the last days...

These last days have been so full!  Here, Lily practiced evangelizing with a Gospel bracelet on her favorite new friend, Maxi's puppy Danny.  (get it?  Daniel and Boone?)

Here's a few photos from the big conference on Saturday.  There were 200 pastors in attendance which was a bit crowded for the chapel, but it worked!  It was great to see so many past students, and to see them have the opportunity to reconnect and pray with each other.

Pastor Mano of the Pillatre church shared for a few hours about church finances, and had some very wise and Biblical things to share.  

Granny, the ladies and a few helpers from the community worked like crazy all day to cook for everyone, and it was fun to see how proud they were of their work, and how thrilled the pastors were to have a big Haitian meal.

The students worked registration and the book store, and were so friendly and professional and helpful all day...They were proud to be current students and displayed such servant-hearts.

 Past graduates...

 ...and some of the current fourth year class.

The very next day we headed for Pastor Job's, through the river and through the woods...one of our favorite churches.  

After a short hike you arrive here in the church yard, which is a school yard during the week.

This may seem like a strange picture, but I was over-joyed to see this woman attending and worshipping God in her bare feet.  Shoes are a big deal in this culture, and "I don't have the right shoes" is a very common excuse people give for not being Christians and for not attending church.  To see this woman bold enough to violate this cultural "must" out of her desire to be at His feet, and to see the church embrace her all the same was a first for Matt and I...and truly beautiful.

Matt preached on repentance due to a series they are currently doing, and we were blessed to be able to share this special time with our visiting professor friends as well.  The girls behaved so I was able to translate, and it's always a blessing for us to be worshipping together with lots of diverse brothers and sisters at the same time.

On our way home, we had to take a slight detour so as to not cut off kite flying competitions the boys had going.  All the kites were made from grocery bags and twigs...pretty impressive.

Lily would really like to have a motorcycle.  For now, Maxi's will have to do.

"Mom, come look!" 

 "Mmmm.  I don't want to come look, Lily."

 "But Moooom!  It's really cool.  Look!  He ripped out his tongue!  It's the cow HEAD, mom."

 "Lily, I don't want to come look, ok?"

 "MOM.  Don't be scared!  I will save you!"

 Lily and visiting friend Beka made oreo brownies, 2% of which made it in the pan.

Lily and Sofie ate the rest :)  Today Dr. Meg got both girls on antibiotics for their ear infections, fevers, guck and generally fussiness.  So thankful she is here!

Ryan got here safely and we're all having fun!