A letter to all of you who gave & who prayed

[This is the letter that I have sent to all of my supporters.  I thought you may want to read it too.]

Leaving home or going home. I’m not sure which one I was doing when I left Haiti on July 2. I remember the great times growing up there. It was my home for 15 years and it’s hard to believe that it’s been 4 years since I left. When I got there, I felt like I was going home. And by the time I left, I felt like I was leaving home. Yet I was torn, because I knew was going home too. I miss those times of growing up here a lot but life moves on. God wanted that for me then, not now. I think we all forget that God knows us better then we know ourselves. I’m glad we have a Father like Him to look out for us. He knows our weaknesses and our strengths. He knows we’ve gone through a particular hard time yet when another hard thing comes up, we tend to ask God, “why do I need to go through another one?” I feel like He says, “Because I didn’t want that for you or I want something different for you”. God is putting it in our life for His purposes. One thing that I learned was that God knows what’s best for me.

While I was there, I was able to attend 5 different churches. And to be frank, Haitians’ praise and worship is so much fun! They get loud and excited; they dance and raise hands all in the name of Jesus. Every church did it and it was so freeing and inspiring.

One thing that touched my heart deeply was the women. [So much so that it made me wonder…is God putting women in foreign countries on my heart?] Each Sister Church team prepares and hosts the Haitian ladies of the church to a “Ladies’ Tea”. This is an afternoon where the women on the visiting team serve the Haitian women snacks, tea or a beverage and other goodies they have for them. The team members also plan games (that’s a fun part!), a craft and a devotional. The Haitian women usually sing and sometimes do a skit, but the team members are the ones who are blessed to serve most of the time. I can’t describe what it’s like to see the women’s smiles and free spirits. You’ll have to come and see it yourself. The women here have a very hard life. They don’t ask for anything. They have very little yet they don’t complain. The little that they do have they give to their children.

The ladies with “hot hands”. In Creole, if you want to say that someone is a good cook, you say that they have “hot hands”. It’s a wonderful compliment for ladies who make fabulous food in an outdoor, lean-to kitchen with a couple of pots over charcoal!

In addition to these things, I was blessed to be a part of two counseling sessions during a team visit. A professional counselor was on one team and had prepared sessions on loss, grief and dealing with what they’d gone through. Those that attended were hurting from losing a family member. There were young people on up to 80 year old members that came. One 24 year old girl lost her mom in the earthquake. I wanted to cry for her - it hurt so much to hear her story. I couldn’t even imagine losing my mom or dad. The counseling sessions really put a face on the catastrophe. I can’t comprehend something like an earthquake with so much death, destruction and hopelessness in it. Personally I don’t think many can. I wanted to cry for the mothers and fathers that lost daughters and sons. I wanted to cry when I heard people’s amazing stories of God’s protection. With all they’d been through, It was incredible that they were still able to praise God! I wanted to give them hope and some happiness in a very hard situation. I was happy to help the 24 yr. old girl by giving her some of my clothes (we were about the same size) and another team member gave her some sandals.

It’s hard to express how this experience has truly inspired, encouraged, and taught me. It did confirm God’s calling on my life into full-time ministry. That was definitely clear to me. Not only did I go “outback” with 3 teams, I helped in RMI’s child sponsorship program, Hope for Kidz and their transitional homes program, Homes for Haiti. I helped a new missionary unpack his library. (I was kept very busy!) I made many new friendships with missionaries and nationals alike. I was able to see the “other side” of missions, the view from a missionary’s point of view, not from a visitor’s viewpoint or even a missionary kid’s viewpoint. I found out that my heart was gripped and touched as I participated in ministry and saw ministry happening. I found out that ministry is hard work. There are tough times but God remains true and sufficient through it all. It can be fun and enjoyable. And there will be tears, too.

Thank you for helping make it happen. I couldn’t have impacted people or have been impacted by myself. God really used your support for His glory and for His kingdom. I really hope you have been able to check out my blog, definitelydawn@blogspot.com. I am also on Facebook. I’ve chronicled my Haiti time there and hope to continue to post updates from time to time. There are definitely a lot of fun stories to be told! One story has to do with fresh paint, a door, and a bedpan.

