Day 8 | Logan Gibson

Yesterday we went to Yellowstone National Park. Even though it was my fourth trip, I was still amazed at all the beautiful scenery and landscapes. Bill nicknamed me “hawkeyes” as a joke because I couldn’t spot any of the wildlife until we stopped the vans and got out to look for it. We were in the vans for over 20 hours, but it was an awesome trip! Today we had VBS again and several of our regular kiddos brought their siblings or friends which was great! At the end of the morning, none of them wanted us to leave. We can’t wait to go back tomorrow morning and in the evening for the carnival. After VBS, we went to Kenny’s house to screw down his flooring. We knocked the job out in just over an hour. Jerusha, Kenny’s wife, came out while we were working and told us it was 109 degrees! We were all pretty toasty! Once we finished the flooring, we came back to camp and scrubbed down the bathrooms. They are probably as clean as they have ever been! Everyone pitched in and we also got all the VBS and carnival goodies sorted. Around 4:30 pm, Bill told me that Kenny’s sister was coming to make us Indian Tacos. When we got here, she showed us how to make the Navaho dough and let us roll it into balls. Then, I helped her daughter fry up the dough. I tried to write down all the steps and ingredients. I can’t wait to try and make the recipe when I get home. Someone is going to have to eat some of it though because the recipe is for 40 servings!

Day 6 | Logan Gibson

We had an amazing group of kiddos at VBS again today. One little girl in particular, Phyllis, is the firecracker of the group. She is always climbing on something. Our lesson this morning was on Noah and the Ark and when Preston asked the kiddos what one animal they would bring on the ark with them, Phyllis said panda bears! After VBS, we headed back to the church to move rocks. I feel like I am back in Haiti passing bucket after bucket of concrete except this time we are tossing large rocks. My legs and back are probably going to be sore tomorrow, but we had a great time! Around 2 pm, Linda got us all slushes from a coffee truck. I had a strawberry one and it was the perfect refresher to help us finish out the job. When we placed the last rock, it was crazy to think that someone had touched every single rock in that area and some rocks had been touched by three or more people. We aren't sure how many rocks we dug out and moved but I would guess somewhere in the thousands. I am so impressed by all the youth on this trip. We worked hard all day in the blazing sun and heat and I didn't hear anyone complain. I’m very thankful that I am able to be here and serve this week.

Day 5 | Logan Gibson

Today was our first day of work and VBS. We started out the morning by cleaning the park. It took all 31 of us around an hour to pick up all the trash. Boy did we find some interesting things! After cleaning the park, we had around a dozen kiddos come for VBS. It took them a while to warm up to us, but we had a great morning! They all were so diligent making their crafts and were really attentive during the lesson and songs. We played duck, duck, goose for our game and everyone enjoyed it. It was amazing to see their faces light up when someone chose them! Hopefully we will have more kids tomorrow morning! After we finished VBS, we went to the church to move rocks. It reminded me of hauling buckets of concrete in Haiti except much lighter! Bill came back from another worksite and had Logan M., Tess, and me go to a house to paint. I spent most of the afternoon on the roof rolling and trimming. I had a blast working along side Jarren and Preston who I hadn't gotten to spend much time with on the journey here. Thanks everyone at home who are praying for us. I think we are all ready to continue our jobs tomorrow!

Day 4 | Logan Gibson

We arrived late yesterday evening to the camp and it is just how I remember it! After we got everything unloaded from the vans, we were able to take showers. The showers were icy and it was a riot hearing everyone yell when they turned the water on! I tried not to complain though because a cold shower was better than no shower at all. This morning we were able to join the Spirit of Life church for service. It was amazing to hear Kenny lead worship and bring a message about disobedience. Everyone at the church was friendly and excited to see us. After church, a few of us went to Walmart in Billings. Mickey and I were expert bargain shoppers and got away with a four full carts of food and drinks for $501. I was on meal prep this evening so I was right at home in the kitchen. We had burgers, mac and cheese, and watermelon and it was awesome. Tonight we had bible study and prepped for VBS tomorrow. I can’t wait to see all the kiddos :)

