My First Christmas in Haiti

Christmas is a time to remember the great gift that God have to us in sending His Son, Jesus, to this world to save us. For this, I am so grateful! How people recognize this around the world is different.

Some say to fail to plan is to plan to fail, but I have learned that this is both true and false during my first Christmas in Haiti. Let me tell you how...

The night before Christmas Eve Day, Al and I made a plan that would include me spending time with his family while he stayed in town to fulfill his obligations. We would potentially meet up later to spend the evening together. Neither happened. This plan failed. What happened instead was even better.

Because of transportation problems, I had to scramble to find a way to Al's uncle's house. I finally walked down with Jose who got a message that choir practice had been cancelled- one of Al's obligations. I called him and plans changed. We both went out to Gressier-bwhere his family lives and where we will live in a couple of months-and spent most of the day framing the ceiling and a door. We really enjoy working together and had a great time that day.  Sometimes plans change for the better!

The evening plans changed too. We didn't plan to go to a gift exchange for Al's prayer group, but we did and had a great time. We didn't plan on talking on the roof with Al's cousin dancing around, but we did and enjoyed our conversation. We planned on getting ice cream, but it was really busy-this just gives us an excuse to get ice cream another time.

Sometimes to plan is to fail (the plan failed, but we still had a great day!), but what happened on Christmas Day shows that to fail to plan is to fail as well.

I woke up early again on Christmas morning. Church was going to start at 7 instead of 6, so I had a little more time to sleep. It lasted until 11. It was really great though. The leader that day was a great friend of Al's, so it was fun to see someone I knew up there. Al didn't have appropriate shoes for church, so he wasn't able to come. I went home after church.

It was like any other Sunday. We ate, we talked, we rested, we worked some. I felt lonely and wanted Christmas to be special, but failed to plan. There was no special meal or music or gifts. It was just different.  Those things aren't the point anyways are they?  I brought my Bible into Jose's room and read her the Christmas story in Creole. I explained to her that my dad would recite it every Christmas. I guess I should try to memorize it in creole so i can recite it year after year too. My family called later that night and it was good to hear from them.

My first Christmas in Haiti wasn't what I expected or what I was used to, but I did learn that flexibility is key when you make a plan or when you don't make a plan. That's not really what Christmas is about though, is it?  Christmas is a time to remember the great gift that God have to us in sending His Son, Jesus, to this world to save us.

And That's Okay!

The permanency of my life in Haiti is becoming a reality.  I wake up in the mornings early to the sound of brooms swishing on cement, dishes clinking while being washed, and names being called from across the house to bring this or that here or there.  After I brush my teeth, I finish getting ready--usually braiding or twisting my hair, applying sunscreen to the tops of my ears and face, putting on another colorful skirt and t-shirt or blouse--before sitting down at the table for my sweet, thick cup of coffee.  I read, pray, and write while the bustle of the day swells around me and I notice that Pastor Samson is just about ready to go.

Today, this is exactly how my morning went.  Most mornings do.  However, this morning I realized, again, that this is my reality.  This is my life.  I am far from the family that I love, the place I grew up, and the traditions that I have been accustomed to.  So, this morning, I missed  my family in the states.  I missed them so much that there were rain drops--big ones--falling from my eyes.  I spent some time praying and asking God to give me His peace and comfort.  The peace and comfort that can only come from Him.  He does give comfort, cut what I realized today is that it is okay to miss my family sometimes.  It's okay in the midst of the busyness of ministry, life, and learning in Haiti to cry sometimes.  It's okay.

I knew for a long time that I was going to have a different life than many would expect.  I knew I probably wouldn't be living near my family.  I knew that it would probably hard to leave it all behind.  I was right.  It is hard.  And that's okay!

I look forward to many years of serving the Lord in Haiti alongside my soon-to-be husband as well as trusting the Lord that He will take care of us totally and completely.  I know that He will lead and guide us as we lean on Him.  I know that He has called us together.  And that's more than okay.

"I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."  Job 42:2  That means even when it's hard.  That means even if I cry sometimes.  That means even in the big things.  That means even in the little things.  I KNOW THAT GOD CAN DO ALL THINGS.  And that's excellent.

The Building Could Not Contain the Praise

It almost sounded muffled in that high ceilinged church.  Not muffled because things were quiet and still.  Muffled because the room could not contain the sound of the two thousand people of God singing His praises.  There was music. There was singing. There was dancing with joy before the Lord.  I couldn't hear them, but I am sure the angels were rejoicing with us.

It seemed as though the building was going to explode!  I thought my heart would too as I sang along with the songs I knew and listened carefully while the church sang.  Echoes of "hallelujah" and "Mesi Jezi" filled the air.  This went on for almost two hours before the preacher came forward and preached.   Hands were often raised and "Amen" was shouted out frequently.  I believe God was glorified in this night.  In each night.

This is what happens during a conference night at Cote Plage.  This particular conference is happening every night at 5pm from December 4th until the 31st.  I have gone two nights so far and both nights have been incredible.  Worship, praise, dancing, singing, clapping, shouting, preaching, praying, and listening to God's Word preached is a great way to spend an evening.   Now, that's amazing.

What a welcome!

Tuesday morning I arrived in Haiti.  Almando met me at the airport and we wasted no time jumping back into ministry.  We visited Life is Hope orphanage and checked in with Pastor Jean.  He was glad to see us.  The kids looked happy and well so that was refreshing to see.  We were back in Carrefour before noon.  Busy morning! The house I have been calling home was getting a facelift when we arrived there.  Several men from the church were painting and at noon they all took a prayer break.  Al and I joined them.  I felt so at home again with the scripture reading and prayer and singing.  I don't know how long that time lasted, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Yesterday, we visited Haiti Christian Orphanage.  The boys were so happy and excited to have us around.  We met with Pastor Rick about visiting more often and he was glad to know we would be around.   All the traveling in the last couple of days has really made me need more sleep at night, so I was showered and in bed by 8 pm last night and am still feeling I need more sleep in the coming days. We are looking forward to many more visits in the coming weeks with both Haiti Christian Orphanage and Life is Hope Orphanage as well as many churches and pastors around in the area.  It really is amazing how much there is to do and how God really has opened doors for us to be involved!  It is all for His glory!

Ordering Orange Juice and Other Blessings

The 24 hours before I travel always seem to be some of the most stressful hours I experience.  The 24 hours before I left Minnesota today were no exception.  Yesterday was going to be a busy day.  I began the day early because I couldn't sleep.  I decided to write thank you cards and put Christmas music on my iPod--both good things.  A great way to start my morning.  Going to church was refreshing and then I got to mom and dad's.

