Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

My heart is breaking for all of those who were hit by hurricane sandy. From the Caribbean, all the way up the U.S. coast there is unbelievable devastation.
Many of you have been asking me about Haiti in the wake of this weather. Central Haiti and Bohoc rarely receive any direct effect of hurricanes, we're just not geographically in the path. Haiti has been hit hard though, and for so many in Port-au-Prince and along the coast these storms just add insult to injury.

Some of my MTI friends, also serving in Haiti posted great blogs about the effects of sandy. 

Austin and Martha Snowbarger are working with World Concern. Hopefully they will be in PAP soon and we can reunite for a visit! Austin posted this blog entry about sandy. 

Larry and Tracy Luth are already in PAP with their son Samuel, I'm looking forward to seeing them again soon. Larry wrote this post about his first hand experience of sandy. 

As you reflect on all the damage done, I hope you lift prayers up to our heavenly Father, who is in control no matter what we see around us. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 
Romans 8:28

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revolved in our body. 
2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Friday, October 26, 2012

Latest News

I've been home from MTI for two weeks now and I am slowly but surely adjusting to my new normal. In all my prep time for Haiti I had not thought much beyond MTI, so this is completely uncharted territory. I am most thankful for a grace filled God as I navigate this very unique season. He has blessed my time at home, despite some kicking and screaming on my part.

I am still working with HAFF to determine a departure date, but everything is moving in a positive direction. My funding is very close and I am confident God will provide the rest. Please pray for clear eyes and heads as we do the math and make the wisest choices.

I have exciting news about my family. Many of you know my dad has had back problems for a few months now. It's been a difficult season for my family with my dad in so much pain and my mom working hard to get everything done. As of yesterday, we finally have a surgery date. Praise the Lord!! Once my dad has surgery, his back will feel so much better. His surgery is scheduled for November 16th. The hospital has a history of changing dates, so please pray the only way this date changes is if it is sooner! I am thrilled for my dad. After a few weeks of recovery he can begin to get back to his normal self and my family can settle back into former routines.

God has given me a chance to be there for my family and I see His timing so clearly. With this surgery date, some of my plans could shift. These shifts are slight in the grand scheme of my time in Haiti, likely just a week or two difference, but in my heart it feels like an eternity. Making the wisest choice for myself, my family, my HAFF family and God's glory is my priority. Pray for clear vision and an open heart as God moves me in His direction.

As always, thank you for continued support and love.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

April is Coming!

A little something the Wilson's put in their most recent newsletter about my arrival!

April Is Coming!
Not the month, but April Lambiotte, HAFF’s intern who is exploring whether God desires her to serve full time at HAFF in the years to come. It’s good she is vivacious and open to challenge because the rest of the ET and we have probably already dreamed up enough tasks for her to fill 3 full time positions. At age 25, April already has experience working with preschoolers and the staff of a learning institution. She also enjoys teens and is looking forward to engaging our middle and high schoolers in meaningful Christian relationships while helping to improve their English skills in school.
April has taken French in high school and college, which should help greatly in her learning the French-based Haitian KreyĆ²l language. Her five weeks in missionary training school will also help her greatly in adapting to the culture. Her experience with photography, blogging and Facebook means we can do a better job of “throughout the year” sharing. Please pray that the other half of her monthly pledges or one time support can come in so she may join us soon in November!


I'm looking forward to building our HAFF team and joining this sweet family soon!
Keep an on your (snail mail) mailbox in October for my next newsletter!