It's Wednesday! You know what that means...ESL time at the Kindergarten on the mission. I decided after a slightly "heavy" post yesterday, ya'll deserved an update from today as well.
The lesson today for the 4 and 5 year old kiddos consisted of "Stand Up, Sit Down." Last week I began teaching them one word or phrase commands. I say the phrase, "Stand Up." They repeat, "Stand Up," and do the action. Last week we did "Stand Up, Sit Down, and Jump."
Three new words were added today, "Clap, Shake, Turn." I think jump and shake are by far the favorite moves. I even had a helper or two stand in front of the class and call out commands. I don't care who you are, it does not get much cuter than hearing a 4 year old lead his class in new English phrases.
After class I managed to snap a picture or two on the playground in between some time on the swings and chats with the teachers.
Right after I took the picture above of the group of kids, a stampede occurred. EVERYONE was ready for a picture, so I had to tuck the camera away for a little bit.
While I finished my photography skills as discretely as possible, I do believe I caught a DTR (defining the relationship) conversation taking place for two little individuals. Some things are just cross cultural, playground crushes are one of them. Domi byen tout moun! Sleep well everyone!
Psalm 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you...be not dismayed, for I am your God..."
We experienced a very small earthquake last night and my mind went racing. I saw first hand I had a choice, would I fear, or wold I have faith? I pray that you will keep the mountains still tonight, and I know that because I am your child everything is going to be alright. Your promise is not to change my situation, but to carry me through.
-Psalm 55:22, "Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you..."
The battle between Light and Darkness is active and real. Our God is at work daily against the powers of Satan seeking to steal, kill, and destroy. I do not want to be like a frog sitting in a pot of water that does not realize the danger of the rising temperature.
Lord, grab my attention! Show me how desperately I need you and bring me running to the cross! Help me to remember my brothers and sisters who too are experiencing the struggles of this fallen world.
1 Peter 5:7-9, "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, be firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood through the world..."
Like a child, fearful of what tomorrow my hold, I choose FAITH knowing that my Father knows the future and will bring me through today. He calls to me, "Dear child, do not look to me last when all else fails, come running to me first because you believe there is nothing and no one else."
Isaiah 40:30-31, "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
When tempted to choose Fear...choose Faith. Practice His word and live in His truths.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ?Shall tribulation, or distress,
or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? …NO in all these
things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am sure that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor
height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
As the jewelry project continues to grow, we were excited to welcome 4 new faces to the program today. The 4 women are active members of 2 different churches connected with Baptist Haiti Mission, and are eager to serve their families and churches by participating in this ministry.
It was a joy today to watch the "pioneers" of this project begin to train the new women. There was quite a bit of paper cutting and bead rolling taking place this morning...
We are excited to see the jewelry project expand to a variety of churches located throughout the country side. Please join us as we pray for the relationships and lives that will be changed through this ministry. Pray for the mothers and young brides in this program as they seek to serve their family and the local church.
If you are interested in purchasing any jewelry from these ladies you can e-mail me at: csalter327@gmail.com.
I LOVE a good book...when I find it. I begin most books with great intentions and then find myself 3 months later stuck on page 40 still in the introduction to the characters. I am pleased to say there are always exceptions to my "stuck in the rut" reading skills...
Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury has been one of those exceptions for me. Actually, I am slowly finding anything Karen Kingsbury is an exception for me. For the past few days I have been hooked on Shades of Blue.
This book captured my attention from the beginning and held it firmly until the very end. I found myself giddy with excitement, in tears of despair, and in the depths of contentment. Although a fiction book, the characters and situations faced in this story deal with real life issues approached in a God honoring way.
I finished the book yesterday and found myself thinking on a variety of topics such as forgiveness and the importance of loving like Christ. I am intentionally not giving any specifics to the book because I cannot stand knowing too much about a book before I begin. Let the author tell you the story, I can guarantee they will do it better than me.
However, at risk of sounding too vague...if you are looking for an entertaining, relaxing, yet thought provoking read...pick this book up and enjoy!
Warning: It is geared more towards the female audience, I can't say I plan to introduce it to Trey anytime soon...
The beautiful words written above are a clear testament to my love of cookies! This sign is hanging in our kitchen as a beautiful reminder of one of the many blessings in this life the Lord has given us, cookies! I exercise on a very regular basis...and I eat cookies on a very regular basis. I have found that this is indeed the perfect combination of a balanced life.
This week as the country of Haiti has been on a more "relaxed" schedule, due to Carnival, I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things. Make (and eat) cookies with a friend!
