Monday, March 25, 2013

Surgery Postponed

Redgi got a text today from my doctor friend in Haiti who will be doing Dejna's surgery and he said that the surgery is postponed until NEXT Tuesday due to some issues with the OR (not sure of more details)... Keep praying that she stays stable until then and we will keep you posted as we go.  Unfortunately, tomorrow while she was waiting for the surgery he was going to get the fruit/milk/food for the orphanage so now I think that will be postponed as well (maybe do it Wed.)... so much for trying to save on trips into the city with the Montero and consolidate errands.  LOL  The cost of Dejna's surgery should be covered now, but the operating (regular) costs of running the organization like gas for errands, monthly salary for Redgi and other things are lacking.  If you would like to help out, let us know.  It all adds up and helps us keep doing what we do in Haiti and here in the USA-  whether it's a one-time donation or a monthly one.  Go to the website (www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org) and click on the "donate" tab for info. on how to donate to the ministry.  God bless and look for updates on Dejna!

Here is Dejna getting ready to go to get her blood work done with the March mission team.  Nervous but oh so brave!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Dejna #2-

Here is a photo of Dejna and her mother meeting with the anesthesiologist yesterday at the general hospital in  Port au Prince, Haiti.  Surgery Tuesday morning.  :)  :)  She is very scared though!  Prayers appreciated.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

DEJNA

Here is one of our orphan girls (one of four sisters at the orphanage in Port au Prince) who is in need of surgery.  She has a huge umbilical hernia which is painful and in need of repair (this is when you basically have an "outie" belly button and things from inside sometimes come through the area of weakness in the abdominal wall and push out- very simple explanation, but good enough for what we are talking about).  Anyway, the last time we had an orphan need surgery it was about $900 but that was for me to stay longer in Haiti too.  The surgery itself is free, but we need to pay for all medicine, everything needed to DO the surgery (gloves, scalpel, sutures, catheter, gauze, pain medication, saline solution, betadine, antibiotics, etc...)We will also pay a nurse to do daily dressing changes after surgery and pay Dejna's mother to stay with her in the hospital (yes, as many orphans in Haiti, she has a mother).  To stay with Dejna her mom must miss going to the market where she sells things to make a little money to survive so we would like to compensate her in some way for wages lost.  If YOU would like to help with expenses (we have about $500 toward the surgery) you can send it to us online via our website (heartsunitedwithhaiti.org) or you can send it via "snail mail" and mark it for medical care- Dejna. The instructions are also on our website for address.   Know that if we raise over and above the amount of the surgery we will see that the balance goes to replenish our fund for future orphan medical care because this will pretty much wipe us out.  ($1.50 of each sponsor's money per month goes to a medical fund for all the orphans but it takes a while to build up and one incident like this pretty much wipes it out).  Please pray for her and for Dr. Felix- the same doctor who did Jean Bernard's surgery (praise GOD- that was a miracle in itself that he is back on pediatric rotation again).

Dejna smiles as always but you can see the protruding belly button under her shirt.  I didn't put the photos up showing it because not everyone can stomach it, but it's really swollen and sore.  Please pray for her on Tuesday!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Until we meet again...

Whether here on earth or in Heaven I know without a doubt that I will see each of the 7 people I shared the past week with again and that is such a blessing.  They were a great team and though I miss them terribly it was a joy to watch them experience God as the week went along and to see them encourage one another, the Haitians and the staff of our organization.  THANK YOU!  :)  :)

So far today I have carried 7 buckets of water (5 gallon each though I didn't fully fill them- too heavy) up the steps to the house, washed the floors, carried three LARGE bags of trash out to the street to the trash truck, scrubbed two toilets/sinks/showers, etc.... and I feel GREAT.  Most times I am exhausted but this trip I am renewed and refreshed feeling.  I enjoyed the sound of church next door while working and even sang along to "Here I am to Worship" or "Heart of Worship" or "Awesome God" or "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High".... lots of common songs today mixed with familiar hymns too... LONG service though- they started at about 8 am and finished at 1:30 pm. but I think that's cause they had Crusade all week and invited lots of extra people.  This was the finale'.  Now Bruce Springsteen is blaring from the neighbor's house!  LOL.  Only in Haiti and I LOVE IT!!!!

