Jordan and Michelle arrived at about 11 am this morning after spending the night in Fort Lauderdale and then finding out their flight was cancelled. So they were shuttled to Miami where they caught a later flight. All is well--- this is Haiti!
So far we got all the water filled (25 jugs) and bought the bread for sandwiches for lunch. We also sorted the donations and things so we will not have to worry about that later. We are still praying about how to get from Carrefour to Chaveneau (a 4.5 hour drive) on Tuesday morning- should we take the vehicle that broke downn on the way to the airport OR should we get a van/driver to take us all the way. That would leave us without a vehicle once we are there though... God knows... it will work out. We have no doubt.
We ARE pleased to announce that aparently some money came in to be used wherever needed in the ministry this summer??? (I don't know details but will find out tomorrow when Steve and Auston get here)... will fill you all in at that point but keep praying about finances for the summer.
Tomorrow we will post when Steve/Auston get here (if we are able). Pray they have a safe trip tonight. :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
We are here....
.... and safe.... we just got on here for a few minutes to let you know we are at the Arris house... and we are soooo hot but happy... Michael was late to get us at the airport because the car he had rented for the day broke down on the way... so we stood for about 3 hours... but in the mean time we were SOOOOO blessed to see some of my friends from last summer- Samuel and Morney (two of my translators) and Marcio (a former staff member).... we had a blessed time catching up for a bit before we parted ways. AND ... even cooler than that was a man named Hermann who is a taxi driver who talked to us for a while. He is 76 years old and lives in Carrefour... he offered to do airport runs for us for a LOT cheaper than we have been quoted before... he normally gets $40 each way but he said he would work with us. This is SUCH and answer to prayer. Then, when Michael came to pick us up he told us that the car we were borrowing from his friend is for sale- only $4,000 US which is a STEAL for that vehicle... it is not exactly what we have been praying for because it only seats 5 people BUT it is at least a vehicle to do airport runs... and would get us to and from Chaveneau all summer... Please join us in praying that people would donate toward this... we have been told the man would take $2000 down and the rest at the end of summer. So we need to pray about this ... I can not tell you how awesome this would be because we are currently paying $100 each time we use the vehicle AND we can not afford to have it many days this summer. Plus if we "own" one the Arris family will be able to use it after the summer is over for transportation to and from Chaveneau. The car needs some work done to it, but it would not be too expensive and Ron may be able to do some while he is here.
Anyway, we are doing well... and I can not believe we are about to begin the summer! God is fantastic and He continues to bless us with this ministry. -- posted Sat. night at about 8 pm.
Sunday- 4:47 am: Well- I woke this morning at my usual time BUT Haiti is one hour earlier... it will take me a few days to get used to the time change. Roosters are crowing, the sky is getting light, people are singing and praying as they get ready for church, etc.... I LOVE HAITI....
Highlights from yesterday - obviously what I wrote above about the car, the man at the airport and the friends I already saw. Another highlight was seeing Jean Duval and Ron when they saw one another... they are sooooo cute together and it is a joy to watch their faces as they talk and listen to them catch up with one another in Creole/English... both trying to talk to the other in a language that is not their own. Dinner was another favorite. We enjoyed an excellent meal of fish which Margarette (Pastor Duval's wife) had bought special just for us at the market. It was so good and though we felt awkward being the only ones eating at the table specially prepared for us in the kitchen, we enjoyed every last scrap.
Today's plan: I will get my shower soon. I will wake Michael at 7 am. if he is not up before that. Then he and I will travel to the airport to get our June summer staff- Jordan and Michelle. They spent the night in Fort Lauderdale (at the airport - on the floor). Bless their hearts. Their plane arrives at 8:25 am. After we get them home the "boys" (Ron/ Michael and maybe Jordan) will head out for water. We have 21 five gallon jugs we need to have filled (exchanged for full sealed ones) and then they will get some other supplies for our work in Chaveneau. Then we will go through the supplies left in March as well as the groceries we purchased yesterday. We will get this all organized for the trip to Chaveneau on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. :)
Steve and Auston arrive tomorrow around 1 pm. (they are two participants). We will get to the airport early though because I know that flight traditionally gets in earlier than that (they did not figure the time difference).
Ministry this upcoming week will mostly be physical labor and getting to know some of the people in Chaveneau and build relationships with them. We pray we will have the vehicle to use (the one that is for sale -a toyota 4 x 4) so we can keep it out there and use it for "runs" to town for supplies, etc...
