Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Celebrating Success


When I think about what God has been doing here in Haiti I don’t have to go any farther than my classroom. There are so many things that God has chosen to do here and I’ve loved watching it happen right in front of me.

It is amazing to have the privilege of empowering someone and then watch them thrive! This has been something that we have focused on at Sonlight Bible College.  From the beginning of our time at SBC, we’ve believed, above all else, we are to train up people to do what we are doing. We have many Haitian professors who are doing excellent work in teaching SBC students. This has come about through years of hard work and training and it is happening again this year right in my classroom.

Jamesy Joseph was our valedictorian in last year’s graduating class.  He is a bright young man who is eager to learn. I have had him in class for the last few years as a student but I am so thankful to have him now in my class as an assistant.  I say he is an assistant, but he is actually so much more.

Jamesy is a fast learner and he is already doing the lead teaching.  He was hired to assist me and to learn from me so that in the future the computer classes would be under his direction. Well, the future has come sooner than I ever expected.

He is great with our computer students.  He is able to speak to them in Kreyol when they don’t understand my instructions in English. He is able to work with our students one on one when they have missed a class or need a little extra guidance. Watching him do what I thought would happen much later brings me so much joy.  God knew what he was doing when he brought Jamesy to Sonlight Bible College years ago. It just took us a little longer to catch on. I love when God works like that!

God has allowed this to happen again and again here at SBC.  We have gone from having only 1 Haitian professor to now having 9 Haitian professors.  To successfully empower others is our mission as missionary professors.   And when we have succeeded in empowerment – we have the great luxury of celebrating that we have accomplished our mission.  SBC continues to become a Haitian college, led by Haitian leaders.  And as of the end of this year, we are “making room” for new Haitian leaders.  Scott and I are saying goodbye to SBC (as difficult as it is) and get to watch new leaders move into the area of administration at SBC.  It is bittersweet.  The celebration of new leaders and at the same time saying goodbye to a team of people we love.  Pray for this new team of professors who will be guiding SBC and continuing the mission.  And thank your for supporting us in this work of empowering others! 


Mr. Jamesy teaching


Mr. Jamesy and Mr. Scott








Thursday, April 7, 2016

What is my "mission"?

I was reminded this morning of something...my family comes first!

Sometimes as a "missionary" I feel like my focus has to be on the people I came here to love and serve.  I have to be "with" them constantly or I am not doing my job.  I have to be "helping" them in some way or I am not doing my job.

Yet, this morning I am so thankful that I don't allow those thoughts to keep me from keeping my focus on my family.  I am a MOM and a WIFE first.  My "mission" is to raise my children to love and trust our amazing God.  My "mission" is to raise my children to follow the footsteps of Jesus. My "mission" is to love my husband.

God is first in my life! But after him it has to be my family.  Yes, I live in Haiti as a "missionary".  Yes, I need to "help", be "with" and "love and serve" the people of Haiti!  God called us here to do exactly that.  People make sacrifices daily so that we can do exactly that. People pray for us daily as we do exactly that. But God calls me as a wife and mother to disciple my children and to love my husband first. 

This morning I saw the results of spending time focusing on my family...I can't stop smiling as I recall what happened!  I came home early after a morning run and my entire family was up and ready for the day. Normally, I wake Cameron up at 6:30 and we take our dog to the school for his morning run and bathroom time.  At about 7, Ethan shuffles out of his room. Today, however, everyone was up by 6am.

Scott made his amazing Cuban coffee for us and we all sat down at the table to enjoy it.  During our coffee time, Scott turned on the worship videos that we have been watching.  The boys have their favorites so we were picking and choosing what we wanted to see, hear AND sing to.  Well, for the next hour it was a concert in our kitchen.  The boys were up dancing and singing-the moonwalk was happening in my kitchen! It was a morning I will NEVER forget! I got to watch (and participate in) my children and my husband PRAISE our God!  It was the best worship service I've ever been in-right in my kitchen!

I will continue to love, serve, help and be with these people I have come to know and love!  I will continue to do what God called me here to do! But, I pray I never forget to put my family before all of that.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

I've got you!

