Top Ten Moments During my Tenure at FMC-Shreveport

 

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks reflecting and remembering so many events, conversations, and milestones while at FMC. So, in true David Letterman fashion, I wanted to give you my Top Ten Moments During my Tenure at FMC-Shreveport! Some are long. Some are short. But I hope you enjoy this as much I did walking down memory lane!

 

#10: Graduating with a DMIN – Partnership = Faithful Friendship

 

In 2016, I graduated with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Global Perspective from George Fox Evangelical Seminary, having studied in London, CapeTown and Hong Kong. Through it all, and writing the most wonderful dissertation – Mind the Gap: Navigating the Pitfalls of Cross-Cultural Partnership – I learned one very important lesson: 

 

Global Mission partnership means so much more to me than just projects and checklist. Partnership, for me, equals friendship and companionship. It means abiding with Christ and being in such close communion with Him that our relationships with people are extensions of His love for us. It means lavishing our partners (friends) with love so they can live into their callings to make disciples and transform the world. It means creating family thru love that binds us together and being an instrument of connection in the body of Christ.

 

Henri Nouwen said it best: “Dare to love and be a real friend. The love you give and receive is a reality that will lead you closer and closer to God, as well as to those whom God has given you to love.” 

 

 

#9: Learning the Ministry of Presence

 

The number one question I have been asked over the years about going on a “mission trip” is “so what are we going to DO?” 

 

We began our vision for missions in 2013 with a goal of moving away from transactional mission to focus on transformational mission. That simply meant we were moving away from doing projects FOR people and instead living life WITH people. And isn’t that Biblical?

 

When I think of the stories of Jesus found in the Gospels, I think of Him sitting with friends and colleagues. We see Him eating, we see Him listening. We see Him being present with people. How often do we simply take the time to be fully present with those around us? 

 

More and more our mission ministry sought how to be like Jesus and how best to love and care for the missionaries we support. We wanted to walk alongside them, so they know they are not alone in their ministries. We wanted to share meals and encourage their hearts. We wanted to listen to their stories, cry with them thru their difficulties, and lavish love upon them. 

 

And so, we committed to visiting our global mission partners at least once a year, and each of those visits looked different. Sometimes it involved small group leader training. Sometimes we organized a retreat for the leaders to take a break and learn from each other. Other times, we simply sat to be together, sharing meals and stories. 

 

I believe the most important gift that we can give is the benefaction of our presence. It is an unforgettable gift when we are lovingly and emotionally present to others in the now of life. Yes, we love being able to support our partners with monetary funds, but we wanted more than that. The gift of presence to those whom we love does not bend or break our finances…but it does require connecting with our feelings and our emotions. It demands intentionality, the burning of psychic energy and seeing with the heart. The ministry of presence is a way of “being” rather than a way of “doing” or “telling.” 

 

Henri Nouwen, again, wrote these wise words: 

More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.

 

#8: Preaching my first sermon at FMC

 

Being the first female to preach in our Traditional Service had me shaking in my heels. And I’m forever thankful to Dr. Day for that honor and privilege. And because I enjoyed it so much, and because you may or may not have been there… here is the synopsis: 

 

One of my favorite words I learned during the time I was studying in South Africa was sawubona. Sawubona. It means “I see you.” 

 

I see you.

You are important to me.

I value you. 

 

This word promotes the need to see each other slowly and as you are. It looks for moments to maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to. Those who speak this word have learned how to feel and listen to other people, how to embrace another person’s soul, how to find and heal each other’s dark corners and wounds. 

 

When I think of the word sawubona, I think of Jesus. He looked deep into the eyes of another and said, “I see you.” 

 

Remember the woman at the well in John chapter 4? 

He said to the woman, 

“Despite where you live, despite your life circumstances, despite your gender, I see you. I value you. You are important to me.” 

She didn’t expect this. She didn’t see this coming. But her encounter with Jesus changed her forever. 

 

This reminded me of my first encounter with Jesus. 

 

When I was 8 years old, I had a direct encounter with Christ. Now I wasn’t quite comparable to the Samaritan woman at age 8, but I did already have my own story. I had been sick for most of my life up to that point, in and out of doctors’ offices, and no one could figure out what was wrong. All of the doctors just assumed that I wanted attention. 

 

One day, I stayed home from school because I felt so badly. My mom took me to the doctor, and they immediately rushed me to the hospital. There was a series of tests. And I don’t remember much, but I remember being scared. I was terrified. The machines were cold and loud, and my parents couldn’t come with me. I was lying in the CT scan, latched on to my stuffed bunny, and I started humming “Jesus Loves Me.” It’s a song that I had sung hundreds of times at church and with my grandparents. 