Ok, story time with “D”: Out in the country, Haitians don't really have the best bathrooms, but fortunately this church did. They were located outside of the house (read “outhouse”) where we staying. At night they locked all the doors and gave us bedpans. In the middle of night nothing is awake not even the crickets (well, except the really annoying dogs and chickens). I wasn't going to go to the bathroom and risk everyone hearing me (we were all staying in the same open-ceiling house), so I figured I would just open the door quietly and go outside. The pastor didn't tell us that the door had been freshly painted a couple of days before. ooops.... To open the door quietly I leaned against it with my arm and upper thigh. When I successfully opened the door and proudly patted myself on the back I realized I was sort of stuck to the door. I had to peal my arm and thigh off. In the morning I had a blue streak of paint down my arm and a bit down my thigh. So the next night I thought I would try a different method, but woke up with a blue hand. It didn't really work, so I gave up and used the bedpan. Yeah that's right…! (You definitely have to learn to laugh at yourself on the mission field!)

Please Continue to Pray for Me!

In mid-August I start my sophomore year at Trinity College of Florida. I am attending by faith. Even though I’m on the volleyball team, there are no scholarships available to me. I am relying on God to supply the funds! Pray also that God will continue to guide me as I follow His call on my life.

Thank you again for being my partners in ministry this summer. I appreciate you so much!

Your Sister in Christ,

Dawn

My last days home!

The last week in Haiti I was out with a team from Lafayette, LA at their Sister Church in the village of Picot. I was nervous and excited to see what the Lord was going to do. I met the team members Friday night and found that they are very fun people and I actually remembered some of them from years ago (when I was here with my parents). It was a very great start to an even better week. We left the mission center with no problems Saturday. We were greeted at the church with such warmth and gladness. I have never experienced that feeling. The Haitian people remembered a lot of the team and even if they didn't, they hugged them like they did! It was like true family had come home. Once all the hugs were done there was a formal greeting by the pastor and his wife. After we ate an amazing meal then we went and played with the kids. They taught us a game and it was a lot of fun. You stand in a circle holding hands and sing a Haitian song. Once the song ends you have to try to hit the person's hand next to you. It was really fun. Playing that night I could tell that these kids just wanted love.

The next morning we had Sunday church service which was an exciting time. After lunch there were counseling sessions then youth service then an open air service. I was honored enough to be able to take part of the counseling sessions. A professional counselor was on the team and had prepared several sessions to help earthquake victims deal with what they'd gone through. A lot of the people that came had gone through the earthquake and had lost family members. It was one of my top highlights of the whole trip. It put an actual face to this horrible tragedy that happened. There was a 24 yrs. old girl that lost her mom in the earthquake and everything she had. She left Port and came to Picot to live with her sisters. She was borrowing everything and had very little if any of her own items. I was blessed enough to give her some of my clothes (we were about the same size) and another team member gave her a pair of sandals. It breaks my heart to think of how she feels. It breaks my heart to even think of not having my mom or dad around. In the next day's counseling session there was a woman, her daughter and son. They lost their husband and father due to an illness. I wanted to cry for them. I wanted to be able to do something, but all I could say was that I was proud of them for being so strong. There were no words for what I felt and feel about what happened to both families. There were other families that had lost daughters and sons and you could tell that they hurt so much but were so strong. We can't even imagine what they are going through with having almost nothing in the first place and then losing what they do have.


After the counseling session the youth gathering went well and it was a lot of fun. We got to put on a small skit for the youth and they loved it. It looked like it was going to rain so we had the open air service in the church and it went well. We got loud and proud praising the Lord. I met a cute little girl that stole my heart. She was the cutest, quietest little girl ever!!! The next day we met all the kids who were involved in RMI's Hope For Kidz Program. They sang for us and we sang together. And guess what? That little girl was there that I met the night before! We got to play games with the kids and dance with them. It was such a blessing from God to be with these kids. Giving love and being loved is so rewarding. In the afternoon we were suppose to have the women's tea but there were some mix ups and we had it the next day, Tuesday. One of the team members and I got to openly talk with the ladies in the kitchen about fun, crazy things and just had a great real time with them! We had some good laughs and good tears. Another top favorite time of mine. After talking with the ladies, I was able to play with the kids and just hang out with everyone. Good times!

The next day we were blessed with good weather so the team, RMI staff, and I got to go the Falls. It is a 60 ft. tall beautiful waterfall that is a Haitian national park. The water was really cold but man it was a lot of fun and it is crystal blue water! My family, friends and I used to go to the Falls quite a bit when we lived here. When we returned to the church, the team had a tea for the women in the church. I wasn't able to attend because another counseling session was at the same time, but I heard it went very well. The going away service that night was a lot of fun also. The little girl sat with me and I finally found out her name - Laurna Alexia. Isn't that a beautiful name. She stole my heart. We danced and laughed. The team member who preached had visited Picot 20 years ago. He showed pictures of his visit then and everyone went crazy!!! It was a great time!!!!!!


