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

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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!!

See You Later Alligator

Another goodbye at the Orlando airport.

Praying for your safety while you travel and are away.

Wondering what you're doing when I'm driving, what you're doing when I'm standing over the stove, and thinking you must be having a good time.  I'll miss you.

But, I'll see you later...

My "Other" Boy

It was soooo good to have Jono here for the week.  

His "other" mom and dad were in the country and we were all able to spend some time visiting.

It's so great to have your children marry and to gain more kids without having to go through the whole pregnancy and raising them!  We have wonderful children and are thankful to our heavenly father for his blessings.

November Second

A year since you were "reborn", Daddy. Feels like it was just yesterday. Suppose that's good that it seems like you were just here, but the rawness of realizing you're not here to go see or give a call is still fresh. I know you're having a happy time, where everday is like a celebration, so it's more for us who are locked in time that I say "Happy Birthday" for your first year in heaven. We're getting together with the family here in FL. Uncle Bobby and Aunt Joanne are bringing the family videos ,we're bringing Yahtzee and Momma's bringing the snacks. Love you!

Crossing Old Paths

While Brian was doing a MGM survey trip in Africa, he was able to connect with several old high school mates and heard that one had actually moved to the USA a long time ago. Brian finds his name and number and next thing you know we're driving only 2 and a half hours away to where he's been living for the past 5 years. It was a lovely visit, catching up, making comparisons of how they'd made their journeys to and in the States. Many were eerily similar!!!


We went out on their sail boat and enjoyed the company and the beautiful creation.

Ahhh....behind the helm. Thanks Alan and Becky!

Wedding Bells?

Our nephew and niece renewed their vows on their tenth wedding anniversary and Brian officiated over the ceremony. It was so nice, laid back, and beautiful!

Congratulations Gareth and Kristen!

More Wallaces

Back From Porta Prince

Brian has returned from a healthcare trip to Haiti.

The group visited 7 orphanages, assessed and treated around 600 kids, installed about 300 mosquito nets and distributed about 300 more, and cleaned & covered over 300 mattresses. There were some horror stories of the condition of some of these places, but thanks to the efforts of the team they were able to help these little ones have a cleaner, debugged living space.

Another Road Trip

Yep...another road trip, but this one we did together and Norm Curington (missionary of DR) joined us.

Our route took us to Virginia to visit with the Fair Fax congregation and meet with the mission board. We were graciously hosted by friends and champions of the DR ministry, Mark and Cassey Gibson. They arranged several opportunities for us to be able to catchup with members who've visited and teamed up with the work in the DR during the summer and Magi trips. Even a tour of the monuments in DC were visited.

From there we wound our way (literally....Brian reeeeaaaly wanted to travel along the Blue Ridge Mountain and we were glad we relented because it was truly beautiful) to Tennessee to meet with the Highland View elders and mission board in Oak Ridge.
It was a great trip! Loved traveling with Norm again (have done it many times before in other countries) and being able to see all the different folk that have been such a blessing to us and the DR work.

My Man's Home

I've got my man back home again!

He's returned from a 17 day trip to the DR and Haiti. Checking on the on going projects and missionaries in the DR and then crossing over the border into Haiti to check on the Manna property in order to make a list of what needs there are to get the camp up and ready for initiating groups back into the country.

The plan is to have several come into to help with the Magi distribution in December and then a couple of spring break groups followed by some summer groups. It's truly amazing to see the timing of all this.

While there the school registration was taking place and he was able to see quite a few of the parents of the attending students. He was very pleased with how things were going, and the condition of the property.

New Springbok Fan

Upon Brian return from Africa, he brought Pippin a Sprinkbok Rugby team shirt. Now Pippin is a fan!!

House Projects

Have a new bathroom now. Pulled out the typical mobile home bath, sink and mirror fixtures; and now have tile shower and floors and porcelin sink and fresh paint....it all looks much better.

Last month we worked on our bedroom. Painted the walls and it makes such a difference. Pulled up the carpet and layed out some flooring and am now getting prepared to deconstruct another bedroom while I have the help of Shawnean. Hate carpet!!!

Little by little getting the place a little more comfortable to live in.

Sooo Cool!!

It's amazing the way the Lord leads paths and makes us aware of His outreach.

While Brian and Norm were in Africa, they made contact with someone who happened to be a former classmate of Brian's, who happened to be minister of agriculture in Swaziland, and was able to help Norm and Brian with just what they needed to check out.

While in South Africa they came across Tammie's Dad's books being used to reach out to the people in that area.

Always a joy to witness our Lord in action.

Big Four

Kaiya's birthday was a great reason to pack up Pippin and myself, travel from Orlando, FL through Dallas, TX airport (he's a great traveler and the layover went by quickly with all the attention he received as he pranced through the terminal), and arrive at the Amarillo, TX airport to be able to spend 10 days with the family in Canadian, TX.

Happy Birthday, Kaiya!!!

Making do!

You can take the man out of the 3rd world country, but you can't take the 3rd world ways out of the man.

When one of the wheels came off the farm mower and the shop still hadn't repaired it, Brian found a solution to be able to mow in the meantime. So now you know another purpose for a dolley.

8 Weeks to 19 Weeks

My Baby has grown so quickly!!

Happy 4th of July 2009

Had a great day spent with Momma, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Joanne.

Feasted on 3 types of BBQ'd meats, all types of tangy creamy sides, and topped off with a yummy dessert!!

30 Years!!

Hard to believe we've been married to each other for more years than we had single years!!

Still crazy after all these years!

Happy 30th!!!

Texas Bound

We finally received word that Daddy's tombstone was finished and placed at the cemetary. Momma; my sister, Sherry; Brian; Pippin; and I set out with Daddy's urn to Texas.

The kids (Shawnean, Ashleigh, Wesley) and grandkids (Kaiya and Liam) surprised Pops (Brian) by appearing out of the hotel room next to ours upon our arrival.

It was nice to have them all there as we gathered at the cemetary.

Along the way we were able to visit friends and family, a 2nd cousin with her husband and children that I'd not even met before,

as well as visit a few historic sites.

A memorable trip for sure!

10 Days in the DR

Brian spent the last 10 days in the Dominican Republic. The goal is to be able to make a trip each quarter to spend time with the onsite team members and be of help and encouragement in whatever way possible.

He was blessed to be there again while groups were there and meet new people as well as catchup with those who've been before.

I'd asked Lisa to keep an eye on him and each time he was found out on the soccer field to tell him, "Tammie said not to let you play soccer". Apparently she had to do that several times! He said he was MAINLY being goalee and that wasn't as wearing. I guess so cause he came back without retearing his muscle or gaining a new injury.

Happy Birthday, Brian