30 November 2010
29 November 2010
a different perspective and change
A tiny old lady, Madame Saint, from our community and church passed away this weekend. She has been widowed for years and years, had since gone blind, and frequently sat along the road about a block from us, singing and talking to herself or to the Lord or to anyone who would listen. What I will miss about her, though, was her presence in church. She frequently embarrassed the youth by standing in the middle of a song, prayer, or sermon and waved her arms back and forth in silent praise. 
Many people would start giggling at her craziness, but I always wondered if maybe she was just seeing something that we weren't seeing, and that in the midst of worship, perhaps she was not in the Saccanville church after all, but in the true presence of the Lord. I loved to watch her dance before the Lord and wished that I had the same abandon as this frail little lady. She couldn't see anyone else, and so no one else ever mattered...just the Lord.
Praying for the same kind of blindness to the world and awareness of the Lord.
We are back at school today with three weeks to go until Christmas break! The guys are feeling anxious about their grades and are working hard! The Cooper's got out safely on Saturday and we are expecting the Hubele's in tomorrow. Lily, who was insanely in love with Jacob and Josephine, will be THRILLED to have some kids living next door.
The students are starting the garden today, and we even have a student from Port-au-Prince who specializes in farming who will be able to help. The annual EBS Christmas party is well in the works, this year featuring, of course, a soccer match, but also a Bible trivia night, and a music composition competition based on a passage in Isaiah. We'll end it all with a big party in the cafeteria, the FIRST Christmas at our new campus, complete with Home Alone 1, tons of Haitian food favorites, skits, speeches, song and...well, we're always surprised :)
(last year, the staff won...and this never happens)
25 November 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lily did what she was supposed to do...
Ti-Louie did what he was supposed to do...
Then we were off, with a "Bon Thanksgiving!" from Abel, all packed in the truck with mashed potatoes, rolls and cranberry precariously balanced for the treck to Vaudreil, which is, as one visitor said, is "like driving on the moon for 30 minutes."
"The Hen House" hosted, (Kate, Julie and Hannah's) and everything was just beautiful and homey and we felt truly blessed to have a family to celebrate with. Lily was happy just to be with the Bundy kids, and the food this year was better than it's ever been (in our opinion :). Every bit as good as a Thanksgiving in the States, with lots of people ordering in special foods that we can't get normally. I ate more than I have eaten since week 4 of pregnancy, and will probably pay for it...It was worth it!
Matt and Dodo tag-teaming Kate's turkeys.
The only downside to the whole afternoon was that Julie and Hannah, and the other members of Bethesda Clinic, are going full-throttle trying to take care of an overwhelm of cholera patients, all in need of 24/7 care, and many of them small children. They had been going all day, missed most of the celebration, and have a very long night ahead of them changing IV bags and caring for the patients as that Bethesda Clinic has no medical staff working evenings or nights.
The "cholera house" is already full, and Dr. Rodney is working to find more space for patients. Please be praying for Julie, Hannah, Rodney, other nurses working, for those with cholera, that the Lord would encourage each of their hearts, give them good strength and energy and would keep everyone safe and improving in health. Unfortunately, this is most likely not something that is going to "go away" soon, and it really is changing the face of Haiti, the clinic, AND therefore of what OMS is doing in northern Haiti for the time being. Please pray for lots of wisdom, compassion, knowledge and resources.
Lily and "Jul-wee", feeding her her all time favorite and ever-so-rare, Cool Whip
24 November 2010
a bit more peace
I have yet to find a person that knows quite WHY, but things continue to be much calmer this week than last week. All of our staff and students are making it in, and though most schools continue to be closed into next week "for the elections", we've had no problems at all staying open. Thankful that the Lord is providing this time of very unexpected, unexplained peace, and that it will continue!
Also received good word this morning that the Bethesda Clinic (OMS affiliated and the closest medical center to us), after struggling to find funding and supplies to deal with cholera (looked in the DR, looked into Florida), found all that they needed and more IN TOWN yesterday :) An old missionary home has been set up as a "cholera camp" and they are ready and equipped to treat the increased number of patients that are coming their way.
I have to tell you what a personal answer to prayer this is, knowing that if any of our staff, students, friends or family here contract cholera, there is HELP just 30 minutes away. Until today, our plan has been: "Don't Dare Get Cholera." The Lord has been caring well for us, as always, but I'm thrilled to have a backup plan :)
Dr. Bill Cooper and Ruth Cooper are finishing up their courses this week, adding on extra hours each day to make up for two days off last week. They leave (Lord willing) Saturday, the McCluskey's head back to Canada next week, the Hubele's head in next week. December 19th (my baby sister's wedding) is quickly approaching.
We have class tomorrow, as that Thanksgiving obviously isn't a Haitian holiday and we are a Haitian seminary, but, at 3, Lord willing, we'll be heading down to Vaudreil and celebrate with the other American (and three Canadian, and one northern Irish) missionaries.
