Between teams...

Some of you ask what we do between hosting short term mission groups in the summer. Well..... here are some things. 

-sleep!! (a lot the first few days-naps here and there)

-catch up on our bathroom time (we often rush showers and time in there so teams can have time- for example this last group had 13 women sharing one bathroom so it was occupied almost constantly when we were at the base)

-fold and organize laundry (this past trip we had 22 sets of sheets/pillowcases and towels washed up after they left)

-prepare ministry for the next group (this often involves meetings, buying household items, filling the gas for cooking, filling all 15 water jugs, ...)

-sort through any donations left behind

-take care of normal ministry that was missed while the group was present (ie: deliver fruit/milk/food to the orphanage, pay the nannies, take salaries/budget to Bas-Citronniers, ...)

-clean!! Groups clean before leaving, but there are always things to be done before the next team such as windows, dusting (ALWAYS dusting to do in Haiti), scrub toilets and bathrooms well, etc...all in 90-100 degree heat!

-And for the third summer in a row we took two days to go away as staff to talk about the future, discuss any concerns within the ministry currently, and to pray together as a team. This is paid for in part by summer staff fees, but also through saving throughout the year and is an essential and valuable part of the summer. If we dont take time together (and alone) to renew ourselves and our relationships (with God and each other) we leave open the opportunity for the enemy to create trouble between us. 

Today I can only speak for myself but I am feeling excited for the next group and the summer ministry beyond that. I think the others feel the same. We are blessed to serve here but Haiti can be tough on a person.... there is just so much need and the difference in culture is overwhelming at times. We need to stay unified. We need to stay grounded in Christ. We need rest and perspective.  And we need your prayers to continue!! Thank you for your part in this ministry. TOGETHER lives are being impacted for the Kingdom. 

Sheets and towels from the last team. 

Donations left from the last group. (nicely organized at least- thanks!!)