Big Bug In Georgia

When you have lots of sun and lots of rain the bugs can grow very large in Georgia. This particular bug is called a Walking Stick. People catch them, dry them out and use them for fire starters. Small animals stay away from them!

It's the small things

Mom and Dad have been asking when I would start posting about my most recent trip to Haiti and I think I'm finally ready. A few years back a fellow missionary who went to Africa with me said that when people ask about our mission trip that we should keep our responses brief because otherwise we are likely to have diarrhea of the mouth from our own excitement. It is true, the excitement and wonder start to well up in a way that causes one to be quite verbose. This most recent trip is nothing short of that. So, I will try to write several short posts about what happened in Port-au-Prince. My words, however, will be insufficient to capture the true delight of being a part of this team and God's calling to Haiti.

When I travel on mission my senses are on their highest alert and my heart and mind are on constant search to hear God's voice say, "this - this is what I want you to do." He has always made it quite clear and in just the right timing. This trip was no exception and His voice was loud, clear, and right on cue.

One of the projects that we worked on was restoring a home in Delmas 2. This is a region of PaP where the Salvation Army is stationed. It is the former location of La Maison du Bonheur where we worked last year reclaiming anything we could from the earthquake. The Salvation Army complex also has a school (College Verena - more on that later), a medical clinic, playgrounds, and the church (also demolished with the childrens' home). It is a haven in a rough part of PaP. Outside the confines of the Salvation Army complex are tightly packed neighborhoods lined up and down alleys covered with potholes. The sights are invigorating - bright colors everywhere. There is laundry hanging from every building, painted signs on the walls advertising local businesses, raw sewage flowing, chickens, and dogs everywhere. The people, though, bring the neighborhoods to life. Creole is being spoken at every volume level possible; a mother whispers to her child to move aside as a vehicle speeds by; a group of men clash and clang their voices in a heated home-brewed game of roulette; children's voices are laughing and squealing as they play with found objects; and even the sizzle from the roasting meat of the street vendor seems to be saying "manje mwen" (eat me) in Creole. The smells are indescribable - food, people, and sewer find a new combination with every step we make into the neighborhood. And as we pass through on our umpteenth trip to Rony's house, we still hear "blanc" or "hey you" from the children. I remember thinking to myself how much I wanted to just stop and take a million pictures right then and there. I refrained because it would be a bit like having a stranger in your own home taking pictures of you as you headed into the shower: awkward in the least. So I said to myself to just take pictures with your mind and that I did.

Rony's house had been marked with yellow spray paint after the quake. The house was not safe to live in but could be repaired. Thankfully the mark wasn't red but it certainly was not green. Nine to ten people living in two bedrooms of this cement block house; there were only 2 single beds. It just didn't add up. Our priorities there were to replace the cement ceiling that was continually falling down in one of the bedrooms, repair the corrugated zinc roof over the "shower" and "bathroom," and repair the structural cracks of the cement walls. When we arrived the first day we knew that those priorities were just going to make a dent. Over the next week we employed several of our Haitian friends who are dependable and skilled tradesmen to work on rewiring the electrical since it was completely exposed and open to the elements (aka live wires) and to replace the cement ceiling (the Haitians are masters at this) . Alan and Drew removed the zinc roofing and built a frame so that the new roof wouldn't fall apart like the previous had. They repaired the shower (just a hole in the ground, no running water - just a bucket), hung privacy dividers, and transformed the yellow mark into green. Two of the sisters who lived there were high school students. I had the privilege of meeting them the girls the year before so I was excited to see them again. They are twins, one who is dying from AIDS and the other who has been spared. Their brother Rony has been taking care of the girls ever since their parents died from AIDS. The girls were so thankful that they would have a safe bedroom, but just this one thing would make it so nice, they garnered up the courage to ask if we could find some beds. It was perfect timing and we heard God say, "This - this is something these girls need." So along with my friend (and translator, navigator, comic relief, extraordinaire) John, we were able to purchase 2 full sized beds which would accommodate 4 - 6 people (all together). They were expensive but God had sent us with just enough money from our supporters to make sure these girls had a place to sleep. Their faces beamed when we brought the mattresses into the house. Their shy voices uttered over and over again "Mesi" (thank you).