Here are some photos from yesterday of the seeds we planted earlier in the week- sunflowers, peas and spinach.... the tomatoes we transplanted are a little "wilted" but still hanging on.  We will take rebar over in a few days and twine to put up a barricade to keep the dogs out of the garden.  They are breaking off the plants.

Thanks again for ALL your prayers and encouragement.  God is at work in Haiti for sure!  We are so blessed to be part of it.  :)




Friday, March 8, 2013

Saying Goodbye for now-Libby

What a wonderful week it has been.  I can't even being to express how grateful  I am for Crystal and all the translators who helped us this week.  The week took some twists and turns and turned out totally unexpected but that's the beauty in it! God had his hand in everything we did this week.

We went to the beach today and got to enjoy some time of reflection this morning.  It amazes me that a place that is filled with such sadness and despair is also so full of beauty. We came back and headed to the local orphanage down the street where we played a movie for the children.  Hallelujah 5 children accepted the Lord!! It was so hard for me to hold back the tears as the kids with their small sweet voices were praying.  We played for a little longer than gave our hugs and kisses goodbye.  That was a great way to end the week.

The stars are finally out tonight and let me tell you they are gorgeous! So bright and clear! As I wind down this whole week it is hard for me to keep it together.  It has been so emotional.  God has pushed me and challenged me in new ways.  I have grown so much in just 7 short days.  I do not want it to come to an end. Its now my turn to take what I have learned from these Haitians and apply it in all aspects of my life.  We could all learn something from the Haitians. For example, patience because not everything is as important as we think it is. Sometimes things don't go as planned because God has a bigger better plan than our puny little minds could even think of. Kindness, its never to late to simply say hello to someone on the street or offer a helping hand to a neighbor in need. Most of all love.  I have witnessed so much self sacrificing love here than anywhere in the world.  They love each other and demonstrate love in all of their actions.

Haitians live out their salvation and they don't let this life fog the view of their savior. I need to take some lessons from them.  Step aside and let God take the wheel and enjoy the ride. Its all in his plan anyways.

I love this place and I cant wait to share it with all of you when I return.

NOOOOO!!!!

It can't be our last night!!! This week went so fast. I don't want to leave or say goodbye to Henry once again.

Yesterday was amazing. A very special event was the Haitian students Skype session with HASD students. We actually had internet, but it was so slow, which presented challenges. It was still fun and a new experience for the Haitians. I can only hope and pray that I planted some seeds at the afternoon teaching session. Henry did an excellent job translating!

Today.... beach trip and lunch at a place we drove by daily two years ago on our way to Leogane. I remember thinking: I'd love to stop there! It was beautiful - we had a blast!

Then, the highlight of the week: visiting an orphanage right down the street from the guest house and showing the Jesus film in Creole!

My HEART is forever UNITED WITH HAITI!

With love,
Louise

photos Wed/Thurs

We helped each of the girls get two pair of shoes (one for church and one for school) if we had their size- Poor little Berlandia will have to wait a bit though she LOVED these shoes and really wanted them!

We read each letter to the sponsored child (that was sent- some didn't get letters)

We went to the maternity hospital, prayed with the staff and prayed for some of the patients.... this is the neonatal unit

Donald loves to take photos and share them with the girls.... 

Louise with some of the orphans- just loving them!

Skype with the USA (Hamburg School students in Pennsylvania) and Haiti (these four).... what a cool experience!

Some watching the students from the USA on the wall- thanks Hamburg for sending the projector.  It really helped

Lovely getting a photo from Sheena!  (there you go girl!!  :)  :)  )

More of the skype call

We have another orphan (Dejna) who needs surgery- we took her for her preadmission testing.  We do have a medical fund for the orphans, but last time someone needed surgery it was right about $1000 US for  all medications, supplies, to pay help to stay with them overnight at the hospital, etc.... so we could always use funds to help with this.  

puppies at the orphanage.... so cute

the team helped the orphans write back to their sponsors!  What a HUGE help- not all write, but we encourage them to do so... I know it means a lot to get letters, but some are just shy!

