The DR is a Resort by Comparison

It's been less than two weeks since we've returned from Balan, Haiti (near Cap-Haitien). It is a world away, in more than the literal sense.  Anina and I had the blessing of being sort of last minute members of a team from HCJB Global to serve with the disaster relief from the earthquake in 2010 that affected Port-au-Prince. We flew into the Dominican Republic, and drove over the border into Haiti.  The difference, at least where we went across, is like night and day.

But what were we doing near Cap-Haitien?  There is a Kids Alive Village there, in Balan, that is taking care of orphans from the earthquake.  The Kids Alive concept is good: bring kids who have no parents under the upbringing of Christian houseparents, living in a house type home, versus a dorm type home.

The team consisted of 11 members, nine of which are HCJB.  There were six men, who built an additional school room, put up playground equipment, built laundry area shelters for the two houses that are finished already in the village, moving and compacting gravel for easier walking in the KA village. There are six other house families, with orphans, awaiting their homes in the village. The need was so great to house orphans, that these families are living in rented homes in the community.

The five women held health clinics, which were basically good health checks.  Working with KA missionaries, Brent and Letitia Jefkins, as translators, as well as with Haitian staff, the women were able to provide basic eye screening, pulse, blood pressure, and overall head to to checks for about 130 students, and some staff. In addition, there was a baking day and Bible study, something Letitia already does with the eight house moms.

Jean and Anina loved working with the children, but the highlight, for Jean, was a community health class for parents.  It was during that class time, that Jean was able to share the gospel with 40+ unbelieving community parents, whose children participate in the school program there. Each time Jean does a trip, she prays for an opportunity to personally present the gospel, and God answered once again. Please continue to pray for these parents living in Haiti and that their hearts will be ready to hear the good news as there is opportunity for them to hear. 

Three Down, One to Go!

Mad recap of spring and transition to a new summer schedule:

After visiting, applying, and being accepted into Anderson, Huntington, and Taylor University, David has decided to attend Huntington University in the fall to pursue studies in Computer Science.  Glad that decision is made and we are at peace about it.  His graduation and open house were both on May 19th, and we enjoyed the full day celebrating with him. 

Thank you to everyone who came out and sent cards to celebrate with him.  God is gracious and upon the heels of graduating on May 19th, he began work today as a picker/packer/shipper for Coast Distribution, here in Elkhart.  It is warehouse type job for an RV company. So glad the RV business has picked up and praise God for summer employment!

Speaking of summer employment, Johnny is comfortably settled in his job at Kroger, which has been giving him overtime hours, as the president of the company is visiting the store some time this week.  Yikes!  I hope they're ready.  The store was in mass confusion the last week as it has been undergoing total reorganization.

Anina also graduated from eighth grade on May 19th, and we have settled on her course for the fall, her first year in high school.  She is an excellent student and gets done with her work very promptly (perhaps occasionally, too promptly). She has been always a cheerful helper and we appreciate her help with all that entails hosting interns and volunteers at our house.

Beginning today, we will have our summer intern through the middle of August. Hosting is usually a great time---just like having another kid at home, really.  So pray for our vehicle-challenged home---there are 4 people who need to get around to fulltime (or more) jobs and not enough vehicles to do so.  :) 

Elizabeth and Peter are doing well. Both are working hard and serving the Lord at Lansing Bible Church.  We see them more than we thought we would, despite the long drives.  It is rewarding to see your adult child doing well, being responsible, and serving the Lord.  It makes a parent feel full-hearted, indeed.

We are doing well.  John is busy.  [Jean will be chauffering... :)]

Where did all the time go?

As I sit here tonight, this is the 30th Valentine's Day that John and I have shared. So much has happened and yet I still feel like I am 29. Okay, not really, but I certainly don't feel old enough to have shared 30 Valentine's Days with my spouse already! But the facts add up:

• 25 years of marriage last June
• 4 children: one married this past November, one in college, one going off to college, and one starting high school in the fall. [Really--weren't they just all in diapers?]
• 3 editions of Saxon Algebra
• one son-in-law
• only one still on this earth from my nuclear family, as my dear sister, Sue, went to be with the Lord this past November.

It is a testimony to how God has worked in our lives:

• marriage still growing and striving to be honoring to Him (Amen!)
• 4 children who know the Lord: one married to a great guy, one studying hard to obtain a Biology degree, one praying about which college to attend, and one who serves the Lord with a good attitude. [So glad we are beyond diapers and have depth of relationship with each of them!]
• lived through 3 editions of Saxon Algebra -- praise the Lord!
• one son-in-law who knows and follows the Lord --hallelujah!
• missing one father, one mother, and one sister who are all present with the Lord (praise the Lord, again!)

So, thankful that God has guided all this. So thankful my loved ones are with Him. So thankful God is sovereign as He continues to lead us here in Elkhart.