 

It was in that moment, 

a still quiet peace overcame me. 

I didn’t feel alone. 

When I closed my eyes, I could see someone cuddling me, loving me. 

Great things were ahead. 

 

I was rushed to surgery the next morning, and I remember my mom and dad trying to hold it together as they wheeled me away. I remember being in the operating room, lying on the table, the nurses and the doctors being so kind, and again that quiet voice saying, I see you. I love you. I am with you. There are great things ahead of you. 

 

As an eight-year-old, I didn’t expect Christ to show up. I didn’t understand what was going on, but He did. And my life since has never been the same. Of course, there have been ups and downs, disappointments and heartache. But the main theme running through my life is that still, quiet voice from my first encounter with Jesus – I see you. I am with you. I value you. 

          

And to Him, when I hear Him say sawubona, I respond with that traditional Zulu response - ngikhona

 

(IN-GEE-KHONA) – which means: 

 

I am here.   

I am fully present with you. 

I bring all of who I am to this place and to this moment. 

You abide in me and I abide in You. 

 

Yes, Jesus, I see You. I value You. I love You. I commit my life to You.

 

And that’s the synopsis of my first sermon at FMC.

 

 

#7: Podcasts

Preaching hasn’t always been my forte, but I do love to teach. Podcasts became a way for me to be able to teach, even when Covid was keeping us apart.

 

o  Conversations about Jesus with Samuel Zepeda… We did 44!

o  How Can I Keep from Singing with Dr. David Hobson… We did 12 of those!

o  The Broken Banquet … the number two podcast in New Zealand! 

 

 

#6: Moments around the Dinner Table with the Global Mission Family

Something you may not know about me – I love to cook. And my favorite place in my house is around the dinner table. When we first began gathering as a global mission committee, I knew we had to embody what we were hoping to create all around the world. So naturally, we held every meeting at my dinner table! 

 

Tables are the place for human connection. We’re often most fully alive when sharing a meal around the table. And God certainly has a way of showing up at tables. The table of Passover. The table of Communion. NT Wright, my other favorite theologian, wrote: “When Jesus himself wanted to explain to His disciples what His forthcoming death was all about, He didn’t give them a theory, He gave them a meal.”

 

I’m convinced that one of the most important spiritual disciplines for us is gathering around the dinner table, as it truly is a place for hospitality, connection, and reconciliation. It was around the table that our Global Mission Committee became the Global Mission Family. 

 

 

#5: The Italy Retreat

Speaking of dinner tables. In July 2022, Vicki, Eric, and I packed our bags and went to Tuscany, Italy. There we met most of our global mission families. It was something I had been dreaming of for YEARS – to have all of our partners in one place at one time, for them to connect while we poured into them. I will never forget the very first night as we sat outside for our three-course meal at a long dinner table. The sun was setting, and I looked around the table – the laughter, the smiles, the conversations, the different languages. The veil between heaven and earth had never been so thin. Yes, this was my vision for the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. And as the week came to a close, we began to reflect. 

 

My friend, Jeremy Boone in Uganda, wrote this: 

 

There are times in life when you don’t know what you need until you have it. Thankfully, we have a faithful Father who always knows our needs and works all things together for our good and His purposes. The last week in Italy has been one of those moments when God revealed our needs and met them abundantly. The gift of Italy has been truly magical, something we would have never asked of God and been unlikely to pursue. And while beholding Michelangelo’s David and the Sistine Chapel was both unforgettable and awe-inspiring, it was the time in community with like-minded brothers and sisters in faith that quenched a soul-thirst for deeper things. Between walking the streets of Florence, Rome, Sienna, and Cinque Terra in the brutal heat, there were refreshing moments of Christian fellowship with people who seemed to know us even though they had not met us face-to-face. Time with God’s people, and other missionaries, debriefing the challenges and joys of mission, knit our hearts together in a way that will no doubt be enduring. For us, our time with this community is just the beginning of a deeper relationship that we pray will encourage & resource us as individuals and missionaries to a greater cause for Jesus’ glory. Praise God for the blessings that flow from his heart toward us.

 

 

#4: Ordination in College Station

In my heart, I will always be a Quaker. (Did you know I grew up in the Quaker faith?!) It’s who I am. It’s a large part of my identity and core principles. And they’re the people who raised me. You can’t take the Quaker SPICE out of this gal! But did you know… I was baptized in the Methodist church in South Carolina in 1980. And I faithfully served at Herndon UMC in Virginia. And for nearly ten years, I served at First UNITED Methodist Church of Shreveport… My designation for nearly all of those years was “other fellowship”, which meant I was a Quaker pastor on loan to the United Methodist Church. 

