Insight and reflections from the team members.
David W.
“After just one short week in Haiti, I am convinced that:
1) We are all so blessed and should do more to help others less fortunate!
2) Getting out of our comfort zones can help us to grow in our faith.
3) Living angels such as Debbie, Gladys, and Marie do walk this earth doing
God's work. They sacrifice so much, although they probably would disagree,
to help others in great need. “
Pastor Keith
“I was awe-struck by the resilience and spirit of the citizens of Port au Prince following January’s earthquake. Only six months later, I was expecting conditions and attitudes to be a lot worse. (What do I know?) My joy revolved around watching how the Holy Spirit touched the hearts and employed the talents of each of the eleven members of our team for His purposes. Maybe our efforts were only a drop in the bucket. But I believe God was smiling all week. I believe our lives are, forever, a little changed... for the better. And to have had this experience with my daughter, Katelynn, gives me a sense of joy that I’m sure will extend to the day I meet Jesus face to face.”
Katie P
“My experience in Haiti will be one that I never forget. After coming back, I have a new appreciation for everything! From roads and stop signs to warm showers and air conditioning. I am
blessed. Most importantly I have a a bigger and brighter heart for helping God's people in need. The people of Haiti have such a great faith in God; they are the ones that inspired me!”
David B
“Overwhelmed and at a loss for proper words.
Joy – in the proud eyes of the parents, family and friends in seeing the accomplishments of the graduating kindergarten class. Their presentation in 3 languages (French, Creole and English) was awe inspiring.
Determination – clearing earthquake rubble of multi-story buildings by hand, bucket and shovel. How many of us would give up at such a seemingly insurmountable and daunting task?
Love – constantly outpouring and multiplying in the lives of everyone touching the missions of Little Children of Jesus, Food for the Poor, Marie’s Girl’s Orphanage and VOH school.
Judy S.
"Seeing, first hand, these places & purposes (VOH School, Little Children of Jesus, Food for the Poor, & Marie's girls orphanage) has given us plenty to evangelize to our congregation. Our visit, as well as the other teams before ours, should serve to strengthen and perpetuate our church's commitment to serving Haiti's suffering poor. If you want to make a difference in your life, and in the lives of many others, get involved!"
Chad N.
“I was amazed by the positive, happy and resilient spirit of the Haitian people, which includes the Director Debbie Berquist, Debbie's hospitality and her willingness to adjust the work, to get task's accomplish made the week!”
Liza K.
“The Our Savior 2010 Haiti trip was my second visit to Haiti. My first was 4 years ago in 2006. In between those visits, a massive earthquake hit Haiti in January of 2010 and an already poor and beleaguered country endured devastation beyond belief. It will take Haiti years, if not decades, to rebuild. But our congregation is making a difference in Haiti! The Village of Hope school and its children we support and The Little Children of Jesus handicapped orphanage are thriving! It was so rewarding to see the school grow to over 650 children who daily sing the praises of our Lord and Savior. The classrooms are now adequately furnished, there is a cafeteria that provides 2 meals a day and clean, fresh drinking water for the students. School improvements continue at an astounding pace and planning is underway for a health clinic that will serve students, their families and, in the future, the local, rural community. The Little Children of Jesus orphanage has improved dramatically. They moved from their old, cramped, inadequate facility, in to a new beautiful, spacious location. It was so touching to see the children so loved and well cared for because in Haiti, handicapped children are regarded as useless as garbage. In the end, I want to say thank you to our congregation for opening their hearts and supporting Haiti. Thank you for letting me represent the love, prayers and work efforts from all of you that are directed towards Haiti's poorest. We are making a difference in Haitian lives and fulfilling our mission....Connecting people to Jesus, faithfully, courageously, together for the sake of the kingdom.”
Darryl J
"I was touched by the resiliency of the Haitian people and their commitment to their faith. It was a very meaningful time for me."
Mary Anne J
"This trip really opened my eyes to the lives of third world nations, especially their fervent need for their "daily bread". We are so blessed in the United States, and it was humbling to be able to participate in this servant event."
Bob K
“Bringing hope to the hearts and minds of the people of Haiti. Pouring our hearts out with sweat and tears to those who are most gracious.”
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Back Home
After an early awakening to pack and head to the airport at 8am, we have left behind our past week's mission home, to return back to our family and friends that have supported our team. After an extra long day of travel, we all made it home including all of our luggage.