We were going to be celebrating Christmas as a family prior to my leaving, so yesterday was that day.  I, being the procrastinator that I am, had everything laid out that I needed to pack, but hadn't put it in my suitcase.  I rushed to the kitchen to gather my remaining various electrical cords and proceeded to knock my iPod off the counter.  It shattered on impact.  This little gadget is super helpful for work and communicating with people while I am in Haiti.  I was super bummed, but somehow--by some miracle, I got it replaced before dinner.  I'm gonna say that was a huge blessing from God.

Later, after a fantastic time of food, fun, and fellowship with the family and some emotional goodbyes, I found that I couldn't find my passport.  Uh-oh.  That's a frustrating and stressful thing--especially when I thought I knew where it was.  For the calm of some fabulous family members and the sorting through all of my stuff, I am truly grateful.  They looked in places I wouldn't have thought of, then Josiah--my new brother-in-law--found it in a notebook. I have no idea how it got there, but I do know that I am glad we found it.  Another HUGE blessing!

So, this brings me to today.  After another almost sleepless night (even though I went to bed around 10:30, it was around 3:10 am when I prayed to have just one good hour of sleep), I woke up early and finished things up and headed out the door with my dad.  It was time to go.  Hours of driving and running errands ended at the airport when I said my last goodbye to the best dad a girl could ask for.  He walked me in and carried my luggage--one bag weighing in at 43 pounds and the other at exactly 50.  He even had to carry my pink coat that I left behind as he walked back to the truck.  I am blessed.  Thank you, God.

I checked my facebook from the airport and a friend who I hadn't seen in over 5 years was at the airport at the same time.  We got to talk for a while and reflected on how God truly does lead us to where we need to go.  With me, it is Haiti.  With her, it is Texas.  What a blessing to be able to share some down time with a friend from so long ago and see how God has worked in our lives.

To the orange juice.  God blessed me with some amazing sleep on the airplane.  I got on, sat down, and promptly fell asleep.  I don't remember taking off.  I don't remember landing.  I do remember ordering orange juice and falling back to sleep before the flight attendant could hand it to me.  She had to practically shake me awake to get me to take it.  I drank it quickly and was sleeping again.  I remember little else.  When you have had the 24 hours I have had, that kind of sleep on an airplane is a HUGE blessing--even if I probably shouldn't have ordered orange juice in the first place.  I am glad it is what I remember from my flight.

God pours out blessings in big things and in little things.  I am so glad He does.  I am looking forward, now, to arriving in Haiti tomorrow morning and jumping into ministry and life.  I still can't believe that this is my life.  This is what it looks like.  This is what God has called me too.  He doesn't need us.  He just chooses to use sinners to serve Him and somehow make His name great!  I am praying that I will seek Him more, love Him more, and serve Him more each day.

Culture Shock Included

One would think that with all the travelling I have done in the past that I would be used to the differences between here (wherever here is) and there (wherever there is), but I'm not.  It started in Trinidad.  The year was 2002 and I was on a "worship" focused mission trip.  I was there for 10 days, but during those days my life changed forever.  I realized then that I was humbled that God would choose to use me and blessed that God would choose to use me.  Humbled and Blessed.  Those two words have stuck in my mind a lot lately.

In leaving Trinidad that first time, I experienced reverse culture shock for the first time.  I became angry and bitter and didn't know why.  I was angry at myself, angry at my culture, angry that I had to leave a culture and people I had come to know a little bit a love a lot.  For the next six months I struggled with this.  Since then I have been serving in several different cultures for a variety of time periods.  For some reason, the coming and going doesn't get easier with time.

I've been in the states for just under a month now.  I am heading back to Haiti in exactly two weeks.  Even though I have only been here a short time, culture shock is in full swing.  Not so much anger this time, but confusion.  My two worlds and homes are different.  I love them both.  My heart aches to be in Haiti, then my heart aches when I think about leaving my family.  Both homes feel normal to me and loving and welcoming.

God has called me to a different life with culture shock included.  I know that God will continue to give me the strength to face the different aspects of culture shock.  He didn't say that this life would be easy, but being in the center of His will is so worth it.  God is always with me, no matter where I go.  He can do all things, even when I can't.

What a blessing to know all these truths!  I can't wait to see what He has planned for me in the next two weeks and when I return to Haiti!  He is at work.  I know He is great!

God will Provide.

My grandfather passed away almost four months ago now.  He was a great man of prayer and had an unshakable faith.  He had some tough times in the last 10 years of his life.  He lost his wife, Carol, to cancer, he had heart surgery a few months later, and finally he had pulmonary fibrosis which claimed his life.  His faith--he never lost that.

The Sunday before he went to be with the Lord, I went to visit him.  We talked about the sermon that morning, about my upcoming trip to Colorado, and about my ministry.  I was back in the states for a couple of months and I was really struggling with culture shock and wrapping my mind around what it looks like to be a missionary on stateside for a while.

One of the things I remember most about that conversation involved support.  Grandpa asked me how my support raising was going.  I answered with this:  "It's difficult...but I know God will provide...somehow?"  Grandpa looked at me very seriously and told me that I had to get rid of the "somehow" and "question mark" in my sentence.  I need to be confident in this:  God WILL provide.

Since then, God has continued to prove Himself faithful and my grandpa's advice stays with me.  I remember that God WILL provide for every need--every day.  I just have to remember to trust in the Lord and have unshakable faith like Grandpa.  And know.  God will provide.

A Plot and A Result

Sometimes God surprises us with the most wonderful things!  Last Friday, a wonderful man asked me to marry him and it was a wonderful time!  Here is our story of that day.  :)

His Story:

Plot against Cassie :)

Friday 14th, 4pm was going to be, in other words, my proposal day. One week before I emailed Jim (a good friend and boss) about my plan that I titled "plot against Cassie."  It took me a little while to think about it and I just emailed him my thoughts and his reply was really encouraging.  He sounded really excited about it.

My plan sounded great to my brothers, my dad, my mom, and my sister as well and some friends that I also told about it.  Jim came to Haiti the 11th with a group of five youth pastors to learn about the vision of pastors that Praying Pelican Missions is partnering with. We spent 4 days together and those pastors left in the morning of the 14th. 

We had a whole day off and Cassie was so excited to to something fun that day and hang out with me and be ready for the team that was going to come the day after, October 15th.  After dropping the team off Jim and I headed to Petion Ville to a jewelry place called "Rivoli" by 8ish and when we got there, it was not opened yet and we had to wait until 9. Meanwhile, Cassie kept texting me, "Al, where are you at?" "I am hungry and jealous of you guys."  I told her that I was having breakfast at La Maison, a nice restaurant by the airport. And tic: my watch said 9 and Rivoli doors were opened!  

"Oh my goodness, this is ridiculous!" I thought.  "I have never seen such a place...not even in Minneapolis," said Jim. And I freaked out looking at the prices of the rings cause I couldn't afford    That much for the rings and the ones that I thought she would love were tagged 1000-1200-1500.... So Rivoli was not an option.  It was too expensive so we ran away.  We were trying to find another jewelry place but unfortunately we couldn't find any other rings than fake ones.