Ethan came home from school with very intense pain in his lower abdomen.  Because of his pain we immediately took him to the best doctor we know in this area.  The trip there is only about 3 miles but took about 15 minutes.  The roads in Haiti are hard to explain.  Let me just say, my fitbit thought I had taken 3,000 steps during those 15 minutes.

The whole way there, as I held my 9 year old, I prayed!  That was the only thing I could do.  I held him trying to soften each bump and praying that the pain would go away! 

We arrived at the hospital and our friend Kerlande was there to help us.  She told us what to do, where to go, and stayed with us the whole day.  She was a gift from God! Kerlande, I can't thank you enough for walking through this with us!

We were able to see the doctor right away and had some tests done.  We left there without any answers but I am so thankful that the pain is completely gone at this moment.

As a mom, I hurt for my son in a way that words couldn't express.  Not knowing if he would get the right care, not knowing what was going on inside that little body, not knowing how to fix it...the only thing that got me through this day was knowing that God was in control.  I knew I could trust Him with Ethan's life.  That doesn't mean it was easy. I had to give Ethan to him moment by moment.  I kept trying to take care of it myself and then He would gently remind me that "I'VE GOT HIM!"  I knew that deep down but that surface stuff just gets in the way sometimes!

Isaiah 40:31 says "those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.  The will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint."

What an amazing promise....God is saying, "I'VE GOT YOU!"  If only we could trust in that from our core to our surface!

Saturday, November 21, 2015

a smile...

Walking home the other night, we witnessed a child being "beaten". My heart was breaking!

Walking through the market to buy groceries and a woman, clearly homeless, asks me for money. My heart was breaking!

Listening to the endless stories of my girls and what they go through on a daily basis. My heart was breaking!

Hearing of Haitian teachers who have worked for YEARS without a cent in pay. My heart was breaking!

Everyday my heart breaks a little more for these people that I love.  How can I help? What can I do? And then it hits me...I can smile!

What? Smile? How can you smile in those moments? Well, when I remember who is in charge, who loves each of these people MORE than I do, who has promised to be there, I can smile in TRUST!

I can smile with these people and help them to remember the same thing.  That doesn't mean I don't HURT for them and with them!  It just means that I am choosing to trust God to do what only He can do.  I can't stop all the beatings. I can't find a home for all the homeless. I can't shelter my girls from the lives they have to live. I can't pay all the teachers who haven't been paid. There are so many things I can't do BUT I can smile with each one and remind them that there is a God who is bigger than all this!

I was walking down the street with a heavy heart this morning. I looked up and a young girl smiled at me.  I realized how much joy filled my heart just by her simple smile.  I am so thankful that we have the confidence to smile because we know that God is in control of all this.  I want to be quick to smile!


Sunday, September 6, 2015

Update on my week filled with Anxiety...

Well, I just wanted to let you all know that I made it through the week before school AND the first week of school.  Praise the Lord!

Things didn't get easier!  They actually got harder and more frustrating BUT I was able, on most occasions, to remember that I was not alone!  When I started to get frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I would remember to say, "okay, God, I can't do this without you" and every time WITHOUT FAIL he gave me the peace I needed to make it through!

There were many tears shed and moments before the reminder that were tough but with God's help I made it through!

Thanks for your prayers!  Please continue to pray for me and Scott and our boys.  I know many more frustrating moments will happen this year.  I will forget to be thankful. I will allow myself to feel overwhelmed and anxious.  But, I will continue to practice turning to God as quickly as I can and allowing him to fill me with his peace and strength!

So thankful we have a FAITHFUL God!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Anxious and Overwhelmed


Those should not be the words that describe me right now but if I am completely honest…THEY ARE. I know I shouldn’t be worried about things…that is very specifically said to us in scripture! But…

We are back home in Haiti.  It is HOT. I have new classes this year that I am trying to put together.  School starts next Monday-less than a week away. We have a new puppy. My house is DIRTY from weeks of neglect. I am overwhelmed. I am anxious.

