On a Sure Foundation

It has been 8 days now since my husband got sick.  Initially we thought it was another dreaded cold, which he seems to be susceptible to following a flight.  But his symptoms worsened and late Friday afternoon found us in his doctor's office.  From there we left for Emerg with the possibility of pneumonia or malaria having been fed to us by his doctor.  Eleven and a half hours later the diagnosis was bronchial pneumonia.

But that was early Saturday morning and last evening we were still not seeing improvement after 4 days of antibiotics.  So back to the doctor this morning to discover that the chest x-ray was clear, ruling out pneumonia.  So we are back at square one.  It was two trips to the lab for bloodwork today and an appt. has been set for Friday morning at 9:15 with a doctor specializing in Infectious Diseases.  The tests today were for Malaria, Typhoid Fever and Dengue Fever.

And I have not fallen apart.

Those of you who know me well, know that this would be looked upon as a gift.  Stable emotional health is not my strong point to begin with let alone when I am facing some degree of "crisis".  At this point, we are not in a full blown crisis, but there is the very real reality that something is clearly wrong with my husband and as of yet, we do not have a diagnosis.  He has not been to work for over a week now. 

And so I am deeply greatful for a strength in me that is not of me. 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

There is something so incredibly powerful for me in those words.  In the midst of the unknown, I feel safe and secure...on a sure Foundation. 

Today I read from Psalms 9:10  "Those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee."

I am not alone.  I will not be left alone by my Father.  I don't know how this story will continue to be written.  Today, I am resting in The Storyteller and trusting Him with tomorrow's chapter.

Several weeks ago as I was reading Cynthia Heald's book, "Drawing Near to the Heart of God", these words drew me in.

"When we truly believe in the goodness of our God our perception of circumstances will change.  Instead of questioning God's care for us, we will learn to trust that God loves us and is constantly at work for our good."

I have a deep burning desire to live this out in my life.  It seems as though God is giving me that opportunity.  I pray for the faith to continue to believe in the goodness of my God as I walk into the coming days.

A New Season At Eden

We opened up the cottage this past weekend.  Under hot sunny skies a new season at Eden has begun.

Which brings me to a pictorial of some of the countless reasons I love Eden.

Because family and mealtimes are memory makers

Because nature's babies show up in the most unique places(underneath the boat cover)

Because Chrissie gives the picnic table a new coat of stain.

Because it's time to add color to Eden's beauty.

Because only at Eden can you use water from the lake to wash dishes until the broken pipe is fixed...and find it FUN!

Because life IS better at the lake!!!

Because bringing an old cupboard in from the shed to provide storage makes us feel extremely thrifty and "Martha'sh"

Because Zoe is the most adorable QUIET dog ever!!!

Because old is best.

Because Charma transforms most anything

Because there is always a new way to showcase Eden's glory.

Lazy summer days lie just around the corner.

Welcome Home

My family is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Oh how wonderful it was to throw my arms around these three people and welcome them home!   They arrived here around 8:20 with James and John as well.  I was blessed to be a part of the reunion between James and his Mom and grandfather out on our sidewalk.  Karen and I shared tears together.  What a surprise!!!

I had been warned that there were some hungry people coming into my home who hadn't eaten since 1:00.  What a privilege to serve them and sit around the table and hear the beginnings of so many untold stories. 

 The table conversation seemed centered around the "need to know basis" stories.  Translation:  various situations arise over the course of a trip such as this and at times that information is only given on a "need to know basis".  This applies to the team in Haiti as well as some of us here at home.  For example--not everyone needs to know about the mouse they couldn't find in a certain bedroom. As well, not everyone needs to know about  the reasons why some of the dried soup mix was prepackaged.  And...there are certain ones of us back home who do not need to know just how many people can actually fit in the back of a pickup truck while it slides down mud-strewn "roads".

 My son, who stayed overnight, offered to get up and make his sister pancakes with chocolate chips for breakfast.  Yes, he was the hero!!  I have not seen my girl that wide awake in a long time!  She put a country CD in the stereo and was dancing around the house to the music, and savoring syrup-laden pancakes.

