Let me not forget

Let me not forget....
Remind me of Your promises, Lord.
Seal them in my heart, so that I may not forget.

Spread before me, Your blessings Lord.
Lay them out, so that I may not forget.

Sing over me Your love.
Lavish me, so that I may not forget.

Bathe me with your presence.
Let me be surrounded, so that I may not forget.

You've promised me a future and filled it with blessings, showered me with love and enveloped me in Your presence....yet, somehow I still manage to forget about all You've done for me.

Remind me of Your promises....

Random thoughts

So many days I get caught up in pointless activities.
My mornings pass without one word to my Maker, my afternoons filled with busy work, my evenings are spent recovering from the busy day, my head hits my pillow with stress of the day clouding every thought....my heart neglected, my God put aside.

This evening I found myself listening to a song that a friend sent me and as I did, I felt a sweet, gentle spirit whisper over me - I miss you. The words left my heart a shattered mess.

The sunlight conquers darkness.....gradually.

This morning, the day after Thanksgiving, I woke up, and went for a run. It was about 20 degrees out, I was wearing my sock hat, gloves and had my ipod blaring. The setting was perfect. The sky was clear and I had the BEST view of the sun coming up...I came home and decided to blog on my thoughts and the reflecting I did while i was running. Have you ever watch the sun come up? A sunrise is the most glorious if you are in the country or on the beach away for the light pollution of the city. Either way, it's an amazing thing to watch. It's interesting how the sunlight conquers the darkness little by little. It's doesn't suddenly become daylight like a switch being turned on. It's gradual. And, there is no doubt that the sun will shine. We don't have to stand at the window each morning wondering if the sun will come up; we have faith that it will. We expect it to arrive. You can go about your everyday life while the sun is coming up. You can fix breakfast, make your bed, watch the early news, take a shower - anything you need to do. It never occurs to us to "worry" about whether or not we will see sunlight.

That's the way it is with expecting change in our life. Most of the time, change doesn't happen instantly. You can't lose 20 pounds by snapping your fingers (though I wish I could). You can't improve your relationship with you husband or children in one day. After all, such problems usually don't develop in just one day. Most change takes time but that time is wasted if it is spent worrying about whether or not the change is coming. Also, that time is wasted if you just sit and do nothing while you're waiting for it. Go ahead with your responsibilities, recreation, work, worship, day-to-day life. Change will happen when you seek God and his will for your life. Your relationship with the Creator of the universe becomes deeper gradually. Be patient. God will answer your prayer. Happiness and joy will arrive - in God's time. After all, the sun comes up little by little every morning, doesn't it?

2 Corinthians 3:18
And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

Seasons

Just as the seasons change, so do the days of our lives.....ha! Cheesy, but truthful. Right now I feel as though I'm in a season of holding. In a way I feel like I'm on "pause", and there is almost an anticipation and nervousness of what's to come. So, for that to happen, I feel like God has put some things on hold for a time. I'm great with that. So much so, that if I'm not careful I can become complacent and sleepy in my walking with Jesus. "On hold" for me means I am to be in serious continual learning mode and observing. I know what God has gifted me with and I know that in His time he will use it accordingly and in more ways than I can imagine.

This season is one he has been teaching me in for more than a year now. Although I have no idea what will come at the end of this season, it is even more of an opportunity to be obedient in the instructions He has given me.

What season are you in? There are many. For instance: a season of quiet, a season of excitement. Maybe you are in a season of discipline, or habitual sin that God is dealing with. Think about what is going on in your life and how God is working in and out of all you say and do. Are you paying attention to him? Are you seeking Him no matter what season you are in.

This we can know; nothing stays the same with God and our relationship with Him except the fact that He doesn't change. What season are you in? Enjoy it. Learn from it. Experience it and use it for His glory. He wastes no time or season, they each are in His hand for His glory and our good.

Waiting for answers

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 47:10.

Why is so hard to just be quiet and still? There is always something to do, something to finish, somewhere to go, or someone to call. Even when the things that we do are good and important, we still miss the most important thing of all, spending time with God. We pray and wonder why God is not answering or maybe He doesn't even hear us when we are crying out. He probably has been answering, we just don't take the time to listen.

I am currently reading a book that talks about this. What does happen when we slip away to be with God? We exchange weariness for His strength, weakness for His power, darkness for His light, my problems for His solutions, my afflictions for His balm of comfort, my questions for His answers, my confusion for His knowledge, my doubt for His assurance, my nothingness for His awesomeness, the temporal for the eternal, and the impossible for the possible!

What are some other things that happen when we wait and listen and slip away to be with God????

Lessons from a 10 year old

He's already in bed when I get home from my meeting, but I go into his room anyway to tell him good night. As my head nears his, he stirs and rolls to his back.

"Good night, honey," I whisper, kissing his forehead.

His arms circle my neck and he holds me close, never opening his eyes. His lips tenderly find my cheek and I smile at the way he mimics his normal bedtime ritual.

"I love you, Mom," he says and hugs me tight.

Loving comes so naturally to him, he can literally do it in his sleep. He represents everything good and pure in life, reminding me love covers a multitude of sins.

And I am blessed.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Haiti Hurricane Relief

This was posted on Medical Teams International website.. Pastor Dellamy sent this to them regarding our disaster team...
____________________________________________

Medical Teams International deployed six volunteer medical professionals to Terre Blanche, Haiti, on September 26, 2008. These doctors and nurses brought lifesaving care to children and families suffering from pneumonia, infections, burns and wounds.

Haiti weathered several severe hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September. An estimated one million people lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters without access to food, clean water or medical care.

Our disaster response team returned home on October 23. In collaboration with our partner, the Haiti Foundation of Hope, our volunteers touched the lives of hundreds of hurricane survivors. One of our partners, Pastor Delamy Brazilme, wrote to us:

"Words are not enough to express our thankfulness. Your medical team was one of the greatest gifts that you could have sent. I observed several patients who came to the clinic like death and went out alive. Praise God! The Lord is making Medical Teams International a great institution, which is able to touch the needs of so many around the world."

Something to ponder

To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it."

- Mother Teresa, missionary




Don't forget that your light is only as strong as the fuel you supply it with.

Are you satisfied with the status quo?

Reflecting

After being gone for 3 weeks the adjustment to coming back home and reality has been a little difficult. As well I am trying to catch up on my sleep. How do I describe to people here what I saw, experienced, as stories of surviving the floods and hurricanes I was told by the patients. I don't know but I must try. It's hard to listen to the negative comments back about the situation here at home and I keep reminding myself, "They don't know what the situation is, so I can't hold it against them." When I was talking to someone about the fact that child slavery is a HUGE issue still in Haiti, their comment back to me was "Yeah, but Mel slavery is a problem everywhere. We have slavery here in the US. I am a slave to my mortgage company." I just stood there in disbelief. I didn't say anything cause I thought maybe he was joking. He was not.

