March 2023

March! How in the world is it already March 2023?? It is so crazy looking back over the years at what March has been. Just a few years ago this was the month that the world shut down. It doesn’t seem like so much time has passed. It has been a very busy month and a blessed month.

If you know me well, you know I love animals. I happened to be at Rameaus one afternoon and caught up with all kinds of friends. His dog recently had 4 precious little puppies. They are so cute running around, playing, and causing trouble. He has two Mama pigs. Both had piglets in the last few months. Many are already gone but two or three are still around. Of course, Rameau would not be complete without a cat around. This little one is named Lisa. She follows him EVERYWHERE! It is sweet watching her run around behind him crying for some attention.

Gods blessings come in many ways. This little cutie was at one of the schools we visited this month. I love his toothless grin.. he was hesitant to show me at first. I also love Kerlines smile in the background. How blessed am I to work alongside people that truly love these children. Sunsets always remind me to see God’s handiwork. Everyday is something new and different and beautiful. I just imagine him with a paintbrush taking time to paint the sky for us. Oti is a blessing to me, too. He is always around and shows God’s love to me by reminding me of God’s constant presence.

This little babe goes to a local school. She came to the office on a Friday monring to get her picture taken. I saw her and instantly could tell she was a troublemaker… I asked her if she was and she said yes. Then she ran up and jumped into my arms. She was all over me.. even told her principal that she was going to stay with me. The next Monday, we were at her school. She ran up to me screaming, “my friend!!” Again, she followed me around and was all over me. That Friday was the first time I had ever met her but she saw a soul similar to hers and went for it.

With such a busy month, it is important to take a break. A sweet friend celebrated a birthday this month. We knew that is was already going to be a hectic month for the both of us but we carved out some time to go to the beach together. It is always nice to spend a relaxing day on the beach. We chatted, ate lobster, read our books, and napped. God blessed us with the reminder that even He rested.

School visits are one of my favorite things ever. It is always a pleasure to share this time with team members. We had a team here one week, one of the members works in RMIs home office and she spent a day with us here in Haiti office. I took her to visit the two schools we work with here in Simon. I love seeing the light on the faces of both the kids and the team members…so much love and excitement. Kids always point me to Jesus.

Y’all know I love snacking… mango season is coming! Madam TiJean bought mangoes to make mango jelly for the team…I may have had to taste test some to make sure they were okay. I was craving chocolate chip cookies and made enough to share. So good but also so bad to keep in the house! Rameau enjoyed milk and cookies one morning for breakfast..he is a fan. I love when I have the time to go buy a pate. There is a place in Simon that makes amazing pates and they always accomodate me by making sure there is no ketchup on mine.. it’s the breakfast of champions.

Spend the night parties are our favorite! This little sweetheart has been spending the night with me for almost 5 years. We always have so much fun! It was sweet watching Otis get excited as she came up with her little backpack.. it was as if he knew she was sleeping over. The two of them played for a long time. Kam had to taste test some icing that I made… turns out it was good. Movies and backporch meals made up our time. I have so enjoyed watching this fiesty girl grow. She is so full of energy, love, and excitement. I love the way that she always points to God and she articulates herself so well. Otis loves getting to play and snuggle with her.

A day of celebrations! It was my sweet Rameaus 73rd birthday. I am so thankful to know him and call him a friend and father figure. He is a blessing to me in more ways than I can count. I had to make sure he had chocolate cake and pink candles…gotta keep him happy! Later that afternoon, we held a baby shower for a fellow missionary.

The last week of the month was busy! I was blessed to go out with a team that came in to visit their sister church. This was my first time being in the missionary host role. It was such a wonderful time out in the community and with the team. This sweet team was so patient and gracious with me as I learned to lead them. As always, it was a pleasure to be alongside my RMI family and watch them truly serve with passion. Myself, the guys, the Haitian church, and the American church were truly blessed by this visit.

Please continue to pray for Haiti. There are many problems that the Haitian people are facing between both manmade issues and natural diasters. There are Christian brothers and sisters here who need your prayers and encouragment so that they can continue fighting the fight and bringing the good news to the lost.