It's FRIDAY!!! Welcome to the weekend. Here are a few highlights from our week in GA with the Salter family...
1. Christmas Concert- One of the best things about the Christmas season is the music. We attended the Christmas Choir performance at Ty & Terri's church, First Baptist Woodstock. There were performances done by the childrens choir all the way up to the senior adults. It was a true treat and blessing to gather together and lift up the name of our Lord.
2. Chick-Fil-A - The lovely state of GA is the home of the first Chick-Fil-A. I am a HUGE fan of this fabulous restaurant and have enjoyed my fair share of nuggets and fresh squeezed lemonade over the last few days.
3. Jewelry Mart- Although we are in the U.S. right now, we have not forgotten our home in Haiti. We have had countless opportunities to share about the work we are blessed to be a part of. Yesterday we went to the Atlanta and shopped at a buyers mart. I was able to find a huge supply of beads and other merchandise for the jewelry making in Haiti.
Thanks Pat Dietz for my first mart experience!
4. Florida Vacation- As the week comes to an end, excitement in the Salter clan is rising. Thanks to a very generous friend we have been given a time share and are hitting the road in the morning for a week of vacation in Florida!We may or may not be planning on stopping by the wonderful world of Disney...
Throughout our time in Haiti we have seen several unique things. I have learned there is nothing too difficult to carry on your head, anywhere from 1 to 6 people can fit on a motorcycle, and spaghetti for breakfast is perfect for any day! We have been in KY for a few weeks and I think it is safe to say growing up in Kentucky has definitely prepared me for a life in Haiti:
This time last week we stepped foot in Louisville, KY! Louisville is quite a special place to us. It is there we met, fell in love, and formed friendships we are confident will last a lifetime. Throughout our visit in "the 'ville" it is safe to say our hearts were full and our sides were soar from an overdose of laughter.
Some of the best girls in the world! Enjoying a Sunday lunch a Moes.
We enjoyed spending the evenings in Louisville at the humble abode of Tony and Beth Loseto. Beth and I were best friends throughout college. Her and Tony married about one month after we moved to Haiti. This visit was our first time to hang out with her and Tony as a married couple. It's so much fun to be great girlfriends and have husbands who were actually friends before we even came into the picture. Our few days in Louisville were wonderful for meeting up with friends and seeing the Lord at work in their lives. Thank you Loseto's for opening your home to us!
Crossing Church/Boyce College reunion
We are now back with the Ballou side of our family and loving it. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the elementary school where my mom works. I had so much fun having lunch with her and meeting the kiddos she works with. My mom is the best with kids, I'm so glad she has the opportunity to work at the school.
We have talked about Haiti in a lot of different environments since coming to the states. My favorite time so far has been sharing with kiddos. I spoke to the children's Sunday school department at my parents church and we've even had the opportunity to share in the school system.
Yesterday I worked with a second grade classroom and taught them how to make the jewelry out of cereal boxes. This classroom has been collecting boxes to send to us in Haiti and their teacher wanted them to have a hands on experience in making the jewelry. A few minutes into the process the students realized the project required a little more skill than they realized.
Almost two hours in, the students had each "successfully" rolled 6 beads. Glue was smeared all over little hands, cereal boxes were scattered across the table, and the room was full of chatter. I loved getting to play teacher for a bit. I cannot wait to share with the ladies in Haiti that children in the U.S. wanted to learn how they make jewelry.
As I worked with the kids yesterday, I could not help but wonder where these students would be in the next 10 or 15 years. Who knows, maybe we will work together in Haiti one day?
Thank you note and picture from my little jewelry makers :)
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Trey & I posing it up :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Celebrations have been in full swing over the past few days. We have LOVED catching up with friends and spending time with family. Yesterday we traveled to Cumberland Falls to walk around and enjoy dinner at the lodge. We had a great time taking pictures and having a break from the kitchen.
We stayed up late last night preparing for the festivities of today. Trey helped Dad clean in the basement for a bit and found some interesting items...
Hannah Montanna & my sister Dalice
Nothing quite like a Hannah Montanna wig to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit. This afternoon the family all gathered together for our Thanksgiving dinner. It's safe to say we enjoyed a variety of foods and treats. Now with full bellies and content hearts we are heading down to the basement to cheer on the CATS in front of a nice warm fire. Hopefully the wigs do not return again tonight...
Today was my 24th birthday! The day was quite relaxing and spent celebrating with some of my favorite people...
After some pork-chops from the grill we chowed down to my favorite...Confetti Cake! From left to right:Trey, my Dad, sister, Mom, sister-in-law, niece, brother, papaw, sisters boyfriend, sister. This was my first birthday in a LONG time to be spent in good 'ol KY!
