This poem, One Solitary Life, makes me think, what am I doing with my one solitary life? You?
Happy Easter, Friends!
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was 30. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place He was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He was only 33 when public opinion turned against Him. His friends deserted Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. When He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had.. . . on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race, the leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Haiti Trip, Saturday, March 30
Prayer Partner of the Day: Tim Myrick
Well, the electricity never did come on, which meant...BUCKET SHOWERS! WOO! Who doesn't love bathing out of a bucket?! Okay, maybe I'm the only one that gets excited about that.
Navigating the Port Au Prince is much like playing a video game. One must pass this level to go to this level to then go to this level, and if you happen to hit anything out of sequence, you must start all over. And such was today! Though the agent had my passport in front of him, he checked me into the wrong flight under the wrong name. My mistake was trying to go standby for the earlier flight to Miami, and this caused a ruckus. After going through immigration and the two security points, I discovered the flight was sold out, and there was no way I'd be getting on standby. This normally isn't a big problem...but I had to go back to the ticket counter where I started, have them find my checked bags, and start all over again. My tiredness for the week left me in a virtual meltdown. However, all's well that ends well, and it was clearly in God's plan to not be on the earlier flight. After we hugged the team and said goodbye, I met another team from Louisiana. They had been working at "Big House" in Les Cayes, where one of our teams from Kansas had installed a solar-powered clean water system! Only God can make connections like this, and we shared stories and talked until our flight left.
Since the craziness had occured with trying to check in, the airline gods had mercy on me and bumped me to first class. Not only was it first class, but the seats layed flat! Talk about being spoiled! I was in Heaven.
And so this trip comes to a close. The GVUMC team is having their burgers and brownie sundaes at TGIFridays, and the hotel shuttle should be by anytime now to take me to my vacation spot for a few days. R&R, here I come! Praise to God for another safe and productive adventure in spreading Living Water to the body and souls of Haiti.
Well, the electricity never did come on, which meant...BUCKET SHOWERS! WOO! Who doesn't love bathing out of a bucket?! Okay, maybe I'm the only one that gets excited about that.
Navigating the Port Au Prince is much like playing a video game. One must pass this level to go to this level to then go to this level, and if you happen to hit anything out of sequence, you must start all over. And such was today! Though the agent had my passport in front of him, he checked me into the wrong flight under the wrong name. My mistake was trying to go standby for the earlier flight to Miami, and this caused a ruckus. After going through immigration and the two security points, I discovered the flight was sold out, and there was no way I'd be getting on standby. This normally isn't a big problem...but I had to go back to the ticket counter where I started, have them find my checked bags, and start all over again. My tiredness for the week left me in a virtual meltdown. However, all's well that ends well, and it was clearly in God's plan to not be on the earlier flight. After we hugged the team and said goodbye, I met another team from Louisiana. They had been working at "Big House" in Les Cayes, where one of our teams from Kansas had installed a solar-powered clean water system! Only God can make connections like this, and we shared stories and talked until our flight left.
Since the craziness had occured with trying to check in, the airline gods had mercy on me and bumped me to first class. Not only was it first class, but the seats layed flat! Talk about being spoiled! I was in Heaven.
And so this trip comes to a close. The GVUMC team is having their burgers and brownie sundaes at TGIFridays, and the hotel shuttle should be by anytime now to take me to my vacation spot for a few days. R&R, here I come! Praise to God for another safe and productive adventure in spreading Living Water to the body and souls of Haiti.
Haiti Trip, Friday, March 29
Prayer Partner of the Day: Everludis Lopez
Though I thought I would wake up and find myself in the Dominican Republic, alas the tent stayed put and the wind did not carry us away! Everyone was quick to pack up this morning and leave Pere Max's house, and we were anxious and excited to get to Philadelphia for the dedication. The kids were excited again as we pulled up, and no matter how many times we had watched Justin Beiber's "Baby" video, we sat down and watched another five times. Remember little Adley, the current love of my life? Little Adley, it turns out, is not an orphan at Village De Vie. He lives in the surrounding community with his mother, father, and several brothers and sisters. He walked us through the community, down to the main road, and through an alley way to show us his house. His oldest brother met us there, and since we had not idea what each other was saying, we asked the brother to come back with us for Ronald to translate. I couldn't tell if the brother thought we were trying to kidnap Adley or just plain crazy for following a six-year-old around, but he took Adley back to his house after a short conversation!
The dedication was beautiful. Pastor Pudens and Tom signed the convenants, gave perfect speeches, and the children sang "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a" with gusto! Tom and Pastor Pudens cut the ribbon at the water building, and they were officially opened for business! A crowd formed outside the water building for the first tastes of clean water, and sure enough, people were already bringing their bottles to fill. With any luck, this system will take off.
We stopped by Pastor Pudens' church on the way out of town, and three pastors from Missouri were leading an evangelism/church planting workshop for all of the pastors and leaders in Gonaives. It was an impressive turn out, and it amazes me how so many great people are doing so many great things in Haiti. Each person has their own niche and gift to share.
The ride to Port Au Prince was not as bad as I had thought it would be. We hit a few "Rah Rah's" on the way, as it is Good Friday, and many came out to march and play. The team pampered me, and did not make me take a shift in the back of the truck. Several of the team have been hit with the "Haitian Happiness" bug, and with any luck, we'll be home before anyone else falls victim. We arrived in Port Au Prince at a guest house none of us had stayed at previously. Walls Guest House, my usual stop, is undergoing construction, and they recommended this. Ancy and Lucson stopped by, and it was nice to drop off tools and supplies until the next time, and to visit with my brother for awhile. They left as soon as it got dark, as the Rah Rah's were kicking back into high gear!
We were impressed with our host, Jude, and all was well until the first two went in for showers and discovered no water. There was no water for the rest of the night, as the electricity had gone out and the pump was clearly not working. So...wireless internet from a generator, but no water for a shower. Kind of sums up Haiti in a nutshell. However, not sleeping in a tent tonight makes me very happy! This long, extended trip is coming to an end, and while I am so pleased with the teams, and have loved every single bit of time together, I am ready to be back in the USA!
Though I thought I would wake up and find myself in the Dominican Republic, alas the tent stayed put and the wind did not carry us away! Everyone was quick to pack up this morning and leave Pere Max's house, and we were anxious and excited to get to Philadelphia for the dedication. The kids were excited again as we pulled up, and no matter how many times we had watched Justin Beiber's "Baby" video, we sat down and watched another five times. Remember little Adley, the current love of my life? Little Adley, it turns out, is not an orphan at Village De Vie. He lives in the surrounding community with his mother, father, and several brothers and sisters. He walked us through the community, down to the main road, and through an alley way to show us his house. His oldest brother met us there, and since we had not idea what each other was saying, we asked the brother to come back with us for Ronald to translate. I couldn't tell if the brother thought we were trying to kidnap Adley or just plain crazy for following a six-year-old around, but he took Adley back to his house after a short conversation!
The dedication was beautiful. Pastor Pudens and Tom signed the convenants, gave perfect speeches, and the children sang "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a" with gusto! Tom and Pastor Pudens cut the ribbon at the water building, and they were officially opened for business! A crowd formed outside the water building for the first tastes of clean water, and sure enough, people were already bringing their bottles to fill. With any luck, this system will take off.
We stopped by Pastor Pudens' church on the way out of town, and three pastors from Missouri were leading an evangelism/church planting workshop for all of the pastors and leaders in Gonaives. It was an impressive turn out, and it amazes me how so many great people are doing so many great things in Haiti. Each person has their own niche and gift to share.
The ride to Port Au Prince was not as bad as I had thought it would be. We hit a few "Rah Rah's" on the way, as it is Good Friday, and many came out to march and play. The team pampered me, and did not make me take a shift in the back of the truck. Several of the team have been hit with the "Haitian Happiness" bug, and with any luck, we'll be home before anyone else falls victim. We arrived in Port Au Prince at a guest house none of us had stayed at previously. Walls Guest House, my usual stop, is undergoing construction, and they recommended this. Ancy and Lucson stopped by, and it was nice to drop off tools and supplies until the next time, and to visit with my brother for awhile. They left as soon as it got dark, as the Rah Rah's were kicking back into high gear!
We were impressed with our host, Jude, and all was well until the first two went in for showers and discovered no water. There was no water for the rest of the night, as the electricity had gone out and the pump was clearly not working. So...wireless internet from a generator, but no water for a shower. Kind of sums up Haiti in a nutshell. However, not sleeping in a tent tonight makes me very happy! This long, extended trip is coming to an end, and while I am so pleased with the teams, and have loved every single bit of time together, I am ready to be back in the USA!
