Graduation!

The year is officially over! Graduation just finished...two hours of special music groups, speeches, benedictions and commissioning. The church was packed out with well over 700 people by the time the service finished...for only 22 men, we hadn't expected such a crowd! All over again we remembered that graduation feeling...excitement about being finished, and yet such sadness to leave friends you have lived and prayed and studied with for four years. It was our great joy, as well, to meet everyone's parents, siblings, wives or girlfriends, children, cousins, aunts...

Being an official ceremony, almost everything was in French, which is a very different French from the French we learned in Canada. We quickly realized that we understood about as much as anyone else, including some of the speakers. Afterwards, we were able to mix with the students for a while, and we were both deeply touched by how quickly these strangers have turned into men dear to our hearts. It seems like just yesterday that we both walked in front of a room of a dozen men, struggling to learn their difficult names and trying to teach them as much as we could. Hours and hours of classes, church visits, family visits, months of chapel, and ministering alongside of them has turned these men into our brothers, and we are so thankful to feel that we KNOW them, that they KNOW us. We would never have expected that from 9 months. As we watched them all on stage, the Lord reminded us gently of His great faithfulness...reminded us of all of the promises He has fulfilled this year, all of the prayers He has answered. I don't know if you can tell just from the pictures, but Jesus lives dominantly in these men, and we cannot wait to continue to see what great things this accomplishes in Haiti.

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!

Happy 50th Anniversary!

This has been a busy busy week as OMS celebrates 50 YEARS in Haiti! Over 25 retired missionaries, missionaries from headquarters and friends of the mission flew in for five days full of events...including a soccer tournament, a musical concert, tours, picnics, a huge "celebration" event, a time for retired Haiti missionaries to talk about how things were when they were here, visiting area churches today, and a huge banquet tomorrow night. It has been a really busy time, especially as we are also trying to prepare for our last two days of classes and graduation on Thursday right after everyone leaves!
However, it is wonderful to be surrounded by several friends and to realize that what Matt and I are doing is just a tiny part of the rich history OMS has in Haiti. We are blessed to be a part of this organization and to be a part of this history. I know full well that things have changed a lot, but we are confident that the Lord's heart hasn't changed for Haiti, and we are blessed to be a part of what He's doing here!
Thanks for being a part of His continued plan for His people here!

back

I am safely back in Haiti...6 flights in 5 days and I am glad to be staying put for a while! Despite about a dozen issues with flights, cancellations, changes and FINES, I made it to graduation, got to see my gorgeous sister graduate from college, got to spend time with two grandpas and two grandmas, my aunt, my brother, my dad, and our dear cat. I got to eat at Olive Garden, Chipotle, DQ, a pizza place, and Bob Evans, and I got to sleep in air conditioning every single night. It was wonderful.

All my stuff made it back safely along with random much longed for gifts for Matt: pickles, bacon bits, balsamic vinegar, his favorite mug, and cotton running shorts. We're happy to be back together, as that neither of us do very well being apart for more than, well, a day or so :)

It was a wonderful trip, and made me realize how much I had needed to "get out", if only for a few days. Being in my own culture with my own language allowed me to be myself in a way I haven't really been able to, and we are both looking forward to a more extended trip next month!

While I was doing all this, Matt was teaching and working alongside our guests. Don headed off yesterday, and Josh leaves tomorrow. All that they have done was priceless...we're so thankful they joined us...

Matt's students also decided that they wanted to show him how much they appreciate him by giving him a gift. On Monday they came to class with a huge pink bag, covered in red roses and "I Love You! I Love You!" Inside were these three gifts, a vase, an "I Love You" pencil holder, and an "I Love Haiti" desk...thing. They said the "I love Haiti" was for him, because they know Matt loves Haiti, and that the "I Love You" was from them, because they have come to love him. It was quite an emotional gifting, I hear, and Matt was quite touched to receive gifts from these guys who struggle to provide for their families, pay for tuition...pay for food.
We are coming to the realization that this life and the Lord has provided us with two worlds. Our two worlds are far too different to merge into "our world", but we have found aspects of home, family and peace in both places. The idea that there is nothing better than being where God wants you is proving quite true for us. We are so thankful for the blessing of so many dear ones in our lives, for such good work, and for so many places to call home!

enjoying America...