Are you freaking kidding me? Comparing trying to buy a house to a child being sold into slavery, beaten, maybe fed once in a while. No education, no hope. In a place where kids are fed dirt cookies so that way their little tummies can know what it feels like to be full, even if its just for a little bit.

I have to seriously deal with this or else it'll keep bugging me. Grace. Pure and simple. Love. Maybe its the sleep deprivation.

I have to keep educating. I have to tell others about their brothers and sisters who are suffering. Serving and missions work is in my blood.

Haiti

Haiti, located only ninety miles off the coast of Florida, is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Although slightly smaller than the state of Maryland, Haiti has a population of seven million. The reality of Haiti was worse, so much worse than I expected.


And, at the same time, it was also so much better than I expected. The poverty, the despair, the pain, the suffering, the need...everywhere I looked I saw someone who was in need. Real people. Real need-not just for comfort but for survivial. And at the same time, I saw people praising and worshipping God with their whole hearts. I saw people praying and reading their Bibles. I saw laughter and joy in their eyes. I saw beauty. I saw love. I saw hope.

I learned that the rich women in Haiti use formula, and the poor women use flour and water, because it looks like formula, and their babies get sick and die.
Pray for us so God can give us wisdom to know what to do on our side.theese are truly some of the most honorable and humbling people I have ever met.


People from all walks of life. People from different churches. People from different states. Very different people all united by Jesus Christ. Brought together by God to do His work. To play a part in His plan

As I was reflecting on the trip and all of these people, God revealed several things to me. First, IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. Clearly, I am inadequate for the task at hand, but God is more than enough, more than capable. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Phillipians 4:13) And He cares-He cares deeply for all who are lost and all who suffer. (Matthew 25:40; Matthew 25:45) I have a part to play in God's adventure and I must do what I can. Jesus said if you love me, obey me.


And lastly, God brought to mind that story about 2 friends walking along the beach that was just covered in starfish. Every so often, one friend would stop to pick up a starfish and throw it back into the ocean. The other friend was incredulous and asked why are you bothering with that, there are so many, you'll never make a difference. And the friend who was throwing the starfish said simply "It makes a difference to this one" as he tossed another one back.
So during the trip, I took action. I changed one diaper at a time. I held the hand of the mother who delivered a baby who did not survive. I held one (sometimes two or three) child(ren) at a time. I gave a drink of water to the little old man who just walked 5 miles to get medical care.. I picked up one crying child at a time. I rocked one child to sleep. One at a time, one need at a time. One bit of obedience at a time. All for God's glory. Did I change the world? Probably not. But maybe, just maybe, I changed the life of a person. Maybe some day that someone will change the life of another person and therefore change the world.
I want them to know that Jesus loves them. No matter what happens that is one thing that is True and cannot be changed. (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). I'm grateful to have had this opportunity. And I'm grateful that someone else obeyed and served, and shared this Good News, this Truth with me. And so now, I do my part and serve willingly, joyfully, gladly. (2 Timothy 1:8)


We certainly ARE the body of Christ, and that means being active and involved in taking care of all the parts, not just ourselves.

Please pray for Haiti. The impact from these storms is only just beginning. It is such a poverty stricken place. The storms have wiped out what little crops there were. the supply and demand for food and clean/safe drinking water causes increases in prices, shortages, and sometimes, riots and violence. There were riots and a coup in April of this year...over the increasing prices. These storms are only making bad things worse.

And I remind myself that this really isn't about me, it's God's plan and He will finish what He started.




It’s a perfect example of how it’s our hearts, and not our actions, that matter.

Arrival in Haiti

Melanie Thomas RN


Hard to believe just over a week ago, we were notified by MTI that a disaster team would be sent to Haiti, and I'm even more in awe that I would have the opportunity to return to this beautiful country once again tp serve. Our team of 6 made it up to here to Terre Blanche after a very LONG and BUMPY trek. Once again I've been blessed to be on a team with such amazing and gifted people.

We could see the damage caused by the hurricanes early in our trip.. Roads and bridges completely wiped out so we had to take lots of detours and "long way arounds". Lots of mud. All over we could see on the houses how high the water got, as they were still wet. As we got closer to Gonaives, our team got quieter...whispers of "Oh my goodness". It is even worse than we could have imagined. Houses still completely submerged under water. I could see just the roofs sticking out of the water. Every rooftop covered in furniture, clothes and belongings. We could see by the way in everything was thrown on the roof, the desperation people had to save what little they have. As we drove into Gonaives, there was mud everywhere, and I'm not talking about a little bit of mud on the road. What I'm describing is four feet of mud in around houses.. Most houses still have water coming out of the front door. Schools, buildings, hospitals, completely destroyed by the flooding.

I am reminded God has plan for each of us and a way for us to spread His love. What I saw today in the clinic as the workers showed up here at the clinic this morning with open arms, smiles and an eagerness to serve, this is what loving is all about. Most of these people have lost everything, their homes, their belongings and some family members. But yet they are here, serving. They may have lost everything, but ask any of them, and they will say "I still have hope. I have a God who loves me and will provide for me and my family. I must help my people".

How do you make sense out of a situation that, quite frankly, makes no sense. And while none of us have the "whys", we have something even greater. We have a blessed hope. We have peace that passes understanding. We have a joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is so important that we, as believers, rise to the situation and be the light to the world....the city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

Because we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we CAN be the strength that others need to see. We can and must be Jesus to the world.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Christ Jesus, the Father of of compassion and the God of all who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those with the comfort we, ourselves, have recieved from god. 2 Corr 1:3-4

Small Community

Connection or bonding, is a funny thing. There are a few groups of people and by extension, places, that I feel particularly connected to. In each case, the strength of the feeling is related to serving the community. The more I’m able to be of service; the more I’m able to give to, invest in and interact with a place or group of people, the more connected I feel. Burns is a town rich in service opportunities. There are many who live and work in this community who live and work to serve one another. This gets reinforced every day as we see each other in different contexts. If you’ve spent time in a small community like Burns, you’ve had experiences like these. And I love it! I love running into people I know. My friends have become my family, my sisters whom I feel I've known forever. We laugh together, we cry together and we got each other's backs ALWAYS. I love the serendipitous nature of the conversations that take place and the opportunities that arise simply because we bump into each other. It binds us together in a way that’s constantly being reinforced by these small interactions.

Our success is not measured by gear and progression but rather the strength of our social ties and the depths through which we will go through to enjoy our time together.

That is the heart of my community.

Haiti Foundation of Hope Update

We can’t thank you enough for partnering with us to help Haiti during this crisis caused by flooding during the hurricane season. Hundreds have been killed and thousands are in need. Supplies like fuel, water and medicine have to be brought north from Port-au-Prince which is difficult because of washed-out roads and bridges. The task ahead is overwhelming but Haiti Foundation of Hope is taking steps forward.

