Day 14 | Marcy Skeens

I can’t believe our time here has come to an end. This morning we all attended the house dedication. It was a very moving experience as the home owner gave each of us a certificate of appreciation. I’m not sure how he was able to do this, but we all began to tear up and cry as he passed them out. Afterwards, many of the youth were able to meet the child they are sponsoring. Unfortunately, our little girl did not come today. Riley was so disappointed as were we. She was so hoping to meet and spend time with her. I pray she is safe, and that she will receive the mail we send and that she will grow and prosper. Lord willing we can return in two years to meet her. Afterwards, we went to Mountain Maid, a restaurant, then to try our hand at bartering. Logan M. thought I was going to give in to the price, but I stayed firm. I must say the bartering wasn’t difficult, however, just saying no all the time and not being able to purchase something from each vendor was difficult. Much has been revealed during my time in Haiti. I realize that I haven’t made God the priority he needs to be, and major changes must be made at home. If I constantly stay in my comfort zone then what good am I to God or others? None. Those, in Haiti, that know God hold to His word because His promises are all they have. Then why don’t I do the same? Self-centeredness. The opportunity to serve is everywhere and no act is too small. So as I return, I pray that I will not return to my old ways, but let God lead and direct my path. I am thankful he gives us more chances than we deserve. I love you Faith and can’t wait to get home to you! Please pray for safe travel. The journey home will be long but seeing our families will be well worth it. Love to everyone!

Day 13 | Marcy Skeens

As many have mentioned, today was the last day of work. I did get to try my hand at putting mud on the foundation between the rocks. Needless to say, no one has asked me to stay and work for them. My skills may be less than desirable, but Benjamin, a translator, who also helps the construction crew as well, never complained. He simply went behind us and smoothed it out. The mother came again today to help, and Riley and I held the baby for quite some time. Since there wasn’t a lot to do this afternoon, we were able to sit and talk with Robinson our translator. It is a fabulous first hand experience learning about someone’s culture and hearing his testimony of how he came to know Jesus. I pray the Lord brings me back to Haiti again someday. I have realized how much I take God’s word for granted and how much I need to study His word. They quote scriptures and hold them dearly in their hearts. I will remember my time here fondly, but miss Faith terribly and will be glad to have our family back together again. Please pray for the house dedication tomorrow and the opportunity to meet our sponsor child. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon! Love you all!

Day 12 | Marcy Skeens

Today we were at the church. The guys were working on the final coat of the flooring, others sifted sand – again, painting on the outside of the church began and today was my first time experiencing vbs with the kids. The children here absolutely melt your heart! While we are riding in the dump truck to the church, and back, they line up along the road to wave at us. They are so excited! At the church while we were painting the people in the community jumped right in to help! The amount of effort it takes to survive a day here is sometimes impossible for me to grasp. The need for water, and lack of it right now, is crucial and a luxury that I have taken for granted. Gardens are literally on the side of a mountain. I couldn’t do in a week what they accomplish in one day. Looking forward to what tomorrow holds, and am thankful for God’s blessings. Thanks for your love and prayers. Love you Faith!

Day 11 | Marcy Skeens

Today was a relaxing and enjoyable day! The weather was beautiful - not too hot, pleasant breeze, and children playing happily on Noah’s Ark. I even had a chance to kick a soccer ball to a few children. I won’t be joining a soccer team anytime soon, though. The best part was watching Riley play and talk with the children. She was so happy and I am sure she will remember this day forever! Looking forward to vbs tomorrow and what the day will bring. Praying that I am a help not a hindrance and God will be glorified. Love you Faith! Mommy misses you! Love to all!

