Who am I?

People often ask me what has been my favorite part about Haiti.  I always pause, and think because honestly I have loved SO much about Haiti it is hard for me to think about my favorite.  Is it the new friends God has given me?  The neighbors who greet me everyday with a warm, smile, and love?  Knowing my students and becoming part of the Tugwell family? I think about where my heart was with the Lord when I moved to Haiti in July, then I remember my favorite part and that is the truth the Lord has revealed to me everyday here.  God had to take me away, take me through valleys, so I can reach the High Places in His presence.  I established Who I am in Christ, in Haiti.  I pray that you can understand who you are in Christ and the freedom He has for you!  It doesn't matter about your past, how you are feeling right now, He is pouring out His love over you and saying, "this is the way, walk in it".

I am God's child (John 1:12).  I am Christ's friend (John 15:15).  I have been justified- free from guilt and blame (Romans 5:1).  I am united with the Lord- we are one spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).  I am bought with a price; I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  I am a member of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27).  I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1).  I have been adopted as God's child- He chose me! (Ephesians 1:5).  I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).  I have been redeemed and forgiven (Colossians 1:14).  I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).  I am assured that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).  I am free from any charge against me (Romans 8:31-34).  I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).  I am established, annointed, sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).  I am hidden with Christ Jesus in God (Colossians 3:3).  I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected (Philippians 1:6).  I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).  I have not been given a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  I can find grace and mercy in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  I am born of God, the evil cannot tough me (1 John 5:18). 

I am the salt and light of the Earth (Matthew 5:13-14).  I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15:1,5).  I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16).  I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8).  I am God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).  I am a minister of reconciliation for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  I am God's co-worker (2 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 3:9).  I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm (Ephesians 2:6).  I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).  I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).   

I am Accepted.  I am Secure.  I am Significant.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I kept trying to think of a Facebook post to say how thankful I am.  I sat for a long time thinking about everything that God has done for me.  No words can express the gratitude I have for the Lord, His plan, His provision, and His love.  His love came down to rescue me from my selfish world.  He brought me out of darkness and into His marvelous light.  I am now an adopted, chosen daughter of God who is being used everyday to advance His kingdom.  How blessed am I, that the Creator of the Universe wants to use me to change eternity.  He sent His son so I can live freely in this sinful world.  How GREAT is OUR God!  I think about my family and friends and they are truly a blessing from Him!  I love how God uses people to encourage us even though He is our ultimate encourager. 

For Thanksgiving we went to a friends house.  There were about 50 people- both Americans and Haitians.  It was a sweet time for friends, new family, community, and fellowship.  God meets ALL of our needs before we even know our needs.  I will continue to trust and rest in His plans and give THANKS in ALL circumstances.  

love

I have been teaching for 2 weeks now and school has been great!  The Lord has been showing me how to manage a classroom of 4 with different levels and ages.  It is so wonderful how much I am to be dependent on the Lord.  At school, we are studying scripture together, learning how the Bible came to us, studying the His story of Rome, along with all other subject.  

On Friday we went on  nature walk around the neighborhood.  All 4 of the kids took a notepad and pencil and took notes on what they noticed outside with their 5 senses.  Well, Esther (the 4 year old) was ready for this assignment.  As soon as we stepped outside she saw the dogs poop and smelt the poop too.  She immediately flipped open that notepad and began drawing the poop.  I couldn't get upset because she was totally following instructions =)  Also, I often find her desk stuffed with books.  She can't put them down-- no teacher can EVER complain about that!

I have such fun students and I love how God has given them the desire to learn and to want to do well in school.  We serve an amazing God who has an amazing plan for each one of us! 

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6- following Jesus is not hard, He simple wants you to love.  Love the person that is right in front of you because God placed him or her in your path =)

"Whoever sows to please their flesh (sinful nature), from flesh (sinful nature) will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  Galatians 6:8 

Be Poor in Spirit

"The poor rely on each other.  They need each other.  They live in a community or interdependence.  They have to share with each other just to survive.  Those who have much are often quick to accumulate and slow to give away.  Yet those who have little are quick to share.  They often give without remembering; they receive without forgetting.  The poor are truly rich for the simplicity of their devotion." -Heidi Baker

Our next door neighbors are quite simple compared to the United States- compared to my life.  There are no computers, videos, televisions, I pads, I phones, or internet.  It is a simplicity of devotion, interdependence, and fellowship.