I called my cousin and my sister to ask them if they knew some jewelry places and good news, my sister referred me to the office manager of her church cause they used to sell rings to the church members.  That sounded sweet to me and right away we headed to carrefour where that Church is located, with a dozen of roses that I grabbed at a flower place. 11am was coming up and Cassie got tired of texting me and got mad and went to sleep.  She was so upset with that Jim and I were lying to her pretending being stuck in traffic on their way from the airport after a long imaginary breakfast...

Finally, I found a nice golden ring with a band with 3 diamonds that I liked.  Jim liked it and thought Cassie would like it too. And we head back to Cote Plage by 12ish. I found her sleeping and upset. Anyways, I, Jim, Jean Delcy and her headed to a restaurant to have lunch. We left the restaurant at 3ish knowing that I had class at 4. So, Jim dropped me off at Cote Plage and the three of went to a super market on the main road just to give me enough time to shower and head to the guesthouse. 

4 came up, my family was already on their way to the guesthouse and so was Madam Samson and some friends. So, Jim came back to Cote Plage and asked her to take him to that guesthouse that I told him about just to see it and potentially having teams staying there....finally, they got there, walking by the pool, take a tour in the dining room....and once she found a seat, I had my family and friends greeting her and hugging her one by one. "Oh my goodness! What in the world am I seeing?" she said. 

I was the last one showing up behind her and Jim asked her to turn around while he was taping with his video camera. And I just leaned on one knee presenting her my roses and slid the ring in her ring finger and proposed her: "Cassie, will you marry me?" and I had a quick positive answer followed by a nice, long hug in return and some tears and some smiles and a clap. At 6 I treated her to a dinner with my family and friends and her day ended in tears of awesomeness.

Her Story:

It was going to be a great day! I could feel it. The week had been a good one—visiting ministry sites and pastors we partner with. I was ready for our day off. Jim and Almando headed for the airport with the team and said they would be back by 9 so we could have the day to hang out. I decided to do my laundry in the sink while I waited. I hung it on the line on the roof and continued to wait. 9 came and went. So did 10. By the time 11 rolled around, I decided to lie down. I worked on my blog and fell asleep. While I was sleeping, it rained. My day had turned cloudy.

They finally got back and we decided to go eat at a restaurant down the street. We sat there for hours playing Uno until it was time for Almando to go to class. I was disappointed with my great day but decided to make the best of it as Jim, Tonton, and I went to buy snacks and check out a guesthouse in the area. I knew of the guesthouse and offered to show them around. We walked in and went towards the pool. I started to go towards where the actual rooms were but Jim wanted to go to the dining area to see if he could get wifi. We went in and sat down.

I started telling Jim about how I knew about the guesthouse and was starting to wonder why there were unrecognizable figures outside the window. Rodney, Almando's brother, walked in dressed up. I greeted him and asked him what he was doing there. He asked me where Almando was. I told him that Al was at class. Then another member of the family walked in—all dressed up. Some of my friends and my Haitian mom, Madame Samson, followed as well. Everyone dressed up.

I started to realize what was going on and couldn't stand anymore. I sat down and Jim told me I should maybe turn around. I turn and in one sweeping motion Al is in front of me on one knee with a dozen roses and a ring. These are the moments little girls dream of. “Do you want to marry me?”

At this point my heart is racing, I can't breathe, and I am beat red. I say, “Yes!” of course and give him a big hug—feeling really under-dressed as I am wearing the clothes I had been wearing all day. I stand up and hug him again—really embarrassed, excited, and happy.

Once I am greeted again by all the family we all sit down again. They all look at me and tell Al to get me some water. His mom was so scared that I was going to pass out. She thought the surprise wasn't good for my heart. They all thought it was different for me to be surprised because here the couple plans this kind of event together where both families come together to celebrate the engagement.

We had some time before dinner was ready so I took a couple of minutes to call my family in the states to tell them the news. Everyone was so excited! The Jean Louis family sat out by the pool waiting for dinner. They kept asking me if I was okay. And if I was excited. Of course, I was excited!

We sat down and had a nice dinner together. We spent time talking and eating, but not too much time because it was getting to be time to head back home. We thanked everyone for coming and jumped into the car. Madame Samson came with us. When we dropped her off, Al and I hopped out of the car too! I had to tell my Haitian family what happened!

Jose was getting her hair done when I walked in and she was upset with me because I hadn't seen her in a few days. I told her that I had been busy and now I had a fiance and she forgave me instantly! Samia got confused and thought it was my birthday, but when she figured it out she jumped up and hugged me again! It was so fun to have people so excited with me!

When I saw Pastor Samson the next day (I call him Papa Sam), he asked me if I was happy and wanted to see the ring. I keep turning red as more and more people keep learning of the engagement. I am so happy!

And the rest is history! We are engaged and are so excited to see what God has in store for our future together! We are truly seeking His will as we pray through the life of ministry that is in front of us.

I am so blessed that God has brought Almando and me together. I couldn't have asked for a better man. Almando is always seeking, serving, and praising the Lord. God has given him a passion for children, education, and worship. 

Both:

We know that God is in our relationship and ask that you would pray for us. Pray that God would remain the center of our relationship. We know that without God, we would have never even met. And we know that we cannot proceed without Him. We desire that every bit of our lives would glorify Him!

Pointing to Jesus!

How God Speaks...

Good day friends and prayer warriors!

Today I am reflecting on how God speaks, leads, and guides us in a variety of ways.  If you keep seeking Him and His will consistently, He does speak.  Sometimes He speaks through closed doors or warning signs.  Sometimes He speaks through the wisdom of a pastor or friend.  Sometimes He uses His Word to give clear direction and guidance.  Sometimes He speaks in silence.

As I have been here in Haiti, God has spoken to me in all those ways.  He is faithful to lead and guide even when the way seems difficult.  I look forward to hearing more from Him in the coming hours, days, weeks, months, and years--to the end of my days.

Right now, friends, pray that He would truly continue to lead and guide me in every aspect of my life.  He has been faithful.  There are always things that are changing and things that I need guidance for, so please be praying as He continues to reveal His will for my life to me.

Same and Different

Same and Different

I have found, even at a deeper level, that there are some things that are very much the same culturally and some things that are very different.

For example, Sunday mornings can be a stressful time no matter what country you are in. I remember growing up that Sunday mornings were the mornings that I couldn't pull myself out of bed, no one could find what they wanted to wear, everyone wanted to use the bathroom, and we would be rushed out the door in the nick of time. The same happens here. Church starts at 6 am though so it's definitely an early morning for everyone. Sunday afternoons—depending on who you are—are for naps. After a huge “dinner” after church, a nap was always welcome. I have yet to take one here, but that was where I would have found some friends on Sunday afternoon.