Already we have been able to purchase medicine for the Clinic of Hope in Terre Blanche. We have given money to help clinic staff and their families who lost everything. Food is being distributed.

Next week, Haiti Foundation of Hope board members and volunteers are teaming up with Medical Team International on a disaster relief team to Haiti. The Haiti Foundation of Hope medical team previously scheduled to go in October is still planning to go.

We’ll continue to update you with the latest in how we are helping and how you can be involved.


www.haitifoundationofhope.org

From a newspaper article

From the Sun-Sentinal Newspaper in Florida
_______________________________________________________
HAITI SLIPS DEEPER INTO THE FOOD CRISIS

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Four tropical storms have wiped out most of Haiti's food crops and damaged irrigation systems and pumping stations, raising the specter of acute hunger for millions in the impoverished country.

"The system of agriculture has been destroyed," Agriculture Minister Joanas Gue said. Aid agencies and diplomats also say Haiti desperately needs help to avert mass hunger.

Emergency aid has flowed in to people directly affected by Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike — storms that triggered flooding and killed at least 425 people in less than a month, including 194 in the critical rice-growing Artibonite Valley.

But the United Nations has raised less than 2 percent of a critical $108 million fundraising appeal, said Stephanie Bunker, a spokeswoman for the world body's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Another $18 million has been pledged but not delivered.

And much, much more is needed, with farms damaged or destroyed across the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

"This will take billions of dollars. This is not something small," U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Henrietta Fore said.

Schools that were supposed to open in early September still are filled with refugees fighting over scraps of food aid. Much of Gonaives, the nation's fourth largest city, remains flooded and without electricity. Malaria and other diseases are beginning to spread.

"The scope of this is frankly unimaginable in many countries," U.S. Ambassador Janet Sanderson said. "A lot of the progress of the last couple of years has been swept away by these waters."

The U.S. government is sending $29 million in food aid and humanitarian assistance, and countries including Colombia have flown in food and clothing. U.N. agencies have delivered food to more than 240,000 people, aided by soldiers of its 9,000-strong peacekeeping force and military ships like the USS Kearsarge and Canada's HMCS St. John.

Haiti always struggled to feed its people. Now, it's getting to be impossible.

On a helicopter tour on Tuesday, Fore saw that flood waters still covered much of Haiti's rice-growing region. Crops were covered with brown mud or lay crushed in ruined fields stretching far as the eye could see.

Gue, the agriculture minister, estimates that 60 percent of this year's food harvest has been wiped out by the storms, which hit just as farmers were preparing to collect corn, plantains and yams from their fields. The fall rice harvest was lost as well.

The damage could be felt for years — mountain topsoil, already loosened by rampant deforestation, washed out to sea. Hundreds of irrigation basins, canals and pumping stations were damaged, and about 10,000 tons (9,000 metric tons) of discounted fertilizer distributed to farmers disappeared.

Altogether, Gue estimated the storms caused $180 million in damage to Haiti's agricultural

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

-COACH CARTER-

Packing

So in 4 days I will fly out and meet the 5 other disaster team members in Miami and we will all fly into PAP (Port Au Prince) Haiti together for 3 weeks. I am anxious to see all of the Clinic of Hope staff, Pastor Delamy, and even hopefully those we saw in June, like perhaps our little burn girl Mercile, but I'm very sad at the reason we have to go. I'm probably more nervous at being away from my husband and 2 kids for 3 weeks. This will be the longest I've been gone and it will be hardest on me I'm sure. My 8 yr old told me, "Momma we will be fine, those people need you guys. Please help them." It brought tears to my eyes cause not everyone has been supportive, and although I don't understand, I keep telling myself, That is ok.

I have to pack a carry on bag. That is all I can take my personal stuff in. UGH!! Linda, our team coordinator is having me take a box of team food as we have to haul all our team food in with us... Cheap, easy to fix and inexpensive. We will be living off instant oatmeal, granola bars and pb&j's.

My prayer is that the Lord will be our hands and feet this entire mission. I will try and keep everyone posted while I'm gone. Unsure if I'll have internet access at all.

Many Blessings,
~M

Off of the Haiti Foundation of Hope website

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

TEAMS ARE GOING
Sept. 19, 2008 | Foundation Report
We can’t thank you enough for partnering with us to help Haiti during this crisis caused by flooding during the hurricane season. Hundreds have been killed and thousands are in need. Supplies like fuel, water and medicine have to be brought north from Port-au-Prince which is difficult because of washed-out roads and bridges. The task ahead is overwhelming but Haiti Foundation of Hope is taking steps forward.
Already we have been able to purchase medicine for the Clinic of Hope in Terre Blanche. We have given money to help clinic staff and their families who lost everything. Food is being distributed.
Next week, Haiti Foundation of Hope board members and volunteers are teaming up with Medical Team International on a disaster relief team to Haiti. The Haiti Foundation of Hope medical team previously scheduled to go in October is still planning to go.
We’ll continue to update you with the latest in how we are helping and how you can be involved.

Haiti needs help (a news article I read today)

While most Americans have understandably been concerned about Ike’s assault on Texas, people in Haiti just a few hundred miles away are suffering an even worse fate.

More than a week after Ike assaulted Haiti, people in Gonaives, the country’s third-largest city, are still stranded on rooftops and trapped by rivers of mud. Others in remote areas remain huddled in schools and churches, their villages cut off from the capital by washed out bridges and roads.

At least 1,000 deaths have been reported, with more expected as the waters recede. Of those affected, 52% are estimated to be women and 36% children.
Haiti is not just on the brink of disaster, as Haitian President Rene Preval noted in his plea for international aid. It is over the brink.

Right now, Haiti needs all the help it can get, with food, drinking water, medical supplies and shelter being at the top of the list. Elderly people and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable needing care.

However, few medical facilities were able to remain open. Those that could are running critically low on supplies and can't replenish them because of the impassable roads. Add to that standing water, and there is a growing concern over water-borne diseases and festering injuries that could lead to a second wave of disaster.

A million people remain homeless. Crops and livestock have been wiped out, making an already chronically dire hunger situation worse.

Whew what a busy week this is.... Things have been busy and crazy at work.

Well I found out I'll be leaving next friday the 26th and returning Oct 17th.

Activated

So I am on the disaster response team and today got the phone call. Next week I will, along with other disaster response team members will be going to Haiti to give aid, medical care. Will post more later...

Many blessings,
Mel

From the HFH News site

We are learning more about the destruction caused by the recent tropical storms and hurricanes that struck Haiti in the past few weeks.

Homes have been demolished and many of those left standing are now filled with mud. Some of the staff who work at the Clinic of Hope in Terre Blanche have lost everything. Travel is nearly impossible, especially coming from Port-au-Prince north to Gonaives. Bridges on both routes have been destroyed. The United Nations reported today that more than 500 people were killed in the storms and as many as 800,000 people have been affected. Churches and schools have become places of refuge but are struggling to help all those in need.