Exodus 32- Idols again!  Even though Israel had seen the invisible God in action, they still wanted the familiar gods they could see and shape into whatever image they desired.  How much like them we are!  Our great temptation is still to shape God to our liking, to make him convenient to obey or ignore.  The gods we create blind us to the love our loving God wants to shower on us.  God cannot work in us when we elevate anyone or anything above him! -Application Study Bible

"Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:3

First Week of School

11.11.13- We started school.  His timing is perfect and all we have to do is trust in our Father.  This week has been fun and the learning has begun.  My sweet students have been so patient with me as I have been learning what our schedule should look like and how to divide my time into 4 students and 4 different levels.  With God all things are possible.  God has showed me how much of His strength I need rather than my own.  When I rely on my own strength, I become like Peter and begin to fall into the water- but when I fix my eyes on Jesus I walk on water and the impossible with self becomes possible in Him.

We got to go on a field trip this week to the Apparent Project.  The Apparent Project is a ministry that provides over 250 jobs so parents can be a parent (rather than abandoning or giving their child to an orphanage).  The employees make beads, pottery, clay beads, metal work, and much more!  The kids were able to see the work that takes place, the ministry, and make beads and pottery themselves.  We had so much fun being with other families in the neighborhood and their kids!  There is a great homeschool community where we moved too!  

I am excited to see what God has planned for my students this year!  

"You make beautiful things out of dust.  You make beautiful things out of us". Gungor

Beautiful Love

God has given me a heart for kids.  I love kids.  I love their joy, their innocence, their love, their hugs, their faith, their hearts, and their beauty.  I knew before moving to Haiti that I was going to be loving on some Haitian kids- it was and is a desire God has laid on my heart.  There are some girls who live next door to us that I felt drawn to.  I met them the first day we came to look at our new house.  They were walking home from the feeding program and all I wanted to do was hug, kiss, hold, and love on them.  The day we moved in, I sat outside the gate and held one little girl and her sisters' hands.  It was beautiful and I loved every second of it. 

God has placed them on my heart and I am praying what my place will be in their life, with them, and with their family.

 

Today I was walking home from Bible study- it was getting dark outside but there was still a little bit of light.  As I got to the top of the hill (walking down toward my house) I saw a little girl climbing over rocks running up the hill with arms wide open to be embraced with a hug.  It was sweet Tiyesha (the little girl in the red shirt in the pictures).  All I could do was throw down my stuff, pick her up, and love on her. The joy that was brought to me in this moment was inexpressible! All I could do was stand their in awe, in peace, and in complete joy.

 

This moment reminded me of how much Jesus loves when we run after Him with our arms and heart wide open, climbing over rocks, persevering through the trials, running up the treacherous hill- for His embrace! How far are you willing to go for Jesus?  How hard are you willing to run after Jesus?  He ran, runs, and will run and went, goes, and will go far for you.

 

How He Loves Us So.

 

 

Happy November!

I can't believe it is already November!  It doesn't help that it is 90 degrees here and sunny almost every day =)  I can't complain though because the weather sure was beautiful at the beach on Saturday.  I love how God always provides rest!  He gave that to me this weekend, filled with friends, fellowship, relaxation, and time to grow closer in Him!

We are getting all moved into our house.  I love the area we are living in, I have many American friends, there are so many awesome ministries to be involved with, I am falling in love with the Haitian neighbors, I was able to go on a run (with a friend), and am feeling at home.  School is just around the corner for my sweet students!

Even without curriculum they are still reading and learning!

Here is our new home- What a gift from God!

This is the inside of the downstairs.

 

The Lord has been teaching me so much every single day.  This has been the biggest and greatest learning experience of my life.  He has made my faith in Him grow tremendously.  Moving in this huge, nice house has been difficult for me because of all the poverty that surrounds me.  However, this house will be used for the good- we need to feel at home and this is what we are comfortable and use to. God provided in a major way and truly led us to this house.

