Fall 2022

Typically, I try to do an update each month. These last few months have been different. It certainly is not that I didn’t have time to update, but rather that I didn’t know how. This fall has been a very difficult time for the country of Haiti. Many Haitians are still suffering and are in seriously uncertain times. I don’t know how to explain it all and won’t attempt to. I often feel guilty because I do not suffer in the way that so many of my Haitian family and friends do. I cannot begin to explain things because I can’t begin to understand them all. I have seen a difference in my life but it is nothing compared to what the average Haitian is experiencing.

In August, things started getting a little dicey one could say. I don’t recall all the dates but know that we were back and forth between open and closed. Things started to get a little interesting in September. On the 7th, we closed due to some things happening in the country. We returned on the 12th but quickly had to close again on the 14th. We did not officially open back up again until November 7th. There were some days between those two dates where people were working but very cautiously. During these days, I was at home. Every once in a while, when we were told it was safe, we would quickly go to the grocery store and return. We used extreme precaution (and continue to do so). As of now, there is no real resolution to the many issues Haiti is facing. However, things seem to have calmed down (for now, and prayerfully for a good amount of time).

During these months at home, I did what I could to stay busy. I spent much of my time in prayer, contacting my Haitian friends and family when possible, and crying out for them. September held many girls days. Kambria had us all glammed up, painting our nails and having us watch My Little Pony (or anything with unicorns). Sabina did hair several times. We laughed at silly dogs and enjoyed time together. I have come to greatly appreciate these days. While I missed working so much, it was nice to spend time with the missionaries that I do not always have time to spend with. To bond with each other on a deeper level.

October was another month of being home. At this point, you would think we would be well rested. It’s amazing how exhausting sitting around can be! We managed to have some good times. A sweet missionary friend is in her passport country with her husband here in Haiti. Due to lack of internet and cell service, they hadn’t spoken to each other in weeks. We stuck our phones together to make it happen. I was glad to meet the sweet baby boy of a friend in October. We spent many days picking avocados and doing whatever else we could find to do. Sabina taught Lydianne and I how to make a good Haitian meal and in return I taught her how to make fried rice and later we made ice cream as well. I have so enjoyed getting to spend this time with Sabina. I have known her and considered her a friend for years. If you remember, she is the one who stays at my house with Oti while I am away. It’s been such a pleasure to get to know her better. We have shared a lot about our upbringings. It is crazy how many things about our childhoods were the same even with living in such different countries. I cherish this time and this relationship.

November came in with a bang. Agape had slowly started coming while carefully watching how things would be here in Haiti. I still had so much stuff for the new house there. I was able to receive things this month! You can see Sabina on the new couch with Otis trying to get in there. All of my fencing came in and I am excited for this project to start. There are still several things that need to be done at the house but when they are all done, I will be sharing more photos. I enjoyed rooftop sunset ice cream with dear friends and caught a photo of the cutest. On November 7th, we were back to the office! It was such a blessing to return and see everyone. To get to spend time in devotions worshipping together. Our suntech team was already hard at work on the 7th and we have many other projects to work on. As of now, some schools are slowly starting to try to open. We are not sure when we will be able to visit them but are praying that God will make a way.

Please continue to hold Haiti in your prayers. There is still much to be done. People are suffering so very much. There are so many stories that I could share but will keep them for another time. God can still do a great work here in Haiti. For my kreyol speakers, Bondye se yon bon Dye. In talking with one of our mechanics today I was reminded that even though it feels as though so many have nothing (and physically, they do not), they still have the most important thing. There are many unreached people groups all over the world but Haitians have the pleasure of saying that they have heard the Good News of the Gospel. Pray that we will remember the hope we have in Jesus. Pray that He will help us to get through all that is going on. We need God to be the ruler over this beautiful country that He so lovingly created. Priye pou Ayiti.