What's Been Happening Around Here!

For starters, the hard drive specialist in Florida was unable to fix or recover any data from our computer hard drive. For those who were waiting to read 'Team Journal 10', sorry, that information was lost. Although we did lose other pictures and video as well, we had a lot of it backed up on different hard drives so the ultimate losses weren't too bad. To replace our broken computer I now have a laptop I can use for the next few months, so look for regular blog updates again!

Sabboule, Anoud and Denise's six year old has made a full recovery after a serious bout of what I believe was meningitis. He was able to return home after six days in the hospital, and although a list of both prescription and non prescription medicines were administered, a formal diagnoses was never given. Apparently this is quite common in Haiti. We are just so thankful he is well again and able to run around and play like any other little boy his age.

Our guest housing schedule is solidly booked till we plan to leave for Canada at the end of April. Although it is busy hosting, we have an organized system in place and those who come are always more than willing to help out, so things generally run smoothly around here.

Jason's flight schedule with MAF has been busy as well. He enjoys it though, and comes home every day full of stories about the people he flew, airstrips he landed, and supplies he transported.

In the month of February we had a family from Alberta here. They spent time in drought stricken Anse Rouge, helping out at various orphanages, painting at a housing settlement for displaced earthquake refugees, and also enjoyed a few days at the beach. Daniella hopes to share some of their experiences on the blog, so stay tuned for pictures and stories.

The two brothers are growing up fast. Even though they fight at times, separating them is nearly impossible.

Often, when I check on them at night, I find Justin, fast asleep in his brother's bed.

On February 28, Justin celebrated his second birthday.

Energetic and happy our little two year old enjoyed cupcakes,

A hotwheels race track,

and a beach day.

After a long and dusty dry season, the rains have returned. The brown grass is slowly starting to turn green again and we are enjoying the cooler temperatures and fresher air.

We are looking forward to our annual MAF family conferences in the DR this coming Thursday. A time of spiritual enrichment and relaxation, it comes as a welcome break from the day to day challenges of life in Haiti. Hope to share pictures and thoughts about our time there next week God willing.

Better Than Waiting For Morning

I stir restlessly in my sleep. The small battery operated fan perched haphazardly beside my pillow whirs loudly. Opening my eyes I squint through the thick darkness, searching for the glow of the small light on the outlet showing city power is on, but there's no light to be seen. 

I let my head fall back against the pillow and close my eyes. I should have listened to my husband when we talked on the phone last night and he told me to run the generator for awhile, but I had been too tired and since city power had been coming on later and later, I had hoped it would come on some time during the night. 

I sure missed Jason who had been in Florida for the past few days for his yearly pilot medical exam, especially with the way the weekend had gone. Wishing there was a thought switch that could be turned off, I try to go back to sleep but to no avail; our backup batteries our not going to last much longer even though I had unplugged the refrigerator and the water purification system.   

"Waa...," I know the instant the batteries die by Justin's scared cries. Sitting up, I inch my way through the thick darkness, careful not to trip, especially now with the added clumsiness of a 5 month pregnant belly. Opening the door to the boy's room I can't see a thing. "Justin, Mommy's here. Come to Mommy," I call out to him.  

Hearing my voice he fumbles in my direction and seconds later I have him in my arms. Too tired to turn the noisy generator on and then later off again, I carry my boy back to bed with me and get him comfortable. I know it will just be a matter of time before Jayden, who is sleeping in the guest room, also wakes up. The boys always wake up when their fans shut off.

Straining to hear any sound from the other room, I am soon rewarded with some stumbling in the hallway. "Mom, my night light turned off." I hear Jayden's sleepy voice. "That's because the power is out. Just come crawl in bed on Daddy's side." "Okay."  

I reach for my cellphone and check the time; 4:20 a.m.. The next few hours before sunrise are going to drag by. I sigh. I don't normally let the kids in bed since neither of them can lay still. Awake or asleep they are constantly in motion, making it next to impossible for me to  sleep. Suddenly remorseful I think of the mother's out there who have lost children. I'm sure they would give anything to spend a few sleepless hours cuddling with their kids, I remind myself.  

I reach for Justin who's in the middle of the bed and snuggle him closer. He pets my hair with his small hand. Curling up I try to get as comfortable as possible, more difficult lately with my growing belly. Thoughts of the last few days replay in my mind. 

I had taken Sabboule, Anoud and Denise's six year old son, with possible meningitis symptoms from one hospital to another on Saturday. Nothing is ever easy in Haiti and it had taken half the day to finally get him admitted to a hospital. There he still had to wait, and when a bed was finally available there was no sheets or pillows, or water or food or anything. All medication that was prescribed had to be found by the patients family in various pharmacies. Two days later tests were still being done and no results had yet been given. 

Thankfully he wasn't getting worse and was actually showing some signs of improvement. The last few days however had been extra busy for me, who was currently minus a husband and taking care of Anoud and Denise's three other children, making them meals and doing extra laundry. 

