Friday, September 29, 2006
Prayer Schedule
I should have set this up before I left but better late than never! Pastor Crum suggested that I put together a prayer schedule so I'll have at least 1 person praying for me each day of the week. And as you know if you've read my posts - I need it!
If you are willing to take a day of the week to pray for me each week through my return on November 3, please email me with the day you would like. Alternately you can let me know the day you would like by creating a comment to this post.
After most days are filled with a couple names, I will post the Prayer Schedule on the left hand side of my blog with your first name next to the day you choose. I will continue posting my prayer requests on this website in bold font. And it's never too late to add yourself to my prayer schedule - just let me know!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Praises!
It is a bright and sunny day here in Croix des Bouquets, just outside of Port au Prince. This land may be poverty stricken but God is smiling on it with all the beauty of his creation. The landscape is truly awe-inspiring. When I checked the weather report at 2PM, it said the current temperature was 90F and felt like 107F. Nice! I don't personally think it feels that hot, but then I am not out laboring in the fields all day like many of the workers here.
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And what a difference a day makes! If you could have seen me last night, you would have seen a sad example of a missions worker - downright depressed and discouraged. You see, I had been unable to maintain a consistent internet connection to my laptop for the first two days I was here. Sadly (one might suppose), I am a slave to technology and felt like I was missing an arm. Two of the guys here who are the most computer-proficient weren't able to help either. But fancying myself a bit of an amateur computer guru (I know I said amateur guru), I wasn't ready to give up so easily. After messing around with almost every internet connection functionality, I finally figured it out. Praise the Lord for this huge answered prayer as it would have made getting my work done here difficult to say the least.
Additionally, I was beginning to doubt my ability to perform the tasks that Arthur had requested of me. But again, God provides! It is still a lot to accomplish, but after getting a start on paper, I can begin to see an outline of what needs to be done. And the bigger praise is that I have been paired with an alternate interpreter. His name is Renald and he grew up with missionaries in Port au Prince. His English is near perfect and he is full of charisma! The Spaldings had him translate the prayer service for me last night and they told him to whisper, but there is no "whisper" in Renald's book - hopefully it was only partially distracting to those at the service. I think he will be a big asset to my work here.
Through prayer & petition...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6 |
and with hope and faith...
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.- Philippians 4:13 |
...I made it through!
They also got me set up with this sweet single speed cruiser with whitewall tires and cool fenders! It is a Murray "Westport". It was kind of hard to ride an old school rig like this at first - flat pedals, coaster brakes, unfamiliar riding position - but I persevered. Yes, I am keeping it dusty on purpose for two reasons: (1) it will get dusty on the dirt roads anyway, and (2) to make it look less desirable. Although the Haitians don't lock up their bikes, I have been told that they might not feel bad about stealing a bike from an American because we could afford to replace them. Hence, the U-Lock I brought down with me that you can see in the photo.
I am definitely feeling a bunch better too. I have to say, this 8 hrs of sleep every night thing is pretty nice! Even though I have a cool headlamp from my sister, the power down at 9:30PM is a strong motivator for going to sleep. Bonsoir!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Prayer requests (yes, already)
Arthur and I spoke briefly last night regarding some of the ways that I can assist in the Double Harvest business office. This morning we met to discuss their biggest and most basic needs - firming up their org chart, writing out the responsibilities for EVERY role at Double Harvest and writing up the Rules & Regulations to be utilized across the organization.
There is a lot of documentation and scattered previous versions of much of the above information. Many just need to be collated, updated and refined. Many others need to be written from scratch after conducting mini-interviews with workers in every role! The issues I am faced with are three-fold: (1) almost all of the workers do not speak English, (2) there are no electronic copies of the existing documentation and (3) it's all in French. I don't speak or read French. They have assigned a polite bi-lingual Haitian guy named Claudy to assist me in these ventures, however he is very quiet and I can tell that he is apprehensive of me.
Arthur said that if this is all I get done while I am at Double Harvest, he will be happy. But I can tell that hopes I get it done earlier... frankly, I do too, as I'd like to move onto a task I am better equipped to handle!