 

Over time, I felt God nudging me toward a deeper commitment to the people called Methodists. And so… on July 22, 2023, in College Station, I was ordained a Deacon and Elder in the Global Methodist Church. It was a beautifully special moment to be surrounded by people I love – mentors and friends alike-- including Dr. Pat Day, Dr. Jonathan Beck, Rev. Derek Joyce, Dr. Steven Bell, and my sweet husband. Chris’s kids surprised me and flew in, and so many from our great church made the trip. 

 

On the drive home from College Station, I told Christopher, “I feel like I truly belong with the Global Methodists.” For that, I give thanks to God and thanks to you, friends. 

 

#3: It’s a three-way tie between…. 

 

·      Jay Sawyer giving me a key to the church building…after 8 years of serving at this church. (I had to earn it!) 

 

·      Numerous trips with hundreds of members of our church all over the world – including 20+ trips to Haiti, 3 trips to the South Pacific, 10 trips to Africa, 8 trips to Russia (including that one where my nose hairs froze because it was -27 everyday), 3 trips to the Holy Land (those may have been the best!), 5 trips to Ecuador, 12 trips to Costa Rica…. 

 

·      And random illnesses and broken bones all over the world. Not many people can say they’ve had Cholera, Giardia twice, Zika, and an infection caused by elephant dung! I’ll never forget coming back from Africa, ending up in the ER, and being guarding by security because they thought for sure I had ebola! 

 

 

These last two moments are perhaps the two that mean the most to me: 

 

#2: The Cancer Year

Steven came in January 2021, and promptly left again in May 2021! And while I missed him terribly… To be honest, I loved that summer. I loved preaching my first ever sermon series. I loved delving into Henri Nouwen’s book – Life of the Beloved. I loved going to all the meetings, and making a lot of decisions with Jay Sawyer. I loved hiring Dr. Mandy Storer to direct First Beginnings and Rev. Stephanie Kidd as one of our Associate Pastors. I loved getting our Palabra Viva congregation off and running that summer. But all the while, I knew something wasn’t right in my body. The tests were numerous, and the waiting was excruciating. But thankfully, you, my faith family, rose to the occasion. You surrounded me with your unconditional love and support. You fed our souls with your encouragement and your presence, and you fed our bodies so I wouldn’t have to think about what’s for dinner. And it just kept coming for the months and the months following surgery. I’ve never felt so special, so loved, and so cared for… 

 

Well, except for… 

 

#1: The Wedding

It was November of 2019. A fella named Christopher Harbuck got down on one knee at my Quaker Church in North Carolina and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! Now, I thought I’d simply have a quiet little wedding with Chris, his two kids, and Pat Day in the Dilworth Prayer Chapel and call it a day. No need for fanfare. But no…. Oh no… The Ladies, and the Men, of First Methodist Church were not going to let that happen. This was something to celebrate. And while I protested for a while, even insisting on a 11:00am wedding on a Friday in January, I eventually said “yes”. 

 

And I can honestly say, without a doubt or exaggeration, I have never been blessed more. From the gals who took me wedding dress shopping, to the home-made chocolates for the reception… From the insistence on a cake at least for photos, to flowers upon flowers filling the sanctuary… From the 496 people who really did show up on that Friday at 11:00am… Friends, Seekers, YOU blessed me beyond measure, and that is something I will never forget. 

 

My treasures are most definitely not things; my treasure is YOU, my relationships with YOU. To say these nearly 11 years have been an honor and a privilege would be an understatement. You have taught me, you have molded me, you have challenged me, and you have blessed me. I love you. And this is most definitely not the end of our story. 

 

Haiti Trip ~ Day 20 ~ Friday, March 25

Prayer Partners of the Day - Jenna Hogan & Colin Hogan

Jenna and Colin had their work cut out for them today. As our journey began this morning at 3:50am, we traveled the roads of Haiti in darkness. Ancy, of course, delivered us to the airport safely, only to find outthat my flights were cancelled. The lady at the counter told me I wouldn't be going home tonight. I was borderline devastated. I texted the Hogan mom and told her to put the kids on alert. They've got the best direct connection to God I've ever witnessed. And so they prayed...

I made it back in the USA with no problems. Though I missed the first standby flight from Fort Lauderdale to Dallas, they called me in the final seconds of the last flight out. I was going to make it to Dallas at least! When I arrived in Dallas, a gate agent greeted me with a new boarding pass. I would be going home to John and Las Vegas tonight!! Jenna and Colin performed a miracle, and I am quite possibly the happiest person on earth.

Though this trip is coming to an end, God is continuing to provide abundant blessings. Praise God and thank you Jenna & Colin! I love you!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 19 ~ Thursday, March 24

Our team - Bertone, Bob, Chuck & Me

Prayer Partner of the Day - Victoria Bole

The day began with the normal 5:00am wake-up call and prayers. The card this morning from my dear friend, Sally, quoted Psalm 95. I was charged to praise God today for anything and everything. Thus, let the praising begin!