My camera cord is in Haiti, so there won't be any pictures for a few days, but I am safely in Ohio! I finally, after several more changes and delays, arrived in Philly at 10 pm on Friday night. On 10 am Saturday morning, I sat with my aunt, grandfathers, grandmothers and dad to watch Lisa graduate from Messiah Collge in Pennsylvania. It was WONDERFUL to be there and to have this precious time with my family (and to eat good food afterwards!) Last night, we arrived home in Columbus, Ohio around midnight.

It was a huge blessing to sleep in my own bed (no mosquito net and fan necessary!) and to see our dear cat again...we've missed Amelie!

Dad and my sister and I went out for breakfast this morning at 8 am, and she is now off on a graduation celebration cruise with some of her roommates! Dad and I spent the day enjoying America! We went to Meijer's and got watermelon, cherries, strawberries...pickles, balsamic vinagrette, milk! It was a little overwhelming to stand before every imaginagble food in the world after having only 20-30 options at all times in Haiti. It was even more overwhelming to realize that those 20-30 options were already way more options than almost all of our Haitian brothers and sisters have.

We are currently workin on our June newsletter, and then dad is going to take me out for dinner: such a special treat.

Being here has been quite surreal after nine months in such a very different country. I need more time to process :)

Matt, meanwhile, preached at a small Haitian church this morning, and is continuing to enjoy our visitiors from New Jersey, Josh and Don. He's getting ready for final exams in Hebrew, and wishing very much he could have been here for graduation, for time with family, and with ice cream :(

SOON! I return to Haiti Tuesday morning, but in 4 weeks we will be coming home for a longer visit...June 19th-July 15th (check sidebar for details).

Thank you for your prayers while I travelled, and for your prayers that the Lord would continue to sustain us in such a truly difficult country!

great photos coming soon...

change in plans

We've had a rather disappointing day. We went to the airport first thing for Stacey's flight, only to find out 1) that the plane was "broken" and not coming, and 2) that there were NO OTHER FLIGHTS leaving Cap-Haitien for America today. None.

So I didn't get to Florida, didn't make my Florida to Philly flight, and didn't make it to be with my sister.

Tomorrow morning they "hope" the plane will be fixed, and I bought new tickets to get from Florida to Philly hopefully tomorrow night. Please be praying that this works out tomorrow.

Meanwhile, we made it to the Seminary soccer match with Josh and Don...Our guys won, and were SO excited.

Thanks for your prayers!

whirlwind

Whew! We are holding onto our hats down here as things are starting to get crazy! Two great men from New Jersey joined us yesterday. Josh is here to substitute teach English for Stacey and to help build the new seminary, and Don is here to "go nuts" building as well. We have had almost no teams in lately to help the building project, and everyone is thrilled to have them.

Josh is substitute teaching for me because I am leaving first thing Thursday morning for Philly! My baby sister is graduating from college Saturday, and celebrating her 22nd birthday on the same day! She is graduating as an Urban education elementary school teacher from Messiah College (pictured here is her 6th grade class that she's been teaching the last 5 months). She is so brave, loving, patient and smart, and it is so blazingly obvious that she is doing exactly what the Lord made her to do.
I am so proud of her, and cannot wait to have just a few days away, time with her and my family, and to celebrate with her!

Matt, meanwhile, is holding down the fort at the Seminary, working alongside Don and Josh, and battling the heat!

I will return to Haiti Tuesday morning, and that Thursday begins a week long celebration of OMS in Haiti for 50 years. Many retired missionaries and OMS staff are flying in for the events, and literally hundreds of Haitians are also involved. We will be hosting people, doing presentations, translating attending celebrations, soccer games and ceremonies. It's going to be a VERY busy five days...

...Which are immediately followed by final exams and graduation. Graduation is May 29th, and we have tons to do preparing invitations, the ceremony, programs and finalizing about a billion things before that day.