These are four of the 10 or so still needing sponsors... Ketline, Bernadine, Guerlynde and Jasmine (L-R)

Love this photo of Donald's hand with that of Samantha.  They really bonded

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Thursday-Libby

Yesterday and today were busy days for sure feeling really worn out and needing some prayer. I went with Crystal and Redgi to take one of the orphans to run some tests on her at the clinic.  That went well and we will know the results in a few days.  So prayers for that too. It was bittersweet leaving the orphans. I know that will not be the last time I will get to love on Haitian children though its still only the beginning!!!  I have so much I could write but it will never be an adequate explanation for everything that has happened.  I could never express Haiti to anyone who has never been here it has its own emotion and I am feeling it strong today. Miss you all see you soon- Libby

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Hello from beautiful Carrefour!

We are having an awesome trip! Yesterday we took a prayer walk on street through the local market, and chatted with many Haitian people. Lead two young boys to Christ! Praise God!

This morning, we will head out to a hospital with food and drinks to give to the patients, then to the school this afternoon for my first session with the teachers. Henry (my interpreter) and I went over "How Children Learn" last night - my thought was to assure his understanding of the vocabulary that I would be using before we got there. We spent a long time on this, due to his desire to understand the concepts fully. He is a such blessing!

We are really missing the group who left yesterday - Sarah, Shina, Deni, and Erica! Wish you were still here!  

Tomorrow - Skype session with my home school! Can't wait!

Louise

Mesi Jesus- Libby

Jesus has been so good. Yesterday we said our goodbyes to half of the team as they traveled back to the states. (We will miss them). We heard from both groups of girls and they made it back safely.

We took a prayer walk last evening and went through the market.  It may seem insignificant on the outside but it was amazing.  We prayed with a number of vendors in the market and some people in the surrounding area.  Louise led two young boys to the Lord!! Praise the Lord.  It was so exciting watching the boys pray with her the picture is up on the blog in the previous post.

We sorted all of the shoes yesterday to have them prepared to hand out to the orphans.   We are setting up plans for Louise's class this evening with the teachers today.  We have a big day ahead of us.

Please keep us in mind while you are praying.  We are heading to the Maternity hospital to pray with them and handout packed lunches.  We are going to  help out in anyway we can.  From there we are going to head to the school to work with them and love on the children.  We have a lot of tentative plans but its ultimately up to God and where he wants us.

I miss you guys and I love hearing from all of you.  It is such a great encouragement.  I hope Carter is okay I had a dream about all of you last night. Miss you guys!! XoXo

Photos from Tuesday...

The group went to the store to buy some souviniers.... (vanilla, coffee, etc...)

Yes, Libby is on the trip!  (I never seem to get her in photos) and she is SUCH a blessing... here she is sorting some of the shoes we have had donated.  LOTS of them!
Louise with the two boys she prayed with- BOTH of them accepted the Lord!  :)  :)  
These 3 were from one church (with our translators James, Redgi and Henry) before leaving for the airport-  What a blessing they were to have along!  :)
Cherries in the market place- yum!

Just one of the beautiful women we met on the prayer walk.....



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

the last day! sarah

This trip went by really fast! It doesn't feel like it's time to go yet. I really enjoyed the time with each of the girls at the orphanage yesterday.  I met Merceline, she is such a sweet and beautiful girl. She speaks English so I was able to talk to her. She started braiding my hair and she definitely knew what she was doing! We made little lambs with them to go with the Bible lesson.  They all made bracelets, each one of them had their little hands reached out more beads. Their voices are amazing! I loved listening to them sing and their smiles were all so bright and beautiful! :)

This whole trip has definitely been a learning experience for me. :)

Adventures, Adventures- Libby

  Yesterday was full of surprises around every corner God had his hand in our ministry. We went to the school and orphanage. Deni, Shina, and Sara did crafts with the children and a bible lesson. The girls really seemed to enjoy it.  While that was going on Crystal and a few of us went to the hospital to take one of the girls to get checked out by the doctors.  The drive alone was sensory overload.  It's not that there are things that are a surprise to me but with all the colors, smells, and sounds its a bit overwhelming. Overwhelming in a good way though.  The Haitians have such a rich culture that we could only dream of having in  America.

Anyways the hospital was so interesting seeing all the people in the emergency room. The doctors and nurses running around trying to take care of hundreds of patients.  The triage room in the front was full of mats and blankets with Haitians on the floor and they were all praying for healing!! What an amazing site.  No matter what is going on in this country you can see the Lord at work.

