I'm not going to lie...it's been an incredibly hard week. One of our beloved fourth year students was hit with a rock trying to get home to his wife yesterday afternoon, it's been very challenging to get food and fuel, all of our friends and neighbors and students are concerned, and all plans off the campus have been postponed until further notice.
But the Lord met us in a joyful and sacred way yesterday, and it was JUST the reminder Matt and I needed that He's still at work and caring for His people.
This is the home of a family we dearly love, and I posted these pictures a few years ago from a fun afternoon of hanging out with them. Mom and Dad Payoute had nine children and raised them in this house, one of them being our friend Noel, and when we came into the picture some were off and grown. Maman had been, and had four children, and when her husband left them, she moved them all back in.
Things were tight and loud and happy and we've always been so thankful for these relationships...and always wishing we could do more.
The last several months, our good friends down the road with Welcome Home Haiti HAVE been.
After hiring Maman to help cook for teams, they grew to love her, too, and yesterday their NINETY-FIRST beautiful home was built, for HER!, and we got to be a part of the dedication.
It was just what Matt and I needed...some time celebrating the work that God's done, and the GOOD work that Welcome Home Haiti has done, for faithful followers of His.
The best part, after some worship and a devotional from Matt, was hearing Maman talk about what this means to her. She addressed the couple who helped fund her house, but also addressed all the men and women there who she had invited. As she talked about the constant community and encouragement they all have been for her, helping her, as she thanked her parents and Welcome Home Haiti, I was ALL teared up.
As she gave God all the glory, and as Kim talked about how God had used so many people to bring the funds in for this house, all in the yard of this beautiful new home, it was just a joy for Matt and I to be there--Having done nothing, not one thing, and yet having a beautiful, well done, strong, dry, answer to prayer behind us.
We also just believe so strongly in giving GOOD gifts to the Lord for His people, even in Haiti...ESPECIALLY in Haiti, and it was a joy to see such a quality house, such nice new beds and beautiful sheets and a large solid table for their family. It was just a GIFT.
I love witnessing and being a part of sweet community, loved standing with her parents and sisters and children. I love ministering alongside of Matt, who just does such a good job speaking the Gospel into every moment, with joy and encouragement. I love seeing people all come together and love hearing stories of how God has carried and been faithful. And I love picturing Ephraim and Jepthe sleeping in clean dry beds tonight!
Praising the Lord for that opportunity, and for His timing.
He is still at work, doing what only He can do. He's still providing for His people, still doesn't need us, still looks at His people with love and compassion. He's a good good Father, and loves to give His children good gifts.
Even in hard times. Even in crisis. Even in upheaval. Even in chaos. Even in mud.
Maybe even, especially.
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