Haiti Trip, Thursday, March 28
Prayer Partner of the Day: Chuck Arnold
The wind has picked up immensely tonight! Bill's tent continues to fly through the air and attack my and Meredith and Ben's tents! It's becoming rather humorous. Today, I was able to make it farther through the day than the day before. The team has continued work wonders at "Village De Vie" orphanage. Their loving hearts and servant attitudes has kept them going for long hours, and not once has there been complaint or sadness! Even in the slow moments, the team will find games to play, hair to braid, and odd projects to complete. They really are the "A-Team!"
Jake Sangster, from Coreluv (our favorite orphan project out of Houston, TX), picked us up around 11:00am. I was happy for the diversion, as I had been washing clothes with some of the women and older kids for an hour! My dish pan hands were raisins... I know, I know, I'm a silly weakling compared to the amazing Haitian culture! Jake has been invaluable to us this week. He not only provided transportation from Port Au Prince on Sunday, he not only hauled our luggage, he not only brought us 500 million more water samples from his well, but he also found a guy with a tool to get the pipe out of the well so we could drop the submersible pump. He has been our savior in many regards this week. Today, he took us out to the Myan Orphanage project. The last time I was there was last October, when it was just a piece of empty, barren land. Now, foundations are built, trenches are dug, more ground is being broken, and a reservoir was built! Soon, the foundations will be two dormitories, a feeding center, and the wall for the orphanage. It is truly amazing to see the faith of Jake and his Coreluv associates. In such a short time, they have come such a long way, and their building campaign back at home doesn't even kick off until next week!
My strength doesn't seem up to par yet, as I went back to Max's while the team continued work into the afternoon. It is always a joy-filled evening when they arrive back at the "ranch," and tonight, I broke out the big guns... LEGOS! To celebrate our week of work, we created Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Star Wars scenes! Yes, transported back to childhood, with Prestige, we had a great night. It's the last night in the tent! On to PAP tomorrrow...!
The wind has picked up immensely tonight! Bill's tent continues to fly through the air and attack my and Meredith and Ben's tents! It's becoming rather humorous. Today, I was able to make it farther through the day than the day before. The team has continued work wonders at "Village De Vie" orphanage. Their loving hearts and servant attitudes has kept them going for long hours, and not once has there been complaint or sadness! Even in the slow moments, the team will find games to play, hair to braid, and odd projects to complete. They really are the "A-Team!"
Jake Sangster, from Coreluv (our favorite orphan project out of Houston, TX), picked us up around 11:00am. I was happy for the diversion, as I had been washing clothes with some of the women and older kids for an hour! My dish pan hands were raisins... I know, I know, I'm a silly weakling compared to the amazing Haitian culture! Jake has been invaluable to us this week. He not only provided transportation from Port Au Prince on Sunday, he not only hauled our luggage, he not only brought us 500 million more water samples from his well, but he also found a guy with a tool to get the pipe out of the well so we could drop the submersible pump. He has been our savior in many regards this week. Today, he took us out to the Myan Orphanage project. The last time I was there was last October, when it was just a piece of empty, barren land. Now, foundations are built, trenches are dug, more ground is being broken, and a reservoir was built! Soon, the foundations will be two dormitories, a feeding center, and the wall for the orphanage. It is truly amazing to see the faith of Jake and his Coreluv associates. In such a short time, they have come such a long way, and their building campaign back at home doesn't even kick off until next week!
My strength doesn't seem up to par yet, as I went back to Max's while the team continued work into the afternoon. It is always a joy-filled evening when they arrive back at the "ranch," and tonight, I broke out the big guns... LEGOS! To celebrate our week of work, we created Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Star Wars scenes! Yes, transported back to childhood, with Prestige, we had a great night. It's the last night in the tent! On to PAP tomorrrow...!
Haiti Trip, Wednesday, March 27
Prayer Partner of the Day: Kathy Hogan & Fam
The church next door held a prayer vigil last night...until 3:15am. Complete with singing and shouting, they praised and pleaded to God throughout the night.
Today was the first day I was able to make out to the site, and what a glorious day it was! The children are beautiful and full of love. Of course, as is the case with most all sites, I fall in love with "that one kid..." This was no different and his name is Adley. He must have felt my lack of energy, and as the education class went on, and he had finished his assignment, he crawled into my lap and gave me a good cuddle for quite some time. So add Adley to the ever-growing list of Richard from Cherette, Lucy from Palmiste A Vin, Keegan from Dufort and the endless others who I would really like to bring home with me!
The tech team started the wiring today to give lights to the dormitories and kitchen. Valdes began training the operators, and the education team hit out of the park with the story of the woman at the well. Has there ever been a more natural team?
A pastor from a site nearby visited to see the system and understand the process of obtaining a clean water system. Tom and Bill went with him to visit his church and well, and they came back with a positive report. Another partnership in the making, perhaps! God has a way of working wonders!
After lunch, Tom, Leslie and Ronald sat down with Pastor Pudens to run through the final draft of the covenant and business plan. I was so impressed with both partners, and both are so willing to make the system sustainable! Surely God will bless this system and those involved with years of good service.
The wind has picked and the tents are blowing around! What a beautiful day in Haiti, and what a beautiful group of people to spend a day at home with!
The church next door held a prayer vigil last night...until 3:15am. Complete with singing and shouting, they praised and pleaded to God throughout the night.
Today was the first day I was able to make out to the site, and what a glorious day it was! The children are beautiful and full of love. Of course, as is the case with most all sites, I fall in love with "that one kid..." This was no different and his name is Adley. He must have felt my lack of energy, and as the education class went on, and he had finished his assignment, he crawled into my lap and gave me a good cuddle for quite some time. So add Adley to the ever-growing list of Richard from Cherette, Lucy from Palmiste A Vin, Keegan from Dufort and the endless others who I would really like to bring home with me!
The tech team started the wiring today to give lights to the dormitories and kitchen. Valdes began training the operators, and the education team hit out of the park with the story of the woman at the well. Has there ever been a more natural team?
A pastor from a site nearby visited to see the system and understand the process of obtaining a clean water system. Tom and Bill went with him to visit his church and well, and they came back with a positive report. Another partnership in the making, perhaps! God has a way of working wonders!
After lunch, Tom, Leslie and Ronald sat down with Pastor Pudens to run through the final draft of the covenant and business plan. I was so impressed with both partners, and both are so willing to make the system sustainable! Surely God will bless this system and those involved with years of good service.
The wind has picked and the tents are blowing around! What a beautiful day in Haiti, and what a beautiful group of people to spend a day at home with!
Haiti Trip, Tuesday, March 26
Prayer Partner of the Day: Susan Rose
For me, it was a lackluster day of laying still and trying to find my "sea legs" again. For the team, it was a monumental day, as they overcame a couple of obstacles (like a leak and a bad fuse), and at the end of the day, they flipped the switch and water pumped through! In fact, they pumped enough water to shock the system overnight. Not only that, the teachers reported a fantastic day with the children, and the videos of them singing "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a" brought tears to my eyes! What a day of accomplishments! What a day of joy! What a day of tireless working! What a day of partnerships and fellowship! To God be the glory of the great things He has done.
For me, it was a lackluster day of laying still and trying to find my "sea legs" again. For the team, it was a monumental day, as they overcame a couple of obstacles (like a leak and a bad fuse), and at the end of the day, they flipped the switch and water pumped through! In fact, they pumped enough water to shock the system overnight. Not only that, the teachers reported a fantastic day with the children, and the videos of them singing "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a" brought tears to my eyes! What a day of accomplishments! What a day of joy! What a day of tireless working! What a day of partnerships and fellowship! To God be the glory of the great things He has done.
Haiti Trip, Monday, March 25
Prayer Partner of the Day: Karen Cook
Well, ever since last January (2012) when I came down with a "touch of cholera", I have bragged that I haven't been sick in Haiti! Six trips later, those words have caught up with me! Thankfully, the team is in great hands. Valdes and crew are ready to work, and I feel so good that Bill, another veteran, is here in case of questions or needs.
The team really hit it out of the park today. Early reports say the water system is almost completely plumbed, and tomorrow they will pull off the wellhead and drop the submersible. By the end of tomorrow, the system will be shocked! Woo! Team Solar (Sean & Camille) have wired in most of the parts, and team education had an exceptional session with the school teachers today! Playing with the kiddos seemed to be the highlight of the day for most everyone. What a really great group this is! As each one came in to say hello and give their own personal account of the day, their smiles were contagious and their joy was overwhelmingly evident. God is certainly blessing me thru their servant hearts. Bill and I are continually impressed with their kindness towards one another and their impeccable teamwork.