This blog has been a collective effort of the entire team, providing input, writing and selecting pictures. We will have additional updates in the near future with additional input from each member.
Check back often! We will have updates on our trip and future mission trips along with other ways that you can support the work in Haiti.
This blog has been a collective effort of the entire team, providing input, writing and selecting pictures. We will have additional updates in the near future with additional input from each member.
Check back often! We will have updates on our trip and future mission trips along with other ways that you can support the work in Haiti.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Balancing Service and Community Awareness
We were saved to serve, and we came to Haiti to do just that. In order to serve, though, we need to have an understanding of the people and the culture in which we are immersed. This morning Debbie and Odney (our driver) and Populaire (our extra guard) drove us to the other side of Port au Prince to get another glimpse of the city, and closer to the mountains. The area that we visited was hardest hit by the earthquake and it was heartwrenching to drive through.
Back at the ranch by 11:30, everyone scattered to their projects. Being our last day, we were determined to finish what we started. The shelves in the big depot were finished, a nice addition to a an essential aspect of Debbie's ministry. She was able to load many boxes up off the floor, clearing walkways and helping so much in the organization.
Seeing the progress on the desks makes us want to say, "Wow!" The HeMen, under Bob the Builder's expert direction, were able to complete 8 desks. The hard part of cutting all the wood pieces necessary for an additional 22 desks was finished as well. While we hate to leave a project undone, we were forced to pass off this task to the next team.
Buzz's Bus Bonnet was another project that started today. Dave B. had a great idea to combine PVC pipes into a canopy for the team's truck. He then used duct tape to fashion blue tarps into a cover. This will now provide shade and rain protection for future groups that stay here at Hope House.
The endless project of sorting donated items continued throughout the day as well. We think we went through 5,656,263 boxes this week! We were very glad to be able to help Debbie through this process. It would be a difficult task alone.
Our evening devotions emphasized out transition back home and processing all that we have seen and experienced. We feel so very blessed to have spent this week together, have an increased sense of joy and thankfulness for our loved ones back home and church family. None of us are going home quite the same. So, the journey begins back to Iowa...
Street vendors were everywhere, piles of rubble in nearly every street and the traffic was bumper to bumper. We were able to drive by the Presidential Palace as well as the tent cities that sprung up around it. The tents filled every square foot of the sidewalks and streets with the inhabitants visible to all passerbys. We quickly realized that privacy is a luxury that we take for granted every day.
Seeing the progress on the desks makes us want to say, "Wow!" The HeMen, under Bob the Builder's expert direction, were able to complete 8 desks. The hard part of cutting all the wood pieces necessary for an additional 22 desks was finished as well. While we hate to leave a project undone, we were forced to pass off this task to the next team.
Buzz's Bus Bonnet was another project that started today. Dave B. had a great idea to combine PVC pipes into a canopy for the team's truck. He then used duct tape to fashion blue tarps into a cover. This will now provide shade and rain protection for future groups that stay here at Hope House.
The endless project of sorting donated items continued throughout the day as well. We think we went through 5,656,263 boxes this week! We were very glad to be able to help Debbie through this process. It would be a difficult task alone.
Our evening devotions emphasized out transition back home and processing all that we have seen and experienced. We feel so very blessed to have spent this week together, have an increased sense of joy and thankfulness for our loved ones back home and church family. None of us are going home quite the same. So, the journey begins back to Iowa...
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bathrooms and Bargains
Today, as the rooster crowed, Bob the Builder, Dave W. and the table saw joined in to announce the day. Aside from waking us up, the predawn task was to prepare the wood and supplies for replacing the door in the kitchen at Village of Hope, destroyed by termites.
Also of the "To Do" list at VoH School was painting the girls' and boys' bathrooms. This has been on Debbie's wish list for several years and she was happy to have them updated. Nothing like a fresh coat of white paint to sparkle things up. Along with the white walls, the students now have tropical seafoam green doors on the stalls and a freckled floor to finish the decor.
After a lunch of creamed spinach, beans and rice at the school, we all went to an artisian village looking for tin art. There were several shops that were packed full of various tin wall hangings, napkin holders, coasters, and key racks. The group had fun bargaining for these items!
We were back at Hope House by three and immediately jumped back into our projects. The shelves in the storage "depot" area are looking great! Debbie continued to find more boxes of clothes, blankets, towels, and wash cloths to sort, organize and give aways.
