Mission Trip

Dear Family and Friends,

Phil. 2:1 says " Your life in Christ makes you strong, and His love comforts you.

It is scripture like this one that gets me through the difficult times when I am serving in Haiti. It gives me strength and empowers me to continue the work God has prepared.

The first week in Haiti I hosted a team of 10 . They were from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Utah. Six churches were represented in this team. For many, this was their first missions trip. Some were new believers and some not but all of them demonstrated a willingness to serve in what ever area they were needed. The beginning of the week, they helped a friend with her child sponsorship program; measuring, weighing, taking photos, playing with the children and do arts and crafts. The rest of the team visited the two medical clinics, familiarizing themselves with the staff members in the communities. Experiencing medicine for the first time in a third world country, and witnessing the hardship, they have a glimpse of people living in absolute poverty. It seems the continuous education piece is missing for medical personnel in the remote areas of Haiti. It makes me really appreciate our medical system back home, although not perfect. Our staff always takes the time to explain the programs we have, answer many questions and allow them to come in with the patient during their consultation. I wonder what they really think, when the blancs come and take pictures and ask the same questions over and over. I thank God for all of them and their patience with us.

We had a chance to go to different areas with the team. It gives them a better picture of this country. Many of the people on the team said " my life has been changed". There is never a time that these words aren't spoken by team members that have come down over the years. This is one of the reasons I enjoy bringing teams down, knowing God has brought them here and His plans are bigger than ours. We need to just trust and obey. The doctor that traveled with us has been on other mission trips. He was compassionate with the patients, and a wonderful teacher. He has given me suggestions for future medical teams and has given me a better picture of what doctors will need to serve effectively when they come down. God has revealed many things to me in these two weeks by using His people, circumstances and situations which are not always easy. I remember thinking before I became a Christian how boring it must be. I need to tell you my life does not have a dull moment and it is exciting working for God.

The rest of the time here I will go to the clinics with the staff and continue studying Creole.
Every trip I learn more Creole and more of the culture.
Phil 2:3 says " Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself".

I thank God for each of you. Thank you for your prayers and support.