Isaiah 40:27-31

“Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, ‘God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me’? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young fold in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”

In all the stress of coming back and getting started, I am gently reminded moment by moment to lean on my God who loves me.  My God who gives me strength to get it ALL done. My God who has blessed me with an amazing husband. My God who has blessed me with two precious boys. My God who has unexpectedly blessed us with a new little puppy who brightens our evenings with laughter and play. My God who gives me peace-unexplainable. My God is amazing! He is gentle with me. Never angry or harsh. Gently, he reminds me He is there!  Gently, he refocuses my thoughts to where they should be.  WOW! 

I am working on not being anxious and overwhelmed this week.  When all of me turns toward those feelings I am reminded to whisper his name.  What instant peace. Just by saying his name.

Instead of focusing on all the “things” that need to be done I am going to work on being thankful!  I am thankful that God chooses to use me here in this country, in this city, in this school, in these students and friends lives.  I am thankful that I am challenged with new things. I am thankful that it isn’t freezing. That one sounds funny to me but honestly I have to find something to be thankful in each “thing” that seems like a frustration. 

Pray for us this week as we prepare for the new year.  The college is growing.  We have a lot of new hearts that need to hear about this amazing God we have!  Pray that we will have our focus on Him so that He can work through us and use us to reach these people that he loves.

Thankfully, with God's help I can choose to turn anxious and overwhelming thoughts into thoughts of thankfulness!

Friday, July 31, 2015

Summer 2015

It's a quiet morning so I thought I would blog. It has been a great summer!  We have spent time with family, time with friends, time alone - just the four of us, time playing, and time resting.
Scott and I have had a lot of time to reflect on our life and the opportunities that God has given to us as a family.  We are able to spend WEEKS together just enjoying each other and the things we love...what a BLESSING!  We are so thankful this time we have together!
 I love my moments with my friend, Wendy!
 Time with friends-they have known each other their whole lives!
 I love watching these two together!  We are blessed with GREAT friends!
 Together!
 Our Family...Hollen Side
 Love my family!
 Blessed to spend time with my Dad and Shai!
 Fun in Branson with my Family
 Look out me'hardy! :)
 Precious and FUN moments!
 My beautiful sisters!
Fun with Cousins!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

It's the Students' Turn to Grade Me

I have just finished my first year working with the Sonlight Bible College.  Wow!  It has been an AMAZING year!  God knew what he was doing when he transitioned me from 4th graders to adults!  If you read one of the blogs from about a year ago, you know that I really felt led to make the change from the Academy to the College.  I was wondering how this year would go: would I miss my 4th graders, would I enjoy teaching computers, would my schedule work well for my family?  God completely blessed every area of my life this year.  I LOVED working with the adults, I LOVED teaching computer, and our FAMILY time has never been better! 

However, sometimes when I am in the midst of "doing life" I don't really know if I am making a difference.  How is God using me in these computer classes?  I tried to center my class around Jesus and his love for me and my students but was I accomplishing anything?

The final I gave to my seniors this year ended up being my HIGHLIGHT!  I had them type a paragraph or two about what their computer class (Microsoft Word 1, 2, and 3) has taught them.  I was teary eyed and speechless as I read some of their comments.  I want to share some of them with you.  I am so thankful that God chose to use me with these amazing students and in this capacity...Enjoy!  (my words to help clarify)


Student 1
This class has been very important for me for two big reasons.  Firstly, it had helped me to have knowledge about informatics (computer) science.  Actually, everyone is suppose to known information about computer, about how to do research on the internet, about many things at university.  Informatics are up to date.  Without it, a person is uneducated. I think so, it was very nice for Director Scott and Mme Scott to introduce this course at SBC for the students.
Secondly, this class had helped me to prepare my thesis at SBC. I was very surprised for the patience of Mme Scott for helping me to format my research.  I think so, without this, it would be very difficult for me to do good work in my thesis.  In the same order of idea, I can say, it would be impossible for me to participate at the graduation of my promotion this year.
For this reasons, I like this class and I pray for Mme Scott, the teacher of this class and for SBC for continuing this kind of education at Port-de-Paix. 

