Day 8 | Lori Dittman

I was in complete awe of the beauty of Yellowstone! I think I may have taken 300 plus pictures! Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, you will have to make the trip! Our van would get a bit excited and exclaim rather loudly when we saw an animal or if we thought we saw an animal! I felt like a kid sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what wonderful sight I would see around each turn. I was never disappointed! The trip was long…really long, but so worth it! We finished the job painting the house! Again I am so thankful to work with a crew that sings worship songs and other creatively written songs about painting. One funny thing that happened after we finished painting, Preston and I decided to get a toy that was stuck in a tree for one of the kids. After a few failed attempts, Preston finally got it down! I told Colleen that she has spoiled us with her watermelon, popsicles, and she insisted that we take something from her Mary Kay bag. We go to be a blessing to someone, but we receive a blessing! Love to you all and as always thank you for praying for us!

Day 6 | Lori Dittman

Day two of painting and a second great work day! We just about finished! One side and one widow left to trim. Today all the work that had to be done required a ladder. We had a 30 foot ladder, and I am so thankful we had a safe day! This crew is wonderful and will work in the heat without complaint! They will wash brushes, trim, climb, paint, and hold a ladder. They are a joy to work with. Our homeowner is so sweet she gave us fresh watermelon at the end of both very hot days! At night we have bible study after dinner and it has been a wonderful time of sharing! I enjoy so much how God draws a group of individuals closer together as we serve. I am looking forward to visiting Yellowstone and finishing the house. Love to you all. Prayers much appreciated.

Day 5 | Lori Dittman

Today was a great day! I started the day picking up trash in the park with our entire crew. It was good to see the park clean for the kids and we had a fun time doing it! At the church we moved rocks…a lot of rock, but once again this crew makes a task enjoyable. I was pulled off the “rock quarry” to go paint for a very nice lady, Colleen. We were short on ladders so we painted what could be reached, and improvised to reach other places. Colleen and her three sweet grandsons also helped us paint. She asked us what where we were going next. I told her we were going back to West Virginia and start some projects. Colleen shared one of her dreams is to build small houses for people. One of the things I am blessed by on mission trips is the opportunities to talk with people that I meet and those that are on this trip with me. To hear their stories and to have time to listen is a blessing. My painting crew was fantastic. It was a hot day! I don't know the temperature, but sometimes the paint would begin drying on the brushes. We are getting taller ladders tomorrow and should finish. Miss you. Thank you for your continued prayers! Love to all. I am very thankful!

Day 4 | Lori Dittman

Today we went to church, and had communion. Kenny Pretty On Top recognized Bill for his service and friendship over the years. Their church and the people are beautiful and make you feel welcomed. After church we journeyed to Yellow Tail Recreation Park and some went swimming. I am in awe of the scenery. I have taken so many pictures and they will not be able to show the beauty that surrounds us. I am looking forward to the work and VBS. I miss you and love to all. Please continue to pray for us.

Day 1 | Lori Dittman

Day one of our mission trip journey is just about complete. Sitting in the comfort of the hotel room I can’t believe how fast the day went by. It helps when you nap on and off during those 13 hours. I am so thankful for our safety we have had so far and for the sights we have have seen. I enjoyed our Bible Study time together listening to everyone share about their favorite study day so far. Thank you for your prayers. Love to you all!

Day 14 | Lori Dittman

This has been an amazing day! I am so thankful for this opportunity. At the house dedication the owners of the home gave us all a certificate which read “it is better to give than receive.” I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the family I Hannah and I got to see our sponsored child today. He has grown and is doing well. Our translator was a big help today as we talked with him and his sister. My heart melted when I watched Hannah play with him. The Haitians have to pay for their education, they value it so much. I saw the park today full of children.. Right now he is the only one in his family that is receiving sponsorship. I hope I can always hold the memories made . I pray that we will continue to live on mission when we return home. Thank you again for your prayers. Love to all.