Although I can't sleep with the wiggling boys, I reminded myself I at least have a bed to lay down in. Anoud who hadn't left the hospital at all since his son was admitted had been sitting on a chair for days, with no where to lay down to rest. 

Peering through the partially open curtain I search for just a hint of light. Not finding any I remember how beautiful first light is when you catch the glimmers through an airplane window.


There's better things to wait for then morning though, I remind myself as I remember the words of Psalm 130:6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 

God is always there, in the darkness, in the light, through the trials and joys. 

The morning Jason had left for Florida, God had again reminded me of the words in Joshua 1:7a and 9. Only be thou strong and very courageous,... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Technical Difficulties

Hi readers!

Just a quick note regarding some technical computer difficulties we've been experiencing. As I was posting the second last journal entry, Journal 9, the hard drive on my computer crashed. Jason spent a lot of time troubleshooting and has come to the conclusion that the problem is most likely fixable, however, the malfunctioning hard drive will have to be sent to the United States for repairs. Once it comes back, hopefully fixed, I will be able to post the final journal entry and pictures. This however could take a few weeks. Until then I can borrow Jason's work laptop once in awhile to post things, but blogs may be a little more scarce until our home computer is up and running again. 

A Beautiful Day

Team Journal 9, written by Gisella M.

January 12

Nothing like clear skies to start the day off right! Sunshine and a gorgeous wind further enhanced the beautiful morning.

Church started at 8:30 AM and lasted for almost 2 hours with much singing and a short but eye-opening sermon.

After lunch Jason took us on a walk to one of the old voodoo caves. The climb to the cave itself was rather difficult, as there is a considerable amount of rocks in the way and the path was narrow; the heat from the sun didn't help much either. As we entered the cave the cool air inside was refreshing, although it was eerie knowing about the evil that resided there once, with the satanic sacrifices that took place there.

The climb down was much easier, although the walk back was no less dusty. For second place in the contest of excitement, we were nearly charged by a bull. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

The rest of the day was spent just relaxing. Later on, there was singing at the worship centre - the music was exceptionally loud and sounded much better from a distance away.

Overall the day was enjoyable and ended with doing devotions under the stars.

The Day in Pictures. 

Early morning sunshine.

Boys getting a little ride with Dad.

Waiting for everyone to get ready for church.

Haiti's beauty.

Sunday school with the kids.

In the worship centre.

Afternoon walk.

Giant cacti.

Voodoo caves.

Inside.

Writings on the wall.

Light filtering in.

Pastor Jean Jean, Kristie and girls.

Sunset.

Set Your Mind On Things Above

Team Journal 8, written by Michelle R.

January 11, 2014

I want to start by saying Happy Birthday to my twin, Matthew; I love and miss you!

This morning some people were selling beautiful souvenir items in front of the mission so we spent some time looking at and purchasing what they were selling.

After this we went to a market in Pignon, the town closest to the mission where we are staying. It was crazy, and very crowded. It was however, interesting to see the culture and how people buy and sell things.

In the market, I saw a homeless man, and I think the children were laughing at him. It just broke my heart, seeing this poor, helpless man just sitting there. This trip has opened my eyes to how much we all take for granted. It is so important to be appreciative and thankful for the many blessings God has given us. Pray that God will give us all truly thankful hearts.

Tonight we listened to a concert at the mission. A group of men came and sang beautiful songs of Christ. You could tell of the love they had for Jesus as they sang. These people don't have a lot at all, but they are still happy and so joyful; the reason is Jesus. 

Seeing this, and experiencing the different culture here has helped me spiritually. I've been realizing that we as believers need to think more about eternity because it is very important to be ready for when Jesus comes back. Because the people here have fewer material possessions to distract them, they often think more about eternity than we do. We need to follow their example and set our thoughts on Jesus Christ. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. Col 3:2

The Day in Pictures 

 Krul boys ready to begin their weekend in the village.

MAF aircraft prepped and waiting.

Bird's eye view.

Turbulence over the mountains.

UCI from above.

"Lima, Lima, Sierra on the ground."

Village ladies selling their handmade souvenirs.

At the once a week Walmart.

Multi-tasking Mom bartering for tomorrow's lunch.

Sifting and selling cornmeal.

The Body Shop.

All kinds of interesting things for sale.

One vendors' neatly organized stand.

A thoroughly patched little shop.

Playing with spice cubes.

How much are your grapefruit?

Pack mule, patiently waiting.

Andy wants honey.

Honey in the honey comb.

Are you done yet?

Hmm.. that back massage feels amazing!

Hair time.

All done.

Snack break with Mom.

It looks like Africa.

A little girl getting her snuggles in.

Cuddle time with Michelle.

Making friends and getting their hair done by the university girls.

Finished looks.

I may skip that shower for tonight.