Student 2
Learning how to use to manipulate a computer has always been my goal. This computer class has helped me in a way fulfilled my dream. I learned a lot things from this class. I can personally say that I have almost no problem with Word for I need.  I learned work with a picture, use the ctrl and shift keys to do something faster. I many things from Word 1, Word 2 and Word 3. I learned the basic words about computer in Word 1. In Word 2, I learned how to crop pictures.  In Word 3, I learned how to open two different documents. Group pictures, Insert a bibliography, have an idea about the quantity of specific words in a text, and also the way a word by another one.
Word 3 helped me a lot with my thesis. Without Word 3, I might a lot problem to put an end to my thesis, especially in the format, the page cover, starting at the page 0 etc… Helped was designed to help students improve their thesis.

 
Student 3
The Computer Class is a special class for me, it helps me a lot. Before I take this class, I knew a little bit about how to type or to create things. By taking this class I become better, and I know a lot of things I didn’t know before. Then I realize it is a good class I have ever taken. I like this class and I like the way the professor teach us this class. Thus, I would like to come next year to continue to take this class.

Student 4
At Sonlight Bible College there is a very wonderful computer class every Monday and Wednesday and then, lots of students gather together to learn about computer skills. We have a beautiful and intelligent teacher who love us so much. During this short time, we have learned many things about computer.
In Word One, we have the opportunity to know how we can turn on a computer and so many things concerning the desktop, keyboard…windows generally. In Word two, we know how to type in Mavis Beacon and sometimes, the teacher covered our hands, it’s hard to know where we have to place our finger and it’s also funny. In word three, the last one and the most important thing, we know how to write a theses and add foot notes in a text. We used to insert images, make a calendar, type with speed and very creative in our work. We can make an anniversary card and other….It’s not the end, we would to continue and know more about computer. Even though we finish at Sonlight Bible College, we will come and pursue with our studies if Mr. Scott add some other courses in the College. The technology class is very important for us.

 
Student 5
The computer class was one the best class I have ever done, during the five years I experienced at sonlight Bible College. Through that class I learned: how to create a document, the position of the fingers, how to manage the keyboard, different parts of the computer, and how to work on word document.
The computer class was very helpful and confident. The professor is very patient and kindness, she always be there to help any student and friend of us, then we will never forget this class.

 
Student 6
Since 2010 I have been at son light bible college Microsoft word is one of my favorite classes that I enjoy. I remember before taking that class, I did not know how type without looking on the screen. Now with Madame Scott by the processes of covering my eyes, I type by knowing the position of each word.
Madame Scott I am so proud of you. You have done all that you can to help us knowing every things in Word. I wish next year I will be there to continue studying, enjoying excel with you. May God in grace face shines upon you, May he walks beside you and blesses you, your family


Student 7

This class is part of my favorite class at SBC. There, without it my thesis paper as senior doesn’t make any sense. It is a very helpful class, and it is also the funnest and  most interesting class ever. Word class help me on all circumstances. Sometime I feel bored, but arriving in word class boredness goes out. We have a very good teacher, I mean good, because she always gentle with everyone, very patient with everyone. May God continue to cover her with more blessing. Thank you!

Student 8
Those classes were very helpful for me because I learn many things that can help me to prepare well my notes. As teacher, you were very patient and always ready to help those who need help. I have learned many things that can help in two ways: first to be a better teacher and second to have aptitude to make people understand.
According to me, I think that I am ready to be a good secretary now. I want to use all those things in these ways: 1) to have good notes for my sermon 2) in the future if I will have to write a thesis, I realize I have enough to present it the way I should. Continue that way. I pray God to give you more wisdom to do that work.


Student 9
Informatics’  (computer) class was a very good class for me. It help me a lot in using Microsoft word because I learn a lot of things that I did know how to do them before such: grouping, making my own calendar, bibliography, create foot notes ect.... It also help me to fix some points that usually I use without knowing exactly in what way to use them. It also help me to increase my speed in typing and improve my English.

It was a fun class with a great professor. So, thank you for your patience, kindness and for the good method that you used for this class.

