returning 2day!

We are having our continental breakfast and heading to the airport for our 11am flight... we are so excited to see you all!

 

coming with loads of pictures and most of our heart (the other part is still in Haiti)

 

needing lotsa hugs!

jake for the team

Departing for Port au Prince in 1 Hour

Thank you for all your comments and prayers - please keep us in your prayers - travelling with a tired team and all the joys of airports and whatnot. We are going to leave at 9am (ish) and our flight is at 4pm - we do not want to be rushed... we are loooking forward to seeing you all very soon!

Bless Ya, 

jake for the team.

The last supper...

Well, we are now at the end of the trip - we spent the morning finishing up the tasks that were started this week... instead of a big open space on a second floor of a school, there are three classrooms... on sunday, the children from the church will be the first to use one class, and will be greeted by a sign from our team in english and creole, and cards that GLOW girls sent from hillcrest - with messages from the team written in them as well.  these classrooms will serve a variety of purposes - each one changing the face of Haiti. 

a few of the us have been asked to come into the ESL class to answer questions and talk with the class - God keeps blowing us away... sitting there, having young and old tell us who they are and why we would come to their poor country. Humbling.  Because we have to go where jesus goes.  we have to save people into a life of hope.  we care about their soul and how they will provide food for their 8 kids, too.  God is using an orphan from Haiti to return to his country to begin a ministry of raising up leaders who will change peoples lives... salvation from sin, hunger, despair, illiteracy, abuse, illness.  we talked with Sterling - a pastor in the area, who is learning english, but also teaching ESL to locals... this kind of thing is the mustard seed... that grows and grows - you cannot kill it - it is the kingdom of God - it will pop up here and there, but will always be growing. (like trying to kill a raspberry bush) You cannot control the Kingdom - once it starts, it will NOT BE STOPPED. that is why this country will find hope in Jesus - and be completely changed. God has done this in our hearts this week. from the inside out, we have been renewed. 

tonight, we packed up, and listened to Marc and Lisa share their story and vision... and we were challenged to bring this vision back with us - to see who will join HaitiArise in bringing hope and help to a country that needs it.  We have been blessed.  We will be a blessing to them... i know that as you read this, God is challenging all of us to join the God of the oppressed in making things right... so - think and pray about how you will be a part of this ministry. you have been blessed to bless others... how are you living that out?

we took some time as a team to have communion together - you know, the usual - red koolaid and crackers.... we prayed from each other and blessed each other.  we will never be the same. we will sleep... hot and sweaty again... tomorrow go to the Ruuska Village where Amanda and I are adopting our child from and see another example of the Kingdom... soon, we will be home - clean and cool.  we need hugs and kisses.  we need to NOT sweat for no reason.  but this country has wedged its way into our hearts. i don't think we will shake it... we know too much and have seen God use us in ways we never thought possible... we will be here again.

Blessed by a gracious and wonderful Daddy

jake for the team

Ready to go!

the team is packed and ready to go... just a few things in the morning to get ready! Pray that everyone is well and also for Jana - she has pretty badly bruised her hip and traveling will be painful.  we will stop off at Ruuska Village (the orphanage) before the airport.  

NOTE: the schedule that is on the blog is wrong - we will be returning sunday, not saturday.  will all miss home - showers and hugs and cool nights will all be very welcome. i believe our flight gets into calgary at 2pm ish.  we will keep you up to date.

thank you for your comments and prayers this week - it has been AWESOME!

jake for the team

Blown away - by a gracious God.

Today we started off the day with devotions on the roof @ 6am and then work after breakfast. (by the way, i forgot to mention that yesterday we did our food distribution - handed rice bags to about 300 families in the community as well as all the TimBits shirts from the MHSA.) A very cool experience.  

At 9am this morning we all walked into grand goave to the market to do a bit of sight seeing and shopping... yikes - the market was intense... and Yes, haitian money (goudes) are VERY dirty.  We bought some drinks (lotsa cool fruit drinks in a can) and some clothes - and kerry and i snagged a couple of SWEET chapeaus... he looks like a columbian drug lord with his on... man that guy is born to live here!! 

after lunch, we were briefed by Lisa Honorat about what we would be doing later this afternoon - going into the community and visiting homes... sharing our stories and praying for people.  then some of the team started finishing up some of the projects before we left for the community visitation.  

i had no idea what to xpect, but what happened blew my mind... with Marc and another leader from the church went with one team and Pastor Juliam and another leader went with the other half of our team... our team went and spoke to three different homes (groups of homes) and at each place, almost everyone wanted to follow Christ - we stood there - after sharing our stories, pastor marc who ask the people if they wanted to follow Jesus "Oui" and one from our team would lead them to accept Christ.  The power of it all was that we knew without a doubt that we were partnering with Jesus in what he was already doing.  Entire families following Jesus as a result of our obedience to simply share the good news.  Humbling. God was bringing hope back into our despair - people need to hear the news - about how good our God truly is - and without anything fancy - just being in the place where God has prepared peoples hearts and minds ahead of us... no words... i am trying to explain, but cannot. we are gripped by a powerful loving God - who pursues us - who is waiting for us to simply allow him to KNOW us... i have never experienced this happening... wow.  

it is all coming together - Haiti Arise began by Marc and Lisa going into the community and sharing Jesus - and out of that, a church of 350 people was born - and they train people basic technical skills so that they can care for their families and change the face of the country - THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS COMING TO EARTH... and we all get to join Him in what he is doing.  God is so good.