So much to be so thankful for! Photos tomorrow
Also received good word this morning that the Bethesda Clinic (OMS affiliated and the closest medical center to us), after struggling to find funding and supplies to deal with cholera (looked in the DR, looked into Florida), found all that they needed and more IN TOWN yesterday :) An old missionary home has been set up as a "cholera camp" and they are ready and equipped to treat the increased number of patients that are coming their way.
I have to tell you what a personal answer to prayer this is, knowing that if any of our staff, students, friends or family here contract cholera, there is HELP just 30 minutes away. Until today, our plan has been: "Don't Dare Get Cholera." The Lord has been caring well for us, as always, but I'm thrilled to have a backup plan :)
Dr. Bill Cooper and Ruth Cooper are finishing up their courses this week, adding on extra hours each day to make up for two days off last week. They leave (Lord willing) Saturday, the McCluskey's head back to Canada next week, the Hubele's head in next week. December 19th (my baby sister's wedding) is quickly approaching.
We have class tomorrow, as that Thanksgiving obviously isn't a Haitian holiday and we are a Haitian seminary, but, at 3, Lord willing, we'll be heading down to Vaudreil and celebrate with the other American (and three Canadian, and one northern Irish) missionaries.
So much to be so thankful for! Photos tomorrow
22 November 2010
His beautiful plan for an ugly world
Paul's wife, Sarah, and the baby are doing well, Paul is happy to have mom and baby safe...I know they were nervous about having a baby in such a time as this! Luke was back from his honeymoon today, too, and it seems that in the midst of struggle, life, and it's many joys, continue.
It might seem a bit random, but John and Dorothy gave me a rack of ribs for my birthday flown in from Florida, a rare and beautiful gift :) Matt fixed them for us, with rolls, green been casserole and cranberry, and a cake. We all had a lovely dinner together, making 28 feel a bit less depressing. Lily loves birthday's SO much, and was thrilled to have candles to blow out and gifts to open :) Thank you all for your cards, gifts, emails and prayers!
Paul's four kiddos, before Evangela
One of our third year students, Civil, gave "Pastor Matt" a letter today, not asking for anything, just reminding us of his prayers and thanking us for being here....as rare and beautiful a gift as those ribs!
"Thank you for everything God put in your heart to do for me. God said to me to pray for you and your family and for your responsibility. I thank God because through the blood of Jesus Christ God put us together. I ask God to blessing your family because you leave the very best country, America, and you come to live in the very worst country, Haiti."
And there is only one reason.
Anyone with two eyes can acknowledge that the roads, the buildings, the schools, the health care, the politics....just a mess, most of it seemingly beyond repair, most of it seemingly with no hope and no answers. I don't KNOW what to say about cholera, about the government, about the UN, about the instability, about the way things are going, about the earthquake, the tents, the orphans, the financial aid, the poverty, the corruption.
But I have spent much of life these past years with Civil. With Junior. Lucner. With Paul. Dear and normal moments with Gertha. Enick. Abel. Maxi. Pehpay. The young girl with the amputated leg in Port. I have seen faith that crumpled me, miracles that have changed me, kindness that astounded me, and a TRUE hope in THE True Hope that I would not have dreamed of here on earth.
And I saw it all in Haiti. I want to be like Christ like these.
If I didn't know Him, I guess Haiti would hold nothing of value for me. But because I DO, and because I have so frequently and beautifully met Him here through His people, I might just always claim Haiti as being one of the best places in the world.
Little Evangela, coming into the world in a time of sickness, a time of devastation, a time of fear in "the worst" place. Easy to think, "Ah, what a shame." But man, do I thank the Lord that He sent Little Jesus into the dark world in the time of sickness, devastation and fear, smack into a stinking manger leading to the worst death.
What great transformation and unparalleled beauty comes with the fact that
I,
and you,
and HE,
and Evangela,
were sent to a dying, ugly world in a dying, ugly day to help transform that which was HIDEOUS, the WORST...separation, death and sin, into something BREATHTAKING, the BEST...reconciliation, life and holiness.
Brothers and sisters, let's keep taking up His cross with an EXPECTATION to be sent into lostness, ugliness and disease, EXPECTING to lose our lives, so that we take on more of His.
update...
Things seem to be going well this morning...
more staff are back, more students are back, trucks are still passing. While the first year assured me that things are not "good" they agreed that things are a lot better than they were LAST Monday. Pray for some stability and peace to continue throughout this election week. Elections are still set for Sunday.
Thanks!
more staff are back, more students are back, trucks are still passing. While the first year assured me that things are not "good" they agreed that things are a lot better than they were LAST Monday. Pray for some stability and peace to continue throughout this election week. Elections are still set for Sunday.
Thanks!
21 November 2010
not a great time for pregnancy
After several weeks of being too sick to go, and after like 10 days of not leaving the Seminary, I was determined to go to church this morning. I'd been throwing up before we left, but I was GOING. At 8:45 we started the walk to the church, and it was SO GOOD to see many friends along the way and in the service that I haven't seen for a long time.
I felt good, until we got there. The service started, most of our 16 students were there, Dodo was helping me with Lily, and it was GREAT to be a part of worship with this dear family. Then I started feeling worse and worse, and finally Dodo said, "Are you OK???"