We had a surprise visit from some friends that a couple of our team members met last time they visited. Christophe, Esther, and Ruth dropped by, which made Abby, Liza, and Judy very happy!
The rest of the night continued with more project work, not stopping until dark. All of us find it hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day here in Haiti. This week has been such an eye-opener on so many levels. Appreciation for everything we have back at home has sky-rocketed. We thank God for blessing us with our great health and saftey so far on this life changing journey, and we thank you for your continuous prayer!
Also of the "To Do" list at VoH School was painting the girls' and boys' bathrooms. This has been on Debbie's wish list for several years and she was happy to have them updated. Nothing like a fresh coat of white paint to sparkle things up. Along with the white walls, the students now have tropical seafoam green doors on the stalls and a freckled floor to finish the decor.
After a lunch of creamed spinach, beans and rice at the school, we all went to an artisian village looking for tin art. There were several shops that were packed full of various tin wall hangings, napkin holders, coasters, and key racks. The group had fun bargaining for these items!
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| Drawing the initial design |
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| Drums and Artwork taking shape |
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| Village Assembly Line - Painting Artwork |
We were back at Hope House by three and immediately jumped back into our projects. The shelves in the storage "depot" area are looking great! Debbie continued to find more boxes of clothes, blankets, towels, and wash cloths to sort, organize and give aways.
We had a surprise visit from some friends that a couple of our team members met last time they visited. Christophe, Esther, and Ruth dropped by, which made Abby, Liza, and Judy very happy!
The rest of the night continued with more project work, not stopping until dark. All of us find it hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day here in Haiti. This week has been such an eye-opener on so many levels. Appreciation for everything we have back at home has sky-rocketed. We thank God for blessing us with our great health and saftey so far on this life changing journey, and we thank you for your continuous prayer!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Proclaiming Good News to the Poor (Isaiah 61)
This morning we headed out for a tour of Food For the Poor's headquarters in Port au Prince. The trip was an eventful one, encountering the largest traffic jam we had ever experienced. Six lanes of traffic on two lanes of street, traveling in four different directions, a gridlock that seemed to have no escape.
But, with the help of the Haitian police and the UN guards carrying semi-automatic weapons, traffic was weaved and turned until the mess was cleared. Rules of the road are optional in Haiti!
Food for the Poor is the parent organization for Village of Hope and the Lazarus Project and feeds 1,000 families a day. It is the 3rd largest charitable relief agency in the world, and the largest in the United States. It was sad to see the extent of the earthquake damage to the headquarters, still visible six months later.
We toured the loading docks for the incoming containers and then followed the process into the warehouse where all the donations are stored. Kitchen duty was next, and we were able to see the production of the daily meal and help serve it to the hundreds of waiting people. It is safe to say none of us can serve rice with the strength and speed of the Food for the Poor kitchen staff and we were humbled by their operation.
The rest of the day was spent completing a variety of tasks. We divided and conquered, working on several projects that Debbie needed completed. Some stayed at the compound, building shelves for the main storage depot, ripping and organizing wood for desks for Village of Hope school. Others continued sorting out donations and delivering to other organizations. We met Roberta, a very impressive woman, orignally from North Carolina, who started an orphanage and school for lost children. Her southern accent and greeting were music to our ears.
Today was the second day without a tarantula sighting, but Hopie (Hope House dog) did catch a small rat. God is good!
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| Liza K "Can't we just turn left here?" |
Food for the Poor is the parent organization for Village of Hope and the Lazarus Project and feeds 1,000 families a day. It is the 3rd largest charitable relief agency in the world, and the largest in the United States. It was sad to see the extent of the earthquake damage to the headquarters, still visible six months later.
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| Food for the Poor - Entrance / Chapel |
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| Food For the Poor Worker Dining Area - Roof Collapsed |
We toured the loading docks for the incoming containers and then followed the process into the warehouse where all the donations are stored. Kitchen duty was next, and we were able to see the production of the daily meal and help serve it to the hundreds of waiting people. It is safe to say none of us can serve rice with the strength and speed of the Food for the Poor kitchen staff and we were humbled by their operation.
The rest of the day was spent completing a variety of tasks. We divided and conquered, working on several projects that Debbie needed completed. Some stayed at the compound, building shelves for the main storage depot, ripping and organizing wood for desks for Village of Hope school. Others continued sorting out donations and delivering to other organizations. We met Roberta, a very impressive woman, orignally from North Carolina, who started an orphanage and school for lost children. Her southern accent and greeting were music to our ears.
