Laid to Rest

We have arrived in Jacmel and are in the process of settling in.  Our home is nice (very large) near downtown Jacmel.  

We attended our boy Loubens memorial and burial.  I say our boy, but really he is "our boy" to the Children's Hope family here and abroad.  As I have grieved his death I wondered why.  He is in Heaven with Jesus, no longer in pain and enjoying the bliss of Heaven.  So why was I mourning?  I realized it was a selfish one—I really wanted to see him again and watch him  grow up.  I was in the baby house yesterday and saw Loubens nanny thoroughly enjoying the babies under her care.  So we have many still to care for, pray for, and love.

It was great to be with the Haitians in worship this morning.  A woman came forward to talk to the congregation.  It was her birthday and she wanted to exclaim her praise and thanksgiving to God for life.  My words are inadequate for how she proclaimed it, but it was humbling and awesome!  

Not many pictures to share, but a few of Loubens service.

Back Again

People lined up to see the doctor in a mountain village

Wow! I was surprised at the date of our last post over a month ago. As many of you already know, we are back again (in the States) but now I'm not sure what "back again" should refer to. Back again in the States or back again to Haiti. Children's Hope asked us to join their staff, overseeing the schools and medical clinic.  We replied yes, and yesterday we got the official confirmation of our return.

The beautiful mountains

Playing a parachute game at VBS

Our faithful driver, Junior

Before we left on this adventure in January, I was afraid that Jesus wasn't going to be better than what I'd given up. Despite being proven wrong several times over, I am faced with the same fears because the ante is higher. But we are encouraged by Jesus' words to the rich young ruler to "sell everything and come, follow me." He doesn't think it's stupid or insensible what we are doing; He is just teaching us that He is worth it.    

Kids waiting for check-ups in the medical clinic

Ellie playing pharmacist

Ellie taking the plunge at Bassin Bleu

Jumping buddies

Leaving on a jet plane...Jacmel to Port Au Prince

Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
On a beach with my baby is where I'll be

                      Ellie twirling in front of an old coffee warehouse

Our last hug with Loubens...he's so cute!!!