Thank You!

Tuesday was the day.  Almando and I woke up excited because we knew that the day would bring something different.  As we waited for our ride to come pick us up--and the gift--I was thinking of two very special people who may not be the first to see this, but I hope they know the blessing they have been.  They have been great prayer warriors and supporters of our ministry.  They gave us a gift to give to an orphanage.  Tuesday, we were able to deliver that gift.

The playground equipment where it was made.

So many people have come to love the kids at Life is Hope Orphanage.  So many people have visited them and given sacrificially to make sure these kids are taken care of.  Tuesday, I watched the kids, who were waiting patiently inside the house start chattering away and getting excited to see what the big truck was there for. Inside the truck, was playground equipment we brought from across town.  They watched as it was taken out of the truck and placed where the playground will soon be.  They giggled as Almando showed them how "monkey bars" are supposed to be used--by being a monkey.  These kids were excited to say the least.

When we left, the playground still needed to be "grounded", but we were assured that it would be done before the week is through.  The kids were ready to play and Pastor Jean (the director there) was so grateful.

I have been thinking what a blessing it is to be able to deliver gifts like this one to people.  It's not about me or about the giver.  It's about God.  These kids needed something to play on.  God moved in the hearts of people to give a gift and moved in our hearts to know how to best use the gift.  All to bless these children--children God calls us to care for.  It's amazing, really, to see God working.  Thank you to everyone who listens to the Lord and obeys His voice when He calls you to give.  You never know when--or to whom--you will be a blessing!  Today I am thankful for all those who give.

Turns out...it's not the dust!

On Wednesday, we visited the clinic again to see the doctor.  He concluded that I have been coughing, but not because of the dust.  I thought it was just dust.  I am grateful today because it's a bronchitis that has been terrorizing my system.  Praise God it was not something worse!  So, I am on a cough syrup to help me stop "dry" coughing and develop a "wet" cough, and my gland--although I still have "bubble neck"--will eventually go back to normal!  Now, it's just a waiting game, but I am glad I know what is causing the problem.  It's not the dust!

Thank you, friends, for your prayers as I have felt them and needed them!  I am so thankful for all of you!

Thankful

These last several weeks, I have realized how thankful I am for my wonderful Haitian family.  All of them have been a blessing to me lately in ways they probably would never think would be blessings.  From hearing the laughter of Al's 12 year old cousin when she plays tricks on me to making her laugh when I attempt to be funny in Creole.  Or the phone call from an uncle asking how I've been doing since I was sick.  The overall encouragement and support this family gives is amazing.  I don't think they signed up for the job of being Creole teacher, security guard, or errand runner, but they all help me out with all of these things almost on a daily basis.  

I was reminded of this the other day when a boy from the community stopped by the house, as I requested of him, and asked for me.  My family made sure that this boy really knew me and I really asked him to come see me.  I overheard them doing this and it felt like a hug saying "We are here.  We love you.  We will protect you."  I don't feel as though I need protection, but knowing that my family loves me in that little action was a blessing.

Each of Al's brothers, who live next door with the rest of the family, each have special qualities that I have loved from the beginning, but being around them more and more has made me appreciate each one greatly.  They are always willing to help me with anything--running to the market or putting hooks on my shelving.  It's a blessing to have them all close by to laugh with, worship with, or work with.

From immediate family to extended family, down here, I have been blessed.  Just as I am blessed with a wonderful family still in the states that I love and miss dearly.  For both of these families, I am thankful.  

Pray

Sometimes we have those weeks that are more difficult than others.  This week has been one of those weeks, so, dear friends, be praying.  Here's why.

On Tuesday, I developed a swollen gland.  Through that night, the swollen gland multiplied to several swollen glands on the right side of my neck.  I had no other symptoms or fever or anything.  By Wednesday morning, the right side of my neck was visibly swollen and we headed to the clinic.  The doctor put me on an antibiotic and told me to double my 1,000 mg dose of Vitamin C.  Along with rest and liquids, I have been trying to make sure I am diligent in taking the medication.  Between Wednesday and now, there have been stomach aches, fevers, headaches, and a literal pain in my neck as the glands remain swollen.

This morning found us at the clinic again, this time for the dreaded blood tests.  We will receive the results on Monday, but in the meantime, friends, please pray.  Pray for complete healing.  Pray that this  infection would be just a random mystery that is miraculously removed.  I believe that God can heal me and I believe that He hears the prayers of His people, so pray friends.  Above all things pray that His will be done.

It's different for me to write this way, but I hope you understand and pray.  Thank you in advance for your prayers.