 

The Lord also has placed a new song in my heart by Jesus Culture called "Come Away".  It says: 

Come away with me

It's never too late, it's not too late for you

I have a plan for you

It's going to be wild

It's going to be great

It's going to be full of me

 

I want to challenge you to go away with God.  See what He is made of and what He has in stored for you.  It is more and better than you can ever imagine =)  

 

Have a good day.

What is a good day?  What is a bad day? 

Yesterday at Port-au-Prince Fellowship (the church I attend) John gave a great message that made me ask myself a lot of questions.  What do I define as a good day?  A day where I can sleep in, go on a run, shower, have air conditioner, read my Bible, have a Starbucks iced coffee (or I guess right now in the US it would be a pumpkin spice latte- however my mind cannot even wrap around being cold and needing something hot), spending time with friends, I do not pass a bad driver, everyone is so kind, I eat a great dinner, get to watch my favorite show, and then fall asleep.  Is that a good day? What about the bad days?  The days when trouble comes, I sleep through my alarm, I don’t get my Starbucks drink, I get behind all of the bad drivers, and… I am sure you get the picture.  (Also, I am referring to how I would define a good and bad day in the United States—Haiti would be a totally different kind of day haha)

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for the answers. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What does anything mean? A thing of any kind. What does everything mean? All things. All that exist. 

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts.”  

Isaiah who lived in a time of tremendous turmoil predicted that Godly people would suffer along with everyone else.  However, Isaiah urged them and us to focus on a reality greater than current troubles.  

The Bible says when I am not in perfect peace means I am not trusting in Him. –WOW! That hits hard because I so easily let things and circumstances control my peace, joy, and how I define my day.  But the truth is the Lord is still Lord.  In spite of all these things all the troubles of the world we have overwhelmed victory!

The pastor then asked if there were people who let things of the world, their circumstances, their situations, their feelings define their day.  I was the first to raise my hand. If the kids argue with me throughout day = bad day; if they disobey me = bad day; if I miss my family and friends = bad day.  I let people and my feelings define my day. When the truth is He still reigns, He is sovereign, He is just, He is faithful, and He loves me more than I can comprehend. Why would I let something temporary in this world ruin the joy of my salvation that lasts for eternity!?

How do you define your day?  What is considered a good day? 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart.  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Hebrews 12:1-4

It's hard, but Good!

It’s really hard, but really really good!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:3-9

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great patience and endurance, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.” Colossians 1:10-12

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” James 1:2-3

Haiti is hard, but God is good.  I have been missing my family, friends, home, and comforts.  I will not be fully satisfied or ever feel at home until I am with my Creator.  As for now I take in and absorb all of the glimpses of Him that He is willing to shower over me.  It is easy here to get worn out and sad, EXTREMELY EASY—but I choose not to because the only life that matters is eternity and through God’s strength and the power of the Holy Spirit in me and the blood of the Lamb shed for me, I can joyfully give thanks to the Father that I have been brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light.  I had to do nothing to receive eternal life except say yes to Jesus and run after Him every second!

I have been focusing on all of this and praying through it and about it for a couple weeks now—God gave me a perfect picture of what I was going through in the sky the other night.  I was sitting on the balcony and to the left of me was a beautiful blue sky with the sun setting, it almost looked perfect, to the right of me was a dark storm, but right in the middle between the beautiful sky and dark storm was a rainbow—a promise of God’s covenant between us.  I could live that comfortable, perfect life.  I could focus on all the darkness and poverty and hurt in this world (Haiti).  BUT I LIVE FOR JESUS. I FOCUS ON HIM.  Who tells me that yes times are hard, but guess what?! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. I HAVE TAKEN YOU OUT OF DARKNESS.  I AM YOUR STRENGTH. I WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS, JUST ABIDE IN ME. One day we will be together in paradise—where everything is perfect and holy- because He is perfect and holy.  

