On the Flip Side

On the other side of the island from Haiti is the Dominican Republic and MGM has groups that are being hosted by the MannaDR team this summer.

Please be in prayer for all those traveling to the DR and giving their time to be of service.

Visiting groups:

East Hill/ York, NE
Lake Cities/Trophy Club, TX
Northside/Jefersonville, IN
Highlandview/ Oak Ridge, TN and Maricamp Road/ Ocala, FL
Cloverdale/ Searcy, AR
Westminister/ Westminister, MD

MannaDR Interns:

Audrey Parker

Nikki Mynatt

Jill Rhodes

Jordan Crow
Carter Robison
Glen Weaver

Haiti, Here I Come

Well, it's been a week since Brian left for Haiti to get things last minute things in order to receive the first summer group and I'll be joining him in 3 days.

Our groups:
Levy from Levy AR
Cloverdale from Searcy, AR
Medical group from Hixson, TN
Sloan's Team from AR
Otter Creek from Otter Creek, TN
Collective group from all over USA
Redwood City from Redwood City, CA

Our Iterns:
Felicia Blocker (previous intern to the DR)
Jessica Hall
Jeff Reese
Savannah Sloan
Jordan Smith
Keely Williams

I must confess I'm a little nervous. It's been 14 years since I was back there and I've heard it's changed a lot (so have I).


Continue to pray for the work in Haiti, the DR, as all MGM staff will be very busy with the groups, and those traveling back and forth.


Not sure how the communications will be while we're there, but hopefully I can fill you in from time to time with what's going on. If not, see you in August when I return!

MALAWI

Brian touched ground from the DR. Made a round trip to Miami to place some food items on a bought headed to Haiti and then boarded a plane for Africa.

He and Brad Gautney went to visit efforts in Malawi to see how MGM GHI could be of service there for the future. While there they helped put up a water tower for the an agricultural project. Please continue to pray for MGM as we seek to serve God where he would have us.

Quick Trip to the DR

Just returned from Texas after visiting the kids for a week and Brian turned around and headed to the DR. Getting the Daihtzu registered to cross the boarder into Haiti, mattresses made to take into Haiti for the summer groups was a main priority, but top of the list was to be able to give his well-wishes to Kyle and Vicki Graham as they prepared to depart the DR and thank them for their serves to the ministry in Rio San Juan. Keep the Grahams in your prayers as they adjust back to US life and make their "home" here again.

We also want to welcome Evan and Rachael Aldridge who will be ministering in Rio San Juan as well as the family Mena Salazar, Ronald, Rosy and Kevin from Costa Rica. Ronald will be full-time evangelist. Please pray for these team members as they adjust to the DR, as the team gets to know one another more ,and as they step forward in following the call that God placed upon their hearts.

Time in Texas

Brian returned from distributing the tents in Haiti and had almost 10 days before heading to the DR to work on getting the Daihatzu's documents for crossing over into Haiti to be used for the summer program, so....I said, "I'm really wanting to go see the kids in Texas before I'm gone for the 3 months of summer in Haiti, if you're wanting to go as well, when can that happen?" His response, "If we're going to do it together, we need to go now." So we packed up, jumped in the car and drove to Texas. Spent Easter together. Had a wonderful time!

Africa Comes to Florida

What a treat to spend time with family from Africa!!!


Brian's sister and brother-in-law swung through Florida after attending their son's wedding in Mexico. It was so good to catch up and spend time with them and the rest of theWallace clan in Tampa. Had a cook out and caught up on how everyone was doing. Good times!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Brian's back from Haiti and all went well with the distribution of the tents for those in need for shelter. Thank you Lord!

Now we're trying to pick up where we left off with scouting out Africa and seeing what efforts can be done to spread the "good news" to those there in various countries.

Hoping to grab a few days with the kids and grandkids in Canadian, Texas before heading out to Africa and the busy summer schedule in Haiti hosting groups.

