It makes me think of the song, 'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.... you make me happy!' The sun finally returned to our little corner of the world today. The sunshine streams through my bedroom windows and that's what woke me this morning. I looked forward to today because one of my best friends...I should say 'sister'....Diane, was to give a presentation at the Christian Church regarding her mission work in Haiti. I went along, not only as support, but because I love to hear her voice speaking of the friends and family I've come to know as my own too.
I reminded myself as I got dressed this morning that the sun was shining, it was a new day and a time to rejoice. I also remembered my Haitian friends were probably heading to church and hopefully they were singing praises to our Lord amidst the heartache and trouble that still lies ahead for them. They have a strong faith, but we're all only human and I know the heartbreak can be overwhelming for them at times.
Then, as I'm surfin' and getting my blog fix I find a Compassion blog entry about a little boy who is like a lot of Haitians and believe that the tragedy that struck their country was due to their sins and God's wrath upon them. Yet they continue to praise God and always ask for His forgiveness. You can read that blog HERE. 'Looking Past Haiti's short-term needs.'
How strong and committed they are. Can we claim the same faith? Are you that committed to your Lord? Not to believe that a tragedy is a punishment, but that IF you believed that way to continue to praise, honor and glorify a God you believe brought that punishment upon you? I've heard of people losing their faith or turning from God at tragic times in their life. Loss of a spouse or a child being at the top of the list of why. I have people, even friends, that have confessed their lack of faith on occasion. Wondering how to believe everyday, how certain situations or discussions from others can cause you to question that faith. I can't imagine what that feels like. I can't say I can imagine what a heart must feel thinking a natural disaster is God's punishment for my sins either. I can tell you my faith never waivers. I may wonder why on occasion, or add things to my mental list of 'what to ask God when I get to Heaven'. But it never waivers.
My faith stands strong. Everyday. When I'm happy, when I'm sad. When I'm hungry, when I'm mad. When I am overflowing with pride in my children and my husband. When I feel forsaken by friends or angered by acquaintances. He is with me always. He knows and understands those feelings. My faith is so deep and my heart is so full for my Lord that I feel I could accomplish anything in this world. I lean on Him and depend on Him for everything. I sometimes don't even know how to explain it, I just wish everyone could feel the same overwhelming fullness and joy it brings to my life. I wish everyone could know so strong and so deep that they would never doubt it.
Pray for people all around the world that they could know Jesus. That they could have a relationship with Him that is like no other. Pray for the children and people of Haiti to know God's love. Not just a faith to believe in Him but a faith to believe He wants nothing but the best for them.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, Plans to PROSPER you and NOT TO HARM you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE." --Jeremiah 29:11
I know those words are for all God's children. Not just those who can read it in English. But for all those who believe in Him. African, Chinese, Haitian, American.....He has a plan for all our futures.
I've been wondering what to post to my blog for the last few days. Many things ring through my mind and stories I need to write. This morning I was upset again by a comment made on facebook about the situation in Haiti. A comment replying to bringing attention to the telethon for Haiti and the stars helping out. Someone actually posted "woopie doo"!!! And then went on to explain their disgust at the help Haiti is receiving, how with all the aid they will become bigger and better than us and bomb us like Iraq, that their tax dollars were sent by Obama so they have done their part, and how we need to help those right here in "the good 'ole USA". I swear if I hear this one more time I may burst!!!!! After much thought this was my response. I may have several friends on facebook but know it will be read here by many more people. Heck, I may not have so many friends left on facebook now.....
Wow.... I forget that some people still have this attitude. Even though I keep trying to explain it to those that pose the same questions directly to me. We are commanded to care for widows and orphans, the weak... it's in the bible, repeatedly. We are told to "Go therefore and make disciples of ALL the nations" Matthew 28:19
I believe that God lays uponall of our hearts different people and situations that we need to be the hands of feet of Jesus to. Some are drawn or called to China, Africa, Mexico, HAITI and yes, some are called to help right here in the good 'ole USA. We all need to do our part to help fellow man. When I hear people make this comment I wonder what exactly they have done to help those here in the USA. Don't proclaim a call to action if you aren't willing to do something or give to help those who need it.
It's people's ignorance to a situation and their prejudice toward a people they may have never met that breeds hatred among people and nations. And let me clarify (as I seem to offend this week....) I'm not calling you ignorant, the word ignorance is defined by one's lack of knowledge, learning or information on a subject.