The start of school has been postponed until Oct. 6. In Terre Blanche, where Haiti Foundation of Hope helps to support 800 students, text books and uniforms had already been given out. It's likely that many of those supplies were lost in the flooding and will need to be replaced.

Through it all, people are helping one another. The principal at the school in Terre Blanche walked from Gonaives to Terre Blanche to check on people. Pastors and relief workers are helping people as they can and making plans for greater assistance.

A man pulls the body of a person floating in floodwaters with a rope in Gonaives, Haiti, Monday. Four storms have killed more than 300 people in Haiti in less than a month.


People wait to cross in boat the "La Tombe" River after the bridge was destroyed by the flooded in Mirebalais some 60 kilometers north east of Port Au Prince on Sunday. With severe flooding, hundreds dead and hundreds of thousands lacking food and basic provisions, Haiti has been hit badly so far this hurricane season, with four severe storms in less than four weeks.



A man observes a flooded street at the Saint Marc City some 96 kilometers north of Port Au Prince on Monday.


People cross by boat the "La Tomba" river after it was destroyed by the flood in Mirebalais some 60 kilometers north east of Port Au Prince on Sunday.

From Pastor Delamy in Haiti

Dear Precious friends,

We greet you this morning in the precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is our Lord and He will never give up on us.

The Lord allowed Elvire, Danica, Ricky and I to arrive in PAP. It was not easy since many trips from Miami to Haiti were cancelled.

I am in PAP and am very anxious to be with my poeple in Gonaives who are suffering very much there. The weather or Ike after Hanna does not want me to go yet. Ike was also very bad for poeple in Gonaives and for all Haiti. Elvire, Wilson (her brother) and I were in the road Sunday afternoon to Cabaret to see how the bridge was there. We had decided to go to Montruis, cross the river there, and take public transportation to Saint Marc and do our best to get to Gonaives. When we were almost to Route Neuf (the road to CITE SOLEIL) ,we were obliged to drive back to PAP because of too much water in the road. Yesterday, Pastor Devariste, Pastor Clovis and I got Montruis with Dr Daniel Snyder. M. Castel (hospital administrator at Dessalines) sent transportation to the oder side of the River. Dr Daniel is at Dessalines now.

At any cost, at any price, I will be in the way this morning to Gonaives to see my people at Terre Blanche, Finel, Dubedou to give them a hug and tell them, despite everything, the Lord Jesus loves them and encourage them to continue to stay under the power of His merci. I am already in touch with people in Anse Rouge. It is also very bad since this city depends completely on Gonaives.

I will sit with the pastors to find out a safe way to start transferring food, medication, water etc. from to PAP to Montruis and then to Gonaives. Please continue to cover us with your prayers. The Lord is always very good and I know that He is with me.

We passed through Cabaret yesterday. It is in a very bad situation and a lot of people died there. Thank you very much for all that you are doing to support us in this very difficult time. Thank you very much for your deep love. God bless you!!!



May the power of the Lord continue to envelope you!

In His service,

Delamy

The BBC flew over Gonaives right after Tropical Storm Hannah hit and recorded some video.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7597420.stm

Devastation in Gonaives

Gonaives is located right near Terre Blanche, where our medical team was in June. Here's some pictures of the damage the town has had from the hurricanes. These were taken last week/weekend. And since then Haiti has been hit hard as well from Hurrican Ike.
An aerial view of Gonaives. Flooding everywhere

9/3 Haiti/Gustav Update from Linda

Dear Friends,

Delamy called this evening twice to give us an update. He talked to Pastor Borgelain and M. Joslien (a good friend from Gonaives). As many of you know Delamy has been in Florida with his family, planning to return to Haiti 8/27, and now after 2 cancelled planes, is scheduled to return sometimes next week. Please excuse my use of ‘bullets’ to cover everything he shared.

· The flooding is ‘everywhere, everywhere’ … from Saint Marc, across the Artobonite Valley through Gonaives, and all the villages north of Gonaives: Terre Blanche, Dubedou, Finel, Mapou – there is no way to get there to help.

· Although the rains have stopped, the North is completely cut off from the rest of the country. There is no road into this part of Haiti.

· President Preval tried to go by car, but it is impossible. …. The Lake that formed after the 2004 flood has returned and it is even worse due to the partially built bridge over this area. It is impassable. Several other lakes have formed in the Artobonite Valley.

· Part of the wall around Delamy’s home in Gonaives has collapsed.

· Pastor Borgelain reported that the clinic is OK, but the village of Terre Blanche is in desperate condition. Most of the homes along the road into TB have collapsed. No one knows about the homes near the river.

· Pastor Borgelain and Ti-Renney tried to go to the home of Francise to save her, but almost died while trying to get to her. Later she was brought to the area of Norther Gonaives called Gatro. She is safe at the moment.

· The area of Gonaives where M. Herold and Mme. Julberte live is destroyed and they have probably lost all.

· The small bridge about a mile from the turn off to TB has collapsed. This is the one where marchans sold mangoes and 2 rivers met at this point.

· Needless to say, there is no food available and the safe water is almost gone. Most homes in TB are destroyed. The books and uniforms for the new school year were distributed before Delamy left for Haiti and now they are probably destroyed.

Please join us in prayer….

Linda

9/2 Gustav update from HFH

I received this on Tuesday from my friend Linda at Haiti Foundation of Hope. Interestingly enough there was a segment on the flooding in Gonaives Haiti on the news last nite.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Delamy just called and said that there is no communication now with Gonaives (18 km from Terre Blanche) …. The flooding is more severe and extensive than in 2004. He doesn’t know anything now about the clinic. Cell phones cannot be charged in Gonaives and they are losing contact with the world. He said the area in Gonaives where our clinic administrator and nurse live is in grave danger. It is much too dangerous to try to get to the clinic. Twice today he talked with Pastor Barthelmé and he reported “My life is in great danger.” He talked with his sister-in-law in Port-au-Prince (PAP) and the rain has not stopped yet … PAP is dangerous, no one is going out.

I also just received the following from another Free Methodist missionary in Haiti:

> Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 5:19PM

Dear Friends,

> The situation in Haiti is desperate. We just received a call from one

> of the pastors here in Port who was trying to keep up with the

> situation in Gonaives. He couldn't even remain on the phone. The

> pastors are calling to report that the rain is continuing; the floods

> are continuing; people are drowning; there is no food, no potable

> water, and due to not being able to charge phones, we are losing

> contact. The pastors are crying for prayer.

> Thank you.

> For His kingdom to fully come to Haiti and the world,



> Jeanne and Jack

> Pastor Jeanne

Love,

Linda

summer almost over

Its been a while since I've posted. It seems when I returned from Haiti, that things just got busy. It's hard to believe that the summer has passed. My children started the new school year last week. We went camping and fishing for my son's birthday last month. He had an absolute blast, actually we all did and it was a nice break.