Wonderful 2 Days

Brian was back home for 2 days. It was wonderful to see that he was well and that the tip of his finger that was stitched back on had healed nicely. Still hurts at times and can't feel with it, but hopefully that'll come back with time.

We got quite a bit of catch up work done and then had some play time. Went and saw the movie AVATAR which was quite well done, had breakfast at Denny's one night (had been craving that), and had some cuddling time on the couch.

He and Brad are now in Haiti, after a weekend MGM board members meeting, distributing tents and medical supplies. Norm returned to the DR to host more spring break groups, which I hear is going very well. Way to go MannaDR team and colleges groups!!

I'm so thankful to have Shawnean and Jono staying with us. It's been a blessing during these long trips of Brian's.

Way Different!

I hit the pavement and boy is it different from the treadmill.

Time was slower.

Distance was shorter.

Muscles were sorer.

Have a changed attitude about the treadmill!!

MGM Update of Haiti Relief Efforts

Manna Global Ministries, 2/28/2010 

We wanted to give you an update since our last email. 

1. With partners (Estes Church of Christ, Christian Relief Fund and One5) we have transported close to 40 tons of food, water and supplies to Port-Au-Prince.

2. With Global Samaritan, Harding University, Son Light Children's Home, Christian Relief Foundation, we are transporting approximately 5,000 tents and close to 8 tons of medical supplies to be distributed over the coming days. 

3. Facilitated the coordination of acute/trauma, post-operative, and specialized medical care at Haiti Community Haiti (HCH). 

4. Transported close to 2 tons of medicines to HCH and Son Light Children's Home.

5. Coordinated three work groups to help Roberta and transported several medical and work teams from the Dominican Republic to Haiti. 

6. Provided direct care of children who are vulnerable and orphaned.

Brad, Brian and Norm were supposed to meet in Lagosette this weekend, but Brad returned home to be with Monica in the death of her grandmother, so their meeting will have to be rescheduled. Please keep the Gautneys in your prayers during this time. 

We now hope to meet in Florida the second week of March, so we will be in touch of our future plans to help those in Haiti.

It is so important that we do not forget about the lost, the hurting, and the hungry in Haiti. Also keep those who are hurting in Chili after the strong earthquake that hit there this morning.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and donations!

Manna Global Ministries
PO Box 2993
Clarksville, Indiana 47131
www.mannaglobalministries.org

Weird

I've been trying to put some time on the treadmill.  Would love to participate in a half marathon with the Manna Patriots (handful of Mannanites hitting the pavement) and have worked up to 3 miles at a time a few times a week.  Since the marathon isn't done on a treadmill, I figure I need to go out doors and adjust to the weather and surface.

Shawnean (my daughter) and I decide to make an attempt one warm day and we drive to an area that we know the mileage.  I kid you not, the skies turned dark and lightening came out of no where. So we turn to head home and the rains came down in sheets.  I had to stop due to not being able to see beyond my windshield.  And if that wasn't bad enough, if started to hail!!!  The winds were blowing and shaking the car.  Quite scary.  And then 3 minutes later it ceased.

Is this a sign?  Am I not supposed to do the marathon?  Nah.

Just weird.

The Unknown Sucks!

Even if it's bad news, I'd rather know what's going on.  Most people I know say they'd rather get the full news than bits and pieces that would only allow the imagination to race out of control.

So when I get a voice message from the leader of the work team saying they'd arrived at Cap Haitian's airport and no Brian in sight, I begin to wonder....which then leads to worry.  Not normal for Brian not to be on schedule.  Could be vehicle trouble though.  So don't fret.

I get a message from Brad wondering if I'd heard from Brian.  He mentions there's been a lot of rain and the vehicle could have gotten stuck.  Sounds reasonable...put the worry on hold.

I call Brad and find out that that Brian had made it to town and got the group and they were on their way to the camp in Lagosette.  

So what was the delay?  While Brian was moving a generator he got his finger pinched between it and a steel pipe and had to go get it stitched before heading to the airport.  Not sure how bad it was.  OK, so he's alive....good news!  Now I allow the imagination freedom.  How much of his finger was pinched?  Did he break his finger as well?  Then common sense answers....Well, if he drove to the airport, if can't be that bad.  Yeah, but maybe someone had to drive him.  So many questions!!