You only need to learn of the people and their culture to understand they will never be bigger or better than the USA, no matter how much aid they receive. They only dream of what the USA is because for most they will never be allowed to leave their country. Their government is not like ours. You have the freedom to go and do as you please. Congratulations. You are blessed. I choose to go and help the people of Haiti. With your words of inspiration to help those of the good ole USA I hope that you will now consider helping the people of California and Arizona who are losing their homes and their lives are in turmoil due to floods and mudslides.
We are called to love like Jesus. We ALL fall very short of this. I will pray for you. I will pray for myself to learn to love those who believe as you do. I will continue to pray for Haiti, to provide as much help to them as I can, and look forward to the day when I can return to their country and its people who have shown me the love of Christ.
So, I've said my peace....I'm coming down off of my soapbox and I pray today that God will find some way to touch the hearts of those who are 'ignorant' in so many ways to his world and ALL of his people. I pray that more will come to know the love of Christ and to accept him as their savior.
It's been a long week it seems since the earthquake, and we are on the outside looking in. As much as we want to be there to help our friends and loved ones, we know we would only be a burden at this point and honestly..... I don't know if I could handle the heartache. During our mission trip this summer there were times that it was just so emotionally draining for me. I've cried many tears this week, but none so much as the ones who are living the nightmare I'm sure. I'm wearing out my knees in prayer and decided today to finally put our videos and pictures together from our trip. I'm such a procrastinator and it was something I could share now more than ever and knew it would bring a smile.
This short (and yes, it's SHORT!) youtube video is my daughter Taylor and our 'brothers' Roberto and Alex. I can't begin to describe to you the heart these two men have for the work they do for the mission, the people of Haiti that they help, the Americans who become a part of their family and their Lord. Many nights we had long talks regarding scripture, or discussed Alex's desire to be a pastor. I know their hearts are broken right now also, but knowing the men they are it's never a question of "where was God?", they know He is right there in their midst and they continue to work everyday to bring needed supplies to Port as they can, search for friends and loved ones, and just minister to those in need. We love you both beyond measure and hope this will bring a smile to your hearts as it has ours.
We were updated late last night that another friend made his way to our compound yesterday, Elage was fine. We still search and wait to hear from Celissa. She has some medical training as she desires to someday come to the U.S. to be a nurse and is currently studying in Haiti. Knowing Celissa's heart and spirit her first thoughts would have been to help others before worrying about notifying anyone of her own safety. We hold out hope that she is doing just that. Finding a place where she can be of aid to those in need and we will hear from her soon. Please continue to pray for all of Haiti and I encourage you to send monetary relief to the agency of your choice. Whether it is through our efforts or others. The chip-in box has been moved to the top of the sidebar for convenience rather than scrolling through all the Haiti updated posts.
Simply put in English ;) LOL.... Welcome to my house my brother. We sang this in church and let me tell you, church....well, it's a whole 'nother experience in Haiti! God is definitely among them and we loved worshiping with them!
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." --Acts 21:35
Below you can read the information regarding Haiti and the families and friends we have been praying for and the link to make {legitimate} donations for aid and relief to victims. The links provided are missionaries currently working in country and can help victims. Please feel free to visit their links of their missions and the organizations they are affiliated with. If you don't feel led to give through these missions, please find some way to help support the families in Haiti. Right now they need money for food, water and medical supplies. Things cannot be shipped into the country such as clothes, shoes, etc. and there is more immediate need for necessary, life-saving items like food, water and antibiotics and other medical provisions.
I urge you to continue to pray and keep the victims in your thoughts as our lives continue to go on as regularly scheduled, they are displaced, burying loved ones (if they are fortunate enough to provide a burial--most victims will go into a mass grave), they search for food. I encourage you to fast for a day, one day and try to understand the urgency for their needs.
Please pray for our friend Celissa. She has yet to be found. Roberto and Alex are making another trip into Port today to search for her and others they are still waiting to hear of their safety. I'm not sure what school Celissa was teaching at but we have posted her photo and information to the CNN search site as well as Earthquake Haiti facebook group in hopes of finding information about her.
Celissa is able to access the internet from school to visit with us on a regular basis. We have not heard from her since the earthquake.
