Ready now....

Coming home from Haiti is always an emotional roller coaster. I usually dread going down to Haiti- sounds weird huh? I think it is because I anticipate the travel and I don't really enjoy it. But, once I'm there I'm fine! The world disappears when I'm there and I gain clarity- of what I can truly live without, what truly matters. I'm not usually anxious to come- this time I couldn't wait.

Our trip was very successful. We were able to see the foundation started. After a amazing Groundbreaking Ceremony and men stepping forward to demonstrate their commitment to the project, work got underway. By the time we left, trenches were dug, forms were in place and the trenches were being filled with rock and cement. With only $1500 more, we will be able to finish the foundation. We have all the blocks we need to complete the first floor- we just need $15,000 to do so.

Maxim helping move rocks- pray this little boy accepts Christ as Savior

Our foundation- trenches filled in and irons in place!

In the afternoons we held a VBS for the children- they were darling. So enthusiastic! It was wonderful to hear them sing, listen with attention to the Bible story and enjoy the craft time.

Some of the beautiful children- pray they hear truth and accept Christ

The team worked well together overall- it is always interesting with different personalities. The gal from my church did wonderfully- it was a blessing to see how God is developing her. Awesome.

Wilson- one of our translators with Valerie and Chelsea

We had some health challenges on the way home- I Praise God for his wisdom. I've never been more frightened before and we had to make crucial medical decisions. But- He is good and provided exactly what we needed. Unending Thanks to all who prayed!



We met amazing people- a witch doctor saved out of Voodoo, dedicated and humble pastors, teachers begging for training- my heart is heavy with the needs. I'm humbled by the responsibility God has placed on me- hundreds, thousands are depending on this project to bring HOPE and advancement for the community and the church. I'm overwhelmed. Jean- former Voodoo Witch Doctor- now evangelist!!! What a transformation!

Our project managers and contractors

Go Go and Wilson- our two translators and my good friends!Wilson with his brother and sister. I am Lubetina's sponsor so it was lovely to meet her.

I had about of week of some low moments- I have a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I hit the ground running when I came home and ended up having to step back and rest.


My time is stretched so thin- between HOPE, Youth Group and School. Pray I have wisdom and time management.


We start the new youth group year on 9/5- and have a retreat scheduled for 8/17-18. So, I have a bit of planning to put together. School starts end of Aug, with the kids coming on 9/5. There have been staff changes and I'm starting to realize I need to get into school mode. It will be a busy first few months.


Hope everyone is enjoying the summer-

Love to you all

Elisabeth

No more suitcases for awhile

I'm home from Haiti- it was a good trip, but I was ready to be home.
There is a lot to share but I'm still tired, a wee bit cranky and processing to blog about it yet.
Stay tuned.
Love
~Elisabeth

Off to Haiti

It's that time again- off to Haiti for a week. I'll be co-leading our first Work Team to Pestel. We are so very excited and expecting to see God work in amazing ways.

While there, we will be beginning the the foundation of the Community Library! In the afternoons, we will be holding a Children's Art Camp.

I'll be home the 21st- please keep our team in your prayers. Below is a list of praise and prayer items.

With Love~
Elisabeth

Praise Items:

• For our Advisory Council (Tom, Asneth, Rick and Nelson)- for their commitment to HOPE, faithful prayers, wisdom and guidance
• For the team that God has put together: Valerie, Tom, Chelsea, Wilfrid and Elisabeth
• That we have the funds to begin the building project and all members are fully supported
• For the work that has already been done to prepare for this work team
• For what God will do in and through us while in Duchity
• That the gospel is being proclaimed in Duchity by faithful men and women
• That we can join God in what He is already doing there and be a part of HIS plan
• That we can be a bridge between the believers in Haiti and the States in order to provide mutual encouragement and edification
  
  Prayer Items:
• Safety in travel- by plane and by car (we have a 3 hour drive to Duchity on a difficult road)
• That all luggage would arrive with us and pass through customs without problems
• For Pastor Leonard and family- our hosts from Duchity Baptist Church
• For the Haitian men and women who will be taking care of us
• For the Haitian construction workers: for safety and positive interactions as we work together
• For good health and strength as we adjust to the climate, environment, food and schedule
• For Go Go and Wilson, our translators. for safety as they travel and clarity as they work
• For the spiritual battles that will be going on while in Haiti
• That we would be united together, as a team and also as a family
• That we will be an encouragement to the Haitian people in Duchity and the surrounding communities. That our interactions would build lasting relationships
• That as the gospel goes forth, in word and action, it will bear eternal fruit
• That Wilfrid and Elisabeth would have Godly wisdom and discernment- as they make decisions for the team and HOPE’s ministry while in Duchity. That we will be where God wants us to be, when He wants us to be there.
• For peace in the hearts of loved ones back home
• That we will encounter God in a new and fresh way
• That we will come home changed: more aware of God, His work, His people and the needs around us

Home Again!

California was amazing!

Travel was comfortable- easy to maneuver! The weather was glorious. San Francisco was downright chilly- San Diego warmer but not unbearable. I even came home with a bit of a tan- yeah!

San Francisco- We absolutely loved this city! Right on the bay, it was beautiful! We loved the trolleys and old architecture. Alcatraz is a must see- we learned so many new things (did you know American Indians occupied Alcatraz in the 70's?). One of the most touching things we learned was that guard families lived on Alcatraz- at Christmas time, the children would sing Christmas carols outside to the inmates. Their happiest day was the inmates saddest.

We also took a number of tours- a boat tour on the bay and a double-decker bus tour through the city. We spent a day in Napa Valley and Muir Woods. The winery tour was interesting and delicious. Muir Woods hosts some of the largest redwood trees- it was cool, quiet and serene. Our evenings were spent exploring Pier 39 and Chinatown!

Our boat tour took us directly under the Golden Gate Bridge- a bit foggy! Did you know that they are always painting the Golden Gate?

We visited the Jelly Belly Factory- which was a delicious little road trip. Free samples! It takes 20 days to make one Jelly Belly Jelly Bean! And, blueberry was created for Ronald Reagan's inauguration- so that they could have red, while and blue Jelly Bellys! Another reason Reagan is my favorite!An afternoon in San Jose with Darci and baby Alyssa- along with a tour of the Winchester House. A very peculiar home- with 160 rooms, tiny riser steps, twists and turns. It was fun to spend time with Darci- she came and had dinner with us in the city one night and then we spent Saturday afternoon with her. Just like old times! It is amazing how easily we fall back into those B-suite days. It was great to finally meet her husband Sean too!We saw the diverse countryside as we drove from San Jose to Bakersfield (then a side trip to Pasadena) and onto San Diego. We were able to help out our friend Joe with a ride to our friend Luke's house at Camp Pendelton- an unexpected stop but nice to see friends.

In San Diego, we saw the sunset over the Pacific at Mission Beach. A day trip to Tijuana (ask me sometime about our traveling companion- very enlightening!)- and an evening in the Gaslamp District eating gourmet pizza. Heidi and I enjoyed an exfoliating massage Tuesday morning- so lovely! Our final day was spent at the San Diego Zoo and enjoying delicious seafood at Joe's Crab House.

Our trip home was adventurous- with a number of twists and turns- but we made it home in one piece!

The gang laughed constantly and enjoyed reminiscing. It was good to catch up and see what is happening in each other's lives. Heidi was a welcome addition- and is now an honorary B-Suite member! It was a true blessing to spend time with her- see her heart revealed!

Enjoy some of my pictures- and thanks for all your prayers!

Love to you all~

Elisabeth