That is all for now... God bless each of you and thank you for reading- nothing too exciting yet, but just wait. God is going to do amazing things this summer. We just know it!
Anyway, we are doing well... and I can not believe we are about to begin the summer! God is fantastic and He continues to bless us with this ministry. -- posted Sat. night at about 8 pm.
Sunday- 4:47 am: Well- I woke this morning at my usual time BUT Haiti is one hour earlier... it will take me a few days to get used to the time change. Roosters are crowing, the sky is getting light, people are singing and praying as they get ready for church, etc.... I LOVE HAITI....
Highlights from yesterday - obviously what I wrote above about the car, the man at the airport and the friends I already saw. Another highlight was seeing Jean Duval and Ron when they saw one another... they are sooooo cute together and it is a joy to watch their faces as they talk and listen to them catch up with one another in Creole/English... both trying to talk to the other in a language that is not their own. Dinner was another favorite. We enjoyed an excellent meal of fish which Margarette (Pastor Duval's wife) had bought special just for us at the market. It was so good and though we felt awkward being the only ones eating at the table specially prepared for us in the kitchen, we enjoyed every last scrap.
Today's plan: I will get my shower soon. I will wake Michael at 7 am. if he is not up before that. Then he and I will travel to the airport to get our June summer staff- Jordan and Michelle. They spent the night in Fort Lauderdale (at the airport - on the floor). Bless their hearts. Their plane arrives at 8:25 am. After we get them home the "boys" (Ron/ Michael and maybe Jordan) will head out for water. We have 21 five gallon jugs we need to have filled (exchanged for full sealed ones) and then they will get some other supplies for our work in Chaveneau. Then we will go through the supplies left in March as well as the groceries we purchased yesterday. We will get this all organized for the trip to Chaveneau on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. :)
Steve and Auston arrive tomorrow around 1 pm. (they are two participants). We will get to the airport early though because I know that flight traditionally gets in earlier than that (they did not figure the time difference).
Ministry this upcoming week will mostly be physical labor and getting to know some of the people in Chaveneau and build relationships with them. We pray we will have the vehicle to use (the one that is for sale -a toyota 4 x 4) so we can keep it out there and use it for "runs" to town for supplies, etc...
That is all for now... God bless each of you and thank you for reading- nothing too exciting yet, but just wait. God is going to do amazing things this summer. We just know it!
Friday, June 10, 2011
24 hours...
.... from now Ron and I will be on our way to the airport to go to Haiti- me for nine weeks and he for almost three. It's crazy getting ready to go for that long- making sure the bills will be paid, medications are filled, all necessary items are packed, etc... There has been SO MUCH on my mind and I am always found with my notebook- making lists and lists and lists of "things to do/people to call". But in it all, I have such a sense of peace and excitement because I KNOW this is where God has placed me- this is where He is leading our family- this is exactly what I am to be doing this summer. And that is a great feeling. :) :) Thank you, God!!
So.... for now this is "goodbye" on this blog- next post will be from Haiti. Please continue to follow us. We pray we are able to post photos and stories from the field pretty regularly. Pray for those who are called to join us this summer- as staff and as participants. Pray that God would use us/them to bless Haiti and the people there and pray as well that He would use this time to teach us much about ourselves and about Him. Pray for our safety, for our health, for our relationships with one another (we will all be together a LONG time), our relationships with the community, for opportunities to share God and His love with others, etc... Just pray as you feel led- The prayers of those at home are essential in this ministry.
Also, there will continue to be "needs" (financial and physical) while we are away.
For our family: Ron will be missing almost 3 weeks of work at the most busy season/time of year (he is a landscaper) so please pray that we will be fine financially- the bills will continue to come in even when we are away. Pray for the girls who are at home while we are away. Again, I have people "in place" to check on them, to provide them with needed things, etc.. but they will still be "alone" here at home taking care of things that come up. Then, when I return I do not have a job to go back to so pray that God would begin to work already to provide some income this fall/winter through me. :)
For the Arris family: Even though school is ending and teacher salaries will not need to be paid, there will be expenses that Pastor Duval has this summer. Pray that he receives the needed support for this and he not have to continue to use his savings. Pray also for Obed as he will need to have some medical care this summer. Pray for Michael as he decides where to go to college this fall- he is thinking of changing his major and going to seminary. He wants to become a pastor.