The next morning was sad, but they knew the team was going to come back so not too many tears were shed. We drove to the retreat center and had the most relaxing time ever. Well...once we went boogie boarding. We had the chance to chill and get to know each other better. One of the team members, Cami, and I found that we had a lot in common and had a great time together. SHOUT out to you girlfriend!

When we got back to the mission center it was pretty crazy! I had to make sure I was packed and everything was in order early enough so I could get my hair braided by a friend's cousin. During my time here I was able to get close to several Haitian girls my age...Mary France (a translator for RMI) and Merry (a Hope For Kidz employee) as well as Merry's cousin. They were all there - and Cami too. It was such a fun experience to get my hair braided and talk with the girls freely and openly. We got closer with each other through that. A SHOUT out to Mary and Merry!!!! It turned out looking great!!

After that Cami and I went to dinner. I took pictures with the team and said goodbye, or more like "see you later". I miss them all so much! It's interesting how close you can get to people in just one week of ministry together. The last minutes at the Cayes airport was bitter... I didn't want to leave at all, but knew I had to. The flight to Port-a-Prince was quick but really pretty to see Haiti from the air. We got through Port easily and went to the waiting area pretty quickly. Pete, Cami, and I had a lot of fun playing cards and laughing. Pete is the team member who had been there 20 years ago. He has known our family since before I was born and kind of saw me grow up as he visited his Sister Church over the years. He was a lot of fun the whole trip! Good times tarantula hunting, Pete! SHOUT out to PETE!

I had a good trip to Miami, but then my flight to Charlotte, NC (where I was to meet my parents - they were in South Carolina helping my grandmother and aunt move into a new house) was canceled. While I was waiting for my hotel and food vouchers from the airlines, God gave me the opportunity to talk to and encourage an airline employee, a brother in Christ. He lost his best friend in the earthquake. I saw so much sadness in his eyes. I was able to encourage him yet at the same time, he encouraged me.

It was pretty difficult to get out of bed the next morning, but I made it on the plane with time to spare. Only by His grace. I was dragging my feet pretty far behind me, though. It was nice to get back but I sure do miss Haiti and my newfound friends, Benjamin, Benson, Merry, Mary France and so many more!!!!! I did cry in the Miami airport but don't tell anyone :). I miss you all so much!

I really want to thank everyone for the support they gave me! Your prayer and financial support made this trip possible. I can't tell you what going back to Haiti has meant to me. I have learned so much...about myself, about Haiti, about life as a missionary, and about full time ministry. I'm still processing it all. Since this is already so long, I'll save it for my next blog. Again, thank you for your help and prayers. I appreciate all of you.

D

Back in the States!

I'm back!! I had some what of a fun trip home, but I made it. I'll tell you all more later tonight! Thank you for all your prayers!

The home I go to or the home I leave I'm not sure...

This might be my last blog until I'm back in the states so pray for a safe trip home, and pray for my spirits to be uplifted and encouraged. I know it's going to be difficult to leave. It's not time to go yet I'm still dreading to leave. Hope to blog before I leave home, but if I don't much love to all!
P.S. I will be putting up more pics and blogging some more when I arrive home to the states. The Internet is too slow here to put the pics up so watch out, I'm not close to being done blogging.
Living for Him,
D

Out to the country one last time.....

Well I'm off to the country one last time. While I'm there I hope that you will pray alongside me these important prayers:

Pray for the team to leave a forever impact on the Haitian people and the Church. Pray the team members are impacted by this trip also. Pray that hard hearts will be softened and are open for the Lord to work. Pray none of the team members or RMI staff become sick. Pray that we all have safe travels. Pray that I experience God's glory and majesty once again. Pray that I become closer with the Haitian people, and with the Lord. Pray God prepares me to leave. Pray most importantly for God's Kingdom to be furthered.

Your sister in Christ,

D

My Great Big Missionary Adventure

Can’t believe I’m really here!

Sorry it’s been awhile since I blogged.  I’ve had a chance to reflect a bit and write out some of my thoughts. Make sure you read all the way to the end – there’s pictures at the end!!