Our sorority group had our annual Motorcycle and Car Rally the third of August. We had a GREAT turnout and all proceeds will go to our local Babe Ruth, to purchase bleachers for the babe ruth field. Currently there aren't any bleachers for spectators to sit on..




This next week we have the county fair and my office has a booth there. My kids love this cause it allows them to hang out all week while I am manning the booth. Lots of goodtimes.
Being on the Medical Teams International Disaster Response Team, I'm also watching Hurricane Gustav closely as it gets ready to hit the US sometime tomorrow. Many prayers and thoughts of safekeeping being said for all in the south in the path of it.

deep breath

This morning God reminded me that no matter how loud the world gets or how distracting my life seems the most important thing I can do is be still and quiet and listen for Him. He is not usually found in the loud, obnoxious, overbearing, dramatic things of our life He is patiently waiting in the stillness of our hearts waiting for us to tune out the distractions and to hear His still small voice that is our saving grace. This morning I am repenting of being distracted and take a deep breath of His peaceful redemption knowing that in all things HE alone is my strength and peace, He is the answer I franticly seek and could easily find if I stop and enjoy His presence....(deep breath) ......amazing.

Slideshow

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More of my pictures.....

Pictures

Here's some pictures.... I've already started making my slideshow.... I'll post that later when I'm done...

No Place Like Home

From the joy of hot water to the rest from our own beds, we, who have just returned from Haiti must grapple with many ambivalent emotions. I still remember the return from my first mission trip to Haiti in 1994, as I wondered why God had chosen me to be born as a North American. Now having returned from my 4th trip to an underdeveloped country, I continue to be grateful for the luxuries of my life. Yet, I find they are an encumbrance as well.

I am now completing all my laundry.. If I and the members of my family only had 3-4 outfits, it would not take so long. And if I did not have a washing machine as do the folks in Haiti, I bet we would only have 3-4 outfits. If we did not all have our own bedrooms and bathrooms, I would not have so much cleaning to do. If there were not so many choices in the grocery store, it would not take so long to create a menu and purchase the items needed. If I did not have a dishwasher, I bet I would not have so many dishes either.

If I did not have these luxuries, would I use my time more wisely? Would I visit with my neighbor? Spend time playing with children? Rest in the Word, the Holy Bible, more? Would I depend on my Lord more if I had less?
These are only a few of the emotions with which I struggle.

I struggle with the questions - Am I doing enough? What more can I do to show the love of Christ to these humble people? Is my witness a stumbling block to anyone? And although, I do not know all the answers, I know who does. And He has blessed me with the opportunity to love and serve the people of Terre Blanche, Haiti.
When you answer the call to foreign mission work or local ones, you will find that you receive much more than you give. As I have heard before: You can not out give God. But it may be fun to try.

Blessings from the comfort of my own home, your sister in Christ, Mel

Home

The team arrived home tired, but all smiles about what they'd done, how they'd seen God work. While there, God tought me alot about hope.

Rom 5:3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Rom 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Rom 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

The people of Haiti have amazing character. These are people who endure things on a daily basis that would put us into therapy. Yet when you speak with them and live with them they have no complaints. They look for the smallest good and focus on that. They look for God in everything around them and they find Him in the worst places.


Romans 8:24- Hope that is seen is not hope. Who hopes for what they see.
Hope is something that happens when you believe you will receive something you don’t yet have

Thank you, God for the team, for return to their home, their safety, and for using them to glorify You. Amen!

~M

Visitors

There were 2 visitors who stood out among the rest; a young girl and an older woman, one leading the other by the hand. Just to hear the description I, like most people, would imagine the woman holding the hand of the young girl, with the young girl following. But, no. I was wrong, again. The young girl, the child, was holding the hand of the woman. The woman could not see very well. She followed the child, the child led her. There has to be love here. And with love, then there can be life.

The woman could not have made the journey alone. We all have limitations that prevent us from making the journey alone. Live in Love and you will never walk alone.

Torn shirts, broken sandals, dirty faces, and runny noses. But always smiling and thankful for the fact that we were there. How great is that. And the smiles on our faces showed how thankful we were to be there as well. Having nothing and having everything...it can happen, when we realize that having nothing is all the "stuff" that we thing we have until it's taken away from us, and having everything is simply having a faith in the one who is our Father. I saw it all today. The have's and the have not's.

I have been thinking about that child alot since yesterday and then later the child with progressed bone cancer in her femur whose mother Glenn had to tell there is nothing more that can be done for her baby. Or the pregnant mother who came in early in the morning in pain and on a day that was supposed to be joyous, ended in tragedy as the baby did not survive. Or the little girl with the third degree burns that we treat everyday. Hearing her screams and cries for help as we change her bandages will forever haunt me. And the fact that she leaves the clinic STILL with a smile and waves to me is beyond anything I can grasp. Without medical attention this child would have died. A life taken, a life given. The one given as a grace from God. I have to believe that the people are inherently good people, with good intentions, and virtues. I believe all that, is hidden under the hardship of living in poverty and abondonment. Sometimes people do things to survive that are not very pleasant. But there is something more that we intend to do and that is to make ourselves aware of who we are, not what we are: vulnerable, fallible, and weak souls, who struggle every day to do the best we can, knowing that He is in control of everything. Just like the mob of people today whose only mission is to survive today. And for all of that...

....we give thanks always...He is in control and we believe in Him. Simple as that.

We Need Haiti

WE NEED HAITI
On the Haiti Foundation of Hope Website:

June 25, 2008 | Melanie Thomas, RN, June 2008 Team
A report written from Haiti:
The moment we set foot in Haiti last Friday night our senses went into overload. It reminded me of the very first time I traveled to Haiti. There is so much to absorb.
Traveling up to Terre Blanche on Saturday we saw the overwhelming poverty. We smelled the charcoal fires burning, the garbage burning, and the food cooking all in one spot. You could almost taste the smells.
We passed many small streams and could see people gathering drinking water from the same source their animals were drinking from and defecating in. This is also the same water that the women bathe their children in and wash their clothes and dishes in. I remembered thinking, back in 1994 when I first traveled here, "Why on earth would someone move to Haiti? Let alone go into a community with a compassionate heart and a selfless smile? How can I really make a difference?”
Then I began to understand the compassion and love. I began to understand this driven desire to help a hurting people who seem to have been forgotten. As we drove to Terre Blanche on Saturday my eyes were once again opened to the good of Haiti.
Everyone needs Haiti. Among its poverty is a wealth of faith, a gem of God's goodness and the innocent love of Jesus Christ. Everyone needs Haiti. We need Haiti to remind us of the abundance of God's blessings. We need Haiti to humble us and to bring us closer in our relationship with Jesus. We need Haiti for transformation.
The team is absolutely wonderful. The cohesiveness among everyone here cannot be outdone. As exhausted as everyone was tonight coming upstairs from the busy clinic day, we all are filled and have smiles on our faces.
Much love to all our friends and family.