Brian called the following evening (good to hear his voice!) and he tells me the tip of his finger was reattached and the doctor (who just happened to be a hand and foot surgeon there from the USA) said he'd know if it reattached well after 10 days.  I asked if the bone had broken (thinking if the answer is no then it was just Brian's fleshy finger tip that was nipped off).  His answer was he wasn't sure.  I told him to keep it clean.  And Brian being Brian said it's hard to do that with having a work team there and he needing to get the work done while they were there.  I kept my "chewing him out" at bay, seeing as he'd already suffered from the accident, and we said our goodbyes (calls are always very brief when calling from Haiti).

Now I'm thinking...."If it was just the fleshy tip there would be no need to reattach it.  They would have just stitched it close.  So how much of 'the tip' was actually squished and reattached!???"

It sucks not knowing the whole story!

Thank you, Lord

It was so great to spend 3 days with Brian while he was on respite in the DR. He totally needed the break after spending 3 and a half weeks involved with the relief efforts. It's been a hard task and it'll take time to sift through all that he's seen, but he wouldn't want it any other way. His heart is to serve and give hope.

I thank God for looking after him and all those who've been traveling to and fro over the past three weeks and laboring for those suffering. I lift you all up to our giving heavenly father who has placed on your hearts to bless those hurting in Haiti at this time by your prayers and your donations.

Brian's Stay Lengthened

Brian's time in Haiti has been extended again. With his schedule of being at the Manna property in Lagosette later this month it just made sense to keep helping out with the efforts in Port au Prince until then. BUT he is going to need a much needed break and we've been blessed with an opportunity for me to fly into Santo Domingo, DR and catch 3 full days with "my man" while he has a bit of a respite.

Wesley is returning again this week to help with the rebuilding of the wall at SonLight's Children Home and Bill Moxon (friend and co-worker from 1989-1996 in Cap Haitian, Haiti) is helping take up the slack while Brian has his break. Thank you, Lord!!

And thank you to all who've given up their time and themselves to team up with us and help the efforts in Haiti. God bless you!

Making A Difference

Just before Wesley returned home to Canadian, TX, the local newspaper The Canadian Record interviewed his wife, Ashleigh, about his response to the news of the earthquake in Haiti. The paper even included scripture and the MGM website address, to give people an avenue of how they can help the ongoing efforts. The newspaper wants to do a follow up in this week's addition.

Last Sunday Wes was asked to speak about his trip at his boss' church and how they could help the relief efforts and yesterday Amarillo's channel10 newscast did an interview with Wesley.

It's people like Wesley, people from your community, that can make a difference in people's lives Not only in times of natural catastrophes, but daily reaching out to ones who are hurting and searching for a reason to life.

Be a Light!

Brian called!

Heard my man's voice!

He'd just arrived at the border for another transfer of supplies from our relief team in the DR.
Looks like his time will be extended another several weeks as he continues to make these supply runs, and distribution of supplies to the Haitians coming to SonLight Children Home and Nutrition Center for aid.

His passport was returned to him!

Keep him and the others in your prayers, that their health and stamina stays in tact, as they pour out themselves for the hurting.

Prayers For a Friend

I'm asking for all to be in prayer for a special friend, Andrea Sutton, and her family (husband, David and daughter, Ashleigh), who've just lost their little boy, Daniel, who was 3, in a tragic accident at home.

Andrea has always been there for families who've lost loved ones, from cancer or sudden accidents, lifting them up in prayer and being by their sides to comfort them while they grieve. I want to try and walk the walk she has walked.

Another earthquake!

As most of you may have seen on the news, Haiti was hit by a 6.0 earthquake this morning.
They have felt many aftershocks but this was stronger than those.

