Sharing Love in Haiti: October 2014

It's been almost two months since I last updated everyone on how things are going here. I guess it took me being sick and having a "sick day" to really reflect on all that has happened and is happening. It has been tough lately. This is definitely the most challenging work I have ever done. A lot of it has to do with the physical and emotional tolls from the environment and the need here. It's difficult to be in my position and not be able to help everyone who comes for help. The need is great and the resources to combat that need are small. One of our teachers came to me recently and asked for a loan to finish building her house. She said she has been living in a tent since the earthquake with her family. Two ladies came to our gate last Friday asking for help with the costs of a funeral. It was for a young child in our feeding program who didn't make it in the hospital. In both of these situations I had to eventually tell them we couldn't help them. Circumstances like these are brought to me on an almost daily basis.

I find myself lost in "busyness" most of the time. There is a lot to do and a lot of decisions that need to be made every day. My responsibilities range from keeping the financial records to pumping water and trying to help with medical issues if necessary. I am still teaching a class as well. I've discovered I really don't like teaching, but it might be because I'm teaching a subject that I'm not that interested in. Lately I've started to realize that I need to find a way to spend more time with Jesus, because the good work that I do and my level of busyness is wearing me out and leaving me dry. I'm sure that many of you can relate.

I have been reminded of what's most important today in my devotional. The reminder comes from the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10. Martha was so busy preparing dinner (doing work) for the Lord that she missed out on the most important thing--being in His presence. Martha's sister Mary didn't care about anything else at that point in time except for being with Jesus. I don't know about you, but I think if I started spending more time sitting at the feet of Jesus the burdens of this world might get a little lighter. My bitterness for some of the circumstances I have to deal with might fade away. Maybe this life can be shed of some of it's complications and take on a simpler form. I believe this to be true.

As much as I try not to worry about things I still do. With my wedding less than 2 months away, the financial planner in me thinks about how I'm going to support a wife when I barely have enough money to support myself. I feel bad because I know I can't even fulfill everything that she envisioned for the wedding. I'm ashamed that I think about these kinds of things, because I know God already has all of this worked out. I just need to trust Him. I told Fabiola that she needs to be prepared for what could be a rough road ahead. We will have each other and our faith in the Lord and that really is all that matters. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Cancer is about to, or already has ushered our treasurer, Lynn Bowen, into Paradise. Being involved with the finances, I communicated with Lynn on a regular basis throughout my time with Christian Light School. She has sacrificed her time and efforts to help with this ministry since its inception. I am grateful for her contributions to CLS. While I know she will be missed I am happy she is or will be free from the suffering of this world. Please pray for her loved ones during this difficult time.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support! I ask for your continued prayers for my spiritual journey, my upcoming marriage, the children at the school and children's home, the Haitian staff, my fellow missionaries, and the board of directors for CLS. We all need to be covered in prayer at this time.

For this post I just wanted to share some pictures with those who do not see my pictures on facebook. I don't take pictures very often, but the following are some of the ones I do have.

With Miselene and Jovenel in April

Kervenson and me

Jean Wilson

Recent picture of Jean Wilson and me

Magdala and me

Medjina and me

The mountains south of Port-au-Prince

Mountains cont.

Mountains cont.

Small waterfall in the valley

I went with some of the children's home kids to Gonaives in the spring. Gonaives is where a lot of our kids in the children's home are from. This is Tcharly with some of his family in Gonaives.