And I was getting "my fill" of family again in generous portions.  Oh how it made my heart sing to watch and be with these people I love so dearly. 

                                      

 It is just so comforting to have this guy home.  I woke up around 5:45 and felt him there beside me and just smiled inside.  "My husband is home:)"

I have been learning some parts to stories that I hadn't been aware of.  My husband was "the someone" who planned several weeks ago to honor all of us mothers on Mother's Day.  He sent emails to everyone on the team asking them to make sure they had something prepared while they were gone.  And for some of us Mom's at church, the flowers and cards were all his idea.  Apparently it was no small task to get two unnamed young men to write their Mom's notes.  But Karen and I thank you profusely.  :)  Brian really felt I should know this background information as it would certainly earn him big points!!!!  

Remember the afghans?  It wasn't just one per household, it was one per family member!!  The team gave our eighteen of these beautifully handmade gifts.

This afternoon Brian and I will head up to Eden (our cottage).  I so anticipate hearing more and more of the rich ways that God moved among this group of people.  Just to be together will be rich.

And this guy.  I just loved having 10 minutes to sit with him this morning and hear some of God's work in his own heart.  These are the moments I have been missing and the ones I cherish.

Last night before bed, he began to sing to me two hymns in Creole.  The one was "Amazing Grace", which Cam said has different words in Creole because of the difficulty of translation.  As he spoke the words to me in English a holy hush came to my soul.

"Lord, there is nothing I can give You
Only a suffering, broken heart
And without you I cannot be healed
My mystery is before you."

He could not have known how timely those words were for all that has been going on in me these past weeks.  God is so gracious and merciful to us.  His faithfulness is revealed time and time again and I stand in awe of all of the wonder and majesty and grace that is God's and God's alone.

May this great God guide us and continue to use each of us on the mission fields of our own Canadian soil.

Highlights from the Team

I have so enjoyed hearing the daily adventures of this amazing team of people.  Their courage and love of adventure; their sacrifice and willingness to go out of their comfort zones; their desire to allow themselves to be in harm's way in order to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Haitian people is what so easily prompts me to call them amazing.  At times I have tried to imagine what it must be like to actually be there.

To lift panels to their rightful place and hang doors to make a home.

To meet face to face, the survivors of tragedy who live lives of endurance.

To experience the answered prayers of yesteryear and "today".

To worship in prayer and singing and building and loving each other.

To know the protection of God. 

I have so much desired a front row seat at the souls of each of these team members these past 10 days. 

So I asked for one!!! 

I asked Brian to take a pen and notebook and record each person's highlight, so that you and I together can all sit for a moment and "be there" in that front row. 

Be blessed as you read into the hearts of most of the team...

John--"God's awesomeness as we worked together as a team."

Brian I.--"The moment of presenting the keys upon completion of the first house."

Emily--"Seeing Doudwen (10 year old son at the 4th house) get his baseball cap.  Big smiles."

Sonya--"Being swarmed by children and 'showering' in the rain(when the storms came the rain would pour off the roof at Pastor Giordani's)

Claude(Haitian site manager)--"Loved how the team worked in perfect unity"

Michelle--"Shaking hands at the end of the service at Sapate.  (Everyone gathered in a circle; then the leaders started a line that moved around the circle so that eventually everyone shook everyone's hand).   And the experience of giving prayers and gifts at house #4.  Smiles, smiles and smiles!!!"

James--"Everything to do with the rain--everything green, showers under the eaves trough, suspense in outrunning(sometimes!!!)  The storms and God's grace. 


Odison(our Haitian driver)--"really appreciated working with the team:)"


Brian O.--"Serving, serving, serving.  Making a Godly difference in 4 families and their communities."


Sarah--"Hope--with God all things are possible." :)

Cam--"Showers in the rain.  A gift from God."

This amazing team of people arrived in Port au Prince this morning and then left in a truck to go up into the mountains.  Petionville is where they had lunch.

Their hearts ripped apart as they drove past the tent cities.People living on top of people in the mountains.   Brian's heart, "I thought I had seen the poverty of Haiti...but oh my...poverty beyond fathoming.  Literally breaks your heart."


