Home!

There's no place like home, there's no place like home! No, I haven't turned into Dorothy, but I did click my heels many times on Friday to make sure I got home! It was a long day of standby flights and being a the mercy of the airlines, but God provided and I am back in Vegas.

Though I do consider Haiti a second home, I was so happy to be back in my own bed with my dear husband and enjoying the comforts of my own home. I was thankful to finally be clean and free of dirt on my hands and feet. I was thankful to put on clean clothes without dust from the outdoors. I was thankful to turn on a faucet and have clean water coming out to brush my teeth. I was thankful to flip a light switch in the middle of the day and have the electricity come on. I was thankful to put toilet paper into the toilet and flush. I was thankful to enjoy a cheeseburger and french fries. I was thankful to turn on a television and watch basketball all day!

My body alarm clock has still not adjusted back to pacific time, and I was awake early this morning. This prompted me to attend the traditional worship service down the road at the local Methodist Church. As I walked in, the front of the bulletin said, "Jesus is the Living Water." I smiled so big and wide. What divine spirit led me to this church?! The first Psalm reading was Psalm 95, which I quoted just a few days ago from Haiti. It was as if the service was planned with me in mind. I was thankful to worship in English and hear the Good News.

I miss my Haitian brothers and sisters already, but I am thankful to be home to receive the rest and relaxation that my body needs and to receive a spiritual renewal to prepare me for the next adventures. How great is our God?!

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!