Day 14 | Logan Gibson

I was very thankful to get some extra rest this morning, but sad that this is my final blog and last day in Haiti. Our day started out this morning with the house dedication ceremony. I remember the dedication ceremony for the house we built in Mexico almost 11 years ago, but that did not compare to the service today. We began the ceremony by singing praise songs with the workers and the family of the house. Then, a small group of Haitian men sang a couple of songs in Creole. It was beautiful to see everyone worshiping and celebrating together! Bill spoke for our group, and then, both the father and mother of the family we built the house for thanked us for blessing them this week. I have been on several mission trips in the past, but none compare to this one. Never before have I seen people work so hard alongside us and be so grateful for our work. That was a true blessing this week! One of the best moments of the trip also came for me at the house dedication ceremony today. The father of the family wanted to thank us for our work, so he created certificates for every single person in our group, printed them, and put them in individual manila folders. I can only imagine how much money he spent making them, but he wanted to thank us for our work. I can’t wait to frame mine when I get home as a daily reminder of this trip. This afternoon, we were able to do some shopping at the Mission which was fun! This evening we had our final group worship service, and it was awesome to hear how each person’s life had been changed during our trip. I am so truly thankful for the opportunity to serve this week and cannot wait to be home to share about the week. Thanks again to everyone who has been leaving us comments. Continue to pray for us as we travel home tomorrow! Love you all and can’t wait to see everyone!

Day 13 | Logan Gibson

Thanks Mom and Dad for your comments on our blogs. As I mentioned before, Eric reads them aloud to our group every night, and we all appreciate hearing from you back home. Maybe when we come back in two years, you both can come with me! Today was our last day of work, and it was definitely the hardest day for me so far. When we first arrived at the church this morning, Shannon and I were assigned to paint….on a very tall, scary ladder. We took turns painting and holding the ladder because it was so hot and hard to stand on the tiny rungs. Our group also had to finish pouring concrete inside the church today; so, after painting, we made yet another bucket brigade and passed buckets of concrete for a couple of hours. My biceps and forearms are going to be feeling it tomorrow for sure! Today was our last day of VBS, and it was another amazing time with all the kids. We made tote bags with the kids handprints, and they all absolutely loved it! Almost every child laughed as we painted their hands because it tickled. I am pretty sure that some of them may have never seen paint before because they just kept staring at the paint on their hands. Karen, we sure have missed you this week! Thank you SO MUCH for all the time you spent helping us get the crafts ready to bring. FIVE more kids accepted Christ which was yet again amazing to watch. I am so thankful that I was able to be at VBS everyday this trip. I wouldn’t trade my time with the kids for anything!! After VBS, Lloyd taught me how to stucco. It took me a few minutes to catch on, but he said that I was doing a good job…better than some other people he tried to teach, not mentioning any names, Tyler! :) Even though I couldn’t talk to the older man who was working with me, he would just point and show me where I needed to add mud. He took so much care to ensure that the wall was as close to perfect as it could be. It has made me consider how often I just do what is required or what is good enough to get by instead of giving my best. This is just one of the many lessons that God has been teaching me this week. Today was also a great day because I was able to give a Bible to Vilcient who had asked me for one on our first day. He has been learning English for the past year, and I know he will take care of it and use it every day. Tonight, Logan and Kenton played and sang worship songs for our group. It was great to just relax and worship with everyone here. Tomorrow morning we are going to the house dedication, to barter, and pack to go home. It is hard to believe that our week is over. I know that I am going to miss Haiti, especially the people, but I am thankful for the time I have been able to spend here. It has truly been a life changing experience. Thanks again for all the prayers from home. We have been blessed with great weather all week, everyone has stayed healthy, and we were able to finish our jobs. PTL! I have bathed, braided, and blogged, so I think it is time to sleep! Love and miss you Mom, Dad, Libby, Laura, Bethany, and Tiera! See you soon! Logan

Day 12 | Logan Gibson

We were back to work today at the church. Of course, my first job of the day was sifting! Lori and I sifted until VBS. We came up with a few really great sifting songs which I hope make the video! Johnny, one of our translators, led our lesson and songs for VBS. He did an amazing job and kept all the children’s attention the entire time with his enthusiasm. Part of the lesson involved the children reciting the daily memory verse. Today’s verse was printed on 5 separate sheets. Johnny started by having the children read the verse from the sheets, and then he removed one sheet at a time until they were reciting the entire verse from memory. It was amazing that after only reading it a couple times almost all the kids had memorized the entire verse…and had so much joy and excitement while doing it! Lori and I ran crafts today, and the kids made doorknockers which said that Jesus loves them. After each child finished his/her craft, we went around and said Jesus loves and said their name which the kids all enjoyed. At the end of VBS, Johnny closed out by reviewing the lesson and giving an invitation. Four young boys stayed after to pray. It was so beautiful watching Johnny lead them to Christ. I bet you will never believe who was crying! To make it an even more amazing day, another boy came up a few minutes later and also accepted Christ! PTL! During the afternoon, we started painting the outside of the church. We painted the rocks white and the rest of it a peach color. Almost every child at VBS painted with us which was such a blessing! I wasn’t sure about the color choice at first, but when we were pulling out to head home, it looked so beautiful! Even though we have all complained at some point about the long ride to the church, it is probably one of my favorite times of the day now. When kids hear our truck coming, they all come to the road, wave, and smile which makes us smile of course! ☺ Tonight we had rice for dinner which I loved! I also had a Sprite. It tasted really good, but I cannot wait to get a Diet Coke when we get back to the states! Tomorrow is our last day of work and last day of VBS. Please pray that we all stay healthy, are able to complete all of our jobs, and that we have a great turn out for VBS! Can’t wait to see everyone in a couple of days! Love ya Mom, Dad, Libby, Laura, Tiera, and Bethany! And, everyone loves all your comments Mom. Thanks for taking time to read all our blogs and write to us!! Logan

