Our family in transition.

We made it! We have arrived in Haiti and have been doing the big job of unpacking and organizing. So far we are about 2/3 of the way organized. More than once I have wished my mom were here to help. Missing you mom.

We want to take one more moment to thank each of you that have joined our journey by through prayer and financial support. It has affirmed for us that we are doing God's will. We are so excited to have each of you on this adventure with us. We know not everyone is called to Haiti but we hope that as we share our experiences, you will be as blessed as we are through the many ways we see God working around us.

We went grocery shopping today at a newly discovered store. It is only a 35 or 40 minute drive to get there, which is 30 minutes quicker than the store we normally go to. AND, more importantly, it had almost everything on my list! Grocery store blessings! 

We are living in a 3 bedroom, one bathroom home. It is probably about 1000 sq feet and has a wonderful screened in porch to sit on. It looks like a pretty normal American home. We have running water (which means flush toilets, showers, sinks) and electricity (which means a fridge, stove, lights on switches, fans). Since living in Haiti, I have decided that while these things are not a must, they are wonderful to have. I am grateful that I have access to them. 

Its only been five days, but the transition has been hard in some ways and easy in others. We miss our family and friends...a lot. We have so many amazing people in our lives and we already miss seeing their faces. Being in America for four months gave us the ability to spend a lot of time with them and it was beautiful.  

The first tiime we came to Haiti we were filled with excitement about following God's call. It is an adventure that not everyone gets to be a part of. The first time we went as heros (or at least that is what some told us). This time, we were able to see what we are missing by being far from family and friends. We were back long enough that we remembered the American life's many perks. This time we know that being a missionary is not being a hero, its being a soldier and its hard work. 

Haiti is filled with political unrest, poor healthcare, bad roads, lack of basic necessities and resources. This time when we packed up to go, we knew that Vodoo and Satan play a huge part in a sort of dark oppression that exists on the grounds of Haiti. We know that basic living like going to the grocery store can take 4 hours, if there are no problems. We know that things will be hard because when you are serving Jesus, Satan begins to fight. 

However, returning has been easy in many ways as well. We have MANY friends in Haiti. We are blessed with an incredible support network of both Haitians and Americans. It has been amazing to be able to return to Haiti and see all of their faces again. As soon as we reached Global Outreach our kids disappeared to hang out with their friends. They are so glad to be together again. They never run out of things to talk about, legos to build, games to play, and grounds to explore. Austin told me yesterday that he is glad to be back in Haiti. How many 14 year olds would feel that way?? Only God can prepare a child's heart to serve as a missionary. 

It is easy because we know how to take care of our family in Haiti. We know how to shop, what to eat and drink, how to drive, what to be cautious of and what is ok in Haiti. It is easy because we know that we are doing what God has called us to do in Haiti. That is the best part.

So, while we are mourning the loss of our face to face time with our friends and family back home, we know that God will bless them and us in this time. We know it is not tearing apart, but building us stronger. We know that God brings us crazy blessings every day and we will focus on Him as we transition back to Haiti. 

Forget not all the sunshine of the way   

By which the Lord hath led thee; answered prayers,   

And joys unasked, strange blessings, lifted cares,   

Grand promise-echoes! Thus thy life shall be 

One record of His love and faithfulness to thee. F. R. HAVERGAL.

 

This is the view from our front door. 

Standing in our doorway looking out of our house. (Please ignore the mess)

Landen helping transport food to give to the elderly that come each Monday. 

One view of our home. :)

Another view of our home. 

Missionary boys...just chilling as they wait for the elderly to arrive. 

Elderly (Gran moun) praising Jesus. They are so great!

This flower is growing outside my house. It makes me happy. (no filter used)

Sierra helping with the laundry. Its hot enough things dry pretty quickly. 

Much to the chagrin of my kids, homeschooling must commence.