Keep praying for us - we have to translate this into life at home... and only God can do that.  bit by bit - we have been reminded that every good and perfect gift (air, hope, friendship, fresh avacatos, water, the Word - a refrigerated drink) comes from the Perfect Father... we are unworthy but grateful children.

goodnight- until we have power again

jake for the team

Hot - Sweaty - Hot - Stinky - Nasty Sweaty.

Its hot here.  You may think that you want this kinda heat, but YOU Can't handle it.  Today we spent our morning from 7-12... on the road, and the classroom. heaving cinderblocks up a story and carrying rocks to build up a new road on the property.  Its a great muscle workout - and keeps the sweat glands working overtime. We officially finished the brick hauling project and now will focus on the road and cleanup around the place.

in the afternoon, a few of us went to another "beach" just down the road. ummm - not so much of a beach... more so rocks interspersed with sea urchins (they are nasty looking things with sharp spikey things and big teeth... ok, no teeth, but they attacked Jana as she was walking into the water (over large rocks with the waves throwing her off balance) she took one in the hand and then managed to get stung by some kind of coral - mandy did too - so urine was necessary to remedy the issue... ask jana when you see her next.

then we had a church service and before supper and played quelf and then headed to bed... (how can you tell i am fading as i type?) still lovin' this country - we need to return someday soon...

we are hit and miss with power here... it makes life interesting... but helps us relax and take things slower- God is good - keep praying for health and safety - some of the burns are fading, but others are a little tender still.  

thank you for your prayers - pray also that things work out to visit the orphanage - we have been having trouble getting in contact with all the wonderful communication issues in Haiti! yeah!

jake for team...

Easter Sunday - HE IS RISEN!

MArch 23 Easter Sunday

This morning we were up again for devotions @ 6:00am on the roof...
another beautiful morning... its nice to watch the sunrise and see the
hundreds of mangos hanging from all the trees and listen to all the
various animals from all over the countryside making their morning
noises. Man am i glad i brought my espresso roast... (thanks
danielle!!).

So we had church this morning on the property (about 200 people
attending) Pastor Marc preached and we had such a fun service singing
creole versions of our favorite songs! The team lead the childrens
service (they did an Easter drama, made a craft and hugged lotsa
little Haitian kids) they are doing so awesome here - enjoying the
country and the people.

In the afternoon, the team took a walk into town, visited Marc and
Lisa's home, exchanged $20 american for 750 Gourdes (gooods) and
bought a soda and went to a soccer game (green vs. blue??) apparently
one of the top level teams in Haiti. After narrowly avoiding getting
caught in a riot over a "yellow card" incident, we returned for an
evening service, Taryn shared and did really well (preaching through
an interpreter is interesting...) and then Jake shared as well.

We had supper and then the team was playing hide and seek in the dark
- Chris & Taryn are really good hidder-ers. The power has been out all
evening, so hopefully we have some for making coffee tomorrow... and
like, breakfast and stuff. We are going to the beach after 5am prayer
meeting and breakfast. The staff here take mondays off, so there
won't be any work projects for us, but we will visit another church
plant in Tapion (mostly children) @ 5pm and lead the service.

Man... is it hot here!! Keep praying for us and know that we are
thinking about you all!

We are getting a list of big plans and projects from Marc and Lisa -
there is sooo much to be done to help this community... keep praying
about how God will have you get involved in what he is doing here.

love you all!
jake for the haiti team.

What Red and White and walking very tenderly?

After the 5am prayer meeting we had our devotions on the roof together (psalm 40)... and then we got ready and jumped in a couple "taxis" and drove to Petite Goave to a beach.  Well, we actually got on a boat and went to a more "private" beach for the morning... and into the afternoon.  We pretty much had the place to ourselves, swimming, collecting shells, eating and hanging out.  We got the chance to try out a new dish - Lam-bie (meat out of a conch, boiled, with a vinegar, lime and pepper sauce.) You know, with fresh limes, of course.  apparently, haiti has oranges, bananas, mangos, coconuts, limes, plantain, avacatos, coffee, pineapples, papaya?, and cocoa beans.  We had some of the coffee this morning - mmmmm.  

