Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Fun With Noel
Saturday, September 13, 2014
We Will Follow You
So many emotions fill our hearts when we talk about our future. What is God's will? How does He show us? What is He calling us to do at this time? How can we know for sure?
We have asked those questions several times in our lives and in our marriage over the past fifteen years. We know that wherever life takes us, our job is to praise and worship and bring glory to God and to share His truth with others. To be people who breathe out the gospel in word and deed. That can be done in a youth home in Grand Rapids, in our own home raising our children, in a church setting as a Pastor, in Haiti as a house parent, anywhere He places us.
We believe that God is beginning to call us back to the United States. While our plan is for that to take quite some time, we will begin planning for that in the near future. He has used our prayers for direction, many discussions, and another family that we are so excited about to take over as houseparents in the Grace House.
We have experienced the joys and struggles of living with and loving five extra toddlers in our home. Life in Haiti can be quite difficult when you consider the heat, the difficulty in finding healthy food for your family, the terrible roads, and the contact you have with hungry, needy people every day. It is also exhausting to deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual issues of ten children who are all experiencing difficult emotions. The Haitian children who are dealing with abandonment and a host of other things, and your biological children who are navigating a culture that is new to them and a way of life that is so different than what they are used to. We miss our family and our friends in America so much.
Haiti is also very beautiful when you consider the magnificence of the mountains around you, the adorable children and the women you consider sisters that you work with each day. The joy you see in those needy people despite life's circumstances, and the simplicity of walking the dirt roads with the cows, goats, and people you have grown to love are irreplaceable experiences. We love this country and these people in a way we never knew we would.
As we were talking and dreaming and praying about our future and weighing our reasoning for staying in Haiti or not, we always struggled with leaving these children who are in our care. We love them so much, have invested so much in them, and really want what is best for them. Would they experience more abandonment? Is it fair? What if adoptions in Haiti continue to stand still? We knew that if He called us out of Haiti, leaving them would be very difficult. During this time of seeking His will, God in His good providence showed us a family that was interested in being houseparents at the Grace House. We had already met them as volunteers, and could sense in their personalities and through a few interactions that they would be a great addition to the COTP family. We felt as if this was another door that God was opening for COTP, while freeing us up to make the decision we needed to make without excessively worrying about the children here.
We have asked those questions several times in our lives and in our marriage over the past fifteen years. We know that wherever life takes us, our job is to praise and worship and bring glory to God and to share His truth with others. To be people who breathe out the gospel in word and deed. That can be done in a youth home in Grand Rapids, in our own home raising our children, in a church setting as a Pastor, in Haiti as a house parent, anywhere He places us.
We believe that God is beginning to call us back to the United States. While our plan is for that to take quite some time, we will begin planning for that in the near future. He has used our prayers for direction, many discussions, and another family that we are so excited about to take over as houseparents in the Grace House.
We have experienced the joys and struggles of living with and loving five extra toddlers in our home. Life in Haiti can be quite difficult when you consider the heat, the difficulty in finding healthy food for your family, the terrible roads, and the contact you have with hungry, needy people every day. It is also exhausting to deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual issues of ten children who are all experiencing difficult emotions. The Haitian children who are dealing with abandonment and a host of other things, and your biological children who are navigating a culture that is new to them and a way of life that is so different than what they are used to. We miss our family and our friends in America so much.
Haiti is also very beautiful when you consider the magnificence of the mountains around you, the adorable children and the women you consider sisters that you work with each day. The joy you see in those needy people despite life's circumstances, and the simplicity of walking the dirt roads with the cows, goats, and people you have grown to love are irreplaceable experiences. We love this country and these people in a way we never knew we would.
As we were talking and dreaming and praying about our future and weighing our reasoning for staying in Haiti or not, we always struggled with leaving these children who are in our care. We love them so much, have invested so much in them, and really want what is best for them. Would they experience more abandonment? Is it fair? What if adoptions in Haiti continue to stand still? We knew that if He called us out of Haiti, leaving them would be very difficult. During this time of seeking His will, God in His good providence showed us a family that was interested in being houseparents at the Grace House. We had already met them as volunteers, and could sense in their personalities and through a few interactions that they would be a great addition to the COTP family. We felt as if this was another door that God was opening for COTP, while freeing us up to make the decision we needed to make without excessively worrying about the children here.
Therefore, through talking with the family that will replace us and our immediate family, we have decided to extend our contract for four months beyond our original two year contract and live in Haiti until July of 2015. We have many mixed emotions about this, and all seven of us are feeling different emotions at any given time. Some days we cannot imagine leaving and then some days we long for cool fall days in Michigan and visiting with family and friends. We would love your prayers as we live these next ten months, knowing that we will be leaving this place and these people at that time. We want to finish well this great ministry to which the Lord has called us. We also have a mixture of some anxiety coupled with excited anticipation as we seek the Lord's will regarding what ministry He is calling us to next. Please pray for clear direction. We will also be looking to do some fundraising for our last several months in Haiti. If you would like more information about that, please let us know.