The team also took a tour of Port and saw the presidential Palace and huge Catholic cathedral that collapsed in the earthquake.  Part of their afternoon indeed held a heaviness.

But they also visited tourist shopping venues and grocery stores purchasing spicy peanut butter, vanilla, gifts, etc. 

Tonight is relaxing, swimming in the pool, perhaps even reading a book.

Tomorrow is the return to Canada...home.:)

"And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission..."
--Acts 13:25

Lives Changed Forever

"We are done."

It was a lot of running around today for Brian and John...counting panels and picking up another door.  When they returned to Pastor Giordani's home they picked up the rest of the team and drove out into the country to bless the last house.  (In the morning Sonya and Pastor Giordani gave the blessing at the other home.)

A thunderstorm hit just as the team arrived at the home so John hung the door while Poppy held an umbrella in the downpour.  Inside the home they met the Mom and one of her three boys.  Praying and blessing her home brought smiles to her face and gratitude from her lips to God and the team.  These are lives that are changed forever...in a beautiful, tangible way.  It has a ripple effect throughout the entire community.

It was an "interesting" journey back home through the streams that were now little rivers and roads that were now fast moving streams.  It sounds like it was another Haiti-type-adventure that they enjoyed and I am thankful I missed out on. :)

Tomorrow morning the team packs and journeys to Port au Prince and will spend their last night at Walls Guest House.

A Homecoming is just around the bend.

The Home Stretch

I always like this part..."the home stretch".  I can start counting how many sleeps and three just sounds so much better than nine!!!

From Brian's text--

"We were running hard this afternoon as a big storm approached but were able to complete the 4th house except for hanging one door.  A big thank you to everyone who prayed today that God would help with the wet tools.  They worked!!!!  What a blessing for us!!!  Tomorrow we will finish up house #3 and then John and I will run to Lejeune again to count the panels stored there so that the next team that comes down knows what they're missing.  On our way back we'll hang the door at the 4th house.  We will have completed four houses.  I am soooooo pleased.  Amazing work!  Amazing team.  Amazing God.  Again, we are so blessed to be here!"

The other two houses will be blessed in the afternoon.  Brian and John will most likely be unable to be there so Poppy will have the honor of blessing House #3 and Cam and Sonya will bless House #4.

This evening is Brian and Marilyn's Finance "Meeting".  A "fun" night of going through receipts, etc.  Oh joy!!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever!
--Ephesians 3:20

Monday Prayer for Haiti Team

Please be praying--THAT THE DRILLS WORK TODAY!!! 

"There was a big storm last night and the batteries and drills ended up in some water. Not good.  We need God's help this day."
Brian

A Day of Blessing

If you were at our church this morning then you will know that Brian called from Haiti during the service and we were given a taste of the choir at the church in Sapote.   Between technology and the beauty of the church universal, it was a pretty amazing time.    My highlight was the fact that someone planned ahead of time for flowers and cards to be prepared and given to three of us Mom's who are missing our kids in Haiti(and two of us our spouses as well) this Mother's Day.  An extremely touching moment for me.  Brian expressed what a blessing it was for him to talk with our church this morning.  I rather enjoyed that as well:)   Oh, and by the way...I have a dozen long stemmed red roses and some sugar free chocolate on my dining room table from my Ashley for Mother's Day.  I am blessed.

So...if you didn't already know, church services in Haiti are a tad longer than here in Canada.  Their worship service was from 10-12 and I think that is perhaps on the shorter end.  The team stayed and visited for almost two hours and then had a late lunch back in Hinche before an afternoon of "Blessing".

They met with two of the families...praying with them...giving gifts and of course handing over the keys which Brian had the privilege of doing.  Gifts included clothing, a soccer ball for the kids, dried soup mix, shoes, pens and paper, toothbrush and paste and an afghan.  Apparently a woman here in our city has made an untold number of  afghans (around 180)  for various organizations to give away.  Each family moving into a home will receive one.