Day 13 | Lori Dittman

Five more kids at VBS gave their lives to Christ!!! Praise God! Today was the last day at the house and it is complete. The family we have been working for have such sweet spirits. When the wife, Cherry, came today, she said to me, “Look at my beautiful home.” I agreed. It is beautiful!! I can’t wait till they move in. She also insisted on helping, so she sifted sand with us. Cherry also said that when we come back she wants to be a part of our team. What a blessing! I added stucco to my skill set, well maybe it should go under the heading of things I have tried. Our translator, Robinson shared his Jesus story with us. What a powerful young man! Sitting and talking with him is like reading scripture. He has such an easy and comfortable way of sharing the word. I really enjoyed hearing his story and sharing about our different cultures. During bible study several people mentioned that they did not want to leave. This place and the people are special, and I along with others will miss the new friends we have made, but I think we will also miss the togetherness, the oneness, the purposefulness, and the mission. Bill said tonight in bible study that for one week we are not distracted. I think what we experienced is what the early church experienced. For one week “we devoted ourselves to the apostle teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” Even now as I listen to Logan play guitar and a large part of the room sing praise songs even while they may be braiding hair or playing cards, I am reminded of the scripture that tells us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching, and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in our hearts to God.” We need more of this in our lives! Again thank you for sharing this experience through reading the blogs, watching the videos and sharing your encouraging comments. Pray that the ones that gave their lives to the Lord will get discipled and grown in Christ. Tomorrow will be a busy day with the house dedication, meeting our sponsored child, and the “bartering” outing. Thank you again for your prayers. Love to you all.

Day 12 | Lori Dittman

Today was AWESOME!! I was at the church today, and we started the day sifting sand and painting the outside of the church. The kids were so eager to help that if you put down a sifting pan or paint brush, one of them would swoop in and grab it. I helped in crafts with Logan Gibson. Johnny had to translate for us. The kids made hangers that said Jezi loves and then they added their name with foam stickers and a cross. One little boy added his mom’s name to his. After they finished I would read their hanger. Often they would help me with the pronunciation of their name. I loved seeing how their faces would break into a smile when they heard it. Karen Tolley, thank you so much for the VBS crafts. The kids seemed to like them so much! Everyone came back together for the closing. After the closing I witnessed four little boys go up and talk to Johnny about salvation. “Let the Little children come to me.” I could not understand the words Johnny was saying but I knew I was observing God’s calling. As you can imagine, I was moved to tears. We found out later there was another child that accepted Christ. Praise the Lord!! After VBS we returned to sifting sand. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my singing that you may or may not be exposed. The day was scorching and the heat got to me. Thank you so much family and friends for you comments. We get much enjoyment from them. Tomorrow is our last hard day and the final day of VBS. Please pray that we will finish our tasks, bless the families, and that more children will come to know Jesus. Love to all!

Day 11 | Lori Dittman

As you have read, today was a much needed rest day. See Shannon’s blog for some great details. I did not go on the hike, but enjoyed a nap and washed some clothes by hand which was strangely relaxing. I get a special blessing from watching our group work together, play with the Haitian children, and interact with each other. I have known most of the youth since they were born and others for several years. Seeing them work hard and serve God has been wonderful and fills my heart with affection. To be able to share this with my daughter is beyond expression. The pastor this morning preached from Philippians 1 today. Part of what makes this week special is that we are in “one mind and one spirit striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. “ If only we can keep this mindset. Tomorrow I am back to the church for concrete work and VBS. Please pray that we will see children and even adults that will give their hearts to Christ. Debbie, I enjoyed hearing from you and your other posts, and I am happy to hear that the Galilean Girls will be visiting you tomorrow. I will miss being with them, but I think I might be getting to do some painting at the church. Nana and Ronna, so glad to hear you are having a grand time on the Pacific! Love you! Mary, you would love the kids here, and I am sure you would want to take a few home! Thank you for your prayers! Love to all!!

Day 10 | Lori Dittman

This morning started with a wonderful worship service down by the playground. Mickey shared the Word and did a beautiful job. Hannah, Nic, Riley and Hollis led the worship music with “Amazing Grace”. I could not really sing…just cry. Our translator for the day was Robinson. He is a very nice young man full spirit. During our down time at lunch today. He wanted us to share Jesus and bible verses. It was wonderful! He would point at each of us and ask for a scripture and then he and his friend shared one. Our small crew (Mickey, Marcy, Vicki, Hannah, Hollis, Nic, Riley, and John) went to the house. We carried blocks, SIFTED SAND, sang about sifting, finished the walls, cleaned the floor with a trowel and shovel, and poured columns in the blazing sun. We got to meet the sweet family that we are serving today. Some of the workers thought I looked Haitian… at first I thought they said Asian. I was a little confused, but then they explained that sometimes some Haitians that spend time in the United States for a while look kind of yellow. I just laughed and so did they. I am looking forward to the church service tomorrow and some rest. Don't know if I will hike this time. We enjoy hearing from you all! Thank you again for your prayers. Love to you!