Being an Aunt is FANTASTIC!
Trey enjoyed showing Annabel and Dad some style...
Over the past 6 days we have been in two different countries, 3 different states, and slept in 4 different beds. I think it is safe to say since stepping foot in the USA we have hit the ground running. In the midst of culture shock, ice-cream overload, and lots of time in the car we can say without hesitation, our hearts are full.
Last night we spent the night at our very first Bed & Breakfast in Michigan in order to be at a BHM board meeting today. The hostess was named Chi Chi, she used to be the mayor and plays the role of Mrs. Clause every year for the town. Some things you simply cannot make up :) Today we spent the day at the board meeting.
The meeting began at 9 a.m. and concluded at 6 p.m. Although it was quite extensive, we were truly encouraged. We are so blessed to be part of a ministry that focuses on the Gospel and seeks to bring others into a relationship with the Lord. The Lord has brought together such a unique team that is seeking hard after Him. As the day concludes and our heads are spinning I am reminded of Matthew 8, as Jesus talks to a crowd about what it means to follow Him... 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
As believers we are called to seek hard after Christ. As we seek to follow the Lord's plan for our lives I know there will be struggles. However, as I fall asleep tonight I thank my God that He has provided, yet again, a place to lay my head...
In about 15 minutes we will be getting in a vehicle and heading down the mountain to the airport! We will be in the U.S.A. for two months. We have been quite excited about this trip and now that all the "details" are finally put together, everything seems quite surreal.
We love Haiti and we will miss our friends here while we are gone. Creole is going to be in good hands, our friend Johnny will be taking care of him while we are in the states.
We have a feeling they are going to be quite good friends by the time we return. Hopefully our crazy canine doesn't forget us!
The house is FINALLY clean and our bags are by the door. Pray for safe travels today. We look forward to seeing many of you in the days to come! Next stop...Etazini. (United States).
I remember being a kid and getting magazines in the mail filled with Halloween costumes. For months I would look through the magazine dreaming of what I should be. A princess? A 50's girl, poodle skirt and side pony tail? My favorite costume was when I was in 2nd grade, I was a black cat (classy I know). I must say I have gotten quite a kick looking at pictures of friends in the states participating in Halloween today. I am pleased to report there have been a few Halloweenish activities around here as well.
This afternoon consisted of a scavenger hunt with the missionary kids. Pirate costumes and all, they searched the property for clues to find the hidden treasure. Once the treasure was found full of candy and fun toys, they were reminded that our true treasure is Christ.
Deborah went to the airport today to pick up her mom and sister who are coming in for the week and I volunteered to watch some of her kids. They were quick to accept and we enjoyed an afternoon of activities. Movie time...
Movie time began with 5 kids and concluded with 8 :)
In honor of Fall I also made some pumpkin cupcakes. HUGE thanks to my mom for sending me the ingreedients: 1 box of white cake mix + 1 can of pumpkin + cream cheese icing = oh so easy and super tasty cupcakes!
I enjoyed my cupcake, simple and sweet, with extra icing of course. The kiddos enjoyed putting their decorative skills to the test and added some fun sprinkles.
The boys "decorating" their cupcakes
As you celebrate Halloween today check out the blog below for some fun and interesting facts on Halloween & Reformation Day:
We have had quite the week(s). A brief recap would be haircuts, visitors from the U.S., jewelry making, hurricanes, revival, newsletters...and the list continues. In the midst of a variety of tasks we also spent about 4 days wondering if the island of Haiti was going to wash away.
Tuesday afternoon the rain from Hurricane Sandy began to fall. It rained ALL night Tuesday night, ALL day Wednesday, ALL night Wednesday night, ALL day Thursday (are you getting the picture yet?) It was not until Saturday morning that the sun returned. This was honestly the most consistent rain and storm I have experienced.
Quite a bit of damage has resulted in the lowlands of Haiti from this storm. We are quite fortunate to be living in the mountains. However, we have heard reports and seen video from extreme amounts of flooding and damage in Port-a-Prince and other places.
The picture above was taken early during the week. As the rain poured in the mountains it flowed quickly down to the city and several families homes were literally washed away. Please join us as we pray for these families and seek to help financially as a mission however we can in the days to follow.
We also remember the USA as we know Sandy is making himself known there at this moment. We serve a BIG God who controls the winds and the waves. However, I am just being honest when I say that I wish that life could be carefree, sunny, never cloudy...
Rather you are in the storms of life through the physical rain clouds or in your heart...choose to sing in the rain today!