Of the most excitement, Leslie left her tent open, and the chicken with six of her chicks made herself at home! Oh, the stories we have in Haiti!
As for me, tomorrow will surely be better. Right?! :)
Peace be with you, friends.
Well, ever since last January (2012) when I came down with a "touch of cholera", I have bragged that I haven't been sick in Haiti! Six trips later, those words have caught up with me! Thankfully, the team is in great hands. Valdes and crew are ready to work, and I feel so good that Bill, another veteran, is here in case of questions or needs.
The team really hit it out of the park today. Early reports say the water system is almost completely plumbed, and tomorrow they will pull off the wellhead and drop the submersible. By the end of tomorrow, the system will be shocked! Woo! Team Solar (Sean & Camille) have wired in most of the parts, and team education had an exceptional session with the school teachers today! Playing with the kiddos seemed to be the highlight of the day for most everyone. What a really great group this is! As each one came in to say hello and give their own personal account of the day, their smiles were contagious and their joy was overwhelmingly evident. God is certainly blessing me thru their servant hearts. Bill and I are continually impressed with their kindness towards one another and their impeccable teamwork.
Of the most excitement, Leslie left her tent open, and the chicken with six of her chicks made herself at home! Oh, the stories we have in Haiti!
As for me, tomorrow will surely be better. Right?! :)
Peace be with you, friends.
Haiti Trip, Sunday, March 24
Prayer Partner of the Day: Claire Sparks
We woke up early, early this morning to ensure we made it to the airport on time! The team would arrive at 9:20am! We waited and waited for Ronald, and though every other driver in Haiti is always on "Haiti Standard Time," Ronald is always early! We knew there must be a problem. Sure enough, he finally arrived with a look of desperation... It's Palm Sunday! People all over Haiti come to Leogane each year on Palm Sunday for the "Rah Rah." Thousands of people had been up all night singing, drinking, partying, and celebrating in the streets, and the crowd was finally starting to break up. Once we got into the truck and got back in to Leogane we knew it was going to be a long sit. And sit we did!
Long story short, by the grace of God, and Ronald's fantastic driving abilities, we made it to the airport with time to spare. The Green Valley UMC team arrived from Vegas with excitement and energy!
We had a lovely drive to Gonaives, making stops in Montrouis and a bit further down the road. We even found ice cream, which, of course, made me happy. The first stop in town was at the Philadelphia "Village de Vie" orphanage. We were overwhelmed with joy to see the kids and our work crew already hard at work. Charles had the trench from the well to the building dug and Valdes was on top of the truck and adjusting the solar panels. We unloaded all of the equipment at the building, said our goodbyes, and headed to Pere Max Accime's house, where we will stay the week.
Everyone seems genuinely excited to be staying in tents for the week, though a couple of fellas drew the unlucky straws and will be sleeping indoors, where it's a wee bit hot. Once everyone got set up, we sat around the tree with a lovely breeze and gave a "cheers" to the coldest Prestige I've ever tasted! Tom pulled out the fanciest Operator's Manual I've ever seen, and Carol led us in a sweet devotion.
Surely...this will be a wonderful, Spirit-filled week! Early to bed! Early to rise!
We woke up early, early this morning to ensure we made it to the airport on time! The team would arrive at 9:20am! We waited and waited for Ronald, and though every other driver in Haiti is always on "Haiti Standard Time," Ronald is always early! We knew there must be a problem. Sure enough, he finally arrived with a look of desperation... It's Palm Sunday! People all over Haiti come to Leogane each year on Palm Sunday for the "Rah Rah." Thousands of people had been up all night singing, drinking, partying, and celebrating in the streets, and the crowd was finally starting to break up. Once we got into the truck and got back in to Leogane we knew it was going to be a long sit. And sit we did!
Long story short, by the grace of God, and Ronald's fantastic driving abilities, we made it to the airport with time to spare. The Green Valley UMC team arrived from Vegas with excitement and energy!
We had a lovely drive to Gonaives, making stops in Montrouis and a bit further down the road. We even found ice cream, which, of course, made me happy. The first stop in town was at the Philadelphia "Village de Vie" orphanage. We were overwhelmed with joy to see the kids and our work crew already hard at work. Charles had the trench from the well to the building dug and Valdes was on top of the truck and adjusting the solar panels. We unloaded all of the equipment at the building, said our goodbyes, and headed to Pere Max Accime's house, where we will stay the week.
Everyone seems genuinely excited to be staying in tents for the week, though a couple of fellas drew the unlucky straws and will be sleeping indoors, where it's a wee bit hot. Once everyone got set up, we sat around the tree with a lovely breeze and gave a "cheers" to the coldest Prestige I've ever tasted! Tom pulled out the fanciest Operator's Manual I've ever seen, and Carol led us in a sweet devotion.
Surely...this will be a wonderful, Spirit-filled week! Early to bed! Early to rise!
Haiti Trip, Saturday, March 23
Prayer Partner of the Day: Carrie Delisio
This morning I woke up at Jardin Sur Mer just in time for a magnificent sunrise. It was simply breathtaking. We loaded up by 8:00am and were back at the monastery by 10:30am. Ten minutes later, I was cozied back up in my bed and having a great nap! Other than completing my school assignments today and watching Argo, I have done absolutely nothing. It's been so restful, and I hope it will give me strength for another full week in Haiti. We are so excited for the Green Valley UMC crowd to arrive!
Father Bleu just arrived... Me thinks it's time for mass!
This morning I woke up at Jardin Sur Mer just in time for a magnificent sunrise. It was simply breathtaking. We loaded up by 8:00am and were back at the monastery by 10:30am. Ten minutes later, I was cozied back up in my bed and having a great nap! Other than completing my school assignments today and watching Argo, I have done absolutely nothing. It's been so restful, and I hope it will give me strength for another full week in Haiti. We are so excited for the Green Valley UMC crowd to arrive!
Father Bleu just arrived... Me thinks it's time for mass!
Haiti Trip, Friday, March 22
Prayer Partner of the Day: Shane Gray
Ronald arrived right on time to leave this morning for Les Cayes. The drive was longer than I remembered, but perhaps it was just my road weary stomach, but I was happier than ever to arrive at Pere Colbert's. He, too, was happy to see us, and after a good chat, we went off to the water building to take measurements and readings. Pere Colbert wanted us to survey a new site in the area, but after we loaded up the car and drove all of two minutes, we concluded the site would be in direct competition with the existing clean water system.
To my surprise, when we returned from the site and I went inside for a break, a wonderful lady from Greenville, SC was sitting at the upstairs table! She had been there a couple of weeks already setting up a child education scholarship fund for a NGO. What a blessing to run across someone doing great work! After a Prestige on the porch (It was 5 o'clock somewhere!), we went off on an adventure almost to Camp Perrin. Again, the road weighed heavily on my equilibrium, but once we stopped and set foot on still ground, life was much better!
This was one of Pere Colbert's churches, one of the many he oversees. Mersan is the name of the community, and the lay leaders and church elders were there to greet us. After a few water tests, walking out the measurements of the land, and standing in the sun for an hour, we were wiped out. We debated back and forth all afternoon about whether to stay in Les Cayes or drive back to Palmiste A Vin. By the time we got back to Pere Colbert's house it was 4:45pm, and there was no way we'd make it back to PaV by dark. Thus, here we are at Jardin Sur Mer to see Uncle Bob and spend the night. It's been a long day, and my balcony opens up to the ocean...or at least the sound of the waves!
Ronald arrived right on time to leave this morning for Les Cayes. The drive was longer than I remembered, but perhaps it was just my road weary stomach, but I was happier than ever to arrive at Pere Colbert's. He, too, was happy to see us, and after a good chat, we went off to the water building to take measurements and readings. Pere Colbert wanted us to survey a new site in the area, but after we loaded up the car and drove all of two minutes, we concluded the site would be in direct competition with the existing clean water system.
To my surprise, when we returned from the site and I went inside for a break, a wonderful lady from Greenville, SC was sitting at the upstairs table! She had been there a couple of weeks already setting up a child education scholarship fund for a NGO. What a blessing to run across someone doing great work! After a Prestige on the porch (It was 5 o'clock somewhere!), we went off on an adventure almost to Camp Perrin. Again, the road weighed heavily on my equilibrium, but once we stopped and set foot on still ground, life was much better!
