Living in Haiti sometimes can feel like living in Bible times.  The way in which many Haitians live and the operations of the church are both really great examples of that.  Right now being in a developed country though, has taken me back to the lives of a few men who by our standards have made the "hall of faith", which has made me mentally try to return to their time.  Not in the sense of what they accomplished, but rather, how they just tried their best to follow God, listening each day to where in the world He wanted them for that day for that purpose.  For Moses, Abraham, and even Paul their stories are full of questioning, doubting, faith, leadership, and many difficulties.
     To me the events of the last two weeks don't determine the answers to my questions...where is it you really want us?  for how long?  for what purpose?  We're not waiting for answers from officials, we're waiting for answers from God.  We're trying to cling each day to Him.  Whatever that means for today, whatever that means for tomorrow.
     Through the past week of wrapping my mind and emotions around the circumstances we experienced so closely, then being thrown unexpectedly from a third world country into one so developed as this one, these words have spoken truth to me:
   
 "The lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8

     "Be willing to follow wherever I lead.  Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace.  Though you don't know what lies ahead, I know and that is enough!  Some of My richest blessings are just around the bend:  out of sight, but nonetheless very real.  To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith-not by sight.  This doesn't mean closing your eyes to what is all around you.  It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.
     Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only My hand to support you.  The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world with all its problems.  This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of My presence.  Give yourself fully to these Glory-moments, awash in dazzling light.  I will eventually lead you down the mountain, back into community with others.  Let My light continue to shine within you as you walk among people again."
     ~Jesus Calling  by Sarah Young


Thank you for your prayers!

~Deb