 
Student 10
This Year I have a great computer Class, because God bless me with Miss Lindsay Alexander.  I would wish she teaches my last son Christian. (Christian was a 4th grader this year) But God choses her for me .I am very happy. I discover many new things about computer, many Words for example. Ribbon, Monitor, CPU and many information. She is very smart and Strong sometimes I am slow in class she understand me and very patient with me and each Student. I Love that

Word 2 and 3 are very interesting, with tab lists, create table. Translation, Dictation. I like story book .The First time I create my story about Jesus It’s very funny. This year  I understand  many information about Thesis ,a great work with my teacher, Bibliography ,footnotes My last class today I am very sad to leave your class but happy because you can visit again your dear Mom  and your family. God bless you Thanks you.

Student 11
These classes helped me a lot, and firstly I want to thank  God for this opportunity I had , and I want to thank Sonlight, specially you Mme Scott who has been patient with me, and I really appreciate the way you taught me as woman and your name will stay in my memory  forever. Thank you so much for reminding me things that I already learned and now become new in my life
I hope next year to be with if I will have chance to learn more about computer at Sonlight and God will protect and bless you, your family and your ministry everywhere you will be to teach. And now I know more about computer and I to do things Wonderful in my life. Thank you for helping me during this period, I really appreciate the way you did.

 


 

Monday, March 16, 2015

Here is something I can be joyful about right now...

                                             Cameron made the choice to Follow Jesus!!!





Joyful in all circumstances...How?

I have been sitting here trying to write a blog about what to do with the anger and pain that we experience when something bad happens...I can't!

I am not yet to the place where I can be joyful in this circumstance-my mom's cancer returning! I am not okay with it and I am angry.  Yesterday I was reminded by a couple of my friends that it is okay to be angry and to share that with God-being honest with him.  So, here it go: I am angry that this is happening AGAIN, I am angry that I am so far away, I am angry that this is happening to the most amazing woman I know...I am angry.

And yet...I TRUST God! I trust what he wants! I trust Him to be in control because He loves her more than I do...which is more than I can imagine because I love her as much as humanly possible! I trust Him to take care of her!  I trust Him to heal her (in HIS timing and plan).  I HATE that all this is happening more than I can express in words BUT I do TRUST in our amazing God who LOVES us more than we can comprehend. 

So, when does the joy come?  I honestly don't know yet.  I can be thankful that mom was able to catch this in the early stages. I can be thankful that she has a great doctor. I can be thankful that the rest of my family is there for her.  But, JOY?  Maybe those things I am thankful for - if I can choose to concentrate on them will help bring me the joy that James says I should have.  Maybe if I continue to focus on the Strength that Jesus gives us in our weakness I could have that joy that shows up no matter what.

I am still learning how to be joyful in all circumstances...THAT isn't an easy one!  I will just try, moment by moment, to lean on God's strength. I will try, moment by moment, to remember that His way is perfect. I will try, moment by moment, to remember that He loves us enough to give his son's life for us. I will try, moment by moment, to remember that our God is GOOD!

Psalm 30:5 says that our weeping my last through the night but joy comes in the morning.  I am not sure how long that "night" lasts but I am sure looking forward to the morning!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Studying God's Word


God has shown us pretty clearly the message he wants us to have.  Now you might balk at that…when I say God has shown us pretty clearly.  One remarkable thing about the Bible is that God used human authors.  So the writers used Greek or Hebrew or Aramaic depending on their geography and culture.  What challenges us (and causes some of you to question whether the Bible is truly clear) is that for us to have a good understanding of God’s message, it’s necessary for us to understand something of Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and the cultures where the writers lived, not to mention our own culture.

I teach in a Bible College.  We have four classes in Greek language and two in Hebrew language.  We also have a class called Hermeneutics, which is new term to many people.  Even the sophomores in the college often have no idea what the class is actually about until day one when I explain what hermeneutics is.  Oftentimes we use the word interpretation.  It is the study of how we interpret texts, especially the text of the Bible.  These classes are necessary specifically because God used human authors to write this message and these writers wrote in their language, from the perspective of their cultures, and obviously in times long ago.

