Hey everyone, it's Seth

Hey everyone, it's Seth, which is also the reason the blog hasn't been written in almost a week because I've been working on it that long! Karen, Jess, and Dave have done a great job of sharing what's been going on here, but I've seen a few comments about why I haven't written the blog yet, so here I am. This is my first attempt at writing the blog! Things have been great so far in Haiti! Jess and I have already learned so much and grown so much since being here.

They've done a fair job of explaining me in the previous blogs, but they missed a few important things, like...I've won an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting,

Seth the weightlifting champion

I invented the i-phone, and I flew fighter jets in world war II for Switzerland. After hearing that, it would be simple to conclude that I'm not afraid of anything, but that's just not true. Jess and I were constantly asked as we were preparing to leave for Haiti, "what are you most afraid of?" There are a lot of rational answers to that question, like- lack of electricity or clean water, language barrier, food, safety, tarantulas, tap-taps (Haitian taxis), etc. My answer is slightly less rational and, to some, may be irrational; my fear was having to use the internet! Those back home will laugh when they read this because they know how long it takes to get a response when they send me a facebook comment. I probably make fun of social media more than anyone I know, but I knew that in moving to Haiti, it would have to be my lifeline for communication. And I was slightly convicted by Ecclesiastes 9c which says, "there is a time for facebook, and there is a time not for facebook." I can't remember what translation that's from. Anyway, I've given in to the internet and here I am, a better man for it, today at least.

Seth facing his fear of internet so he can overcome like he did all those other things

We're in the process of finishing up our home. All we have left is mopping and moving in! One thing I've realized during this process is that I've been spoiled by options in the USA. We've been on two shopping trips so far for our new home. Do our plates, bowls or cups match? No, because we only had one option. We went to St. Marc for the second time today and we came back still not having a spatula or skillet. Dave, thank you so much for the polka dotted comforter and shower curtain! You know what my options would have been here? Lace! Do I like lace? I do now! Now, paint is slightly different. We have every option....in pastel! As we were deciding what color to finish inside upstairs, I was completely content and excited with continuing with purple, because like I always say, "Let's paint the world purple for Jesus!" But before we could start with purple, I got an email from Justin Bieber (I hear he's an avid follower of our blog) asking that we don't wear out the color purple. I was getting ready to respond with, "Never say Never," but Karen asked me to grant his request since He is Canadian. So we went with the next best color- Pink!

Seth helping paint the world purple for Jesus

Our house does look great! We've spent a lot of time the past few days getting it ready. Wednesday, Jess and Antoinette cleaned while I finished up the plumbing(which could include another rant on options!). We finished the day by playing an intense game of concrete soccer with the kids.

Concrete soccer

Thursday, We were getting ready to start on the house again when Karen asked if we wanted to go to St. Marc. We wouldn't miss an opportunity to travel a bit so we went! We stopped at the bank first, but the lines were so long we would have spent the whole day there! One of the 'higher ups' told Karen to come back a bit later and she would get things done for her so we went from shop to shop picking up supplies and groceries for a couple of hours. Then we went back to the bank. Now, how do I explain a Haitian bank experience?! I guess my best explanation is that it's like trying to leave a professional sports event in the U.S. There was only room to stand! So that's what Jess and I did while we waited for Karen to get done with her business at the bank. She got right in, but it still took over an hour. Jess and I enjoyed our experience, though. Maybe we won't say the same in a few months.

Thursday was also the start of March Madness college basketball tourney! I really enjoy college basketball, but neither Jess nor I have watched any games this year at all. But we decided to have a little fun and fill out brackets with the winning person after each round receiving a back rub. Well, after the first round Jess had somehow only picked 6 games wrong! (I won't say how many I had lost). I told her that evening that I was proud of her for being so lucky. She claimed it was all skill, but proceeded to tell me that she's maybe watched one full game in her entire life (and lets be sure to emphasize the maybe!). But what can I say, she's the one that got the back rub!

Friday and Saturday were extensions of Wednesday in that we continued working on our home. We're still not done yet! It seems like something else always comes up, whether it be finding out about something new that needs done, or having to take a break to fix a plumbing problem in the new girls home or having to "unlock" the depo- with a saw!