John 16:33; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 118; Isaiah 40; Luke 23:43

Unfailing Love, Guides

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.  In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13

"I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves when oceans rise.  My soul will rest in your embrace; for I am Yours and You are mine." Oceans by Hillsong United

My heart has been meditating on this verse and this song throughout this week.  The Lord has been pouring His unconditional love and reminding me how much He loves me.  Even when times get tough, when I feel week, I rest in Him alone.  His mighty hand guides me in every direction.  I have been praying a lot for His direction because there are so many people who need food, water, clothes, a house, school, money, and a job.  It is hard moving down here thinking "I am going to help everyone" or "I am going to change the world".  The truth is, I cannot do any of those things.  Those are desires acting out of my flesh rather than my Spirit.  I trust in the Lord's provision because He can do ALL things, I pray for the people who are in need and pray that the Lord will reveal to me what I can do, who I can help and how I can help-  I ask myself everyday what can I do for you Lord?  How do you want to use me today?  Help me to deny myself take away my selfish desires so I can hear from YOU and YOUR HOLY SPIRIT! 

Another truth the Lord has been pouring out to me is how much sin affects our relationship with our Father.  When I feel distant from Him or I can't hear His answers to my prayers, it is usually because of me and my heart and my selfish desires.  Does the Lord love me any less?  NO! He longs for us to know him more and more and when we fill our lives with things that aren't glorious or righteous then we are building a wall between us and the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will begin to withdrawal and you will loose the amazing communion He provides! 

I am held in His mighty hand and so are you!  Don't miss out on what God is calling you to do-- His ultimate desire is for you to seek Him, let Him lead you!

"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6 

"But seek first His kingdom of righteous, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Trust in God's Timing

We are moved out of our old house.  God showed us that Port-Au-Prince was where we spent most of our time and that is where the Tugwell's needed to live. It puts them much closer to the super kitchen!  The house we were living in was a temporary set up for the Tugwell's and the house they just put a contract on is a great family home!  However, we still do not have our container so we cannot move into the house.  We are currently living in the World Orphan guest house.  It was so sweet to see the Haitians provide us housing when we didn't have a place to go.  Not only are we here to serve them, but they returned the favor to serve us in our time of need.  All of us are ready for structure and organization.  I am so excited to move into the house because I can see many ministry opportunities, there are many American girls my age living in that area, a great school and orphanage and youth program I want to get involved with.  Also, starting school with the supplies and curriculum sounds wonderful!  However, we are patient with God's timing and continue to trust in Him even when times are hard- and this time of transition and waiting has been hard on all of us.

I have been focusing on Romans 5:4-5:
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

and Psalm 32:7-8
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

This time has been a time to trust in God alone.  He never takes us to a place to abandon us, but to teach us, guide us, fight for us, and bring us close to him.  No matter where I am, I will never be home until the day I am face to face with my Father in Heaven. 

Patience in the Lord

We have been in such a waiting period living here in Haiti.  The super kitchen is still being renovated; we are waiting on the container with everything the Tugwell’s own and school curriculum, and trying to figure out which area of Haiti God wants us to live.  With that being said we are at a standstill.  However, God really spoke to me this morning through Genesis 8.  Noah obeyed God and built the ark, bringing his family, and two animals of every kind. The rain stopped and the land began to dry.  Noah saw tops of the mountains, sent a dove that brought back an olive branch, saw the dry land himself.  However, Noah did not make any plans; he did not leave the ark without the Lords command.  Even though Noah could see land and could have easily run off the ark, he chose not to.  Imagine being Noah, you have been on a boat for 240 days, you are looking at dry land for 3 months- it would take self control and trust in the Lord to not run out of that ark (you know it wasn’t quiet with so many animals!). Noah waited patiently, “then God said to Noah, ‘Come out of the ark’” (Genesis 8:15-16).  How much better is it for us to wait on the Lord, for God to tell us exactly what to do?  Isn’t the God of the universe, the king of Kings timing better than my timing?… YES!  Even though we think we should have everything figured out by now… God says wait for my good and perfect timing! 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

He Washed us WHiTE as SNOW

I was able to go visit the super kitchen today.  For those of you who don’t know- Lori and Noel have partnered with an organization called Outside the Bowl which aims to meet the physical needs of people in order to meet their spiritual needs.  The super kitchen will have two huge pots in it and each pot cooks 1,000 means per hour.  This project is going to turn into meals on wheels in a third world country.  This super kitchen is located in the poorest city in Haiti called Cite Soleil at the worst hospital in all of Haiti.  This is a women’s hospital where babies are born from hungry mamas, dirty sheets, unclean water, and heat.  What an opportunity to walk into this new, white room that provides food.  Having a child is a major chapter in a person’s life.  How cool will it be when a mother brings a new life into the world and could gain a new life in Christ!