For the ministry: We still have openings on the summer trips (July 17 to 23 and July 24 to Aug. 2) that we hope to fill. See the website if you are interested or know someone who may be. We are also still praying for a vehicle. The cost of rental for summer trips is going to drain our finances drastically. It is at least $100 per trip to the airport to pick up people (this weekend alone we have three trips to the airport). The drive to Chaveneau is much more than that. This is not bad if we have 10 people, but when we only have one or two the price still stays the same but can not be passed on to them. So... we absorb it. This takes money away from ministry- which is where we would MUCH rather spend it. We are still praying someone will donate a 4 x 4 to the ministry (used is fine- one that can hold at least 7 people would be ideal) and that we will be able to ship it to Haiti which is another $2000 to $3000.
The board also decided to set up a "Justine fund" within the ministry so people can send money which will be designated to be used to see that children in need of medical attention have enough money to get there. We will also use some of this money for medications, etc. for these children. If you would care to donate to this, please include a note with your donation indicating that.
Anyway- those are some things to be praying about. We will continue to update you as we go through the summer. And as always- thanks for the prayers!! They are needed and appreciated.
Blessings- Crystal
PS- The Arris family just had a team from Colorado staying with them this past week. They have their own ministry and are not associated with Hearts United with Haiti, but their coordinator and I worked together to arrange their use of the home/location as a base for the week they were in Haiti. From what I hear it was an amazing trip - the family was thrilled to have them. They are looking to send a team down every few months and "share" the housing location with us. This would be a blessing to all It would give them a location. It would give the Arris family someone to be at the house when our teams are not. (which will bless them with a little income from "lodging" expenses to that team) And it will give us the blessing of knowing that when we are not there, someone else is pouring into the community/family. :) :) It is a "win-win" situation so we pray for a long partnership with them! God bless you and your ministry- glad we could "share" the family/location with you! :) :)
So.... for now this is "goodbye" on this blog- next post will be from Haiti. Please continue to follow us. We pray we are able to post photos and stories from the field pretty regularly. Pray for those who are called to join us this summer- as staff and as participants. Pray that God would use us/them to bless Haiti and the people there and pray as well that He would use this time to teach us much about ourselves and about Him. Pray for our safety, for our health, for our relationships with one another (we will all be together a LONG time), our relationships with the community, for opportunities to share God and His love with others, etc... Just pray as you feel led- The prayers of those at home are essential in this ministry.
Also, there will continue to be "needs" (financial and physical) while we are away.
For our family: Ron will be missing almost 3 weeks of work at the most busy season/time of year (he is a landscaper) so please pray that we will be fine financially- the bills will continue to come in even when we are away. Pray for the girls who are at home while we are away. Again, I have people "in place" to check on them, to provide them with needed things, etc.. but they will still be "alone" here at home taking care of things that come up. Then, when I return I do not have a job to go back to so pray that God would begin to work already to provide some income this fall/winter through me. :)
For the Arris family: Even though school is ending and teacher salaries will not need to be paid, there will be expenses that Pastor Duval has this summer. Pray that he receives the needed support for this and he not have to continue to use his savings. Pray also for Obed as he will need to have some medical care this summer. Pray for Michael as he decides where to go to college this fall- he is thinking of changing his major and going to seminary. He wants to become a pastor.
For the ministry: We still have openings on the summer trips (July 17 to 23 and July 24 to Aug. 2) that we hope to fill. See the website if you are interested or know someone who may be. We are also still praying for a vehicle. The cost of rental for summer trips is going to drain our finances drastically. It is at least $100 per trip to the airport to pick up people (this weekend alone we have three trips to the airport). The drive to Chaveneau is much more than that. This is not bad if we have 10 people, but when we only have one or two the price still stays the same but can not be passed on to them. So... we absorb it. This takes money away from ministry- which is where we would MUCH rather spend it. We are still praying someone will donate a 4 x 4 to the ministry (used is fine- one that can hold at least 7 people would be ideal) and that we will be able to ship it to Haiti which is another $2000 to $3000.
The board also decided to set up a "Justine fund" within the ministry so people can send money which will be designated to be used to see that children in need of medical attention have enough money to get there. We will also use some of this money for medications, etc. for these children. If you would care to donate to this, please include a note with your donation indicating that.
Anyway- those are some things to be praying about. We will continue to update you as we go through the summer. And as always- thanks for the prayers!! They are needed and appreciated.