Sundays are very different at the same time!  Walking to church, you are greeted by a line of shoe shine men hard at work and then by ushers who guard the doors carefully during the service and block people from entering during prayer time.  The church fills up by 6:45 am, so being on time isn't that big of a deal--although you may miss my favorite part:  the worship.  Everyone brings their own hymnal, but most people don't use them.  They have memorized these songs.  Hearing 3,000 people singing "Hallelujah" and shouting "Mesi Senye" (Thank You, Lord) is a beautiful sound.

God is so good in every culture.  We may worship in a different language and it may sound different but it is beautiful!  Praise the Lord!

From Cooking to Singing

That was going to be a great day!  I woke up early, excited for what the day was going to bring.  I had my normal cup of very sweet coffee and started out walking with Efraim.  He was bringing me to the church so I could practice singing for the wedding later that day.  We talked about what it means to be a klutz while we were walking.  I explained that I often fell down, so people called me a "klutz" in the states.  He said there was no such thing as a klutz in Haiti.  

We arrived just after 7am and I joined Almando who was teaching English in one of the classrooms.  The Lord's prayer was written on the board as well as definitions of difficult words.  It was a great time of remembering The Lord's Prayer for what it says--really looking at it.  After the lesson was finished and the homework was given, he pulled out his guitar and we practiced.  We sang "How Great is Our God" and tacked on a chorus of "How Great Thou Art" (A La Ou Gran).  We only were able to run it once before heading back home.  He had to go work and I had to learn to cook.  

I peeled vegetables with a knife and cut my thumb often at first-- don't worry there was no blood...I still have a lot to learn.  I washed the beef with oranges and put the terrific spices on with my bare hands.  The bones in the meat were sharp and I had to be careful not to cut myself.  The smell of garlic and onions filled the air and I knew this was going to be a great meal--like all of them are!

After what seemed like forever, the meal was finished.  Jose and Samia explained to me that this meal takes a lot of work--after we had worked all morning to prepare it.  We ate and enjoyed before getting ready for the wedding.  I put on the dressiest dress I had and walked out to the car for the short ride to the church.  If I had known I would be walking back later, I would have grabbed my flip-flops.  

The wedding was beautiful.  Everyone looked beautiful--dressed to the 9's--and the songs the choir and the other soloist sang were perfect.  When the attendants walked down the aisle they stood in front of chairs as did the bride and groom so they wouldn't have to stand the entire time--a very good idea.  It sounded like they wrote their own vows and people were always surrounding them to take pictures through the whole ceremony.  Hardly anyone was sitting down--except the bridal party and the little kids who fell asleep.  There were reactions of laughter and "awwwww" when Lamour kissed his beautiful bride.  It was a happy day!

After the wedding, there was a time for greeting and taking pictures with the couple.  They looked so lovely together.  I walked in my heels on uneven and rocky uphill roads away from the church--my feet still have not forgiven me.  I breathed in the hot air and sighed.  It is good to be among friends who love the Lord dearly in the place He has called me to.  To God be the glory!  Forever and ever!  Amen!

Preparing, Packing, and Praising!

Today, I am praising God for many reasons!  First, because He is so amazing and is sovereign.  I have seen His sovereignty proved over  and over again in the last weeks.  I will admit, I have had bouts of forgetfulness--you know, when you forget that God is in control--and times of anxiety--those happen when you try to control things yourself--but God doesn't have times of forgetfulness or anxiety and He is in control!  He has shown me that when I think things are falling apart, His plans are just falling together!  His ways are higher!  He is so good!

Next, because He continues to allow me to go and continues calling me to Haiti!  I am heading back early next week and will have a lot of responsibilities that need to be fulfilled--not that I can do any of them on my own.  I am so grateful that God really is in control of every situation--even when we do not see Him.  I am going back to prepare for a much longer time there serving at Haiti Christian Orphanage.  The details of this preparation time were just worked out by God and I believe He will surprise me with amazing things as I seek and serve Him.

Finally, I believe I will have these days to rest.  There's not much  more I can do for things on this end, and I know that God will continue to work all of this out for His glory!  So, I am resting in Him as I am packing--an exciting time and calming time (unless I find things that I don't have yet)--and preparing (whatever I can prepare) and praising the Lord for His goodness!  :)

Logistics, Details, and Trust

During those last weeks and now days of preparation to head back to Haiti, there always seem to be many logistics that need to fall into place, details that must come together, and I always seem to re-learn that lesson of trusting God with everything.  All this is for His glory and His will will be done!  I just seem to forget that from time to time.  With only days left before returning to Haiti--for a short 6 weeks--my head has been hurting with the things left to figure out.  

So often, I feel as though I am doing this alone, but I know that is not true.  I am not alone because God is with me.  I know that I am not fighting alone because you, my dear brothers and sisters, are fighting with me in prayer!  Thank you for praying.  Thank you for fighting the battle with me!  God remains faithful and full of mercy, grace, and love as always!  

It is so good to remember the goodness and steadfastness of God and cling to His Word!  How good He is!  There are a lot of details that need to fall into place still, but I am trusting that God will continue to work as He has in the past.  With Him, things just seem to work out, even if it doesn't work out the way we think it should.  I think back to a post I wrote about 8 months ago called "Orchestra Hall" and remember then that I was standing in awe of how God works.  God hasn't changed and I must remain in that attitude of being in awe of my King who has all the details worked out; Who knows how things will look from point A to point B, and Who deserves all the honor, glory and praise for Who He is...and what He does for His children!

I trust that He will continue to work every detail out for His glory.  Please, continue to pray!

Why does it feel like....

With only a week and three days until I return to Haiti, why does it feel like I have so much to do and so little time to do it, but when I actually sit down to crank some work out--it doesn't feel like as much?  Am I missing something here?  I toss and turn all night long and when I wake up after another bad dream, I sing "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and quote Psalm 116:7 which says, "Return, oh my soul, to your rest for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."  Why does if feel like from every angle things are getting out of control and I wake up feeling confused and heavy-hearted, but when I actually think through the things that I need to do and the people I need to be in contact with, it doesn't seem so bad?  Why does it feel this way?  Why am I feeling like I am up against a wall?  

I have a theory.  I ask you to pray.  My list includes things like connecting with pastors I have visited this summer, packing, working on a variety of projects from for Haiti Christian Orphanage, sharing with a few more churches, and dealing with financials among other things.  This IS quite a bit when you try to fit things into a short amount of time, but I know that God is in control.  Reminding myself of that when I am feeling overwhelmed or anxious is a struggle.  I believe that Satan is piling a few things and reminders of his own on me and trying to discourage me.  Friends, my dear brothers and sisters, PRAY!  

Pray that God would protect me--and I know He will.  Pray the my eyes be completely focused on Him.  Pray that I would lay down my life and follow Him daily--as we are all to be doing just that.  Pray that God would guide my steps and my thoughts.  Pray that I would be in the Word often so I can use my sword!