God did not write this message and drop it from heaven.  There are linguistic, cultural and chronological elements of understanding God’s message that require some hard work on our parts.  Now, not to question God, but let me question God.  Why didn’t He?  Why didn’t he just send a message directly from heaven that didn’t need to be translated, culturally adapted, and chronologically understood with such great effort?  Wouldn’t that have made more sense?  We could argue that understanding and living God’s message has enough difficulty without having to wade through the “interpretation” that can vary so widely from language to language, person to person, and century to century. 

Well, in fact, He did.  He did “drop his message from heaven.”  About this time of year, every year, we begin a seasonal celebration.  Christmas.  We celebrate the coming of God’s Word.  The message that was sent in human form, to demonstrate in the physical world, with living words, real relationships and within the framework of a calendar, the life God wants us to know and live. 

John 1 verse 1 tells us that Jesus is not created, but is Creator.  He was there when all of heaven and earth was created.  It was after time began that Jesus agreed to show up in human form in this world and not just tell, but live the message live and in person.  So God has not left us without clarity.  Regardless of the language, the culture, the time we live, it’s not difficult to understand what God wants us to know and live when we see God himself leave heaven, live in poverty, reject position and power, and give his entire being (no exaggeration) for the benefit of others.  Seeing One who personifies compassion and love shows us everything we need to know about who God is and how he calls us to live.  Study him. 

 
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets many times and in many different ways. But now in these last days God has spoken to us through his Son.   Hebrew 1:1-2 (New Century Version)
 
  • This one was written by Scott

Monday, November 24, 2014

Who am I?

Well, the other night I had one of those "moments" when you question who you really are.  I woke up to find Cameron in the bathroom in pain.  His stomach was hurting him horribly.  The first thing I did was ask him some questions about where the pain was and try to figure out what might be causing it.  Then, I asked him if he wanted a TUMS.  Tums are our go to medicine when we have tummy issues (which is almost daily).  Normally Cameron says, "No!"  He never wants to take medicine...I think he gets that from his mama!  Anyway, he said, "YES!" So, I gave him some medicine and then sat down beside him in the bathroom and wished I could take away his pain.

NOW...

That seems very normal and caring...doesn't it?

However, why were my first actions to trust in medicine and then go straight to wishful thinking????
WHY did I not talk to God first?

I realized as I was sitting on the bathroom wishing I could take away Cameron's pain that I had the most amazing healing power accessible to me through God and I hadn't yet asked for it.  Why?  I sat for a few minutes feeling frustrated and confused! 
There are a few things I am certain of...
  • God is REAL
  • God is THERE
  • God is LISTENING
  • God LOVES me and my children
  • God wants me to COME to Him
  • God is our ever constant help in times of trouble
So, why wasn't that my first reaction...to ask God to heal my son? 
As soon as I realized my focus was on the wrong things I prayed with Cameron. I prayed the normal, "God, help Cameron to feel better!  Take away his pain...etc"  THEN, I prayed silently. "God, take away this pain from Cameron so quickly that he will know that YOU are the one who healed him.  Help this be a moment for him to see your power and how you answer our prayers!" I continued to pray this way for a couple minutes until I noticed Cameron relax.  He had been unable to get comfortable because of the pain and then immediately his body stopped wrestling around and became calm.  I asked him how he felt and he said, "better".  So we prayed out loud, thanking God for helping Cameron and we talked about what had just happened...what an amazing experience.

Who am I? I am Loved! I am Accepted! I am Blessed! I am Thankful!  God loves me no matter what I do...no matter how long it takes me to REMEMBER to turn to HIM!  For that I am so THANKFUL!  I know who I am...I'm HIS! 

You are HIS too!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Fall Fun!

It's FALL in Haiti!  The last few days have been rainy, cloudy and chilly! 
As a family we have celebrated this change in season by carving pumpkins.  The boys still remember some things that we used to do in the states during this time and thanks to the West Ridge team who came to visit us a couple weeks ago we were able to enjoy pumpkin carving here in Haiti.  The boys had a blast...got all messy and gooey.  Then we roasted the seeds and had a great snack too.  It was so much fun! Thanks again to the West Ridge team!