My prayer requests:
(1) That I am not easily discouraged by tasks that seem highly difficult
(2) That God will minimize the impenetrability of the language barrier
(3) That I am able to use Claudy's time effectively and that we will form a good working relationship
(4) That I am able to complete these tasks expeditiously and fastidiously
I also slept on my neck wrong last night and woke up with a massive headache. After 6 hours and 3 Aleve tablets later, I am still not feeling so hot.
I'm here!
I made it here on time (this time) and in one piece! PTL that my bags arrived and the contents were intact too. After they didn't come off my plane with the other luggage, I decided to look around. I must have looked like I needed help because an airport worker asked for my luggage claim tickets. After digging them up from the bottom of my carry-on and handing them to him, he jetted off without me. I was banking on that he was an angel sent by God to help with my bags, not someone deceptive attempting to take my bags for himself. Sure enough, he walked straight to them - they had arrived on an earlier flight. WHEW!
Aaron (the youngest Spalding), Mark (new Purdue grad), and Al (the potential new maintenance guy for Double Harvest) met me outside the airport to whisk me back to DH. Upon arrival I did some quick unpacking, got together for a nice meal at the Spaldings with all (8 of us!) and then off to the evening English church service. Arthur preached on Phillipians 2:16 - not working in vain. It felt appropriate for my situation. After church it was back to my apartment to quickly finish unpacking before the 9:30 power down.
(Photo taken at a surprise dinosaur-themed party earlier this month)
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Sunday, September 24, 2006
Last touch of luxury for a while
I am writing this post from the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge in Miami. As a frequent flier on AA, they recently sent me a free day pass. I must admit that spending my long layover in these nice accomodations is more preferable than out in the terminal with the masses.
Although I slept the ENTIRE flight from before takeoff to after landing from Chicago, I am still a bit lethargic. Too bad Admirals doesn't have a treadmill or something. Also, I swear Kristy Swanson just walked in here. It's her if she's pregnant. Ooh! She just made a phone call and said "hi, it's Kristy". Guess I was right.
I think I'm going to grab a seat and complete some of the studies from BYPYB,PYH while enjoying some free coffee (my favorite kind!). Hasta! or I mean, Au Revoir!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Lessons learned
Due to reasons that were partially my fault, I missed the check-in window for my 6:30AM flight out this morning - by 1 minute! They put me on the next flight (8:35AM) but it was delayed by 4 hours. There were no other flight combos that could get me to Port au Prince today so... I will be taking the same flights from ORD tomorrow and arriving in PAP at the same time as was planned for today.
I am "going with the flow" and accepting the situation for what it is, but am a little worried about my checked luggage (unlocked with some semi-valuable items) that will either spend tonight in the Chicago or Miami airport. Praise God that I was able to get in touch with the Spaldings regarding my modified arrival.
Please pray that my flights and connections are smooth tomorrow, and that my luggage is protected tonight and arrives with my flight to PAP tomorrow!
Gladly, today has turned out to be good & fruitful afterall. I was able to get some much-needed sleep, watch Purdue beat Minnesota on national TV, talk to many of my family members again, finish the book "Freakonomics" I had been reading, start reading the book I just received from EBM "Before You Pack Your Bag, Prepare Your Heart", and grab a final meal at my favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Today's events also reminded me of my awesome support network of friends and family, reaching out to help or offer a sympathetic ear in my time of need. That makes me smile.
Friday, September 22, 2006
My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
I can't believe I leave tomorrow morning already! Planning and preparations have gone so quickly and I continue to be encouraged by the support raised to date. Approximately half of my support needs have come in, so if you are on the fence about sponsoring me, then hop off and do it! :) Thanks, friend.
The gal renting my place while I'm away (Hannah) is now all moved in and ready to start her internship next week. The awesome folks over at EBM called to pray with me today for safe travels and a productive trip, and my project management coworkers and I went out for a bon voyage lunch as well. Everyone at work has been so supportive and sharing my excitement. I suppose that it is contagious!
In fact, this week I found out that a coworker in my organization emigrated from Haiti with his parents when he was 11. He brought in the December 1920 edition of National Geographic for me to read - it contained several historically interesting articles about Haiti. It was in amazing condition for being almost 100 years old!