As you know I went out with a Ft. Lauderdale team to Maniche. I had been really discouraged about the language barrier. Yes I was born in Haiti, but I had missionary friends. It didn’t help that I was really shy. On the contrary I still can get around and I know more than people think I do, but there is a limit to what I know. Being younger then I didn’t really see the need nor have the desire to understand and speak the language. Now being a little older and wanting to have a closer and deeper relationship with the Haitian people, I’m trying to soak up the language as fast as I can before I leave. Thankfully I have awesome Godly people helping me in the RMI missionary and national staff. They haven’t given up yet! Sad to say that I only have two more weeks left in Haiti to keep practicing, but I’m very excited to get back home and practice it with a college friend named Petey who is Haitian American.

I’ve been able to get close with each team and have learned many things with each one. The first team I went out on and got to know is the team from Estero near my home area and their sister church is called Cherette. I learned that God can use anyone and anything for His glory or to encourage a fallen spirit. There were many there on that team looking to impact, encourage and have a new beginning and personally I think everyone did find a little of it all.

There was a church here on the mission center helping build houses with RMI the same week from New Jersey. I learned from them that hard work is necessary to get the project done. They worked so hard and got so much done with the project. In four and a half days, they figured out how to put one together then took it apart and started to make jigs for the next team.

The next week there was a team from Des Moines, Washington. They were also working on the housing project. They worked hard and got the job done! But that’s not what I learned from that team. I learned many animal stories and how to be inspired. God inspired me to pursue Him and His Word, and He also inspired others around me to pursue Him and His people. I also learned a lot about what people believe about the “Historical Jesus” and the “Christ of Faith”. I’m reading a book called A New Perspective on Jesus by Charles Stanley. It’s definitely a hard read for me so I asked the pastor on the team some questions about it. He explained a lot about the topics “Historical Jesus” and “Christ of Faith” and what people believe about them. It was very insightful and helpful!

Then came the Maniche Sister Church. A shout out to JUDY MANGO!!!!! She really likes mangos. We had some good laughs. The team was fun and has great people involved. We all had fun painting the church together. Yeah oil based paint - just guess how many half white and half black kids were running around. Ha-ha But I’m glad there was enough paint thinner to go around. Special shout out to John. He stayed with the project all the way through. We all sort of quit after a few hours in that sun. I taught the kids how to play Ninja Warrior. It’s a game that I learned in college. You stand still and at the count of three you make a funny pose. When it’s your turn you try to hit the other person’s hand so you’re the last man standing, but the funny part is when you strike you have to freeze if you miss or not. So as you can imagine there were some pretty funny positions. Good Times! Even when we didn’t have time to play with the younger ones we saw them trying to play with each other later on their own. It was the cutest thing ever. Later on we found a few minutes to a play with them so that was really fun. I know we impacted those young people and kids by giving hope and love to them. Showing God’s love to them. Their smiles and laughs were all I needed to know that God is working in their lives through us. Hope goes a long way when there seems to be none. The Ladies tea was the exact same. We served them yummy treats and played a game with them. They sang to us and we danced together. We got to bless them with gifts. We got to shower them with love and compassion. We gave them a break and let them be kids again. You could see the stars in their eyes while they sang for us. You could see the fireworks go off playing the game. The Haitian women don’t have too much time for fun or relaxing so for us to serve them is beyond humbling. The ladies teas for teams are my favorite beyond comparison so far to anything I’ve done. It was sad to say goodbye to the team on Friday, but they are new found friends. I can’t wait to keep up all the new relationships I have formed over these five weeks!

Since I’ve been back at the mission center I’ve been helping with Hope for Kids. Today we had church then the Thompsons and I went to the beach! The forecast looked horrible but we went anyway. It didn’t rain at all when we were there. It was pretty dark over cast and windy but I still had a lobster meal, snorkeled, and went shell hunting! It was a lot of fun to get to know Rob and Becky and the kids better also! Then when I got home I played dominos with Gary and Marilyn, had dinner and watched a movie. What a hard life of a missionary. HAHA ;)

I have about two more weeks left in Haiti. I’m stationed at the mission center for now but Saturday I will go out with another team from Lafayette, LA to their Sister Church in Picot. I’ve been to this church a lot so it’ll be cool to see how much it has grown in the past four years. Tomorrow I’m heading to take pictures for Hope for Kids at a school about two and half hours away. So I’m getting up early but should be back by lunch! Pray that we keep safe…

Here are some pictures!