We're not sure how we're going to get everything that needs to be done, done...but also know that June 1st, it will all be behind us, and we won't be able to believe how quickly time flew.

For now, we're trying to just soak up each day together, with the students, and in His hands...We love you each and can't wait to see you (and eat at Olive Garden!!!) really soon!

Please be praying for us these next few days while we're apart, traveling and working...

Thanks!

Happy Mother's Day!

Haitian Mother's Day is not for another 2 weeks, but we are going with our heart culture today! We have been blessed in life by quite a few mothers, and wanted to show you just a few of the people in our lives who do some amazing mothering. We love you and are sending our love today!


Matt's mama (on Matt's left), Grandmom Kay (on Matt's right) and Aunt Candy (above) are frequently letting him know that they love him (and me) dearly...one of the best things we've realized a mom can do! We miss you!!!


Stacey's dad and sister constantly shower us with love and friendship...I am convinced that my dad is the best mom a girl could have.

Matt's Grandmom Mollie is dear to us both and is constantly holding us in her heart and prayers. We're taking you to Applebee's when we get home!

Stacey's grandma and Aunt Patty...They continue to pour love and prayers on us. Don't know where we'd be without these two women...

Happy Mother's Day to all of you, and to all the rest of the men and women playing invaluable roles in our lives.

pizza party

Ah, the joy of the Lord truly is our strength...and God continues to shower that joy upon us through the guys at the seminary. Two months ago we decided to have the fourth year class over for dinner to say good-bye before graduation. With so much going on the next 2 weeks, we set the night for tonight. For the past 10 days, these men have talked about little else, going on and on about how much they were going to eat, how many days were left, and how excited they were to eat with their "godparents."

I decided not to bother cooking a full Haitian meal that would never be as good as the Haitian food they are used to, so instead we took an American approach. Most Haitians will not eat salad (Why would you eat leaves? I have heard...), so we made coleslaw, pizza with all the toppings, and brownies.

In typical fashion, they were 20 minutes late and dressed up in well-ironed clothes. Before we could eat, they sang us a few songs, prayed, and made a short speech. We made our appropriate, "we are blessed to have you in our home" speech, and then they dug in. Most of them had never had pizza before, nor did they know what the mushrooms were (Dad brought us a few cans last time in). Nonetheless, they ate it all heartily, generously forking the coleslaw directly on top of the pepperoni, pineapple and peppers and cut their pizza with a knife and fork. No matter what we said, the guys all insisted on eating the coleslaw ON the pizza, which IS how other Haitian food is eaten (pile everything on top of the rice). They were SO happy to be with us, and ate SO MUCH food :)

For almost 2 hours we all told riddles, jokes and stories, and when I broke out the camera, they all continued to clink their coke glasses together, until finally someone said, "Wait, this isn't a wedding."

Matt and I just laughed through the whole evening, which ended in another speech about how we are truly a family, another song, and a time of group prayer. They headed out into the night for study hall after many kisses, hugs, and handshakes, and Matt and I found ourselves quite full of love and thankfulness.

We had not expected, not even for a moment, to find ourselves so in love with these people God has called us to. We had not expected to have brothers we cared so deeply for so soon, nor did we expect to find such joy admits such hard work.

"We hope you do not have trouble with others at home or here because of your great friendship with us and because you live among us," one of them said as they were leaving.

"Anytime in Scripture that people did what God called them to do," Matt immediately said, "there was difficulty and at times, opposition. But they were doing what God called them to do and God blessed that."

There have been a lot of times this past year that we have felt the difficulty and opposition, but not the "blessed." But tonight was another one of those nights that all you remember is the joy.

There are a group of men down here who love the Lord, "love the pizza", and LOVE learning about the Bible...We are sure that at times there has been difficulty in your life because of your involvement in these mens lives and ministries, and we know keeping us working here isn't cheap. But we also know and trust and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you, as He is blessing us.

When we all get to heaven, we'll have pizza and laughter together.

How much do you pounds?