There is one more matter that several people have asked us about. When we moved to Haiti, adoption was definitely on our hearts and in our minds. Since moving here, with the laws changing and so many unknowns with Haitian adoptions, we are not able to adopt from here at this time. We trust that God knows what is best and have accepted that for our family at this time.
So many of you have prayed for us, written us, and supported us through this time. We are so incredibly grateful. We will continue to need your prayers as we walk through the next several months of loving these people God has brought us to, and seeking Him for our future.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Abide in Him
There are many things I should be doing right now. Laundry is dry on the line, children are waking from naps, the floor needs sweeping, a dinner plan needs to be made, but I can't stop thinking about this.
I am reading in John for my devotions in the mornings. Today I was in John 15.
John 15:4,5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
It keeps coming back to me today. After starting school a little late because of problems with the toddlers, after having to be forgiven and to forgive after impatient words were spoken, after pondering with my husband about how to help some people we know, after dealing with a child who is struggling with missing loved ones, after being discouraged about the needs in a country we have grown to love, after sweating much of the day.....
I can't help but think that someone else might need this reminder. Abide in Him. It is the only way. He alone can give peace. Abide in Him in the struggles. Abide in Him in the joy. Abide in Him ALL DAY LONG.
I am clinging to that today. Apart from Him I can do nothing. He is The Vine.
I am reading in John for my devotions in the mornings. Today I was in John 15.
John 15:4,5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
It keeps coming back to me today. After starting school a little late because of problems with the toddlers, after having to be forgiven and to forgive after impatient words were spoken, after pondering with my husband about how to help some people we know, after dealing with a child who is struggling with missing loved ones, after being discouraged about the needs in a country we have grown to love, after sweating much of the day.....
I can't help but think that someone else might need this reminder. Abide in Him. It is the only way. He alone can give peace. Abide in Him in the struggles. Abide in Him in the joy. Abide in Him ALL DAY LONG.
I am clinging to that today. Apart from Him I can do nothing. He is The Vine.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday Night Fun
Here is just a quick shot of what might happen here on a Sunday evening. Dan made dinner tonight and often brings up the computer to listen to music while he does the dishes. He was watching/listening to some music videos his brother Jed and nieces have done and graciously sent him. I came into the kitchen to find this scene. Everyone likes your music, Blood Harmony! It doesn't look too comfortable to me, but everyone seemed quite content with the arrangement. Sorry about the photo quality...I had to catch the moment quickly before it passed!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
A prayer request and some pictures
Blogging is hard sometimes. There is always something to write about, but the timing is not always right. Right now is one of those times. We have many emotions about our friends here in Haiti and the hardships they face. Right now it is "back to school" time, a very difficult time for anyone with a school age child. It is a time when money is often short. Difficult decisions need to be made. Maybe parents have to choose what child will go to school this year if they can't send more than one. Maybe they do not have enough money for any of them. They often look to others to see if they could borrow or get the money from someone else. I could write a whole blog about this, but I will not at this time. I will just ask you to pray for children and parents during this difficult season.
Our internet has not been stellar lately, and we always have something to keep us busy! I know I have not blogged in quite some time, so I thought you might enjoy some photos. Dan's sister, Rachel Shaw, along with our nephew and several people from their church in Michigan recently came on a mission trip to Children of the Promise. They did a little Bible school with our kids and I decided to share a few of the photos from that. Our Haitian children are learning and growing each day! They are so fun to watch and play with and laugh at. They are toddlers and preschoolers so they are challenging also, but so fun! Enjoy the photos!
Our internet has not been stellar lately, and we always have something to keep us busy! I know I have not blogged in quite some time, so I thought you might enjoy some photos. Dan's sister, Rachel Shaw, along with our nephew and several people from their church in Michigan recently came on a mission trip to Children of the Promise. They did a little Bible school with our kids and I decided to share a few of the photos from that. Our Haitian children are learning and growing each day! They are so fun to watch and play with and laugh at. They are toddlers and preschoolers so they are challenging also, but so fun! Enjoy the photos!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Home
I have been thinking about the word "home" for a while now. It seems that the more I live life, the more confused I am about where "home" is. For many years after I moved away from Minnesota I would call that home. Even though my parents moved out of the house I grew up in 15 years ago, going to Prinsburg still felt like going home in a way. I have lived in Michigan longer than I lived in Minnesota now, so Michigan really feels like home too. Grand Rapids was home to us for our first few years that we were married and we love to visit there and have many family members there. We lived in Lake City for over 10 years and grew to love so many people there. We never owned that home because we lived in a parsonage, but it was home to us for that time.