 The Florida Bible Church Team.

 Sharing some scripture at one of the Ladies’ Teas.

Getting some work done!

I LOVE the Haitian food!

Taking a couple of team members for a ride.

Your sister in Christ,
D

Story Time with D

Just a jog turned into a life experience. Two team members decided to go on an early morning jog, while staying at the sister church Maniche. One was Haitian and one Cuban-American. They are both very passionate driven men that love the Lord. They were walking up the mountain and saw this Haitian man walking down with some logs on his back. They decided to ask the man if he knew Jesus Christ. Well the man answered, "What can Jesus give me" One of the team members said, "living water." That was the start of an interesting relationship. It turns out that the man is a pastor and wanted to see where the team members were coming from. He was feeling very discouraged about all the religions in Haiti. (voodoo and Catholicism est...) The pastor invited the two team members to his home. After hiking up and down around and every where else they got to the home. They said it was beautiful. They got to meet his wife and son. They got to drink coconut milk and sing songs of praise to the Lord. But most of all they got to encourage a very fallen spirit. The pastor and his son got to come later to the going away service for the team at the Maniche church. The two team members said they felt like little kids with so much excitement to see their new found friends had come. When they got back to the church they told the story with so much passion. Tears of humbleness, joy, love, and pure encouragement. God puts different people, different circumstances, and different things in our path to challenge, motivate, teach, encourage, and inspire us. Over all He wants us to be better people to impact the World He given us. I believe God worked in powerful ways that morning and the rest of the week in that pastors heart. The members said that his heart was hard, but God worked on the pastor's heart and the pastor came to the service like I had said before.
That is one of the stories that was just amazing to be able to tell and experience.
Only what HE wants,
D

Time for a new adventure in the country!

I'm off with a team from Ft. Lauderdale to their sister church in Maniche. I'm so excited! We leave today and will be back this coming Wednesday. The past few days I have been able to work with Hope for Kids. I also have been able to catch up with good friends. It was such a blessing to be able to do. Here are a few things you can be praying for while the RMI staff, myself, and the team is out in the country....
Prayer List:
Pray that the team impacts the community.
Pray the team members are also impacted by this time with their church.
Pray for the non-believers that may hear the message of the Gospel, that their eyes and ears may be opened.
Pray that I am impacted by the people and that I may impact others.
Pray for safe travel and that everything happens smoothly
Pray for the RMI staff as they are working hard to make everything happen smoothly and are under a lot of stress.
Pray for lives changed!

Love you all and please keep us in your prayers!
D

The House help where I live.
They are great women that help so much.

Hot Hot Hot

I got to admit it's really hot here. During the day there are only a few times that it's not hot for example in the shade or when a breeze comes. I think the only reason why I haven't gained weight is because I sweat it right off. But I the food here is amazing every meal. Well there were two things I didn't care for. One is breadfruit whipped into this hard foam goo and it's dipped in this slimy sauce both having no taste to them. The Haitians love it. It's called tomtom. The other was this oatmeal type cereal that oatmeal lovers would love but for me it wasn't up my ally. Other then those two I have just enjoyed eating so much. The Haitian's hospitality surpasses ours at any rate. They make so much food for the teams when they have so little. They give up there beds and sometimes even home for the teams to stay at the church. It's just so amazing. I couldn't really see the people in the US be so open and loving right away unless you were foreigner.
When I got back from the country I helped where I could then saw my dad off back to the states. I went back home (Gary and Maryland's house) and tried to recover from a very long week. As much as you think you drink water you really don't drink enough. I thought I did, but I guess I didn't cause I was feeling sort of under the weather. Friday the next morning I was moving pretty slow but went over and talked to Rob Thompson the field director in Haiti. We had a good talk and had lunch. The best part of the day was when we (Rob, Becky, and I) went into town together. That was a lot of fun. Town is hard to describe. It's like ants in an ant farm, orderly but chaotic. After that adventure I went to catch up with some friends and found out that one of the girls was going to play volleyball so I got to join her! It was a lot of fun! The Haitians are pretty good. We only peppered but I can't wait to play with a net! Saturday Gary and Maryland's home church came in to work on the housing project. They had it under control and didn't really need my help so I help Maryland with Hope for Kids most of the day. Once the guys were done for the day we packed into trucks and headed out to the Retreat Center. Sunday we all went to the teams Haitian church. That was a lot of fun as usaul. The team members were really excited to be there. Kids in a candy store. Every one had a glow about them and it's not just the sweat. There was this little girl that was giving everyone kisses on the cheek. You'll see a picture of her. She's in a green dress. The church was right on the beach in a beautiful area. We had a great time with the poeple. After eating we headed back to the Retreat Center, oh yeah did I mention we had ice cream! Yeah it was better then in the states. So good.
Now the team is working on the houses and I am working on Hope for Kids. I'll be trying to get the pictures on the blog as soon as I figure how to.
Only by the grace of God,
D

I'm Back!

