T--Trying to
R--Rest in God when the
U-- Uncontrollable and unchangeable
S-- Situations and
T-- Testing times find their way at my doorstep.
Will James be able to come home this weekend? This will be the SECOND time we have planned --but since we can not control cholera or hurricanes--I struggle some. My sister is facing some medical procedures this week--what will the results be.? My father in law is having surgery the middle of next month?
Guess it is like my trust could be compared to the mighty waves found in the ocean during one of these storms. They are huge, billowy and absolutely fascinating to watch. Crashing into the shore, then scurrying back out to sea. To be tossed about again. Wonder if a wave ever feels alone, lost, no sense of direction? A few days later, I drive down to the same seashore--and there is a peace! A calmness! when just a few short days ago, there waves were restless and aimlessly seeking that refuge.
Dear God, You have told us in your word that we are to Trust. Please, help my TRUST not to waver aimlessly as the storms and situations of life come rolling in. I pray that you will be with my family members --strengthen their faith and trust. Be with my friends who are facing difficult days ahead--keep them in your strong arms. Help me to be one to lift them to you daily---help me to share an encouraging word to help them on their journey. Be with those who have answered your call and home is now on another continent / maybe even another hemisphere--be with them in a special way. Help me to find that place of solace--a place of refuge --and in turn please allow me to be a blessing to someone --to lighten their load.
In Your Name,
Rachel
This seems to be a question, I am asked frequently. At times my emotions run the full spectrum, but I rest in the fact that He who calls --it is He who will be there for all the question marks that I might have. It is my privilege to stand behind the love of life, James--supporting him in prayer, answering his phone calls regardless of what time it might be, and trying to keep information updated because he is so busy. For you that read the blog---THANKS so very much.
Wow what a crazy 48 hours. I hardly know where to begin but I will try. We received a call from our friends at Partners in Health on Thursday October 21 at about 9am asking if we could partner up with them to try to stop an epidemic of cholera. Well David called me and asks if I wanted to go help people get safe water to drink and I said for sure. Within 3 short hours I had 2 trucks loaded full with 2 water systems and all the tools and other supplies we could carry --was not for sure what to expect. The drive is about 2 to 3 hours from Port au Prince. When we arrived in Saint Marc we went straight to the hospital and talked to our friends at Partners in Health. Upon our arrival at the hospital it was very unnerving what I saw-- there were hundreds of patients laying everywhere. There were many that were dying or next to it everywhere. I saw a nurse try several times to put an iv into a girl that was about 10 years old that was so dehydrated that finally they had to put a band around her neck and finally was able to get an iv in her neck. This girl was so sick she could not hold herself up in the wheelchair. I later ask about her and was told she did not make it. I wanted to cry as I realized that most of the people I was looking at would not live to see another sunrise and unfortunately I was right.
Cholera what is it and why were people dying from it so fast it is a bacterium that got into the river where these villagers draw their water from and due to all the flooding that has happened in the last few weeks it appears that cholera got into the water. This seems to move very fast on the young and elders mainly because cholera causes diarrhea and vomiting. Well, you can guess what happened at first they were given more water by their family members to keep them from getting dehydrated but instead was making them more sick.
Ok back to the hospital well as you can imagine the smells of diarrhea, vomiting and yes even the smell of death was very strong at the hospital. I immediately told David lets go we have to get clean water to these people before more die. We immediately jumped back into our trucks and drove about 45 mins. to 1 hour to the place where a lot of cases had been reported to us by the doctors. We encounter 1000’s of desperate people begging for water. I also encountered several road blocks --by people that refused to let people go on because they wanted water. This is where God helped in a mighty way. We safely made it through each road block and were able to go to a small village that had not had any water for over 2 days. We jumped out and within 2 hours the first glass of clean was served. We then loaded up and left one man there to run the system all night and told him we would come back with more systems in the morning. We arrived back in Port Au Prince at 11:30 pm.
6am awake and on the road again wondering what we would face and how much more death we would face we went straight to the warehouse and loaded up as much as we could load and left for Saint Marc again. Again we stopped by the hospital and were told another 100 had died throughout the night. My heart broke as I knew many were children I had seen yesterday. I immediately ask the doctor where we were needed for the biggest impact on the water front and she stated around the same place as yesterday. She also stated that they were going to look at another village in a different area and would call us later. We left and was relieved to see our guys sitting there running the water system and had been through the night. People were very happy and smiling. We then were told of a village about 30 min father that needed help well you know me I yelled to everyone to get into the trucks and off we went.