Blessings- Crystal
PS- The Arris family just had a team from Colorado staying with them this past week. They have their own ministry and are not associated with Hearts United with Haiti, but their coordinator and I worked together to arrange their use of the home/location as a base for the week they were in Haiti. From what I hear it was an amazing trip - the family was thrilled to have them. They are looking to send a team down every few months and "share" the housing location with us. This would be a blessing to all It would give them a location. It would give the Arris family someone to be at the house when our teams are not. (which will bless them with a little income from "lodging" expenses to that team) And it will give us the blessing of knowing that when we are not there, someone else is pouring into the community/family. :) :) It is a "win-win" situation so we pray for a long partnership with them! God bless you and your ministry- glad we could "share" the family/location with you! :) :)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Justine
I sent out an e-mail which I will not repeat (not enough space or energy and many of you will receive it) but the basics are that my "Haitian granddaughter" Justine has passed away. She is with Jesus now and her real grandma/grandpa but my heart aches for her family- especially her "father" James. He was actually her uncle but assumed the father role since no one knew who the real father was. Justine was special to me because I helped name her, I loved her as my real granddaughter and I will GREATLY miss her this summer and in the years ahead.
No one knows why or how she passed. She just had a fever and started losing weight. I guess they did not feel it was urgent enough to get medical care but I don't know if they could have afforded anyway. It only costs $5 US to go to the medical clinic (the hospital is much more) to be seen but that is a lot more than many Haitians have available.
Will you consider helping this family with their funeral expenses? Any excess will go to help other children like Justine get to the clinic this summer. I have been able to take a few there on previous trips. The care is good and your money will really ease the burden for many of these families. Please send your donation to Hearts United with Haiti PO Box 55 Morgantown PA 19543 and then follow this blog. I will update as I am able this summer- to let you know how much was donated and what it was used for. ANY amount will help and will be a blessing to them.
Thank you and PLEASE continue to pray for James and his family (as well as the many Americans who loved Justine) as we grieve together. And if you did not get the e-mail about Justine and about James (who he is and what his history is/life has been like in Haiti) or would like to subscribe to receive my e-mail updates/prayer requests, please e-mail me at heartsunitedwithhaiti@gmail.com or post on here and include your comment and e-mail address. We will add you to the list. Thanks and may God bless each of you. Take time today to tell those important to you that you love them and hug those precious children God has blessed you with! For Justine!
note: When we are in Haiti we do have someone here at the "office" taking
care of business so donations will be accepted, recorded (for tax purposes) and WILL make it to Haiti to help. For those of you who were wondering/asking. Great question though
Friday, June 3, 2011
WOO HOO!!
How do you know when you are doing something that is going to help further the Kingdom of God? What encourages you in tough times? How do you discern that you are growing in your relationship with Him?
Often the answer to these questions for me is this: When the enemy "attacks" or tries to discourage you!!
Let me explain. I firmly believe that sometimes when things seem to be happening to frustrate you,discourage you or to prompt you to give up it is because the enemy of the Most High God knows that He is going to use you or work through you to bless others. And that is NOT what the enemy wants to happen. Satan is not going to go after stagnant Christians. It is those who are in God's will- doing His work that he is most threatened by. Because it means that once again- he "loses"!
So... I write this note/blog here to say I am sooooo excited/encouraged about what God has for this summer. It seems that this week there has literally been something every day that is "meant" (I believe) to discourage me. But, I hold fast to God and His promises. To the belief/knowledge that He has called me to Haiti. He has called Ron to Haiti. He will use us to do great things this summer through Him and for Him if we stay focused on Him. Which I pray we will.
Yes, I have one of my summer staff thinking of doing something else this summer and (of course) I had great "plans"- MY plans for how she would be of use in Haiti and I was disappointed to think of losing her. Yes, I just found out today that we need ANOTHER $300 or so more than I thought to be able to pay our bills when I am gone this summer. Yes, Ron's work is crazy busy and he is realizing the implications on our family (financially and otherwise) of him taking almost 3 weeks from work to go to Haiti. Yes, I just found out that Jillian does not have the money (she broke her wrist in four places with no health insurance) to afford a plane ticket to come and see her sister- our youngest, Danika- graduate next Friday night. Yes, ....... you get the idea...
There are many things weighing down on me if I let them. But I CHOOSE to focus on the positive. On God and the eternal. On the things that last. And trust that "He who calls you to it will see you through it". He has called us here- He WILL see us through and ....... take that Satan! :)
** continue to follow to see how God works this summer.
Often the answer to these questions for me is this: When the enemy "attacks" or tries to discourage you!!