Day 11 | Logan Gibson

After two days of hard work, it was great to have the day off! We were able to sleep in until 7 AM this morning which was amazing. Our whole group and the BHM staff went to service at Thomassin Conservative Baptist Church. I thought that we would probably not be able to understand anything during the service, but there was another mission group from Texas who also attended. The pastor from their group gave the message in English, and then the pastor of the church translated it for everyone else. My favorite part of the whole service was when a young boy, around 10 years old, sang This Little Light of Mine in English and in French Creole. He had such a beautiful voice and you could tell that he had been practicing his English to sing it for everyone. Lori and I both cried of course during the whole song! It was truly a blessing. After service, we came back to the compound, had lunch, and prepared for our hike. Colton, our BHM team leader, Johnny, one of our translators, and Fito his brother, led our hike. It started off pretty easy and we went downhill on a steep incline for about a mile. Next came the tough parts. We had to climb several steep rocky cliffs and waterfalls. We were all thankful for Colton, Johnny, and Fito. If we didn’t have them to help us, several of us would not have made it to the top. The path we took was beautiful, and we got to experience even more of the countryside! I love it here :) We were able to make it to four waterfalls, and at the last one, we all got wet and took some pictures. The climb back down the mountain wasn’t too bad until we had to go back up the mile long steep incline. Our group had to make several stops on the way up. I just kept thinking to myself that I do not know how the people here climb it everyday with heavy loads of water and supplies. I was very thankful when we finally made it to the top that I have been working out for the past 6 months, because I would not have made it otherwise! I only added a couple cuts and bruises during the hike, so that was a bonus! Following our group dinner, we had a service outside. Logan led several songs for our group, and it was amazing to get to worship with everyone. After worship, we were able to Skype with everyone at home. It was nice to see some familiar faces and know that everyone is praying for us! Tonight Lloyd made us popcorn on the stove, and it made me think of home! I braided lots of hair in the past of hour and am ready for bed. Continue to pray for BHM, our group, and for VBS the next two days! Hi Mom, Dad, Libby, Tiera, Bethany, and Laura! Miss and love ya lots! Can’t wait to see you in a few days :) Eric just read our comments from yesterday for the group. Thanks Mom for writing me! Melissa: I hope you and Jaylei enjoyed the rest of your trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it when I get home! Logan

Day 10 | Logan Gibson

Because I am in charge of crafts for VBS this week, I was at the church site again today. We all enjoyed the 2 hour ride in the dump truck which you all were able to experience on our video yesterday. I think I only acquired a few more bruises thankfully! My first couple of hours at the church I sifted sand….again. Today was concrete day, so we spent the rest of our work hours handing off buckets of concrete to the crew inside the church. My arms are feeling pretty rough tonight! If this had emojis, I would be using a few to show you how my arms are feeling! Today was also our first day of VBS! We had between 50-60 kids attend, and they all smiled the entire time. Bronlynn and I ran crafts for all the groups which was awesome. The craft for today was children bloom when they are loved. The kids hung their crafts around their necks after they finished and were so excited to take them home. After VBS we were back to handing off buckets of concrete for the rest of the day. During one of my breaks, the boy I met yesterday, Vilcient, came back to see us and we were able to talk again. We talked more about his family and hopes for his future. He told me that he is the oldest of his 5 siblings and wants to be a translator one day. He told me that he also wants to attend a university in America and has been saving for several years because his family cannot afford to send him to school. He also told me that he wants to study agriculture so he can help his family and others here be able to make the most of the their land. Vilcient said that he is a Christian and just loves reading about Jesus which is why he wants an English Bible. He will be back to see us next week and I can’t wait to talk to him more! Tonight for dinner we had freedom or squash soup. Mom, you would be proud of me for eating lots of vegetables that I usually don’t eat (e.g., cabbage!). :) After dinner you will never believe what I did…braided hair!!! I don’t get to do it very often since I live by myself, so I am enjoying being able to do it everyday! We lost power a few minutes ago, so I am going to try and brush my teeth and get ready for bed in the dark. Tomorrow we are going to church at 9 AM and then on a hike. I can’t wait to see the waterfalls! It has been a long two days, so I am ready for some rest! Thank you everyone for all your love and prayers! We appreciate it! Love ya Mom, Dad, Libby, Laura, Tiera, and Bethany! Can’t wait to see you all next week! Eric just read me your comment from yesterday, Mom! Glad you are able to watch the videos and see what we are up to while I’m here!

