Friday, August 29, 2008

I know it's been a while...

what can I say? Coming home from Canada, then straight to Haiti, then straight into the start of school, has done a number on me...I promise I will write a more thorough post on my trips soon, but for now, know this:
  • I love my family and miss them terribly.
  • I have discovered that I left part of my heart in Haiti.
  • I am blessed beyond measure.
Well, I'm off to the library with my dearest son....

Peace

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I can't sleep...

...I'm excited...yes. But I'm also sick. Please pray that my sinuses clear up since in the next 2 days I'll be going on...let's see...6 flights. That's up and down 12 times! I've got all kinds of drugs along, so I hopefully will be able to breathe and sleep.

One thing I forgot to ask you to pray for/about is my mom and kids. My mom is flying down with me so she can stay with Izzy and George...please pray that they stay healthy, and that Izzy and George will obey and be good helpers.
I'm also thanking my "biddies" in advance for watching out for mom and kiddos! You know who you are! Love you ladies!

Well, I should try for a few more hours of rest...big day tomorrow.

And again, if Gerald, Olivia or I come to mind? Please pray. Thanks.

Peace

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Parle Creole?

so, its down to 3 days before Haiti, and so I'm counting down my time here in Canada (boo hoo) and counting the days til we are changed forever (Yay!!).
I say I will be changed, because that is my prayer...that Gerald, Olivia and I will be "gloriously ruined" by our visit to Haiti. I want to come back affected - different. I have been trying to prepare....practicing my French and learning Creole. I know that I will not understand a thing at first, but I am told a hug is universal! I am looking forward to loving the kids at the Haitian Children's Home, and getting to know Danny and Leann Pye. I sense that this will not be my first and only trip to Haiti...I don't know what it is, but I am pulled to the ministry there. I feel very strongly about the connection our church has with the HCH, and am so proud to be a part of "the bigger picture".

So having said all that I would ask for your prayer. Our team leaves on Wed. Aug 13th and will be there til Mon. Aug 18th. We will be doing quite a bit of labor there as well as being a part of a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new land the HCH has aquired.

Here's some specific things we would ask you to pray for.
1. that our team
--Jonathan and Adrianne Bow, Keith and Patti Galloway, Dan and Brenda Bakley and their two sons, Jonathan and Matthew, and Gerald, Olivia and I--would bond as a group. That we would all get along, and be patient with each other.

2. that we would maintain the energy and strength needed to do the labor required of us --trimming bushes, distributing gravel and sand to create walkways --

3. that we would bond with the Pye family and all the kids in the HCH.

4. that we would not get sick in Haiti or at home after.

5. that Gerald and I would further our bond with each other by sharing this experience.

6. that Olivia would forever be changed, and that this experience would strengthen her relationship with her Saviour.

7. that all flights and transfers would go smoothly and that Olivia would have no air sickness or fear.

8. most of all we would covet your prayers for protection both physically and spiritually. Please pray Psalm 27 with us!

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
For regular updates check out my pastor's blog www.jonathanbow.com
We love you all!!
Peace.