Monday evening

I am absolutely exhausted. We worked alot of hrs today. Joe estimates we saw 250 people. And one surgery, which I JUST got done helping with. We removed a huge mass from the breast of a woman. The lighting poor so I held a lamp up in the air by Joe while him and Joan performed the surgery THE ENTIRE SURGERY.. I had sweat pouring off my face and by the time we were done my arms were shaking. But the young lady did great and is in recovery. Joan and I take turns going downstairs to check on her. I had lots of malaria cases, a very sick baby with typhoid fever... lots of H Pylori, ear infections in kids, did alot of prenatal care and one young lady with turbucolosis. We came upstairs tonite worn out but completely filled. Darcy is amazing. She helped Joe in OB this morning. She's not the wound and smelly stuff kind of gal, so she found her niche, with the babies. We suspect we will be delivering some babies while we are here... Woohoo... I've been journaling every chance I can, lots of good stuff.. reflection, you name it. If I get a chance I will post some of it later. Ok, off to bathe and hit the sack. Tomorrow is a new day..

Be Blessed,
~M

PS Did I mention I absolutely LOVE my team?? :o)

Bon Swa!

It's Sunday afternoon here in Terre Blanche. We slept ok, lots of sounds, roosters, donkeys, people singing. I was also awakened a few times with a nudge from Darcy. :o) Who says I snore... I took 2 Melatonin last nite, and apparently could of only taken 1, as I was OUT. I was awakened this morning to the sound a man singing. I realized a farmer was out behind the clinic in this Mellit field and although singing in Creole, I recognized the tune. And wow, what a voice he had. He was singing Blessed Assurance in Creole and I layed there with tears in my eyes as I looked out the window so see the crystal blue sky, sun coming up, and the perfect breeze coming in. We went to church this morning which was held in the clinic and there were so many people, that the clinic yard outside was also filled up. Church Service was wonderful and lasted 3 1/2 hrs. We were nice and hot and sweaty by the time was over. Today is Ann's Birthday so we all brought cards with us to give her. She was pleasantly surprised. What an incredible woman with a beautiful spirit. We were treated to a nice Haitian lunch of beans and rice, goat, and plantains... Yum!!!! It was delicious!!

Bon Swa

Bon Swa from Haiti! We arrived last nite. Traveling here proved interesting and had lots of gliches. As a team we had 34 big bags we checked in of medicine and supplies. NONE of them followed us to Haiti so we spent 2 hrs at the airport last nite in Port au Prince trying to track them down. The system didn't even have record of them. Fortunately all of our personal luggage we carried on with us, so that made it here. And tonite we are told they found our bags and they have arrive in Port au Prince tonite, so HFH have sent someone down to get them. We arrived up here at Terre Blanche this afternoon, lots of rainstorms, cool lightening and loud thunder. There are rolling green hills, filled with mango, pomegranite, and tons of banana trees.. Just breathtaking. The clinic is amazing and we are all set up to sleep upstairs. They have quite the setup and all of the staff is great. Tomorrow we pray our bags will be here and we can start unpacking and getting meds ready for clinic. There are already people gathered outside the gates for clinic. Haiti is just as I remembered it, a hidden gem... It's hot and muggy, and we are sweating.....alot. I will try and post more tomorrow. Much love and many blessings ~M

Leaving

Faith goes up the stairs that love has made and looks out the windows which hope has opened. ~C.Spurgeon

This morning I leave to head up to Portland which is where we fly out tonite. I think I'm ready... no I know I'm ready. With the help of some friends who helped me get packed to fit everything into one carry one bag. That was much harder than I anticipated.


Please pray for us all as we seek to serve as the Lord calls. Pray for safe travels for our team. Thank you for your prayers, fellowshiop and for comments, it’s encouraging to know we are supported in this.



Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says...I'll try again tomorrow.

2 Days........

Woohoo!! 2 Days til we leave. Wow, it's almost here. I'm packing (yep still packing). And getting everything in order here on the homefront for my family. There's been a change of plans for my children as my son made the baseball all stars team and so he and my daughter will be staying home with my husband getting ready for that as well. I'm going to miss my husband and them so much. I'll miss everyone here. I'm so grateful to the support I have from those around me, family, friends, church, coworkers. And the fact that I can go on this mission is such an honor and priveledge, and especially to be able to do it with my friend Darcy. She has such a big and kind heart. God is going to use her mightily. A friend called me last nite and said she had some children's vitamins she was dropping off today for us to take with us to Haiti. Awesome!

We started our malaria pills. Yuck, not fun, but worth taking if it to prevent malaria. I have our preventative personal meds, epipen, antibiotics for travelers diarrhea, all that fun stuff. I just have to get it all packed. Today I am working my last day, tomorrow I am off and can finish packing.

Happy Father's Day

I hope it's a wonderful day for everyone. Celebrate your father if you have one and honor his memory if he is no longer with us. And in some cases, if he never was there -- celebrate the person that filled in for him.

Happy Father's Day!!!
______________________________________

What Makes a Dad
Father's Day

Today we celebrate you,
fathers. You know who you are:
the husbands and the single dads
you are the real deals, the MVPs,
the Hungry Jacks and Manwich men.
Whether you have a full head of hair
or are losing it strand by strand
we celebrate you,
because you value a woman’s opinion
because when the going gets tough, you stay
because you know how to leave the cave
kill something and drag it back
every day.
Thanks for changing a diaper,
doing the 4 a.m. feeding,
playing catch after a 10-hour workday.
To the fathers, the dads, the pops, and the papis,
those who raise boys to be
brothers, husbands, and fathers
and girls to be sisters, wives, and mothers,
thanks for being super men
even when you feel like Clark Kent,
mild mannered as the paint on the walls.
When you think your opinion doesn’t matter,
it does. When you think we aren’t listening, we are.
For all who say, “one day you’ll thank me for this,”
thank you.



I also want to say Happy Fathers Day to my Dear Husband. You are the other half of me and where I lack as a parent you pick up. I hope you enjoy your day. I love you.

~M

Bon Swa!!

Got this from HFH this morning:


Dear Friends,

Bon Swa! This is just a reminder to take your chloroquine tomorrow, Sunday. Take both of the pills and when we get to Haiti we will provide the rest of your pills.

Also, even though we’ve had cold weather here, I can guarantee you that it will be HOT in HAITI.

Lastly, please try and get some sleep this week and take good care of yourself … next week will be very different and require you to be in your best condition!

There is much excitement in Terre Blanche welcoming team (below) are getting ready for you!

Love and Bondye beni ou (God Bless You!

~Linda
Haiti Foundation of Hope

7 days.........

Wow, I am getting so excited and a lil anxious. I think I ALMOST have everything.. I went to Boise earlier this week to finish my shopping. Got my skeeter net, and all that fun stuff. I've even pulled out my carry on bag to start the packing and hopefully by this weekend packing will be complete. I have a plan, and think I can get my scrubs, stethoscop, bp cuff, otoscope, and everything into the bag, God willing! Hope everyone is having a good week.