I quickly headed out the back (which is actually the front of the church) and since there is no bathroom or running water at this church, I just sat on the front step. Of course, the front yard of the church is the side church of 10 houses, all of which had lots of people in the yard, who are all now staring at me.
I kind of waved, and sat there trying not to get sick...to no avail. So I'm throwing up in the yard, in front of all these bored and staring people, trying to keep some dignity.
Immediately, I hear a woman in the yard next door say, "She has CHOLERA!" to her friends, and then everyone is muttering and pointing about how I have cholera, which I normally would have fought, but I was feeling so terrible that all I could do was point to my stomach and shake my head "no."
Hopefully, Abel or someone cleared my name in the community after the service :) As sad as it is that this is such a fearful reality among all of us in Haiti right now, Matt and I had a good laugh later.
Julie, Kate, Jane, Bud and Hannah brought lunch for the McCluskey's, the Cooper's and us, and it was another great afternoon of hanging out with friends, catching up on how they are and how things have been, AND they did all the dishes (and the large pile of dirty dishes that were already stacked in our sink :) That is true friendship....
Everyone is preparing for riots and barricades again tomorrow morning, with many schools in town already declaring that they will be closed all week due to "the crisis." Just in case, we're bringing the professors that can stay for the week in tonight, so at least they'll be stuck AT the school and can be teaching. The students have been trickling in all afternoon, afraid that they won't be able to get in tomorrow.
There are, as always, lots of reasons and rumors, none of which really make much practical sense to us, but if we're to be stuck in all week again, we're all ready for a good week of Bible teaching! Thankful to be in the center of His will and plan for such a time as this.
I felt good, until we got there. The service started, most of our 16 students were there, Dodo was helping me with Lily, and it was GREAT to be a part of worship with this dear family. Then I started feeling worse and worse, and finally Dodo said, "Are you OK???"
I quickly headed out the back (which is actually the front of the church) and since there is no bathroom or running water at this church, I just sat on the front step. Of course, the front yard of the church is the side church of 10 houses, all of which had lots of people in the yard, who are all now staring at me.
Immediately, I hear a woman in the yard next door say, "She has CHOLERA!" to her friends, and then everyone is muttering and pointing about how I have cholera, which I normally would have fought, but I was feeling so terrible that all I could do was point to my stomach and shake my head "no."
Hopefully, Abel or someone cleared my name in the community after the service :) As sad as it is that this is such a fearful reality among all of us in Haiti right now, Matt and I had a good laugh later.
Julie, Kate, Jane, Bud and Hannah brought lunch for the McCluskey's, the Cooper's and us, and it was another great afternoon of hanging out with friends, catching up on how they are and how things have been, AND they did all the dishes (and the large pile of dirty dishes that were already stacked in our sink :) That is true friendship....
Everyone is preparing for riots and barricades again tomorrow morning, with many schools in town already declaring that they will be closed all week due to "the crisis." Just in case, we're bringing the professors that can stay for the week in tonight, so at least they'll be stuck AT the school and can be teaching. The students have been trickling in all afternoon, afraid that they won't be able to get in tomorrow.
There are, as always, lots of reasons and rumors, none of which really make much practical sense to us, but if we're to be stuck in all week again, we're all ready for a good week of Bible teaching! Thankful to be in the center of His will and plan for such a time as this.
20 November 2010
friends, a little peace, & a little Christmas
DID talk to Paul yesterday, and they are good, but still no baby!
Of course, several of the strands of white lights built into the tree were broken by the time the tree got from Florida to here several years ago, and so it is, as my sister would say, "quite ghetto." Can't run to Wal-Mart for a few strands of white lights. AND the cat won't stay out of it. And Lily keeps putting all the ornaments together in one clump.
19 November 2010
then all of the sudden...
...life started again! At four am this morning, we heard a truck pass...the first truck in days. By 8 am, tons of cars and trucks are streaming by, everyone is out and about again. For the first time all week, a flight is trying to come in today to get out some stranded visitors, though the plane full of cargo and cholera supplies isn't going to risk it. Hopefully tomorrow!
Gertha made it in at 7:15, and said out of nowhere, the Haitian police are out and about, ripping out all of the barricades, burning down many "Bas" huts (little bamboo huts built during elections/celebrations, etc. basically for partying), and breaking up rioters. Many of these huts have been being occupied by rioters and been good places for barricades.
Abel set out at 8 am for town, hoping to get a few supplies that the seminary is in need of in case things get stopped up again after the weekend.
Several of the students are hoping to get home after noon, and you can just HEAR life happening again.
With rumors UN was threatening to cancel elections next week if things didn't calm down, many people suspect that candidates are paying the police to get this cleared up. Whatever the reason, it is great to hear the happy sounds of peace, making us realize just how quiet it has been these last few days. While a small minority has been causing problems, the large majority have been trapped in their homes, like us, and now everyone seems quite relieved to have just a bit of freedom again.