Wow what an amazing week. I went out with a team to a town called Cherret. It's a little north of Les Cayes. It wasn't a long drive but it sure gave my heart a leap when we drove through the very crowded streets of the small market. The trucks barely made it through. When we arrived at the church we were greeted with a huge group of kids singing with the pastor, his wife, and church members. They welcomed us with such gratitude, love, and happiness. I can't even express the over whelming feeling I had to be already loved by people who had no idea who I was. I have awesome video, but unfortunately it's going to be a bet before I can place it on the internet to share. After the awesome fanfare, we had an amazing great big meal. The food was better then I remember. We had a debriefing meeting, where we prepare the team for what they should expect to happen and what is planned over the next four days. The sleep was hot quiet and paint filled.
Funny story time with D,
Well out in the country Haitians don't really have the best bathrooms, but fortunately this church did. They were located outside of the house were we staying. At night they locked all the doors and gave us bed pans. Out in the country of Haiti in the middle of night nothings awake not even the crickets. (well exept the really annoying dogs and chickens) I wasn't going to go to the bathroom and everyone hear me, so I figured I would just open the door quietly and go outside. The pastor didn't tell us that the door had been freshly painted a couple of days before. ooops.... To open the door quietly I leaned against it with my arm and upper thigh. When I successfully opened the door and proudly patted myself on the back I realized I was sort of stuck to the door. I had to peal my arm and thigh off. In the morning I had a blue streak of paint down my arm and a bit down my thigh. So the next night I thought I would try a different method, but woke up with a blue hand. It didn't really work, so I gave up and used the bed pan. Yeah that's right... ThAt GOOOD!

Sunday was so much fun. There was clapping, joyous singing, and love all around. The Haitians sing so beautifully. Just one night and morning and I could already see God in the peoples eyes and hearts. We had a service that night also. It was so much fun. We sang and danced! Out of the whole trip the singing and dancing, praising the Lord was my favorite. There was also a youth meeting, that was fun also. I taught some of the team members a skit so we did that for them. They loved it. Lots of laughing and smiles. (for the trinity students we did the "chair skit")

The next day the lady's packed goody bags for the Haitian women and men and the men built a wall. That was a hot day. The next day we had a women's tea and the men had a "men's tea". We had so much fun with the Haitian women. They are so precious.
Over all the trip went very well. We left on time the next day unfortunately the last day and got to the Retreat Center tired some sick and excited to be able to stop swetting.
The people at the church really impacted my life in many ways. I got to experience a satisfied life. I learned to be excepting to everyone through the Haitian people. I learned that I don't like taking showers with spiders, crickets, or cockroaches.

Oh there are many more stories and memories made, but that is the short version of a week with a team. God worked in so many ways in that one week. He touched hearts. He showed encouragement to those who really needed it. He opened eyes, and He used people for His glory!

Home!!!!

Wow I made it. Words can not even express the emotions I feel. Yesterday was a very busy day. Lets start from the being! I woke up at 2:45 left the house at 3:30 to meet the team I was flying with in Estero. The group of us left at around 4:30 to begin our long and amazing trip to Haiti. We arrived at the Miami airport at 7:00 and everything went smoothly from there. We arrived in Haiti, went through customs, got all our luggage, and found Gary and Benson standing awaiting our arrival. It was an awesome feeling to see both of the familiar faces! Unfortunately it was raining and didn't really stop for a while so the RMI staff and I and our shoes were soaking wet!
From there we all had lunch and the Haitian Guys, Gary and I dropped them off at the small airport to fly to Les Cayes. There was another team coming in right after them so the RMI staff and I went back to pick them up. Everything seem to go well with their pick up except some customs issues but God pulled them through it. There was a small finder binder but it hurt their truck more then ours! Thanking the Lord we headed to dinner and to the Retreat Center where this team was going to work on Homes for Haiti.
The last truck arrived at the Retreat Center at around 9:15. We dropped off the team and ran off to "home" the Mission Center. Gary and I got home at 10:30.
So all in all the day was was good. It was amazing to see old friends and catch up. I loved seeing the country side and seeing the people!
Please pray for the RMI staff and I while we go out to the country with the Estero team. It's not far from the Mission Center, but it's still Haiti and something could go wrong. Pray that we reach people hearts for the Lord and open the peoples eyes to God glory and grace. Pray that I embrace everything around me and the people around me. Pray that God really works in the lives we touch.