Today was the second day without a tarantula sighting, but Hopie (Hope House dog) did catch a small rat. God is good!
Monday Morning Rush
"Let the little children come to me" said Jesus. This was so evident today in Haiti. We began our day hurrying to Village of Hope school to participate in the graduation cermemonies for the kindergarteners of the school. It was such a priviledge and a blessing to be involved. Who could have predicted that the earthquake would close the schools in the spring causing a shift in the year end festivities to August 2? And that our trip just happened to occur at the same time?
The chapel at Village of Hope school was full of kindergarten families and an air of excitement filled the place. The three classes of students graduating from Kindergarten 1 and 2 to the primary grades marched in swaying to the music. They filled the next two hours with priceless songs, skits and dancing. Aside from being just plain adorable, their level of language ability was very impressive, in French, Creol and English.
After the recital, we helped Debbie serve a snack of crackers, juice and Dum Dum suckers (the universal treat) to all the kindergarteners.
At this time, Bob the Builder was able to connect with the student he and Amy sponsor through the Lazarus Project. It was such a special moment to watch the introduction of the two, with Debbie interpreting the conversation. All of us here at Our Savior have pictures of the children that we sponsor but, meeting the child face to face is a blessing beyond words.
We then loaded onto the truck and headed for Little Children of Jesus, the special needs orphanage close to Hope House. Again, we had the priviledge and blessing to visit and participate in the lunch time activities. Some assisted in the feeding while others entertained with puppets and beach balls. Seeing the faces of children who were once abandoned in the trash, who now smile in their new facilities was an absolute joy.
Our final leg of this very exciting, very hot, journey led us to Marie Majors' orphanage for homeless, street girls. We delivered school supplies and played with the girls. Some of us became human jungle gyms and others human Barbies. Katie, Abby, and Judy all left with beautiful hairdos and swollen scalps.
It was a day of loving and learning and serving, and as our evening devotions reiterated, we love God by loving our neighbor, and we can love our neighbor only as we love God. Amen!
The chapel at Village of Hope school was full of kindergarten families and an air of excitement filled the place. The three classes of students graduating from Kindergarten 1 and 2 to the primary grades marched in swaying to the music. They filled the next two hours with priceless songs, skits and dancing. Aside from being just plain adorable, their level of language ability was very impressive, in French, Creol and English.
After the recital, we helped Debbie serve a snack of crackers, juice and Dum Dum suckers (the universal treat) to all the kindergarteners.
We then loaded onto the truck and headed for Little Children of Jesus, the special needs orphanage close to Hope House. Again, we had the priviledge and blessing to visit and participate in the lunch time activities. Some assisted in the feeding while others entertained with puppets and beach balls. Seeing the faces of children who were once abandoned in the trash, who now smile in their new facilities was an absolute joy.
Our final leg of this very exciting, very hot, journey led us to Marie Majors' orphanage for homeless, street girls. We delivered school supplies and played with the girls. Some of us became human jungle gyms and others human Barbies. Katie, Abby, and Judy all left with beautiful hairdos and swollen scalps.
It was a day of loving and learning and serving, and as our evening devotions reiterated, we love God by loving our neighbor, and we can love our neighbor only as we love God. Amen!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Praise and Plywood
Sunday Morning, Day of Rest here in Haiti, and by rest we mean it was a non-stop day. We woke up bright and early to the sound of roosters to eat breakfast at 6:30 and prepare for church. After breakfast we all loaded up into the Gwo Camion (truck) and traveled to The Village of Hope for morning worship. Debbie needed to meet with 13 university students prior to worship. We had the privilege of meeting these kids, some of whom were studying to be nurses, doctors, and computer/science engineers. While Debbie finished the meeting with the kids we roamed around the property, some reminiscing about previous projects they had accomplished.
About 40 kids showed up for worship at 10, all very curious about the vistors. Church consisted of three Bible passages, a message by Jorelle, and lots of songs. The team was asked to sing a few songs. We decided to sing "Father Welcomes" and "They hung him on a Cross"-- a preschool favorite. Judy's flute playing and Pastor Keith's guitar skills lightened up the sactuary with clapping and singing along.