Praise God for a safe trip to Jacmel. We took off this morning for the coast and what we hoped would be a day of relaxation.

Praise God for Melshy. This man met us in Jacmel when we were lost and could not find the system we were trying to check on. Melshy pulled up to our window on a motorcycle and we followed him to our destination, Trinity House. This orphanage houses 25 boys and a school for 110 elementary students.

Praise God again for Melshy. As we were trying to find our way to our next system, we got lost again. Up drove Melshy on his motorcycle, and we followed him to our next destination. Did I mention Melshy must have been a bouncer at a nightclub in a former life? Good thing he liked us!

Praise God for a second system that was running well in Jacmel at the Catholic retreat center.

Praise God for Hotel La Mondau. This was the aforementioned hotel that Ancy took me to on our first week in Haiti. Bob & Chuck deserved to see it, too! We had a leisurely lunch with an amazing view.

Praise God for Cayes Jacmel and the beach. We sat under several palm trees and had a beer while watching the waves wash up on the sand. I will post pictures when I get home, but it was nothing short of paradise. We commented that with such a place, Haiti should be racking in the tourism industry. Then we remembered the dirt roads we took to get there, not to mention the nightmare at the airport. The Haitian government simply needs to get their act in gear, and this country could be an "island of economic opportunity."

Praise God for a trip that went successfully and without any major mishaps. Praise God for a great team that laughed abundantly and gave of themselves effortlessly.

Praise God for the Brothers of St Therese monastery who were the kindest hosts, fed us well, and provided perfect accommodations.

Praise God that tomorrow we will go home to our families, who we miss terribly and love so much, and who support us with encouragement to come on such a great adventure.

And finally, praise God for prayer partners who lift us everyday. We are better servants because of you! Victoria, you were an awesome partner today! I love you!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost! Amen!

Peace be with you.

Haiti Trip ~ Day 18 ~ Wednesday, March 23

Have you ever seen a more precious site?

Prayer Partners of the Day - Anita Szerszen & Louise Horst

"Because you are important to God, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service seen or unseen, God's purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again."

This is a quote that my friend, Kathy, sent me today. It was taken from the book "The Shack." On this trip, we have tried to be the hands and feet of God, to show kindness, service, compassion and love. I hope that we have shined the light of Christ to all we have encountered. Surely, those we have met have shined their light of Christ on us; we have been filled each and everyday with abundant grace and peace and love. It is clear to me that we have been blessed more than we have blessed others.

Today as we drove thru Leogane, we saw the same man who had been splitting rocks yesterday doing the same today. We saw the same marketplace vendors selling their products. We pulled into an orphanage and a school, and we were greeted warmly by those we have served alongside. I'm starting to feel like this is home...or at least "where everybody knows your name!"

We fellowshipped with friends, we enjoyed the children, and we said farewell to Elle the electrician, who has helped us immensely on this trip. All in all, it was a peaceful day, and my pants have only the minimal amount of dust and dirt on them!

Tomorrow will bring a day of rest and packing before an early departure on Friday morning. Ancy will arrive tomorrow evening and transport us to the airport. I feel so lucky to have one more day with my Haitian brother.

And thus I bid you farewell this evening as this trip is coming to an end, and my eyes are heavy. The mission has been accomplished, and now we can pause for reflection. Again I say a heartfelt thank you to those who have held us in prayer. Our trip would have been lonely without you, and certainly would not have been met with so much success. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to serve everyday. It has certainly been a privilege.

Haiti Trip ~ Day 17 ~ Tuesday, March 22

Prayer Partner of the Day - Kendall Cox

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Oh yes, as we signed the board to the fifth clean water system, the angels came out and sang the hallelujah chorus! Our mission here is complete! We handed over the system to Brother Olizard, toasted a beer, and celebrated our success!

This morning, Bertone and I taught five middle school classes at the monastery's school. We talked germs, we tasted "oreo" water, we painted banners, and many smiles and laughs were shared. By lunchtime, the system was shocked and we were producing clean water.

How appropriate this day was as we celebrated World Water Day. This day is marked by a symbol of our commitment to make clean water a reality for the 1.3 billion who currently lack access to it. Clean water is medicine to our bodies. This is our opportunity to recommit our resources and ourselves toward justice for those without access to clean water. We, here in Haiti, are heeding this call, and we hope that by reading this blog, you, too, feel the call to help those without clean water.

As we were finishing up at the worksite today, a worker came up to Chuck. He asked for a simple bottle of water. Chuck happily obliged, and as he walked away, he said to Chuck, "God bless you and keep you." Do you thank God everyday for the gift of clean water?

