Why?

One of the things that I love about hosting American teams in Haiti is hearing them ask questions.  No matter how many times you go to Haiti, you'll always leave with more questions than answers.  And many times that question is a "Why?" question.

The roads that are now routine to me, the things that no longer surprise me, the questions I no longer ask, the things I no longer even see . . .   These are all new and exciting to first-time visitors.  Beyond that, those who are new to Haiti have so much optimism and enthusiasm.  They ask questions and challenge the status-quo in a new way.  They don't realize, "We can't do that."  And when you don't realize you CAN'T do something, you do it.

 

“Why are the children living like this?”

— January Team

That why question took the children from the house above to the house below.

“Why aren’t the children in school?”

— June Team, Week 2

That question took the children from no school to the first day of school photo below.

1st Day of School - October 2015

“Why can’t we get a new wheelchair for Wendy Divine?”

— October Team

Because of that question, Wendy was in his new wheelchair just over a month later.  And . . . it didn't even cost anything.  Someone had a nearly new wheelchair they didn't need.  And they gave it to Wendy.  We just had to ask.

Isn't God amazing in how He provides?

I'm looking forward to more questions from team members in 2016, questions that help us all see more clearly the direction in which God is moving Haiti Awake.
 

12/09/09

December 9, 2009.

That was the day this amazing little man was born.

Happy birthday, Handy.  We love you more than words.  God used you to start a chain of events which brought us to where we are today.

You are loved.

You are valued.

You have a hope.

You have a future.

We're so excited to see where God takes you!

July 17, 2013

“Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”

— Psalm 40 v. 5

Let Us Use Them

Romans 12:6 says, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them."

We are thrilled that God has led Kay Rowe to use her gifts to assist us at Haiti Awake. Kay will be volunteering weekly, helping with paperwork, donations, and other needs as they arise.

Kay has a heart for Haiti Awake and an understanding of our ministry objectives because of the time she spent with us in Haiti this summer.

She's the perfect person for this new position!

#GIVINGTUESDAY

Today is "Giving Tuesday."

Yes, it is a made-up event that was not on the calendar before 2012, but it is noble.

As the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has turned Thanksgiving into "Thanksgetting" (I borrowed that from a cell phone advertisement that was sadly spot-on), it is refreshing to see any effort that is not self-absorbed.

Giving is the transfer of something as a gift, something given with nothing tangible received in exchange.

This day is a timely reminder as we enter a season of giving inspired by God's greatest gift of all, and this time between Thanksgiving and the year-end has become vitally important to charities and ministries. Givers inspired by the season, and encouraged by a tax deduction, of course, give more during this month and than any other month of the year.

Please pause today and think about the charities and ministries that you believe in, then . . . give. Be a part of something more significant than the latest gadget or knick-knack that will soon be broken, lost, and forgotten. ---Rick

Amazon Approved Charity

Haiti Awake is now an approved charity on Amazon Smile! Some of you might not know this, but if you make your Amazon purchases throughhttp://smile.amazon.com/ .5% of your purchase is given to a charity that you can designate. It is easy. Simply go tohttp://smile.amazon.com and sign into your Amazon account. Search for and choose Haiti Awake (Wilmington NC) and you are all set. Just make sure in the future that you start with smile.Amazon.com when you shop on Amazon (and most of the time it will assume you do or it will remind you). This is a great way you can support Haiti Awake as you shop for Christmas and all year long.

The Illusion of Safety

Americans value safety.   We value the illusion of safety.  We want to believe that if we plan things just right, nothing bad can happen.

Until it does.

“Is it safe to travel to Haiti?”

We hear this question quite frequently.  In fact, it was the very question that nearly kept our family from going to Haiti in March of 2012 for the first time.  It's a valid question.  And a complicated question.  And a question without a quick and easy answer.

I asked a recent team member for her input, and here's what she had to say.

“One thing Jason (her husband) and I have talked about, especially in making the decision to send Vivian and Martha (their pre-teen daughters), is that we are all on God’s time.
It is not my time, his time, her time. It is God’s time. If God decides to take us, He is going to take us no matter where we are or what we are doing.
As a parent it is hard to concede that or to release that control . . . ”

— Tamara Smith

Recent events in Haiti have created additional concerns for foreigners looking to travel to Haiti for humanitarian work.  The murder of an American missionary and presidential elections led to a sharp downturn in ticket sales for Delta Airlines, forcing the company to consolidate some flights for November, thus interrupting daily service.

