Hello Dear Ones!
This is Lana on a fine, hot Haitian day writing from the AIM base -- first of all, HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY Cole!!! We love you dearly son and are keeping our hearts close to you even though we are in Haiti! You are growing to be a wonderful young man & we know God has great plans for you! Hello Miles and McKenna! We love you too!
Unbelievably we only have a few days left! In many ways it seems like we have been here for a long, long time.... and in other ways we are so sad that we only have a day and a half left. I am so very proud of all the students and adults on our team. God has been working in us, around us and through us.
Yesterday (Wednesday July 21) we worked on removing rubble from the home of a Christian man named Enoch. We resembled a colony of ants picking up one piece at a time. We had 4 wheel barrels, shovels, plastic buckets and work gloves. We shoveled, heaved, transported the rubble to a huge pile on the main street and got covered in a thin film of broken concrete mixed with heavy sweat. I made a special friend named Melinda. She was a Haitian woman from the church who jumped on our "tap-tap" (our transport truck you can rent like a taxi -- it is called a tap-tap because you tap on the roof when you want to get off). She did not know what she was getting into, but worked cheerfully beside us all morning. Haitian people are very demonstritive of affection. She and I held hands walking back and forth. She would sing hymns in Creole and I would sing a verse in English. It was a precious time of being one in the Lord.
That evening we joined the local church for worship. We began by singing "Day by Day" for 35 solid minutes. Later, JD introduced our group, we sang some songs ("This is How we Overcome" is the favorite!) and he was invited to share a message. It was a beautiful evening of worship and movement and JOY JOY JOY!
Today (Thursday July 22) we went to another orphanage. It was beautiful to watch the smiles blossoming all around! Our students shared bubbles, little toys, and coloring activities. We taught them how to sing "Jesus loves me -- without the me" and they taught us how to say "Bondye beni Ou" which means "God Bless You"
And so I need to end with that same blessing upon you! We love you and will see you all too soon!
It was sooo good to hear your voices. I'm so glad you are doing well and can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories. I know God is being glorified in your lives and in the lives of the Haitian people. We are praying for your ministry there and for your safe return. God bless!
ReplyDeleteLana, that was beautiful. Thank you for sharing what the Lord is doing through BHYM and to BHYM. Love you all!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a beautiful description of your day. I'm so glad to hear how the group is doing! Can't wait to have you all back home; but very glad you all are there and making a difference. Praying for you daily. Love you Sword!! Teena
ReplyDeleteYou can hear the whisper of the Spirit in every word and read God's grace between each line.
ReplyDeleteBoth your singing and your serving are worship. Worship God truly delights in.
May God continue to bless you with those precious opportunities of fellowship to share His incredible love. May He fill you all and surround you with His joy. And may He bless the labor of your backs, the sweat of your brow, and the work of your hands.
Our prayers lifted on High until your return.
Bondye beni Ou!
Love, Debbra
PS Happy Birthday, Cole!
Hello all! Lana thanks so much for sharing! I was in tears while reading your post. It's amazing to see the spirit of God working and touching in so many lives. Please tell Kelvin and Brian the I miss and love them so much!!! I am praying daily for God to continue to wrap His loving arms around BHYM and the people of Haiti.
ReplyDeleteMiss and love you all!
Freda
Praying for you today for a safe trip home. God bless the people of Haiti and all of you!
ReplyDelete