Lina and I got together at the first of the week to make chocolate chip cookies. I learned how to explain the steps to Nestle Chocolate Chip cookies in Creole. Lina became a master at the mixer (we only had a few sprays of cookie dough from an out of control mixer at too high of speed).
Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to get to know Lina. We attend the same church and work together on the jewelry project. Thanks to Lina I have become quite the expert at text messaging in Creole.
I look forward to many more gatherings of baking and friends. This is how I keep that skinny girl silent and happy :)
We have a new blog post up on the Baptist Haiti Mission website. Just in case you decide not to click on this link, Haitian Carnival, I will post the blog here as well:
It is officially time for Haitian Carnival 2013. Over the next few days, as we approach Ash Wednesday, the streets of Haiti will be full of music, dancing, masks, parades, drinking, and non-stop celebrations. Haitian Carnival is one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the Caribbean and North America. Carnival is a time to indulge, celebrate, and subvert authority. Haitian Carnival is greatly influenced by local customs such as Voodoo and Haitian music.
A heavy darkness is felt among believers across the country side during this time of pleasure seeking and spiritual celebrations separate from Jesus Christ. In the midst of Carnival season we are reminded of the familiar hymn, “On Christ the Solid Rock.”
When darkness seems tohide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand… all other ground is sinking sand….
As believers we are reminded that it is during times of great darkness, that the light of Christ can shine the brightest. Schools are closed and businesses are shut down for the celebrations and rituals over the next few days. However, we are pleased to report that the churches of Haiti and BHM are not taking this time to be silent, but instead to speak out. Here are a few of the ways:
Camp LePhare (BHM camp in Montrouis) is hosting camp this week for students as a positive alternative from the activities of Haitian Carnival. Students will be housed in a safe environment and be exposed to the truth of Jesus Christ instead of the darkness of voodoo and spirit worship.
BHM missionaries Darlene Wynn and Elsa Peterson left the mission property in Fermathe for the week. They are leading Vacation Bible School in a province highly saturated by Voodoo. Children in families who practice voodoo will be sent to participate in this time of VBS and the gospel will be presented!
The schools connected with BHM are hosting a spiritual retreat for their teachers this week. This will be a time of encouragement and reflection for those in the school system seeking to point their students to the Lord.
Multiple churches throughout the country side are hosting youth camps, conferences and other times of worship for their church families. Our hearts are overwhelmed by the response the church of Haiti is taking to combat the ways of the world.
We are seeing first hand, what Satan intends for evil, the Lord works for good. Pray for the country of Haiti over the next several days. Pray for the thousands who will be participating in Haitian Carnival. Pray for safety for carnival participants. A spiritual battle is at hand, this is quite clear. We know the outcome of the war and are praising the Lord for His victory.
Romans 8:28 -And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We received an early Valentine package today from my dear sweet mother-in-law today. Inside the package, we found this...
No, this is not a piggy bank. It is a chew toy for our dog Creole. When chewed, sat on, or even touched in the slightest way this little thing lets out a very unique low burp like sound. Quite lovely...
The boys in my house have enjoyed this little purple pig quite a bit this evening. I, on the other hand, have been delightfully entertained by the musical rampage in our living room. I cannot wait for Terri to come and get some time with this oh so talented burping pig.
Pioneer Woman- After receiving some fresh vegetables from the market I spent a large part of the afternoon bleaching, washing, pealing, and chopping. Quite domestic if I do say so myself.
Today...
ESL Teacher- This morning consisted of my own rendition of "Brother, Brother, Sister..." as the students learned the English names for their family members. You may know it better as "Duck, Duck, Goose..."
Tomorrow...
1 Corinthians 10:31- So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
There are only two positions I can clearly identify in the game of football, the quarterback and the kicker. I am more interested in seeing the proud momma's of the players than hearing the announcer talk about the game. My favorite part of every football game is the extreme excitement as the teams sprint onto the field and the fans go wild in anticipation of the competition, oh and of course the touch down dances.
Don't get me wrong, I love football. Growing up, I loved when my dad would let me stay up until 9 p.m. on Monday nights to hear the Monday Night football song! My reasons for liking this all-American sport differ just a tad from most of the men I know. Last night, we were able to watch the Superbowl with the missionary staff at BHM. Here are some of our "highlights."
It is NOT a party without some good treats. How fun it is to have some wings and chips and dips while in Haiti!
A few of the "chefs" from the evening. Enjoying some good 'ol chit-chat.
Monica & I cheesin' it up for the camera.
The crew all settled in and enjoying the game.
Thankful for a great night of food, fun, and fellowship...just don't ask me to tell you the final score...