We recently hosted the October 2015 team during the week of presidential elections.  It was interesting to be in country comparing what we could see with what is often reported worldwide about the election process in Haiti.  

This is what I saw at the polls on election day:  many people and a great deal of national pride.

For the team, the day of National Elections was quiet.  They walked to church.  They walked home from church.  They went to the orphanage to visit the children.  And we all encouraged our Haitian co-workers to go to the polls and vote.  

Sunday morning before church

Was I ever afraid to be in Haiti in October?  The answer is a simple, "No."  Did we need to be wise in what we did?  Yes.

Sunday afternoon after a wonderful time at Federick's

Recently I was talking to someone who asked me if I felt safe working in Haiti.  I was able to truthfully say that I've never felt afraid while working with Haiti Awake.  Never.  Not one time.  

In fact, the only time I feared for my safety was on my very first trip to Haiti, and looking back, I don't believe I was in any danger.  I just didn't understand people.  And hunger.  And desperation.  And the emotion and energy that comes with that.  And I remember during that moment of fear a Haitian friend coming alongside me and saying, "Don't worry.  Just walk.  I am here with you."  And everything was okay.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment”

— 2 Timothy 1:7

Ironically last Thursday evening I sat at Starbucks for an hour, talking with parents whose teenage daughter wants to travel with Haiti Awake over spring break.  Her parents had many questions.  Rightfully so.   Their daughter is their responsibility.  And Haiti is not always safe. ("Have you read the US State Department's website?" I often ask, tongue-in-cheek.) 

Her dad often apologized for his questions, but I shared my own story, my own journey from fear to confidence.  I validated his questions, his concerns.  I told him, "I can't guarantee your daughter's safety.  I can't promise you that.  I can only promise we will do everything we can to be wise about what we do."  

We do take wise precautions, but we are not hindered by the fear of what might happen.

And then I told him I couldn't guarantee his daughter's safety anywhere.  Here in Wilmington, NC.  In Haiti.  In any country.  

And then Friday night happened.

And I was reminded of our conversation on Thursday.   If someone had offered you a round-trip, all-expense paid vacation to Paris last week, would you have asked, "Is it safe?"

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.”

— Psalm 4:8

Walking out the journey as friends with this crew brings a great deal of peace and security to my heart

“So if I move to the right, or I move to the left
Move up north, move down south, the east or the west
No matter how far I go, or if I stay right here
If I’m in the middle of Your will, there’s nothing left to fear”

— Audio Adrenaline, "He Moves, You Move"

Missions Conference at GBC

In late October, we had the opportunity to share Haiti Awake a number of times during the Grace Baptist Church Missions Conference. 

Steeve Derard was able to travel from Port-au-Prince and speak a number of times, both at GBC and at Wilmington Christian Academy.

Chris Snowden produced a special video on Haiti Awake for the conference, and it was a tool to help people understand the heart of our ministry.

The Heart of Haiti Awake. (Produced by Chris Snowden).

On Sunday evening, the children's choir of GBC shared a special number . . . in Haitian Creole!

Uploaded by Becky Graves on 2015-10-19.

We are thankful for the love and support of our church family, as well as many people who attend other churches.  

God has been so good to Haiti Awake this year, and we're looking forward to great things in 2016.  Thank you for your support.

“Together you are the body of Christ. Each one of you is part of his body.”

— I Corinthians 12:27

Today's the day!

The first day of the 2015-2016 school year for some special kids.  For most of them, this is the first day of school they've ever attended in their entire lives.  A day to remember.

Thankful to the friends who saw the need and helped us believe it was possible to do something.  Thankful to the friends who financially gave to make this day possible.  Thankful to those who continue to pray for Haiti Awake as we seek God's will regarding our future with these children.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

— Ephesians 3:20-21

The Clarity of Compassion

And if we take the risk of personally touching and being touched by a suffering person, the miracle of sight can break into our own darkness.

When the clarity of compassion illuminates our vision, we can visualize healing that goes far deeper than physical cure. Through eyes of faith we recognize that this could be an opportunity for tragedy to be transformed into celebration so that the power of God may be seen at work in him and in her.

And even more amazing , when we stoop to personally touch one of these “undesirables” with hands-on care, we are touching the very heart of God :

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did for me”

— Matthew 25:40

                                                                                               ---Thoughts from Bob Lupton.