We will continue to stay here in Saccanville for the weekend while things continue to clear up as people that stand out a bit, and then hope that by Monday we'll be able to at least get to Vaudreil (the community where OMS is located). Thanksgiving is Thursday, and Kate has the turkeys in Vaudreil! We had already begun to lament them, and think of creative ways to make chicken legs taste like turkey...so I'm getting pretty excited about the hope that just maybe there will be Thanksgiving dinner this year, after all.
Please pray for continued improvement, that this peace will NOT just last the weekend, and that our students can get home, and our staff and students can all get back in safely Sunday evening/Monday morning.
We have not been able to get a hold of Paul for days now, and are anxious to hear if their newest has joined the family. While Lucner has not enjoyed quite the honeymoon he was hoping for, it will be really good to have him back next week, too, Lord wiling.
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement through this time. Don't stop!
Gertha made it in at 7:15, and said out of nowhere, the Haitian police are out and about, ripping out all of the barricades, burning down many "Bas" huts (little bamboo huts built during elections/celebrations, etc. basically for partying), and breaking up rioters. Many of these huts have been being occupied by rioters and been good places for barricades.
Abel set out at 8 am for town, hoping to get a few supplies that the seminary is in need of in case things get stopped up again after the weekend.
Several of the students are hoping to get home after noon, and you can just HEAR life happening again.
With rumors UN was threatening to cancel elections next week if things didn't calm down, many people suspect that candidates are paying the police to get this cleared up. Whatever the reason, it is great to hear the happy sounds of peace, making us realize just how quiet it has been these last few days. While a small minority has been causing problems, the large majority have been trapped in their homes, like us, and now everyone seems quite relieved to have just a bit of freedom again.
We will continue to stay here in Saccanville for the weekend while things continue to clear up as people that stand out a bit, and then hope that by Monday we'll be able to at least get to Vaudreil (the community where OMS is located). Thanksgiving is Thursday, and Kate has the turkeys in Vaudreil! We had already begun to lament them, and think of creative ways to make chicken legs taste like turkey...so I'm getting pretty excited about the hope that just maybe there will be Thanksgiving dinner this year, after all.
Please pray for continued improvement, that this peace will NOT just last the weekend, and that our students can get home, and our staff and students can all get back in safely Sunday evening/Monday morning.
We have not been able to get a hold of Paul for days now, and are anxious to hear if their newest has joined the family. While Lucner has not enjoyed quite the honeymoon he was hoping for, it will be really good to have him back next week, too, Lord wiling.
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement through this time. Don't stop!
18 November 2010
Didn't get the tree up today, but Lily had a BLAST painting...very serious, tongue out the whole time, very proud of each portrait, absolutely wanted no help from anyone. We got through half of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Lily got to watch "The Snowman", and Matt's cinnamon rolls were a big hit here and next door, which we fondly call "Seaside Assisted Living."
The guys had a great day, too, making fun of each other's cooking, studying and more soccer, and tonight are watching Home Alone 2 because Home Alone 1 "made them cry, it was so hilarious."
As far as Lily is concerned, all is well and right with the world: Mommy and Daddy are home, bunches of her friends are playing with her throughout the day, Shayla brought her a bag of Cheetos, she got to watch a "Moo-me" (movie), she had homemade cinnamon rolls for lunch, and the cat played ball with her all evening...no cholera, no elections, no violence, no problems. She is a refreshing bundle of joy for our community here!
The guys had a great day, too, making fun of each other's cooking, studying and more soccer, and tonight are watching Home Alone 2 because Home Alone 1 "made them cry, it was so hilarious."
Didn't get the tree up today, but Lily had a BLAST painting...very serious, tongue out the whole time, very proud of each portrait, absolutely wanted no help from anyone. We got through half of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Lily got to watch "The Snowman", and Matt's cinnamon rolls were a big hit here and next door, which we fondly call "Seaside Assisted Living."
The guys had a great day, too, making fun of each other's cooking, studying and more soccer, and tonight are watching Home Alone 2 because Home Alone 1 "made them cry, it was so hilarious."
As far as Lily is concerned, all is well and right with the world: Mommy and Daddy are home, bunches of her friends are playing with her throughout the day, Shayla brought her a bag of Cheetos, she got to watch a "Moo-me" (movie), she had homemade cinnamon rolls for lunch, and the cat played ball with her all evening...no cholera, no elections, no violence, no problems. She is a refreshing bundle of joy for our community here!
The guys had a great day, too, making fun of each other's cooking, studying and more soccer, and tonight are watching Home Alone 2 because Home Alone 1 "made them cry, it was so hilarious."
joy comes in the morning
Good morning! We are excited about and thankful for your prayers this morning! We're hanging tight with John, Dorothy, the Coopers, and 16 students who are unable to get to their homes and some good friends from Saccanville.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
joy comes in the morning
Good morning! We are excited about and thankful for your prayers this morning! We're hanging tight with John, Dorothy, the Coopers, and 16 students who are unable to get to their homes and some good friends from Saccanville.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
joy comes in the morning
Good morning! We are excited about and thankful for your prayers this morning! We're hanging tight with John, Dorothy, the Coopers, and 16 students who are unable to get to their homes and some good friends from Saccanville.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
To have 16 students on a four day vacation is rare indeed, but they are making the best of it, playing lots of soccer and we handed over our video collection...they're enjoying National Treasure, Fiddler on the Roof, Princess Bride, Home Alone, and School of Rock. They have all spoken with their families, and everyone is doing well...just staying in.