At the end of the service, Katie and Abby handed out home-made bracelets that had various Christian words on them. The kids loved them and some insisted on having more. Thank you Hulupnik family for taking the time to make those!
After the service we ate lunch at a very nice restaurant located oustide of Port-au-Prince. Food was great!
On our way to and from lunch we witnessed the effects of the earthquake. Traveling further into the city we saw more damage. Also, we witnessed some of the relief effort. Large organized tent cities with latrines, water and rows upon rows of tents. Unfortunately, we also saw numerous very unorganized tent cities, showing that much more work is yet to be done.
We then headed back to Hope House to rest a bit before doing more work around the house. The men transported plywood and boards to a new location and prepared for the construction of new desks for the Village of Hope School. The women continued what seems like endless organization of materials that were donated for distribution.
During all this work, our trantula stories continue. We found yet another trantula (outside thankfully) even bigger yet than the last two. We are a bit worried to find out how big the spider will be by Thursday...
The day ended with a wonderful dinner and devotions. Can't wait to see what's in store for us tomorrow!
About 40 kids showed up for worship at 10, all very curious about the vistors. Church consisted of three Bible passages, a message by Jorelle, and lots of songs. The team was asked to sing a few songs. We decided to sing "Father Welcomes" and "They hung him on a Cross"-- a preschool favorite. Judy's flute playing and Pastor Keith's guitar skills lightened up the sactuary with clapping and singing along.
At the end of the service, Katie and Abby handed out home-made bracelets that had various Christian words on them. The kids loved them and some insisted on having more. Thank you Hulupnik family for taking the time to make those!
After the service we ate lunch at a very nice restaurant located oustide of Port-au-Prince. Food was great!
On our way to and from lunch we witnessed the effects of the earthquake. Traveling further into the city we saw more damage. Also, we witnessed some of the relief effort. Large organized tent cities with latrines, water and rows upon rows of tents. Unfortunately, we also saw numerous very unorganized tent cities, showing that much more work is yet to be done.
We then headed back to Hope House to rest a bit before doing more work around the house. The men transported plywood and boards to a new location and prepared for the construction of new desks for the Village of Hope School. The women continued what seems like endless organization of materials that were donated for distribution.
During all this work, our trantula stories continue. We found yet another trantula (outside thankfully) even bigger yet than the last two. We are a bit worried to find out how big the spider will be by Thursday...
The day ended with a wonderful dinner and devotions. Can't wait to see what's in store for us tomorrow!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Delivering His Wealth
Today was our first full day at Hope House. We hit the ground running at 6:30am with coffee and individual devotions followed by a wonderful breakfast prepared by Debbie at 7:30. We were all amazed with the haitian flavors of yougurt: mango, black currant and pineapple. But mostly we were amazed that our early bird of the group, Pastor Keith, showed up last at 7:45!
Our main tasks for the day revolved around sorting and delivering a container full of donations that Debbie received last week. The donations included so many different items; from clothing and medical supplies to desks and an exercise bike. The "HeMen" of the group proceeded to load up the pickup truck (complete with a new tire) with some of the items plus a washing machine and delivered them to "Little Children of Jesus Orphanage". Once there, they hooked up the washing machine for the orphanage for disabled children.
Back at Hope House, the rest of us sorted, counted and rearranged the donations we brought in our extra 11 bags as well as those from the shipment. We were struck by the generousity not only of our congregation but by those around the United States.
Bob, our resident carpenter, scurried around the compund with his electirc drill fixing drawers, doors, and picture frames. His efforts produced instant results!
After lunch, the "HeMen" loaded up the pick up truck again with rock and rubble from the compound and proceeded to go out onto Santo 3 to fill several potholes which had been swallowing visitors. After 3 trips back and forth in the near 100 degree heat, they decided they had done enough for the day.
The rest of the group continued to sort clothes throughout the afternoon. We now have a greater respect for the Goodwill stores and their efforts at organizing donations. We repacked the clothes, now sorted by size and gender into boxes and stored them in the depots. Debbie will distribute them in the near future.
More excitement in late afternoon when yet another HUGE tarantula joined our group. The hair, muscles and all around ickiness of these spiders are amazing. So glad they aren't indigenous to Bettendorf!
We finished our day just as the daily thunderstorm rolled in providing some needed relief from the heat. Dinner, devotions and music practice filled the rest of the evening. We ended our day reflecting on how we as God's people can show more compassion to our neighbors and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do.
