Fear...what a silly thing

Since I got back from Haiti I have been praying for the Lord to talk to me. To tell me what He wants me to do. I thought it was youth ministry, I'm finding out I don't think that is His plan, I'm drowning... I know His plan for me is perfect in His way, but what is it.  I've been trying to take leaps of faith on what I think He needs me to do, but I have been too scared. Today, the Lord spoke to me, it was not audible; I did not hear a strange voice in my hear, but I know it was Him.

I was listening to K-Love radio online and the DJ said this (in a nutshell):

Martin Luther King Jr was a brave man, standing up for his people even though it could have caused him being arrested or even death if he crossed the wrong person. But you should never be too fearful of anything if it will bring the Lord glory. He has your back ALL THE TIME, he is right there, standing, protecting, telling you that you can do it no matter what man says. Why be scared to do what you are called to do, no matter what that thing is? The Lord is faithful, He never leaves or forsakes, He is unchanging, and He isn't going in where.   


While in Haiti a man told me this..."you need to go out on a limb, because that is where all the fruit is." That is so true, you have to walk out your front door, or your comfort zone to get the fruit.

So why don't we, I go out on that limb..........fear, that's why.  Fear that I'll fail, people will say I'm crazy, I'll make someone mad, I'll hurt someone's feelings.  Yes, I shouldn't go stomping on people's feelings but if they get their feelings hurt cause I'm following the Lord, then they need to reevaluate their feelings.  Fear is just the enemy telling me I can't do it, telling me I'm not good enough, strong enough, pretty enough, smart enough, brave enough, happy enough, stable enough, funny enough, that I'm not worth it. Well the enemy is wrong! I can do anything if I am doing it for the Lord and for others, and I am faithful to my savior.  He is much stronger than satan! 

So stop being scared!! Stop being scared of failing! Stop being scared of rejection! Just Stop! 

There, I'm done...I'm not scared anymore, "and if the devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack"!

Until next time....Deuteronomy 31:6 

The Faces of Beauty

These are not even close to all the pictures I have from Haiti. These are just the ones of SOME of the people who stole my heart!

Marc-Allen & Roud

                                                       
                     Kevin, Samuel, Ruben, and Roud (who you can barely see)

                                              Brianna, Alanna, Kristina, & Jake

                                                                 Kevin & Samuel

                           Ruben, Marc-Allen, Samuel, Kevin, Roud, & Abbie

                                                                Abbie & Amy

                                                                     Roud & Kevin

                                                                        Abigail (Biaga)

                                                                Kyara, Abbie, & Amy

                                                                           Again

                              
                    Amy, Kyara, Talia, Matthew, Ruben, Kevin, Roud,
             Ferlande, Fendly, Abbie, Kayva, Marc-Allen, & Samuel

 

Until next time....James 1:17

Hello America

Well I'm in the Orlando airport and I wish I wasn't. Although I miss my husband I still want to be in Haiti. I want to be in Haiti with my husband! That country now and forever will have my heart! I pray that soon I will be able to go back and stay much longer! I am hoping and praying that soon I will be able to take a long trip there alone or with Matt! God is in control! I'll be in Illinois soon! 

A Broken Heart

We leave today! My heart is broken, but all good things must come to an end! God has changed my life through this place and I am grateful for that! I don't want to come home but I want Matt here with me! When I get home I'll post detailed blogs about what I did and felt, but the internet here is slloooow. See you soon!

A Sweet Remark

This will be short but I just want to share one quick thing.. This is the conversation I had with a sweet little girl named Abbie when I told her it would be my last day at school because I go back to America tomorrow.

Abbie: "You're back!!"

Me: "Yes, but it is my last day, then I go home to America"

Abbie: "But why"

Me: "I have to go back to work"

Abbie: "Can't you just call the church (she knew I work at a church) and tell them you are to busy in Haiti to come back?"

Oh how I wish I could!

A Different Kind of Worship

Today is of course Sunday so we went to church.  Of course the service was in Creole so Brett interpreted for us, but the service was SO loud it was hard to hear him.  Although I could not understand what they were saying I got just as much joy watching the Haitians worship as I would have if it had been in English. Their service was 2 hours long which is short for a church service in Haiti. Just watching and listening to them (even in Creole) it was so very obvious they were in awe of the Lord. They sang louder, clapped louder, danced longer, and loved more than anyone I have ever seen in my life. 

The thing that I kept thinking about was that they were thanking the Lord for EVERYTHING, their poor country, falling apart houses, little amounts of food, the 3 dollars a day that they make! They were more grateful for what LITTLE they have than ALL of America for the tons of STUFF that we have. They praise the Lord stronger than anyone I have ever seen! 