We pray for your safety and well-being Celissa and know that God is with you. We ♥ You!
Please continue to visit the links in the next post for the missionaries and their updates as they become available. Pray for their safety and that provisions will come soon. Everyone is running out of supplies at this point.
If you'd like to read more about our trip to Haiti you can click HERE.
Have you ever gone somewhere and felt like you had been there before, or like it was a home away from home and you didn't want to leave? That's how we felt about Haiti this summer. After yesterday's earthquake we're left heartbroken today for the people of Haiti. Not just the ones we know, but the ones we don't know that are still God's people.
To most yesterday was just like any other typical day. Even myself. I got up, took my shower, did household chores, sat down to work at my computer and spent my day in a normal routine. I checked my e-mail around 4:30 and started discovering messages about earthquakes and Haiti. Huh? There's no earthquake in Haiti..... then I discovered the news. I don't turn my television on during the day and once I clicked into yahoo I saw the home page and the news releases. Instantly my heart sank.
My mind raced with all the faces of the people I met, those I didn't meet but passed on the street or drove by along the road. One can't begin to imagine the fear and devastation they must be facing. It's one thing to live in a world like we do where disaster may strike but there are plans in place and methods to follow to ensure we don't stay 'down' for long. We're America after all. Power gets restored, telephones work, there is more than one airport..... Imagine being in a country that has no regular current of electricity. You live on generators on a normal day and now your world has collapsed and there's not even a source to bring fuel to your country to run your generator (which believe me is the least of their worries!). No phone, no electricity, no roads left to get through.
We made new friends and found family in Haiti. Not just the other missionaries but the native people of Haiti. Roberto and Alex who spent every day with us from sunrise to bedtime. Marjorie who cared for us and fed us. Celissa, Claudia, Linda, Smerelda, Miko, Stanley, Mackline...... the list goes on and on. Where are these faces? Where are these loved ones?
Marjorie was our 'mom and grandma' in Haiti. We love her beyond belief. ♥
Leslie and Chris are missionaries living in Haiti with their adopted Haitian daughter Olivia. Chris went to port to have the truck worked on. The last time Leslie spoke to him was 45 minutes before the quake. Imagine wondering where your husband is in the middle of a natural disaster with no phone and no way to communicate. Luckily, after countless hours..... he made it home last night.
* Chris made it home, but the 'countless' hours before his arrival he had spent in Port after the quake trying to help others. He was near a 3 story school full of girls that collapsed and was trying to pull them from the pile of rubble and debris. You can read his heartbreaking story on their blog that is linked below. My heart breaks for Chris as he had to leave some girls behind to find help and wasn't able to return til morning, only to find the girls had died in the night. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Leslie and her daughter Olivia Kevin and Olivia
Keith's new wife is in Haiti while he is stateside right now. Imagine not just being away from your spouse and knowing of their safety, but being in another country.... across an ocean. There is no 'coming home' to the arms of the loved one. Luckily, before bedtime last night Keith was notified that his wife was alive and safe. Yet he still had to go to bed with his arms empty. Those of us here (and in Haiti I'm sure) began to pray. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Have you ever literally stopped what you are doing and fell to your knees and prayed?
Roberto, Me and our sponsored child Smerelda
Roberto and Alex let us know last night that they were safe but they have family in Port that they cannot contact and don't know of their safety or whereabouts. They have become our family. When someone you love is hurting, you hurt. I may not know their extended family but I pray for them. My heart aches for them.
* Roberto and his father traveled to Port yesterday and were able to find his brothers and they are okay. Last we heard he was still searching for his mother. They have brought members of their family home with them to Montrouis.
Roberto, Taylor and our sponsored child Smerelda
Alex! These men have a heart of gold. I believe Alex had found his siblings and they are okay.
Remember the wedding we just went to in December? Bobi and Marcus flew home to Haiti YESTERDAY! Only by the grace of God did they arrive, make their routine trip through the airport, out of Port and traveled to Canaan safely. They were far enough away from the point of the quake that they were safe and unharmed. Can you imagine just arriving home from a long vacation only to be thrown into disaster within hours. Can you imagine being their parents and not knowing how they are just hours after you've said good-bye at the airport? They had no way of contacting their parents. Luckily through the wonder of internet and before they lost power they were able to get a message to friends to notify their families. We praise God for their safe return home. Now they are caring for the dozens of children at the orphanage where they live.