It was a God moment yesterday when we got to the hospital,  we were supposed to be meeting one doctor who was in surgery at the time (Dr. Carl) and when we arrived he was not available. But at Gods perfect timing there was another doctor that is friends with Crystal that was on the balcony and saw us.  He came down and saw us immediately making a very long trip only take 20 min! Praise GOD!!

We finished the day back at the Orphanage just loving on the kids and handing out care packages to the children. They had a blast!  Each one of them so sweet and innocent.  Hoping and praying for God to reveal himself to me the rest of the trip.

I miss you guys at home, wish you were here with me!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Give Carter a kiss for me :)

more photos

Sorry for no real updates yesterday about the day- it was GREAT, but there was no power last night and everyone is very tired.  They are all still sleeping but for now, here are a few photos.... God bless and THANKS for the prayers and encouragement.  Feel free to comment.  They really DO appreciate it!

Some of the orphans with some food we were able to purchase for them.  Rice/beans/oil- they will get a few meals out of this and were VERY happy at dinner time and quick to thank us for buying it!

Erica with Merlene and Jennifer (her friend's sponsored children)

Deni and Redgi teaching a Bible lesson about how much Jesus loves us!

Deni with her sponsored child (Monalissa) and her mother!  What a blessing to meet and encourage the mom!

Merceline was getting ready to braid Sarah's hair- not the most flattering photo, but shows the bond they formed.  :)

Erica again - with another sponsored child of a friend.  This is Christelle!  

After touring the school Louise got to spend time doing what she does best- loving on the children!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Haitian Happiness -Libby

Good morning! Another good morning in Haiti.  It was a blessing last night we had rain! It was nice it cooled it off for our evening debriefing.  There is a church right next door to us and they started worshiping last night leaving us with beautiful music for our meeting.  Along with our discussion about the sermon yesterday the group and I worshiped the Lord last night.  Its astounding to think about how Big our God is and at the exact same time we are worshiping the Lord in English the church next door was worshiping the same God in Haitian.
We went on a walk last evening and got to see and talk to some of the people of the surrounding neighborhoods.  There were a few soccer games going on which I'm sure some of my loved ones back home would enjoy (Brennan).  We walked through the market and saw all of the hard work of these Haitians.  Some of these people are such hard workers contrary to what majority of Americans think.  They set up there stand at 6 am and will stay open until the sun goes down. This man was up around 5:30 am ringing his bell around today.
The children are all off to school looking so beautiful in their uniforms for school. The Haitians really take pride in their appearance even though they have much less than all of us.  The showers worked for a short time last night so I let some of the other team who has been here longer shower, with my fingers crossed that we would have water when it was my turn to shower.  The showers are no longer working as of this morning so I am going without a real shower but sponge bathing is fine.  well Breakfast is ready I'm going to go grab a bite to eat.  I miss you all! Give Carter and dad a big kiss from mommy. I love you all cant wait to tell you all more stories :)  Libby

Oh and as of right now no skyping :( sorry talk to you soon loves

Haitian Beauty

I was told by so many before I came here to Haiti that this experience would change my life.  I tried to have as few expectations as possible and have been so blessed by what I have found.
Haiti is beautiful.  I expected that the landscape and the people would be beautiful but the city is so rich with color and life.  The air is filled with rich smells and the colors are so beautiful.  If you took one photo of the street you could stare at it for hours to find all the beauty in one small space.  So many small paintings put together to make a large painting.  So much like the people.
The hardest thing I have encountered is to not be able to speak the language.  I want to know all the stories of the people here and the paintings of their life. It is truly moving how much joy and love for God they carry in their hearts.
I can't help but think that God brings so many American missionaries to Haiti for the sake of the Americans more than for the sake of the Haitians.  I think we as Americans need to see how much we take for granted in our lives and in our faith.   And I just hope that the American missionaries leave as much love behind as they are receiving.
I came here to help start a garden project at the orphanage.  I was asked and greatly encouraged by a wonderful woman named Anita and her wonderful husband Tom.  I know she also knew that this would be a good experience for me to become closer in my faith to God. She was right.
Today we are going to the orphanage to see what we can do to set up a small garden which hopefully in the future will lead to greater things.  My eyes grow wide at the agricultural possibilities here in Haiti.  Oh how I would love to be able to grow food all year long at my farm.  And to grow such lush tropical fruits.
We will do our best to get done what we can and hopefully instill excitement into the beautiful girls (and a couple of boys) at the Orphanage.
Anita and Tom if you are reading this please know that your encouragement has planted seeds in my heart forever and I hope to be able to return that to these extremely rich and beauty people of Haiti.  