Canadians use a key. Americans use a saw

We're all excited about tomorrow! It's election day in Haiti! I've heard so much campaigning the past week that I'm almost convinced to try and vote tomorrow! The way they campaign here is a guy fills the back of his truck with at least 10 large speakers and another guy stands on top of the skyscraper of speakers and tells you to vote for his person while blasting music. I don't know how many laws he would be breaking in the states. Anyway, tomorrow will be an interesting day, who knows, this may be an interesting week! Needless to say, we won't be leaving the compound tomorrow.

Now, I've been joking a lot in this blog about options. In the process of writing this blog I read from A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God". In the section I read, he was talking about Genesis 22 where God tests Abraham. He questions what would have happened if Abraham wouldn't have chosen God and he responds with this, " God would have found His man, no doubt, but the loss to Abraham would have been tragic beyond the telling. So we will be brought one by one to the testing place, and we may never know when we are there. At that testing place there will be no dozen possible choices for us; just one and the alternative, but our whole future will be conditioned by the choice we make." Jess and I know that we are here for a reason and we're excited for all He is going to do in and through us here, and we're excited to see how he shapes us for the future. We encourage you to choose God as well, whatever and wherever that may be. It may not be here, but it is somewhere!

That's all for now. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! We need them everyday. We're so glad we can share all of this with you! Thanks again...
In Christ, Seth

Never a dull moment.

Hello again from the fast acting, fast moving, fast changing mission of HATS. Never a dull moment. Never without lots of action. Never without lots of work. Most importantly - Never without lots of love and hugs.

Jessie has been doing a great job of writing for the blog which left me only to add photos. It has been a big help. She has done such a good job, however, that Seth and I felt I should write today and Seth the next time. Why? We don't want Jessie's head to get too big for her hat, from all the compliments on her blogging. Right Seth?? Perhaps Seth will find it difficult to agree publicly. After all he has been married nine months to a gorgeous, talented, very capable, fun loving young woman who, as I see it, is quite able to take care of herself and get even in the bargain. Did she not accuse me of shaking the cokes before kindly presenting her and Seth with an icy cold one each? Did she not say she would get even? I seem to have read that somewhere. While on this subject I must say that too many people who read that blog made comments to let Seth and Jessie know to watch out for me as I am a practical joker. I am not sure why they would say such a thing. Perhaps they have me confused with someone else???

Seth and Jessie are continuing to work on their house so they can move in. It is taking a little longer than expected but they are showing patience. They diligently painted outside with the fantastic Texas team. Since then they have been painting the walls and ceiling in their 'special three level' bathroom; (some people have three level homes, they have a three level bathroom); painting the cupboards bright blue that had been built for their bathroom before their arrival; painting the room at top of stairs that had waited for them due to running out of paint before; and finishing the walls there in the entrance.

Seth & Jessie painting the cupboards for their bathroom

Three level bathroom

Along with all this work they have found time to study and practice their Creole and enjoy time with the children. I am anxious for their house to be finished and for them to get moved in. Why? It is then that I can really start deligating some tasks for them to look after. It will be too good to be true to have them take care of some things that I will not give and have to take back, and I will not have to constantly supervise the work. O Happy Day!!

Jofky happy as a little clam in Seth's arms

Jessie with sleeping beauty Karena

Bonus for Seth and Jessie today, someone from Direct Internet Service, came and installed a satellite dish on top of their house and hooked them up for internet.

Internet satellite dish waiting for Seth & Jessie's usage

Last Thursday I was very pleasantly surprised by a visit from a 'Newfie' family member, who lives in Montreal, and who I had seen once when he was a boy. He did not know me either but when knowing I was in Haiti decided to drop by with a friend of his, Al Heron. They had come with a group 'Youth For Christ' to put a water treatment system in St. Marc. Having Keith, who is family, come to the mission to meet me was special indeed. Meeting Al as well was a pleasure. Hopefully if/when they return it will be for more than an hour or so.

Karen with Keith Wight (family fr Nfld, now Montreal)

Well folks - Haiti elections again this Sunday. Who? What? When? Where? How? People are waiting and wondering if we will again have, what they saw as 100% corruption in the last election, or will it be better this time. Time will tell as always.