Moriah Peters: Sing In the Rain
If I could fly like a bird
Singing songs to the world then I would
But here I am on the ground
With troubles that I wish that I understood
But in the dark, in the sun
I believe that Your love is still good
God, You're so good
I wish that life could be
Carefree, sunny, never cloudy
But You said that I would be
In Your arms when things get crazy
So when the storm doesn't go away
I have decided to sing in the rain
We all want the easy way
No one ever prays for pain
We'd rather live the charmed life
But like a seed in the earth
If I'm gonna grow, it's gonna hurt
But after, You'll bring sunlight
But I have seen beauty come
When my world has come undone
You came through at the right time
I wish that life could be
Carefree, sunny, never cloudy
But You said that I would be
In Your arms when things get crazy
So when the storm doesn't go away
I have decided to sing in the rain
I'm, I'm not gonna sit here doing nothing
No, I'm gonna sing Your name
Jesus, Jesus, You give me, give me something
That makes me wanna sing in the rain
Jesus, You give me something
You make me wanna sing
Doesn't matter what's gonna happen to me
Jesus, Jesus, You give me, give me something
I'm, I'm not gonna sit here doing nothing
No, I'm gonna sing in the rain
1. My journal entries throughout the years. What a beautiful reminder of the faithfulness of my Savior. Through tears of sadness and times of unexpressable joy..."there is no shadow of turning with thee..."
2. Notes written between Trey and I throughout our season of dating :)
Trey never wrote a note quite like this. But, it is extremely cute to look back and see how funny we were getting to know one another.
3. The back of the Nestle chocolate chip bag. I read that bag at least every other week for chocolate chip cookies...mmmboy!
3 Gifts Burning
1. "Hunka hunka burning love!" I love me some Elvis. Is it bad that this is the very first thing that came to mind when I read the word burning?
2. Camp fires. A camp girl at heart, you cannot get much better than a guitar and a fire pit at night. Okay, add some s'mores and life is good!
3. God's provision. As I work through Beth Moore's study on Daniel I am mesmerized by the character of my God who delivers His people in the midst of the fires of life. At times He may choose to deliver us into the fire. Other times, through the fire. And still yet He can deliver us from the fire.
2. "I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me." -Jesus
3. "I am so glad you're my wife..." -Trey
These flowers are growing in our yard. They make the entire kitchen smell like Honey-Suckles! Don't miss the "Honey-Suckle" blessings the Lord is giving you today.
Author of 1,000 Gifts, Ann
Voskamp, has challenged her readers to have 31 days of blessings in the month
of October.
Some of you may recall
it was a goal of mine to record 1,000 blessings of mine by the end of this
year. I will confess, I am a far cry from having this complete. BUT, I do think keeping a list of your blessings is a wonderful discipline.
We are leaving Haiti
in a little more than 2 weeks to be with our families through the holidays and
continue to raise support for ourselves and Baptist Haiti Mission. I am beyond
excited about this special time. Cool temperatures, blue jeans, pumpkin EVERYTHING, time with
family...YES PLEASE! It is during this time of excitement over a trip to the
states that I am oh so aware of my need to find JOY where I have been placed.
Trey and I are blessed
to live in the beautiful country of Haiti and are so thankful for where He has
called us to serve. When I discovered Voskamp's 31 days of JOY for the month of
October, I knew I needed to jump on the bandwagon and get back out my pen and
paper and start counting.
Ann's blog: www.aholyexperience.com, contains a Calendar for
October. Each day she gives you a category of gifts to encourage you to think.
I am not much of an "abstract thinker." I have enjoyed
pushing myself to think a little bit deeper and really see a variety of gifts.
I wanted to share them with you below:
Oct. 1 -3
Gifts Orange- *Pumpkin
Spice candles and everything Fall! *The birds of paradise and other tropical
flowers at bloom in our yard. *An orange frisbee with teeth marks all over it
as a result of fun between Trey and Creole (the teeth marks belonging of course
to Creole).
Oct. 2 -3
Gifts Falling- *America's
Funniest Home Videos, watching how clumsy we can be, it's good to laugh at
ourselves! *Watching our little neighbors learn to ride a bike, and knowing one
day they will fall no more. *Rain as it hits our tin roof lulling us to sleep
night after night.
Oct. 3 -A Gift
caught, let-go, and mid-way- *Catching
the gift of my Savior and His love for me. *Letting go of my plans for my life
and chasing hard after Him to make His name known. *Falling time and time again
as I press-onward to find my complete identity in Him.
Oct. 4 -3
Gifts Reaped- *Understanding
word for word and having complete conversations with others in Creole (not
everyday, but it is happening some). *Living life with my husband and best
friend after years of praying and dreaming of him. *A long pony-tail after
months of growing out my hair, now it's time for a cut!
