shared thoughts

Jeff and I spent the morning today in Canaan and I have some cool things to share, however,  I just read a blog post by a friend who has been ministering to children in Carlisle(our hometown) for years that I would love for you to read.
One of the things we share and encourage teams coming to Haiti in, is that we don't want them to just serve in Haiti once a year (or for some a few times), but that going back to their own communities and seeking ways to allow God to use them in their own community is even bigger.  We want people coming to serve with us but we really love seeing people serving others right where they are day in and day out.
Karen does this so well!

Karen, I admire your perseverance and the way you have loved when it gets messy and hard!
Please read Karens blog post:  Hot Chocolate, Bread, and the Bible

http://karenhelmuth.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

Sandy in Haiti

Sandy causes major damage in an already poverty stricken area.  This is an area we travel through going to Canaan.  Please pray for the people here and many others in similar conditions.  The rain continues to fall this afternoon.

close to the airport in Port-au-Prince

Rain, Rain go away!

     For us under normal circumstances, we would welcome two days of clouds, nice breezes, rain, and lower temperatures.  75 degrees suddenly feels kind of cold.  And while we do welcome the break from the intense Haiti heat and the weather forcing us to stay home and not do our normal work, it's not that easy for many here.
     When we stand on our front balcony and  see how much rain water has gathered in the street below, it's nothing in comparison to most areas in Haiti.  We happen to sit in a very safe area...safe in many regards.  This is one of them, flooding doesn't really happen here.
     Everyone knows this place can't take another hit.  This country can't take the floods and mudslides that come with a steady two-day rain.  It can't take the damage caused by the raging rivers overflowing.  Families  can't stay in their shacks that are threatened to be carried away.  For those areas affected in this way, we pray for relief.
     But, what people sometimes don't know is how steady rains affect the lives of many in a more widespread way.  When it rains hard or for longer period of time here, things shut down.  Businesses and schools close.  Markets are forced to close.  All the family run street stands close.  Tap-taps don't run; they don't need to, no one is going anywhere.  What this all means is that no one is earning money in a society where much of the population lives day to day.  They count on income day to day to feed their families.

     Please pray for this country.  For the sun to return.  For the rain to let up.  For the busyness of Haitian life and market places to be up and running for the sake of the families just trying to make it day in and day out.

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