Many places changed their clocks last Saturday - by springing ahead an hour. Most places do it for six months and then change back again. Spring forward and fall back. This is Haiti and things are different here. Haiti changed for a day. For the first 11 years I was here Haiti used to also do the time change in spring and fall. Five years ago it was decided that Haiti would no longer do this. I, of course, did not like it as it meant that for the whole 12 months of the year it would get dark very early - 6:00 - 6:15 p.m. There is no evening time in Haiti. On Saturday and Sunday of last week it was announced, on some radio stations and by messages to some telephones, that Haiti was once again going to change their time as others were doing. So Sunday afternoon I proceeded to change our clocks and watches by moving it forward the hour. I expected some students, teachers and employees to arrive late, as some would likely not even yet know.
My kids and I went to our school on the new time and waited an hour for others to arrive. We were the only ones in the devotion room. Vladimy was the only secondary student there for a 7:00 a.m. class. Then shortly after others arrived I was informed that an announcement had been made that the time change was changed back again. It changed but did not change. This is Haiti.

7:30 devotions at our school Monday morning with time change

Vladimy only at school out of 110 secondary students

Everyone who follows this blog knows that for me "IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN". Many of you have had the opportunity, and hopefully the pleasure, of coming down and meeting and enjoying time with my children. You have told me want me to post lots of photos of the children. I have decided to start doing a blog featuring the children. I will feature one or two at a time. I will tell you about the children and attach photos. I will do the first one this week.

We are waiting for a new child to join our family. We have committed to taking a nine month old girl. It is taking time as the person who plans to bring her to us does not have enough funds to take a bus or Tap Tap and bring her, and has been unable to borrow funds. We are searching for a method to send travel funds and hope to have our newest little one with us this week.

Thank you for all your help with these precious ones. I can't do any of it without you.

The HATS motto is "ORPHANS TODAY AND LEADERS TOMORROW". I believe this to be true. Together let us continue to work towards this end.

Mother Theresa wrote this and it will always speak to my heart:
At the end of life we will not be judged by:
How may diplomas we have received; how much money we have made; how many great things we have done.
We will be judged by:
"I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I was naked and you clothed me; I was homeless and you took me in."
Hungry, not only for bread - but hungry for love.
Naked, not only for clothing - but naked of human dignity and respect.
Homeless, not only for want of a room - but homeless because of rejection.

God bless you all. Love from Karen and the gang

Big Plans for Weekend

Activity and big plans are brewing this weekend for HATS. Plans are, by the end of the weekend, to have the girls moved into their new home;

Beautiful finished Girl's Home

To have the boys all spread out in theirs;

Boy's Home Bottom Level

To have our house completed and the move-in process begun.

Seth and Jessie's house second level

But 'This is Haiti' as Karen says a lot. We will see!!! There is lots, lots, lots of work to be done. And from the sounds I am hearing now (banging hammers and directions being given), it sounds as things are going well. Like usual, things have been busy around here!

Lets start with the last couple of days. Thursday was a whirlwind. Seth did some plumbing in the morning and we practiced our Creole lesson, as Karen taught English classes at the school. That afternoon the school boys had a soccer game. This was quite the experience for Seth and I. First of all because Seth is a soccer fanatic. He loves to play and anytime we are at a game, I can tell he longs to play. Second, Seth, Karen, and I were the only blans (White people) in a sea of about 500 Haitians. Now this isn't a special thing, it always happens. However, it is very interesting when the children have not seen white people very often. Throughout the whole game, the three of us had at least 30 people starring at us. The children were even more precious. I am use to having children hanging on me, but at one time during the game I had about 8 children touching me. They would move in slow and just stare, Next, they would touch with one finger to get your attention. Then, if you smiled at them, they were in. They would grab your hand so fast and would examine your arms and clothing. It was a blast. At the end of the soccer game, the HATS gang was wiped. Karen from the day of work, the children from the fun and games, Seth from soccer watching, and me from the hanging children. :)

