Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Join the Journey...Suzette


     Many of you have either met Suzette, have heard some of her story, or have been reading about her on the blogs.  We have talked about the countless people she has blessed in some way and that has continued even through my last visit with her before returning to the U.S. 
     For about a year now, one of Suzette’s prayer requests has been for better housing. Her roof sounds as though it will blow off with the winds of Canaan.  Water comes in many places along the walls and runs down and into her home every time it rains.  A few months ago, I noticed part of the floor caving in.   Now there is a hole through the floor. 
     Suzette has been such a huge blessing to AWAKENHAITI, we now want to turn around and bless her with a more secure home!  With funds raised by Team July II and Team August I, Jeff and his Haitian crew will began the stone/concrete foundation this week!   The two teams will be helping to build the house from the foundation.  
     We would love for you to join us in blessing Suzette!   Beyond the funds the two teams have raised, we need an additional $4,000.  We would love for you to join us in reaching this goal to complete the house and a covered outdoor kitchen.

     There are two things you can do to be part of this:

1)  Make a financial donation to AWAKENHAITI by August 1st
      
     a. checks can be made payable to AWAKENHAITI please note “Suzette” in the  
          memo line and mail to :
              P.O. Box 951
              Carlisle, PA 17013
      b. online at:
           AWAKENHAITI

2)   Card shower:  if you are making a donation and would like to send a note to
       Suzette letting her know how she blessed you, that you are praying for her, or 
       other thoughts, please mail by August 1st to:
           
           AWAKENHAITI
           P.O. BOX 951
           Carlisle, PA 17013

AWAKENHAITI is so excited to provide this blessing for Suzette and we thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and for Joining the journey!

~The AWAKENHAITI team


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Saying Goodbye


     What a whirlwind of a couple of weeks.  I wanted to get on here and write before the girls and I flew back to PA, however, schedule, illness, teams, and packing kept getting in the way.  Not to mention the emotions I was trying to sift through.  I don't think I could have put into words what I was thinking or feeling over the last few weeks.  There was an underlying sense of peace through all of the sadness, heartache, excitement, questions, and unknown.  There were many moments of "this is the last time...". While there were lasts, there is also the yet to come.  One thing that makes this transition easier is the knowledge that I'm not really saying goodbye, just see ya later.  While there will be more time between visits with special people, there is a future to what this ministry is.  And there is great peace in that!
     It was hard to say goodbye to the kids at Good Sam, but I know I'll see them in a few short months. It was hard to say goodbye to our Haitian staff, God has gifted us with such wonderful people, but I will see them in a few short months too.  Perhaps the hardest goodbye was Suzette.  I will write about our time together very soon.  It is one of my most treasured times in Haiti.
     The kids and I are in our new home.  We have rented a nice home in a new neighborhood where the kids will have lots of other kids around and tons of space to ride bikes.  What a huge blessing!
They will have the summer to settle in and transition before they begin the next endeavor; public school!

    Jeff is still in Haiti leading another 4 teams, selling our furniture, packing the rest of our things to send back to PA, and moving the guest house to a new location.  He has a lot on his shoulders without his family there.  Please pray for strength, endurance, and peace as he finishes this phase of our journey.    Please pray for our family as we are apart and as we anticipate Jeff joining us in PA.

thank you and blessings!!