This time of blessing is almost bittersweet.  Their stories are so tragic.  One young girl...around 10 years old misses her Dad so much.  He died in the earthquake.  A neighbor came into one of the homes they were blessing and spoke to Brian saying, "You don't know how important this is what you are doing...for the neighborhood."   Words like this acknowledge the incredible impact of this mission.  Each home build is a family's life changed.  I believe that is called hope.

This evening the team will count panels so that they are ready for the build tomorrow.  They are unsure if they will concentrate on building the 4th house on Monday and finish up the third one on Tuesday or what the plan will be.  Either way, it is two more days of hard work and then Wednesday they will return to Port au Prince and take a tour of the city and then relax before their Thursday morning flight home.

"Living God,
I did nothing to earn waking today.
Others more worthy than I did not.
It is a gift I needn't have been given,
which makes today more precious.
Come into the still center of me,
so that I can be  your hands and ears,
your hands and heart
today."
--William J. O'Malley

Great is His Faithfulness

It struck me tonight as I was talking with Brian how encouraging it is to be reminding each other of God's faithfulness daily.  Perhaps it is because our conversations are so brief these days, that our words are more purposeful.  We don't want to waste precious time, but to make the most of our time.    And testifying of  God's faithfulness centers us.

Once again from Brian's text this evening--

"Thunders rolling while I'm typing this message.  The storm came a bit early today.  We had to get off the site early, around 3:45.  We have about two more hours of trim work to do on this our third house.  Boy does that sound good:  3rd house!  The new home owner is a single mom.

We're all doing well.

Marilyn just gave us some great news.  One of the sites we visited last year had a large Voodoo ceremony happening while we were there.  We took the time to pray for the single Mom receiving the home but also prayed over the witch doctor's home.  When Marilyn visited the mom earlier this year she noticed that the neighbor's home no longer had voodoo flags flying.  Marilyn asked if he had moved.  The mom said no.  'He's become a Christian.'  What a blessing for the team!!!"

I remember Brian talking about this prayer "event" last year.  There was a fair amount of spiritual warfare that the team was faced with on that particular mission.  How exciting to hear of God's faithfulness. 

Later as I talked with Brian he emphasized again the great work that takes place on the work site.  The team--they "go" all day.  By now, everyone is getting to know their jobs really well.

Brian shared with me his highlight from yesterday.  He had gone outside in the evening to sit alone and in the quiet.  From not far away he began to hear the singing of "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  It was Pastor Giordani.

Later he came inside and heard Sonya reading scripture and then she and Cam singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  Each evening the team has their own worship time together.  The first night Cam led it, the second evening it was Sonya and last evening they led together.  They sang hymns together.  Brian said, "I don't know if I should even tell you this because you would want to be here--it was so rich and beautiful."

Tomorrow is the Sabbath...a time to worship with the church there and a welcome day of rest.

"Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me."
--Thomas O. Chisholm

It's All About Team

Before I get into the events of the day, I thought I would "introduce" the team to you which will hopefully provide you with a little more of a "face" as I talk about the various people.  There is a picture on the church blog and I suppose it would be possible to put that here, but that is way beyond my computer skills.  ha,ha

John is the builder.  He hails from a town about an hour from our city and has been to Haiti previously to put together these prefab houses.  Brian said tonight that John is a "taskmaster" as a leader...never gives anyone a break.  Of course Brian said this as John walked into the room:)  The joke at our church is the John had to come because no one trusts Brian to be the builder.  :)

Sarah is the Haitian born woman who was adopted by a Canadian family when she was four.  She is finding the poverty overwhelming.  The Haitians of course assume she lives there and can speak Creole.  A lot of people are approaching her expecting this.

Michelle lives about an hour from our city as well and was to Haiti a few months ago building homes.  She will actually be staying to assist Marilyn with a medical team when our team comes home.

Of the above three, I have only met Michelle briefly.

Marilyn is from "World Partners and has given so much of her life to the people of Haiti.  She is an amazing, beautiful, godly woman.  Brian cannot speak highly enough of Marilyn and the depth of experience she brings to the team.  She understands the people, and the culture and is therefore invaluable as they face so many challenging aspects of ministering in this country.