I would encourage anyone to make this trip.  You will be surprised.  I hope to return home to tell everyone I know that Haiti is not a poor place.  Haiti is very rich.  Very rich.

Erica Lavdanski
Organic Farmer
Reading, Pa

more photos...

Church under a tarp along the beach- for those of you who have been before, this is near the soccer field and/or lighthouse where we sometimes do ministry!
Church on the beach

We enjoyed a service at James' church on the beach


Group shot along the water after church..... people bathing or just hanging out along the water.  

Erica and Henry talking about plants!  What a provision from God that he knows a TON about plants and he is staying with us all week so he can advise her and she can help develop a plan for the gardening project at the orphanage.  :)

sorting and packing up donations to take to the orphanage tomorrow
Donald and Henry helping make a gate to keep Sparky on the porch when we are out.


Sparky is growing up!

Taking a walk around the community.  Redgi and Donald walking Sparky up in front.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Pure joy!

What a blessing it is to see these people with pure joy on their faces. Christ shines through their every action.  Worship this morning was out of this world. At least out of my world.  God is working all around us and I can feel him touching the lives of both the team, myself, and the Haitians.  We are on our way for a walk and waiting for the storm to hit.  Hopefully we can minister to some people while we are out.  Miss and love all of you guys. Can't wait to tell you what the lord has done!! -Libby

Worship on the beach!

An awesome first day here in beautiful Haiti!We went to James's church to worship and it was right on the beach! What a lively service, with dancing, shouting, and joyful praise. We had Haitians to translate the message, which was about running a business in Haiti - advising people to be honest, even though this is not always modeled for them in this country. A very special moment was singing "Here I am to Worship" in English while the congregation sang it in Creole, with Donald's Nigerian voice adding special effects to my right. One woman invited Christ into her life as a chicken pecked it way through the tent and goats wandered by. We drove back to the base, Haitian style - 10 people packed in the Montero, to meet my Haitian son Henry! Can't wait to see what God has in store this week!
Blessings!
Louise

To my family at home from Tashina

Good Morning everyone!!! Wondering if you are all enjoying your cereal today? Mom had spaghetti for breakfast yesterday and it was without sauce like we are used to, it was more like a spaghetti salad in the summer time, but it was very good!!! We are getting ready to go to church. We still have no water for showers so that was a bummer but we were able to have basin baths last night, thank goodness!
Gabe are you remembering that the read-a-thon has started? Be sure to write down how long you have read, your packet to keep track is in a big envelope remember? It should be in my snowman 31 bag.
I hope you all had fun with Grandma and Grandpa there, tell them I said hi! Jana I am sad I missed you this weekend, you will love the pictures we have taken and I cannot wait to show them to you all. Logan, my little superboy, be sure and let Daddy read to you before bed, your school is keeping track for you!!
Erik thank you SO much for supporting me on this trip, you are such a blessing to me and thank you for taking such good care of everyone while I'm gone. Gabe, Jana, Logan and Erik I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH and miss you tons!! I cannot wait to get big hugs and kisses from you all!!!!
Mom if your reading this thank you for all your prayers and support, I will call you when I'm home.
I'm sure by now you have figured out that my cell phone does not work here, but we are on the computer whenever we have power which so far has been every morning very early, so keep checking this and write to me if you can!!!!! HUGS AND KISSES!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Love, Mommy
Tashina















Back at it!! Woke up this morning with a blessing from the lord.  As soon as I stepped off of the plane last night I instantly fell in love with this country all over again.  The Lord has been good in getting Louise and I to the base safely.  We are getting ready for church right now.  So excited for what Jesus has in store for me.  I love you guys wish you were here.  -Libby
Sheena with Lovely and Mickey

Donald ( all the way from Nigeria to serve God in Haiti) with L-R  Kettia, Lorvencia and Widlinde!

