#2017. New year. New beginnings. New attitudes.
When we talked about a "New Years resolution" for 2017, it was a shared goal with a common purpose. After all, it wouldn't be that difficult to have a better attitude, would it?
However, it quickly became a standing joke! Whenever we didn't maintain that fresh perspective, our kids would quickly raise their hands and form their fingers
in the symbol of a hashtag, as a reminder of what we'd committed to. Social media rules!
Thankfully, God is so gracious. Our fall newsletter was titled "Changing Seasons", and that it was! It was a year of determining next steps, learning to lean harder on our Lord, and navigating difficult times. We didn't always do this well, but our God never gave up on us! We are so thankful for His grace and for those who have continued to pray for us and the hospital ministry.
We've been back in Marchand, Dessalines for a week now and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas break in Ontario with our family and friends. It was a time of celebration and joy as we rejoiced with our kids when we learned we are going to be grandparents in July. Britt and Mark are expecting their first and we are over the moon! We've shared many laughs about what we shall be named. Haitian grandparents are called Gran-papa & Gran manman, so we will see!
We also had the pleasure of our son Jordan being home, and hosting his girlfriend Lara for a week, which was a treat. Jordan finished his term in Haiti on December 1st so we miss him being close by!
Hôpital Claire Heureuse continues to grow! Through the fall months the maternity department saw an average of +100 babies delivered a month and used every nook and cranny. An orthopedic surgeon began part time service and is available for consultations and surgery. There is also the hope of beginning an eye and dental clinic across the road from the hospital. The surgeon and clinic are both vital additions to a referral hospital. 30 years of active service was a milestone marker in November 2016 to the community and area! The foundation that was laid and built upon has withstood the test of time and remains solid. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of those who served before us.
We also spent time on upgrades at the compound, creating a secure environment for teams and those who live in the apartments, with a new wall and gates. Its interesting to look back on photos from thirty years ago and see how Dessalines has grown!
This year we continue to seek renewed vision & energy and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Our friends and partners in ministry, Rob & Heather Van Norman are with us for the coming month to walk alongside and provide mentor ship with the hospital leadership team. We are anticipating what God has in store. We plan to host medical teams, evangelical teams and continue construction and administrative work at the hospital, with God being our helper. When my Dad was in Princess Margaret, for leukemia treatment in 2006, we posted a sign in his room "God can do it ... we can help" and that continues to be true for us today. We lean heavily on Proverbs 3:5,6, and also cling to Ephesians 3:20.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight"
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."
Our deepest gratitude to you, for your continued prayer and financial support in 2016. It's hard for us to believe that we are in our 5th year of ministry in Haiti and that is only possible due to your ongoing partnership. Thank you!
Below you will find ways you can uphold us in prayer.
Prayer Requests:
For His power and love to be demonstrated through us
For His clarity and vision as we move forward together with the hospital
For the hospital to continue demonstrating Gods active work in Dessalines
For those seeking medical attention, that they will be shown His love and mercy in difficult times
For our daughter Britt as she carries a little miracle inside her womb
For our son Jordan as he re-locates and begins a new ministry opportunity
When we talked about a "New Years resolution" for 2017, it was a shared goal with a common purpose. After all, it wouldn't be that difficult to have a better attitude, would it?
However, it quickly became a standing joke! Whenever we didn't maintain that fresh perspective, our kids would quickly raise their hands and form their fingers
in the symbol of a hashtag, as a reminder of what we'd committed to. Social media rules!
Thankfully, God is so gracious. Our fall newsletter was titled "Changing Seasons", and that it was! It was a year of determining next steps, learning to lean harder on our Lord, and navigating difficult times. We didn't always do this well, but our God never gave up on us! We are so thankful for His grace and for those who have continued to pray for us and the hospital ministry.
We've been back in Marchand, Dessalines for a week now and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas break in Ontario with our family and friends. It was a time of celebration and joy as we rejoiced with our kids when we learned we are going to be grandparents in July. Britt and Mark are expecting their first and we are over the moon! We've shared many laughs about what we shall be named. Haitian grandparents are called Gran-papa & Gran manman, so we will see!
We also had the pleasure of our son Jordan being home, and hosting his girlfriend Lara for a week, which was a treat. Jordan finished his term in Haiti on December 1st so we miss him being close by!
Hôpital Claire Heureuse continues to grow! Through the fall months the maternity department saw an average of +100 babies delivered a month and used every nook and cranny. An orthopedic surgeon began part time service and is available for consultations and surgery. There is also the hope of beginning an eye and dental clinic across the road from the hospital. The surgeon and clinic are both vital additions to a referral hospital. 30 years of active service was a milestone marker in November 2016 to the community and area! The foundation that was laid and built upon has withstood the test of time and remains solid. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of those who served before us.
We also spent time on upgrades at the compound, creating a secure environment for teams and those who live in the apartments, with a new wall and gates. Its interesting to look back on photos from thirty years ago and see how Dessalines has grown!
This year we continue to seek renewed vision & energy and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Our friends and partners in ministry, Rob & Heather Van Norman are with us for the coming month to walk alongside and provide mentor ship with the hospital leadership team. We are anticipating what God has in store. We plan to host medical teams, evangelical teams and continue construction and administrative work at the hospital, with God being our helper. When my Dad was in Princess Margaret, for leukemia treatment in 2006, we posted a sign in his room "God can do it ... we can help" and that continues to be true for us today. We lean heavily on Proverbs 3:5,6, and also cling to Ephesians 3:20.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight"
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."
Our deepest gratitude to you, for your continued prayer and financial support in 2016. It's hard for us to believe that we are in our 5th year of ministry in Haiti and that is only possible due to your ongoing partnership. Thank you!
Below you will find ways you can uphold us in prayer.
Prayer Requests:
For His power and love to be demonstrated through us
For His clarity and vision as we move forward together with the hospital
For the hospital to continue demonstrating Gods active work in Dessalines
For those seeking medical attention, that they will be shown His love and mercy in difficult times
For our daughter Britt as she carries a little miracle inside her womb
For our son Jordan as he re-locates and begins a new ministry opportunity
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