We have heard from Brad and he is OK. Also just heard that Roberta is OK as well. The children just moved outside quickly. They were surprised when told how strong this earthquake was because it did not feel that strong. Thankfully they are all safe!

Our small group with Brian and Monica that was traveling in decided, because they were so fatigued, to sleep in a hotel before they began their travels. They are on the road now so still have about 5 hours to reach Port Au Prince.

Manna Global Update -A Week After the Quake

We appreciate all of your prayers and concerns for our efforts to support Haiti! I will try to catch you up on what has happened over the past couple of days.

We were informed that the borders between Haiti and the Dominican Republic were wide open and supplies could be brought through this way. A successful delivery to the border was made on Sunday night and Roberta and 4,000 lbs. of supplies made it safely back to her home (Sonlight Children's Home). The supplies that she received have been a blessing to all she has been in contact with and serves.

Our Diahatsu truck is finding a new home in Haiti (the borders are currently open with no one stopping supplies or vehicles of supplies entering, so this is the time to get it through. The paperwork for this transfer any other given day would take months to complete). Norm and Holly drove it to Santo Domingo and picked up Monica from the airport and Brian from the bus station. They loaded it with pounds and pounds of supplies. Say a prayer for them before you go to sleep tonight that they have a safe trip over the border and Norm has a safe trip back to Rio San Juan. We will be purchasing a new Diahatsu for the MannaDR compound sometime this week.

The full amount of each of your Haiti donations (100%) have been helping buy supplies including fuel, gas, food, tents, water, etc. for those suffering in Haiti. We are continuing to find ways we can be of service! The Lord has blessed us so much with safe trips and exchanges of goods. Please continue to be in prayer that the borders will stay open.

It is important for each of us to recognize that the need for clean water, food, medical assistance, and other things that sustain life will not end in a month or even six months. We are committed to staying focused on the needs of those in Haiti for as long as we are needed.

Sincerely,Laura Beth Lamb
Manna Global Ministries

P.S. If you are trying to make a donation on our website through paypal, some have encountered a small glitch; please log out of your personal paypal account before pressing the donation button. This hopefully will not continue to be a problem when our website is updated within the next few days.

Manna Global Ministries
PO Box 2993
Clarksville, Indiana 47131

Heard From Brian!

Received a call from Brian. He's well.

He'd just arrived at Santo Domingo in the DR by Terra Bus to meet up with Norm there in order to drive the Daihatzu and another load of supplies: fuel, food, water, tents, as well as Monica (who has been keeping us posted of happenings on our blogsite: http://theheartofmanna.blogspot.com , so updates there will stall temporarily) and several medical people, who Brad works with, have come in to give assistance and more medical supplies.

The bus company lost his passport and he was waiting at the bus station hoping that the next scheduled bus crossing over the border may have retrieved it and brought it with them. He doesn't feel that this will hinder his return into Haiti as he had not had to show his passport in his previous crossings until the bus he was traveling on was required to show the passengers PPs at the border.

Our son, Wesley, flies out of the DR today to return to his family. Please keep him and others who have been part of the relief efforts and are returning home, in your prayers as they process all that they've been a part of.

Today's Update from MGM

Please be in further prayer about something that we have been praying for since we knew that it may be a possibility. Norm, and some of his trusting Dominican helpers, are on their way to the Dominican Republic/Haiti border with about 4,000 lbs. of supplies for Roberta, including 2 tents, rice, beans, oil for lamps, water, 75 gallons of gas and diesel, etc.

He will be picking up 5 of our team, including Wesley Wallace, Melissa Jung, Holly Eckhart, Luckson Previl and Josh Wyatt. They will be staying near Santiago or Santo Domingo tonight and the ones who are traveling back to the states will be hopefully on their way back within the next 24 hours! The border authorities allowed Roberta to drive in so that they can do an easy transfer from truck to truck of the supplies he has for Roberta.

Please, please pray that this transition goes well! This could open up so many possibilities for us and you to be of service to those in Haiti that need our help!