Snorkeling!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW! God out did Himself ! (If that is even possible!) My Dad and I went snorkeling yesterday and it was amazing! We saw lots of colorful fish and coral! We saw a pretty big grouper and plenty of Lobsters. It was amazing how God made it in a blink of an eye! It's so hard to even comprehend how He did it! It blows my mind that we can enjoy His creation like we did. I just wish I had my own boat so I didnt have to pay so much to enjoy it haha. ;) God is so great! and Amazing!!!! I see what He has made and just want to worship Him!!!
Well Dad is off to Haiti Friday morning! Keep him in your prayers!
Keep praying for me to be spiritually, physically, and mentally ready to go back!!!!!
Also keep praying for Haiti as a country and missionaries there!!!!!
Keep living wholy for Christ!
Your sister in Christ
D

Family Vacation in the Keys!!!!!

Family vacation is here! I'm in a hotel in Key Largo on the water! God's blessing for sure. Its really nice! Time with the Lord! I'm really excited! oh and some fishing, and eating! I'm excited to be able to spend sometime with my parents and in relaxation before a busy 5 weeks start! But I'm very excited to prepare spiritually before I go! I can't wait to go!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!

Keep praying that I can really impact the Haitian people. Also pray them as a people! They are truly hurting, but they have so much hope!! Pray that RMI can bring more hope and happyness to their life every day!

Yours Truly,
D

Mother's Day!!!

Wow!!! School is done Summer begins!!!!!!!!!!!

This past semester has gone by so quickly! I am officially a sophomore! I did really well on my finals by the Grace of God!
Man, I didn't think it was ever going to be this hard to say goodbye to my friends..... It wouldn't be so bad if I knew they were ALL coming back! But unfortunetly they ALL aren't or they aren't sure. Plus I've gotten so close with many of them it's just plain hard to say goodbye yes even for three months! By the Grace of GOd they are all in some way doing God's work, with maybe a youth group, on MISSIONS TRIPS to China! (two people) Peru (like 13 people) Brazil (one) Peragua (one) Japan (three or four) Haiti (two including myself) Dominican Republic (two or three) Praise God!!!!!!, and in many other ways!!! It's amazing to see God's Living Word and Majesty be spread around the world using poor very poor college students! I mean extremely poor college students lol. They may be poor but they are great goldy men and women of Christ! THey love the Lord so much! I give a shout out to my girl GINA! She is an insperation to me!
I am praying for all of these people and more. I am praying for the people that are going to be transformed and conformed to God and His holiness! I am praying also for myself to be transformed and conformed to Him and His holiness as well! I pray for the poeple being impacted by the missions trips and the poeple involved with God's Kingdom to see God's amazing and bountiful LOVE! I pray for God to open the saved and unsaved eyes to see the TRUTH!
My summer looks like this : I go home tomorrow, there for a week then go on vaction
then come back and head to Haiti for five weeks, fly to South Carolina, drive down home, drive up to tampa, live there for a month, go back to school AUgest 15! School starts up!

I can't wait to see the change the summer has brought in everyone especially in myself. I really hope that everyone reading my blog will also pray for the things I mentioned! I love you all but I got to go finish packing!
Yours Truly,
D
P.S. If you have any questions ask away!

God is Working!

God is preparing me slowly but surely to go to Haiti! I turned in my first final this morning and am studying for my 8 ock one tomorrow morning!
Keep praying for the funds to come in and for me spiritually and mentally!
Your sis in Christ
D

I'm going to Haiti!

I can't wait to go to Haiti! God has definitely been growing me in this time, spiritually. I just want to thank everyone that has been praying for me and providing me with funds! I am praying and you can pray for me that I am ready spiritually and mentally. I am finishing up school and am heading back home May 8th. I'm studying and getting ready for finals. Pray that I do well!
Your Sister in Christ,
D