Dauphin a small village were most have never been and many could not get to due to the condition of the roads. As we got to a village we kept asking for Dauphin and they just kept pointing farther and farther down this very mud. I finally had to stop all trucks and told them to wait because they could not make it and I was not even sure if we would make it in the 4x4 SUV but after 15 mins. Of roads that disappeared in water and a nearly slid into another truck that was stuck in 2 feet of soupy mud we arrived in a village that looked like a ghost town. When we arrived a few people came out and we ask if this was Dauphin and we were told that it was not that we had to go a little farther down the road but they told us that we could not make it by truck. We ask why and were told the roads were very bad could only walk through mud and water to get there. We then ask where everyone in their village was ……….well it is 230am and I am tired and have had a rough 2 days will post more tomorrow I have to be up in 3 hours so please keep us in your prayers.
load lifesaver cans to take to Dauphin
How exciting it was for James to open the card--and inside he saw information for a trip home. He was able to come home for four days. Together we kept it a secret from the girls--and needless to say both girls were REALLY SURPRISE to see dad.
Whitney saw him Sunday night---about 11:45 pm. Thanks to all our friends and family who helped to keep this a secret. Erin rode down with me to West Palm--and we met him at a Burger King. Her expression was priceless--and from what I hear, Whitney's reaction was very similar.
For those who live up north and enjoy the beautiful fall colors--enjoy them for us.
James looks forward to hearing from you on face book---and should you decide to comment on our blog--we would be happy to hear from you. Know that we care and appreciate all of you. James should writing soon about what he is doing in Haiti--his work consist of building, distributing food or medical needs, assessing situations and creating a workable plan. James is in his element --the Joseph of the modern day warehouse in Haiti--it is excited to be about Kingdom work. Thanks for you prayers.
Thank you to the many family members and friends who helped to make James' birthday extra special. Also, a special thanks to the great Operation Blessing team who 'stepped in' and made the day extra special. You all are the greatest.
Traveling on the Hobe Sound Bible College coach are the Hobe Sound Christian Academy High School band--Whitney is one of the 18 members (only trombone player--you go girl!!!). My sister is traveling with them, for the second year. They will be traveling through Alabama and Georgia. Whitney will be able to see her new little baby cousin. Saturday will be a fun day at 6 Flags.
Erin and I are holding the fort down--taking care of several cats. Carrie's three and then Erin will be taking care of a friend's pet while they are away. This will give her a little bit of income. And then there is Trixie--she is a great dog. A bit noisy at times--but very much part of the family.
Erin is working on a creep crawly project--another insect collection (last one--YES). We have collected several insects and have a few more to go--now comes the task of designing the display. This weekend she plans to do just that. We will try to post some pictures. Not sure if I know how to do that--may need James to help us when he comes home at the end of the month.
I find myself juggling all the different 'hats' that I am privileged to wear. My all time favorite 'hat' is the hat which identifies me as James' wife and the girls' mom! God gave me the best when He selected those three. Another 'hat' that is frequently worn is that of being a teacher--confident that this is my calling--I am privileged to be part of the Hobe Sound Christian Academy team training students both academically and investing in their lives spiritually. Every once in a while I get to real a 'hat' that allows me to do the things that I find relaxing. Recently, I planted several flowers in the front flower beds, read a trilogy that I was able to escape the hub bub of life for awhile :) and just enjoy a good book. The 'hat' that causes me to seek counsel in the Word and wisdom from above is a hat that I certainly hope, reflects Jesus. I am made to realize a new each day--that I can not do it alone--but it only as He works in and through equipping me--that I can make it! The spiritual journey is a journey I want to be faithful to. Our pastor has been bringing some sermons packed with truth from God's word. Sermons that has caused me to think and do some soul searching. Should you want to check those sermons out--go to hobesoundbiblechurch.com --thankful for technology.
Some of you have already found James and Whitney on face book--so, Leonard here is my portion of the blog. James will update things when he has a few minutes--or the internet will stay on long enough. Stay tuned--and for you faithful readers--Thanks for reading, thanks for the comments (maybe some of them were lost in cyber space--not sure--or maybe you could write on James' wall. Have a blessed day. Keep faithful to God--because we never know what a day may bring. Treasure your family and friendship--each one is a treasure from God, given to us to embrace.
To the college students who we called our 'kids' we think of you daily and pray for you--your spouse--and for the new babies! A special welcome to a beautiful baby girl who I was able to see (via Skype from Japan ) and I do believe she said hello :).
To our special 'Canadian' couple--we miss you Jen and we are praying for you!
Just sharing some of my heart thought----
~Rachel
The three of us here at wish the 600 miles did not separate us--so, we could wish you Happy Birthday in person! So, be watching as we will find every way possible to wish the greatest guy in the whole world a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hoping that several friends and family will read this--so, check face book, emails, listen for skype calls--who knows--you are 38 today, maybe you will receive 38+ messages today.
I love you---Love your wife,
Rae
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