This was one of Pere Colbert's churches, one of the many he oversees. Mersan is the name of the community, and the lay leaders and church elders were there to greet us. After a few water tests, walking out the measurements of the land, and standing in the sun for an hour, we were wiped out. We debated back and forth all afternoon about whether to stay in Les Cayes or drive back to Palmiste A Vin. By the time we got back to Pere Colbert's house it was 4:45pm, and there was no way we'd make it back to PaV by dark. Thus, here we are at Jardin Sur Mer to see Uncle Bob and spend the night. It's been a long day, and my balcony opens up to the ocean...or at least the sound of the waves!
Haiti Trip, Thursday, March 21
Prayer Partner of the Day: Stephanie Lada
I fretted over today for quite a while, as it was evaluation and meeting time with the In-Country staff. Not being the most experienced of human resource managers, and after a few incidents over the last week, my heart was most definitely not at peace for the meeting to begin. Thankfully, Bill was here, and compiled the evaluations, and he gave the performance reviews after having a group meeting. God answered my prayers, and gave us an enriching, partnership building meeting.
The rest of the day was a blur, with school assignments, typing up notes from the meeting and making decisions for the future of the network. Wasn't this supposed to be a few days of rest? Oh how I miss the team from Herndon! Come back, come back!
I fretted over today for quite a while, as it was evaluation and meeting time with the In-Country staff. Not being the most experienced of human resource managers, and after a few incidents over the last week, my heart was most definitely not at peace for the meeting to begin. Thankfully, Bill was here, and compiled the evaluations, and he gave the performance reviews after having a group meeting. God answered my prayers, and gave us an enriching, partnership building meeting.
The rest of the day was a blur, with school assignments, typing up notes from the meeting and making decisions for the future of the network. Wasn't this supposed to be a few days of rest? Oh how I miss the team from Herndon! Come back, come back!
Haiti Trip, Wednesday, March 20
Prayer Partner of the Day: Diana Grace
It was a bittersweet day. As I woke up in the tent to the lovely music of "I Will Always Love You" (a special song between me and Dutch, my roomie), I knew this was the last day with the great team from Herndon. We would drive them to the airport and say our goodbyes. Despite the massive amounts of "red shirts" in our way, we were able to hug and shed many tears. What an amazingly special group, who I hold so close to my heart.
Ancy and I had a quiet drive through Port Au Prince and picked up his son, Hans, at school. Though the kids are out for spring break, Hans had been invited to come to a special event. The three of us celebrated a great week by having pizza and ice cream in Carrefour! A little slice of heaven! We went by Ancy's house to drop off Hans, and the second floor addition is nearly complete! It's beautiful.
By the time we made it to Palmiste A Vin, after long talks about work with Ancy, my mind was ready to crash. The brothers greeted us and welcomed me home, and my sister, Sonie, sat me down in bed and made me rest!
At 5, or so I was told, there would be a mass to celebrate Daniel's birthday! Father Bleu from Dufort would come to preside over the mass. He, however, was 90 minutes late. We finally began at 6:30! Ignace played the most upbeat happy music I had ever heard in mass! Jack, the French Canadian, and many of the locals also came. We celebrated afterwards with champagne and a buffet of goodies. Ancy & I had bought a cake in Leogane, as did Olizard, and we ate and sang till the wee hours! Oh, it's good to be home!
It was a bittersweet day. As I woke up in the tent to the lovely music of "I Will Always Love You" (a special song between me and Dutch, my roomie), I knew this was the last day with the great team from Herndon. We would drive them to the airport and say our goodbyes. Despite the massive amounts of "red shirts" in our way, we were able to hug and shed many tears. What an amazingly special group, who I hold so close to my heart.
Ancy and I had a quiet drive through Port Au Prince and picked up his son, Hans, at school. Though the kids are out for spring break, Hans had been invited to come to a special event. The three of us celebrated a great week by having pizza and ice cream in Carrefour! A little slice of heaven! We went by Ancy's house to drop off Hans, and the second floor addition is nearly complete! It's beautiful.
By the time we made it to Palmiste A Vin, after long talks about work with Ancy, my mind was ready to crash. The brothers greeted us and welcomed me home, and my sister, Sonie, sat me down in bed and made me rest!
At 5, or so I was told, there would be a mass to celebrate Daniel's birthday! Father Bleu from Dufort would come to preside over the mass. He, however, was 90 minutes late. We finally began at 6:30! Ignace played the most upbeat happy music I had ever heard in mass! Jack, the French Canadian, and many of the locals also came. We celebrated afterwards with champagne and a buffet of goodies. Ancy & I had bought a cake in Leogane, as did Olizard, and we ate and sang till the wee hours! Oh, it's good to be home!
Haiti Trip, Tuesday, March 19
Prayer Partner of the Day: Meredith Gerhardt
Today started just as any other normal day in Haiti. An adventure up the mountain to the water source, an adventure down the mountain for a follow up on a water system, an adventure back up the mountain so as not to be late for the dedication in Cazale. We spent a wonderful time in the Kia talking through life and the next stages to come.
Upon arrival back in Cazale , it was time for the water system dedication. As we walked up to the church, angelic voices from the choir soothed the crowd as we waited eagerly to begin. Father Goursse prepared a beautiful service, telling why the water system was built, what the community will gain from it, how the registration process will work for bottles, and the hygiene class each community member will be expected to attend. Father Goursse may just the best OP in Haiti! As I gathered my thoughts on what to say, I remembered the words of Father Irnel at our very first Operators Conference -- and thus, after giving the history of LWW, and how we work in Haiti, I welcomed the members of Cazale to the LWW/SUTS family! Only God could create such a joy-filled family.
Pastor Evens from Blanket showed up at the dedication. How wonderful it was to see two of our best leaders in Haiti come together as partners because of Living Waters For The World. Goursse introduced Evens, and allowed him to speak to the crowd. What a blessing to have to the two most vital partners of Herndon UMC together and sharing in the future vision of clean water for all of God's children.
That evening, after the crowd had gone home, after we shut down the water building, after we packed up and began saying goodbyes, Father Goursse came out to the courtyard with the three kitchen staff ladies. As if he had not already been the best host in Haiti, he sat the group down in a circle and said that since this was his first big hosting week, he wanted to do evaluations. How did we feel the week went? What improvements could he make for other teams? What was really good? What was really bad? Seriously?... We have never had anyone ask this of a group. It was indeed a constructive time of much encouragement.
No one wanted to say goodnight. We struggled to go to our tents and bedrooms. I've 92% convinced Lorri to stay on with me for a few more days! :) Dutch and I did our last devotion together, and off to sleep we went. Oh, what a good trip this has been.
Today started just as any other normal day in Haiti. An adventure up the mountain to the water source, an adventure down the mountain for a follow up on a water system, an adventure back up the mountain so as not to be late for the dedication in Cazale. We spent a wonderful time in the Kia talking through life and the next stages to come.
Upon arrival back in Cazale , it was time for the water system dedication. As we walked up to the church, angelic voices from the choir soothed the crowd as we waited eagerly to begin. Father Goursse prepared a beautiful service, telling why the water system was built, what the community will gain from it, how the registration process will work for bottles, and the hygiene class each community member will be expected to attend. Father Goursse may just the best OP in Haiti! As I gathered my thoughts on what to say, I remembered the words of Father Irnel at our very first Operators Conference -- and thus, after giving the history of LWW, and how we work in Haiti, I welcomed the members of Cazale to the LWW/SUTS family! Only God could create such a joy-filled family.
Pastor Evens from Blanket showed up at the dedication. How wonderful it was to see two of our best leaders in Haiti come together as partners because of Living Waters For The World. Goursse introduced Evens, and allowed him to speak to the crowd. What a blessing to have to the two most vital partners of Herndon UMC together and sharing in the future vision of clean water for all of God's children.
That evening, after the crowd had gone home, after we shut down the water building, after we packed up and began saying goodbyes, Father Goursse came out to the courtyard with the three kitchen staff ladies. As if he had not already been the best host in Haiti, he sat the group down in a circle and said that since this was his first big hosting week, he wanted to do evaluations. How did we feel the week went? What improvements could he make for other teams? What was really good? What was really bad? Seriously?... We have never had anyone ask this of a group. It was indeed a constructive time of much encouragement.
No one wanted to say goodnight. We struggled to go to our tents and bedrooms. I've 92% convinced Lorri to stay on with me for a few more days! :) Dutch and I did our last devotion together, and off to sleep we went. Oh, what a good trip this has been.