That seems to be the key...The only issues of violence are happening where people are congregating and acting out. EVERY single person we know who is staying in their homes is just fine.
We are thankful that the rest of our students got home safely. While cars and trucks are still not allowed on the roads, motorcycles got the guys home (who are NOT from in town) yesterday by paying a small bribe at each roadblock.
While I have a VERY strict rule that we canNOT start into Christmas until after Thanksgiving, we are getting just a LITTLE bored around here with Lil, so have deemed it "get ready for Christmas" weekend....we have craft projects, cinnamon rolls, and the building of the Christmas tree on the docket for today, mixed with a Christmas movie or two and lots of good Christmas music.
While our joy level was down yesterday, we are praising the Lord for restoring unto us the joy of our salvation today. Honestly, it has been the students, completely aware of the situation around us (better than we are) and unable to be with their families, and yet TRULY making the most of the situation that have inspired us. They are constantly kicking around the soccer ball, helping each other study, practicing their English, cooking for each other, laughing and just living in healthy, godly, encouraging community despite their circumstances.
For the thousandth time, we are so blessed and thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered community, who we can pour into and who pour into us.
Please keep praying for the 23 of us here, for Haiti, for peace, for truth and for His voice to be heard in EACH of our lives.
We'll keep posting every day until things calm on down...Thank you!
Pictures of family Christmas later today.
17 November 2010
Nou La
Nou la is a common Haitian response to the "How are you?" question...directly translated "We're Here."
That's us today, nothing more or less...Nou La.
We still have a large number of students here with us, many unable to go home, so we continued on with classes today. Matt and I are teaching all the languages in the mornings, and then the Coopers and Matt, with the help of Belony and Joab, are teaching the Bible courses the rest of the morning and into the afternoons. Not ONE of our national teaching staff has been able to be in since Monday, so we are pressing on a bit short-handed.
However, the students and staff who are here have been great and flexible. Tomorrow is a major national holiday celebrating the final fight of independence Haiti won against France. It took place right outside of Cap-Haitien, so the celebrations annually take place there, with many government officials from southern Haiti usually coming in for this.
We are hoping it is this holiday that will end, or at least delay for a few days, the continued violence and riots throughout the north. It is an important holiday to every Haitian, and no one wants to be locked in their homes afraid to leave on a major holiday leading into a major holiday weekend. We are praying that this will calm things down a bit, at least for the weekend, and enable our students to get home to check on and be with their families, and enable staff and students to get back safely Sunday night for a full week next week...election week.
We have been working hard to understand how all of these issues this week are linked to the election next Sunday, knowing that this is no coincidence but not quite understanding how it all works. I don't want to get into politics on a public domain, but after more discussion with more people yesterday and today, it does seem QUITE interesting that last Friday, everyone was angry at the government for not doing anything to help with Cholera, everyone was refusing to participate in the elections, moral way way down, etc...and then just two days later, after some key candidates pegged cholera, violence, enslavement and even plans for dictatorship on the UN... suddenly the government is heroic, the peace-keepers are the enemy, and several candidates who have promised to kick the UN out of Haiti forever have become insanely popular overnight.
Moral in Haiti is restored, people who are tired of being hungry and poor and sick have a good excuse to violently vent out some of the stress and frustration that comes from life in Haiti being SO hard EVERY day, and the UN, who no one ever really liked anyway, is an easy target.
At least that's our theory :) Either way, it is sad to see how many already have been injured or killed during this time, and how many continue to contract and die from Cholera while battles rage.
It is a GIFT this morning to hear the Word of God being taught to my right and left while shouting continues over our walls, to hear the staff and students unite in praise songs to the One True God, to hear fifty prayers loudly lifted at the same time for our families, our country, our politics, and His people. It is the ONLY true balm, the ONLY true relief, the ONLY true need of Haiti...His desired presence.
While Nou La always sounds quite depressing, we are realizing more and more that in Haiti, it is actually the citation of a miracle. Because of Him, His grace and His presence, we are HERE this morning when a lot of people who were here yesterday are not. We have good health, a good little girl, a good marriage, a good calling, a good work, a good community and a GOOD God. Praise the Lord.
That's us today, nothing more or less...Nou La.
We still have a large number of students here with us, many unable to go home, so we continued on with classes today. Matt and I are teaching all the languages in the mornings, and then the Coopers and Matt, with the help of Belony and Joab, are teaching the Bible courses the rest of the morning and into the afternoons. Not ONE of our national teaching staff has been able to be in since Monday, so we are pressing on a bit short-handed.
However, the students and staff who are here have been great and flexible. Tomorrow is a major national holiday celebrating the final fight of independence Haiti won against France. It took place right outside of Cap-Haitien, so the celebrations annually take place there, with many government officials from southern Haiti usually coming in for this.