Many Blessings,
~M

Reason, Season or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or
spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing or at an inconvenient
time, this person will say or do something to bring the
relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.


Thank you for being a part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Are you there God? It's me, Melanie...

I've been on edge for a couple days now. Snippy and testy. All traits I love in myself. No, not really. I knew I was in trouble when I met a girlfriend for lunch the other day and when asked what I felt like eating I replied with "A deep fried salt lick dipped in sugar and chocolate."

With our upcoming leave date getting closer and closer. I'm starting to get a bit anxious. Mainly, I'm trying to make arrangements for my family, get the fridge stocked, etc, etc... On top of that, everyday I remember something I still need to get for my trip in 12 days. Yikes. And with the busyness of life, baseball, husband and kids, I feel stretched. Spending time with my husband and kids have been my main focus lately, although schedules haven't always allowed it. UGH!!!

Brokenness. Something I've been journaling alot on and it’s something that’s been on my heart for a while, and a word that is having a major impact on my life.

Brokenness breeds humility. When I start to realize who God is in comparison to who I am, I really have a hard time holding my head up trying to brag about the things that I have done. More and more I am realizing that the things in my life that I have done that are good, are things that God would have me do. At some point we are all humbled before God, either by confrontation or destination. I am tired of being humbled by confrontation. Why do I wait for disasters for God to show me who He is, and how He works through the toughest of times? Maybe I should purposefully seek God out before I am in need, before tragedy. I think of all the people that came to Jesus to get healed, and how they came before Him completely broken. Lepers ostracized from their families, cripples confined to the dirt streets, they were broken. And because of their faith, their humble faith, Jesus healed them.

Brokenness leads to healing. I learned in nursing school how human muscles are odd. In order for them to grow, they must first be torn apart. But when they do heal, they come back stronger than before. If we never own up to anything being wrong in our lives, how will we ever get better? I hate going to the doctor. It’s a last resort option for me. I don’t know why I am this way, but I will try everything under the sun, including ignoring the pain, before I break down and go to the doctor. But that is what they are there for, to prescribe what we need to be healed. Here’s the amazing thing about the people that Jesus healed, they always got more than what they asked for. A blind man comes to get his sight restored and not only does he walk away with vision, but a clean soul as well. We ask Jesus to make things in our lives better, and He forgives us of our sins.

I've also seen how brokenness builds community. Those who are farther along share their struggles with those who are still weak. In the book of James it says that when we confess to God our sins are forgiven, and when we confess to each other we are healed. Jesus said that a hospital is for the sick.

I am broken, and often I tend to make things harder than they really need to be. And yet, the end result? Love, pure and simple. It may take me longer to get to my destination, but I'm thankful, that although I may veer off the road, the road doesn't end, and always merges back on where it needs to.

I have a wonderful husband (wonderful, not perfect. Not psychic either, which has made his life a little less enjoyable this week) and two children in whom I am well pleased and whose smiles make my day. Instead of looking at my brokenness as a handicap, I'm trying to view it as a strength. And not for myself... Because out of brokenness, comes compassion. Compassion for those who may also be broken.

Have a blessed weekend..
~M

From the pastor in Haiti who awaits our arrival..

Dear Precious Friends in the love of God,


Greeting to you in the wonderful Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus who call all of you to come to Haiti and bless our poor people at Terre Blanche.His always great in faithfulness,He is with you ,He will be with you for travel mercy in the way to Haiti,He will there to wellcome you with His angels and at Terre Blanche to bless your stay.


Church at Terre Blanche,my family and I are praying for you.With you presence,we will celebrate one year anniversary of the dispensary this month,we supposed to do it last February 25,but we are for your presence to make it together.It will more than wonderful to celebrate it with Mrs Ann's Birthday.


May the Lord continue to shower His blessing upon all of you!



In His service,

delamy

My Lifesong

I’ve been listening to a Casting Crowns song entitled “And Now My Lifesong Sings”. It’s a song of prayer, and right now as we are preparing to leave in 13 days, it's my prayer...


And Now My Lifesong Sings by Casting Crowns

I once was lost, but now I’m found
I once was lost, but now I’m found
So far away, but I’m home now
I once was lost, but now I’m found
And now my lifesong sings

I once was blind, but now I see
I once was blind, but now I see
I don’t know how, but when He touched me
I once was blind, but now I see

And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings

I once was dead, but now I live
I once was dead, but now I live
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

“I once was lost, but now am found”. Sound familiar? Sound like Amazing Grace? Sound like what happened in your life? Sound like something you would like to happen in your life?

I once lived a totally dedicated life. The problem was that it was dedicated to myself. I didn’t know it at the time. I didn’t understand what it meant to be lost. But lost is the best way to describe just where I was.

God had been calling out to me, but I just hadn’t really listened. I didn’t know that God wanted me to have this close connection with me. I didn’t know that Jesus wanted to abide in me and be not only my Savior and Lord, but also my friend.

I was lost, but finally God’s call connected. And I was found. I hope that many of you have a similar story…about being found I mean. And if you’re still in the lostness, know that God doesn’t give up…even if we think we’ve given up in Him. He loves us so much that the bible tells us “…He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish.”

But as the song goes, that’s only half the story. When we are found; when we’re no longer dead, but alive, we are to give our lives to Him. He doesn’t want our lives to rule like Kings of old who took control by force. He wants to rule our lives like someone who truly cares for us. He wants to see us succeed. He wants to show us His peace and mercy and love. And He wants us to live our lives sharing these things with others.

And I'm thankful for Grace. For once I was blind, but now I see. Once I was lost, but now I'm found!


In the love of Christ,
~M

Thought for the day...

Hair is so overrated....Self is too

~M

sisters

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.

In the last 2 months, I've learned alot about friendship,
about sisterhood, about family. I've grown closer to my
sisters, and have first-handedly watched a traumatic event
bring a group of women closer, hand in hand,
so nobody is left facing anything alone.. We always got
each other's back...

Zeta Sigma
I’ve heard it said a sorority
Is a waste of time; but I know better…
For I have seen the love and walked
In the splendor of sisterhood…
I’ve heard it said that a sorority
Is sad; I can’t agree…
I’ve heard it said that a sorority
Is a dull, selfish place; It can’t be true…
I’ve seen the affection, watched it
Fill my heart, the very air…
When one is gone it is noticed.
We need each other
One may need to borrow the
strength of another during times
of trials or uncertainty.
I’ve heard it said that a sorority is
Harmful, but they are wrong…
For I know my sisters…watched them
Strive to save a cause, spend of themselves…
And I’ve watched them hope, dream,
And aspire, side by side…
I’ve heard them say these things,
But I would disagree…
Because for every shadow I have
Seen a hundred rays of light…
For every plaintive note I’ve
Heard the symphony of joy…
For every penny-weight of bad,
I’ve found a ton of good…
Good in nature, in people, in my sorority…
I’m thankful I belong.

