Where He leads...: January 2016

I was able to get down to Haiti for two weeks this month. I've been wanting to make this trip to be able to check on the kids at Hope For Life Children's Home and the other families I've gotten to know over the years. Of course two weeks was way too short but we managed to get a lot done and have sweet time with my precious friends there.

This trip was especially neat because I was able to bring my friend Lauren along. Lauren is a young lady at my church who has been to Haiti twice on trips with my church. Not only has she already developed a heart for Haiti, but she has known for years that she wanted to serve as a missionary full-time. This was a great opportunity for her to get a deeper sense of what it's like to live on the mission field and be immersed in the culture more than just a few hours a day. We stayed at the children's home several days, sharing sleeping space with two of the older girls, eating what the kids ate, and experiencing what it's like to have limited power and amenities. Lauren handled everything like a champ—even when she had to share shower time with two giant cockroaches. :) She is heading to Papua New Guinea this summer and I know she would appreciate your prayers as she prepares for that new adventure.

The kids at the children's home are doing well. They are still as adorable and spunky as ever. I'm continually amazed as I think back to four years ago when I first met them and saw their harsh living conditions. Oh what the Lord has done these past few years to bring them to a better place! I spent time walking the grounds, picturing what it used to look like, and thanking God for the progress He has allowed to take place. I can see it in the eyes of the children—the hope they have for a brighter future because of the love and care they are receiving in that place. In a perfect world, I wish they could all live in intimate families with a mom and a dad to call their own. Some of them may have the opportunity to return to this, but many will know their Hope For Life family as their family for life. I'm thankful for the heart of Pastor Jean Marc and Mama Lisette and how they are literally giving all they have to take care of these children. Thank you for your prayers for these kids and thank you who have played a huge role in improving their lives in tangible ways. Continue to pray for their spiritual growth and that their relationship with Christ will have roots that won't be shaken. Life in Haiti is hard. Even with this loving home, there are many challenges they will face. I'm thankful that our hope in Christ is an anchor for our souls! (Hebrews 6:19)

Check out their new dorm! What a blessing that these kids finally have protection from the elements and a safe place to rest their heads each night! This trip was the first time I've seen it since they moved in. What overwhelming gratitude I have to God and those of you who gave toward this huge project!!

We were able to see the newest project on the property—a clinic built by Freshwater Community Church and Chamberlain School of Nursing. It will be staffed throughout the year with visiting teams and nursing students and staff from the nursing school in Leogane. The clinic will provide basic medical care and check-ups to the kids at the children's home and the students at the school. What a great blessing this will be to the kids and the community!

We spent time with Evenson's family. Lauren made necklaces and colored with the kids. I checked in with how Evenson and Marisolin's businesses are doing. I was encouraged to hear that both businesses are doing well. Evenson's bakery is still going strong. Both he and his wife have been able to open up savings accounts and they've used that money for emergency medical expenses and to purchase a goat. Even with these successes I know it is still a struggle for them. And despite their efforts to not have another child, Marisolin is pregnant once again. It is difficult for families like theirs to receive effective family planning. Come April, a seventh child will be added to their family. Marisolin already has medical issues from this pregnancy and asks for prayers for a safe delivery.

We visited with my friend Geddy and her family a couple times. Geddy is the mother of Smerelda, the little miracle baby who at 13 months weighed barely over 7 pounds. With lots of prayer and effort, she is now a healthy toddler. I can't describe what joy it brings my heart each time I see her! I wish I could give a more successful report about this family, but they are still struggling in many ways. Just days after the team and I left Haiti last July, Geddy's son Tipom drowned in the river. I had helped Geddy start a business selling soaps and detergent. All of that money had to be spent on burying her son. Once again she found herself at rock bottom—a young mother with three children to care for. Knowing she couldn't do it on her own, she sent two of her children to live with her mother in a neighboring village. She still gets to see them, but this is not what she wants and is a harsh reality for so many families in Haiti. I helped her start her business once again and I'm praying that she can finally get ahead with that.

Josh and Tipom, July 2015

This little guy became my new buddy at the children's home. I named him Champ. He was one pathetic, scrawny little thing when we first got there. I gave him lots of extra attention and food and in just the two weeks we were there he already looked like a completely different pup. Hopefully he will survive and thrive there, but it's such a hard life for dogs in Haiti—even at the children's home where they tend to have more respect for dogs than most.

And of course we can't forget about my sweet pup Atau. She is still doing well at the guesthouse. I miss her like crazy and I think the feeling is mutual considering the excited greeting she always gives me. But she's got a good life there and the guests sometimes take her for a walk in the sugar cane field which keeps her happy. :)

This picture represents something I miss the most about living in Haiti. These kids are woven into my heart. When they hurt, I hurt. I miss being able to see them regularly, to be a consistent source of love and support for them. Although I don't always pick them up when they fall down, there are times when I know one of the kids really needs to be held and loved and comforted. And I miss being there for them. I pray that they can always find comfort when they're hurting. I pray that the staff is proactive in giving them the emotional support they need. And I pray that their relationship with Christ will be such that they can find strength and comfort in Him whenever they need it.

This is certainly just a brief snippet of an incredible trip. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to return to this country I love so dearly. I certainly wrestle with not still being there. I've invested so much time there, learning the language and culture, and so sometimes I wonder why I'm not still there. But I know without a doubt that God has led me to exactly where I am right now. And I'm trusting Him every step of the way. He knows how my heart beats for Haiti, but He also knows that ultimately I want to follow Him wherever He leads. I'm thankful for the many friends I have who are still serving in Haiti. They send me regular updates and I'm able to keep in touch with what is happening there. The pastor and I communicate regularly and so I know what's going on with the kids and how I can be praying specifically. If they have needs, I hope I can continue to help meet them. I'm thankful for all of you who have followed along with my journey, who have been praying for me and supporting me and the ministries in Haiti that I've been involved with. I couldn't do any of this without God's help through you. Thank you! And stay tuned for an update about my next adventure!!

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