Haiti Trip, Monday, March 18
Prayer Partner of the Day: Kendall Cox
Did I mention we had no water the last couple of days? So showers came from a bucket! Today, we had water back...and a nice cold shower got the day started nicely!
It was a beautiful day in Cazale. We washed 100 bottles with clorox and water. The gals labeled and numbered them later in the afternoon. The kids are out of school this week, as today was exam day and then they have spring break. Students were scattered across the church and school classrooms, with their heads down and concentrated. We made an additional "Bon Dlo + Men Pwop = Ko An Sante" banner for the HUMC kids to take back to the church. As the kids were coming out of their exam time, they put their handprints on the banner!
Sam, Elizabeth and I declared the afternoon "homework" time, and thankfully I was able to get ahead a bit! The hours continued to be filled with beautiful chatter and fellowship amongst the team and our new Haitian family in Cazale. Pere Goursse brought out fresh coconuts and showed off his machete skills! Around 3:00pm, we walked with Goursse down the block and to a house and the second floor. There we found Ancy teaching an English class. We stayed for a couple of hours, and each took a turn teaching a few English phrases. I took the opportunity to start in Genesis, which led to Adam and Eve, which led to Noah, which led to a flood, which led to animals, which led to Father Abraham, which led to the song, right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot, which then led to "head, shoulders, knees and toes!" Yes, I can't really explain the way my thought process works, but indeed we had a great time!
After packing up from English class, Sam and Goursse suited up for the neighborhood soccer game. The young ladies in Cazale came out in droves to see the two young studs play ball! Sam scored twice and Goursse scored once, which only added to their following!
Our English teaching friends, Reuben & Jean, visited tonight, and it was an early to bed for many of us. Tomorrow will be our celebration, and what a glorious day it will be!
Did I mention we had no water the last couple of days? So showers came from a bucket! Today, we had water back...and a nice cold shower got the day started nicely!
It was a beautiful day in Cazale. We washed 100 bottles with clorox and water. The gals labeled and numbered them later in the afternoon. The kids are out of school this week, as today was exam day and then they have spring break. Students were scattered across the church and school classrooms, with their heads down and concentrated. We made an additional "Bon Dlo + Men Pwop = Ko An Sante" banner for the HUMC kids to take back to the church. As the kids were coming out of their exam time, they put their handprints on the banner!
Sam, Elizabeth and I declared the afternoon "homework" time, and thankfully I was able to get ahead a bit! The hours continued to be filled with beautiful chatter and fellowship amongst the team and our new Haitian family in Cazale. Pere Goursse brought out fresh coconuts and showed off his machete skills! Around 3:00pm, we walked with Goursse down the block and to a house and the second floor. There we found Ancy teaching an English class. We stayed for a couple of hours, and each took a turn teaching a few English phrases. I took the opportunity to start in Genesis, which led to Adam and Eve, which led to Noah, which led to a flood, which led to animals, which led to Father Abraham, which led to the song, right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot, which then led to "head, shoulders, knees and toes!" Yes, I can't really explain the way my thought process works, but indeed we had a great time!
After packing up from English class, Sam and Goursse suited up for the neighborhood soccer game. The young ladies in Cazale came out in droves to see the two young studs play ball! Sam scored twice and Goursse scored once, which only added to their following!
Our English teaching friends, Reuben & Jean, visited tonight, and it was an early to bed for many of us. Tomorrow will be our celebration, and what a glorious day it will be!
Sermon, Sunday, March 17, 2013
Isaiah 43:16-21
This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pouding waves. The God who summons horses and chariots and armies - they lie down and they can't get up; they're snuffed out like so many candles: "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert. Be present! I'm about to do something brand new! It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is. I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say - Thank you! - because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, people custom-made to praise me."
Philippians 3:4-14
The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it - even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth; circumcised on the 8th day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict & devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book. The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing in the trash. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ & be embraced by Him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have made it. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wonderously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
************
Are you a follower? A follower of the One? A follower of the One who builds a road right through the ocean? A follower of the One who carves a path through pounding waves? A follower of the One who provided water in the desert? A follower of the One who brought water from a mountain and down to the city of Cazale? A follower of the One who hand picked a team from Herndon, Virginia and brought them to Cazale to make that same water drinkable? He is the One. We are not called to stand on the sidelines and cheer Him on. We are called to take up the Cross - the Cross that leads to Easter Sunday and Resurrection - and we are called to take up the Cross and follow Him. He, who custom made each of us, wants us to follow Him.
And that's what it's all about, Friends. As children of God whom He custom made, we are invited to become His follower and to know Him personally. So let me ask you - are you a follower of Jesus? We have said the word "follower" many times now. Perhaps you heard the question and moved on to your next thought. Perhaps someone else has asked you the question before? It's so familiar there is a tendency to dismiss the question. Not because it makes you uncomfortable. Not because it is especially convicting. The question is dismissed because it feels redundant and unnecessary.
Chances are, if you are here today, you fall into one of two groups:
Let's call the first group the "of course I am a follower" group. If you are a member of this group, you are serious enough about your faith to come to church every Sunday. So, when I ask, "are you a follower of Jesus," it seems like a rhetorical question. You recognize it is an important question, but why am I asking you?
Being a follower of Jesus does NOT simply mean answering yes to the following questions:
Do you go to church?
Are your parents & grandparents christians?
Did you once raise your hand to accept Chrisat at the end of a sermon?
Did you repeat a prayer after a preacher?
Do you own three or more Bibles?
Do you know all of the songs in the hymn book?
Yes, many of us can answer "yes" to all of those questions. As Paul said to the Philippians, we may have great credentials. But none of that means anything if we do not have a personal relationship - if we are not a follower of Him.
One of the saddest passages of Scripture tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be shocked and stunned to find out He does not recognize them. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7, Jesus tells of the day where everyone who has ever lived will stand before God. On that day, many who call themselves Christians, and identify themselves as followers, will stand confidently in front of Jesus only to hear Him say, "I never knew you."
It may seem there are many followers of Jesus, when in reality if they were to examine their relationship, "follower" may not be the accurate term. They are not followers of Jesus - they are fans of Jesus. They are enthusiastic admirers. They would be excited to see Him come to town, but go on with life as usual the next day. Just as with Messi or Ronaldo, we would cheer and cheer for Him. We would admire what they do, their skills and their charm, but we don't actually know them. There is no personal relationship -- just admiration from afar.
We can sit every Sunday in church and listen to great sermons by Pere Goursse, but until we know Jesus Christ as our Master firsthand, until we personally experience His resurrection power, until we become partners in His suffering, until we take up His Cross, we are simply a fan, an admirer, perhaps a friend of Christ, but you are not a follower.
If the first group here today is the group called the "of course I am a follower" crowd, the second group is "well, I had nothing better to do" group. Perhaps your friend invited you, or maybe you heard there would be free food or free water. Maybe when I asked "are you a follower", you were gazing out the window wondering what you are going to do this afternoon. You're not offended by the question, but it does not seem relevant to you. It's not that you've already answered the question; it is simply that the question does not seem worth answering. You mean no offense. You're just not into it. It doesn't bother you that some people choose to follow Jesus. That's cool - but it's just not your thing. But... what if... Pause for a moment and ask yourself this -- what if all of life comes down to this one question? What if there really is a heaven and a hell, and where I spend eternity comes down to this one question? Are you a follower of Jesus? When you come to the gates of Heaven to meet with Jesus, will you greet Him with a running hug as a best friend you know deeply and spent your life following? Or will He say, "I never knew you?"
So where do you start in determining if you really are a follower of Jesus? At some point in every relationship, the two people must sit down to determine the level of commitment. You want to see where things stand and find out if what you two have is real. My American friends know this talk is called the D. T. R. talk. It is the "Defining the Relationship" talk. Many men, especially young ones, try to run and hide from the D.T.R. talk. They are scared of commitment, and scared to become personally attached. But at some point in any relationship, you need to intentionally evaluate the state of your relationship and your level of commitment.
I would like to ask you to do something. Close your eyes. Picture yourself sitting at the corner by the market stands. You're sitting there like any normal day, talking to people as they come by. Now imagine Jesus walks by and sits down next to you. You know it's Him because of the white robes and blue sash. You don't know what to say. You try to break the awkward silence by offering Him a Prestige, but He looks at you with the same look He used to give Peter. You talk about the weather, but then realize He made the sun, the moon, and the stars. Before it can get any more awkward, Jesus takes your hand, looks you in the eyes, and says, "It's time to define the relationship."
Open your eyes. He wants to know how you feel about Him. Is your relationship exclusive? What is your level of commitment?