Brian I. and his daughter Emily are part of our home church.  This is their first short term mission experience.  Emily and Sonya were roommates this past year as they attended university and I understand that Emily is quite happy to take the credit for introducing Sonya and Cam to each other:)  Thanks Emily!!!!

Poppy is also from our church and this is her fourth time to Haiti.  She is a powerhouse of a woman.    Seriously!!  Not only does she do a ton of behind the scenes preparatory work, but she has no problem holding her own on the work site.  I think Poppy is always smiling when I see her:)

James is a young adult from our church.  He has been to Haiti five times.  His first experience was a month long stay with his family quite a few years ago.  Since then he has gone with a team.  According to James, "It's all good."  :)  He and Cam are best of friends which is why he will be Cam's best man on July 14.

Cam is my amazing son!  He has been to Haiti four times, and it was the second time he went which turned his life upside down and has set him on the life course he is on today.  And now it seems to be in his blood.  He only packed a knapsack for 10 days which tells you two things.  One, he packs only the bare essentials and two, the rest he will borrow from others:)  Yep...that's his philosophy!!

Sonya is my future daughter-in-law which is still surreal to me.  I love her to pieces already.  She is no stranger to the mission field having spent most of her life in Mexico with her Mom and Dad and brother and sister.  I find it so beautiful how God has orchestrated her life and Cam's to share a passion for missions.

Brian is the love of my life and right now, missed very much.  But I hear such excitement in his voice as he shares with me the God happenings of each day.  Brian puts hours and hours of Creole language study in before each trip.  It just blows me away.  He so desires to be able to communicate to the best of his ability once he is there.  He's also passionate about team and works very hard to bring unity both prior to going and while they are there.  Brian said today the team is doing great!!!

And You...You and I are the rest of the team.  Because you see, in the economy of God's kingdom it doesn't matter where we are, there is this incredible gift called prayer that God uses along with tangible sweat equity, to bring a little more of His kingdom here on earth.  So keep praying.

And now for today--  Brian's text

"Another great and interesting day.  Pieces missing again so off to Lejeune for Michelle and myself to pick up the missing pieces for the current house and the next two.  Trip went well.  Sat on top of a big truck for the ride.  Unbelievably rough ride and hot."

I asked him during our phone conversation if that was safe.
There was a delay and then he responded, "Absolutely!!! What else would  you like to know?" :)  The reality is that I KNOW that each time he goes to Haiti I never get ALL the details.  And yes, that is for the best.  Back to his text--

"The team at the site had to take a break because it was so hot.  It was 33 in the shade and the thermometer wouldn't work in the sun.
We almost finished the house today but had to stop because of thunder and lightening.  Not good on a metal roof!!!!  Today we build for Adner Jean and his wife Lacroix.  They have five children.  They too lost everything in the earthquake.  He's a journalist.  We are blessed.  So are they."

Brian expressed to me that they will almost for sure not be building five houses.  They are missing pieces for the 5th house and these would have to be sent from Canada.

Tomorrow they will finish the second house...about half an hours work and then build the third house.  Sunday will be a day off.  He expects that one of their days will be a "Blessing" day in which they will travel to each home and give the families gifts.  They were unable to go to Imoyse's  home last evening.

When we began our conversation this evening Brian said it was pouring rain.  Cam, Sonya and James were standing at the edge of the house where the water is rushing over the roof.  They were having a riot...throwing water at each other, etc.  It must have looked enticing because John was heading there to join them and Brian planned to as well.

"Living God,
the day slides away westward,
the rhythms settle slowly down.
Let that way of gentling things,
gentle me."
--William J. O'Malley
"Daily Prayer for Busy People" 

Building Has It's "Moments"

"WE'RE BUILDING A HOUSE!!!!!!!!!"

That was the text I received from my hubby at 10:30 a.m.  I think someone was excited!!

The team arrived at the site around 9:45 a.m. and began the process of finding the correct panels, etc.  Because the materials are not in an organized fashion there is added time required to put everything in order.  Then the work begins. 