Day 9 | Lori Dittman

First I would like to give a shout out to “common sense.” I enjoyed hearing from you, and I love you. You and your crew be safe and have a great time. I am looking forward to swapping stories face to face. Today was a thrilling day that started with the “Ride” to the church. Years of riding on the farm with Will and a certain outing with Grandpa Kenton helped prepare me a little for the ride. Just imagine the road to the airport washed out and miles of switch back roads. “Don’t look down!” “Don’t look down,” was uttered several times. The mountains are breathtaking and there are so many things to see that it impossible to see them all. We saw houses alternating from shanty like buildings to grand homes. One that is being built has five stories. Other sights included many farm animals: goats (much to Hannah’s excitement), horses, cattle, chicken, turkeys, sheep, and chickens. We got about 20 yards from the top and spun out in the soft dirt, but we made it there and back! Thank you to our driver, Willie, and most importantly God for the safety. Our jobs at the church included breaking up concrete, sifting sand, and tying rebar. Basically we were prepping the old floor for a new concrete floor. Hannah and Allie got things started with swinging of sledge hammers, but when Mickey and Lloyd took over the project really progressed. We formed a bucket brigade line to move materials and even the young children that were there jumped in to help even though some had to weigh not more than the sand that was being passed. We all had opportunities to play with the kids and they were a delight! I am sure you will learn stories. I have learned a few more Creole phrases. The day was great! Tomorrow I will be working at the house. Thank you again for your prayers. Love to my family, friends, and church family!

Day 8 | Lori Dittman

I was not prepared for the surge of emotion that I would feel seeing the completed playground. It is beautiful and exudes joy. It is strange to return to a place and feel the comfort that you feel when you haven't seen cousins in a while. Seeing Judy, Roger, and Mary Lou was like a reunion. We had a brief bible school training this evening. I am looking forward to the actual bible school. It is hard to believe that so many children come that they have to be turned away. The scripture focus of the VBS will be out of the book of Daniel. Tomorrow I will be going to the church to work. I am excited and nervous thinking about the ride of the mountain. So thankful for the safe travel and the opportunity to be here. Thank you church family for your prayers and support. I love and miss you, Will!

Day 7 | Lori

Today was beyond anything that could be expressed in words, but I will try. Several of the youth have made a commitment to sponsor a child, and Hannah and I got to meet Dawnesky. He is four and adorable. The experience was overwhelming. This week has been incredible; not only did we create the foundation of a wonderful playground but we got to share our lives with beautiful people. I find it amazing how my heart has grown not only closer to God’s but the people that I have shared this experience with. We have had so much fun and have laughed and laughed! It is sad to go, but I am looking forward to seeing my family. My heart overflows! I praise God!

Day 6 | Lori

This has been an incredible and unforgettable week! Today we went to the market. I promise never to complain about going to Krogers again! To get to the market we rode in the back of a small dump truck with rails on the outside and middle of the bed. We stood in the back and clung to the rails. One thing I can say about drivers in Haiti, they are not reserved about using the horn. Aunt Ronnie you would fit in fine! Each night Eric reads the replies to our posts and it is such a fun time hearing from all of you! Love and miss you!

Day 4 | Lori

It has been an amazing few days! The Haitian people are welcoming and friendly. Noah’s ark is coming together. Adults and kids have been stopping by to see what it is we are doing. I met a young man yesterday. I asked him if he spoke English, when he said he did, I jumped across a pile of lumber to talk with him. We only spoke for a short time, but he asked me what I loved. I told him I loved God and my family and I shared with him about the playground. He wanted to know if we would be there Monday. I told him we would be. I asked him if he wanted to me some of the youth, he laughed, and said, “They’re crazy.” I laughed and said, “Yes!” The worship service was beautiful. Music in any language speaks to the heart especially when you know the message of the song. Even though we have worked and played hard (yes I went on the hike) I have been blessed every day. God is wonderful! Special thanks to Russell, Tyler, Logan, Johnny, and Lloyd for helping me on the hike. They made great coaches and at times a hand to hold on to. It was an adventure I will never forget! Happy Fathers’ Day. Thank you for your continuing prayers and support. Much love.

Day 1 | Lori

First I would like to dispel the vicious rumor that Vicki and I jacked chocolate chip cookies and pepperoni rolls from Bill’s truck. Bronlynn made those for US and I appreciate it very much! If we are guilty of anything, it is only the encouragement of sharing! "I wish to refute this horrendous attempt at self justification. I was among the victims of the welfare state that these women brought to our van. They repeatedly took our food other goods, while bringing forth no provisions of their own. I do not wish to speak in a deprecating fashion of these fine women, but the truth must be heard. This welfare state must end." -written by Russell For those of you who know me…Yes, I have cried already. It was hard to say good bye to family this morning. The prayer our pilot prayed this morning before taking off was powerful. I was shocked to see the hoards of people at the airport and thankful that Mickey looks like a body guard! I am very thankful for the safe trip and the blessings we have experience so far. Thank you all for your prayers. Much love!