Waiting for our school's soccer match to begin

Sidelines cheering for HATS school team

I feel like I keep saying, `Well, that was an experience.` And yes, the soccer game was quite the time, however, nothing so far tops what we experienced on Friday. The children had a holiday from school since is has been Carnival (Mardi Gras) down here. They were suppose to be off Monday-Wednesday. However, none of the other Haitian schools had school Thursday or Friday. HATS school operated but due to lack of children and teachers, they were let out early both days after their meal. This was a great thing for Karen, Seth, and I. Since Karen did not have to teach English in the morning, we were able to take off for Saint Marc to get much needed supplies for the orphanage and our new house! Upon arriving in Saint Marc, we were breathless due to the beauty of the ocean in one second and literally breathless due to the trash-filled drainage canal for water in another. Our first task was to find cutlery and dishes for the house. Now this would be a simple task in United states. You just drive to Wal-mart and pick out of the twenty choices which one you want. It is a tad different here. Let me just tell you the difficulties. You have to drive amongst a sea of mad drivers and try not to bump your head on the ceiling of the truck at every speed ``bump``, find parking in close spaces or on top of sidewalks, search through several dusty stores to find just one set of spoons or dishes, trudge through a packed market space with people begging you to buy things, and then try to keep up to Karen who wanted to get away from the meat section of the market, look through numerous items trying to find what the product is first and then how much it is in goudes, then Haitian dollars, and then US dollars. But, all-in-all, WE LOVED IT and can`t wait to go back! (Karen here. Sorry I forgot my camera for the St. Marc experience. Next time!)

When we got back from the market, work for the weekend started underway. Seth, Luckner, and 4 other men worked on the plumbing.

Seth and Luckner working on bathroom plumbing

Ti Luc watching Gwo Luc working on plumbing to Seth & Jessie's place

Finishing up plumbing to kitchen

I started to finish up on the painting in our house. Some wonderful nice woman (Karen Huxter), or so I thought, brought us all cold sodas for our hard work. However, she forgot to tell us that as she brought them over from the house that she accidentally?? shook them. So, when we all opened them they exploded all over us. We will get you back my lady! Work went late on Friday night and when we came in to rest, we found a surprise in the bathroom.

Jessie finishing up painting of their house

There was a krapo, meaning frog in Creole, in the room. Seth had to catch it and take it outside. During this time, Moise and Ti Luc were sitting in the living room as Seth brought it out and they instantly got terrified. Seth let the krapo go outside and brought in a new one that had been sitting outside for several nights. This was one of the biggest toads I had ever seen. You should have seen their faces then. J J walked in right when the toad was being put down and he was out the door in a second. We all had a good laugh.

Seth with his new friend - a toad

This morning, Seth and I woke up to the machine gun generator/rice mill. For those who have been here before, they will understand. However, for those of you who have not, I will explain. There are many type of generator sounds in Haiti. Some sound like tractors, other lawn mowers, other just a hum or buzz. But the neighbors next to the facility has quite the noise maker, which is the winner. His is the most inconsistent, loud, annoying machine that sounds like a machine gun going off. The first time Seth heard it he ducked because that's what he thought it was. Anyways, waking up to that on a Saturday morning brings us lots of joy (NOT). :)

But, our mood was soon fixed, as we came down the stairs, Ti Luc was returning from the children's home. He had just given Karena and Jofky his old moto (bicycle) and they were ecstatic. Seth and I were truly filled with joy this morning!

Happy Jofky on the bike from Ti Luc

Jofky - I don't want to get off and give Karena a turn

Jofky happy now - it is his turn again

Good Friends (Ti Luc and Leica) watching Jofky & Karena

I probably should get out of the office and head down to the house. The boys are working away and the paint is calling my name, as well as the children!

Mwen rele Jessie

Well, where do I even begin? Mwen rele Jessie. :) (My name is Jessie) This is my first complete Creole sentence!

Wow, what a wonderful, wonderful place to dive in. Let me update you first for those of you who don't know a lot about Seth and I.

Jessie and Karena

My husband, Seth, and I are the ones from Illinois, not Texas, that have come to help Karen for a year. We had originally planned to teach overseas and leave next August for the job. However, when we started to search for such a job, we ran across HATS ad on our college's website and praise God that we did!! We contacted Karen in the middle of December and after several e-mails and phone calls we decided to come visit. We were suppose to come for a week in January to check it out. My passport didn't come, so plans fell through. Karen contacted us later that week to ask if we would come for a whole year instead. We had been praying about a week and had a peace about that, but a WHOLE year! We finally decided in the middle of January to come and here we are a month and a half later. Thank God we are! We have had such a peace through the whole process and now we fit right in at home.

