The girls attended CCYC --a Christian youth camp which is located in North Carolina. This was Erin's first year to go. Whitney has attended this camp for three years. IT was a fun week. They meet many new friends, reacquainted with friends from up north, and saw some of the TLC'ers again. For me--it was a week for "me time". I spent time with God--allowing Him to continue His work of shaping and molding me into the vessel that reflects Him. Spent a little more time in prayer asking God for some specifics. Still seeking for answers--but confident that the answers will come at His appointed time. His timing is perfect.
Last week we had Vacation Bible School at our local church. Whitney was a helper and Erin enjoyed taking care of some of the younger children. Both the girls are great with kids. You can visit the church's web site and see some of the scenes. The one skit really spoke to both the girls. We attend the Hobe Sound Bible Church.
School will be starting soon....time to buy uniforms. Took advantage of the sale they were having--in today's economy every little bit helps. Been thinking about some new teaching methods for this school year and planning to implement those methods. Working on a schedule for my studnet teacher--I am so thankful that the college education department allows me to partner with them in training the elementary teachers.
Looking forward to hearing from you--until then then--count your blessings, treaure your family, and may your spiritual journey be joyous!
Summer 2010 PROMISE from God’s Word for our Family….
Several have asked “How could we pray specifically?”Believing that the One who calls will keep His end --Rachel and I feel these summer months will be a true test of our faith.These two verses are the promises we are claiming while I am in Haiti and the Rachel is tending to the home front in Florida—Luke 11: 9 and 10.
9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Seems this verse implies action on our part.When Rachel ended the school year in May, it was also the end of her income.This means our budget is cut in half.The money from Operation Blessing will cover the majority of the monthly bills.Our faith will be growing as we see God supply all needs.
We would ask you to join us in prayer regarding our budget.Our family believed Whitney’s money would come in for her TLC trip—and God did just that!Can you join with us believing that He is able to do what He said he would?Can you begin to imagine how God wants to work?
Excitement mounted as the wings of the aircraft began it’s decent into Port au Prince. We would be seeing James, and I would be going through customs—watching the reaction of Erin’s first few moments in Haiti. It was marvelous seeing James standing there—because he would have the skills to guide us successfully through the throngs to the truck. Once in the vehicle we began our ride back to Operation Blessings—some parts of the road were smooth and then some parts were really rough.
One week has quickly flown by-- it doesn’t even seem possible. During week one our activities consisted of making the adjustments to a new culture and visiting both warehouses—and as Joy Budensiek (TLC director) so adequately paralleled James’ role to that of the Biblical story of Joseph- “The keeper of the Warehouse.” One warehouse consists of medical supplies and the other warehouse has a variety of items: wheel chairs, personal hygiene, food products, bedding, and you name it.
Wednesday morning everyone loaded up—we were off to Callabasse: a mountainous committee that Operation Blessing has been helping. Today we were schedule to distribute shoes to the children.How can I put words to the event of today? I was made to think of the scripture verse—a cup given in the name of Jesus---but in our situation—it was a pair of Thom’s shoes given. Etched forever in our memory will be the bright brown eyes of 1100+ Haitian children who were fitted with a pair of Thom’s shoes. Erin and I were able to pass out toys and candy to the children—thanks to a generous donor who made the toy distribution, possible. James will have a write up sharing more information about this donor. A wonderful Christian man being used by God to bless the children: and allowed the girls and I to be part of this blessing. 1100 pair of shoes fitted and across the mountainous countryside the children scurried home. As we made our way back down the mountain—some how I knew my life would be change—grateful that I was able to serve my master in this capacity.
Later in the week we would go to the orphanage: the guys (James’ work team—what a great group of guys!!!) built a chicken coup—the girls and I played with the children. This orphanage is home to several children ranging from just a few weeks old to the early teens. This ‘safe haven’ is staffed by employees who work for Partners in Health. This organization and Operation Blessing formed a partnership that will enable these children to receive health care, a education, the daily contact with another human. I told the girls the children will steal your heart and you will want to take some home with you. Had to stop and prepare my own heart—for my heart strings were being pulled. I wanted to invest in each of their little lives. But time was against me—I only had a little bit of time, a smile to share, a hug to extend and a bouncy ball to give. The joyous sounds of happy children as they played with large bouncy balls- imagine your child opening the long anticipated Christmas give—can’t you visualize the magic in their eyes—this is what I saw. (Thanks again to the generous donor mentioned above for making it possible to share sunshine and joy to these children). Rather it was cuddling the children, giving the babies a bottle, playing ball or drawing pictures — only eternity will reveal the impact the time spent there. Yes, our hearts were pulled and we really wanted to bring a couple home with us—but we knew it was not possible. I am thankful that we had the afternoon to spend with these children and grateful that Operation Blessing will be providing for the needs of the children.
Saturday, how can I even begin to share the events of this day? The vivid realities of the conditions of a country where the majority of the citizens have so little—they would be so thankful for the items I discard or send down the disposal. Traveling to a small remote village we would have the opportunity to see another project of Operation Blessing. Fish—I understand it some, but not totally, so I will let James explain that part—and crates with fish that could be sold to help those who need to take care of their family. Thinking I had seen the extreme, I was not prepared for the next few minutes.