I'm praying that America can even have a small portion of what the Haitians have, and I'm NOT talking about THINGS....things don't matter! You can't take it with you! It's the love for the Lord that will matter! The worship we give, the people we love, the service we do, that will change the world and glorify God! 

Think about it!

Until next time..."I can save my money, but it can't save me"

Another day in Haiti

I really have no word to describe this place! Being here is simply life changing! I have worked at a school everyday we have been here and it makes me miss being in the classroom.  God works in interesting ways.  I have met so many beautiful children whom have stolen my heart! We will not see them anymore and it is a bit heart breaking, but it just helps me look forward to another trip.  I'm praying that I get to see their sweet faces again.  Getting to know the missionaries and their children is truly amazing! What hearts these people have! Their children are truly amazing; going to schools that only speak their second language, looking different than any of their friends and classmates. They have few toys, few clothes and are still truly grateful.  They are so thankful to have little things like cutting boards, cereal, chips, and so many other things we take for granted in America.  They spend so much time outside playing tag, kickball, hide and seek, and LOTS of soccer.  They don't waste their in front of the TV or texting.  I cannot wait to be home to see Matt and my family, but my heart will for ever be in Haiti. 

Until next time...Acts 1:8

Haiti Day 2

Today the men traveled to Plain de Nord church. They installed 9 trusses at the stringers and purlins preparing for the tin to be installed tomorrow (Friday.)  The Lord kept us safe, effective and timely, at 4:00 we could go back to the compound to prepare for supper.  There was a slight breeze and the Lord kept us safe. Pray that the Lord keeps the wind calm tomorrow in order to install the new tin. Also pray that this effort glorifies God and the church grows. Yesterday Larry Becker finished a plumbing project under Brett's direction. Everyone is healthy, safe, and things are going well. May it continue. Please pray specifically for this church building and the congregation that will grow out of it.  We have learned that voodoo is prominent in this community with at least one annual voodoo festival. We need the Lord's Holy Spirit to direct every activity including the spiritual aspect of the growth of this church body.

Today the ladies went back to Cowman school with Angie to help the teachers.  Debbie did some filing and paper work that Angie really needed done. Karen watched 3 pre-schoolers who did not actually have class but had to come to school.  Sierra went back to Mrs. Z's class and helped grade, teach, and read some stories.  After school the 3 ladies went to Mrs. Z's adult English class so the students could practice their English.

Sam and Cammie Aberle joined us for supper along with their 2 children. They shared how they got onto the mission field.  

Please keep praying for the rest of our time here and safe travels home!!

 

From Haiti

We made it to Haiti, everyone is well and really enjoying the beautiful weather! The church's blog is not working so we will keep you updated on mine.

Mark Tabor's tire skills were used early in the day. The men loaded the trusses to be installed on the church tomorrow. The John Deer zero turn mower had it's gauge wheel replaced and a bracket welded for security. Because of unauthorized electrical consumption the portable welder was used to add metal bracketing and the A-frame swing set of two inch pipe was reenforced. Then Brett and Angie's shed was evaluated for a roof they are reconstructing it. 

Today the ladies had a tour of the medical center and dental center with Dr. Rodney.  We learned that they are in need of several items and many pray concerns, for example they are hoping to someday have a place to deliver babies, and also enough staff to have a 24 hour clinic.  Please keep Dr. Rodney, his staff, and the center in your prayers.

After we took the tour of the center we went to Cowman school where Angie's is the principal. I helped Mrs. Z in the first and second grade class and Debbie and Karen went to the Pre-school and kindergarten room.  

After school the ladies came back and had a Bible study, art time, and created a marching band with the missionary kids while the missionaries had their weekly bible study. 

Matt and Stacey Ayars along with their children joined us for dinner and give Matt gave his testimony. 

Please keep us in your prayers as the men will be roofing a church starting tomorrow.  God is so so good!!

Oh, and Emil's camera broke!!! 

It's Time

I leave for Haiti Monday morning at 7:00 AM. I can't believe it is already here, 5 months ago it seemed like it would never get here, and now it is. I went shopping with my Granny the other day to get shirts, shoes and of course snacks. I also started packing the other day.  This week at work has been INSANE, trying to get everything done for the 10 days I'll be gone has been so stressful! But thankfully I have gotten most of them done and will finish the rest tomorrow.  

I have been praying for several things leading up to my departure, one is that my vertigo does not attack me while I'm there.  I am afraid that the flights will mess up my ears kicking in my vertigo.  Mosquitoes love me, so I am also praying that they stay away. I have been talking my Malaria pill so hopefully all goes well. I have been praying for safe travels, there and back. Most importantly I have been praying that we touch lives.  I want to show Jesus as much as I can!  I ask that you pray with me.

Until next time...Acts 1:8