You`ve heard about what we`ve done the past few days, most of it being truth. :) So, I will pick up on Monday night. The group said good bye to the children and came in for our last devotion time together. This was such an encouraging and sad time for Seth and I. We had really become family with the Texas group. They made our transition so easy and we bonded really well. Thank you Texas group for your hospitality and friendship. To end Monday night, the group discussed their week and what they had learned. We also laughed at the difference of the two experiences, (the one group at HATS and the other group at a different mission) but ultimately just praising God for the things and people we experienced this week. The group prayed over Seth, Karen, and I for next years work, our unity, Seth and I's marriage, and the children's growth. What an encouragement you all were to us! Thank you again.

Waiting for bus early a.m.

Tuesday morning the group was up by 3:30 am. They were suppose to be off by 4:30, but as we all know in Haiti things don't always go as planned. The bus was right on "Haitian" time and Brooks (the young man who did the illusionist show the previous afternoon) proceeded to try an illusion before getting on the bus. Both set back the group just a bit. The first resulted in the bus showing up around 5:00 and the second resulted in Brooks landing in a muddy creek (don`t tell him that it was actually a filthy, nasty, dirty, polluted, disgusting, sewage infested canal). He had to go up and get a quick shower before they took off to Port au Prince. Brooks, I hope you got the first class you wanted on the way back just so no one in the group had to sit next to you!

Brooks ( front) who in the dark fell into the dirty, stinky, contaminated ditch while moving out of the way of the bus

Seth and I got to get up that morning with Ti Luckner. Man, I know you guys have heard a ton about him`, but he is everything they say he is! He is gorgeous, wonderful, handsome, and so, so intelligent. Seth and I have come to learn he loves to be tickled, to see his Papa and Mama, and most of all he loves his mamba= peanut butter. (not his mambo, which I accidentally said and got laughed at by Ti Luckner and his Mama because that means a Voodoo Priestess in Creole and they both did not want one of those with their bread) We got to dress him, feed him, and most importantly laugh at cartoons with him.

Seth and Jesie with Ti Luc

The rest of the day involved planting grass seed, watering the yard, and playing with the beautiful children. Man, what a good day of rest for Seth and I after the "leader" of the Texas team worked us to death. :) But, truly, God has blessed this place and our lives by putting us here! These children, Karen, and this mission bring such joy to us.

In the evening, Seth, Karen, Ti Luc, and I went to visit Luckner's home, business, trade school, and everything else he has there. That man has quite the brain! We sat and visited and just relaxed as the sun went down. Did I mention it is 85 degrees here almost everyday, so you have to really embrace the cool breeze in the evening.

Wednesday started off with devotion time with the children and the staff. I like this time a lot now, but I am really going to love having this time in the morning, as soon as I learn the words and meanings to the worship songs! :) Karen went over to the school in the morning to help three girls from the school prepare a meal for the soccer boys. The boys had practice in the morning and the girls always make lunch for them to eat before they go home. Karen helped the girls round up the supplies needed.

Meal cooked by 3 grade 7 girls for HATS hungry soccer team

As Karen did this, Seth added some more purple to the boys home and I packed up the mattresses, sheets, pillows, and tents from the Texas team.

Seth putting the finishing touches of purple on the house

Jessie dismantling the workteam village

After lunch, we went over to the school and had the best, I mean absolute best Creole teacher, Luckner. We spent a little under an hour in the classroom at the school, just the 4 of us, practicing and learning Creole. I also learned a little Canadian English. They do not have a Z (eee) . I don't know if they know this or not, but it is a pretty important letter (I guess they all say "EH!" too and we don't get on them about that).

First Creole lesson for Seth and Jessie

The afternoon finished up with chasing down plumbing parts, fixing water lines, and playing with the children.

Very wet Vladimy & Seth fixing a plumbing problem

I have a couple of things for the Texas group.

1. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the bag of M and M's. Seth and I believe we have enough for one everyday and after Sunday lunch! :) Totaling 832. We will let you know if our prediction is correct as soon as we count them.

2. David was a bit untruthful about the bluebell ice cream and Sonic, however, I just want to state officially who Karen must like better. The day the Texas group left, the exact same day!, she brought cookies and cream ice cream from St. Marc on their return from Port au Prince. She claims it is a rarity to find so she had to buy it, but we all know the real truth! I will say proudly that tonight we will be having ice cream! And if you don`t believe me I say to you come down and see for yourself!

