Heading back!

After six great weeks in the states, nomads as we were since renters were in our house in Clemson, we once again find ourselves in Ft. Pierce, Florida, preparing to return to Haiti day after tomorrow.  We do NOT have 16 crates to take in this time, but only 13 - and about half of those filled with 100 Bibles, 96 English dictionaries, and text books for the intermediate and advanced English students.  How grateful we are that our missions-minded church, ALIVE Wesleyan, covered the cost for the books and curricula we are taking back with us this time.

While on our summer break, we delighted in spending much time with our kids and grands, and dear friends.  We rested our heads in seven different homes, recovered from dengue fever, attended Sunday School and services in our home church, as well as worshipping with our children.  We feel like we touched base and spent time with the people we wanted and needed to - while even though we missed a couple because of summer travel schedules - did the things we had on our lists, and got some good rest in at our family lake house in Georgia.

Going into the country post-tropical storm Isaac, we aren't exactly sure what to expect in the way of the aftermath of the storm.  We know there has been much flooding on the mainland and on La Gonave, as well.  We know that the pipes carrying the water from the mountain streams to Anse-a-Galets, the town where we live on the island of La Gonave, were broken during the torrential rains and winds; they have been restored, according to the latest emails, and there is running water on the mission compound once again.  We know that there is a warning communicated by the UN and the US State Department of anticipated outbreaks of cholera in the country; however, we also know that the sanitation conditions on the compound where we live are very good.  Some of the missionary families had already returned from time at home and weathered the storm; others of us watched from afar.  But each of our hearts were with those housed in flimsy makeshift structures and our prayers were for their protection.

Thursday when we fly into  Port au Prince and Friday when we return to La Gonave, we will soon see the aftermath reality first hand.  And, once again, Haiti will become flesh and blood to us and not just news coverage on TV.  We will be rubbing elbows with real people who have real needs, especially the love of Christ through His people.  We will be interacting and teaching real adults who have a strong desire to improve their lot in life and even their country, and who will be ready and eager to learn.  We will be thrust into the everyday of the aftermath and life in Haiti - relying on and undergirded by the prayers of our faithful supporters.

We're sitting on "ready"!