Let me explain. I firmly believe that sometimes when things seem to be happening to frustrate you,discourage you or to prompt you to give up it is because the enemy of the Most High God knows that He is going to use you or work through you to bless others. And that is NOT what the enemy wants to happen. Satan is not going to go after stagnant Christians. It is those who are in God's will- doing His work that he is most threatened by. Because it means that once again- he "loses"!
So... I write this note/blog here to say I am sooooo excited/encouraged about what God has for this summer. It seems that this week there has literally been something every day that is "meant" (I believe) to discourage me. But, I hold fast to God and His promises. To the belief/knowledge that He has called me to Haiti. He has called Ron to Haiti. He will use us to do great things this summer through Him and for Him if we stay focused on Him. Which I pray we will.
Yes, I have one of my summer staff thinking of doing something else this summer and (of course) I had great "plans"- MY plans for how she would be of use in Haiti and I was disappointed to think of losing her. Yes, I just found out today that we need ANOTHER $300 or so more than I thought to be able to pay our bills when I am gone this summer. Yes, Ron's work is crazy busy and he is realizing the implications on our family (financially and otherwise) of him taking almost 3 weeks from work to go to Haiti. Yes, I just found out that Jillian does not have the money (she broke her wrist in four places with no health insurance) to afford a plane ticket to come and see her sister- our youngest, Danika- graduate next Friday night. Yes, ....... you get the idea...
There are many things weighing down on me if I let them. But I CHOOSE to focus on the positive. On God and the eternal. On the things that last. And trust that "He who calls you to it will see you through it". He has called us here- He WILL see us through and ....... take that Satan! :)
** continue to follow to see how God works this summer.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Chaveneau video
I realized that some of you have not seen the video yet. I know I posted it on here before, but I am reposting it for you "new" people. It shows where we will live this summer -- at least part of the time and where we will be building the outhouses for use by the school and the teams who will travel to Chaveneau in the future. Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v3F0W33Xqw
If the link does not work, just go to youtube and search for chaveneau .... you will see the video there. It is about 10 min. long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v3F0W33Xqw
If the link does not work, just go to youtube and search for chaveneau .... you will see the video there. It is about 10 min. long.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Almost time to go...
Well... it is ALMOST time to leave for Haiti and I am not ready at all as far as packing, organizing the house when I am gone (paying bills ahead, arranging my phone to be turned off to save money, ordering enough of my daily medications, etc...), getting ready for Danika's graduation, etc... BUT I am more than ready spiritually and emotionally. We are all so excited to see what God has planned this summer in Haiti- for each of us, for the Haitians and for the communities we will serve. Please pray for us as we embark on this journey together. That we will follow Him in all we do and that His name will be glorified and built up always. That as people would look at us and this ministry they would see Jesus and how much He loves them.
Pray also for our finances. We are really stepping out in faith - that God would provide and that He would use our testimony to bless others and (again) to turn them to Himself. We know He is able- there is absolutely no doubt. If you would like to help with this, please send your donation to Hearts United with Haiti PO Box 55 Morgantown, PA 19543. If they (my treasurer or secretary) receive it by the end of June, they can bring it to Haiti and it will be used to bless the Haitians. If it is received after that time, it will still be used in Haiti, but may need to wait until a later trip. God will richly bless you for your generosity. Hebrews 6:10 is my life verse. Check it out.
Have a blessed week- I know I will as I plan for this upcoming trip on June 11th. It is very exciting stuff- to watch God work and to be able to have this opportunity because of people like you supporting our ministry. THANK YOU soooo much!! :)
-Crystal
Pray also for our finances. We are really stepping out in faith - that God would provide and that He would use our testimony to bless others and (again) to turn them to Himself. We know He is able- there is absolutely no doubt. If you would like to help with this, please send your donation to Hearts United with Haiti PO Box 55 Morgantown, PA 19543. If they (my treasurer or secretary) receive it by the end of June, they can bring it to Haiti and it will be used to bless the Haitians. If it is received after that time, it will still be used in Haiti, but may need to wait until a later trip. God will richly bless you for your generosity. Hebrews 6:10 is my life verse. Check it out.
Have a blessed week- I know I will as I plan for this upcoming trip on June 11th. It is very exciting stuff- to watch God work and to be able to have this opportunity because of people like you supporting our ministry. THANK YOU soooo much!! :)
-Crystal
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