Olizard signing the board for the system at St. Charles Clinic.

After we dedicated the water system, we went thru our inventory and began making boxes to take to the warehouse. Tomorrow, we will be visiting a system in Leogane that was built in September. It needs a little TLC, and now we have time to give it the attention it needs.

Thursday will be a day of rest and packing. Rumor has it, we may visit a beach. We deserve a day off, don't you think?

God bless you and keep you! Thank you for joining us on this journey. Happy World Water Day!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 16 ~ Monday, March 21

Prayer Partner of the Day - Sean Devolites

Here on the mountaintop of Palmiste Au Vin, life has been peaceful and quiet...well, except for the roosters, the chickens, the peacocks, and the cats! The elections went peacefully here, and we have heard of no protests or riots in the nearby areas. Let's hope it stays that way. The results will, of course, not be official until the end of the week. We're hopeful they wait until we leave to announce them! Rumor has it, though, one candidate has "won" with a landslide victory.

In other news, clean water system #5 has been boarded, mostly plumbed and mostly wired. As you can imagine, our bodies are tired, and we are not moving as quickly as we did in the previous installs. Our legs are little heavier, but our hearts are still completely filled with love and joy.

This will be a short post tonight, as I am beat. Tomorrow, Bertone and I will go to the monastery's school and do a bit of educational/hygeine training. I made a couple of banners today... Good Water + Clean Hands = Healthy Bodies! It doesn't get any simpler than that!

Thank you to super intern, Sean Devolites, for holding us in prayer today. I've added a picture of him...just because! :)

Much love and many thanks to all those praying for us. We send much love to you!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 15 ~ Sunday, March 20

Prayer Partner of the Day - Isabel Eaddy

After yesterday's shenanigans in Leogane, our team was a bit fearful of what today may bring with the looming presidential elections. At breakfast, we were told that Wyclef Jean was shot in the hand last night at a rally for one of the candidates. This really did not leave us with a good feeling. We went on to worship at St. Charles Church down the road. Thankfully, we did not have to transport "Jesus" this week, and our drive was less than a mile away! (Let me fill you in on that joke... Last Sunday, the three of us took off with Brother Olizard to mass. We had to carry "Jesus" with us... You know, Catholics believe that the bread for communion really is Jesus. Chuck was holding on to "Jesus" in the back seat, as Olizard took us on a Daytona 500 ride through the mountains to get to the church. We were holding onto "Jesus" for dear life!)

Mass was beautiful this morning. Simple and pleasant. With the exception of the Eucharist, it reminded me of a Quaker meeting for worship. Bob gave a speech...in Creole. We applauded him for the courage that neither of us had! Mass only lasted 52 minutes this morning, which is different from the usual 2 to 3 hour service. We came back to the monastery without worry. The street was calm, and peace was encompassing us.

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

This day also marks the birthday of one of the brothers at the monastery. Daniel is the principal of the school here on the grounds, and he is 31 today! My age! There was a big party at lunch. Many of the teachers came, and of course all the brothers were present. Olizard popped two bottles of champagne! Wild parties here at the monastery! Cake and ice cream were served! Music was playing! What a treat indeed!

Today is my first day back to seminary. Thankfully, Brother Olizard let me into his office, fired up the generator, and I have knocked out the first week's assignments for two of my classes. It was providential that I have been studying the book of Acts since arriving in Haiti. The assignments for two of my classes were based on the book of Acts! This works to my advantage...especially since my textbooks are at my home in Vegas!

Olizard popping the champagne!

Though Chuck & Bob have gone out to do a survey for a potential church building, I have stayed back at the monastery. I have done all that I can do with my schoolwork for today, and there might possibly be a nap in my future!

One more thought before I sign off...  Today's prayer partner is a very special young lady. Isabel sent me a text this morning while we were in worship. This text completely lifted our team in prayer, and gave me so much joy and encouragement that I have yet to stop smiling. We will pray specifically for Isabel tonight, as we have for all of our prayer partners. I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many thoughtful, Christlike people. It is true when I say that I could not have sustained this three week mission without the support that each of you have surrounded me with. I cannot thank you enough for coming along on this journey with me.

May this Sabbath be a glorious Sabbath for each of us!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 14 ~ Saturday, March 19

 Prayer Partners of the Day - Emily Ronis & Jon Yingst

There are many opportunities for thanksgiving today. Thankfully I am feeling much better; yesterday was a bit crummy, but by early evening, my stomach perked back up! This morning I crawled into a 300-gallon tank to clean it out with chlorine, and thankfully Bob & Chuck did not roll me off the top of the water building! Good thing I've stayed on their good sides! Be sure to check the pictures out on Facebook!