* Bobi and Marcus have updated their BLOG from Canaan Orphanage on their account of the earthquake as they were driving home when it happened. There are also links if you are interested in supporting Canaan Orphanage and their relief efforts. My 'sister' Diane still has regular contact with her children's biological mother in Haiti. Can you stop for a moment and imagine having your son turn to you and want to know if his Momma Cheri is okay? How do you tell your children you don't know for sure? How do you comfort them? (sorry Diane..... don't cry. Know that I love you and I'm still praying for Cheri and the kids. We know they'll be fine. xoxo)
Diane with Momma Cheri and Brian and Kristi's siblings.
* Diane received word that Cheri and the kids are fine. Roberto went out and found them to let Diane know of their safety. Many prayers have been answered. =) There are many more in need of prayer.
I can't tell you how much I want to be there today. I've yearned to go back for the past 6 months. But never so much as the last 24 hours. You can't live with someone for the period of time we did, sleep under the same roof, share all your meals together, pray together, worship together, work together, play together without loving together. A part of my family is hurting today. So please, when you know of someone in Haiti who is safe, don't stop your prayers there. Be grateful for their well being and praise God for that blessing. But remember there are still thousands of others who need your prayers still.
Me and Mackline (she's 7 and has brittle bone disease) Roberto, Kelsey, and her sponsored child Claudia Diane and one of her sponsored children Miko (Michael)
Kevin and another girl they sponsor Alexandra Taylor made MANY friends with her long blonde hair. ;o)
These aren't just faces in the crowd.... not only do they belong to someone here on earth, they belong to our Lord. If you are wondering what you can do to help the people of Haiti.....the very first thing you can do is pray, and secondly you can click on the link in the sidebar (or below) for the mission and donate through paypal or click on the chip-in box and funds will be sent to Leslie and Chris' mission Clean Water for Haiti (which they are so desperately going to need now more than ever, and gas alone to run vehicles to transport people and water and food will be in short supply) and a portion will go to the Heartline Ministries and Life Connection Missions to help any in need. We may not know who they are right now, but God does. These are reputable missions and people we know that are working for the people of Haiti. You can read updates on their blogs and here. Thank you for your prayers.
* Please also keep Britt & Kris and their family in your prayers also. You can read her blog and updates HERE.
If you'd like to read more about our trip to Haiti you can click HERE.
I can't imagine what that feels like. I can't say I can imagine what a heart must feel thinking a natural disaster is God's punishment for my sins either. I can tell you my faith never waivers. I may wonder why on occasion, or add things to my mental list of 'what to ask God when I get to Heaven'. But it never waivers. 
I believe that God lays upon all of our hearts different people and situations that we need to be the hands of feet of Jesus to. Some are drawn or called to China, Africa, Mexico, HAITI and yes, some are called to help right here in the good 'ole USA. We all need to do our part to help fellow man. When I hear people make this comment I wonder what exactly they have done to help those here in the USA. Don't proclaim a call to action if you aren't willing to do something or give to help those who need it.
It's people's ignorance to a situation and their prejudice toward a people they may have never met that breeds hatred among people and nations. And let me clarify (as I seem to offend this week....) I'm not calling you ignorant, the word ignorance is defined by one's lack of knowledge, learning or information on a subject.
You only need to learn of the people and their culture to understand they will never be bigger or better than the USA, no matter how much aid they receive. They only dream of what the USA is because for most they will never be allowed to leave their country. Their government is not like ours. You have the freedom to go and do as you please. Congratulations. You are blessed. I choose to go and help the people of Haiti. With your words of inspiration to help those of the good ole USA I hope that you will now consider helping the people of California and Arizona who are losing their homes and their lives are in turmoil due to floods and mudslides.
We are called to love like Jesus. We ALL fall very short of this. I will pray for you. I will pray for myself to learn to love those who believe as you do. I will continue to pray for Haiti, to provide as much help to them as I can, and look forward to the day when I can return to their country and its people who have shown me the love of Christ.
So, I've said my peace....I'm coming down off of my soapbox and I pray today that God will find some way to touch the hearts of those who are 'ignorant' in so many ways to his world and ALL of his people. I pray that more will come to know the love of Christ and to accept him as their savior.
So, tell me..... What Do You Think?