We are hoping it is this holiday that will end, or at least delay for a few days, the continued violence and riots throughout the north. It is an important holiday to every Haitian, and no one wants to be locked in their homes afraid to leave on a major holiday leading into a major holiday weekend. We are praying that this will calm things down a bit, at least for the weekend, and enable our students to get home to check on and be with their families, and enable staff and students to get back safely Sunday night for a full week next week...election week.
We have been working hard to understand how all of these issues this week are linked to the election next Sunday, knowing that this is no coincidence but not quite understanding how it all works. I don't want to get into politics on a public domain, but after more discussion with more people yesterday and today, it does seem QUITE interesting that last Friday, everyone was angry at the government for not doing anything to help with Cholera, everyone was refusing to participate in the elections, moral way way down, etc...and then just two days later, after some key candidates pegged cholera, violence, enslavement and even plans for dictatorship on the UN... suddenly the government is heroic, the peace-keepers are the enemy, and several candidates who have promised to kick the UN out of Haiti forever have become insanely popular overnight.
Moral in Haiti is restored, people who are tired of being hungry and poor and sick have a good excuse to violently vent out some of the stress and frustration that comes from life in Haiti being SO hard EVERY day, and the UN, who no one ever really liked anyway, is an easy target.
At least that's our theory :) Either way, it is sad to see how many already have been injured or killed during this time, and how many continue to contract and die from Cholera while battles rage.
It is a GIFT this morning to hear the Word of God being taught to my right and left while shouting continues over our walls, to hear the staff and students unite in praise songs to the One True God, to hear fifty prayers loudly lifted at the same time for our families, our country, our politics, and His people. It is the ONLY true balm, the ONLY true relief, the ONLY true need of Haiti...His desired presence.
While Nou La always sounds quite depressing, we are realizing more and more that in Haiti, it is actually the citation of a miracle. Because of Him, His grace and His presence, we are HERE this morning when a lot of people who were here yesterday are not. We have good health, a good little girl, a good marriage, a good calling, a good work, a good community and a GOOD God. Praise the Lord.
16 November 2010
like Mount Zion
Sitting in Matt's chair last night, listening to the students singing their way through a late night prayer service for their country, I started out in Psalms, just asking the Lord to give me peace in His Word.
I was instead humbled by Psalm 125.
Those who trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion ,
which cannot be moved or shaken,
but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest...
Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts.
For those who turn aside to crooked ways
Lead them away.
Peace be upon us.
I must admit that those who view me have not seen a mountain of trust in the Lord.
As the second year guys and I worked through this chapter this morning, we talked about what it MEANS to be a mountain. Unchanging. Firm. Unswayed by rain, wind, storms, violence, fire. Those who trust in the Lord will be like the mountain.
So if those who trust in the Lord are like trees and waves and flowers, thrown about by every wind, prone to worry, gossip and fear, then why would others come to put their trust in Him?
I am so thankful that He doesn't ask us to trust Him on our own strength, but promises to HELP us trust Him if it is what we truly desire.
Grateful, this morning, to be surrounded on all sides by Him.
Continued violence throughout Northern Haiti has everyone just staying home. Since about 80% of our student body is stranded here anyway, we are continuing on with classes. Matt is covering for all kinds of professors, and would appreciate your continued prayers. Our retreat in the Dominican tomorrow has obviously been cancelled, and Matt would have been unable to leave the Seminary so understaffed, anyway.
I must admit that we are a little disappointed...we had been excited about "getting away" for a few days, enjoying the food and rest of "Sosua by the Bay" and having no cooking or dishes or laundry or papers to grade or decisions to make or, well, Cholera, for a few days. Maybe next year!
Meanwhile, I am thankful that we are all safe, that our students' families and staff are all safe in their homes, and am INCREDIBLY thankful for Dorothy and John.
Gertha was unable to leave her home this morning, so Bubba and Dodo were on babysitting duty. They made play-doh dinosaurs and watched Elmo, and continue to help me while I'm feeling terrible by having us over for suppers, bringing over cookies and bread, continue to take great care of the Cooper's while they are here and teaching, helping out where they can....I've just been so incredibly blessed by their friendship these past weeks...I do not know WHAT we would be doing without them.
Please continue to pray for good health for Haiti, peace and safety.
Thursday is a major holiday here in Haiti, so we are hearing rumors that perhaps Thursday will bring an end to riots. (No one wants to be locked indoors for a holiday or for the weekend.) Praying that this will be the case!
We'll keep you posted! Thank you for your continued prayers!
I was instead humbled by Psalm 125.
Those who trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion ,
which cannot be moved or shaken,
but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest...
Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts.
For those who turn aside to crooked ways
Lead them away.
Peace be upon us.
I must admit that those who view me have not seen a mountain of trust in the Lord.
As the second year guys and I worked through this chapter this morning, we talked about what it MEANS to be a mountain. Unchanging. Firm. Unswayed by rain, wind, storms, violence, fire. Those who trust in the Lord will be like the mountain.
