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On Decemeber 6, 1492 Christopher Columbus first laid eyes on the pristine shores of the island of Hispanola. Lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees Haiti became known as "La Perle des Antilles" or "the Pearl of the Caribbean". What was once France's richest colony today has become one of the world's poorest nations, hindered by dictatorships, depleted natural resources, and overwhelming spiritual darkness.
by Belgian photographer, Alice Smeets
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(Here is a photo of Haitian who eats (and sells to others) mud cakes made from dirt, salt, and vegetable shortening. This is a regular meal for her.)
It is hard to believe in just 4 weeks I will be there to experience it for myself.
We will be visiting Haiti for 10 days towards the end of July. Dustin and I have been senior high youth leaders for the past two years at our church. Every other year, our church raises support for the kids to do a missions trip out of the country. This year, prior to the Earthquake back in January, we had the senior high kids get together and pray about where they felt the Lord wanted us to go. They wrote down a bunch of options on paper, Haiti being the last one on the list. When the kids were done, the group consensus was Haiti all the way. Months later we saw the devastating Earthquake as affirmation from the Lord that this was and still the right place where we are to go. Looks like the kids nailed it! Our goal was to raise $25,000. We reached $27,000. We took that as another message from the Lord as a reminder that He is faithful and that He is serious about this trip! So our tickets have been bought, our shots have been taken and our passports are ready! We will be staying at a YWAM base (Youth With A Mission), 50 miles from Port –au-Prince. We have about 19 kids and 8 leaders going. Your prayers would be so appreciated over the next month leading up to our departure! For safe travels, our health, eyes to be opened, lives to be saved, for us to be a reflection of the Lord's hands and feet and so that we have a deeper urgency and awareness of His Spirit as we are there!
And guess what we will be doing to help all week?
...building a home.
Ok God, laugh it up.
As much as both of our bodies ached at the sound of that, we know how important is to have a place to call home. We can see right away that we will be taught something of great value while we are there.
I never cease to be amazed at how our God works. What a special gift of time and love you are giving, and what a blessing you all will be. Please keep us updated on this journey.
Thank you for that good history lesson...and what promising start was overtaken by darkness and despair....such a lesson for my heart to keep focused on the source of Light and Truth, and Love! Praying for each of you as you get closer to this adventure. God is faithful!