Please don't forget to email Laura Beth Lamb if you are interested in serving as a doctor, construction worker, cook or just feel the need to help (and can speak Creole!). We do not any decisions made yet but will be in contact with you as soon as we have any details and prayerful decisions from Brad and Brian.

Laura Beth Lamb
Manna Global Ministries

Norm's Haiti 01/15/09 Update

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Day 2

Our group was in Port au Prince today and were able to check the children's home run by Roberta. She was out of town at the time of the earthquake but is booked on a flight through MFI in the morning. Sadly, we had gotten word earlier in the week that one of the children had been killed when an outer wall fell, but the rest of the children are well. Most of the outer walls are down, but their home appears to have no structural damage. The kids are managing very well and and will have part of our group staying with them for the next few days. They have the food they need and are boiling water from their well. Thankful to hear the children are doing well and have a safe place to sleep at night!

Most of the group was going out into the city to be of help where ever they are needed. As they were driving through the city, they "happened" to see a surgeon and director of an NGO that they had met in the DR. They stopped to talk with him and he told them there was a hospital that was in serious need of help and how to get there. They went directly there and hundreds of people were waiting, needing medical attention and very few medical personal. Our team was put to work immediately and worked there all day. They eventually had to leave to insure they were back to Mission of Hope before dark.

There is a water and fuel shortage now, so travel is limited and difficult. Through a conference call this morning, we were able to discuss some options for taking groups but we are praying that God gives us guidance in making some big decisions.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all of you who have sent encouraging words, verses, offered help, donations, and really the list could go on forever! Please continue to relay all communication through Laura Beth Lamb whether you are interested in going on a relief trip or would like to make a donation. 100% of your donation will will be sent to Haiti for relief and on-going support. Donations can be made through our website or by sending a check to MGM (PO Box 2993, Clarksville, IN 47131).We're praying that God directs those working in Haiti to where they are needed most and that they will take His light and hope with them as they go. With each moment, we continue to pray for those who are trapped, that they will be found, and that those who are hurt will receive comfort. Lord, make yourself known in a mighty way.

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." - Philemon 1:4-6

Sincerely,
Laura Beth Lamb
Administrative Director

Haiti Update

From DR MGM Missionary, Norm Curington
Friday January 15th, 2010

First of all, we are all safe and where I believe God needs us to be. Thank you for your prayers, I promise they were answered. We saw some miracles yesterday just in the DR, on the way to Haiti. Most of you know that I (along with an amazing team) have been involved in the work in Haiti and the Dominican for some time. I'm now permanently based in the DR helping lead the program along side of some incredible folks. My co-directors are Brad Gautney and Brian Wallace. They are leading our on-going Haiti project and are also now leading our relief response to the earthquake in Port Au Prince. We've moblized our team to assist with the earthquake disaster. Below is the latest I know.....If this update doesn't answer your questions, I (or somone on the Manna team) will do our best to get back with you.

The update is long but hopefully is helpful to get perspective.Yesterday, Thursday, getting our Manna crew from the DR to Haiti was just about impossible to describe, and just about impossible to do, short of God delievering. But even more amazing is that God, by nothing sort of a few miracles, did get ALL our relief crew there! I live in the DR permanently, but many other of the Manna team flew in Wednesday night. My job here on the DR side is to basically assist with staging of folks and resources to get to Haiti. WE have vehicles, a large compound, and folks to assist when needed. I'll stay in the DR to assist with whatever I need to, to the relief in Haiti.

We arrived to Santo Domingo, DR yesterday morning (Thursday) thinking that they would either fly or drive to the Haiti boarder. Turns out, that plan was shared by countless other relief teams; news crews (ABC, NBC, FOX,etc.) and other profit seekers (yuk!!). And, as you have probably heard,the boarders between the DR and Haiti were closed, reopened, closed again,etc. And, the airport in Haiti was already so full of planes, and with theneed to get C-130's to deliver supplies, most of the folks in the DR at the airport were not able to get to Haiti. The airport was closed. Planes has no space to park in Port Au Prince and we thus turned away. However, God delivered a UN (United Nations) plane to us!! (which was very expensive, see below) And UN planes had clearance to land, when none others did. So, by the grace of God, I saw the last of our crew take off from the DR around 8:30PM last night, and arrived there 20 minutes later to Port AuPrince (it's a very quick jet ride from the Santo Domingo to the DR).