Hot, heavy, hard work.  One is lifting and carrying panels, and screwing pieces together, with so much of this being done above one's head.  It was an all day build in the hot Haiti sun working on a pad of concrete.  A tired but satisfied crew arrived "home" for dinner around 5:30. 

Imoyse is the Mom who will be moving into the house with 3 of her 5 children as well as her sister and her 2 children.  Imoyse's 2 older children have returned to Port au Prince to live. They were living as a family in Port when the earthquake happened.  Her husband died in the city--they have never found his body.  They literally left with nothing but the clothes on their back.  I realize I have just written two sentences with the barest of words to describe the catastrophic nightmare this family has lived through.  I have no comprehension and there are no words to adequately portray such horror. 

Tonight, the team had plans to return to the completed home...bless it and hand the keys over to Imoyse.  Brian's words..."I'm sure it will be deeply touching."

Reading his words was the first time I have ever had the thought,  "I wish I could be there."  

What a "moment" that will be.  Unimaginable.

On a very different note, Brian has shared his displeasure with a variety of house guests they are keeping company with.

Let's see now--
A cockroach in the shower and another one that was killed in the night
A mouse running around in the livingroom with some of the team chasing it
Ants all over Brian's bed and the wall.  He had to wait to go to bed until this was all taken care of.
Dead ants everywhere

And, it would seem as though there is a city wide dog fight every night...all night.  Brian wore his ear plugs in order to get some sleep.  He remembers this being the case four years ago as well.

Having divulged some of the less enjoyable moments with you, I have realized that thought I had earlier about wishing I was there, has mysteriously disappeared:)

"Goodnight...sleep tight...don't let the bed bugs bite(or any other creature)"

"Blessings, prayers and sweet rest-- Marilyn, John, Sarah, Michelle, Brian I. Emily, Poppy, James, Cam, Sonya, and Brian"

The Trek

And so the story unfolds--

The team arrived in Hinche early this morning and began to take stock of what was there.  Unfortunately, they did not have the makings of a complete house.  So it was time for "the trek".  Three of the team road in a large dump truck and the rest in a pickup as they made their way to Lajeune to pick up the missing pieces.

Lejeune is a 15 km trip which took 1 1/2 hours. Marilyn, from World Partners said that was "really good."  It was said that if you drive a standard it's like never getting out of first gear.  Brian thinks it would be faster to run:)

But a successful journey it was.  They managed to load up enough materials to complete three houses.  At some point, some of the team will need to return to Lejeune in order to retrieve the pieces for the other two houses.  The plan...to complete five houses is still expected to be achieved.

Tomorrow is a building day and the team is excited and raring to go.

Haiti--and so begins another God-sized adventure

 This was my hubby yesterday afternoon packing for Haiti.  It seems there is so much preparation and then suddenly it's here!!

It is a team of 11 this year.  I love that Cam and his fiancee Sonya are able to experience this together since it is their heart's desire to eventually be long-term missionaries.

One of the women joining the team is from Alberta, but Haitian born and then adopted by a Canadian family.  This will be her first time returning to her birthplace.  I can't imagine what this experience will mean to her.

If all goes as planned, the team will be putting together 5 prefab houses.  The five foundations have already been laid and the houses are ready and waiting.  A much different scenario than last year for those of you who remember.

For sure there are always lots of kids who enjoy all the loving attention.  The soccer balls were packed and ready to be pumped up and given a good workout.

Important items to pack...as you can see :)

"The Away Team"

 This is my personal "Away Team"...Cam, Sonya and Brian.  For Cam this is his 4th time to Haiti and for Brian it is his 3rd.  Some have deduced that this must be "old hat" for me by now.  But truthfully...no.  For sure I know what to expect in terms of communication and what it is to be on my own with Ashley, but I still don't find it easy to send them off.  I know that many people have relatively few issues entrusting their loved ones to God but that has never been my story.  And this year, there is a lovely young lady in the picture who has captured my heart, which means three precious people to place into the hands of God.  I seem to have to put a lot of sweat equity into trusting coupled with the Holy Spirit working overtime in order for me to surrender...and have that sweet peace I long for.  But oh the richness when I get to that place of rest.  It was Sunday afternoon this time and I am enjoying His calming, reassuring Presence

I am a little concerned as to whether they will even let this man on the plane!!