Friends, why does it feel like I am being attacked?  It's because I am.  Please be praying for me as I prepare to go and as I stand on the promises that are in God's Word.  He has dealt bountifully with me.  His goodness and  faithfulness and mercy and love is truly undeniably amazing.  May He be praised above all things.  May He be glorified in this time of preparation.  

Feet in the Water, Eyes on Jesus

This morning as I sat at the side of a Minnesota lake with my feet dangling in the water, I was reminded of the importance of keeping my eyes focused on Jesus.  In Psalm 105 and 106, the Psalmist recounts some of the history of Israel going through the wilderness and time after time, they forgot God.  And then in verse 8 of Psalm 106 it says, "Yet He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make known His mighty power."  Now, here it was in reference to the exodus from Egypt but time after time God spared the Israelites even when they forgot Him.  

I am very human.  I fall short of God's glory daily in my calling, in my life.  I was thanking God for grace today as I was seeking His mercy and guidance.  He is so good and His mercy really is new every morning.  How great is our God! 

I have come to the realization that Satan is not fond of me.  When struggles and trials and hard things happen, I sometimes wonder if Satan is trying to derail me and take my focus away from my Jesus.  Sometimes, he succeeds and my eyes wander from the One who deserves all the glory, honor, and praise.  I forget what I am doing and who I am doing it for, but God is patient with me and reminds me through a variety of means that He is God and He is in control of all things!  

This is why it is SO important to DAILY take up my cross and follow HIM!  Please be praying that my heart remains steadfast, my mind remains steadily on my Jesus, and I would remain faithful to my calling as God continues to amaze with me constantly in confirming my call.  

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!"--Psalm 105:4

Where in the world???

The last week has been crazy!  I don't think I have slept in the same house for more than one night since last Tuesday night and even then it was just two nights in a row.  So, where in the world am I now?  I am in Evansville, Indiana, with two of the amazing leaders from Praying Pelican Missions where we are going to be meeting with the leaders of Haiti Christian Orphanage.  

Praying Pelican Missions has been given an incredible opportunity to oversee and run an orphanage in Haiti.  I am planning on serving there with them soon!  In the meantime, there is much work to be done on the logistical side, so meeting with the Haiti Christian Orphanage board and visiting the orphanage itself--which I did last a little over a week ago--is an essential part of this process.  It has definitely kept me busy as I am traveling from place to place and visiting churches on the weekend, but this whole process has been very informative and has reminded me of how God is IN THE MIDST of His people.  

Prayer Warriors, be PRAYING this week for wisdom, guidance, God-glorifying conversations, and clear minds as we--the leaders from HCO and PPM--learn from each other and seek the Lord together!  I know that God is working here and He will be faithful!  1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it."  This is so true and I am clinging to this promise today!  However He moves and however He calls, He will be faithful!  

Miracles...

I believe that God can do more than we could ever ask or imagine.  Ephesians 3:20-21 says "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  

On my last post, I mentioned Tropical Storm Emily which looked like it was wreaking havoc on the country of Haiti.  News reports were saying that 20 inches of rain was expected in the mountains and would cause incredible flooding in the city of Port-au-Prince where so many people are still living in temporary shelters and tent cities after the earthquake in 2010.  I know that the people of God were praying in Haiti for the rain not to come.  I know I was praying for God to spare this country from another disaster.  

That Thursday morning, I was traveling to Haiti.  When I finally arrived, not a drop had fallen in Port-au-Prince and there was no flooding.  The wind was strong, but there was no rain and the rain did not come.  God worked a miracle here.  Tropical Storm Emily was one of these times where God showed that He can stop the storm.  Even when our reason and knowledge tells us the storm will come, He can calm the storm and protect His people when it is His will so He can get more glory!

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Amen!

Waiting to see...

On Tuesday this week, I packed for Haiti and drove to Minneapolis to run errands before spending time with dear friends.  On Wednesday, I boarded a plane to Chicago, then to Miami where I was greeted by some of the most hospitable people I have ever met.  I stayed at their house last night and got up early for my flight from Miami to Haiti.  My flight was cancelled and I am currently sitting in the Miami airport to see if the flight I was re-booked on will be taking off.  There are so many people waiting here.  Waiting to see...

For the past several days, I have been keeping a close eye on the weather in Haiti.  Tropical Storm Emily looked threatening for a while, but the reality is...she is very threatening.  With a foot of rain expected in the mountains today and lots of wind, my heart goes out to those who don't have a place to go.  There are still many people living in tents or temporary shelters in Port-au-Prince where roads will likely flood and, on the mountain, mudslides will happen.  

So, although this is an inconvenience for me, it is a threat and a dangerous situation for many.  Be praying for Haiti.  For those who don't have somewhere safe to wait out the storm.  Pray that God would be glorified even in this situation.  Pray, friends, pray as we are waiting to see what is going to happen in Haiti today.  

4 o'clock!

I really don't know what started this, but I know it started sometime last fall after I returned from Haiti.  I didn't know then that I would be where I am now...looking forward to much more time in Haiti, but I felt the need to be praying for this country I had such a passion for!  I didn't want to forget my friends, the ministry, the local church, or even the government.  I must have told someone that I would be praying for Haiti, so I set my alarm on my phone for that purpose.  Every day at 4 o'clock I heard the BIDIRIDIRIDIRIDIRIDIRID! BIDIRIDIRIDIRIDIRIDIRID!  It's funny because even when my phone was on silent the speakers would blare this sound into the office, the movie theater, the bank, or wherever else I would happen to be at 4.  I would remember to pray for Haiti...

When I returned from Haiti in June, I turned my old phone on--it had been on standby while I was away.  It shocked me when it was 4 o'clock, because I had forgotten that alarm was still set.  Haiti is often on my mind now as I have been reflecting on the several months I was there and now that I am preparing to return, but I haven't turned that alarm off for some reason.  I guess it is because I still need to be reminded to pray.  To pray for the people of Haiti, the ministry that is happening there, the government, even the weather--we are really praying that hurricane season would again be non-existent in Haiti this year.  I need to be reminded.  So easily we forget the things we need to remember most.

And so, God,

I come before you again, crying out for the people of Haiti.  Lord, like Habakkuk prayed, I ask that in the midst of these years revive Your works, in the midst of these years make Your works known!  God, send a revival that would make Haiti a light that people turn to and they would see You working there!  Lord, be with Your children and give them a hunger to know You more!  You are good and You are God!  May Your name be praised and lifted up in Haiti and around the world!  Amen!

Dear God...

I had to chuckle when I wrote that title, not because prayer is funny, but because of my experience of praying in Creole the week before I had to leave Haiti.  I'll write what I said in English so you call can understand why I had to laugh at myself:  "Thank you, Lord for today and for grace and for all the people together here today. Amen."  