Oct. 5 -Gifts
Returned- *Skype
calls and Facebook messages with my girlfriends. *House projects done for me by
Trey, simply because he cares. *Plane tickets to return to America to spend
time with family!
Oct. 6 -Gifts
Redeemed- *Redeemed
how I love to proclaim it! *Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. *Redeemed, His
child and forever I am!
Oct. 7- A Gift
baked, stirred, eaten- *Chocolate
chip cookies straight from the oven. *Hot chocolate while stirring
marshmallow's in with every drink! *Conversation over the dinner table.
Oct. 8- 3
Gifts Prayed For- *A
deeper love for my Lord and Savior. *A family that continues to grow. *A heart
for the nations...
Oct. 9- 3
Gifts Praised For- *New
mercies every morning. *A healthy body that can run and move. *He is God and I
am not.
Oct. 10- 3
Hard Eucharisteo, the pursuit to see His blessings- *Miles
of ocean between us and others. *Seasons of waiting & uncertainty.
*Choosing JOY no matter how I feel.
Oct. 11- Gifts
of Change- *The
new ME in Christ, putting off the old and putting on the new. *Excitement for
my sisters as they live in their college days. *Numerous untold gifts from our
"change of address" last year.
Oct. 12- A
Gift small, smaller, smallest- *Laughter
and "randomosity" that comes from children. *Our small home that fits
us just right. *The diamond on my finger that constantly reminds me of the love
and commitment of my husband!
Oct. 13- 3
Gifts Read- *Reading
Scripture in Creole and understanding. *Blogs of encouragement written by Sisters
all over the world. *Messages inside dark chocolate...or maybe better yet
simply the chocolate.
It's not too late, you
have HALF a month left. Will you join me as I count?
Below is our most recent blog for the Baptist Haiti Mission website. Check it out:
John 17:17- “Sanctify them through your word, your word is truth.”
Over 68,000 students are enrolled in Christian schools associated
with Baptist Haiti Mission. Over the past few years BHM has been in the
process of developing a Bible Curriculum for these schools. This
curriculum has been uniquely designed to take students through the
Scriptures, focusing on the redemptive history throughout the
Bible, from 1st grade to 6th grade. The curriculum includes Bible
stories, songs, review questions, memory verses, and other tools that
will show the students their need for a Savior. We are pleased to
announce the 1st grade curriculum is complete!
School started in Haiti last week. We were thrilled to see the books
were completed in time for this school year. Over the next several
days the books will be distributed to schools throughout the provinces.
Upon the arrival of the books, a training conference was held for
school coordinators.
More than 30 school coordinators gathered at BHM’s conference center
to receive training in the teaching of the curriculum. These
coordinators will now return to their districts and train the school
teachers.
Each 1st grade teacher will receive a hard back copy of the text
book. Students will receive a workbook that consists of a coloring page
which coincides with the story. The bottom of each coloring page also
has the memory verse for each week. These coloring pages can be taken
home and shared with parents and family members. This will be the
perfect opportunity for the Word of God and the skill of literacy to be
taken into homes throughout Haiti. We are excited to have the 1st grade
curriculum in print, but we realize the journey is far from complete.
Would you join us as we pray for the distribution of the curriculum.
Pray that over the next several days the books will enter 1st grade
classrooms throughout the country. Pray for the further development of
the 2nd – 6th grade curriculum. This is a large project that will
require a great amount of prayer and financial support. Click here: http://www.bhm.org/give/ if you would be interested in giving to the production of the Bible Curriculum.
Shout Out...
Thank you Susanne White! Monica and I are enjoying the skirts you made. We had a very unintentional "twin-day" and even enjoyed a nice powerwalk. Thinking of you girl!
These three words are a good summary of our Saturday night.
After quite a full week the missionary staff here at BHM have enjoyed a restful weekend. Several of the men here decided that last night would be a perfect night for some grillin'. Of course the ladies did not object.
Each family pitched in to make some side dishes while the men handled the meat. The Bidwell family opened up their home for all the food, and the festivities began.
Trey loading up his plate with all kids of red meat!
It was the pefect night for a cook-out. Of course no evening is complete without some post-dinner entertainment. Trey and Scott put their heads together and we had our very own drive in theatre. White table cloth and all...
Hanging out after dinner waiting for the movie to begin.
We watched the Disney movie, "A Bug's Life." I think it is safe to say the adults enjoyed the movie just as much if not more than the kids. We enjoyed having a night "outside of the norm." We are truly thankful we have been blessed with such wonderful neighbors and co-laborers.