Yesterday

Yesterday we had a GREAT day as Sheena posted.... Let me give you all some highlights.  We will do our best to get people to be able to update later toady.  Sorry- power has been limited at best and no water really for a day or so.  We drink water we buy and if we HAVE to will use that for sponge baths/bucket baths, but a shower would feel really nice right about now!

AM-  got up and had some time of fellowship and group devotions after a pretty good night of sleep for most.  There are so many sounds in Haiti so it is different and difficult to sleep sometimes.  After a while you begin to almost enjoy them and you don't notice  ;)

-left to go volunteer a the local hospital but on the way found out that they were not going to be able to receive us.  They had tried to contact us to let us know that but could not locate our phone number, so... NINE of us piled into the Montero (with extra room I might ad) and went back home for "plan B" which was a prayer walk around the house.  Two groups headed out in different directions and both were blessed--highlights were how the Haitians asked for prayer for their children/families and also for spiritual growth and continued trust in God no matter what circumstances they are facing.  We got to hear lots of stories from the people and meet them and find out info. about our neighbors and neighborhood.  God has placed Hearts United in this community for a reason for sure!

PM-  after the prayer walk we returned to the base for lunch of Haitian bread/peanut butter/jelly sandwiches and chips and then left for the orphanage in the city where we have the sponsorship program.  There, we got to meet the children, survey the property and come up with some ideas for the future garden projects.  The children taught us hand games and other games (similar to hot potatoe) and we all had fun laughing and playing.

In the meantime I kept getting text messages (THANK YOU LOUISE) that the plane bringing two more people was delayed in Newark, then delayed again, then..... yeah... they were to land in Haiti at 2:00 pm. and got in at 6:30 which means they did not get to the house until 8:00 or so.  They were TIRED and had just enough time to eat, make their beds and get a little organized and then off to bed we all went.  :)  :)

Today is church and then things around the base and/or a program at a local orphanage.  God bless!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Louise & Libby HERE

After MANY long hours of delays and switched planes, etc... they have arrived SAFELY at the house and are eating dinner and getting unpacked.  :-)  :-)  Thank you again for the prayers!  We are having a great time and all looking forward to church and other ministry tomorrow (working at a local orphanage if we can and sorting donations).... God bless!

First day out

WOW!!!! We arrived yesterday afternoon and had a shocking ride in a "tap tap" to our house, I didn't know  that so many cars and horns could be in one place. Smells are everywhere and very interesting. Last night was very hot and very noisy, Haitians go till 2a.m. no problem it was quiet from 2-4 and roosters crowed all night. Saturday we started out on our way to the hospital but when we called to make sure someone would be there to receive us we were told that the hospital was closed for cleaning, so we came back and went for a prayer walk near the house. We met several neighbors, a very sweet blind women who could not walk but had nothing but praises to God that she is alive. We also met a dear lady who works and because people here know she leaves to go to work broke into her home and stole a lot of her belongings and money, she told us that she was afraid to drink her water as she was not sure if they had contaminated it or not so now she does not have any water for anything, while talking with us she quoted Bible stories of Job and Ruth and what an amazing testimony to me and everyone that was with me, this poor lady has lost so much and yet she praises God through it all, she has taught me a lesson for sure.
We went to the orphanage this afternoon and what beautiful children!!! Brought tears to my eyes as they run to you and grabbed your hand and they are just simple content to be by your side, precious. We took a lot of pictures and met all the girls that Path of Life sponsors, and took pictures for you all! I fell in love with a sweet little girl whose name happens to be "Lovely" how appropriate! She is 6 and such a fun personality. She climbed up on the ledge behind me and put here little arms around my neck and sang the sweetest song, what a gift from God.
We had power early this morning and were blessed with a fan in our room, but awoke to no water....it is currently 6pm and we still do not have any, oh boy, we pray we get some tonight, after being out today, I will greet a cold shower with songs of praise!!!
Well that's enough from me, hello to my dear sweet family at home I love you all dearly and miss you lots!!! Give each other hugs for mommy!!! xoxo
Love Tashina and Mommy

Friday, March 1, 2013

Group has arrived

The group has gotten to the house and we are sitting on the porch enjoying the breeze and are waiting for dinner.  :)  :)  Will update later if we can!  Thanks for the prayers- look for more updates as the week progresses.