Cookie Connection

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 :) 

Carnival Time in Haiti

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 to hide 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.

BOYS

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.

Not What I Do, Whose I Am

Yesterday...

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.
 

Are You Ready for Some Football...

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...



 

Thursday Thanks!

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   -Philippians 4:4-7

There have been COUNTLESS reminders to me over the past few weeks of how desperately important it is to be thankful.  As a believer I desire to have my "reasonableness be made known to everyone."  Indeed the Lord is at hand.  There is no reason to be anxious, but in everything to give thanks.

I decided in my heart to call today THANKSGIVING.  No, I did not eat turkey or pumpkin pie, but I spent the day intentionally seeking times of thankfulness.  Below are a few moments of thanksgiving today I captured on camera...

"Breakfast of Champions."  Cornflakes and dehydrated strawberries, mmmboy!.  Thankful for a mother-in-law who buys and sends us strawberries like this in the mail because they are far too expensive to buy in Haiti.

Math teachers.  My freshman teacher, Mr. White always told me math was  important and I needed it in my life.  After a few hours of planning and re-working problems for food and expenses for our conference center at BHM, I believe him.  Now if only I would have listened a little bit more...

My oh so ridiculously crazy husband.  There are very few "serious" moments in our home.  Thankful for his crazy kisses, undeniable love, and amazing leadership.

 "Fashionista" kitchen gloves.  I stand at the sink A LOT each day.  These fun gloves, the sun shine through the kitchen window, and the oh so clean smell of soapy water make all the scrubbing worth while.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give THANKS in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.



 

E.S.L

Before we left for our time in the U.S. a friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in teaching English one day a week at the kindergarten where she works.  I was beyond excited about the opportunity.  Today, after two Wednesdays of helping out at the kindergarten, I have officially decided Wednesday mornings are my favorite...

Above is a picture of the 4 year old class I worked with this morning.  After reading them a story about Mr. Rabbit we were able to talk about a variety of different animals.  My volunteers in the front row helped me with the animal signs this morning as we learned to say rabbit, pig, and mouse.  These three animals are very well recognized throughout Haiti.

The 5 and 6 year olds above are quite LIVELY and a lot of fun.  They were very excited to show me they remembered "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes..." from last week.

After class I decided to stay and spend some time with the kids for a little bit.  Monica and her kiddos came and enjoyed some time playing outside as well.

After time playing outside the kids washed up and prepared for lunch.  It was quite a fun morning and I can't wait to see what is in store for next week.