It is the small things, however, that seem to catch me by surprise and stir my heart the most. As I entered the house that time, I saw Alan bent over with cement on his tools. He was smoothing out the layer over a beautiful brand new pipe that ran from the shower out of the house to the street. I could feel my eyes filling up over this pipe. Yes, a pipe, I cried about a pipe. I didn't know it was in the plan and it made me so glad to know that the shower water would no longer be traveling through the hallway and kitchen. It is such a small thing but can you imagine all of your own dirty shower water running through your hallways and your kitchen? I loved that Alan and Drew had seen the importance of this little detail and they took care of it without a thought - it was love in action. This small thing was not so small indeed.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - April

Tip #4 Say the verse aloud before every meal.

April's Scripture theme is Obedience to Christ

John 14:21 (NIV) Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.


resource: Topical Memory System by The Navigators

I'm in LOVE!

It's official. I'm in love with my Kindle!

While in Georgia visiting Emily and Paul for her big day, they so generously gave me a Kindle for my birthday! :)

For those of you who don't know, there was a time (before my lovely girls) that I went through at least a book a week. I love reading, but I wasn't ready to give up my paper books.

I WAS WRONG!

As in many things, my wonderfully thoughtful mother-in-law knows me better than I know myself and purchased this electronic reader for me despite the fact that for the past 2 Christmases I have denied my need for one.

Did you know you can play Scrabble on a Kindle? Pete and I play against each other almost every night now.

Did you know you can download free books? I am embarrassed to admit how many I've acquired in just 2 short weeks. I cannot say no to free books. I just can't!

Did you know you can lend your books for 2 weeks to other Kindle readers?

Did you know you can make a wish list and family/friends can search it just like a registry and send books to you that you can either accept or exchange? My sister and brother-in-law sent me 2 for my birthday!

I have no idea I could do all of this with a Kindle! I'm hooked!

I'm currently reading "The Gospel of Ruth" (which was free). I'll let you know how it is :)

Thank you Emily and Paul!

EMILY'S AMAZING FABULOUS 60th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Well the day has come and gone and it was an amazing time! It started several months ago with Tracy getting all the organization in place. The E invitation and associated guest list was really helpful in the detailed planning. Dates / menus / airline reservations all had to be decided to make the day a success. Emily warmed up for the event with a practice birthday celebration with her sorority sisters in Michigan. She followed this up with a birthday luncheon sponsored by her best friend Debbie.

Thursday afternoon our friends from Michigan arrived and we had an outstanding dinner at the German restaurant in Fayetteville

The highlight of Thursday was picking up Peter, Emily, Alaina, and Addison at the Atlanta airport albeit two hours late at about 1 in the morning.

Friday it was off to Sam’s to buy all the food. Dad, Peter ,and Emily Ann had this assignment while Nana played with Alaina and Addison. Nana, Alaina, and Addison were off on the cart to the park

Friday evening it was back to the airport again to pick up Tracy Tim and Sarah. It was beautiful … the entire family was ensconced in our home in Peachtree City!

Friday evening Tracy led some serious game day planning for the big event.

Saturday morning came and more arrivals. Emily’s sister and brother in-law flew in from Fort Lauderdale to join the festivities.

The preparation was like a cross between a ballet and a football scrimmage. Activity and sounds were everywhere. And of course the NCAA basketball tournament had to be on for the girls to watch.

By 6 pm everything was ready and everyone was off to get dressed for the big occasion. Promptly at 7 pm the first guests arrived. About 55 people in all took in the food , beverages, ambiance and company.

