Thursday, March 24, 2011

It's about time!

I can't put it off any longer. I kept telling myself I didn't have anything new to write, but that's mostly because everything I should have written about before has already passed. For instance, I didn't tell you in the last update that I was taking a trip to the US. I had a reason for that, I told myself that I would have time to update you again before I left, and I would write about it then. Well, I was wrong...

The days leading up to my trip were hectic, and I never did get around to writing about it on the blog. So, I told myself that I would have time while I was in the US to at least write and say I was there. Well, wrong again. From the moment I touched down in Miami, until I returned to Haiti 10 days later, I never stopped long enough to even catch my breath. Those of you who know me are probably saying by now, "Jenny, that's how it always goes, why would this trip be any different", and you are right. I should know that by now, but I always have that bit of optimism that I'll just find the time.

My 10 days in FL was busy, but it was also a very good time. I was able to spend a week purchasing items that we needed for the HOH. A lot of what I purchased was getting us ready for the upcoming summer season and a lot of the plans we have, especially for our biennial Staff Retreat. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our purchases on a boat. It was supposed to have arrived already, but, well, such is life in our little country. Anyway, this was a really great time; I was blessed by some very generous supporters who gave me a wonderful place to stay, shop, pack things up and then move on.

The later part of my time in the US was actually the reason I went in the first place. I was blessed once again to participate in the mission conference of Miami Shores Presbyterian Church. This time I also spoke at Central Presbyterian Church. Through the weekend I spent with these 2 churches I had the opportunity to share what God is doing at the HOH 8 times.

The conference ended Sunday night and I returned to Haiti early Monday morning. By Monday afternoon I was knee deep into baking pizza's for our kids annual "Recreation" days. Each year during the "Mardi Gras" festival break in Haiti our kids hold these fun days to attract the kids and youth from our local community. It is through these fun days we start building relationships with the youth, and eventually many of them begin attending our Bible studies and clubs. There was a great turn out again this year, and all who were involved in the planning and preparation are breathing a sigh of relief that it's over for another year :) (especially the pizza maker).

Most of last week I spent sick, crawling from bed to do what was absolutely essential, and then crawling back again. My only explanation is that I must have caught a virus from my very kind friends in Miami, and thus I gained a few "sick days" in my schedule, or you would have had this update last week! I am feeling better now, still dealing with a few health issues, but hopefully will get everything squared away this week.

In the meantime, our students are busy with exams, our Bible studies are getting underway again, and we are preparing to have a team come in from PA next week.

The second round of the Haitian presidential elections went by peacefully this past Sunday. All of our kids who were able to went out and cast their vote. We are now waiting for the results. We pray that goes by peacefully as well.

One of our former staff ladies is dying of breast cancer. There is nothing that can be done for her, and her days are full of suffering. We are doing what we can to help her during this very difficult time, but we'd just ask you to pray for Mme Sonel.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support over this past month and a half. Hopefully, the next update won't be so long in coming.