On the Grid!

The last two months have been a whirlwind. We left the states with suitcases in tow the beginning of June, went to LaGonave a few days and then headed to Monwi on the mainland for bootcamp. It was a great learning experience for improving our Creole (although we have a lot to work on yet), learning more about the culture, and applying what we learned in actual scenarios. We met and got to know people in the community, sang and prayed at the prison in St. Marc, prayed with patients at the hospital in St. Marc, listened to a Haitian folktale and bought food by bartering at the market for dinner one night to provide some examples. It was a welcoming environment as the leaders have a strong Christian faith. Everyone in bootcamp was so nice and it was great getting to know about others’ organizations and their hearts for Haiti. Click here for a video of  Bootcamp.

After bootcamp we arrived at our new home. Our friend, Allison, provided a water gallon for us so we would have water and she and Renee welcomed us to the island. Our kids found it much more fun to go play with Renee’s kids than to help unpack…and we were on our way to getting settled in. We quickly learned that our home only had half of the windows screened, that we needed to buy propane tanks on the mainland and that the neighbors didn’t like how loud our generator was (we only ran it at night, they complained the next day). As frustrating as it is to not have lights on after 6:30pm (too many moths for my liking), more mosquitos than I could count, couldn’t use the stove, nor use the refrigerator, we adapted. I truly believe we would not have met the people that we have or gotten to know them as well as we have if it was not for our adjustment period. Starfysh had a team at the guesthouse when we arrived. They came over with open hands willing to do what they could to help. It was appreciated more than they will ever know! Shortly after they left we were blessed with another group at Starfysh. They provided moral support that was much needed at that time. Local missionaries were also quick to help us. There was a team at the Wesleyan mission that had a group of people skilled in construction / building. They came over and put screens on most of the openings. Our moth and mosquito population quickly decreased after that and I could turn on lights after dark. Bruce and I took a couple visits to Port-au-Prince in between teams while the girls stayed back at Ortlip (Wesleyan guesthouse and wharf in Monwi) and helped watch another missionary family’s kids. We left with solar purchased, propane tanks, and food for a month (when we left the island we were down to a cracker diet as we couldn’t find much on the island as we were limited without fridge or stove and didn’t know where else to get food but a couple places with limited items at the time). We promptly got the propane going and we could make our food on the stove. Several local missionaries came and helped with the solar and we finally got electricity during the day about a week ago so our fridge is functioning! We ended up having issues with our wifi due to the sim card we were provided. Another missionary knew what was wrong and helped us get our wifi up and running which we have had since this past Sunday. These items are quick fixes state side but a whole different story in Haiti. I am proud to say we have endured and so thankful for the extended family we have in Haiti.

Aside from the house, we have been busy with teams, staff, and navigating our new community. Our first Sunday we were invited to lunch with the Wesleyan and WISH missionaries. It was great getting to know everyone. The next day was July 4^th, we met with them for an evening of fellowship consisting of a picnic, sparklers and even six fireworks! Later that week we joined and assisted a team that was working on obtaining pictures and information on the students in Makochon so they could set up sponsorships for them. We also had the opportunity one evening to talk with a couple people about how Jesus is free, there is no need to pay for someone to pray for you. We prayed for his daughter with him. 

We also helped with a team at the childrens’ village, Okipe. In the morning they put on a camp that talked about the world and then took the boys swimming one afternoon and the girls the next afternoon. In the evening we were in meetings with the principals and teachers discussing partnering to learn new skill sets. We have discovered new roads, stores, and food, met some of our neighbors, and learned that you wait 2 hours to be helped at the desk at the bank but only wait an hour or less if you want a teller. We have been following up with staff whose kids are sick as several of them have not been feeling well. Two were admitted to the hospital but both are now out. One lady came to us as her eyelids are healed together. We have been trying to find help for her but unfortunately nothing in Haiti so far. We got a puppy last week and it died three days later from Parvo. Last Sunday our key broke in the lock of our house and it was quite the adventure to get back in. Through it though we met our neighbor, and local carpenter, as he offered us his hammer and saw. Today he gave us a watermelon from his garden. No day is the same but we are enjoying getting to know our neighbors and others in the community better.

What I have learned and been reminded of over the past 2 months:

1.       God has this! We just need to follow. He continues to provide during situations that seem impossible at times.

2.       God can take a difficult situation and use it for His glory.

3.       Don’t take your electricity, water, gas, A/C, or conveniences for granted.

4.       Sometimes I need to ask for help and that is okay. I can’t do everything myself and God uses others to show me His love.

5.       Take time every single day to talk to God. For us it is morning and night and everywhere in between. He is there ALL the time but we need to stop and listen.

***Still have a donor who will match up to $1000 a month for a monthly donations for two years. Please help us meet this match!***

Prayer items:

1.       Praise as we have a new renter for our home.

2.       Health for us and also the Starfysh employees and their families.

3.       That the Lord leads us each day and it is clear how He wants us to be His hands and feet.