This is my wonderful class, the first year, bearing their best serious photo-faces. This week we have been learning, lengths, weights, temperature, and measurement, and for many of them, this is the first time they've studied these concepts, much less learned them in English. I took a scale (thanks, Rick and Marlene!) into class today, and we worked on "comparative adjectives" as each guy weighed in.

No matter how much I talked to them about weight, they continued to ask each other, "How much do you pounds?"

They had SUCH a good time doing this, competing energetically for "first place", which they decided was the same as the being the heaviest. These ornery men loaded their pockets with keys, mangoes and wallets, hoping to win. The most interesting part of this exercise, for me, was that the large majority of them had no concept of how much they weighed. Guys smaller than me were guessing they weighed 170 or 180, and the actual average weight of the class of eleven grown men was 124 pounds. Can I just say it is pretty embarrassing weighing MORE than the class average in a class of men :)

They are special, special men who love the Lord and love each other, and are consistently asking for prayer for the many ministries they each have throughout Haiti. I'm going to miss them this summer!

Also pictured here is the newest baby of my class. Cherisme's baby girl, "Chris-lovely" or "Christ is lovely", is a month old now, and just precious!

I came upon this passage yesterday in my devotional time, and was reminded deeply of you all...It is a frequently used verse, but carried more weight with me this time.

"I thank my God in all my remembrances of you,
always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:3-6

We DO always remember you with Joy, and thank the Lord for you. You have been a part of this, most of you, from the very first day until now, and we are so excited to be with you as He promises to complete the good work He has started in us all.

Maybe you don't feel much like He's doing "good work" in you today, but He promises that He is, and that He'll continue to work with us until that perfect day. Thank you for working with us. It is exciting to think of all of the ministry God is doing through all of you around the world in so many different capacities. We're blessed to be a part of your family, and these guys are blessed to be a part of your family, too.

24-year-old father of 10

Matt thought his class had a problem they needed help solving. Then, when they invited him to their little 4th year house, he thought they had a BIG problem they needed help solving. However, when his 10 guys asked him to sit in the only chair the house has, and then all surrounded him, Matt realized that he was there for a ceremony.

One by one, the guys took turns telling Matt how much he meant to them. They told him how much they appreciated everything that he had taught them, all the time he had spent with them, and how touched they were by the many times he had visited their families, their churches and their ministries. One student told Matt that he has been watching Matt and I ever since we came, and that it was his joy to reflect upon how we had "given" ourselves to them.

Finally, they asked Matt if he would do them the honor of being their godfather, and, as my husband in a man's country, if he would allow me to be their godmother.
It doesn't matter that Matt is the youngest guy in his class. This is a rather normal part of Haitian culture, and each child, teenager, and sometimes class, has one or more godparents. However, Matt was very honored, and they cheered loudly when he said 'yes'.

It was just another one of those days that we both think, "Lord, how is it that we get to do this with these amazing men and women every single day?" They teach us so much, and bring us both so much joy. The Lord has truly provided fulfillment, laughter and joy in this calling on our lives, and we are so thankful!

N-a we Pi ta!

Paul and Rick made it safely to Florida yesterday, and we imagine they are both back to work today! It was a quick trip, but such a blessing to us both, and to many others here, as well. Monday night, Rick and Paul and Matt showed a few friends the wonders of Google Earth. They were amazed to see photos of Haiti, of the Seminary, etc... Tuesday they all had a blast visiting the Citadel, where Matt apparently took advantage of the large crowds of men as a preaching opportunity. They had a great time.

Wednesday, They attended class with us all morning, lunch at the cafeteria, a birthday party in the afternoon for a friend's father, dinner with a team of Canadians that are here right now, and a evening presentation of the radio station's ministry!

They were here for some busy days, but got to meet so many of the people that make this journey a joy and a blessing, and also were able to see some ways that Cornerstone Church blesses our lives and ministry...it was great!

Matt is 2 days into teaching his Intro to Old Testament course. Yesterday afternoon, neither he or the guys were ready to quit when the bell rang. After four straight hours of class, this is a good thing! One more day of class today, and then a plan-less weekend that we are Both looking forward, too!