Whether you've called yourself a Christian since childhood or all of this is new to you, Jesus is ready for you...all of you. He wants you. He wants you to follow Him. Jesus is not interested in fans. He died on a cross to save each of us from eternal lives of misery. He is interested in followers.
The Apostle Paul begged the Philippians to understand this. Paul gave it up - gave up a great job with good pay, gave up his worldly inferior things, and took up the cross to follow Christ and know Him personally. No, he did not have it all together. No , he was not perfect. But he made the intentional decision to be a follower of Christ. Paul defined the relationship. Paul committed. He was off and running and there was no turning back. It doesn't matter who you are, where you've been,or where you are now. God, the One who carved the path out of the ocean, the One who brought you water from a mountain, the One who brought a team to make clean water -- He wants to know you personally. He wants you to follow Him.
So, who do you want to be? Will you be a fan? Or are you ready to make the commitment and be a follower?
This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pouding waves. The God who summons horses and chariots and armies - they lie down and they can't get up; they're snuffed out like so many candles: "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert. Be present! I'm about to do something brand new! It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is. I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say - Thank you! - because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, people custom-made to praise me."
Philippians 3:4-14
The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it - even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth; circumcised on the 8th day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict & devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book. The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing in the trash. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ & be embraced by Him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have made it. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wonderously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
************
Are you a follower? A follower of the One? A follower of the One who builds a road right through the ocean? A follower of the One who carves a path through pounding waves? A follower of the One who provided water in the desert? A follower of the One who brought water from a mountain and down to the city of Cazale? A follower of the One who hand picked a team from Herndon, Virginia and brought them to Cazale to make that same water drinkable? He is the One. We are not called to stand on the sidelines and cheer Him on. We are called to take up the Cross - the Cross that leads to Easter Sunday and Resurrection - and we are called to take up the Cross and follow Him. He, who custom made each of us, wants us to follow Him.
And that's what it's all about, Friends. As children of God whom He custom made, we are invited to become His follower and to know Him personally. So let me ask you - are you a follower of Jesus? We have said the word "follower" many times now. Perhaps you heard the question and moved on to your next thought. Perhaps someone else has asked you the question before? It's so familiar there is a tendency to dismiss the question. Not because it makes you uncomfortable. Not because it is especially convicting. The question is dismissed because it feels redundant and unnecessary.
Chances are, if you are here today, you fall into one of two groups:
Let's call the first group the "of course I am a follower" group. If you are a member of this group, you are serious enough about your faith to come to church every Sunday. So, when I ask, "are you a follower of Jesus," it seems like a rhetorical question. You recognize it is an important question, but why am I asking you?
Being a follower of Jesus does NOT simply mean answering yes to the following questions:
Do you go to church?
Are your parents & grandparents christians?
Did you once raise your hand to accept Chrisat at the end of a sermon?
Did you repeat a prayer after a preacher?
Do you own three or more Bibles?
Do you know all of the songs in the hymn book?
Yes, many of us can answer "yes" to all of those questions. As Paul said to the Philippians, we may have great credentials. But none of that means anything if we do not have a personal relationship - if we are not a follower of Him.
One of the saddest passages of Scripture tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be shocked and stunned to find out He does not recognize them. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7, Jesus tells of the day where everyone who has ever lived will stand before God. On that day, many who call themselves Christians, and identify themselves as followers, will stand confidently in front of Jesus only to hear Him say, "I never knew you."
It may seem there are many followers of Jesus, when in reality if they were to examine their relationship, "follower" may not be the accurate term. They are not followers of Jesus - they are fans of Jesus. They are enthusiastic admirers. They would be excited to see Him come to town, but go on with life as usual the next day. Just as with Messi or Ronaldo, we would cheer and cheer for Him. We would admire what they do, their skills and their charm, but we don't actually know them. There is no personal relationship -- just admiration from afar.
We can sit every Sunday in church and listen to great sermons by Pere Goursse, but until we know Jesus Christ as our Master firsthand, until we personally experience His resurrection power, until we become partners in His suffering, until we take up His Cross, we are simply a fan, an admirer, perhaps a friend of Christ, but you are not a follower.
If the first group here today is the group called the "of course I am a follower" crowd, the second group is "well, I had nothing better to do" group. Perhaps your friend invited you, or maybe you heard there would be free food or free water. Maybe when I asked "are you a follower", you were gazing out the window wondering what you are going to do this afternoon. You're not offended by the question, but it does not seem relevant to you. It's not that you've already answered the question; it is simply that the question does not seem worth answering. You mean no offense. You're just not into it. It doesn't bother you that some people choose to follow Jesus. That's cool - but it's just not your thing. But... what if... Pause for a moment and ask yourself this -- what if all of life comes down to this one question? What if there really is a heaven and a hell, and where I spend eternity comes down to this one question? Are you a follower of Jesus? When you come to the gates of Heaven to meet with Jesus, will you greet Him with a running hug as a best friend you know deeply and spent your life following? Or will He say, "I never knew you?"
So where do you start in determining if you really are a follower of Jesus? At some point in every relationship, the two people must sit down to determine the level of commitment. You want to see where things stand and find out if what you two have is real. My American friends know this talk is called the D. T. R. talk. It is the "Defining the Relationship" talk. Many men, especially young ones, try to run and hide from the D.T.R. talk. They are scared of commitment, and scared to become personally attached. But at some point in any relationship, you need to intentionally evaluate the state of your relationship and your level of commitment.
I would like to ask you to do something. Close your eyes. Picture yourself sitting at the corner by the market stands. You're sitting there like any normal day, talking to people as they come by. Now imagine Jesus walks by and sits down next to you. You know it's Him because of the white robes and blue sash. You don't know what to say. You try to break the awkward silence by offering Him a Prestige, but He looks at you with the same look He used to give Peter. You talk about the weather, but then realize He made the sun, the moon, and the stars. Before it can get any more awkward, Jesus takes your hand, looks you in the eyes, and says, "It's time to define the relationship."
Open your eyes. He wants to know how you feel about Him. Is your relationship exclusive? What is your level of commitment?
Whether you've called yourself a Christian since childhood or all of this is new to you, Jesus is ready for you...all of you. He wants you. He wants you to follow Him. Jesus is not interested in fans. He died on a cross to save each of us from eternal lives of misery. He is interested in followers.
The Apostle Paul begged the Philippians to understand this. Paul gave it up - gave up a great job with good pay, gave up his worldly inferior things, and took up the cross to follow Christ and know Him personally. No, he did not have it all together. No , he was not perfect. But he made the intentional decision to be a follower of Christ. Paul defined the relationship. Paul committed. He was off and running and there was no turning back. It doesn't matter who you are, where you've been,or where you are now. God, the One who carved the path out of the ocean, the One who brought you water from a mountain, the One who brought a team to make clean water -- He wants to know you personally. He wants you to follow Him.
So, who do you want to be? Will you be a fan? Or are you ready to make the commitment and be a follower?
Haiti Trip, Sunday, March 17
Prayer Partner of the Day: Jay Horstman
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sunday has always been my favorite day of the week. I woke up with anticipation of a wonderful day of worship, and indeed it was just that! A three hour worship service, a solid hour of which was singing, was exactly what was needed to kick off another "best Sunday ever" in Haiti. Worshiping in another culture is a beautiful experience. The joy, the singing, the prayers, the enthusiasm, the dynamic speakers, and the participation of the congregants always touch my heart and call me to dig deep to worship more. Pere Goursse is a true disciple of God with a heart as big as the Milky Way. He cares for his congregation and community as if they were members of his immediate family, and in fact, he is doing the same for us. He is the last one asleep, and the first one up, to ensure we are safe, sound, and cared for. He also happens to be a natural at Phase 10...and really likes to skip me! So maybe he's not to great after all! :)
This afternoon, we felt we deserved time off. We piled in the Kia and the Jeep, and the team headed to the beach! Kalico Beach wanted to charge us $45 each to sit on their beach for the afternoon, so we took the team to Montrouis to relax in the quiet courtyard and oceanfront wall. Has there ever been a more relaxing Sunday? The team is so happy and content. The ride back to Cazale was quiet and uneventful, as a ride should be!
