Where am I now …
Current location … Houghton College, Houghton, NY. Population 4 … wait I just saw a cow … population 5.
So I didn’t travel all the way to Houghton because of the masses of people. I am currently on staff at the Association of Christian Schools International’s Pre-Field Orientation for International Educators. Back in October I attended a recruiting fair at Wheaton College. The job fair was a chance for various international Christian schools to come to the college to recruit new teachers. I was there to seek participates for my research study I was conducting for my Master’s program. While I was there I ran into my first school director from Bucharest. This is amazing in the fact he lives in Australia and was serving in Manila, Philippines at the time. He recommended that I join the staff for this conference because of my experience in an international school. Needless to say I was honored to be invited, and thrilled to be here.
My primarily role is to work with five teachers who are preparing to leave for schools in Spain, Russia, Ecuador, Turkey, and Indonesia. We are going to talk through some issues about life and ministry overseas. I am excited to be a part of the sending of these young ladies.
That is where I am … where are you??
A little thankfulness
It is the little things you begin to appreciate more after walking in the Third World ...
... fresh air
... light switches
... flushing
... tap water
What have you given God praise for today?
Medical Clinic
Here is where I spent most of my time while in Haiti - indoors, under a fan, listening to a list of aliments. I was constantly reminded of all the convinces I have at my disposal. When I get a cold, I go the drugstore for cold medicine. When I have headache or toothache I reach for my tylenol. When I can't sleep in the heat I get fan, fresh water, or possibly turn on the air conditioning. I rarely worry if the little scratch I get will eventually become infected because I have a band-aide. However, for the Haitians who came to our clinic these were minor alinements that had major implications because of the basic lack of medicines and supplies.
One of our translators told me this, "Haitian people simply exist, they don't live. But when you and the doctor come they have a chance to live. Even if it is just for a little." WOW ... I still see the faces of many of those who stepped into my room. I pray that the antibiotics and pain meds offer healing and relief so that they might live to know who Jesus is.
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42
Mark 6:30-44 ~ Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."
But he answered, "You give them something to eat."
They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"
"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see."
When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."
Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Using what we have been given
It was hard to put into words what the five of us were thinking. We had been thinking it for weeks I am sure, but now it was a reality. The entire time we were preparing for the trip we knew the emphasis of the trip was medical, we also thought God was going to provide the medical staff … and He did just not in conventional ways. The June 2006 Haiti team consisted of six people, only one with any medical background (formally). The rest of us had at least been to a doctor a few times in our lives. There we were, knowing we had been called to Haiti at this time, but to do this … be “doctors.”
It was Saturday night and Doctor (an actual one) was reminded of the story of the feeding of the 5000. Five loaves and two fish were blessed and provided for a mass of people despite logical improbability and resources. The following Monday five “loaves” and the “two fishes” loaded themselves into the Pastors truck to make the journey to the medical clinic armed with a crash course in communicable diseases, basic pharmaceutical knowledge, and an expectation of watching God work in ways beyond our understanding.
He did.
Four days and 1400 patients later we all stood in wonder of what only God could do, and awed that we were a part of it.
Often when I share about my trips people respond with …
“I don’t have the time…”
“I don’t have the resources …”
“I can’t really make a difference …”
“I don’t have the skills …”
“I am not called to do that …”
I respect what they are saying and where they are in their faith walk. But I have to say that after being witness to the medical clinic I no longer have those excuses. My prayer is that you will be lead by our example to step out on faith and start passing out loaves and fishes … you will not be empty handed.
A God who answers prayer
The entire week we were in Haiti we saw God's faithfulness in responding to our (and your) prayers. Safety in travel, protection from disease, and a supernatural calm in the midst of diagnosing patients (more on that later). But perhaps the BIGGEST (and heaviest) answer was the safe and full arrival of the 11 crates that were shipped to Cap Haitian in early April. They met us there filled with the medical supplies and clothing donations needed to run the clinic. Each team member also transported about 100 pounds of medicine and toys in our checked baggage. All arrived with us with minimal "fees." One crate even contained an operating table that Doctor used to perform over 50 surgeries.
