Week One: Check!

Well, we've made it a week. Actually more than a week! It was a week on Friday and now it's Sunday evening. The clouds are rolling in and the sun is drifting back out to sea. We've accomplished much, but it seems like so little in light of eternity. 

We sit here in our cozy apartment saddened by the news from back home of June Williamson going to be with Jesus this afternoon. Our hearts long to be near to the family and the church family at this time, but it's impossible. There's an ocean between us. If I had the ability to swim it - I would. Just to kiss Frank's cheek, squeeze Pamela hard and sit with Christian (and Cody) for hours laughing and crying together. One of my favorite quotes when it comes to grief is, "The pain now is part of the the happiness then. That's the deal." Shadowlands (1993) 

Our Dearest Norma June, 
The pain we are feeling now is because of all the happy times we had together. Thank you for investing your life into so many! You rocked!! Remember that one time we convinced you to drive and be a chaperone for the West Virginia Youth Mission trip? Fun times! I'll never forget the times we went to visit your friends in the hospital and you prayed like I'd never heard before. Then we'd go shop at Kohl's (until I couldn't walk another step, but you still had a good hour in ya) and then go back to my house and play cards till 2 am when I finally had to tell you to leave because I simply was too tired to go on. We will forever miss you. But, alas, we will see you again someday. We are sure of that. And I'm quite sure you're shaking up heaven right about now with all your questions and quirky remarks. Love you June - to the moon and back!

Yesterday we were invited guests to the Bethel Guest House to have dinner with Dr. Jacob Bernard, his lovely wife, Mrs. Claudette and his other invited guests. It was very different being at the the guest house without a team. It was lonely. We hopped on a tap-tap and made our way down to the nearest stop and then hiked up around the neighborhood until we found the guest house. Sontinex greeted us at the gate and invited us to walk on down the side of the house. At the bottom we were greeted with many of the children from the Creche' in the pool with Dr. Bernard. They were laughing and playing and having a grand old time. We wanted to jump in! We were able to see Nahomie, the head Nanny lady at the Creche' and we exchanged hugs, kisses and excitement. The staff are only working part time now while there are no teams coming in. So, she works the 1st of the month through the 15th and we didn't expect to see her. 

A few minutes went by and then a few other white folks joined us! What a surprise! Some of the BHM staff were invited since they had attended Dr. Bernard's church last Sunday. He was excited to share with them about his vision for Passion for Souls (a curriculum he wants to print up with basic beliefs to circulate and teach). We sat next to adoptive parents and their twin girls during dinner. They live in Valley Station (Louisville)! They've connected with Mike and Heather as they are on very similar journeys. It was such a sweet time to learn more about them and they asked all about us. 

Today, my stomach wasn't in any shape to be walking for 10 minutes and then sitting through at least a two hour service in Creole... so, I stayed home. Chris and Brynna went to the Mission Baptiste church (same as last week). They came home, woke me up and we went literally across the road to try out the little restaurant there. It's called Oberj. It was delicious, but the prices were very American. So, we won't be doing that again except for special occasions. I had soup and bread. It was much like pumpkin soup that they fix here. It was delicious! Chris and Brynna each had a little pizza and an order of fries. The waiter and cook only spoke creole. So, we did the best we could to communicate. It was very yummy and extremely clean and nice.

We ran out of drinking water this afternoon. So, Chris and Brynna walked down to get a refill. I have a couple pics:

Brynna carrying the empty jug... :D

Chris carrying back the full jug of water. This is the big turn where to the right over the hill
the little girl would call to us, "blan, blan!" Our apartment is on the hill just to the right
off the picture. Someday we'll get a pic of it... but, it's hard to take photos discreetly.

Tomorrow afternoon I will go to the market with the help of a Haitian. He will help me to get fair prices and communicate. Please pray for me as it will be overwhelming, I'm sure. The market is a very busy place and the hustle and bustle will be crazy. Pray that over all the extremely loud voices in Creole, I'll listen particularly for His still, small voice for comfort and direction.


VOTD from the Church at Pleasant Grove:
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Philippians 2:13