Now we are in Haiti. In many ways this doesn't feel like home. It is so different than what we are used to. There are people in and out of our house each day because the aunts come to and from work, and every day someone different comes to eat at our table or chat with us on the porch. But it is home in a way, also. It feels right, like we are supposed to be here.
In a discussion with Jadyn the other night she said that Haiti feels like home now. Where is our home? People often ask us that when they come to volunteer. How do we answer? When people say "are you coming home sometime soon?" they are usually asking if we are coming to the States. Haiti is now our home. That might change, but for now, it is home.
Many of you have lived in the same area for most of your lives. You are settled, you plan to stay, you have roots. Others of you know what I am talking about. You have moved many times, you know that God might call you to move again, you feel restless at times.
I do not like the restlessness. I have dreamed of feeling "settled" for many years. I feel like in a way I have been waiting for that my entire adult life. Desiring marriage and a family....waiting for that. Getting married but having a husband in seminary....waiting for graduation and then our first church. Feeling so grateful to be in Lake City, but then after several years, feeling God's preparation to move on to something different but not knowing what that was and praying for several years. Now we are in Haiti....for how long? Is this home? Is God preparing us again?
I think God uses this to keep me close to Him. To keep me praying and seeking. To keep Dan and I talking about God's plan and to keep praying together. To focus more on Him than being satisfied in a "home" here on earth. To think about heaven and all of the people we have met and how awesome it will be to be reunited someday. Hebrews 11:10 "For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
I have not lost hope that someday we will buy a home and settle down....and then go around and visit all of the people we love! I am not saying in any way this is wrong. I just think I need to learn that it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to honor God and worship Him wherever I am at the moment.
One of the songs we used to hear on the radio in our home in Lake City was Building 429: "Where I Belong". The chorus goes like this:
Now we are in Haiti. In many ways this doesn't feel like home. It is so different than what we are used to. There are people in and out of our house each day because the aunts come to and from work, and every day someone different comes to eat at our table or chat with us on the porch. But it is home in a way, also. It feels right, like we are supposed to be here.
In a discussion with Jadyn the other night she said that Haiti feels like home now. Where is our home? People often ask us that when they come to volunteer. How do we answer? When people say "are you coming home sometime soon?" they are usually asking if we are coming to the States. Haiti is now our home. That might change, but for now, it is home.
Many of you have lived in the same area for most of your lives. You are settled, you plan to stay, you have roots. Others of you know what I am talking about. You have moved many times, you know that God might call you to move again, you feel restless at times.
I do not like the restlessness. I have dreamed of feeling "settled" for many years. I feel like in a way I have been waiting for that my entire adult life. Desiring marriage and a family....waiting for that. Getting married but having a husband in seminary....waiting for graduation and then our first church. Feeling so grateful to be in Lake City, but then after several years, feeling God's preparation to move on to something different but not knowing what that was and praying for several years. Now we are in Haiti....for how long? Is this home? Is God preparing us again?
I think God uses this to keep me close to Him. To keep me praying and seeking. To keep Dan and I talking about God's plan and to keep praying together. To focus more on Him than being satisfied in a "home" here on earth. To think about heaven and all of the people we have met and how awesome it will be to be reunited someday. Hebrews 11:10 "For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
I have not lost hope that someday we will buy a home and settle down....and then go around and visit all of the people we love! I am not saying in any way this is wrong. I just think I need to learn that it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to honor God and worship Him wherever I am at the moment.
One of the songs we used to hear on the radio in our home in Lake City was Building 429: "Where I Belong". The chorus goes like this:
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Or you can listen to the whole song here.youtu.be/he32vwlKQPY
Someday we will truly be HOME. And if you know Christ as your Savior you will be there also. So much joy, celebration, singing, and praising The Lord. I am looking forward to that, but at this time I will focus on The Grace House in Lagossette, Haiti, where He has placed me for now.
Friday, June 13, 2014
An Opportunity For You
People love seeing the children from Children of the Promise. They love seeing the children in our house and the Joy House and the baby house. I know many people who check out the photos on the website on a weekly basis. The children here at COTP are precious. God placed them here for a season and we are here to be a part of their story.
We love to hear about people praying for the children at COTP. How you become invested in their lives and pray for their parents and families, whether they be in Haiti or in another country waiting for their adoptions to be completed.
I have another way you can invest in the children. You can become a sponsor for a child! It is not difficult, and it helps pay for their stay here at Children of the Promise. You would like to consider it? Check out this link and contact us! http://childrenofthepromise.org/child-sponsorship/
And while you are thinking and praying about it, check out their cute faces on the COTP website!
And while you are thinking and praying about it, check out their cute faces on the COTP website!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)