At about 9 pm we serenaded Emily with a spirited edition of “Happy Birthday”

The last guest left around midnight and clean up began. At about 1 am we all drifted off to dreamland.

As they say all good things must come to an end.

On Sunday Tracy Tim and Sarah said goodbye and were off to Detroit

Nana loved that Alaina and Addison stayed around to Monday. (She was also happy that Pete and Emily were there too).

The weekend would not have been possible without all the help from Peter Emily Tim and Sarah and especially from Tracy who led the effort from the beginning

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY EMILY

We love you!!

Phoenix Trip

Hi All, We had a great trip visiting Lindsey and meeting Jay and Olivia. The weather was great. Lindsey's friends gave her a shower while I was there so I got to go too. We had a good time going to a Cubs spring training game. We ate a lot of good food. We enjoyed going in the pool and feeling the sun on our faces. It was a great trip and we are happy to have Jay and Olivia added to our family. It is snowing today in Ishpeming so were are back to our real world. Oh well, This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Love to all, Debbie

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear Emily.....
Happy Birthday to you!
Can you hear me singing with love?

I hope you have a wonderful birthday year filled with blessings and love. Carol

Spring has sprung in Peachtree City. This means it is almost time for EMILY'S Birthday

Springtime is in the air in Peachtree City. In the past several weeks the plants have started to blossom. In the next two weeks there will be an explosion of color as everything starts to bud.

This can mean only one thing. It is is almost time for Emily's fabulous 60th Birthday Party! We are looking forward to having our entire family here with us in Peachtree City. Tracy Tim Sarah Peter Emily Alaina and Addison! plus Yvonne and Dick. To top it off there will be some of Emily's friends from Michigan and a host of her new friends from the Peach!!

And a good time will be had by all

Y'all come see us y hear

M’ te kite kè m’ nan Ayiti

I left my heart in Haiti.

The people, the culture, the despair, and the hope that exists in Ayiti is mind boggling and captivating all at the same time.  I think I finally understand why Paul Farmer can't stay away.  There are a ton of stories to share - some uplifting and some heartbreaking - but for now all I can articulate is that this sign says Delmas will be beautiful.  Delmas is the region of Port au Prince that I have had the pleasure of serving in.  It is trash ridden, smelly, and noisy but nevertheless the hope that resides there illuminates its beauty.  I cannot wait to return and be a part of cultivating that hope - it might just be what I was made for. xx

Happy Birthday to me!!

Hey, 24 years ago they told me to put my affairs in order and here I am having another birthday. A miracle happened and Praise the Lord I AM still here. Wowee, isn't that something.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - March

Tip #3 Think about how the verse applies to you and your

March's Scripture theme is Obedience to Christ

Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.

resource: Topical Memory System by The Navigators

Back From China

Just got back from a series of meetings in China with GM and Shanghai Automotive. The key executives I met with all used to work for me in Pontiac at the Truck Product center. Its a small world. The meetings were in Shanghai which is a city of 19 million people. Right through the center of the city is the Hangpu River which is a super highway of riverboat traffic. To get to Shanghai from the PuDong airport I like to take the Mag Lev Train. At the time I was riding the speed was limited to 300 kilometers per hour (about 180 mph) but it also runs at 430 kph (about 260 mph) during certain times of the day. This train is magnetically suspended and propelled and thus it is very smooth and quiet. It is an amazing city!

There Is A Peace

Final Thought - there is  a peace about me and my team.  This is the sky that we were blessed with this week.  We are thrilled beyond words to be in God's service and can't wait to see and do what He calls us to do on the streets of Port au Prince.  We trust that no matter how big or how tiny the task is - that it is part of His plan.  Thank you for your prayers - I have no doubt that God is on the move - active, alive, and listening to the cries of His people because in this little heart of mind - there is peace.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

Paid

Ken and I paid off our mortgage this week. Yay!! This house, garage, carriage house and four acres of woods is all ours. It is a good feeling.