Following this fun activity, the system was shocked and clean water began flowing! All of this before lunchtime! When Bertone called for us to pick him up, we left our worksite to find much turmoil on the streets of Leogane. Tires were burning, and many people were out on the streets. We can only imagine this is due to the upcoming election.

Nothing better than a fresh coconut!

We found a different route to get Bertone and then went thru the dirt roads to get back to our worksite. On this route I was amazed. Every single house was destroyed from the earthquake. Every house flattened, just a pile of rubble. I remember them saying that Leogane was destroyed almost completely, but to see it was astounding. We thankfully arrived safely back at our worksite...

Now we sit while Bertone trains the operators, and we hope the turmoil clears from the streets so we can make it back safely to the monastery. The UN has many helicopters out, so with any luck it will be clear for our return. Let us pray that this is not a sign of things to come with the election tomorrow...

******

Every night when we return home, Lucy awaits me!

Our dedication ceremony today of System #4 was beautiful. We sang, the sisters sang to us, and we signed the water board. By 5, it was safe to return back to the monastery. The tires were ashes and the streets were clear. The UN helicopters have gone and the people seem back to normal, relaxed and smiling.

Thank you to all those who said extra prayers, and thank you to our prayer partners who again sustained us through the day. It is amazing to me how a few corrupt Haitians can take over a city...especially a city full of beautiful, giving, wonderful people, so full of love and hospitality. Let us hope that these wonderful Haitians will prevail, and the evildoers will vanish!

Tomorrow we will be off work, and after worship, we will hunker down and pray that elections will happen peacefully.

One final note... How about my Tar Heels last night?! Good game! Thanks again to Tim & Sally for their great analyses and to Jay for the bracket! What would I do without you?!

Grace & peace!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 13 ~ Friday, March 18

Prayer Partners of the Day - Tim & Teresa Myrick

Lucky number 13! It's the thirteenth day of our trip, and thirteen happens to be my lucky number! How lucky I am have my best pal, Tim, praying for us today. Tim (and others) have been giving me hourly updates on the NCAA tournament! You know I must love Haiti and clean water if I'm missing March Madness! Thank you, Tim, for fulfilling my basketball need!

We were in Leogane today to install System #4! Would you believe we had the system mounted and plumbed completely by lunchtime? However, following lunch and after a trip to the hardware store and the bank, we hit a snag on the electrical system. It's now 6:09pm, and we are happy to report that the system is up and running without a hitch! For a treat, we were treated to ice cream at the only ice cream store in Haiti! And oh, was it good!

Other items of interest today... While awaiting Bob and Bertone at the bank, we witnessed a parade of motorcycles that were campaigning for a senator. Also, Bertone & I taught the education class to four teachers and 50 students. Can't wait to post the video of the children singing the "Use This Water" song!

Another point of interest... As we were installing the electrical wire, we heard sounds of Justin Bieber music. Sure enough, in the lot next door, there were a hundred kids and a bunch of missionaries playing music & singing & dancing. They were from an organization called "All Hands" and were dedicating their newly built school.

We're fighting the traffic now to  make it back before dark. While Ancy is not with us, he did call to check on us today! What a good brother he is!

Another glorious day in Haiti, and we give all the thanks to those who have prayed us through and God who has answered those prayers. Peace be with you!

------
This just in... Exiled President Aristide has returned to Haiti... Our team is safe & sound up in the mountains!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 12 ~ Thursday, March 17

Prayer Partner of the Day - Patrick Lesley

Happy St Patrick's Day! We were very lucky to have Patrick praying for us today, as it was "his" day! Thank you, Patrick! We certainly felt all prayers today as we rode thru Port Au Prince twice. It is clear that elections are nearing, as the tension was high and the UN was on alert. We continue to pray that elections and the aftermath will be peaceful.

We did go to Blanket today! Pastor Evens is doing very well, and school was in session. It was big test day... All the students were taking tests in the sanctuary, and the teachers were swarming! Apparently it's the big test to promote them to the next grade.

I am sad to report that I did not see Ashley, Ancy, Sam, and Leo...otherwise known as our goats! Mr. Elisme (Maxon's father) had taken the goats to his house to raise them. He said they were all doing well, and even called them by name... So I will trust him! The operators have the system working daily and have posted a sign at the street to advertise water! They've even installed several more electrical plugs and such. They're charging people to charge their cell phones. Kind of micro-business-y. There was also hot gossip in the town of Blanket, but that would be wrong of me to share on the Internet!

The ride into and out of Port Au Prince was dicey as usual. We were treated to ice cream upon our arrival back in Leogane! It was our prize for making it thru the day.

