Staff Christmas

Oh, what a fun day yesterday was.  There are days you can feel so discouraged and bleak about the situation in Haiti...and then there are days you spend with some of it's brightest lights, and you are filled with such hope and gratitude. 

We all need days and relationships like that, and I'm so thankful for this growing crew:

We had a big American style brunch of Quiche and fresh tropical fruit and cinnamon rolls, and then a short business meeting, a bunch of hilarious games (this crew is NOT too cool for school, let me tell you!) and a great time of giving testimonies of what God's done in our lives this past year, and gave out the staff gift...this year an awesome Emmaus University cell phone power bank (the power situation is so complicated here...everyone was thrilled!) from The Scoby Brothers...so thankful!

Matt was laughing so hard at one point I thought he was going to choke.

I love them.  Last week when I was at my sisters, I was so blessed to have these men and women texting, emailing and checking on us, helping Matt here...we have a genuine beautiful, Christ-filled community training up men and women here in Haiti for His glory, and they love us well and are a joy to work alongside.

This girl is so glad to have her chubby brother back :)

The Christmas party behind us, the girls had mini-Christmas with Miss Nikki before she and Emily headed back to the States today.

It felt a little crazy-risky asking a complete and total stranger to come live with us and teach our children for months on end, but I guess there is no real risk when God is in the planning and providing.

What a gift and joy it has been having Miss Nikki in our lives this semester....she is a beautiful example of one who never complains, one who is endlessly patient, of one who pays attention to the details and is always encouraging more educationally and spiritually from our children, one who is kind in her words and actions and quick to help. 

All six of us will miss her terribly this Christmas break...but are so thankful she’s been a part of our family this past semester...and will be again come January, Lord willing!! 

This week is catching up with a ginormous mountain of grading, final exams each day for the girls, and trying to slow stuff down a bit to get a grip on Christmas.  I love the intentional peace and joy and thrill of true hope that His coming brings...