Our main tasks for the day revolved around sorting and delivering a container full of donations that Debbie received last week. The donations included so many different items; from clothing and medical supplies to desks and an exercise bike. The "HeMen" of the group proceeded to load up the pickup truck (complete with a new tire) with some of the items plus a washing machine and delivered them to "Little Children of Jesus Orphanage". Once there, they hooked up the washing machine for the orphanage for disabled children.
Back at Hope House, the rest of us sorted, counted and rearranged the donations we brought in our extra 11 bags as well as those from the shipment. We were struck by the generousity not only of our congregation but by those around the United States.
Bob, our resident carpenter, scurried around the compund with his electirc drill fixing drawers, doors, and picture frames. His efforts produced instant results!
After lunch, the "HeMen" loaded up the pick up truck again with rock and rubble from the compound and proceeded to go out onto Santo 3 to fill several potholes which had been swallowing visitors. After 3 trips back and forth in the near 100 degree heat, they decided they had done enough for the day.
The rest of the group continued to sort clothes throughout the afternoon. We now have a greater respect for the Goodwill stores and their efforts at organizing donations. We repacked the clothes, now sorted by size and gender into boxes and stored them in the depots. Debbie will distribute them in the near future.
More excitement in late afternoon when yet another HUGE tarantula joined our group. The hair, muscles and all around ickiness of these spiders are amazing. So glad they aren't indigenous to Bettendorf!
We finished our day just as the daily thunderstorm rolled in providing some needed relief from the heat. Dinner, devotions and music practice filled the rest of the evening. We ended our day reflecting on how we as God's people can show more compassion to our neighbors and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do.
Hope House Arrival
Teamwork - His Time
All the planning has paid off - we are safely here in Haiti at Hope House tired, fed and ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.
Smooth flight to Haiti, right on time. The main terminal building in Port Au Prince is still unusable. After walking through what appeared to be a newer skywalk along the back of the terminal we boarded buses and heading to the far end of the airport and proceeded through customs in a new or converted warehouse. Luggage finally arrived and we collected all 22 pieces! Like many foreign airports once outside you are overwhelmed by zealous porters all wanting to help and expecting to be paid. We got all loaded up and headed to Hope House just as it started to rain.
Driving through much heavier traffic than in prior trips our trip took much longer. The heavy rain and lightning didn't help, but kept us cool. When we were 3/4 of the way to Hope House, the main truck developed a flat tire. Debbie shuttled her passengers and the luggage that they had to Hope House while many of us tackled the task of figuring out changing a tire. Everybody jumped in and in record time we had the tire changed and back on our way to Hope House.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord" Jeremiah 29:11 His plans and our plans may not always be the same. While we planned on an uneventful trip to Hope House we were reminded that everything is on His schedule not ours.
As we changed out of our dripping cloths, some excitment erupted from Judy and Liza. Upon investigating we found a MUCH larger spider than on prior trips. Yes, that is a size 12 shoe........ While our accomodations are great - we are also reminded that we are not at home.
After a LONG day it is time to get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.
All the planning has paid off - we are safely here in Haiti at Hope House tired, fed and ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.
Smooth flight to Haiti, right on time. The main terminal building in Port Au Prince is still unusable. After walking through what appeared to be a newer skywalk along the back of the terminal we boarded buses and heading to the far end of the airport and proceeded through customs in a new or converted warehouse. Luggage finally arrived and we collected all 22 pieces! Like many foreign airports once outside you are overwhelmed by zealous porters all wanting to help and expecting to be paid. We got all loaded up and headed to Hope House just as it started to rain.
Driving through much heavier traffic than in prior trips our trip took much longer. The heavy rain and lightning didn't help, but kept us cool. When we were 3/4 of the way to Hope House, the main truck developed a flat tire. Debbie shuttled her passengers and the luggage that they had to Hope House while many of us tackled the task of figuring out changing a tire. Everybody jumped in and in record time we had the tire changed and back on our way to Hope House.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord" Jeremiah 29:11 His plans and our plans may not always be the same. While we planned on an uneventful trip to Hope House we were reminded that everything is on His schedule not ours.
As we changed out of our dripping cloths, some excitment erupted from Judy and Liza. Upon investigating we found a MUCH larger spider than on prior trips. Yes, that is a size 12 shoe........ While our accomodations are great - we are also reminded that we are not at home.
After a LONG day it is time to get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.
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