Bon Voyage!

11 Days Out!

We are only 11 days out from our departure date! As we wait anxiously, we are keeping busy wrapping up our lives at home, getting in some last minute vaccinations, and starting our anti-malarial pills.

On the 16th, we will join together as one team, made up of 10 individuals from diverse backgrounds and gifts. We know that God will use us and the gifts he's given us to bless the people of Haiti, and we can't wait to see how this story unfolds...

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
~1 Corinthians 12:7

We are still in need of donations for the ministries we support: Little Children of Jesus Orphanage, Village of Hope School, and Health Center. If you would like to donate any of the below items, please contact the team member of your choice or drop off at Joyful Spirit Church. 

Orphanage
Children's chewable vitamins (no gummies)
Adult diapers - size small and medium
Children diapers - size medium, large, XL
B&D Ointment (or equivalent for diaper rash)
Disposable exam gloves - size small, medium, large
Hand sanitizer

School + Health Center
Chalk - white (boxes of 100)
Construction paper 8 ½ x 11 (packages of one color-primary colors including white)
Computer paper - 8 ½ x 11 white (7 reams)
Glitter 3 bottles assorted
Glue (like Elmer’s) in bottle (8 oz size)
Manila file folders assorted tabs (8 1/2 x 11)
White out-3 bottles
Soap antibacterial (like Dial)
Soap moisturizing (like Dove)
Soap unscented (like Ivory)
Instant ice compress (the kind that don’t need refrigeration)
Disposable exam gloves-size small
Dell print cartridge #21 black
Dell print cartridge #21 color

We thank you for your generosity and support! We would appreciate your prayers as we prepare for the adventure, as well as for our health and safety while we are in Haiti.

If you'd like to learn more about the ministries we support in Haiti, please visit the Village of Hope Lazarus Project website.
 

Cheryl

Home Again

Thank you to all who followed us over the week we were in Haiti. And thank you for your donations and prayers prior to and during the week. We were humbled by your support and encouragement. YOU helped make this trip happen!

It is a bittersweet feeling to be home. We miss our Haitian friends deeply. The week had a huge impact on each one of us, and I believe each of us feels that we received much more than we could have possibly given. One of the many things that we learned from the people of Haiti was what real faith looks like, and what it means to trust the Lord.

For one of our devotions, we took note of the different scriptures on the different tap-taps (taxis) that we saw on the road. We had a list of 20 or so in a single day! The clear theme that stood out was TRUST in the Lord. One of tap-taps had Psalm 27:

"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?...."

"....I remain 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."

This was a huge testament, as it came from a people who have been afflicted with poverty, natural disaster, and political unrest for years. Watching Haitians live this everyday challenged each of us to take another look at our personal faith. 

Thank you again for all of your support, whether it be by prayer or donations. We couldn't have done it without you!

And click on this link to view a video of some of our photos from the trip.

Blessings!

Joyful Spirit Haiti Team 2012

Pastor Josh, Cheryl, Julie, Gene, Gina, Steve, Pam, Jim, Katie, Christiaan, Jimmy, + Shannon