Monday, October 6, 2014

Laughter

My boys are sooo funny! They LOVE to laugh.  Ethan will tell Cameron to say something funny just so he can laugh.  And Cameron will literally tickle himself in order to laugh.  They remind me everyday to laugh.
It is hard to admit but sometimes I don't want to laugh!  I put on my "that's not funny" face and I try to stop their laughter because I am in not in the mood to laugh.  Something has happened in my day to frustrate or get me down.  However, after a few minutes I can't keep it back and I allow myself the freedom of laughing.  What freedom!  Allowing God to fill you with joy in the midst of struggles is an amazing feeling!  Praying that someone makes you laugh today and that you allow yourself the freedom to indulge!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Fun in Computer Class

Wow, yesterday was an Fun day in the new Computer English class.  I walked 25 students through the process of turning on the computer, logging into the computer, logging off the computer, and shutting down the computer...twice. It was quite the process and we all cheered at the end of class. We all clapped and had huge smiles on our faces.  We had accomplished something amazing!
It may sound funny to say that actually turning on a computer and walking through those processes could be something "amazing" but it was!
Some of these students are JUST learning English, some of them have NEVER turned on a laptop or computer...so, to all of us it was amazing! 
Watching some of them after class was probably my favorite moments of yesterday...they were GLOWING!  I am so thankful that I get to be used by God in this way everyday!

Please continue to pray for these students.  Even though I am teaching computers, I want them to first and foremost see Jesus in this classroom.  See him in ME.  I want them to feel His love in this classroom filled with computers and desire to go after Him.  Please pray that with me!

Have a great day and go find your own "amazing" moment today!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

What I Miss...

I am sitting in my kitchen with the smell of mangos. I am in my running clothes but I haven't gone and won't be going running today. It was rainy here in Haiti yesterday so the streets are muddy right now.  But, as I sit here I started thinking about the differences of the two worlds that I exist in.  If you go for a walk/run here in Haiti you are NEVER alone.  Everyone is out on the streets. They "live" outside.  This summer while in the states I could go for a walk and never pass anyone, or maybe pass one or two other walkers who would quietly say, "good morning" and keep on going.  Here in Haiti-not the case! When my friend and I go for our run together we are yelled at, greeted with someone who wants to run with us for a few seconds, honked at by taxis telling us to get out of their way...it is just LOUD.  I MISS quiet morning walks in the states!
And yet, when I am in the states I miss the faces of my friends and just sweet people greeting me as I pass them.

There is always something to miss-no matter where I am. So thankful that God is never missing-He goes with me wherever I go!

We had such a GREAT summer...here are some of the moments we captured...
My mom and dad
                                                            Fun with the cousins
                                                            Family picture in Branson
                                                        My two amazing sisters!
                                                   Again, fun with the cousins!!

                                                One of my favorite people: Uncle Vernon
                                                          My brothers and my sister         
                                         Ethan and his cousin Cale...can't keep these two apart!
                                                        Trout fishin' with dad
                                                             Fun in Myrtle Beach

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Home again, home again...

Wow, we are HOME!  It was such a great summer and when I have time I will share with you some of the things God allowed us to do and experience while back in the states.  He is GOOD!  However, this is just an update to let everyone know we are home safe and HOT.  We didn't have water most of the first day and night so that is always a little bit challenging but we are so thankful to be home.
I am sitting in my NEW classroom because this is where I have internet...none at the house.  It is exciting to be starting something new. 
Please keep us in your prayers as we start a new year.  God has amazing things in store!  I am ready to watch him work here in Haiti and so thankful that I get to be a part of it!

Friday, May 23, 2014

An End and a Beginning

Wow, it is so hard to believe that we are finished with another year in Haiti!  This year has been difficult and amazing all at the same time.  God really taught us a lot this year in unexpected ways...it wasn't always easy going through the situations but it was such a blessing to see God's hand in everything!