Mentally and emotionally my mind race grappled with the fact that these people realized what true happiness was: family, simple shelter, and maybe just maybe a bowl full of rice for the children. These three little shelters were cradled along the lake was home to a fisherman and his family. By selling the fish this lone fisherman is able to provide food for his family. (Fish provided by Operation Blessing). A huge smile spread across his face as he open his mouth wide and showed David the tooth was gone. David then told us later, he had a bad tooth for months—just no means to get it taken care of. The warmth of their smile and sincerity felt in their handshake reminded me of the simple things in life. A medical team accompanied our family out there and after wards it was decided that a mobile medical clinic will go out to that remote fishing community This team will be teaching them the bare necessities of personal hygiene and basic medical care. The scenery was breathtaking as I gazed towards the majestic mountains which help to separate Haiti from the Dominican Republic. I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer for those who are not as fortunate as I am. Also, I had the opportunity of doing some soul searching—and I realized a new—I really need to be grateful and praise God more.
No doubt several wonder how I deal with the big questions, the what ‘if’s’….this November it will be 18 years ago James and I said ‘I do’. Understanding the ‘idea’ of being a military wife quickly changed from an idea to this is life. Grappling with the knowledge that James would be in Haiti for 6 months –once again I had to face some big questions. Questions that just do not have answers at times—thus, a smile is on my face and I provide surface answers. More times than not, the listeners are satisfied and scurry off. Today, prior to going to the fishing village—and my soul searching I realize that I am able to do what I do only because of these three facts: 1) My faith and trust has to remain strong—although both of these waver frequently 2) realize that when God calls He will provide and protect 3) Through my weakness He is made strong—and the importance of being all I can on the home front—so God can use James. Yet—I am human and have those fears, just like you!
Returning back to the place where we were staying—thinking it would be a quiet afternoon, only to realize it would be an liken unto an ‘ambulance’ trip for us. Dropping the girls off, James drove and I learned what it meant to pray without ceasing. A few doors down from where Operation Blessing has their headquarters—a neighbor was shot. David, the international director of Operation Blessing made the decision to place this man in the back of the 4 X 4 truck James was driving. Non stop horn beeping, lights a flashing, James skillfully maneuvered the vehicle to the hospital. The hospital - Miami University Hospital is the temporary make shift hospital set up after the earthquake—and Operational Blessing and other organizations partnered with. Grateful the man had made it to the hospital alive. News reached us about 30 - 45 minutes later—the man had died.
When asked how I felt about the day—just not sure if words could be found. Just not sure if I could find the words—or if at this time I want to try to try to even find the words. It was an emotional day—and I think the best thing for me to do is sign off and spend some quality time with my family and my heavenly Father.
Looking forward to hearing from you our family and friends! Yes, that means YOU!
Where do I begin it has been a crazy 2 weeks. I am so thankful for operation blessing allowing my wife and children to come to Haiti and for helping make that possible.
First I was so excited to see Rachel and Erin get off the plane and I was able to go all the way into the baggage area and meet them at the immigration desk. After the bags and passports cleared we headed to our home that we here in Haiti call Relax. We did not do much during the first 24 hours because I had a lot of small things to finish up. It also gave them time to get some much needed rest after a very busy TLC season.
On Monday Whitney joined us courtesy of Tom Franklin and family who drove Whitney from the Dominican Republic. Thank you Franklins you’re the greatest also thanks for the supper the next night that was a great treat and we had lots of fun bagging goodies for Callabasse.
On Wednesday we all went to Callabasse and had a large shoe distribution of Toms shoes. There were 1100 children waiting to be fitted for a pair of brand new Toms shoes. Callebasse is outside port au prince up in the mountains. These children came from several communities around several had to leave there homes at 4am to be there by 8am and then waited until the last child received there shoe it was about 4 pm. It was a day I will not soon forget and I was able to see my wife and daughters help share Gods love through giving of shoes. I also want to say a great big thank you to my good friend David Lee who made a donation to allow us to be able to buy something small for each child in the form of a toy as well as the shoes thanks again David for your love for God and the people of Haiti.
Well the next big thing we did was I worked on building a chicken coop for our special needs home called Zammi Benni which means partners in blessing. While I was working with my guys Rachel and the Girls got to spend time with the children and show the love of God through giving again bouncy balls to each of the children. Thanks again David Lee for your gift and love for God.
On Saturday we had an interesting thing happened one of our neighbors here in Haiti that I have done business with on a regular bases with was shot in his yard just before we pulled in I along with my wife immediately had him put in the truck and as fast as I could took him to the university of Miami hospital upon arrival he was rushed straight into surgery however 35 minutes later we received word that he did not make it.
There were so many little things that happened that I can not remember them all but hopefully the girls will each share a little of what Haiti meant to them. I know Rachel will be posting her reflections soon about the events in Haiti soon.
And finally I can not thank Operation Blessing enough for allowing me to take my family for 4 day and go to a small resort called Kaliko and just relax and swim and snorkel and just have an all around great time with my family. Thanks again Operation Blessing for all you have done for my family and I.
I have been very sick since my family left and have not been able to work much over the last 2 days at all however God in his goodness has touch me and today on July 4th I am feeling 100% healthy thanks again for all the prayers for my family and I. Please continue to pray for us that God will continue to lead us and to help us do his will.
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