Much love, ~M

Worry is a 4 letter word

No? It should be. The bad kind of 4-letter word, of course.

A while ago someone told me that my worrying is basically just my inability to trust God. And I didn’t like that one single bit. Mainly because it was true. I worried therefore I did not trust God.

As a Christ follower, I shouldn’t even allow this word to pass from my lips. So, I am trying not to use it. I use the word “concerned” instead. My pastor recently spoke about this and I almost laughed out loud during the message because I DO THIS. A LOT. Saying I’m concerned about something makes me sound a whole heckuva lot wiser.

If you’ve known Christ for any amount of time, you have probably heard a message preached about worry. And the likelihood that it included Matthew 6:25-34 is incredibly high. If you aren’t familiar with this passage, I suggest you read it.

EVERYDAY.

In a book I'm reading it says:

"We’re never going to overcome worry by eliminating reasons to worry. Rest assured, life isn’t going to suddenly fix itself. God wills that we overcome worry even when overwhelmed by reasons to worry."

Something dawned on me the morning I was reading this particular devotional. Why don’t I just turn my worry into prayer.


Stop the applause. I’m a genius. Tis true.

Actually, I realize this is quite elementary. Many of you are nodding your heads in agreement because you’ve been doing it for years. Some of you, like me, have forgotten how to turn a concern into a petition to your Heavenly Daddy. And I imagine there are a few of you who’ve never thought about this before. If that’s you, let me put some hands and feet to this.

When you worry if you will ever get married, stop and pray. When you worry about your child’s safety, stop and pray. When you worry about losing your job, stop and pray. When you worry if someone you love will soon die, stop and pray. If you should choose to follow my advice, it may seem like all you are doing is praying.

I think that’s the point

From the lips of MC Hammer…

We got to pray
Just to make it today
I said we pray (pray) ah, yeah, pray (pray)
We got to pray
Just to make it to pray
That’s word, we pray

I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. Feel free to go back through the lyrics and sing it. Oh, and make sure you say, “Aw yeah”. That really does it for me. :o)

Many Blessings, ~M

Faith from Beginning to End

What must we have to be empowered to do God’s work?

I read this last night about the necessary ingredient.
"Faith is the foot of the soul by which it can march along the road of the commandments. Love can make the feet move more swiftly; but faith is the foot which carries the soul. Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holy devotion and of earnest piety to move well; and without faith the wheels are taken from the chariot, and we drag heavily. With faith I can do all things; without faith I shall neither have the inclination nor the power to do anything in the service of God. If you want to find the men who serve God the best, you must look for the men of the most faith. Little faith will save a man, but little faith cannot do great things for God.”

May God enable each of us to have great faith. Have a great week! ~M

Team

So I returned home today from my trip up to Washington. The kids went to Grandma's while Darcy & I went to our team meeting Saturday. It was such a good meeting. All but 2 members of the team were there.. So we prayed, and we talked (ALOT!!!) and we got to know each other. I met Papa Joe and Linda, who right when I entered through the door greeted me with a big hug and a "Bonjour". The directors of Haiti Foundation of Hope with hearts of gold.. I also met Glenn, Janet, Ryan, Roger, Ann, Laura, Gina, Mariah, Joan & Seto (Steve)... all great people with whom I'm looking forward to getting to know each of them.... 2 members were unable to be at the meeting due to emergencies but will still be going with us. I look forward to meeting them as well. All in all it was a GREAT weekend with GORGEOUS weather. All the supplies & medicines I've collected were taken up and packed to be hauled over with us.. YEAH!!!! I'm very excited about this!!

Many Blessings,
~M

Counting Down

34 Days and Counting. Darcy and I were talking today on the phone and how much stuff we still need to get. Friday we leave for our team meeting up in Washington. I'm excited to meet the rest of the team as well as learn more about where and what we will be doing. Darcy and I will also have the opportunity to pick up the things we still need to get, etc., while we are up there.

It's hard to believe it's almost here. This trip is so different than my trip last year. But it's also been a learning experience as well. This week several people came up to me and just learned that I was going on another trip and wished me well with some encouraging words. Other's brought in some OTC meds and reading glasses to take with me. I'm so grateful as I'm sure the people in Haiti we see will be as well. A friend of mine asked me if her church could add our team & I to their prayer list. To be honest I was almost relieved when she asked me that because I have been feeling like I have been prayerfully preparing and armoring up 'alone'.

I'm always told you need to do what God has called you to do Mel. Well first and foremost He's called us all to LOVE. Not to make money, not to play the drum, not to be the best, but just to LOVE. Love people. I love what I do. As a mother, as a wife, as a nurse and as a sister in Christ. To love others in the way He has loved me. And this includes missions. If I had a dollar for every act of kindness and love shown to me throughout my life, I'd be a rich person. I feel I am a wealthy woman because of it. They didn't have to, but they did anyway, and it was acts that have forever impacted my life. I will never be able to repay what all has been given to me, but I can pay it forward.

Ok, I'll stop babbling now. These are my thoughts for tonite. I guess what sparked this was a question I was asked last weekend by a dear friend. Why missions? This isn't the first time asked and I know not the last. But I know not a lot of people are supportive of me going to Haiti with the recent trouble that's been occuring with the food riots. I fully trust the organizations I'm traveling with, and would never jeopardize my role as a mother to my children and as a wife and have been prayerfully asking my Father if this is what I'm supposed to do. His response? "Well I don't see anyone else jumping up to do it, do you?? So who's going to help?"

From HFH

Mounds of meds
May 6, 2008 | Linda Markee, Foundation Board Member
A team of five Americans, including three Haiti Foundation of Hope board members, is currently in Terre Blanche. They are working to unload medical supplies from a container sent by Medical Teams International. Here’s a report from one of the team members:

I'm very tired and don't know when the generator will be cut, but I wanted you to know that we made it to Terre Blanche safely. Delamy had no new surprises this time, but we were greatly surprised by the amount of medical equipment and medications that Medical Teams International (MTI) sent on the container. It was almost overwhelming.

Last night after our long bumpy ride up here, we were treated with a delicious dinner by Elvire. Then we were so revived that we put together all the shelving. Today, we put all the equipment in the place where it belonged. We started sorting the mounds of OTCs (over the counter meds like Tylenol and Aspirin). Yes, I said mounds. We think the Lord has a plan for us to help many people so we will be donating medications to some of the area hospitals as well as to some of the other pastors. We feel so grateful to MTI for sending all they sent. The clinic staff is so excited that the clinic is beginning to look like a clinic, rather than just a building. We were all busy putting medications on the shelves.

You may be asking, Are you hot? YES. Are you tired tonight? YES. Are you pleased tonight? YES. We will all sleep well tonight before starting again in the morning with the medical supplies still waiting to be organized.