The Lord did lead us to a new safe place. A small group. Isn't it ironic that the very week that we announced publicly that we were going to move to Haiti, we fell head over hills in love with a church, a body of believers, a church full of people on mission (Temple Baptist), a small group that would open up their hearts and take us in SO CLOSELY even knowing that we were about to leave. The "Church at Pleasant Grove" is what we named ourselves. We are nestled on a country road in White House, Tennessee and meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
This picture was taken just hours before we flew out to Haiti. We had one last meal together, one last game of Mexican trains, one last good cry and many, many moments of praise filled laughter. They made our May - August beyond blessed. I know in my flesh if we would have met them before we made our decision to move to Haiti, I would have most likely NOT been willing to be obedient. I am truly thankful for God allowing us these three months because our lives are forever changed. I'm not afraid to love, live and lead anymore. I know now without any doubt that there are good churches, good Christians and good places to continue to serve besides our beloved Ormsby Heights.
(Working from the right to the left through the picture now:)
The last week in Nashville as we were packing up, Amber called and asked if she could come help. How could I say no? I needed help. And did I need it bad! So, she came over and helped for probably a good 10 hours. Sorting, packing, loading. All the while Emma played happily and picked up every little piece of anything that was in the carpet. I didn't have to vacuum at all after she was there. Brandon came over after he got off work and helped load up the POD.
This was the same day that Elaine Myers stopped in to walk through the condo since she was moving in and hadn't seen it yet. She brought us a very special and PERFECTLY timed meal: Jim's Spaghetti she had cooked for us. She even brought paper products so we could scarf it down. And did we EVER! It was delicious!! Brandon, Amber and Emma were able to share in this TREAT!
Brandon and Amber gave us a very special picture to hang in our place in Haiti. They wrote us a two page front/back note of encouragement to go along with it. Chris read it out loud to us in the car as we drove one Sunday. The air was full of laughter and tears. Pictured here is the special "a door to hope" symbol that was given to us.When we were trying to sort through all our stuff the last week in the condo, Glynda brought her son Brandon over and sweated for an entire day with me as we went through the kitchen cabinets. Brandon and Brynna made several trips to Goodwill. Don & Glynda have a 21 year old son, Christopher who cannot speak with words or walk with his feet. He is a gift. I wish I would have gotten a picture of him to show you. The ways we have seen and heard them serve others is astounding. I wish she would write a blog. She is SO much like Angela Thomas that if you've seen Angela share her "Be the Sunshine" story at Women of Joy - you'd agree and she'd give you a great big ole fashioned hug and a cup of her famous fruit tea... and then she'd re-fill it while you didn't even know all throughout Bible Study. Don will keep your belly hurting because he throws out one liners that are so true you laugh out loud and then want change a little on the inside.
Danny and Genny have played a very special part in our journey as well. Danny is the first to sincerely take everything before the Lord in prayer. He likes to ask real, authentic questions and discuss matters that matter. Genny and I share a birthday! Yippee!!! Genny gave me a stack of letters to be opened each month I'm here and I cannot even begin to tell you what an encouragement that first letter has already been to me. Her hugs and heartfelt words of wisdom have made us better for sure. She reminds me of Kim Willbur - just a constant cheerleader, no matter what. They've taught us that it's okay to have a "come apart" moment every once in a while - that's what the Lord gave us each other for... helping us get put back together again.
And last, but not least, Greg and Tammy. They are the "ring leaders", the "let's go getters", the "bring it on'ers". They bring perfect balance to this group. Greg is a man of many questions. He's constantly asking deep, well-though-out questions that make you realize that he's been praying for you. He's been thinking of ways to encourage you. He wants to know more about you. Tammy is a woman after God's heart. She's constantly searching the scriptures and searching for ways to serve others. She loves the children at her school she works with. And each Wednesday night at small group she walks in and goes straight to Christopher to let him know how important he is and how much love she has for him. She tickles him and sings to him. He just smiles so big! He and Tammy are selfless, constantly putting others needs ahead of their own. Their life's desire is to honor Him in all they do and it's evident to all around. If they were on trial, there's no doubt they'd be found guilty of searching high and low to follow Him in every area of their lives. They are trying to sell their house in order to follow Him more closely. They determined that their house had become an idol to them and they want rid of it. They only want to cling more tightly to Him and to please Him.
The small group bound together handwritten scriptures on index cards for us to take to Haiti. One for each day. (Front/back). Each day we read our verse. It stays hung so we see it each day as we come and go along with our picture from Brandon and Amber. Also, on this bench is the Creole Bible that Emi Nash gave me. I've tried to read some of it, but it's way too early. But, I like carrying it to Haitian church each Sunday. Along with our keys for life in Haiti I have my handy-dandy, stinky Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream hat.
VOTD: "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
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