Prayer is so vitally important and I am so glad that God can hear the prayers of our hearts when our words don't quite suffice!  In Creole, my words are limited.  Very limited.  Today, I feel like I am praying in an even more limited language.  My words are not coming out and cannot express what my heart is saying.  Romans 8:26-28 says, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."


And so, Dear God,
You know what you have planned for me.  You know my heart and my thoughts better than I do.  God, I need Your peace today and Your love and comfort to surround me.  I am so grateful that You allow us to approach you in the midst of good times, in the fire, and in the battles we face.  I am thankful that You are God and I am not.  Lord, I surrender to You.

A Jello Mold, A Calendar, and A Vibrant Orange

I will be honest.  This last month has been really trying on my spirit and my heart.  Being back in the states has proven to be more difficult than I could have imagined, although I have loved seeing my family and friends.  God is definitely faithful in providing the support I need even in difficult times.  One of those supporting people has been my dear friend Teri.  She was the one who introduced me to Canaan--where I served for 4 months this year.  She became a fast friend and encouragement to me...especially recently.  

She is a prayer warrior like none other.  Even though she is also in the states for a while and longing to go back to serve in Haiti where God has given her an amazing vision, she has been praying for me.  She has great ways of putting things and these things are always so timely that I cannot doubt that what she is saying to me is coming from the Holy Spirit.  I am so grateful that God is speaking to her about me and that she is sharing with me what He is revealing.  This is so desperately needed because I feel like I am having trouble seeking the Lord.  He finds ways to get through to us!

Teri has emailed me the things that God has revealed to her.  I love how creative God is.  The things she has shared with me are a jello mold, a calendar, and a vibrant orange.  The jello mold was in regard to trying to fit into a certain thing, when God had the PERFECT thing (the perfect shaped jello mold) already prepared for me.  So, I don't need to try to squeeze into something I am not made for.  I just have to wait for what God has.  The calendar represented time and how I have been so focused on when I am returning to Haiti that I wasn't appreciating what God had for me here and now:  my family, my friends, renewal, rejuvenation, etc.  And the Vibrant Orange was me being picked to be a light for the Lord like in Matthew 5:16.  Everything I do or say should give glory to the King of Kings.  I do have to be filled up to be that Vibrant Orange and let God shine through me because on my own I am a dead orange.  The best part is this isn't about me--it's about pointing to Jesus.  

I know these things may seem odd, but I am so grateful for Teri and how God is using her in my life to continue to encourage me even when the going gets really tough.  Please be praying for me.  I know God has something for me here  and that He will use me.  Pray that I be so filled up with joy and love that it bubbles over even here.  

Singing for the King!

The second Sunday I was in Haiti, God surprised me with the first of many unexpected ministry opportunities using music.  I sang that Sunday morning with two of my dear friends Sanite--who doubled as my Creole teacher--and Marthe--both of whom I love so very much!  Please enjoy the only recording in existence of the three of us singing together!  The song is saying some of the things we know about the Jesus--He is the Lord, the Son, the Lamb, the King of Kings.  Then it says, "I adore You, Jesus!"  My favorite part is where it says "You are the first and the last, Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, there is no other."  We can worship the Lord in any language...how beautiful it will be when we all gather around the throne and sing:  "I adore You, Jesus!"

Please click on the following link to view this video:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sn6wfvvMC0pQ5SJ7kV7-uw?feat=directlink

The More I Talk...

I have been back from Haiti for a little over two weeks now and I have found that the more I talk about my experiences in Haiti--the people I love, the country I am called to, the fun times, and the sad times--the more I realize how excited I am to get back!  I do love my family and friends here--please know that.  I remember when I first went to Haiti, almost a year ago, I didn't want to go at all.  If, a year ago, you would have told me that I would be where I am--getting ready to go back to Haiti for a year and planning on spending much of the rest of my life there--I wouldn't have believed it.  

Thinking back on my last year and sharing about how things have changed reminds me that I had nothing to do with this.  On my own, none of this would have been possible.  All I can do is point to God!  His plan, His faithfulness, and His love is what made me decide to go to Haiti in the first place.  He is the one who gave me a vision and a passion like this.  He is the one who gave me the ability to go.  There is nothing about me in this.  This is all about God.  As is my life!

So, again, as the busyness is taking over and as I have more places to go and people to see, it's good to be reminded of God's faithfulness in my own testimony, but, again, I must surrender my life to my King daily!  It's amazing how busyness takes away from what God has for us.  It's time for me to spend more time with Him.  To be filled up before I head back to Haiti to serve Him there again!  To be able to share the vision He has given me!  I cannot wait to see how He continues to show His faithfulness every day--here in the states and in Haiti!  For His GLORY--FOREVER!

From the Mountainous Land to the Land of Sky Tinted Waters

I've said all my goodbyes and packed my bags.  A dear friend drove me to the airport yesterday morning where I waited in line after line to leave the country I am called to serve to return to Minnesota for a time.  My trial period is over and I have discovered many things.  The first is that I am definitely called to serve the Lord in Haiti.  The second is that I will be moving to a new ministry when I return to Haiti. I will miss my kids and girls at Canaan, but I know that God is moving me in a new direction.  There are many other things that I have learned that I will be writing about more later as well!  I already miss Haiti and my dear friends there so much!

Friends, my time back here in the states is going to be busy with a variety of things from doctor's appointments, meetings, and family time to paperwork, visiting churches, and travelling.  I am going to be needing your prayers and support as I continue to serve the Lord--for this time stateside--and get ready to transition to a new place in Haiti.  While I am here, I would love to hear from you!  I would love to share with you about what God has been doing and how you can be more involved in what He will continue to do through me and in spite of me in Haiti.  If you have a church, youth group, or small group that would like to hear about Haiti, I would be happy to share if I possibly can!  Please email me or leave a comment here if you would like to hear more from me.

This time will be busy, but I want to share with as many people as possible about God's faithfulness and His love for the people of the world while I am in the states!  I have meetings starting this morning and need many prayer warriors.  The first couple of days back are usually the hardest because of the change in location, environment, and tasks.  These particular first couple of days are going to be hard because of scheduling as well!  Please be praying for me!  I look forward to seeing many of you soon!

Enjoying the Time!

I figure because it is one my last days in Haiti, I should wake up and blog this morning.  The last few days have been interesting to say the least!  We finished school by having the kids clean it on up and then we had cupcakes--some made from a mix but most we made from scratch!  Yummy!  Props to Naomi for bringing the mix and the recipes we would need.  We sang and prayed and the kids were out of school by 10:30 on Tuesday morning.  That was the day I told them I was leaving.  And then...I cried...

