ups and downs

We've been having some major internet issues these past days, so still no photos, but I'm thankful to even be able to finally receive emails and get online at all!

What an up-and-down week it has been so far!

Ups...

Teaching.  Always a blast having these stretching and growing hours with our students.

Lily is finally officially potty trained.  woo-hoo

Matt preached at a large church in Vaudreil for the first time on Sunday (around 500 members...very large for a Haitian church), really enjoyed it and got some great feedback.

Friends.  We've each has some really good time with friends in the Saccanville or Emmaus community these last few days.  These friendships never stop blessing and encouraging us.

Junior and John.  Today is both Junior and John H's birthday, and we're so incredibly grateful for both of these men.  When we headed out for prayer meeting today, Junior and several students were out front of the gate sharing the gospel...A beautiful thing to witness.

Downs...

Crazy!  Seems like things have suddenly gotten crazy busy, with several visiting professors canceling, a team canceling, extra courses to teach, a sick staff member, a broken water pump (now fixed), downed internet, etc.

Gesner...  We have a student right now who is really struggling with breathing (it seems to be asthma to us, but we don't know.)  After not sleeping all night two nights ago, we took him to the clinic yesterday.  He spent all day there and then came yesterday evening a little better but without treatment or diagnosis.  By this morning he was fighting for each breath again so badly that many of the students were truly afraid for him, as was he.  We hooked him up with an inhaler, and drove him home this morning to rest.  Please be praying for Gesner Joseph, for his healing, or for good medical attention.

Finances...  We're always trying to find ways to be better stewards of the money the Lord is giving Emmaus and are pursing alternative energy and alternative cooking methods, alternative transportation, and anything else we can do to save.  On the flip side of staying within the budget and watching every dollar come the students, many of whom are in a constant state of need, and we also want to help everyone we can in every way we can.

While believing that money is NOT what Haiti needs, it does seem to make life a bit easier :)  Please be praying for Matt as he often finds himself in the middle of being a good steward that is generous...a compassionate cost-cutter.  Saying "no" to anything is always so hard and unappreciated, even if the money is just not there!

We are so thankful that He is the God Who Never Sleeps, He Who Never Changes, and He Who is Faithful.  We are in the middle of a week of needed prayers for energy, encouragement, and joy.  Thank you for being a praying family!