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sunday has always been my favorite day of the week. I woke up with anticipation of a wonderful day of worship, and indeed it was just that! A three hour worship service, a solid hour of which was singing, was exactly what was needed to kick off another "best Sunday ever" in Haiti. Worshiping in another culture is a beautiful experience. The joy, the singing, the prayers, the enthusiasm, the dynamic speakers, and the participation of the congregants always touch my heart and call me to dig deep to worship more. Pere Goursse is a true disciple of God with a heart as big as the Milky Way. He cares for his congregation and community as if they were members of his immediate family, and in fact, he is doing the same for us. He is the last one asleep, and the first one up, to ensure we are safe, sound, and cared for. He also happens to be a natural at Phase 10...and really likes to skip me! So maybe he's not to great after all! :)
This afternoon, we felt we deserved time off. We piled in the Kia and the Jeep, and the team headed to the beach! Kalico Beach wanted to charge us $45 each to sit on their beach for the afternoon, so we took the team to Montrouis to relax in the quiet courtyard and oceanfront wall. Has there ever been a more relaxing Sunday? The team is so happy and content. The ride back to Cazale was quiet and uneventful, as a ride should be!
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
Haiti Trip, Saturday, March 16
Prayer Partner of the Day: Allison Fleig
Carrie will be the first to tell you we had a wonderful night! Well, maybe wonderful is not the accurate term! :) I had not slept the previous night, so I did a little drugging and sleep came easily! At 1:30am, Carrie, my tent-mate, got up to go to the bathroom, and accidentally woke me... I offered to get up and go with her... Little did I know I was a walking drunk! The stars were magnificently shining, or so Carrie tells me!
Last night before bed, Ancy volunteered me to Father Goursse to preach on Sunday. That leaves me a solid day to prepare a sermon. I read the scripture last night, and God seemed to start speaking. While rest of the team went to the water building and to teach, I stayed back at the compound to write. Sure enough I had six rough draft pages by lunchtime. The Spirit was alive and active for sure.
George gathered everyone before lunch to visit the mountain when the water source. It was a beautiful hike, but of course I was looking down more than looking up...so as not to fall over myself or someone else! Our walk ended at the river where we relaxed and enjoyed fellowship and quiet with one another. It was a beautiful time of enjoying God's creation.
After lunch, I had to hand write my sermon legibly and then I typed it up. Between having conversations, visiting with the amazing Pastor Evens (who stopped by for a chat), and enjoying the cool breeze of the mango trees, it took nearly all afternoon to finish the sermon. Phase 10 and chats with the group ended a fantastic day. During our devotions as a group, and during my own devotion, joy was the topic. Rejoice in The Lord always, again I say rejoice! Ah, what a perfect way to end the day and prepare my heart for worship tomorrow.
Carrie will be the first to tell you we had a wonderful night! Well, maybe wonderful is not the accurate term! :) I had not slept the previous night, so I did a little drugging and sleep came easily! At 1:30am, Carrie, my tent-mate, got up to go to the bathroom, and accidentally woke me... I offered to get up and go with her... Little did I know I was a walking drunk! The stars were magnificently shining, or so Carrie tells me!
Last night before bed, Ancy volunteered me to Father Goursse to preach on Sunday. That leaves me a solid day to prepare a sermon. I read the scripture last night, and God seemed to start speaking. While rest of the team went to the water building and to teach, I stayed back at the compound to write. Sure enough I had six rough draft pages by lunchtime. The Spirit was alive and active for sure.
George gathered everyone before lunch to visit the mountain when the water source. It was a beautiful hike, but of course I was looking down more than looking up...so as not to fall over myself or someone else! Our walk ended at the river where we relaxed and enjoyed fellowship and quiet with one another. It was a beautiful time of enjoying God's creation.
After lunch, I had to hand write my sermon legibly and then I typed it up. Between having conversations, visiting with the amazing Pastor Evens (who stopped by for a chat), and enjoying the cool breeze of the mango trees, it took nearly all afternoon to finish the sermon. Phase 10 and chats with the group ended a fantastic day. During our devotions as a group, and during my own devotion, joy was the topic. Rejoice in The Lord always, again I say rejoice! Ah, what a perfect way to end the day and prepare my heart for worship tomorrow.
Haiti Trip, Friday, March 15
Prayer Partner of the Day: Bill Reed
What I am about to say is shocking. It's downright crazy! It's unbelievable... Last night... I shivered. In our beautiful palace of a tent, there I laid freezing cold. I threw Arnie the Armadillo at Carrie during the night just to see if she, too, was cold. She was! I watched as the hours passed, and my alarm finally went off to signal it was time for my cold shower.
After a lovely breakfast of mango & pineapple, it was off to work we went! It was a hodge-podge day for me! A little bit of water parts sorting, a bit of cleaning the tanks with Clorox, a bit of "O Taste & See" and singing "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a", and a bit of surveying! To see the team all fall into place on their own, and to see the rookies step in as if they had been to Haiti a million times, gave me so much joy and thanksgiving. What a privilege it is to serve alongside those who share the same vision for mission and passion for service and people.
Immediately following a quick lunch, Elizabeth, Sam, Ancy and I packed up to go to Nicholas, the site of the May SUTS Young Adult In-Country Training. Elizabeth shined with her Solar 1 training. We met with the principal of the school, and Marconi, the building contractor. Both were lovely fellows and toured us around the site. I have never been more proud of Elizabeth!
The drive back to Cazale was long, bumpy, and curvy! It seems like it took a lifetime, but perhaps it was because we missed our pals in Cazale. They regaled us with stories of the funeral we missed, and meeting the family of the 99-year old deceased mother of the community. She was well-loved, as she not only cared for her family of 9, but also fed 37 others who came to her gate everyday. She was the Mother of Cazale, and we are the lucky inhabitants of her home this week.
The fellowship of sitting around the dinner table overflowed into devotion time and then into Prestige cheering and story sharing. Indeed God is good, and it is good.
What I am about to say is shocking. It's downright crazy! It's unbelievable... Last night... I shivered. In our beautiful palace of a tent, there I laid freezing cold. I threw Arnie the Armadillo at Carrie during the night just to see if she, too, was cold. She was! I watched as the hours passed, and my alarm finally went off to signal it was time for my cold shower.
After a lovely breakfast of mango & pineapple, it was off to work we went! It was a hodge-podge day for me! A little bit of water parts sorting, a bit of cleaning the tanks with Clorox, a bit of "O Taste & See" and singing "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a", and a bit of surveying! To see the team all fall into place on their own, and to see the rookies step in as if they had been to Haiti a million times, gave me so much joy and thanksgiving. What a privilege it is to serve alongside those who share the same vision for mission and passion for service and people.
Immediately following a quick lunch, Elizabeth, Sam, Ancy and I packed up to go to Nicholas, the site of the May SUTS Young Adult In-Country Training. Elizabeth shined with her Solar 1 training. We met with the principal of the school, and Marconi, the building contractor. Both were lovely fellows and toured us around the site. I have never been more proud of Elizabeth!
The drive back to Cazale was long, bumpy, and curvy! It seems like it took a lifetime, but perhaps it was because we missed our pals in Cazale. They regaled us with stories of the funeral we missed, and meeting the family of the 99-year old deceased mother of the community. She was well-loved, as she not only cared for her family of 9, but also fed 37 others who came to her gate everyday. She was the Mother of Cazale, and we are the lucky inhabitants of her home this week.
The fellowship of sitting around the dinner table overflowed into devotion time and then into Prestige cheering and story sharing. Indeed God is good, and it is good.
Haiti Trip, Thursday, March 14
Prayer Partner of the Day: Leslie Toth
Though I was supposed to meet and greet the team at the Miami airport this morning, I slept until 10:00am. It felt so good to board the flight for Haiti and feel rested! Ronal, as always, awaited me in baggage claim, and for the first time ever, my bags were out first! Little did I know, Ancy barely had time to turn around from dropping off the team to Cazale to come back to the airport; however, the best surprise in the world awaited me, as Sam was standing right beside Ancy. What a great reunion, as it's been over a year since I had seen Sam or any of the Herndon team. The drive was an uneventful catch up, and when we arrived in Cazale, the excitement and joy was overwhelming. Words simply cannot describe how happy I was to see my family from Herndon.
We were up against the clock, as the sun was quickly fading, and I had the massive tent in my bag. Sheri and Frantzou pitched in, and within minutes our new tent palace was standing! Pere Irnel was visiting, as he is technically the priest-in-charge, and Pere Goursse, the newly ordained deacon, welcomed me by name! It was so good to see him again, as it was a year ago last March we first met in Arcahaie and visited Cazale for the survey. Never has there been a more perfect pairing than Herndon UMC and Pere Goursse and the people of St. Andres Episcopal Church.
