Sept 30 - Oct 3, 2019
Once again, we were not able to go be with the kids on Monday … we were sad, but praying hard that tomorrow the Lord would make a way for the children to all come to the Vaval’s Family Inn for the annual Birthday Celebration that LCF started back in 2013 … and it happened! It was great! We had our final James Bible Study, what ended up a “Walk Thru James” but was fun anyway, and they were pretty into it. We played games. We ate a wonderful meal together created by Francoise, the Mamas and others. Then we had our Birthday Celebration (or at least the beginning of it, before the kids had to go back to the Home while it was still light). It is always such a sweet pleasure for us, and such a great blessing for them, as we share a scripture and individual encouragement with each child, then give them each a gift. This year our funds were limited, so they were each blessed with a handmade bracelet created by a girl back in the States just for them!
We discovered at breakfast on Wednesday morning that during the night Tuesday night, all five of us were up praying at various times throughout the night … for the children, for the country, etc. Kristie said, “Oh my goodness, we were a house of prayer last night and we didn’t even know it!” It was truly amazing to realize the goodness of our Lord as He united us in prayer and purpose!
Sharon confirmed what I had been sensing from the Lord as I prayed during the night, that we were supposed to change our tickets to leave on Thursday instead of Friday. (They announced that morning also that the demonstrations would be intensified on Friday and no one should leave their homes, not even a fly or mosquito!) We were able to go to the church and I spent the first three hours talking to various airlines and travel insurance people. (I prayed for people to talk to who spoke English well so we could understand each other. I laughed out loud when the woman asked where I lived around Kansas City; I said Liberty and she said, “Oh yes, I had lunch at a nice little restaurant there one time, just off the Square.” Haha! Good one, God!!)
Sharon and Kristie got most of the day with the kids; my time was more limited, which made me sad. We finished our individual affirmation times with the kids and it was very sweet. Several of the boys teared up as we sat on a bench in the corner of the courtyard and shared with them what we saw in them and loved about them and shared scripture with them.
On Thursday, after much prayer, we made it to the airport just fine – and the flights home were nice and uneventful. (We discovered on the weekend that it would have been nearly impossible and potentially dangerous to have tried to get to the airport to leave Haiti as originally planned on Friday, as many of the demonstrations were in areas surrounding the airport in Port-au-Prince. Thank You, Lord, for your direction!) We miss everyone so much. This was the hardest emotional return after a trip that I had experienced since the earthquake in 2010. There was a very clear reality that life could change for them very much in Haiti between now and the next time we are together. Praying daily for their protection is a very real need, and in any other way the Lord shows you. Blessed be His Name! Mesi, Senye! Tu es bon! (Thank You, Lord! You are good!)
