It's good to be back!!

I've arrived safely in Haiti. It was an adventure as usual. We didn't end up taking any of the flights we originally booked. First the NY airport was basically closed so we were rerouted through DC to FL. We were promised a free shuttle from FL to Miami but when we arrived we really had to do some talking to convince them to give us the free shuttle. We tried about 10 different hotels but all were booked solid. So we spent some time in the Miami airport trying to sleep but were unsuccessful. When we arrived at the Air France counter the next morning we were informed that we didn't have reservations. We went back to American Airlines, not hoping for much but we were put on their next flight out. So we arrived in Haiti at about 12 noon on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday morning we drove out to Cabaret for church, it was nice to see some of the church members from our church who relocated to the church there.

It has been really interesting driving around. Some parts of PAP look the same as before, the markets are open, some shops are open and people are walking everywhere. If you don't look too closely you can almost forget what happened. But there are tent cities everywhere and there are still many buildings that have not been cleaned up.

Tomorrow the work begins. I'll try to update when possible. There is no internet at my place (no electricity either) and the internet at Randy's is SLOW!!! I'm at another friend's house right now who has fast internet so I'm taking advantage.

And I'm off....

I finally have a return ticket to Haiti! Praise the Lord. I know it's not going to be easy but still I am very eager to return. I leave Friday afternoon from Buffalo and arrive in PAP on Saturday morning. My parents are in Florida right now so they'll pick us up from the airport, we'll stay in their RV and then fly out the next morning. I will be flying back with Randy who's been here for two weeks spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately Karen and Maia are not coming with us... I will miss them SO MUCH but completely understand there need to remain in Canada for now.

Soon and very soon...

"It is easier to do the work of God than it is to imitate His character. Sometimes when God calls us we are too busy to hear Him." These words were spoken from the pulpit this morning and they really hit home. I hope to be returning to Haiti soon and I pray that when I arrive I won't be so busy doing God's work that I forget to imitate His character.
I'm hesitant to state exactly when I will be returning until the airline ticket has been purchased but American Airlines is once again flying into Port-au-Prince which makes returning much simpler.
My time here in Canada has been restful and relaxing. I know that I'm not prepared for life in Haiti post quake, but I don't think I'll ever be prepared. I've shed a lot of tears and dealt with a lot of emotions but the end is not over yet. I know that when I see loved ones for the first time since the quake I will cry with joy at seeing them and relief that they aren't injured or dead. I have a strong desire to see the land that I have grown to love. I need to finish the last part of the grieving process and I can't do that from here. I need to grieve the life that I knew and the people and places that were becoming so dear to me.
Everyone's been asking two things: 1) what will I do when I return? and 2) will I be safe?
Both questions are difficult to answer. I will mostly be doing administration when I first return. Finances, regular updates, communication with the board and sponsors, all of these things need to be done as we strongly desire to be accountable for the money we have received. Will I be safe? No guarantees, but then there are no guarantees here either. I will promise to be as safe as I possibly can.
Please pray the following:
-wisdom as we go forward
-patience for the frustrations that are all too common in Haiti
-that we will truly glorify God in our words and deeds
When I am back I promise as many updates and photos as internet access will allow.

Ready to go...and it's not just because of the snow

Monday, February 8th, was the day I was originally scheulded to return to Haiti. My dad's birthday has been celebrated and my dear friends Heidi and James have "tied the knot". Now that the reasons for my visit home have come and gone I am quite eager to return to Haiti.
During my time home, I've been able to visit with many friends and family and speak at a variety of schools about the work we were doing in Haiti before the earthquake. This has been a blessing and part of the healing process, but I am ready to go home, and by home I mean Haiti. I miss my friends, my co-workers, my life. But that's the tricky part, my friends and co-workers are scattered and life as I knew it is no more. I have no idea what I'm returning to, yet I am still eager to go.
If I'm completely honest, I'm torn. Part of me is very eager to return to get on the ground and start helping, the other part of me is terrified of what I will see, hear and experience when I return. I know that it will be difficult but I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
Right now, the hardest part for me is not having a plan. I'm a planner and not having a specific, detailed plan doesn't work well with my personality. Last night I was reading a devotional by Charles Spurgeon and it really hit home for me. The story is told of David inquring of the Lord when in battle with the Philistines. Sprugeon states that "If you want to be able to steer your ship through the darkest, highest waves, place the control of the rudder into the hands of the Almighty. Many a crushing rock might be escaped if we would only let our Father take the helm, and many a shoal or sandbar might be avoided if we would surrender ourselves to His sovereign will to choose and to command." In Psalms it says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go." (32:8) and in Proverbs, "many are the plans in a man's (woman's) heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (19:21)
These words are very encouraging at this time and I cling to God's promises to lead and direct me in the way I must go.

Little piece of Haiti

While we were waiting to be interviewed on 100 Huntley Street, Karen and I were able to meet a Haitian pastor who works with churches in Haiti and Toronto. We asked him for information about where and when his church meets in Toronto and told him we'd like to come visit in the near future. On Sunday we decided to go and check it out. I was quite sure that the service would start late in typcial Haitian fashion, however, although we arrived early the service was already in full swing. We tried to sneak in and find a seat at the back, but we were quickly noticed and invited to sit at the front, which we politely declined. They were singing a song in Creole when we arrived and it felt great to join in singing. After several songs, the pastor introduced us and invited us to come to the front and share a few words. I should be used to this by now but each time I attend a new Haitian church I am always taken by surprise by this invitation. We shared a brief account of the earthquake and how it effected us personally. They were thrilled that we spoke Creole and warmly welcomed us to their church. Although we spoke to them in Creole, I don't think they were thoroughly convinced that we understand it, because the pastor translated his entire sermon into English for us. I am thankful that we were able to connect with this pastor and fellowship with Haitians on a cold, wintery day in Toronto. It's not as wonderful as returning to Haiti, but it was a little piece of Haiti not too far from home and I'll take what I can get for now!