The tent is ready, and Carrie and I are pumped for our first night of camping! We read our devotion and now it's time for lights out... Can someone make that generator be quiet?? :)
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| The Palace! |
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| A "Six Person Tent" suitable for two! |
The tent is ready, and Carrie and I are pumped for our first night of camping! We read our devotion and now it's time for lights out... Can someone make that generator be quiet?? :)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Cuba Trip, Tuesday, March 5
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| Holguin Airport |
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| Inside the airport |
Gracias amiga por tu visita, espero vuelvas para poder hacer mas cosas interesantes juntas, saludos a tu esposo y familia, Alberto y Maria
Roughly translated it says: "Thank you, friend, for your visit. I hope you return soon so we can do many more interesting things. Greetings to your husband and family."
Alberto and Maria, and indeed the entire church community, have quite possibly been the best hosts I have had on a Living Waters trip. Yes, I may say that about many! Their hearts, the kindness and care they have for the surrounding community, and the passion with which they serve is awe-inspiring and brings many tears to my eyes. As we handed over money and other items to Alberto last night, we were all overwhelmed with gratitude and truly understood what this project meant to each of us. How lucky we are to have connected this amazing relationship by the grace of God.
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| Arnie & Bunny always have fun, no matter where they are! |
It has been so long since I have felt this relaxed and stress-free. I know there will be a million emails and phone calls awaiting me, but I will enjoy this time of being happy and carefree. God has certainly blessed my life with this trip and a new family in Cuba. How lucky am I to be living this life?
Cuba Trip, Monday, March 4
Prayer Partner: Carla Barnard
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| A Covenant Relationship is Born! |
This morning Hector and Tania, our wonderful translators, returned. We split into teams, knowing we only had them for one hour. Tania, Maria & I met to finalize the covenant and answer any logistical questions, while Hector, Alberto & Kary met to discuss technical designs. Pastor Candio, from Banez (who was in the van with us on day one), also stopped by during our chat to say hello!
After lunch, we went out on the town with Alberto & Maria to price supplies and see if we could find 300 gallon tanks and any kind of PVC piping. Interestingly, we found fittings for 1" PVC, but no 1" PVC. Have I mentioned how bad my Spanish is and how much I missed Tania & Hector as we walked around town? :)
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| With Tania, Maria, Alberto, & Hector |
And so, I bid you farewell this evening, as Cuba will play China tonight in the World Baseball Classic, and of course, baseball is second only to God in this province!
Cuba Trip, Sunday, March 3
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| A bonus view from Gibara yesterday |
Prayer partner: Dana Jo Abraham Monk
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| Amazing gifts displayed by the young adults |
Church worship began soon after breakfast. I was so excited to attend a Quaker meeting for worship, as it has been quite some time since I did so. The Meeting had many young adults, all of whom led the singing with passion and joy. An 18-year old girl, who has been through theater training, created and performed a 30-minute puppet show geared for the children, but equally enjoyed by the adults. Following the show, many of the older members applauded the gifts of the young woman by commending her with words of affirmation. Maria gave a long sermon on the Transfiguration of Christ, and we dismissed by passing the peace of Christ. The Yearly Meeting clerk, Odaleis, was present and so happy to greet us. Everyone was excited to hear a clean water system would soon be coming to Holguin Friends Meeting!
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| From the top of Loma De La Cruce |
Early to bed tonight! It's quiet now and tomorrow will be the final day to wrap up, and with a translator finally answer all of the questions accumulated from the week...when we didn't have a sufficient translator! (Have I mentioned how bad my Spanish is??) Good night, friends. Peace of Christ be with you all!
Cuba Trip, Saturday, March 2
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| La Loma de la Cruce |
Prayer partner: Mary Kate Barnett
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| Kary & hardness testing |
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| Hector & hardness testing |
Today was a day to soak up as much information and as many of the sights as I possibly could. I felt like a sponge! Ramon Gonzalez arrived. He was once the Superintendent of Cuba Yearly Meeting. Now he works full-time for Friends World Committee(FWCC) and the Cuban Quaker Institute of Peace. He took us to Gibara, which is about 45 minutes from Hogluin. The drive was on a road adjacent to the ocean and would have even more beautiful had it not been cloudy and rainy. We arrived at the Quaker Conference Center. There are beds for 120 (60 on each floor, plus bathrooms). They have a dining room and full kitchen, and they host groups from all over Cuba for various events and camps. It was beautiful with a great view.
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| With Ramon & his wife |
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| Seafood restaurant |
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| Don Quixote Monument |
And thus you have deep thoughts from Ashley. With a belly full of chocolate ice cream, I bid you a good night! Peace be with you, friends!
Cuba Trip, Friday, March 1
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| Holguin Friends Meeting House |
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| The first meeting with Alberto, Hector, Maria, & Tania |
Kary did a phenomenal job of explaining the purpose of Living Waters For The World, where we came from, how we were trained, and how the process works. He discussed each step of the plan, complete with an overview of the system components & how the system works. We went through the covenant, discussed the health and hygiene class, and the time frame of the installation. Because this process is based on relationships and forming bonds across the countries and cultures, we spent much time showing pictures of families and churches, and sharing stories of adventures. What a blessed time of truly living the concept of "loving your neighbors."
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| Catholic Church in the Holguin town square |
Four hours later, we finished our discussion. Later in the afternoon, Alberto took us on the roof to take measurements and get an idea of where the system will be located and how it should be designed. The only problem was that Hector was long gone, and I was the sole translator. Oh yes, that went well! Pastor Maria rescued us and showed us many promotional videos the church had created. They are advertising their church's mission projects on television! For a small congregation, they are out in the community constantly and serving with passion.
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| So many beautiful buildings around town. |
Cuba Trip, Thursday, February 28
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| The Labyrinth at the Seminary in Matanzas |
Prayer Partner: Sean Devolites
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| My pal, Pedro |
This morning we were joined by a couple from Santa Fe, NM who were here to teach a pastoral counseling class. Carlos, a student from panama, and another gal from Holguin also sat with us. I am amazed by the proficient levels of English everyone speaks! Thank goodness!
We are much at a loss for what this morning will bring. It's dark and cloudy, and no one has met with us yet. Thankfully, a lady just came by to tell us the administrator for the school would be by at 10:45, and I read on the schedule there is a chapel service at 9:45. (Can you tell my American type A, polychromatic time schedule hasn't relaxed yet?)
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| Travel Buddy, Kary, as we awaited a new van to Havana |
Since there is no Internet and not many folks to chat with, the blog will get a detailed report of this trip! The chapel service was extraordinary. The couple we sat with at dinner last night led the service, and she was the most dynamic preacher I may have ever heard. Following we met with the rector, Reinerio Valentin, the LWW in-country coordinator, Moraima, and the administrator, Ricardo Farfan, who is a technical wizard. They were so informative, so educated, and so enthusiastic. I am in awe and a wee jealous of my American counterparts, Jerry and Verniece! In fact, I begged Moraima to come to Haiti! We feel so good now about our trip to Holguin later today.
(Night)
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| Bienvenidos a Holguin |
Cuba Trip, Wednesday, February 27
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| When the sun goes down... |
Prayer Partner: Barbara Shaffer
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| Bye, Bye, Miami! |
Our flight was scheduled to leave Miami at 11:00am, but they had told us to be there by 7:30. Since it was my first trip to Cuba, I abided by the rules. Sure enough, we used every bit of the prep time. From documents checks, to waiting in line to check bags, to security checkpoints, we were at our gate with only time to grab a quick cup of coffee and enjoy the last USA toilet! The flight was uneventful, and no sooner had I shut my eyes than I heard the announcement we would be landing in Havana. I had prepared myself for Haiti-like experiences - chaos, multitudes of people, and poverty. Upon arrival, we were nicely greeted by a lady from the airline, who took us to retrieve our visas and escorted us through customs. (Note to self....don't lose the green card in my passport!)
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| Taxi!!! |
My first impression of the outside areas of Havana was very positive. There was light traffic and the streets were cleaned and pretty well paved. (You must understand by now that I compare everything to Haiti!) The cars we did pass were straight out of Detroit, 1950s style! (See picture..) I thought at times I had entered onto the scene of Happy Days!
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| The Seminary at Matanzas |
As it is with many trips, the folks we were to meet with at the seminary in Matanzas were not here. We did have one man stop by who said he was supposed to meet with us today, but instead had to attend a funeral. He'll be back in the morning. So this comes to you live from Cuba, under the shade of many trees, with a magnificent breeze. Music is playing in the background, and it reminds me of a lazy Sunday afternoon. Where's the rocking chair? Can someone bring me a lemonade?
Peace, friends!
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