Day 9 | Logan Gibson

I would like to start this blog off by saying thank you to my mother for commenting and sending her love to EVERYONE ELSE on the trip. Thinking of you too lol (and no that does not mean lots of love)…only kidding :) Today started off early. I got up at 5:30 AM and braided lots of hair. I think I may be eligible for a world record of number of braids done in a week by the end of the trip! After breakfast, we took our 2 hour ride to the church. All I can say is, Jesus was watching over us! I now have bruises down my entire left side. It was a rough ride to say the least, and the videos last week did not do it justice. At the church, I basically did one job all day: sand sifting. Even though I can’t do Barre Code while I’m here, I definitely got a full-body workout in today! My biceps are going to be looking great by the end of the week! During our short breaks, we were able to play with the kids. They loved singing songs with us and having us swing them around in circles again and again. My back is going to be feeling all the sifting and swinging tomorrow! The hardest part of my day was during a conversation with a local teenage boy. He told me that he has been learning English for the last year and that he would love to have an English Bible to read. We are not allowed to give them anything, so I had to tell him no. However, one may be accidentally left behind one day, and in that case, he could keep it :) All the youth I worked with did an amazing job today (Hollis, Allie, Emily, Nic, Hannah, and Riley—your parents should be super proud of you all!), and all I can say is that I am so blessed to be here this week. This evening, we prepped all the snacks and crafts for VBS tomorrow. I cannot wait to see all the kids! Sending lots of love to everyone at home (Mom, Dad, Libby, Laura, Tiera, and Bethany). Keep us in your prayers! Love ya! Logan

Day 8 | Logan Gibson

Hi Mom, Dad, Laura, Tiera, and Bethany! I miss you all and can’t wait to see you in a week! As you can tell, we made it safely to Haiti! I started a countdown for this trip over 7 months ago and I am so excited that it has finally arrived! The last two days of travel have been long, but we were blessed with great weather and smooth flights today into Haiti. During our two hour drive to the compound, I just kept thinking of how much it reminded me of our trips to Tecate, Mexico. Mom, you would not have enjoyed the ride up the mountain, but I think you would have a better appreciation for my driving if you were here ☺ We were able to meet all the BHM staff today and I am looking forward to working with everyone this week. We had a fantastic dinner tonight, and I think we will definitely all be well fed this week. After dinner, we discussed our VBS lessons, crafts, and games which I know are going to be amazing! Tomorrow, I am on the church crew and will be making the one hour and 45 minute trek up the mountain in the dump truck. CAN’T WAIT! I have braided a lot of hair over the past two days and am foreseeing that I will be doing many more braids over the next week. Our day is starting very early tomorrow, so I am going to shower and get some rest! Love you all! Continue to keep us all in your prayers!

First Evening on the Reservation

Hi!

Yesterday evening was awesome. When we arrived, everyone split up into cabins and got settled in. Then, we all walked to the park and played with the kids there. I threw the frisbee with Julia, Malachi, and Nina. They talked a lot and told me so much about families and were very excited for "kids club" (VBS) which we will begin on Monday. After we came back from the park, the group from Michigan had arrived and I got to meet and talk with them about their flights. Kim, one of their leaders, and I were able to meet after several weeks of talking on the phone with one another about VBS and other things. It was great to finally put a face with her voice. At 9 pm our time (11 pm at home), everyone gathered for a praise and worship session. Travis lead the music and it was awesome to just sing and have a amazing time of fellowship with all of our group members and the Michigan group. I am so excited for what God has in store for the rest of our time here. Thank you so much for all your prayers!! Love and God Bless.


Logan <3

Crow Agency At Last!

Hello everyone!!

It is 4:34 local time and we have finally made it to the Crow Agency. We traveled 467 miles today. Thank you all for your many prayers and comments. It is awesome to know that everyone is keeping in touch and thinking about us back home. Please continue to remember us as we start our mission tomorrow. Tonight we will meet up with the other mission group from Michigan and are excited to make new friends. We love you all!!

Hi from Iowa!!

Marsha, Allison, April and I are having a girls slumber party here at the hotel in Davenport, Iowa. 12 hours, 709 miles later we have made it this far. Thank goodness too, because we could not have spent much more time in the vans.

Allison says she is having a blast so far.

Bur-nard, we miss you! Pray for us please. Love, Marsha

Dad, Mom and I miss you a lot and we will keep in touch during the upcoming weeks. Love, Logan and Brenda

We will blog again tomorrow!!