Nou fini!

Today was officially the last day of our first year of teaching in Haiti and the last day of our first year of teaching, period! It was like the last day of school in high school all over again...the students were SO excited, barely focusing through their final exams, and then excitedly hugging and thanking us as they packed away their books. All the students, on-campus and externs, ate a huge meal together, with pop as a special treat. Though most of them will be back for graduation on Thursday, many of them were quite emotional as they packed their bags, and we were really touched by their appreciation and prayers. We have grown to love these guys, and are especially saddened to see the fourth year move on.

However, there is such great hope in these men and women. Such great anticipation. Not because they are going off to "follow their dreams", but because they are off to follow His dream for Haiti...they are off to BE that change that Haiti so desperately needs. EIGHTY-NINE percent of our graduates are in full-time ministry IN Haiti. These men and women aren't coming here to kill four years, or to find out who they are or what they want to do. They come to seminary, and sacrifice dearly to do so, because they feel that God has called them here, and called them to return to their people and give them Jesus.

We are constantly reminded that Matt and I will never be Haitian...will never be able to take most Haitians our Lord. But these guys can, and ARE...We have been able to pour in them every single day for 9 months, and they are making Him known to people and places we'll never be able to reach.

It was a bittersweet day, but quite full of hope!

These are pictures from this past weekend, more from the 50th Anniversary Celebration. The church we attended on Sunday went ALL OUT to celebrate with us, even giving Matt a huge plaque. They had several singing groups share special music, and even had 2 groups that actually wrote and sang songs about OMS being in Haiti. It was a really cool day. Monday night finished off the celebrations with a huge banquet focusing on the ministry of the seminary and the radio station, and everyone headed out again this afternoon.

We continue to realize that God has been, continues to, and will be doing great things...we're just blessed to be along for the ride!