We Beseech Your Prayers

Family & Friends, in about a week, I'll be heading out with my team to Port-Au-Prince.
We beseech your prayers as we take this journey. thanks -t

If you would, please pray for. . .

1. God to go before us - paving the way and that we would walk with confidence into His plan even if it isn't evident.  (Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”)
2. The Grace of God to cause/allow our team to be effective and productive in the jobs we work on but even more so that we are compassionate and full of care toward all people.  May we always error on the side of compassion.  (1Cor16:15b-16 and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.;1Peter4:8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
3. Protection, extreme favor, and health in all circumstances and in all times. (Especially with travel, the Salvation Army, the Haitian people, the job site(s), those who we purchase job materials & help from.) (Isaiah 40:31 ³¹But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.; Isaiah 58:11 And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.)
4. Joy and Peace in all circumstances.  (Phil 4:5-7 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.)
   

FBC - Mountains Beyond Mountains - Part 1 Questions

Hello Everyone,
Glad to hear that you are enjoying Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains, or as they say in Haiti, "Deye mon gen mon."  Our questions will be a mix from the discussion section at the back of the book and a few from conversations I have had with friends about the book.  So here goes. . .
*****
1.  The title of the book comes from the Haitian proverb, "Beyond Mountains there are mountains."  What does the saying mean in the context of the culture it comes from, and what does it mean in relation to Farmer's work?  Can you think of other situations - personal and societal - for which this proverb might be apt?

2.  What do you think about Farmer's unique approach to his patients?  Is this similar or different than the experiences you have had in the health care setting.  Would you want Paul Farmer to be your personal physician?  Why or why not?

3.  In chapter 4, Farmer is referred to as a 'blanc' or white.  According to the book, what makes someone 'blanc.'  As we read further, consider whether Farmer remains 'blanc.'  Have you ever experienced being 'blanc' and what is your reaction to that experience?

4.  A few of you have recently told me that the book is good - what makes it good in Part I?

5.  In chapter 4, a Haitian elder woman says to Farmer, "eske-w pa ka konprann bagay ki pa senp."  This literally translates, "are you not able to understand things which are not simple."  Why did she say this to Farmer?  How could it apply to our own lives?
*****
You can respond to the questions (whichever ones you want) in the comments of this post or you can make a separate blog post with your thoughts.  If you write a post, be sure to include Family Book Club in your label at the bottom of the post.  Feel free to add other questions into the mix and bring up other interesting items from Part 1 of the book.

Let's try to have Part II - The Tin Roofs of Cange read by March 15th. 

Important Haitian Vocabulary from Part I (that wasn't directly translated in the book)
gwo wout la - the big road
Wi - yes
ti kay - little house
doudou - gentle, mild mannered person
cherie - dear
maji - witchcraft

Book Club?

Hi All, How is everyone doing with the Book Club? I have finished the first section, how bout you? Is there a new deadline for the next section? Just wondering..... Debbie

Our Snow Angels!

Well, we finally got the girls outside! Pete worked so hard today to get all the snow cleared so we can head to work tomorrow (hooray?)Here are some fun pictures of the snow angels out and about.

Snow Day

  Compared to Chicago we didn't get much but it was enough to have a little whiteout here and there!

 I used my yooper scooper 3 times over the past 12 hours and I see one more time in the future.  I did start to run out of places to put the snow so I shoveled the previously shoveled snow off of the deck and into the backyard.  That was fun.

 Emily sent this picture.  They had real snow!  This is from their front door - I think?  I hope they get a picture of the girls standing next to it for perspective.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - February

Tip #2  Memorize word for word.  It is important to be accurate.  Just memorizing the 'gist' of the verse may be okay, but small errors can lead to misinterpretation of the meaning.   If you are not careful, ideas can be lost or added to the passage you are trying to become familiar with.

February's Scripture theme is Christ the Center

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

resources:  Topical Memory System by The Navigators and memoryverses.org