Anyways, 5 and a half hours is a pretty long... so we are a red team.  multiple applications of sunscreen didn't do the trick - HOWEVER - jake used spray on coppertone spf 30 and is almost as white as the day he left. we arrived back home at 4pm red hot and exhausted.  but prepared to leave in an hour to Tapion to a new church plant, comprised mostly of children - Josh, Serena and Chris shared their stories, and the the team did the easter drama they performed on Sunday morning again.  We have been carried by God's strength throughout all this week - God is good.  after the service, the team handed out the gifts we brought with us and took lotsa "fo -tows" with the children.  

now, clothed in a thick layer of aloe, the team has finished supper and is winding down after a good day... they will sleep "tenderly" on their sun baked skin... tomorrow morning we will be doing the rice distribution for the community, and continue working on the classroom project.

we miss home, and look forward to seeing our friends and family very soon.

keep praying for us, and know that you are in our prayers too! 

jake for the team.

recent picts

DAY 2 in Haiti - UN-BE-Lievable!

We went to bed last night @ about 8:30pm (when the sun goes down, so does everyone... and we were ready to sleep!) this morning we got up @ 4:30 (well, kerry and Jake had a coffee and oatmeal and starbucks on the roof) with the roosters and donkeys... everyone was up and ready @ 6am for devotions together... SOOOO beautiful in the morning - we were wearing shorts immediately.  Then we had breakfast and started working hauling cinderblocks up onto the second story of the education building.  By the time we stopped for lunch, we had heaved about 850 bricks... yeah, we were a little sweaty... the entire team worked sooo hard and we had a blast together.  After lunch, we tried working, but were DONE - so, we went for a long walk to the Taina (ty - no) and MAN it was good.  warm water, lotsa shells and just a great time to relax our tired muscles... and dig some holes in the ocean.  Josh is a great hole digger.  We have just finished supper and its 6:30... almost ready to go to bed... we are all exhausted.  God is good.  Tomorrow we go to church and Jake will share tomorrow night at another small service... (pray!).  

We are really enjoying our time so far and have gelled as a team throughout all the crazy experiences so far...

Please continue to pray for us - to make a difference and be a blessing.

Things we need if you are looking to buy some stuff...

pepper grinder (i know - its crazy, they have none!?)

bobcat or skidsteer - they have so much to do, and only wheelbarrows to do it - like a road, building brick fences, etc...

WEEEEEE'RRRREEEE THERE

Well, thank God again for COMPLETELY providing more than we can comprehend - i am typing this email in the Haiti Arise office in Grand Goave!  Both flights went VERY smooth today, as well as transfers and all that fun stuff.  ALL our luggage arrived with us and we have all unpacked all the goodies we brought to bless these incredible people.  We had an interesting trip from Port au Prince to Grand Goave - soo many people and all so beautiful!  (lots of cute brown babies!!) 

The team is doing really well, its FAIRLY hot and HUMID here (i am getting sweaty typing & thinking) but the fresh-off-the-tree-in-the-yard-picked-mangos seem to distract us from the heat, tiredness and culture shock so far.  We have been welcomed so graciously and are just kinda floating in the new strange atmosphere and culture... laying on the tile floor is a great way to cool off... 

pray for us as we climatize, work and sweat as well as understand where God is leading and helping us process all this new stuff... God is good!  we will be studying James 1 this week - please join us so you can pray along with us!! 

Happy Easter, by the way!!

we love you all and miss you very much!

(BTW - Hi, ethan, nyla and my Hot Wife!)

see you soon!

jake and the team.

Miami!

We arrived safely this morning & are on our way shortly to Haiti
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Arrived safely in Dallas

Answers prayer: baggage checked straight through to Haiti, cots for everyone to sleep on @ the airport, great meal together, thanks for your prayers!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

14 Hours to Takeoff.

Tomorrow we leave for Calgary and then to Dallas.  I think we have all our stuff ready... pray for clear heads, safety and that we would continue to bond as a team!

Here we GO!

Two Days to Go

Here are the links to the team schedule while in Haiti, as well as our flight itinerary.

We will be loading up all of the checked luggage Wednesday night @ 8pm - make sure you and your luggage buddy have gotten together and packed ONE large suitcase or hockey bag (it must not weigh more than 50lbs.) with all your personal stuff.

Please make note of the "battery" info...

Bring your carry-on luggage (carry-on packing info from American Airlines) with you on Thursday morning (8:oo AM SHARP) to the church.

If you have yet to hand in your passport and Travel insurance info to JAKE, do so Tuesday Night at LIFE Groups.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, MAKE SURE YOU ASK SOON! Have a great day!!

are your bags packed??

WOW. . I checked this morning to see how much room I would have in my suitcase and after packing all the "camping gear" I must say there is not a lot of room for personal junk. . . pack lightly everyone. . . Remember as well that we are spending one night in the airport so don't pack anything in your checked luggage. . have it with you in your carry-on.  

Hope to see you all Sunday night for the "BIG PACK"

Mandy

Before...

As we near the last few days before leaving for Haiti (still freaking out a bit) its time to trial run this blog - so that its actually usable... however, there's not much to snoop around on, stay tooned!