Day 14 | Darlene

It’s been a wonderful week! We had the dedication for the park and many Haitians joined us in prayer. As we held hands, we encircled the “Noah’s Ark Park”. It was exciting to see so many children come and play. I am very proud of our youth. They’ve been such a wonderful example as they worked together, worked hard, welcomed kids to the park, and guided them how to swing, see-saw, slide down the slide…….. I look forward to what God has in store after we return. VBS is upon us and I pray we will reach out at home as much as we have here. To God be the Glory!

Day 11 | Darlene

Stephanie: We were so excited to hear the news at the airport and we all cheered! Can I blog this wonderful news of our grandbaby? Today: Worship started at 6:00 a.m, but for some reason we went at 6:30 a.m. It concluded at 8:45. Although we didn’t understand the creole language, there was a sweet spirit in our setting. My observation: The people here come dressed in their very best and are so respectful as they listen to the preached Word! They are also very charismatic in their worship and love for the Lord. This afternoon we took a so-called walk. It was much more than that as we carefully stepped down a steep, steep, rocky path looking down into the valley below. Our goal was the waterfalls. We seen amazing things: A lady carrying a full bucket of something on her head up this steep skinny path and still able to say bonjour to us and wave with her hand, people washing clothes and laying them out on the rocks to dry, and some cute kids swimming and running and jumping over the river and rocks like monkeys. You can tell they live here (not like us!) The Haitians make two trips a day down this path to get water. You’d just have to see it. Anyway, we were so thankful for our guides! They hoisted us up beside a steep waterfall and told us exactly where to step and not to step. I can’t believe I climbed up some of these straight-up walls of rock, but I did along with most of the group. Mark preached tonight and did a good job. We had the Haiti Baptist Leadership here and they seem excited with the playground we’ve been working on, and they have a big vision for outreach with this park. We are all ready for bed as our “adventure” today was 4 hours and 15 minutes long. Good night.

Day 10 | Darlene

“Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice”! This is one of the seven scriptures that was routed out on a board (Logan and Kelsie started this the first week) that will be placed on “Noah’s Ark” which is nearly finished. It’s exciting to know we are leaving God’s Word behind to leave an impact. We finished painting these scriptures today in colors of the rainbow. I’m sure you’ll get to see them on video later. Today was a great day and everyone worked very hard (actually overtime)! We had pumpkin soup which was made from all the things the Haitians could not eat while they were slaves; chicken, cabbage, potatoes, leeks, carrots, etc. Beginning with morning worship, I was blessed to hear the Haitians singing Power in the Blood in French Creole and we were able to sing along with them in English. God’s love breaks down even language barriers and allows us to experience a unity or oneness in Him. The highlight of the day was seeing a young man accept Jesus into his heart. (See Shawn’s story). ….and tomorrow is Sunday! I’m sure the Lord will have great things in store for all of us again.

Day 9 | Darlene

I was worried about the heat, but it really cools down in the evening, and it makes wonderful sleeping accommodations. We had a great work day on the “Noah’s Ark Park”. Everyone worked very hard, and it is really shaping up. The shower was a new experience with a bucket of water heated from the roof and a cup to pour water over my head; I feel clean and refreshed. We visited the local hospital and surrounding buildings. I am amazed at how hard the people work here. They all take pride in what they do and they are a very thankful people.

Day 8 | Darlene

“Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord!” What a trip! It was about 14 miles from the airport to where we are staying. Although there is much devastation, everyone says it is much improved. We didn’t see open sewers – they’ve been taken care of. The airport didn’t look the same according to those who had been here before; much improvement. I know the week holds a lot of blessings as we finish the playground. In ways, it reminds me of Hondourous. Continue to pray for us that God will be glorified.

Day 5 | Darlene Stump

Hola! We have seen 840 patients this week, and 176 have been saved. We don't miss the snow. It's been a good week, and it's hard to believe it's already Thursday. If you can believe this, I have become an optometrist. With help from the interpreters, we have had 142 patients in optometry. Many have never been to an eye doctor and when we give them a pair of glasses, they get this huge smile on their face and begin praising the Lord. They are very appreciative of everything the "medical brigade" has done for them, but realize the "spiritual" is the best medicine of all. Pharmacy has been very busy with 1661 scripts. In dentistry, 56 has been treated. Keep praying for us that God will be glorified and the people can see Christ in us. We love you all. Happy Birthday Avery!

Day 2 | Darlene Stump

We are here! The weather is beautiful. We had a good night sleep. Pray for us this morning. We will be heading out for church. Mark will be preaching. We have a lot of interpreters. It is a good thing. We definitely need to learn Spanish. God is good. To My students at Little Birch and all of Little Birch Elementary. Have a great week!