 

 Today as I was standing in the super kitchen with its brand new coat of white paint all I could think about was the importance of white and a song kept playing over and over in my head:

 “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow; Praise the one, who paid my debt, and raised this life up from the dead”.  – Jesus Paid it All

Through Jesus, through the blood of the lamb, I am now white as snow.  When Jesus died on the cross, I died with Him! These women did too and can come to learn this truth! HOW AWESOME!

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

“and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” Revelation 1:5

New Friends =)

Life in Haiti is so fun.  I love the dependency and trust I have to rely on the Lord every minute and in every moment.  At first, it was hard for me to live here because I felt lonely and I missed my friends, community, and people my age.  God immediately provided me with AMAZING friends =) Haitian friends, American friends, Haitian-American friends!  I love being able to go be with them, listen to what the Lord is teaching them, tell them what the Lord is teaching me, encourage one another, provide comfort for one another, and have fun!  None of this would happen if it wasn’t for the Lord.  Before I go to bed I just thank God for all He has done, is doing, and will do.  Because He was, He is, and Is to come (Revelation 1:8)- He is the Great I am- Immanuel meaning God with Us (Matthew 1:23)!

I don’t have very many pictures with my friends (I kind of forget to take pictures- but I will for sure work on it!) Here is a picture of my friend Rocky at his wedding a few weeks ago.

 

 I love having new experiences in Haiti that we have in the United States.  I think it is so cool to compare the cultures and how God made them different yet similar.  When we were on our way to the wedding, we were running kind of late.  The wedding was supposed to start at 10:00- we showed up at 10:20 hoping to sneak in the back so no one would notice we were late… Well we were the first people there!  The 10:00 wedding started around 11:45 =) I don’t think you would see that in the United States. Haha

Our Daily Life

Silas using a box and two pencils to make a robot face.

 I wanted you to have an idea of what our day looks like.  I tried posting a video of Silas describing his "busy" day, but I could not figure out how to upload a video...   We have been trying to entertain ourselves without having the container, toys, or school curriculum.  In the video, Silas says he has to wake up, eat breakfast, learn about Jesus, memorize scripture, play outside, tell people about Jesus, play with Wood, catch flies, go back outside, and sit on the balcony.  =)  We are all in  a transition here in Haiti and still in the process of settling.  However, I know this is exactly where God wants me.  He shows me His love, grace, and mercy daily.  It has been so fun learning the language and culture and adapting to this new country- which I have fallen in love with. 

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18    

This time of waiting and trusting while living in Haiti is achieving for us eternal glory!  It is so important to fix our eyes on what is unseen rather than what is seen.  My earthly self wants to focus on what is seen and the pity party I could be having right now, but eternity, life with our Father outweighs anything and everything here on Earth!  How awesome!!

Just an Update

God is a provider and meets all of our needs if we ask!  Last year when I was working on my Masters in Education, I knew I had to take time for myself occasionally and not work myself to death.  I didn’t think I would need to do that here, but I was wrong.  Last week I was at the house with the kids everyday (we still do not have our container so we are not doing much school and the kids do not have much to do so the days are difficult).  God showed me that I needed time away from the kids and work and take time for myself and most importantly Him!  This is what I did last week which I think adds beauty to my room =)

 

I found the crate and the paint around the house and used a watercolor brush from the kid’s paints.  I tried to sand it myself, but the workers around the house said I was not doing it right which I am sure I was not.  All of the workers around the house are such a blessing.  We have 4 ladies who have become some of my dearest friends and help me ALL the time!  They are so wonderful and I love the friendships I have with each one of them.  We started to pray together and read the Bible everyday at 3:00.  I am praying that our relationship will grow and language will not be a barrier between us.

