The first two weeks here was a bit of a roller coaster for all of us. We have spent the first two weeks here trying to get settled, unpacked, emotionally transitioned, and really just trying to figure out how to do life here. Our kids have done a tremendous job. They are getting adjusted quite well and are embracing the orphanage kids. Kylie loves playing soccer with a few of the girls every day. Brooke loves running and chasing with a few of the youngest girls. They both enjoy sitting with the older girls getting their hair done and learning Kreyol. Colton has enjoyed playing soccer with the boys and chatting with Max. Colton has been our calculator at the grocery store as we translate Goulds into American dollars. He is really looking forward to being part of the work teams will be doing. We don't have it all figured out my any stretch of the imagination, but we definitely feel as if we are ready to begin looking outward.

We have spent time with the girls and boys of Good Samaritan Orphanage learning to do life with them, rather than just visiting. We have been able to help a good friend by providing work for him. After praying at lunch one day, he said to Jeff, "the same God we thank for this food, I thank for you and Deb coming here and providing work for me." Many of you know Gesner from translating for teams or from his visit to PA two years ago. Some of you have been praying for he and his wife Youdeline. They have been in a tent city since the earthquake with their 1 year old daughter and are due with a second baby in mid-November. We plan to move them into a shelter built and given to them by the Red Cross on Friday of this week, however if this storm runs through here, they will be staying with us until we can get them into their new home.

Yesterday we ventured out with Cindy and Vanessa and our new friend Bob from Canada. We visited a clinic that ministers to young mothers with prenatal care and baby care, bible studies, sewing and jewelry making classes. We made some really good connections with some families we will attend church with and are encouraged by the number of families with children serving here. We also visited Dr. Jude. He will be working with Vanessa and Cindy; giving them experience in his clinic and introducing them to Haitian culture in the medical field, as they prepare a program for teams to do mobile medical clinics. His wife just opened a day care/preschool which is right up my alley! I was very excited to talk with her and see her doing such a wonderful thing for their community right in their home. They have given up most of their living space in order for the school to run.

We have been praying everyday for Tomas to weaken and go around this country. We know there are a lot of you praying too. It is unimaginable to think about so many in tents and tarps and what this storm will do to them. Please continue to pray with us for those families. We are preparing for Tomas at our home and we are ready to take some people in, but we are still hopeful that God will intervene on this storm path. Our God can overcome anything and we stand firm in that truth!

We will be seeking God's guidance and discernment in all of these areas as we move forward and join Him in the work He is doing here. We are so blessed to be here right where we are supposed to be! Thank you for your support and prayers! ~Deb

Our girls make pets everywhere we go!