and he gave a great sermon on being enthusiastic about life and about what we are called to do while here in Haiti and even when we are back home. My favorite two quotes were, "Some people bring happiness where ever they go, and others bring happiness WHENEVER they go!" How true can that be! The other was "A bee's stinger is only about 1/16 of an inch long. What you feel after being stung is just enthusiasm." That one made me laugh. After church we had a nice lunch at GLA. Then a group of us went on a hike down to a waterfall. As I was getting ready to go, I made a quick stop to change and I felt some rumblings going on in the netherlands. Lucky for me I only had a small case of what they call "Haitian Happiness" but let me tell you....I was not so happy. Took some medicine and PeptoBismol and all is well. I was very disappointed that I didn't get to go to the waterfall, but it seemed kinda risky since there really aren't accessible toilets in much of Haiti. If I did go well...you can use your imagination. On a much brighter note, everyone that went had a great time and Rick and Drea got some amazing pictures. Jessica has recovered from not feeling so well, but Vicky and Mamma T are both feeling under the weather today. Drea seems to have an Ear Infection too,which is no fun either. Please pray for them to get well soon so they can share their love as much as possible while down here. Vicky also told me to say Hi to her family and friends as well. She has been doing some amazing things while down here, and unfortunately she's not feeling too good today. I'm sure she'll bounce back quickly.

Today, we went up to Ft. Jauques to move and reorganize boxes and bins. We packed about 200 bags to distribute. Vicky, Jessica, and Mamma T did a great job organizing everything. I can't wait to get these out because we just found out that 4 more containers have arrived with supplies. To put into persepective, these containers were sent in about February. 12 in all. Only 3 have arrived and two of those we had the privlidge to unload. It has taken about 6 months to clear them through customs. Although our expectations were to spend a lot of time with the children here, it seems that God has another plan for us. Sometimes when you see one door open, you have to walk through it....with enthusiasm! I know we are all eager to spend time with the kids, and some of the ladies made it to the toddler house for a couple hours yesterday. We still have about 4 days left here, so I'm sure we'll sneak in some quality time with the kids when we can. It seems that we are being called to something else that is just as important.

So far everything has been great and I speak for everyone when I say that we miss you all. We appreciate your support, and please keep the prayers coming as they help us get through all of the unexpected ups and downs of this trip. Take care!