Tomorrow begins work on System #4. This will be in Leogane at a school and home for those mentally handicapped. We can feel the home stretch!

Again, happy St Patrick's Day! Drink a green beer for me!

Grace & peace!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 11 ~ Wednesday, March 16

Mountains Beyond Mountains

Prayer Partners of the Day - Meg Visi & Julia Bradt

Doc Holiday & Wyatt Earp rolled into Dodge City today. Okay, it wasn't quite like that, but Bob, Chuck & I went back to Fondwa today to see what the situation was with system #2. Mind you, it was not a technical issue... Rather it was a person in the community who controls the water for the entire community did not want us there and told us they had no water for the system. Thankfully, the sisters and the priest worked this "political" problem out, and water had arrived at the site. Thus, we continued the installation, and the training began today! It was a modern-day miracle.

In this episode of great adventures of Ancy & Ashley... One of the sisters decided we should go to the local school and do a hygiene program for them. Naturally, I agreed, and we set out on foot to the school. Ever heard the expression "up hill both ways?" I have mentioned before that we are way up in the mountains... And the orphanage/monastery was on one mountain... And the school was on the next mountain over! Oh yes, on foot we hiked! We taught four classes, totaling over 200 students! It was incredible! 200 kids singing, 200 kids understanding that they must use clean water to stay healthy, and 200 kids understanding the importance of washing their hands to keep germs away! Oh yes, it was a good day! We taught a more in depth class to the sisters at the monastery in the afternoon, and they had just as much fun. Oh yes, what a blessed day thanks to God and his ability to make things happen!

Tomorrow is the day I've been anticipating since we arrived! We are going to Blanket to see Pastor Evens and the community we were with in January! I simply cannot wait!! It will be an early morning, as with the roads it may take us four hours to drive there. My bag is packed with all of the presents & it will feel like Christmas! We also just received word that Valdes will be coming along! I have yet to see Valdes on this trip, so it will be even better! 

So, today is most assuredly a good day. Three new clean water systems are up and running in Haiti. Three communities have been educated on the importance of using clean water and washing their hands. Only two more to go! God is working overtime, and I thank you again for your prayers. It sustains us with patience for days like today, and joy for days like tomorrow! Grace & peace!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 10 ~ Tuesday, March 15

The Water Building at Cafe Lompre

Prayer Partner of the Day - Faith Nettnin

"Sevi ak dlo sa-a, sevi ak dlo sa-a, se bon dlo, se bon dlo!"

That's creole for "use this water, use this water, it is good, it is good!" Now imagine it being sung by 75 elementary students! Oh, it was precious!

Ancy & I taught several health & hygiene classes in the community of Cafe Lompre today.  We first taught a class of 40 young adults. They acted up luke teenagers, but they sang the song with gusto! Afterwards, we went to an elementary school and had the opportunity to speak to 75 children! The children were vibrant and inquisitive. They loved participating in the activities, and I was surprised at how much more knowledgable they were than their older siblings and parents. They were so well behaved, and their teachers were so thankful and very involved. It was a privilege to be at their school.

We stopped in to Mannes' school again, just to say hello and take a few pictures. By the time we returned on site, the system was complete and the trainers had been trained!

After lunch and good discussion with the brothers, the covenant was signed! And thus ends a wonderful day in Haiti!

One other thing of note... The final days until the election are approaching! Campaigning is in high gear for the two presidential candidates. Let us all pray for peaceful elections on Sunday!

Tomorrow we head back to Fondwa, where we hope the "situation" has been resolved and we can begin to pump water! The dynamic duo of Ancy & Ashley will be back in the classroom...and a new community will be ready for clean water!

Praise be to God!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 9 ~ Monday, March 14

Prayer Partners of the Day - Rebecca McMahan & Kathy Miller

There are almost too many thanksgivings to count today. It has been a beautiful, cool, mountain day, and everything has gone perfectly, with several good surprises thrown in! My prayer partners, Rebecca & Kathy, must have been working overtime!

First and foremost, system #3 has been installed! The board is up, the electricity is connected, and all seems to be good. Though we were supposed to spend the night in Cafe Lompre, we finished so early that we returned to Palmiste Au Vin. Tomorrow we will return to Cafe Lompre to train the operators & educate the community, and Wednesday we will head back to the orphanage/school to see if system #2 has water.

The most biggest thanksgiving of the day was meeting Ancy's mother. This was Ancy's hometown and his mother lives right down the road from our worksite. Ancy & I drove over, hiked through a field and over a wall ... And there we were in his mother's backyard! She is a sweet lady, and Ancy showed me around to his old school and community. I was able to meet many members of his family, all of whom were as wonderful as Ancy.

