The seminary's payment policy put today as the final day for the first payment of this semester, which means lots of staff and students have been coming and going. And, because all this is happening before school actually starts, no one is rushing off to class or grading papers or preparing for chapel.
Which means, everybody's doing what everybody loves to do, perhaps me, most of all: catching up.
There is nothing I love more than sitting with the staff and students, one by one, hearing about their breaks, hearing about their families, the many church services and ministries they were able to be a part of over Christmas and New Years, praying with them, mourning with them, rejoicing with them, laughing.
I love it. And we do some numbers, too, and that's good. Student invoices. Kitchen lists. Office orders.
But this is what I do the numbers FOR.
I never thought this finance portion of my job would be something I enjoyed, but having the chance to do some teaching and learning and creative thinking with each student and several staff members to help them with their personal financial situation (and even the financial situations of their families and churches and work and department) is a true joy.
As I try to work with churches and friends and family around the world to find financial aid for these men and women, THEY are working with their churches and friends and family to do the same, and together, we're finding a way to make ends meet. To rely on our Father. To do our best. To be accountable. To bring Him glory.
Living and loving in community takes many forms, and this is one I'm realizing I've grown thankful for.
For your updates, a brief version of what I'm learning for the many of you who are a part of these lives, as well...
Ezechiel's wife, who has been quite mysteriously sick, is actually four months pregnant! While I think I was a little more excited than they are (noticeably worried), Ezechiel had to admit that a baby is a blessing, and that somehow, God will provide.
a Christmas program Ezechiel did at his church on the top of Baron
Blaise and his wife (our friends who lost their little boy at 7 months pregnant last semester) spent most of the vacation in the Dominican with his wife's sister, which he felt was exactly what his wife needed...a getaway, a new start. So thankful.
Evens was very ill the whole four weeks, but is finally doing better and ready to be out of bed and back in class.
We have two new students starting with us Monday, Mondesir Dieucel (literally, "My Desire is God Only") and Phida, a tiny little woman who seems equally excited and nervous.
Giselaine is GREAT, and the four weeks out of the kitchen and it's administration was GOOD for her. I can't imagine being responsible for the purchasing and cooking and feeding of 70 people every day for 5 months, and she needed that break. It was just good to be back with my friend, and as the girls smothered her with kisses this morning, I was so thankful that they consider her as dear to them as she does them.
Belony, after a truly amazing four days of what might be described as 'revival' in the Flavil area has been asked to be the pastor of a church almost dead. He feels the Lord made it abundantly clear this is His call on Belo's life, and with joy and some amazement, he has accepted.
THAT was a great testimony...more Sunday after we visit, I'm sure. GREAT to see Belo excited and clear on the direction God's got for him, in a zone where Christ in Belo is greatly needed. (Don't worry, Belo's still working at Emmaus every morning :)
Josue's wife is due very soon now, and doing well. Lots of other students are working hard to FIND a wife, and I'm always trying to help, of course :)
Meanwhile, Jesula informed me she worked hard, as instructed, to find a wonderful, godly boyfriend over break, but (with lots of laughs) was unable. "God Knows." :)
Jodenel described working in his church this Christmas as down-right "wonderful." All night prayer meetings, zone-evangelism and special discipleship services for new believers were just a few highlights.
Jean-Marie and Junior return from Port-au-Prince Sunday, and I can't wait to hear more from them about their break, and about Jean-Marie's mother, who was badly burned the start of December when a truck hit her food cart, splashing boiling oil all over her body.
I don't want to bore you...if there's ever anyone you're wondering about, ask away, and I'll give you an update!
We are all very thankful to many of YOU for helping financially and prayerfully to bring us all together for His kingdom in Haiti. If you haven't heard it recently, and even if you have, THANK YOU.
Visiting professors started arriving today (B. Sleasman, L. Lain, L. Lindsay and M. Aubry for this session) and every staff and student ALL agreed today that we're excited to jump back into the Word as a community on Monday!
Thank you for the update! It's so exciting to hear of your work there. :)
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