So if those who trust in the Lord are like trees and waves and flowers, thrown about by every wind, prone to worry, gossip and fear, then why would others come to put their trust in Him?
I am so thankful that He doesn't ask us to trust Him on our own strength, but promises to HELP us trust Him if it is what we truly desire.
Grateful, this morning, to be surrounded on all sides by Him.
Continued violence throughout Northern Haiti has everyone just staying home. Since about 80% of our student body is stranded here anyway, we are continuing on with classes. Matt is covering for all kinds of professors, and would appreciate your continued prayers. Our retreat in the Dominican tomorrow has obviously been cancelled, and Matt would have been unable to leave the Seminary so understaffed, anyway.
I must admit that we are a little disappointed...we had been excited about "getting away" for a few days, enjoying the food and rest of "Sosua by the Bay" and having no cooking or dishes or laundry or papers to grade or decisions to make or, well, Cholera, for a few days. Maybe next year!
Meanwhile, I am thankful that we are all safe, that our students' families and staff are all safe in their homes, and am INCREDIBLY thankful for Dorothy and John.
Gertha was unable to leave her home this morning, so Bubba and Dodo were on babysitting duty. They made play-doh dinosaurs and watched Elmo, and continue to help me while I'm feeling terrible by having us over for suppers, bringing over cookies and bread, continue to take great care of the Cooper's while they are here and teaching, helping out where they can....I've just been so incredibly blessed by their friendship these past weeks...I do not know WHAT we would be doing without them.
Please continue to pray for good health for Haiti, peace and safety.
Thursday is a major holiday here in Haiti, so we are hearing rumors that perhaps Thursday will bring an end to riots. (No one wants to be locked indoors for a holiday or for the weekend.) Praying that this will be the case!
We'll keep you posted! Thank you for your continued prayers!
15 November 2010
continued prayers...
Now, dear friends and family.... We know some of you are concerned about the situation here, but what we truly need and desire right now is an overflow of your prayers! Either I can blog only good news and keep all the burdens to ourselves to carry alone so that no one worries, or I can blog our true prayer needs and count on you all to "hold our ropes" in prayer, send us encouraging emails, verses, etc!
We are always seeking His direction, and need your help encouraging us on to a true trust in the Lord and a closer walk with Him! I am prone enough to give in to worry on my own...stop helping me! :)
We love and appreciate you each so much, KNOWING full well that we do not stand here alone but are well-backed by beautiful friends and family!
That said...Haiti continues to greatly need your prayers.
There was a death in Saccanville on Thursday that was circulated quickly as a "Cholera Death of a young boy"...no one would leave their homes, ect. However, after everyone calmed down a bit, and it was proved that the man, who we now learn was actually a 55-year old witch doctor from the first set of temples upon entering Saccanville, had no diarrhea or vomiting, and died unexpectedly after several minutes of clutching at his arm and chest.
So, there are still no cases of cholera in Saccanville, everyone has calmed down a bit and is working hard to bleach and boil and keep their hands out of their mouths, and it is just GREAT to see the training that Dr. Rodney did a few weeks ago put into practice by so many.
We have been speaking with Rodney a lot these past days, and are in conversations now about getting in a large shipment of IV fluids from either Florida or the Dominican so that the clinic is well prepared in case anyone DID contract cholera. We've also changed up the meals a bit at the Seminary, cutting out things such as bread and peanut butter, that we buy in bags off the street, and only serving that which can be bleached or boiled. My aunt has also sent in all kinds of oral rehydration packets and sports drinks, so the Seminary seems to be as well-covered and prepared as possible.
However, pending fears and lack of treatment and governmental aid for cholera, the terrible state of the roads, the upcoming elections, and who-knows-what-else have all accumulated into major manifestations (riots) in town today. Several of our staff members that live on the other side of town were unable to leave their homes today, as with several students.
I will NEVER understand, but it seems that many deaths always surround major elections while emotions are more heated, corruption seems to be more prevalent, and there is money circulating under the table. Add in the cholera, the earthquake, and desperate times...
Needless to say, we are all staying way out of town, and are thankful to be out in a very remote community who loves to sit and talk about everything, but has never participated in so much as a burning bike tire. Please keep praying for our staff and students who live in town, and who may be unable to leave their homes for quite a while. I misinformed you...elections are not until the 28th.
Please pray for Paul, who is stranded in the midst of the chaos in town, and whose wife is due ANY moment with their fifth.
Please pray for Matt, who is trying to teach and work through these issues and lead in the absence of the rest of the administration, (Bryan, Lucner, Paul) and a professor (Elizay). This is a stressful time to be leading a seminary!
I think, sometimes, that heaven will be an extra special place for Haitians. No more pain, no more suffering...that just HAS to mean more to this precious group of believers. How beautiful it is, today, to have a REALITY of HOPE. Not just for heaven! Just for HIM in life TODAY. In the midst of it all my students had an insanely good time this morning just being in class....because of WHOSE they are.
We are always seeking His direction, and need your help encouraging us on to a true trust in the Lord and a closer walk with Him! I am prone enough to give in to worry on my own...stop helping me! :)
We love and appreciate you each so much, KNOWING full well that we do not stand here alone but are well-backed by beautiful friends and family!
