No Generator...again!

So another generator-less week visited us here in Haiti last week…and at the current time of writing this post, we still remain without a generator.  So, I was given the opportunity over the last seven days or so, with no running water, to get very well acquainted with our ever seemingly so deep well as I have drawn at least fifty gallons of water a day…if not more.   

This week started for me with a day working at another ministry (this was on my day off) helping to take down old solar panels so they could put new ones up.  It was fun…and really hot as the sun beat down upon us from our nice and extremely open hot spot on the roof of the house.  I got to enjoy two free, very filling, and amazing meals for my work there.  Plus I had the opportunity to make some new friends and more contacts here in Haiti.

I had a few new joys this week as (number 1.) I bought a bicycle.  I figured why not buy one?  They’re a great way to get around: there’s no cost for gas and it’s a great work out too.  Win, win, win!!!  Everyone needs a bike!!! Lol Also, every once in a great while you find something here (usually at one specific store) that you didn’t know they sold and are ecstatic to find.  Well, one of those finds visited me (actually) a couple weeks ago.  But I haven’t gotten to blog about until now… I found, or one of my fellow missionaries found for me, wait…wait a little more…AND…MONSTER (energy drink)!!!  I know all the guys out there are like, “Yes!!! Shane’s life is now complete living in Haiti.” And well, you may be right:) lol  As I’ve said before, little things here in Haiti mean the world.  It’s surprising how when you’ve been living without ice (or anything little like that) for three months, how special of a treat it truly is. 

And that brings me to the next point; I’ve been in Haiti almost three months now!  It’s crazy how fast the time has gone living here.  These are some things I’ve, or God, has help me accomplish in these last few months: I’ve gotten Creole down such to where I can go to the market and get my own food, have little conversations here and there, and get the gist of conversations.  God’s been faithful to give me ideas for teaching the kids.  I’ve made lots of friends, both young and old.  I have a personal moto chauffeur for whenever I need a ride :) And I’ve grown in my faith as I’ve seen God provide for me and show himself faithful.  This has been a great few months and I definitely look forward to the next nine or so months I have left…that’s if I don’t end up staying longer.              

I just want to say thank you to you all once again.  I can’t tell you enough how much having all of you supporting me means to me.  Keep praying!!!  I feel it...and it’s needed. 

Orevwa to you all…  =)

It's about time!!!

Alas my faithful followers, I have been estranged from you for far too long.  I apologize for my untimely delay in this post.

So, what has been happening lately in my life here in Haiti over the last few weeks?   Well, I have been doing more of the same thing…I’ve  had morning Bible time with the kids before school where we learn about characters from the Bible and what it means to be a follower of God.  We also memorize one verse a week which the kids are so enthusiastic to learn, because if they can recite the verse to me by Saturday, I take them up to the gas station where they get to pick out a treat. 

Tuesdays and Thursday have been sanctioned now to be guys and girls time.   It’s a time where I take the guys and do manly things like pushups, arm wrestling, and spitting contests.  The girls do much more girly things…at least I think so.  I’ve never been a part of their time because God deemed it fit (which I thank Him immensely for) that I should not be a gal but a lad. 

This last Tuesday was a little different though in the fact that we had another going home party for one of the girls.  It was such a blessing to be part of another celebration of a child going home to a forever family to be loved, cherished, and doted upon for the rest of her earthly life.  The day was filled with decorating, eating, singing, talking, playing, laughing, and rejoicing…and Avocadoes :p  I found them in the market for the first time on Tuesday after the party…“My sweet friend, Guacamole, here I come.”  I know, some have deemed me to be a lil crazy at times.

Anyways, what else has gone on here in Haiti?  Well I discovered pretty much last minute that Easter was this month…that tells you how much I pay attention to the days here :p We were blessed by our dear friend Heather, with a nice meal at the buffet at Club Indigo for Easter dinner.

I have played Yahtzee and basketball.  I’ve jump roped and played soccer.  I’ve danced and sang.  Laughed and not cried.  I’ve thought and discovered new things.  I’ve enjoyed random conversations around the dinner table about how we’re going to start random businesses to raise support for our other crazy idea about starting a pirate theme park on Tortuga (which is part of Haiti) where Jonny Depp is going to be our lead pirate.  We started, as a missionary group, reading aloud, The Scottish Chiefs.   And I’ve enjoyed thoroughly eating fresh mangoes as they’re in season right now.   Fights have ensued over these delectable treats as they fall from our mango tree and the children have literally dove for them, creating dog piles upon the rocky ground…and all for a mango.  Once you eat a fresh mango, you’ll understand why they’re such a craze around here.  

Now, something God has been teaching me: 

I’ve been reading through Leviticus and I’ve discovered that God pretty much has made it impossible for us to live a victorious life without Him.  There is no way possible to keep all of the laws and commandments that He has set literally set in stone.  But that’s the point.  If we could live a perfect life without Him, then there would be no need for Him.  He knew though that we couldn’t do it by ourselves so He made a way for us to live perfect…and that’s with Him living our life through us.  So all of you stubborn people (like myself) give into Him and quite thinking you can live this life on your own…you can’t!!!  You’ll fail miserably.  “With man this is impossible.  But with God all things are possible.”  He states it, so believe it!  It’s the only way to live this life. 

So to you all, (my faithful blog followers) thank you for your support.  The only reason I have made it through this first two and half months is because I have a prayer team back at home.  That team includes you.  And I am so blessed that so many of you have committed your time and energy to pray for me. 

Keep strong and let God live through you…Ta ta for now.