April 2023

I am running out of ways to start these things. The whole “it’s been a busy month” is getting a little repetitive. But as it seems these last few months have been, it’s been a busy month. It’s a blessing to be busy… part of the fall I longed for these days.

Spend the night parties are our favorite. I am still not sure who gets the most excited out of the three of us. This little lady lights up my world. I am so thankful for her. We had pizza because that is what she wanted. She took sunset pictures and played with Oti and watched movies. The first movie she started watching by herself as I was washing dishes and such. Once I sat down and started listening I asked her if she understood what they were saying. She said no, it’s in French…oops! No complaints from Kambria, though, she was just happy to sit and watch. We enjoyed some snuggles and silly conversations. Otis almost pushed us both off the bed during the night. We love this girl so very much.

Easter fun. The missionaries had sunrise service on the roof again this year. It was a smaller group than some years but still a nice crowd. Halfway through service we had to move inside because of the rain. Then we ate a delicious breakfast. I quickly took a nap afterwards. We had some fun dying eggs that afternoon before wrapping up the day.

MEBSH convention 2023. Convention is a huge deal around here. MEBSH holds it once a year in the spring and as many people that can come from the churches come. They also live stream and are on the radio so those all over Haiti and the world that can’t make it can still participate. Thursday night is missionary service…you can see us sitting up front. It is always fun to listen to the many choirs sing and spend some time in Simon walking around. Vendors come from all over and set up during the week. This year Simon was full again, it hasn’t been for the last few years. On Wednesday, there was a lunch for the pastors and missionaries. Lydianne and I had fun messing around in the kitchen with the pastors wives. We got to wear a cool getup.

Sweet girls from a sweet family. It was bittersweet spending some time with them this morning. I had to get in some last smiles, hugs, and giggles before saying goodbye. What a blessing this family is to so many.

I had visitors! It was wonderful to have Mama visit again and bring Gigi here for the first time. I believe that they both enjoyed their time. We were busy, busy! On Wednesday, we visited Centre Lumiere, another ministry of MEBSH that ministers to women, and a local nursing home. It is always a pleasure to go to the Centre and see the things the ladies are learning there. I had not been to the nursing home in quite a while, they were so sweet and sang many songs to us. On Thurday we visited their sponsored children and passed by Zanglais ministry center on the way back. I love watching sponsors interact with these kids!

We got to spend some good quality time with my family (check out the photos directly above and below). Rameau and Noilita were so happy to see them come in on Tuesday afternoon. Noilita brought her precious baby boy and we spent an afternoon loving on him, we tried to take turns but it’s hard with such a cute baby! He loves Otis and just kept trying to share food with him. Rameau gave lessons on how to properly drink tea, of course he had to throw in some jokes along the way. Sabina was over several times to hang out and even got her hair done, her mom came up to say hi and brought karapina. You can see the two daughters with their two Mamas (above to the left). Noilita gave some cooking lessons. Did you know that if you blow in a coconut it makes it easier to open? When everyone got ready to say goodbye there were a lot of hugs. It is always nice to bring my two families together.

We got in some good scenery, too. We visited the botanical gardens in Cayes. They were beautiful, my first visit as well. We were also invited down to a fellow missionaries home for a tour of their beautiful yard and some yummy treats.

Beach day with my favorites! We enjoyed a day away with Sabina, Lydianne, and 3 of the Nunemakers. Such a good time of fellowship. Everyone knows I love to eat lobster on the beach. We met up with a little cutie who I have seen before at the beach. He told us he was okay with his photo being taken, his shirt says, “ain’t no Mama like the one I got”. Good times with good friends!

On Monday we went to the fair at SEED ministries. It was fun to walk around and see what all was going on. You can also see here Mama with one of my sweet friends and coworkers, everyone here asks about her often and vice versa. Also, check out that spoiled dog…I am sure he didn’t enjoy this week one single bit.. from playing to being fed to extra snuggles and jumping on beds.

Oti corner. Otis just wants to play with lizards and enjoy his time with whoever comes up. I am so thankful to have this silly little guy around. He is always happy to see me and always ready to take a good nap. He loves his people and loves getting snacks.

It has been another blessed month, thanks to the Lord above. Please continue to keep Haiti in your prayers.