That said...Haiti continues to greatly need your prayers.
There was a death in Saccanville on Thursday that was circulated quickly as a "Cholera Death of a young boy"...no one would leave their homes, ect. However, after everyone calmed down a bit, and it was proved that the man, who we now learn was actually a 55-year old witch doctor from the first set of temples upon entering Saccanville, had no diarrhea or vomiting, and died unexpectedly after several minutes of clutching at his arm and chest.
So, there are still no cases of cholera in Saccanville, everyone has calmed down a bit and is working hard to bleach and boil and keep their hands out of their mouths, and it is just GREAT to see the training that Dr. Rodney did a few weeks ago put into practice by so many.
We have been speaking with Rodney a lot these past days, and are in conversations now about getting in a large shipment of IV fluids from either Florida or the Dominican so that the clinic is well prepared in case anyone DID contract cholera. We've also changed up the meals a bit at the Seminary, cutting out things such as bread and peanut butter, that we buy in bags off the street, and only serving that which can be bleached or boiled. My aunt has also sent in all kinds of oral rehydration packets and sports drinks, so the Seminary seems to be as well-covered and prepared as possible.
However, pending fears and lack of treatment and governmental aid for cholera, the terrible state of the roads, the upcoming elections, and who-knows-what-else have all accumulated into major manifestations (riots) in town today. Several of our staff members that live on the other side of town were unable to leave their homes today, as with several students.
I will NEVER understand, but it seems that many deaths always surround major elections while emotions are more heated, corruption seems to be more prevalent, and there is money circulating under the table. Add in the cholera, the earthquake, and desperate times...
Needless to say, we are all staying way out of town, and are thankful to be out in a very remote community who loves to sit and talk about everything, but has never participated in so much as a burning bike tire. Please keep praying for our staff and students who live in town, and who may be unable to leave their homes for quite a while. I misinformed you...elections are not until the 28th.
Please pray for Paul, who is stranded in the midst of the chaos in town, and whose wife is due ANY moment with their fifth.
Please pray for Matt, who is trying to teach and work through these issues and lead in the absence of the rest of the administration, (Bryan, Lucner, Paul) and a professor (Elizay). This is a stressful time to be leading a seminary!
As easy as it is to see Haiti as numbers and chaos, please keep remembering that this little country is just made up of PEOPLE, exactly as unique, talented, beautiful, passionate, and beloved to the Lord as you and I. Please be praying for each person, for protection, for peace, for a miraculous end to cholera, miraculous end to political instability, and a miraculous coming to the Lord...the Only Peace, the Only Light, the Only Answer, in the midst of such turmoil, darkness and confusion.
13 November 2010
Happily ever after Luke!
I had hoped to make it through the whole day, but left the house at 8 am, and Matt brought me home after the service, before the reception, at 1:30 pm. Lily, baby and I were beat! It was a fun day, though, most to watch Lucner and Luna really enjoying their moment, their friends and family and each other!
Two different choirs and four different singing groups blessed the ceremony with some great performances, and ultimately the senior pastor where Lucner is an associate pastor married the couple. With public displays of affection being VERY rare in this culture, "the kiss" had everyone on their feet, pushing down the aisle with camera phones ready. The pastor was so unsatisfied with their first attempt that he made them kiss three times for good measure :)
We're thankful to be in ministry and living life alongside of this special young couple! Thank you to the many of you who sent gifts and cards along for their big day.
Luke's taking the week off for his honeymoon, and we head for the Dominican on Wednesday morning for our annual OMS Haiti retreat (through Saturday).
They tell me there are ones bigger, but the church we were in today was the biggest I've ever been in in Haiti, and just BEAUTIFUL. We found out through the program that Matt was doing the opening prayer, and it was also fun to see so many EBS family members involved. Pastor Elizay was the MC, Paul read, Guenson translated and prayed, Matt prayed and over 20 of the students were in attendance. We had quite the tap-tap going :)
The little flower girl and ringbearer sat on their chairs in front the whole service...very impressive!
We saw this twisted tipped truck accident on our way from the wedding to the reception...just to show you a bit of what the roads (this is the MAIN road through down-town) are like right now.
Lucner's family (on the left) are all shorter than him, then Luna's family (on the right, minus several towering brothers and sisters) are all taller...Luke never seems to mind!
Bride and groom with Guenson and Claudia
Two different choirs and four different singing groups blessed the ceremony with some great performances, and ultimately the senior pastor where Lucner is an associate pastor married the couple. With public displays of affection being VERY rare in this culture, "the kiss" had everyone on their feet, pushing down the aisle with camera phones ready. The pastor was so unsatisfied with their first attempt that he made them kiss three times for good measure :)
We're thankful to be in ministry and living life alongside of this special young couple! Thank you to the many of you who sent gifts and cards along for their big day.
Luke's taking the week off for his honeymoon, and we head for the Dominican on Wednesday morning for our annual OMS Haiti retreat (through Saturday).
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