An update

In the past few weeks, I have had several reach out to me asking how I am. I want to thank you all for your concern and continued prayers. It means a lot that you care so much for me, my Haitian family, and my fellow missionaries. I want to share a short update to help put your minds at ease and further explain the situation. This will not be a typical monthly update, one of those will be coming in a few weeks. Please keep in mind, I am not a reporter and do not intend to become one. You will not find hard hitting news here. I will not be sharing anything about the political situation or unrest in the country. I will not be speculating about anyone or anything in the country. Lastly, I will not be sharing my opinions of everything going on. I will share the facts that I know to be true, as well as some prayer requests.

Haiti is a beautiful country full of wonderful people whom I love very much. This week is the 7th year anniversary of the first time that I visited and fell in love with all that Haiti had to offer. It is crazy to look back and remember how in awe I was then, and how in awe I continue to be now. That girl never dreamt she would be living here and have such wonderful relationships and experiences. Thankfully, God called me here whether I agreed to it or not. While I at first tried to fight it, I now could not imagine life any other way. I love Haiti, I love my Haitian family, I love the work that I do, I love the life God has chosen for me.

Many of seen and heard many stories on the news of Haiti over the years, some of which are true and some are not. I personally can have a difficult time discerning what is truth and what is just clickbait. I continue to pray for God to open my eyes to the truth and thank Him for putting people in my life who understand things much better than I do. These last few weeks, Haiti has been a big figure in international news. There are reports that are true, that are scary and sad, and there are also reports that are again, made up.

Here is what I know: I am safe where I live in the South. We have been working and have been able to travel all across the Southern departments to visit schools. In the last two weeks, we have traveled through 4 of Haitis 10 departments. Schools are functioning normally, I can go to and from where I need to safely. I feel safe and comfortable at home, at church, at work, visting friends, shopping, etc. I am thankful that God has continued to protect the Grand Sud. At this point in time, there is no reason for anyone to be alarmed or concerned for my personal safety.

However, there are many problems that we face because of the unrest in other areas of the country. There are no flights, international or domestic. I know several who are trapped either in or out of the country or in other areas of the country with no clue as to when they will be able to travel. The roads from the capital continue to be blocked which means that the food our schools depend on is not able to be delivered to us. These same blocks also keep us from getting thing that many not be local to our area, such as imports from other countries. Many Haitians in these areas of the country are in danger and are fearful of what is happening around them. This is hard to hear and hard to witness, it truly breaks my heart.

Thank God for: safety, protection, provision. He has allowed us to travel and work, He has provided food, electric, and water for my home, He has allowed us to be safe and feel safe. The country of Haiti that He created and the many Haitian Christians who are His children and continue to serve Him through it all.

Ask God for: peace in the country. Roads to open up so that people can travel to and from the capitol freely and other items can be transported. Flights, internationally and domestically, so that those who are not home can be home. Clear direction in following Him and His will, both for me and my Haitian brothers and sisters. Peace in the hearts of my family and friends, both in the states and Haiti.