Thursday, November 4, 2010

Dilemma

The end of another day is upon us. And it was a great one. So much accomplished today. The benches are all made, and just 10 need their final coat of finish. The rain has stayed long enough for them all to be coated at least once. We didn’t know if we were going to make it. The plumbing work is done and we gave out over 1600 gallons of water today. It was a rush, filling buckets, setting them on the girls heads and watching the children rush up the hill with their precious cargo. It was a steady stream. The girls did extraordinary at the children’s service, in the neighborhood of 440 attended. The kids had the day off school because they don’t know what is going to happen with the impending storm. We are hunkering down at the orphanage tonight, as nobody knows quite what to expect. St. Marc is a very protected town from inclement weather and earthquakes. Many people have moved here since the earthquake. It is astounding to see all the construction happening here since our spring trip. We had a blast with orphan children today. Many hugs and love to share and receive. Otelson (one of our orphan’s) does not know it, the family does not want him to know, but his father just died in Desdunes from the cholera outbreak. It breaks your heart to watch these people in their suffering. The dilemma of the world, of all humanity, the problem of pain and suffering. So many things are explainable, but this, this is an equation we don’t yet have an answer for outside of God. Fortunately, God has a plan in the midst of pain, and His love often shines the brightest there. I can attest to that as sit here in Haiti tonight. We make our breaks with reality, we hide behind a TV screen, the delights of material things, we fill our minds with trivial thoughts, but here, you deal straight up with the insufferable reality of what life delivers, and without the grace of God, you can’t make heads or tails of it all. But we are blessed, and thankful as we share this week with them, to be a ray of hope, a thread of help, a small glimmer of mercy. Pray God continues to bless our efforts, to protect us, and to make a continuing source of encouragement through our time here. Pray tonight God protects this country from this impending storm! Blessings from grateful hearts!

10 comments:

Deloris said...

Hmmmm, don't know what to say after reading this blog. My first thought was that Otelson might have suffered the same plight as his father had it not been for Rob going up the mountain to get him and bring him to the orphanage. So we need to thank God for that. It is great that you guys have been able to do so much in just two full days there. I'm sure it's been crazy but fun too. I hope Julie is holding up well. I know how the heat and conditions can overwhelm you sometimes. She's in great company though and I'm sure all of you are taking good care of each other. It's hard to not worry about the rain that's headed your way, but it looks like the worse of the winds are to the west, so that's a blessing. I'm glad you're at the orphanage......that place is built like Fort Knox! You'll just have to hunker down and let it pass and hopefully everything will be fine by Saturday. Love you all and miss you bunches.

Anonymous said...

Wow! God's provision upon this trip is amazing just hearing about it through the blog I can't imagine what it must be like to be walking it there in Haiti! It doesnt sound like anyone has slowed down a bit! All the benches done wow! 440 kids on the 2nd day of service thats a huge WOW!! Am praying and thinking of you all often. Even though I had my own personal struggles while i was in Haiti i think i'm realizing how much of my heart is still there through this trip! God's timing is ALWAYS right on! Thank you all for your faithfulness to labor on! Niche

Jake T. said...

Proverbs 10:25
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever

Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Love you all, I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Well as expected we got some snow. The girls were excited and scurried around getting their boots, hats and gloves. We had a great night and this morning ( Friday ) they were really good and Alexis even made me coffee. The girls know how I need coffee in the morniing especially that early. It is just now getting light out. I think of what it must be like down your way. The hurricane seems to be going slow and going to hit the north part of Haitti. Although you are to get a lot of rain and storms. I pray you do not get too much and the roads hold up to be about to get around. I am sure there are things you still want to do and hopefully you can do them.
Please be safe and I am sure Robinson knows this weather and
knows what to do in these conditions. Love to my family and everyone else. Linda Hasse

Shelbie Mae said...

I pray that you all stay safe during the storm.
I woke up at 8 today so I could register for my classes. I got all of the classes I wanted/needed, yay I guess.....
So anyway I then went on Facebook. There were several posts about how there was snow...I was afraid to look outside...I regret that I did...My roof is covered in snow. Its not snowing at the moment but I think we are supposed to get it on and off today. =(
I went to bible study on campus last night and was reminded of how good God is. It is amazing how God puts people in our lives for encouragment right when we need it. I praise God for that today.
I am heading off to work today in the cold...I still dont have my winter coat from Omena...But its dounut Friday so it should all be okay, haha.
I love you all and think of you offten. I will especialy be thinking about you today as I walk to work in the cold and blowing snow....
Stay Safe
Hugs

don said...

Hi Haiti Team,

Sorry I haven't written sooner. Since moving to Hastings I am not as in touch as I used to be. :) I continue to praise God for the amazing ministry that you are carrying out in St. Marc. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is too easy to get caught up in the little irritations that we experince in the US and forget that our brothers and sisters in Haiti really know what it is like to trust God for their daily bread! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. God is smiling. He is proud of you and your work and sacrifice. You are in my prayers.

Pastor Don

Anonymous said...

Blessings to You and Thank you again for your willingness to go!

Hang on, and stay strong in our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Storms of this world rage in attempt to throw us off, and urge us to lose the focus, we pray that the creator of this world will draw you close and keep you focused on Him and Him alone. We are praying for you and the people of Haiti.
Give Pastor Rob and Family hugs for us. The Reyhls

Linda and Judy said...

Just wanted you to know all of you are in our prayers. According to the news it sounds like God protected the area you are in. Alisa and Jim, make sure that brother of mine doesn't do things he isn't suppose to do...I know that is a difficult request :) Praising God for the work he has done in your lives and now you are giving others that hope of Christ!

Anonymous said...

Hello Alisa, Jim & friends! Sounds like you guys are busy, busy, busy but are accomplishing much! Today in TC is it 35 degrees and snowing! Bet that makes you want to hurry back! (Ha, ha) I must say that each and everyone of you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your stories with us and making us realize what really is important in life. Miss ya Alisa at work! See you soon. Be safe!

Angela Pelletier

Anonymous said...

Were looking forward for your blog tonight, trying hard not to worry about you all, it's hard when there's a HURACIANE near. From what I've seen on the news thats passed and now its the rain amounts. We continue to pray for your safety. Love to you all. give all the little kiddies pats on the head and hugs & kisses from us. Mary, Greg and Ellen XXOO