With Ancy & Mannes

Also just down the road is Mannes' school! I first met Mannes in Arcahaie in 2009. He is a school principle, and master electrician on the side! He helped us on the 2009 system and also in 2010 at Father Racine's. Since then, he's sent his apprentice, Salien, to help out. It was so good to see Mannes today! Speaking of Salien, he teaches at that same school on Wednesdays. I was sad that he wasn't there, but it turned out he was just down the road in Trouin. So we took off there, and sure enough, there he was! It really is like a family reunion...have I said that?!! While there, we also met Father Fruitho Michaud, who is the Episcopal priest in charge of Trouin. He was a fabulous man, and I can see is building a system at one of his churches.

Ancy, man, Salien, me & Pere Fruitho

Also, on this adventure of Ancy & Ashley, we went by the clinic where Valdes installed a system after the earthquake. (This system was in another building, which was destroyed, and Valdes moved it...) We also stopped by the building Chris McRae just built two weeks ago! Very nice!

A big highlight for me, personally, was drilling thru concrete! (Insert a Tim "the toolman" Taylor grunt here...)

So, as you can see, today was a very happy day. I feel more than blessed by each passing moment, and the smile on my face will not leave! God is certainly good, and I am so thankful to be here.

Haiti Trip ~ Day 8 ~ Sunday, March 13

Prayer Partner of the Day - Dad

There are many things that I will want to remember today, as it has been an awe-inspiring day. It was first and foremost a day of rest. We did not work today, just worshipped and fellowshipped. We went to worship at a church, whose building was destroyed in the earthquake. They worship under tarps now, tied to pieces of wood. It was a beautiful service, led by Brother Olizard, who is also our host. During communion, it was very quiet, and up the center aisle came two white chickens, as if they, too, wanted to receive communion! I found it quite humorous!

Following worship, we visited Notre Dame Orphanage. The girls were beautiful and we picked up the directors for a St Vincent de Paul meeting. At this meeting, I was again amazed at how Haitians help Haitians. Those with little more than others are giving their time and money to minister to the needs and the people of their communities. Tears of joy and thanksgiving came to my eyes. These were beautiful people, who I will strive to imitate.

The best part of everyday, however, is returning to the monastery and having Lucy greet us at the gate! She is so excited to see us every night. Her mom is one of the cooks, so she is always here. Her smile is wide and big! My goodness, how she makes me smile every day!

Blanket update! For those who were awaiting an update on the Blanket water system, I will be going there on Thursday! I can hardly contain my excitement, and when I spoke with Pastor Evens today, he was just as excited!

Ancy is on his way back tonight. He will be with us through Thursday, which makes me very happy! Tomorrow we will go to Cafe Lompre to begin work on system #3, and we hope to return to Fondwa on Wednesday to finish the system there...if they have their problems worked out.

Election update... The presidential election will be held next Sunday. Please be in Prayer that this will go smoothly and peacefully!

Again, I am so thankful for each of you who have partnered with us in prayer, especially those who have prayed without ceasing. Clearly my father's prayers were more directed to us today, as he could not pull the Tar Heels through to victory! I love you, Dad!

Peace be with you!

Haiti Trip ~ Day 7 ~ Saturday, March 12

Prayer Partners of the Day - Everludis Lopez and the Cook Family

Paul Farmer, the founder of Partners in Health, wrote a book about Haiti called Mountains Beyond Mountains. Today, I am on top of a mountain, which is just beyond the mountain I was on top of yesterday. And I'm staying on yet another mountain top. It truly is a country of mountains beyond mountains beyond mountains, and it's absolutely beautiful.

Today we were in Fondwa, just outside of Leogane. We are installing system #2 at the Saint  Anthony's Sisters monastery/orphanage/school. The sisters are beautiful, and they speak wonderful English. It was a special day, as the General Superior of the brothers of Saint Therese was here. (And a apparently that is a big deal!) Many priests came for a meeting, along with several other non-profit chiefs. It was a big feast; we even had cake!

This monastery/school/orphanage was completely destroyed by the earthquake. They are just now starting to recover. The system is up on the board, minus a water meter & filters... We packed the truck late last night and forgot a few things :) However, we've hit a bit of a problem. There is apparently no water, and in reality, that's not a bit of a problem, but rather a large problem. We are looking on the positive side though and are praying that the problem will be fixed. If not, there are plenty of other places in need of a clean water system.

I was so thankful to have wonderful people lifting me and our team in prayer yet again today. At the 5:00am wake-up call, they were already on my mind and we prayed specifically for Everludis, Fred, Julia, & Karen today. I love you all so much and I'm so thankful you've been a part of this journey with me! My other thanksgiving comes from finally having voice conversation with my dear husband! Skype is a wonderful thing!

All in all, it has been another blessed day in Haiti. Thanks be to God!