Proof for the Texas team

Well, time to wrap it up. Seth is currently outside playing with the children and practicing soccer with Vladimy and my heart longs to be there! Goodbye for now!

Seth, Vladimy & Moise playing soccer

Comfort House Update

Well, at long last here is that Comfort House update from me, Brooks Boyett, that you were long ago promised by my pampered friend David. Oh how I wished I was here last night to provide an update, but it was not to be. We spent the last several days living the life of luxury in the brand new, still very-much-in-development Comfort House compound in Lachappelle. We stayed in a small bungalow, had a bit of running water and the occasional power of an electric generator. We slept to the sounds of voodoo drums (at least the first night), the crowing of roosters, the braying of the Comfort's two burros Lucy and Patrick, and the snoring of the Huckabays. We had an incredible adventure.

The Comfort House is home to 13 beautiful children. 12 were born HIV Positive, several have developed AIDS, a few are no longer HIV positive. All were abandoned and given up on. All are precious and healthy and full of life and energy. We spent the weekend helping Ray and Trisha move their crazy family from their house in Verrettes to the new digs. There were many, many items to move. Nolan and Jerry made many trips up and down the well paved, smooth, uncongested road. The rest of us did whatever we were told - carrying stuff, moving things, hammering, cooking, playing, changing diapers, and whatever else. More than anything, though, we were able to pour the love of Jesus into this little family.

Things were quite chaotic, as you might imagine. Saturday night, we put all the kids to bed in their new homes all by ourselves, as Ray and Trisha were in the old place packing up. This was quite stressful and unforeseen, and full of laughs. We may or may not have used duct tape on diapers, as most everything for the kids was packed up somewhere. But we survived it and are all the tougher for it. Our ladies, Jennifer, Paige, and Lori, were incredible troopers. No toilets and a simple faucet for washing made for tough conditions, but they survived. Soon, the Comfort compound will have a bathing station and toilets, so next year will be a bit easier.

It was a very difficult weekend but a complete and total blast. We got nearly everything moved and were able to have a great worship service with the family, spend time in prayer for each child, pray with Ray and Trisha and their workers, and be as big a blessing as we could be. Each of us was touched forever by the joy these kids brought us. And I can't wait to be back next year to play with my new friends Rosy, William, Christian, Darlensky, Lulu, Nadia, Gessica, Roodline, Elda, Mason, Babo, Womise, and Marissa (whose names I don't think I spelled correctly). Please pray for this sweet family and for a smooth transition for Ray and Trisha and peace to fill their new home. I'd load some pictures, but they're on my phone and I am very exhausted.

PS. The HATS orphanage is absolutely wonderful. I got to do a few magic tricks for the kids here. It's such a peaceful, joyous place. I may or may not be jealous of my pal David and his life of running water, toilets and imaginary Blue Bell Ice Cream. However, they didn't get to eat Ray Comfort Homemade Pizza, which is absolutely amazingly delicious. If you want to see some pics of our fun, visit www.mission2540.wordpress.org later on this week.

The Lord is greatly to be praised!

As we close out our last night in Haiti, I am overwhelmed with the faithfulness and favor of the Lord. His divine sovereignty was evident throughout this trip.

One of the evidences of His timing was the opportunity to join Seth and Jessie Huber for their first days in the field. Last year as we worked on the electrical service for the Huber mansion, I vividly remember considering who is it that the Lord would call to inhabit this place. Since my first trip here, I've considered that it sure would be nice for Karen to have someone(s) to come along side her and labor with her. Not from the thought that things are not getting done because Karen can get it done (see the go, go, go comment from the Day One post). But simply from the fact that there are so many things that need to be done.

Seth, Jessie & Ti Luc

Praise be to the Lord for He called Seth and Jessie to HATS. What a dynamic and impressive young couple. As we have shared and painted walls the last few days it has become ever so clear how the hearts the Lord has placed in them and the skill sets He has provided to them will be poured out for His glory at HATS.

Painting by work team and cement work by construction workers

From dull gray to vibrant colours

To think of the measure of faith one would have to leave the comforts of home and move to a country sight unseen to care for little ones you have never met is humbling to consider. Yet, as they have ministered here the last few days to me they have never looked so much at home. Allow me to say to Jim and Connie Harling and Stan and Cindy Huber you have raised two wonderful children. "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3. Congratulations Harlings and Hubers - you have a fine heritage.