I finished packing last night and am hoping that the suitcase that I borrowed from my mom doesn't exceed weight limits with all the stuff I've crammed into it. I only got 4 hours of sleep last night so I was totally dragging at work today and am looking forward to the little bit of sleep I'll get tonight before I need to arise for my 6:30AM flight. Please pray for safe travel and restful sleep. I will attempt to make a post this weekend upon my arrival.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Another support option
Thanks for all the support rolling in! You guys are so great!
Support can also be mailed-in via check to EBM at the address below. Please do not put my name on the check directly but rather include a note with the check that it should go towards my Haiti trip support. Thanks!
EBM
P.O. Box 781438
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Would you like to support me?
Friends -
I'm making progress on my Haiti mission trip preparations. My tickets have been purchased and I leave in less than 2 weeks!
I heard from Evangelical Baptist Missions (EBM) today that I have been accepted into their Missionary Apprentice Program! This means that I am now able to collect support for my trip expenses through them - which are surprisingly large for a 6 week trip!
If you would like to support my trip and the work God has planned for me at Double Harvest, I gladly accept and appreciate it! It is tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt for your donation in the mail. I am able to receive donations through the duration of my trip.
The quickest and easiest way to provide support is via EBM's secure website with a credit or debit card. For the first question, choose "Other" and put my name in the comments section below.
Thanks so much for your consideration! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
(Not so) Itsy bitsy spider
I've shared with some of you about the creepy crawlies and creatures of the night that I encountered while visiting Double Harvest in June. These include a giant moth, baby lizard, tarantula, rats, cockroaches, geckos, and other misc bugs & spiders. Please note that I do not find all of these creatures to be gross. In fact, as many of you know, I actually like bugs and strange animals... just not when they threaten to crawl on me while I'm sleeping. You have to draw the line somewhere!
However, I do have a special aversion to the arachnid family - otherwise known as creatures with 8 legs. 6 legs - no problem! 100 legs - great! 8 legs - see ya later!! One particularly geeky night during my college years, I even calculated a formula, complete with theorem, explaining why spiders are creepy, and how you can measure their scariness factor. Sadly, this is true.
Unfortunately, due to the arid, tropical climate in Haiti, tarantulas are prevalent. The good news is that, for the most part, they only come out at night and they avoid humans. The bad news is that those facts don't make me feel any better. So after returning from my June trip, I purchased a rather large, stuffed tarantula to become more accustomed to them. It took me a while to get comfortable touching it but now I force myself to do so on a regular basis. I don't know if it has helped and I don't really want to find out! Please pray for God to take away my fear of spiders. (Yes, I'm totally serious.)
The Spalding Family is so great too. I requested that, upon my return, the place where I will be staying is fumigated - that I would rather breathe carcinogenic air for a couple months than have to worry about stuff crawling on me at night. Imagine my surprise and delight when Arthur mentioned that they had already begun the fumigation process weeks ago! Not only that, they've been killing off some of the rats too.
Here's the rat story from Marty Dittmar, who was down at Double Harvest last week: "We were digging a ditch about 50 yards from this spot to bury the new internet cable from the new satellite dish that Double Harvest put up. There was a huge commotion, yelling, running, etc....we ran over to see all the Haitians chasing this HUGE rat. Now a dead rat. Boy oh boy are they big there! :) Ughhh! Had to take a picture. I didn't ask Creche to hold the thing, but he did and I snapped it!" Editors Note: I'm not so sure that rat is dead - I mean, it's looking right at the camera!
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Moving along
I am at home sick from work today. I visited my hometown of Michigan City, Indiana this weekend and picked up my mom's cold. She picked it up in the high school where she teaches Spanish - she said there were over 200 students absent yesterday due to illness! So with my free time at home, I might be making a few posts today.
Things are progressing nicely with my trip preparedness. I have been working with Evangelical Baptist Missions on my Missionary Apprentice Program application so that I am able to collect support. EBM has been so good to me and I have been blessed by all the help they are willing to offer! I am also SO encouraged by everyone who has offered to support my trip! God is so good! As I mentioned before, I will hopefully have some info soon about how you can support my trip.
I purchased my flight tickets today!