Yesterday was full of surprises!  After falling asleep at 6:30pm on Tuesday night you would think that I would wake up refreshed...not so much...but I hit the ground running.  Went to Rousseau to help with Mamba--the malnutrition program here.  The drive was beautiful on a crazy road!  We got there and some kids got checked to see if they qualified for the program and others were checked to see if the program was working.  Not many came out though because of the rain.  We arrived back at Canaan around 11...just enough time to start cleaning house before lunch!  We even lit candles to make it smell extra clean...I remember lighting candles when I was cleaning many years ago.  I loved how candles looked and smelled in a clean room.

After yummy tuna sandwiches for lunch, we had to make a run to the clinic to measure a building and bring stuff down.  While we were there, we were told that our elderly gardener man had fallen.  We went with the truck to pick him up and bring him down to the clinic.  After the doctor saw him and he received his medication, we brought him back up to Canaan and continued cleaning our house/packing.  

It's crazy packing things up.  You find things here and there and everywhere!  I hope I don't forget anything...while packing I decided to write out Thank Yous to the different groups here at Canaan.  I gave them to Sister Wenda last night along with the gifts my parents left for the staff--sorry Mom and Dad, I was really slow at getting those out.  She didn't know I was leaving.  She gave me two HUGE hugs and said she would miss me.  And then...I cried...

During dinner, so many kids kept coming up and giving me cards, so I spent some time writing cards to those precious children.  I love them all so much!  They are so dear.  Please join me in continuing to pray for them.  Some letters were thanking me for being a good teacher and being patient with them.  Some letters were about always making them smile.  I hope they see it is God in me loving them and giving them these gifts of joy!  

Sunday School Class--My Girls!

Later last night, I went to my girls' house to sing a little and laugh a lot!  It was so much fun to hang out with them!  I am so blessed.  Praise the Lord for what He has done and will continue to do here in Canaan.  I have to remember that He brought me here for a season to love these kids and show them His love, but now He will continue to be with them as I leave and He will send someone else to love them and show them something new about God's love!

A Grand Finish!

You all remember how I have been working with some students in my own classroom right?  Well, as the school year is coming to a close, all of the kids are finishing up their work for the year.  One student, in particular, has captured my heart.  He is very difficult at times, a jokester always, but still very dear to my heart.  Joel has a hard time focusing on his work and has become a little discouraged as he has not completed a lot of work lately.

I have been pushing him the last several weeks to learn the information in his school work and pass his tests.  I have seen such an improvement in his attitude and his work ethic.  Today, he took his last test.  I told him on the walk down to school that he must come find me to let me know how he did.  I told him that when he passes it, he should be really excited.  By the time the first break came around, Joel came to see me with a silly grin on his face.  "Miss Cassie," he said quietly while smirking.  "I passed my Math..."  He smiled so big and gave me a huge hug!  "I am so proud of you, Joel," I said.  "I knew you could do it!"

I will never forget that hug and that grin.  He felt so accomplished!  There are so many other stories of these kids finishing up and finishing well.  They are feeling like they have been pushed...and know that they can do much.  Some still have a ways to go before school is finished next week.  Be praying that they can all stay strong and finish what they must.  Pray that we, as teachers and staff, would have patience with them.

All By Myself--but feelin the love....

Now, this may seem like an odd thing to be excited about, but these last few weeks I am excited to have a classroom all to myself.  I am working one on one with kids who are needing some extra help or who just work better without the normal classroom setting.  I take these kids out of their classroom and encourage them to work hard and finish what they have in front of them.  These last few weeks are vital because whatever the kids don't finish before next Wednesday, they will have to start over next fall when they come back.  We want these students to learn the information and know it so they can start on a good note next year.  

The kids love coming to my classroom.  As they walk by I hear whispers of "Miss Cassie, can I work in here today?" or "Miss Cassie, I need help in my math."  They are so funny.  They get so excited when I show up behind them and say, "Bring your PACEs and come with me..."  Because I am no longer the principal, I am no longer the threat.  They love to get the attention and help that I am intentional to give them.  Some are definitely more excited than others, but I pour into them all day long and try to help them understand as much as they can.  

In the past week, I have noticed something else as well.  I have gotten a new nickname here at Canaan.  The students don't call me "Miss Cassie" as often anymore because the last part of my name sounds like the Creole word for "sour".  They have started to call me "Miss Ca-dous" which means "sweet".  I am feeling loved here by the students for sure with the  new nickname, the classroom, and the smiles and hugs I have been getting.  I keep praying that I will continue to be a light and will be able to love on these kids until the day I leave Canaan and will remember to pray for them long after that.

Well...

We are praying for A LOT rain in the desert!  This week our water table has been too low, so we haven't been able to pump water out of our normal well.  We, thankfully, have a new well, but it hasn't been working.  It became my task to be forceful enough to make sure that the company who installed the pump came out to fix it.  I called on Wednesday.  They came out today.  Three guys pulled up in a big truck and got right to work.  They had done this a million times before.  I took notes.

I stood in the hot sun and watched as they wired the pump started it up and was hopeful that the water would come.  It did.  But only a little bit.  After an hour of watching some water come out of a pipe, we went up the hill to see if the water was working up there.  It wasn't.  The one-horse power pump wasn't able to get the water from 300 feet below the surface to a football field uphill.  Sad day!

We walked back to the well feeling discouraged and came upon a surprise.  The pipe that was under the cement was pumping water through a crack in the cement and had proceeded to flood the area around the well.  There was our water pressure!  Now, to dig up that pipe!  A heavy wrench did the trick for a while, but a pickax decided to show up to finish.  The men found the first gash in the pipe, fixed it and turned the pump back on--more flooding.  Two dime sized holes and a ten foot pipe later, we turned the pump back on to find that, yes, we will have water again.  Not all the way up to the top house, but at least to most of Canaan!  Praise the Lord!

Well...oh well....oh well...makes for a long day in the sun which means a sunburned and tired Cassie.  Praise the Lord for even the struggles we go through....for they will make us stronger!

Character Trait Development

In the program that we are using at the school, we have Biblical Character Traits that we are teaching the students.  With each trait, there is a definition and a memory verse that the students are supposed to memorize throughout the week.  We have looked at being forgiving, respectful, truthful, diligent, and this week we are learning how to be kind.

To help instill this into the students' lives and hearts, I was asked to develop daily devotionals for the teachers to use in their classrooms before the day gets too busy.  It's so important to seek the Lord in the morning.  So, each week I look at a character trait, its definition, and the memory verse and pull Bible characters or passages that would relate to that particular character trait.  It's been a challenge, but I have enjoyed it!  I have found that a lot of the time, I am writing to remind myself that I need to have this character trait in my life.  Praise God for the ways that He continues to work!

Brother Amos is pictured here giving one of the opening devotionals.  He is so great to listen to.  When he really wants to get a point across, he says it in English, then in Creole, then in English again.  He really gets into making sure these kids learn their character traits and are putting them into practice!  It's a great thing!  :)

I am so glad that these blessed children of the King are learning about Him and learning about how to be more like Him and shine His light here!  Pray for them as they keep learning about Him.  Pray for their teachers as they train up this new generation.  Pray for us here as we seek to serve and glorify the Lord!