God not only taught us a lot this year - he spoke too!  For the last few months he has been speaking loudly.  At the beginning of 2014 Scott mentioned to me that he wanted to start a computer program at SBC and said I should come help.  I said I would pray about it but in the back of my mind I thought, "Yeah right...I think I am good as the fourth grade teacher." So in all honesty I didn't pray or think about it too much after that...until a couple of months ago.  God started putting the thought in my head.  I honestly started thinking about it more than I had ever wanted to.  He continued to speak clearly and loudly so that I couldn't miss his message.  I felt a peace that I could have never imagined.  I never wanted to be anything but the fourth grade teacher. 

Well, God has other plans.  He has changed my focus and has allowed me to be excited about something other than 4th graders...he has been developing in me a passion for the college students and for computers.  I don't know what God's "big" plan is but I do trust Him!  And next year I am choosing to be faithful and work at SBC starting a new computer program.  I will be helping in specific ways with the Academy still but no longer as the 4th grade teacher.  I have such a peace about this decision that it feels weird sometimes to not be sad about stepping out of the role I have loved and enjoyed for a total of 7 years.  All I can say is that God is guiding, directing and providing peace through this change.

So, next year I will be teaching at SBC to start a computer program for theology students as well as for the community here in Port de Paix.  I am excited to see what God is going to do through this program and through me.  Please keep us in your prayers as this will be a big change for our family and our ministry here in Haiti.

Monday, May 5, 2014

4th Grade Highlight

When I ask my old students what they remember most about being in my fourth grade class the most common answer is...THE OVERNIGHTER!  Every year I have an overnighter for my students to celebrate the year and it is definitely the highlight! 
I think it is a highlight for me as well!  Even though I am extremely tired the next day, that night has given me so many memories!

The night is filled with games, food, and lots of laughter but my favorite part is our time on the roof.  Each year I take the kids up on the roof of the school just before the stars come out.  We have a time of worship, a time of prayer, a time of remembering the year (good and bad and silly)...it's a time that brings us closer together.  Every year, that is always my favorite part. 

This night is a night where my students get to just be kids. All of them don't come from homes where they get to just be a kid for a whole night.  They don't have to clean or do chores...their only responsibility is to have fun and they are good at it!  I fall in love with them even more during the course of this night because their true selves come out and some of them are just down right funny!  They don't complain about anything! This time we had some major issues with the TV...tried two and neither worked.  They didn't complain at all! 




My students amaze me during this night!  They SHARE everything, HELP everyone, and LAUGH with their whole body!  I love watching them be KIDS!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

What's happening in Haiti?

What's happened lately?
1. Prayer Walk
I went on a prayer walk with my GWAP girls (6th grade Bible Study).  Wow, it was awesome!  It was fun to see the girls in their element and with their families.  One of my girls practically takes care of herself...I learned a lot about my girls that day!  We walked to their homes and prayed over the home and the people inside it!  It was eye opening and I have lived here a long time.  Please pray for these girls...they want to live out what they believe to be true and yet they have the opposite being shown to them in so many ways...it's hard to ignore.  Please pray they live out the truth of God and not what they see and hear all around them.  Some of these girls are told that they are no good and worthless, ugly and not wanted...pray they will choose to hear God's words to them, "you are loved, beautiful, accepted and MINE!" 




2. BreakOut
This is our high school conference during our spring break.  I helped lead worship and it was so much fun.  I haven't sang like that in a LONG time.  I miss it!  The kids had a great time and two of our high schoolers were baptized.  It was a great week!  Please pray that God will continue to work in their hearts! 


3. Relaxed (kind of) on the island
The first day of break the boys and I traveled on a sailboat with about 40 others to the island about 5 miles away.  It took us about 3 hours to get there but it was beautiful!  Definitely the prettiest beach I have been to.  The water was like a glowing aqua near the white sand...pictures and words can't describe!  God has quite the eye for beauty!  I love it!  Scott wasn't able to come...he has been grading papers.  The seniors at the Bible College have to write a senior thesis paper so he has been very busy ready and grading.