Thank you for your faithful prayers for the stuff that made the ministry possible.
Travel Day
The undecipherable chatter rose and fell in the warm room lolling me as a lullaby. We sat melting in the chairs of the "small airport" watching the Haitians around us move in a similar pattern. Everyone seemed to have a purpose or a job. One airline employee grabbed a bag off a cart that had been rolled into the room. Others wearing similar t-shirts descended on the cart each handling a different bag. An exchange of directions was given and all was in motion. All along the humming fans moved the warm air around the room. I was in Haiti.
The entire travel process is simply a chore or adventure - one must choose how to handle it. From early morning wake-up calls, to unreliable taxis - all worked together to get us to that point of sitting and waiting for the next plane. As we waited I am sure we all had questions swarming around our heads. Questions of what are task in Haiti was to be, and questions of whom we were working alongside. The June 2006 Haiti team consisted of 6 members. A doctor, a middle school student, a pharm rep, stay at home mom, an air force officer, and myself. Not exactly who you would imagine equipping a medical team, but yet there we sat sweating and smiling together. Looking back I can't help but think of another team that the Lord put together - a tax collector and some fishermen, all lead by a carpenter. Just look what they got done ...
Haitian Highlights
I have returned to the US after a week of watching God providing healing in Haiti. I will post some of my thoughts and highlights from the week shortly. In the meantime, here are some of the snap shots. The first are of the team working in the clinic and then there are many Haitian smiles! :) Thank you for your prayers. We were safe and healthy while in Cap Haitian.
Next stop - haiti
I am still recovering from jet lag but I think I am finally repacked and ready to go on my next adventure. I will be in Haiti June 10 to 17. We are leaving this morning for FL so we can catch an early morning flight to the island tomorrow. One of my team mates has complied some prayers requests and posted them on her blog:
http://ileftmyheartinhaiti.blogspot.com/
I will up date this blog once I return. Blessings!
Some early morning jet-legged thoughts
I began my day at 4:16 AM ... Jet lag is fun! I have returned to the US with little trouble.
Why did I take time to write and update you of my adventures in Romania. I didn't do it so that you can say how great I am. Nor, did I do it so that I could brag about what I did. But for you to see how easy it is to be the face of love to children all over the world. Becoming a "missionary" is as simple as putting one foot in front of another and simply doing ... Yes, my steps led me half way around the world to give hugs, kisses, high-fives, pushes on swings, baths, and love. Where will your steps lead you today ...
Romania Scrapbook
A fellow team mate also blogged while in Romania. Check out her blog at http://christleadsme.blogspot.com/.
Saying Good-Bye AGAIN
My last day in Romania was filled with meeting with old friends. The most rewarding experience was to be present for the graduation of Bucharest Christian Academy's Class of 2006. Most of the 8 member class were also in my 7th and 8th grade classes years ago. I was give the honor of providing the benediction at the ceremony. There really is not greater joy for a teacher than to see her students grow and achieve academically and spiritually.
Two year olds
Today was our last day of abandoned children ministry. We once again went to a baby hospital to help with baths and morning feedings. It is always a little heart breaking to walk into the room in the morning to the stench of sweat soaked babies and drenched diapers. But once the bath time process begins all in well, and the children are happy. We have lots of time to give hugs and rock.
It was a warm day in the room, and two-year old tempers were flying high! These two are like bothers who fight and play together all day long. Today was a typical two-year old day that included a few fights, time-outs, the giggles and new discoveries.
It was hard to leave them and the girls at the older orphanage. I wonder what the next day holds for them ... but I KNOW that their Father will be holding them.
A little site seeing
Sorry I haven't written in a few days. We have spent most of the last two days traveling in and out of Bucharest. Yesterday (Wednesday) we went to Sinia, home of the former Kings summer palace. It was a good day of bright sunshine, Romanian history, and fresh air. I got to translate for the other team members as they shopped after the Palace tour. I also negotiated my way into many bargains, which pleased me. :) Although I couldn't remember the Romanian word for square.
Amanda, Vicki, and Me acting like royalty (or the court jesters).