Also, after spending the whole week at the house; I needed time to get away and spend time with people my age who speaks the same language as me.  God once again provided me with a sweet place to get away.  I have a friend from Arkansas who is teaching in Port-Au-Prince.  We did not have the chance to meet in the United States but through mutual friends we were able to connect as soon as we got to Haiti.  I met her at church 2 weeks ago and we recognized each other from Face book.  Knowing I had her here, I was able to get dropped off at her house and spend the weekend with her and other American teachers at the same school.  It was exactly what I needed =) God knew I needed that time and provided. 

Another project that is taking place here in Haiti is a village with widows and orphans in the mountains.  People who live in our house are in charge of this project.  I have heard so much about it and see the men and women pouring their hearts, time, and money into it but I have never gotten to see it.  However, Tuesday I was able to take a trip up there.  Here are some pictures just so you can get an idea.

 

Here are the different houses where the widows and orphans will be moving into.

Houses nearby and in the mountains.

I was able to give salvation bracelets to the kids.  It was SOOOO awesome because language was not an issue.  God allowed them to understand me and me to understand them.  I was overfilled with joy =)

More of the mountain project construction.

Every evening I try to go up to the porch and sit and watch the sunset.  It is such a sweet time I get to spend with the Lord reflecting on the day and everything He has created.  No matter how my day goes He reminds me that He is still God, He reigns, He is the way, the truth, and the light- He always provides me with hope and beauty.  My heart saddens when I think about moments I have missed with God because I am too busy or not paying attention.  It is so important that we “Be still and know He is God, He will be exalted among the Nations, and exalted here on Earth!” Psalm 46:10 

I am praying that the container will be here tomorrow and would love for you to be praying as well.  This will be a miracle straight from God but He is powerful, provides, and meets all our needs! God bless! 

 

August 26, 2013

“As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing yet possessing everything.”  2 Corinthians 6: 3-10

How do you view life? Is the glass half empty or half full? In everything, Paul always considered what his actions and words communicated about Christ.  If you are a believer, people who do not know Christ observe you.  Are you always complaining?  Is life never going your way? Is something always wrong?   Don’t let careless words or actions be someone’s excuse for not coming to know the One, the only One, who matters in this world.  Being put in jail would cause many people to give up, grumble, be discouraged; however, Paul saw it as a great time to spread the gospel!  We might not be in prison, but we can definitely find ways to be discouraged—struggling relationships, not having a relationship, being away from friends and family, financial burdens, lose of a job, not getting a job, family issues, church conflict, and times of indecision.  How we react in these situations will reflect what we believe.  Often when discouraging times occur in our life, we begin to vent to others about it publicly and pray privately.  In this time, we need to privately talk to the Lord about the issues and publicly declare God’s glory, grace, wonder, and beauty.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Living in Haiti the glass could always be half empty or even at times completely empty.  I could make a LONG list about complaints, but then I just seem silly and having a pity party for myself.  Every day I am to make a choice.  And so I choose… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self- control (Galatians 5:22).  I am to live this way because the Holy Spirit lives in me.  I am to glorify my Father in every way I can.  Rather than complaining about something taking too long, I will thank God for the extra moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, jobs, or tasks, I will face them with joy and courage knowing I am not alone.  The way my Father loves and treats me is how I choose to love and treat others.  If I succeed, I will give thanks to the Lord.  If I fail (which happens more often than when I succeed), I will seek His grace =)

Birthday in Christ. It's a Birthday Week!