Day 10 | Marcy Skeens

I am usually not at a loss for words, but I find it somewhat difficult to put into words this amazing experience. I must say I did not prepare myself enough for the heat and work but take full responsibility as I was given proper warning. Mickey has told me much about his time in Haiti, but as I said before you have to be here to truly understand. Since I spend most of my time with five year olds, I am amazed how well behaved the children are. In the US you won’t see a child traveling a path down a hill to wash dishes and carry water on their heads back up to their home. Nor would you see a child carrying 40-50 pounds of produce either, but here it is common. And guess what—no whining or complaining! How spoiled and selfish we are!! We were able to meet the family that we are building the house for. The father is a teacher and we were able to talk with the mother who spoke English. She shared her desire to find a job and provide for her children so she could keep them. What a heart wrenching thought as a mom to be scared that you may lose your children. When asked about her family and where they are she looked at her two children, one four months old, and said this is my family since her mother had abandoned her at the age of four. She thanked us for the work we were doing and I felt ashamed that I hadn’t been more productive. To leave here and not be changed is impossible! Please continue praying for us and our families while we are away. I love you Faith! Can’t wait to watch a movie, eat popcorn and snuggle with you! Thanks again to our family for taking care of Faith. Love to all!

Day 9 | Marcy Skeens

Videos and pictures do not do Haiti justice! So beautiful, but a tough countryside. Didn’t ride in the truck on the way to the church, but did on the way back. What an experience to say the least! That truck went in places I never dreamed possible! We worked at the church today and one of the Haitian workers looked at me and said I need you to help me. He wanted me to help take a 2 by 4 and work with him to level the floor. I looked around thinking surely he doesn’t mean me, because I am one of the most uncoordinated women alive! I figured I would try and either do a decent job or be fired from the task. Much to my surprise – I did it! With a lot of instruction, but I did it! We had time to interact with the children today. They are beautiful, lively, helpful, and very intelligent. One little girl, Linda, reminded me of Faith! She was older than her, but the personalities were similar! Riley had time to play with the children as well and it was so sweet to watch her with them. Such a precious sight! I am so very proud of her! Pray for Saturday as we will be at the house site and I hear it is hot, hot, hot!

Day 8 | Marcy Skeens

It is hard to believe that this morning I was in Florida and now Haiti. I must admit that the month prior to leaving I was nervous, scared, and rethinking the whole experience. It has been an adventure to say the least and far more out of my comfort zone than I have experienced in a very long time. But then again God doesn’t want us to stay there. Thankful for safety and that Mick, Riley, and I get to experience this together. Town is congested but then you look out at the mountainside and it is amazing! God truly is awesome! Looking forward to playing with the children and seeing them play on “The Ark.” I have seen pictures and heard Mickey describe it, but it’s nice to see it in person. I miss you Faith and love you bunches! Thank you Mom, Herbie, and Charlotte for taking such good care of her while we are away! Praying that God can use this out of shape body tomorrow, that I’ll be a blessing -not a hindrance, and that I survive so Mick doesn’t have to roll me over the hill to die! Love to all!

Day #9

Bronlynn and I have decided to quit our teaching jobs and start a painting business. We have a new calling as professional painters. Not really! I originally was going to put I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. Send help! However, someone came along and had pity on me.
All kidding aside it has been an amazing week. Bill was right when he said it would go quickly. We have seen many amazing sights and met wonderful people. God is amazing! To look at this country and see what he has created is breathtaking! I can’t put into words how much this trip has meant to me. Saying thank you to God just doesn’t seem enough. But I praise his Holy Name.
I love you, Riley! We’ll be home soon. Thanks again to our family and friends who have watched over her and allowed us to be on this trip knowing that she is in good hands. We love you!

Day 6

Hi, Riley! Momma loves you! I am so blessed to be your mom. Daddy says hello, too!
I amazed by God’s grace and love. What a blessing this trip has already been. Mickey has gone on many mission trips and I must admit that I have been jealous by the change in him and the experiences he has had. I couldn’t relate. I thank God for the opportunity to be here and serve beside of my husband. Getting to know the youth of our church has been another highlight. They are awesome! Please, continue to pray for us, we will have a lot of stories to tell. God bless!
-Marcy

Sunday - Training Day

What an amazing adventure so far. Tomorrow begins work day number one. We are all safe and sound and ready to begin working. It was a lot colder at night than I expected. Of course, Mickey said he was comfortable. Remind me not to take advice from him on the number of blankets I should pack. :> I am excited to see how many children come to VBS. I am reminded of how amazing God truly is. The landscapes he has created are nothing short of a masterpiece. I praise him for the privilege to be here and thank our family for taking such great care of Riley while we are gone. Continue to pray for us and love to all.