Today was a good reminder of why we are here. We saw on many levels a cup of cold water being offered.   To the knife sharpener who returned yesterday on a verbal promise that he would receive funds for his daughters tuition; to the young man with a  family who needs help re-building his house; to the mother who`s moving her  family and needs assistance with her rent to get started.  We are to uphold  the cause of the poor and the oppressed...we continue to see this modelled so well for us.  Burt would call it 'discipleship' at its best!  Once again, the phone rings and there is never a hint of irritation or intrusion from our mentors, only gracious concern for those truly in need.  May we always be mindful of the needs of others and how richly blessed we are.

Welcome to Haiti!  We arrived safely and without any challenges on Tuesday afternoon.  Travelling with 4 large rubbermaid type bins, 2 large duffle bags and 2 backpacks made us a little nervous, but all of our luggage arrived in a timely fashion. After customs checked each and every piece ... and we  shared a soccer ball with one of the customs officers :) ...we were off to meet Russ.  Russ and Sherrie Cole will be our mentors for the next couple of weeks, before we head north to Dessalines.  They are a wonderful couple from Washington state, who have been serving with the Haiti Inland Mission for the past 7 years. 

Most of you know that it was Burt`s desire to celebrate his 50th birthday in Haiti.  Well he did it!!  He spent the day out on the roads with Russ...battling traffic, picking up supplies, and navigating the rough terrain. Not exactly a walk in the park but he couldn't have been more joy filled and ended the day with a fabulous birthday meal, prepared by Sherrie (with a little help from me! :))  He even enjoyed birthday cake with a candle!  (If I can get the pictures edited I`ll post his birthday ... right now they are too large and I`m having some trouble)

Today we met Suzette, the housekeeper who comes to the house on Tues, Thur and Sat. The guest house is used to host teams working in the area, and overnight guests who need a place to lay their heads before flying.  We also enjoyed lunch with 3 Haitian fellows that work for the Mission in Port au Prince (PaP).  We had great fellowship and even learned a few words in Creole.  The guacamole made from fresh avocadoes ... 'zuboka' :)  In the picture above Burt and Russ are having knives sharpened at the front gate.  A new experience for sure! 

We were reminded today the following words from a friend: "When I hear about the extreme heat I'm reminded of the Biblical climate and  references to the challenges of existing in a burning, hot, dry land.  God provided the analogy of  Himself  being their shelter from the heat and refreshing dew from  heaven.  Caring about all aspects of our being, He didn't stop with the  spiritual, but provided very practical and physical shade" ...

God is our protector and shield from the heat
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a  tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You  are a refuge from the storm and
a shelter from the heat. Isaiah 25:4

Well, we`re down to one more sleep ... then we`ll be off on a life changing journey to Haiti!!  Keep watch for our next entry, once we've arrived and unpacked.  Please keep us in your prayers as we travel  Tuesday morning, leaving Pearson bright & early at 6:30 am, with a layover in Miami for a few hours and then arriving Mais Gate Airport, Port au Prince at 4:00 in the afternoon.  We look forward to sharing the stories of how God is working in and through us, and the people of Haiti.