God has been doing a lot of work in my heart and it has been awesome!  The team that was here was so full of the Holy Spirit and I heard and saw miracles happen.  I have known Christ and understand Christ for almost 5 years now.  However, I found myself trying to convince myself that I was free from sin and Jesus would look at me one day and say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.  I realized I came to Jesus in my heart but I still was thirsty for more and Jesus does not want me to be convincing myself!  After having people poor truth into my life, telling me about their life, I decided to take another leap of faith and be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  I can’t explain the amount of freedom that came with the baptism and how peaceful my heart became.  I felt like my stony heart was gone and my heart was filled with life because it was and is filled with the Holy Spirit!  The next day, I was able to be baptized in the ocean in Haiti.  It was the most beautiful place ever and I felt like I was on cloud nine.  The joy in my heart has changed completely.  I thought I knew Christ but this is a whole new life!  After the baptism, there were tiny tiny rain drops (even though it was sunny).  I believe God was rejoicing with soft tears.

August 10, 2013

My Birthday =)

Yesterday was a hard day for me.  We have a team visiting and they are so wonderful.  They are from Siloam Springs and all of them are friends with the Tugwells.  I am thankful they are here but it made me really miss my friends and family.  I had a very up and down day yesterday.  I prayed that I could still be content on my birthday even being a part from everyone who I longed to be with.  God provided more than I could ask for.  I woke up and one of that lady’s on the team gave me a book that my wonderful friend Katie (who is now a 4^th grade teacher! YAY) got together.  This book had letters from my friends and it was truly the encouragement I needed.  I fell on my knees thanking God for my friends and that God saw that small encouragement I needed He provided through my friends =)  The day got even better!  We went to a church where the men on the team were leading a Pastor Conference.  Well, there was also summer school going on.  My heart is always drawn to run to the little kid’s room but today I felt like I needed to be in the older kid’s room.  God told me to talk to this girl who I saw yesterday at church.  Her name is Jennifer, she is 14, and she is part of the orphan program.  I was drawn to her and she was drawn to me.   I don’t know what is going to happen but I have a feeling God wants me to help her in some way!  The older kids sang Happy Birthday to me in Creole.  It was the most beautiful song I ever heard and I wanted to burst into tears, but I didn’t because they would have totally made fun of me haha.  As if meeting Jennifer was not a big enough blessing… I met Sandy.  Sandy is 20 years old and is a teacher here in Haiti.  She wants to learn more English, she is beautiful, and I can’t wait to see what God does through us.  I will see Sandy and Jennifer a lot because they go to Pastor Andre’s church and Lori and Noel work with pastor Andre at least once a week!  I love how great OUR GOD is!  He went out of His way to tell me “well done” on moving to Haiti and because you said yes I will bless you.  Thank you Jesus.

July 31, 2013

This morning I woke up kind of discouraged.  Lori and Noel went to the land they are hoping to get to set up another soup kitchen, maybe start a school, and use it in any other way to help further God’s kingdom.  They were meeting with Pastor Andre at 7:00 so I told them I would stay and watch the kids.  They took Esther with them because she was already by at 6:15 a.m. She says she does not like that chicken (the rooster that wakes us up every morning).

When I got out of bed at 6:30 Lily and Silas were already up which was fine except it is hard to spend time with Jesus and in the Bible with kids screaming.  I did the best I can to focus on the Lord but I just was really sad- missing my family and friends a lot.  On top of the screaming that took place all morning, there was a tarantula in the house.  It was HUGE!! Thank goodness we had Ernie at the house to get rid of it for us.  Needless to say the morning was not the greatest at the house and I later found out why.

While I was with the kids all morning, Lori and Noel were praying over the land and signing some papers.  On their way home, they got pulled over.  The police were trying to find ways to take them to jail.  He asked for their passports (which they had a copy) and then asked for their green card (which is the card you show the airport when you deport the country).  Well, no one knew you had to have your green card.  The policeman was persistent on taking them to jail.  Noel told the man that they were friends with Madam Sophia (the president’s wife) and she would not be happy about this.  Because of the Lords protection and provision the policemen told them to leave.   

After Lori, Noel, and I debriefed about our morning—Noel really spoke truth into my life and gave me the encouragement I needed that day.  He said this just shows that the enemy is threatened by what is going to happen here.  We are under attack but that is a good thing because we are furthering the kingdom.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God” Ephesians 6:10-13

The day got much better.  Lori and I went to the grocery store to get food for the team coming Saturday, went to the bank, and got a rental car all by ourselves!  We sure serve a Mighty God who loves all his children =)