Karena braiding Joanna's hair

Moise helping

Sisters, Brittanie, Joanna and Maddie with sisters and brother, Leica, Karma & Ti Luc

Our time here, as usual, has been: fun-filled, productive, encouraging, a retreat, hot, a blessing and too short.

Illusionist entertainment by Brooks

Pray for Karen as she continues to lead at HATS. Pray for continued strength and discernment as she seeks to lead out in the way the Lord would direct.

Pray for Luckner as he works with Karen and provides wisdom and insight for her and the team here.

Pray for Seth and Jessie. Pray for their continued transition to Haitian culture and for the mission that they will carry out here.

Thank you Lord for the fellowship of believers on a rooftop under a Haitian starlight sky.

Thank you Lord for the precious children of HATS. Continue to provide and care for them and to call them to your purposes.

Thank you Lord for the host of families that carried extra duties at home that allowed us to be here.

Thank you for the prayers that were carried to our Father on behalf of this team and this time.

Praise the Lord for He is wonderful and greatly to be praised!

Til next time -

David

Sunday in Haiti

What a way to start the day - worshipping the Lord in Haiti!

We had a glorious service led in singing by Antoinette and then I shared a word from Philippians 4:4-5 about rejoicing in the Lord and showing gentleness.

Jofky & Karena playing tambourine's in church

Group singing in church

I certainly enjoy the spirit in which we worship in Haiti.

After a wonderful lunch prepared by Marta and Germaine, we were back at it with paint brushes and rollers in hand. We have dined like royalty this trip - Marta and Germaine are the best!

At the end of the day, Superintendent Seth informed us that we were 85.47% finished with the first floor and 42.93% complete with the second floor. Our goal for tomorrow is to complete the second floor so we can return the scaffolding to the rental company.

Brittanie and Garrett

Joanna, Jessie, David and Garrett

I have to say this is one hard working team. All of them are busy about their task and the paint is going on the wall. We also have lots of help from the HATS children which it is great to see them invest in their homes. Vladimy was a tremendous help today.

Vladimy, David & Maddie

Joanna, Seth, Vladimy & David

We also found a new cut-in artist - Maddie, oh I mean Madeline, can cut with the brush. So much so that there will be an early morning contest on the west side windows to once and for all determine who is the greatest cut-in artist on the HATS compound - Seth or Madeline. May the steadiest brush win.

Seth and Maddie. Who is the best cut-in artist

A few bits of information and trivia from the day:

We officially dedicated the Huber Mansion with a little Canadian flare - EH!

Canada - Eh!

Beautiful finished Girl's Home

Joanna and Madeline's dad used to say to them (and dare I say show them)  - "math hurts".

Seth was once featured on the ESPN program "Between the Lines" over a controversial decision by the Illinois State Board of Education not to let home-school children play in the public school soccer league. Not to be deterred though, Seth went onto dominate the Central Illinois Club soccer league by averaging 1.007 goals per game.

Jessie has never painted the color purple before and contrary to popular belief Jessie's favorite 80's song is not "Purple Rain".

G spent the evening on the canal offering Creole lessons to Haitians. G would tell them "bon jou" is good morning and "bon swa" is good evening.

The list of those brave enough to walk the scaffolding included: Seth, Jessie, Madeline, Joanna, Brittanie and David... the one hugging the wall returning to the ladder would be G. It was a funny looking embrace though.

The entire team currently serving at the Comfort House will now be returning to HATS at noon tomorrow. Jerry's only request was that the showers be cleared upon their arrival. We will look forward to their return at a safe distance. I will ask Brooks to give you an update of their effort only after he has showered of course.

Evidently, "mama" was not happy with our work because we did not enjoy a Sonic Happy Hour.

We will double our efforts tomorrow in hopes of securing that refreshing "soda".

One does not visit Haiti and stay the same. An evening walk along the canal returns one to the simple beauties of life - a glorious sunset over a mountain ridge, a princess Leica swinging in your arms and a beautiful people working the land. It is good for one to return to such a simple focus - we serve a glorious Lord indeed.

Walk along the canal with sun setting

"Devo" time then bed -
David