I then drove back to Rio San Juan, arriving around midnight last night. The Manna team has satelite phones and other communication services where they are, but communications may be limited just based on the task they need tofocus on now. They are staying at a children's home compound (Mission of Hope, I want to say) 30-45 minutes out of Port Au Prince, which is safe and has full supplies (for now).

Our Manna relief team consists of literally some of the most skilled workers you could ask for in terms of medical relief and helping in this situation. Many of you know Brad and Monica Gautney and his clinical skills and their relief work in Cap Haitien for years in Haiti. Brian Wallace and his son Wesley are two of the most versitle and familiar folks with Haiti, also speaking Creole. Brian is a former member of "special forces' for the S.African army but has been a missionary for the last 30 years; of which many of those were in Haiti. He will keep our team as safe as possible. Also among there are Holly Eckhert and Melissa Jung, two RN nurses and former Haitian missionaries who "just happen to be" working in the DR withour team here for a 3 month period, when the earthquake struck. Also visiting me was Luckson Previl, a 2nd year optometry student, but a person who can only be describe as my brother, who happens to be Haitian and is one of the finest persons I've ever met. Our entire team has a collective ton of Haitian culture and conditon experience, clinical experience,and they all speak Creole! I don't think we could have asked for a more incredible team.

You'll be hearing from us as soon as updates are available. But, to be perfectly honest, the financial need is very strong. We were able to borrow money to purchase about $5,000 in bandages, drugs, andmedical supplies here in the DR. In addition, the transportation cost to get folks there was very very expensive, but we kept saying that if our child or our brother or our mother/father were there waiting to receive relief, what expense we would pay to have that relief come? And we concluded, there was no price we wouldn't pay. And that was just the approach we had to take. For whatever reason, we had the skills and abilities to help in this crisis, so we trusted that we were meant to go. Yes, prices have sky rocketed like you could not even imagine. Transportation cost now about 400% higher than two day ago, and likely will go higher. And we had/have two choices, pay what we have to do help; or stay resolute to not pay the profiteers. Perhaps we were wrong, but we made a choice that we believed was God's desire, and that's to help at all cost. (Haiti, unless you've been, is just undescribable. Such pricing is totally to be expected. When any critical event occurs in Haiti, prices go through the roof and supplies get very scarce; you can only imagine what will happen in this situation.) The very fact that many relief worker folks are still waiting to get in, regardless of their financial resources (and some had deep deep pockets), and we were able to get on the UN plane was just amazing.

We don't have all the answers and we can't heal all the hurting. But I promise the team we've placed there (or more properly stated, God placed) is incredible and honorable and I'm so thankful and proud to have a tiny role in their work. They will do excellent work.

Many have asked how long we will be there and what physical help we need. That answer will come as we learn more and hear from those on the ground there. We will let you know as soon as we know.It was an amazing day yesterday. I learned a ton about emergency relief efforts in a third world country. How it works, and just as importantly how it doesn't work. But, in the end, our folks are where they need to be, saving lives, helping the hurting, and changing lives. It's good to be on this team. Thank you God. If you'd like to help, please direct those communications to Laura Beth Lamb at laurabethlamb@mannaglobalministries.org or Monica Gautney at monica@mannaglobalministries.org. They are two amazing women, both former missionaries here and Monica in Haiti. They work in theory"part-time" for Manna, but the reality is, they work full time for Manna, along with other jobs and responsiblities for their family. Again, just a super super team.

Again, thank you all for your prayers. I said it up front, but I need to repeat, they were answered. Please continue. Only God can solve this. We cannot no matter what skills we have; we hope we are used by Him.