I think Sonya has her concerns as well!!!!  

"The Home Team"

And yes, we are "The Home Team"...Ashley and I.  Also known as "The Prayer Team".  As much as I will miss my husband, and Cam and Sonya, I will enjoy one on one time with my daughter(provided she is home long enough for that to happen...ha,ha)  From the sounds of her itinerary today, she has her own "away team"!!!!  It's a good thing I enjoy being alone.  

I received a text message from Brian about 15 minutes ago that he would let me know when he is out of the pool(at Wall's Guest House) and then I can call him.  Sounds like they are off to a rough start!!!  

Just got off the phone with my hubby.  And the adventure begins!!!!  It turns out that quite possibly all of the houses are not in Hinche (where they are supposed to be), but just pieces of the houses.  The rest may be in Le Jeune.  First thing tomorrow morning they will assess what is actually there.  If there is a complete house a team will begin to put it together and another team will travel to Le Jeune to pick up the rest of the houses.  Please pray for these logistics and the team as they begin the work God has prepared for them.

My eyes have just passed over a quote here on my desk:

"Craving clarity we attempt to eliminate the risk of trusting God."

--Brennan Manning

It sounds like the Haiti team are well on their way to a trusting God kind of mission.

 

 

 

Grace Infusion

It has been such a difficult week. 

My emotional health seemed to plummet almost overnight and was bound and determined to wreak havoc throughout my days.  And when this happens, every little or not so little challenge in my life is exaggerated to unmanageable proportions.  And right now, because of all the changes unfolding in my life, I felt myself completely overwhelmed. 

Yesterday, the "sun" began to shine its rays into my dark clouds.  Hope has once again resurfaced.  I am deeply grateful for the timing of this grace infusion.  On Tuesday morning Brian, Cam and Sonya leave with 8 others for Haiti for 10 days.  And I will be honest-- it is a sacrifice to send them off...my precious family, and that a level of trepidation is part of that.  I have not felt strong in facing this goodbye.

This afternoon after my nap, I lounged on the couch reading Cynthis Heald's, "Drawing Near to the Heart of God."  I have come away knowing my Father's touch and hearing His words of truth. 

His gifts of grace started with these words:

"Our willingness to endure is an essential that we bring to our journey--but the ability to endure is a gift from the Lord.
The more we learn to receive and depend upon His grace in deepening measure the less anxious we will be about what the future holds and whether we will have the strength to face it.  Our journey to the Father's heart will intensify our confidence to infuse strength in the midst of suffering.
It doesn't matter what we encounter in life, what we must endure, what burdens we bear--God's grace is sufficient to carry us through."

This is a an area of my life that falls so short of where it needs to be.  My focus on the untold possible anxieties of the future diminishes my trust in His sufficiency.  Cynthia's words remind me that WHATEVER unfolds in my life, God's grace is sufficient.

Paul's words push me to Him..."For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

And Hallelujah-- it's not something I have to muster up within myself! Timothy reminds me, "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy. 2:1

Oh the beauty of my High Priest who..."understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Heb. 4:14-15

It's hard for me to imagine Jesus being tested with anxiety over the present and the future, and yet we are told that He faced what we do.  He is also our example in all that we face.

Again Cynthia calls my heart to trust..."To view our trials as a means of experiencing more deeply the power of Christ is to understand that God is enough."

I don't understand the mysterious, powerful workings of the Holy Spirit, but I do know what it is to experience Him as a dynamic living, active Presence in my being.  I know that I opened the pages of this book with fear still holding on to my soul, and that 30 minutes later I had strong reassurance that God was enough.  I know that none of the circumstances of my life have changed, but God has changed me.

Grace infused. 

"Father
For the way in which you have heaped on encouragement 
to my soul today
ThankYou
For the grace You have poured over my fainting heart
ThankYou
For the promise to meet ALL of my needs
ThankYou
For Your challenge to offer all of myself to You in trust
Here I am