An Adventure to Remember!

On Friday, I had the opportunity to go on an adventure.  I took public transportation from Montrouis (where I live one hour north of PAP) to Carrefour (which is a "suburb" south of PAP) and that means that I had to take several taptaps.  Don't worry, I wasn't alone!  I had some of our clinic staff from Canaan the whole way!  Here is my unforgettable experience.

After being dropped off in Montrouis, we hopped into a taptap and waited for it to be filled up with people.  A taptap can be a variety of things.  It can be a pickup truck with benches built in and a top over the bed, a bus type thing, or a MACK truck with people standing or sitting in the back.  All of these versions of a taptap are really bright and colorful.  Some of them are more comfortable than others.  This first taptap was what I have named "Always Room for One More".  It didn't matter how many people were in/on this taptap truck, there was always room for one more.  We only drove about 30 minutes in this full taptap and hopped out to catch the next ride.

The next ride was a bus.  We hopped in and I proceeded to take my bag off, but hit a man in the face in the process.  This was a school bus and we sat three to a seat which was interesting.  There was standing room only and we were ready to roll.  At the front of the bus a lady stood up and started talking over everyone.  She held up goods to sell and promoted them.  She actually made a lot of sales on th 45 minute drive.  I called this bus "The Commercial".

We got out of the bus at the bus station and walked a little ways to find a taptap to take to another station.  We found a taptap that let us ride in the cab of the truck!  So nice!  We crept along through traffic and person after person kept coming up to the taptap asking for change.  The driver counted out the change carefully each time as he was rolling along (always keeping one eye on the road somehow).  The person getting the change walked along with the taptap--sometimes ran--to get their correct change.  This will always be remembered as "The Rolling Bank"

I took one more bus to get to Carrefour that day, but the whole adventure was a lot of fun!  I enjoyed the experience and look forward to more taptaps, buses, and adventures!

A Very Busy Week and Fantastic Weekend!

Last week was so busy, dear friends!  Being a principal is HARD WORK.  Besides that, I am just too nice!  Here are a couple of things that happened:

On Monday, kid after kid was brought to me or came to me saying, "Miss Cassie, I am sick."  Some were sent to the clinic, others looked sick enough to be sent home.  Later that day, most of them were running around happy as can be.  I was taken.  The next day, instead of sending people home to rest or even sending them to the clinic, I put a little foam mat on the floor of the office and said that they could rest there.  One student laid on the mat for about 5 minutes and then went back to class.  Another student slept for an hour and went back to class smiling away.  I was not taken again.  

Stress levels get high during detention!  I had between 8 and 15 kids in "detention"/after school homework time every day.  That is intense.  There are kids that have to be there and kids that want to be there.  Who do you help first?  Who do you get set up?  Who has to wait to get your attention?  Why is that kid out of his desk again?  Why has that student only done one problem in an hour?  How do you answer all the kids when you hear "Miss Cassie"  "Miss Cassie"  "Miss Cassie"  "Miss Cassie" coming from so many kids that you love so dearly?  It's so hard to get the kids to settle down.  It's even harder to figure out how long they should be staying.  10-11 hour days can no longer be an option for me or for Amber who has been so kind to help me out.  Praying that this week detention would be less frequently attended and that homework would go quickly for the kids.  

After a long week, a welcome break on Saturday afternoon.  A blessing!  We have some visitors at Canaan who decided to treat us to the afternoon at the beach followed by an amazing dinner.  We even got STEAK! It's been a long time!  I read a book in the sun and went for a swim and didn't think about all the work that had to be done.  I really needed this break, friends.  I was thanking God for the time of rest...even though I had to be talked into going.  

Today, after church, I spent time writing devotionals for the school.  I find that time to be so relaxing, even if it does take a long time.  I get to spend good time in God's Word.  After relaxing (and working--but only a little) and refreshing weekend, I think I am ready to do this again.  As I typed that, I literally took a deep breath.  

Keep praying for me friends!  Pray I would have wisdom to lead, teach, and discipline these children of God. Pray that I would continue to be a light!  And pray that God would continue to lead and guide me as I seek His will in my life!

A New Day--Seeking His Face!

Good Morning Friends!

This morning, again, I ask you to pray for me. I am feeling a little alone and discouraged this morning. Right now, I am spending some time listening to wonderful worship music and praying that my attitude would change. I need to be filled up with the joy of the Lord and with His Spirit to make it through the next couple of weeks. I know He is my Strength, Joy, and Peace.

My time over the weekend was wonderful and I felt the presence of the Lord in a really amazing way. I am in need of seeking that presence again today—we all are! Friends, I encourage you to truly seek the Lord today. (As I am encouraging you, I am also encouraging myself.) He is so good and wants to spend time with us! How amazing!

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the Light of His Glory and Grace.” Amen!

A Colorful Week!

Good Friday Morning Everyone!

It's been a colorful week! This week, we did not have typical school, instead the teachers had training. So, I went to A.C.E. Training and had to learn a variety of different things from policies and procedures to the definition and practice of Wisdom. Some things I liked more than others. In the midst of this, I ended up with a small bout of bronchitis, still had a bum foot from a bad fall a week ago, and am needing to prepare myself for being principal starting on Monday. I am praying that all this ends by then!

A couple of fun things about this week: Amber got to take the training with me! We didn't think we would make it after the first day, but WE MADE IT! Graduation will be today! Yay! Also, we got to make bulletin boards (not the typical ones where you tack your pictures and reminders) for a group project. I may not be the best at art stuff, but I enjoyed cutting out letters and creating a fun bulletin board. This is the almost finished project!

Now, I am ready for graduation and a weekend before I hit the ground running again next week! I know the next few weeks are going to be REALLY BUSY, so please be praying for me that I would completely heal, that I wouldn't forget that I am serving the Lord and have to be filled with His Spirit before I can pour it out, and that God would continue to use me and guide me.

I am still trying to figure out where God is leading me next, so be praying for that still too! I know that He will make the way clear. Like the bulletin board says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart...” The rest of that verse says, “and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Comings and Goings and Prayers

Hello dear friends and family!

There are many things happening at Canaan this week and many things that have already happened.  We are busy with training for the school--so there is no school this week.  Old staff returned from some time home yesterday.  Our principal is leaving us today for three weeks.  She has been such a blessing to me and things will be very different without her here.  Be praying, because as she is away I will be taking on the principal role.  I am overwhelmed just thinking about it, but I know, God will take care of everything and I don't need to worry.  

Friends, pray that I would be ready for this and that God will continue to use me!  Pray that I have enough patience and strength to do everything that needs to be done.  I will keep you posted on how everything is going as often as I can!  

Pointing to Jesus...because He is my strength and my song!