God bless,
Norm

Prayers for Haiti (MGM Haiti Update)

Brian, Brad and Norm just got off a conference call regarding the desire to help in Haiti. As you may recall, Brian and Brad both speak fluent Creole and are currently working together on several Haiti projects. Brad is a trained Nurse Practitioner and Brian has excellent skills for extremely harsh physical conditions, and both have a ton of missionary experience in Haiti. So Brad and Brian are flying in to the DR tomorrow evening, and will be crossing the border into Haiti the following morning (Thursday) to do an assessment. After which, we will coordinate our efforts to lend whatever support we can be to the folks in Port Au Prince based on their assessment and recommendation as to how we can help. Lord willing, Brad will have communication tools (satellite phone) to keep us informed and updated.

Once Brad & Brian decide how best to respond, our administrative team (Laura Beth, Monica and Norm) will communicate how we think we can help, and what help we need from folks stateside.

We hope and pray that our contacts in the US could join us in our efforts once we know exactly what we think we can do. Likely that will entail a much larger medical and relief team and financial assistance, but we need to hear from Brad and Brian after they get to PAP to do see the conditions. (Our plan is also to try to get to Roberta's place as soon as possible. Roberta, some of you know, is not in Haiti currently; Thomas is in charge and fully capable, but may need some reinforcements.

Pray for all of those working in the days ahead to meet the needs all around them. Pray that Brian, Brad and Wesley (Brian and Tammie's son) have safe travels.

Making Cookies

While in Canadian Kaiya and I did several fun projects together. Making christmas cookies was one.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

I hadn't done much to decorate the house since we were going to be away for Christmas, but then felt a little bad that Shawnean and Jono would be left alone at home (they're staying with us for the moment) without any festivities, so I put out a few Christmas knick-knacks. Still didn't put me in much of a Christmas mood.

But now, here in Canadian, TX, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There's snow and a Christmas tree!! Whoohoo!!

6 Weeks is a Long Time

Brian was gone for over 6 weeks this last trip to the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti.

Along with the usual quarterly visit of visitng the team and checking on the ongoing work in the DR, he went to Haiti to assess the property and buildings in order to see what repairs and needs would need to be done in order to prepare the camp in Lagosette for summer groups of 2010!!
It wasn't as bad as expected, but there's alot that needs to be done to make it ready for campers. Hopefully we'll be able to raise the funding to make those repairs and equip the camp with beds, stove, fridge etc, as well as having a team of people come in to help with the manual labor. Will continue to keep you posted on that.

While hopping back and forth between the DR and Haiti, Brian was able to participate with the Magi Project going on in both countries. One group of people he lead up to El Morrito in the DR to have their first experience with receiving a Magi gift. Thank you all who participate in the Magi project for both Haiti and the DR. It's a gift in itself to see the look on those children's faces when they receive your gifts. Thank you. Here's a link to view some pictures of the Magi distribution: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=683125090065&id=38404127#/video/video.php?v=529680919539&ref=mf

Now that Brian is home we're off for a personal trip. Heading to Texas with my mom to have Christmas with the kids and grandkids there.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Thanksgiving

Spent the day with Uncle Bobby and Aunt Joanne along with her sister, brother-in-law, and dad. Thank you God for family.

Those two sisters can cook up a spread!  Absolutely delicious.  Thank you!

Missed not having Brian and Jono with us.  (Soon!)  Thank you for loving husbands.

Spoke with family over the phone that were in Texas and Vermont.  Thankful for technology.

Made it home safe.  Thank you, Lord.

Snuggled up with Pippin and had a warm, cozy sleep.  Thanks Pippin!  (Pippin is my dog)

Making Contact?

I've not posted anything for quite a while and was dreading having to "catchup", but I am soooo glad that I got back on.  Why?  Because I received a comment on my last blog from an old (not old old) teen-hood friend whom I haven't seen or heard from in ages.

Brenda, So excited to hear from you.  Where are you?  How can I find you?  I'm on FaceBook.  I'll be looking for you!  

Catching up on the blog will have to wait.  There are other "catching ups" I have to do!!