One week ago John and I returned from our trip to Haiti! So much to share - I can't even begin to put into words all of our experiences and feelings, the sights, smells and sounds! With a few pictures and descriptions, I will attempt to give you a brief glimpse into our visit!
The sights are beautiful! I was prepared for poverty, offensive smells and sadness, (and that was there), but I was not prepared for the wonderful views - a constant reminder of God's power and glory!
The people were amazing! They accepted us, loved us and served us during the whole week! John Phillippe is a godly young man who has a heart for his own people! He preaches once a month, has an online Bible study and prayer group, and is always ready to go and pray with someone in the village! He speaks good English and challenged us to NOT pray that God would change Haiti, but that God would change each one of us individually! That is a thought I have not been able to get out of my mind.
Ronald and Rithza and their daughter, Claudia, were our hosts. John and I slept in their bedroom. They were so welcoming! Ronald is the Haitian director of the 7:10 Foundation. He is very wise and so humble. He and his wife are a valuable asset to the mission. Rithza graduated from Tourism School - unfortunately, I was sick and so John and I missed her graduation, but it was more important that Jeremiah and Tanja went and celebrated with her!
Another highlight was walking around the village and meeting various people! This is an answer to YOUR prayers! This is the baby girl that Tanja and Elisabeth met in July with her mother, Michelene. She was not being taken care of - it seemed certain that she would die, but God intervened! The whole family still needs lots of prayer for God to change their hearts, but praise God that HE preserved this life!
This is on the property of the WIDOWAGE! It is already growing egg plant, plantains, bananas and moringa. It also has a bee hive to make honey! The materials for the first house have been purchased and we wait on God for $3500 to purchase the rest of the materials and build! We met the widow who will live in the first house! She brought fresh bananas for our breakfast one morning (how humbling to have one who has so little give to us)!
One last picture and I will bring this to a close! This is a single mom, Madam Dautilus, (her husband left her). She has 5 children to support - 2 of them handicapped. The 7:10 Foundation purchased this home for her a couple of years ago, and we were able to give backpacks with school supplies to her children. Her smile and warm hug when she greeted us spoke volumes of her joy and contentment and was an instant rebuke to me when I complain of trivial things!
Those are just a few highlights of our trip! Thanks for your prayers! If you have questions or comments please let us know! Continue to pray for our direction as we move into fall!
Pray that we will walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT!
John and Lisa
(photo credit to Tanja Dwire and John O'Keefe)
(photo credit to Tanja Dwire and John O'Keefe)
