Hi everyone!
Happy Spring!
I know it is making me happy to be outside these days, in spite of life being so crazy! On that, I do apologize for the delay in this update getting to you! The delay has been more from lots of activity happening, rather than less activity, so without further waiting, let’s get to it, and I can tell you more of the latest news!
* Earthquake/Timeline
As you know, Port au Prince, Haiti, and the surrounding area, suffered a devastating earthquake on Tuesday, Jan 12th, late in the afternoon. While some needs have been addressed in the past two months as Haitians look toward rebuilding, they still have so far to go. Here is an article which points out a not so visible loss to both Port au Prince, and Haiti: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wirestory?id=10065808&page=4
Many residents of Port au Prince have left forever, either to go stay in the overcrowded homes of extended family who live in other regions, or they have hopped planes to other places, to just start over. Since most can barely afford the elevated food prices, there are few in that second category. There are now tent cities in many other communities, even in Les Cayes, which is over 100 miles away, and only suffered minimal damage. Since Port au Prince is a port, actually THE main port for imports, it has been difficult to get supplies anywhere in the country without their cost skyrocketing. That aspect has improved some, and there is talk (and I hope action by now) to get the port at Les Cayes running more business while Port au Prince is rebuilt.
Other communities suffered extensive damage as well in the earthquake and aftershocks. Many of those communities are also devastated.
I tell you all of this, not to depress you, but so you can pray. There is hope for Haiti. The Haitians have hope. Pray that their government will steward resources well. Pray that it can be figured out how we can stimulate the Haitian economy in the rebuilding process, but with the money kept out of corrupt hands as much as possible, so that each dollar can do the most good. Also, here is a photo essay, updated each day, which shows many Haitians’ hope: http://voicesofhaiti.com/photos
The Earthquake in Haiti does change things for me some, but more in how I come around the new needs when I get on the ground. My departure date is a little flexible, and the main thing affecting it is the amount of support that I have. When I have all of my financial support, I can go. So in that way, the earthquake has not changed anything for me. My goal now is to get to Les Cayes when I can this summer, so that I have time to get settled and prepare for the upcoming school year which will start in August.
* Ministry Overview/Personal Support Grid – brochure
The pictures you see are a brochure I’ve put together. It talks about why I am going to Haiti and answers some other “why” questions, and it also contains a snapshot of what my Haiti budget looks like. I hope you’ll check it out! If you would like a print version, I can send you one – just let me know. I plan to send them out with the prayer cards.
* Prayer Cards will be on their way soon!
I haven’t forgotten about sending these to you! I am still working on the logistics of getting the Prayer Cards printed. They will be on their way as soon as I can get them in my hands. I hope that is able to happen by the beginning of next month. If you want one, and I do not have your address yet, you should give me your address.
* Fundraisers
Fundraising for my one-time costs has been going well! I have had two fundraisers in 2010 so far. The first was a Hair Cut-a-thon hosted by my good friend and cosmetologist, Kadi Drennon! We had a great afternoon hanging out, saw a good turn out, and Kadi cut lots of hair. The event raised over $250 towards my one-time costs.
On Friday, my second fundraiser will be coming to a close, and there has already been an overwhelming response! I have partnered with Tupperware, your mom’s favorite brand! They will give 40% of the profit from what you sell to your cause. Right now, sales are over $350! So I am very thankful for how well the sale has gone, and for how generous people have been. If you want to get in on the Tupperware action, here is a link where you can buy direct: http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/!twx$eparty_ctl.p_guest_welcome?pv_eparty=096e7b87e8859ea25a490cc37064bc7f&pn_guest=
* Prayer Requests/Praises
Finances – I still have a loooong way to go before I will be buying that plane ticket to Haiti. But God is already showing how faithful He is and will be in this, as I rely on Him. Pray that I am open to what I am supposed to learn through this process, and that God will continue to bring people alongside me in this ministry.
Mission:Haiti Team – This awesome team of people are a HUGE help to me as I am preparing for Haiti. Some of them have been through crazy stuff lately. Please pray for them, that God will protect them and give them strength.
Health – Right now, I am working a LOT. Please pray that God will sustain me as I make sure I fulfill my responsibilities. I am doing all I can to stay healthy, but I cannot do it all.
Car – I was able to find a good, honest mechanic who was able to get my car working well for a reasonable price. It still needs some work, so I am saving in that direction.
Holidays – The holidays can be a rough time for me, but this year was good. Not easy, but good. I took some time to do some soul searching, spending some extra time in prayer and singing. I really tried to take the carols to heart, and really sing them. Out of this time, I composed a sort of "Life Mission Statement" which I will share with you now.
“Placing myself in the service of others to benefit the last, the least, the forgotten and the lost; leveraging influence and skillset on behalf of the voiceless.”
I also spent several days with my paternal grandmother. You may remember that I just recently found my father and his family again. This was the first time that I have spent any time with her, and only the second time that I remember ever seeing her. It was a really sweet time, and she is an awesome lady. I hope to get to visit more with her soon.
Thank you as always for reading and praying! I value your part in my ministry, and I cannot do any of this without you! Please let me know how I can pray for you, and I will do it!
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