Romans 12:13

One of our goals at Haiti Awake is "to equip these local Christians to reach their own communities and their own country through showing Christ’s love in action."

Today our Haiti Awake staff was able to live that out in a very practical way.

A local minister has been sick and unable to work. Today, because of money raised at the Food for Haiti Yard Sale 2015, Haiti Awake provided his family with some basic provisions. These provisions meet so much more than a physical need.

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

— Romans 12:13

Thank you to those who helped make last year's yard sale a success. Please consider what part you might have in making the 2016 Sale even better.

The 2016 Food for Haiti Yard Sale will take place on January 30 in the fellowship hall at Grace Baptist Church.

‪#‎foodforhaiti2016‬
‪#‎haitiawake‬
‪#‎haiti‬

Now that I know.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”

— William Wilberforce

Some days my heart is just so full of Haiti.   Today is one of those days.

Prior to the August trip, I didn't know every single child at the orphanage by name.  I knew their faces, and I had a list with all of their names and birthdays.  But I couldn't match each individual child to his or her name.

But now I can.

And some days that's just so hard.

Like today.

This is Handy.  He's the one who captured my heart in 2013.  He has a way of capturing everyone's heart who has the chance to meet him.

This is Augustin.  He's the oldest boy at Federick's.  He dreams of being a pastor one day.

This is Phebe.  She's small for her age (9 years old but the size of a 5 year old), and all she wants is to sit in your lap and be loved.  And . . . she has the most adorable dimples.

This is Davensky.   He's four years old.  He's the smallest child living with Federick.  Federick's son is younger, but Davensky is smaller.

This is Antonide.  She'll be 13 in October.  She's interested in learning and helping, and she mothers the younger boys and girls.

Esterlin is 10 years old.  He has the kindest, most gentle spirit.  

The is Fabenson.  He's a clown.  He likes to make people laugh.

This is Antoine.  He will be 9 years old on September 11.

This is Yvenson.  He's slow to warm up to people, but when he does, he lets you see his sweet spirit.  He feels things so deeply.

This is Lorvens.  He has the best smile.  He loves people and having fun . . . and he has some great dance moves.

Widcherline will be 8 years old in just a few weeks.  She is Davensky's older sister.

I'm just getting to know Cesnel.    My favorite thing about him?  His birthday is the same as mine!

This is Migerlson.  He's quiet.  He's easy to miss.  And I've got to make a great effort to get to know him better.

The other 4 children are Federick's own.  And they're loved by us, too.

Fenley

Fedlin

Roudelin

Kertchie

“Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.
”

— Wess Stafford

 I have called you by name, you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1

A Time for Celebration

“ Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”

— Psalm 147:1

Today we are extremely proud to announce that Steeve Derard passed his national exams and has completed high school!  This is an amazing accomplishment and the result of a year-long journey of difficult decisions, sacrifice, and hard work.

A classical high school education in Haiti isn't easy.   In fact, it's quite intense.

Steeve sacrificed a great deal in the last year - including spending time with our summer teams - in order to study.  It wasn't easy staying behind while everyone else went out in June, but the results are evidence of his determination to succeed.

Steeve studied so many hours, writing on the chalkboard behind the house.

The next step for Steeve is seminary training.  Please continue to pray for him as he pursues God's best for his life.

STEP is the seminary Steeve hopes to attend

Steeve's test scores were the 2nd highest in his class, and he was class president this school year.  His resolve and dedication certainly paid off.

“Successful: coming about, taking place or turning out as hoped for.

”

— Webster's Dictionary

Watching the Parable Come to Life

Luke 15:2 may be one of my favorite verses in the Gospels.

“And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!’”

This verse is at the beginning of a chapter rich in love and understanding, showing how our God pursues us and loves us and is merciful and gracious to us.  Chapter 15 goes on to record Jesus' telling three parables - The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

On June 19th, we got to experience our own version of the parable of the lost coin at Haiti Awake.  And it had everything to do with the young man pictured below.

This is my friend, Hudson.  I call him my "sweet friend," and he calls me the same.  There's just something special about our friendship.  It's comfortable.  It's easy.  Maybe it's because he's young (23 years old).  Maybe it's because he has a tender heart like his uncle (Steeve Derard).  Maybe it's because we're about the same size (I love walking side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, with him). Maybe it's because he's helped me expand my music choices (TobyMac, Lacrae).  Maybe it's just because . . . because Hudson hasn't trust Christ yet, and I pray for that every.  single.  day.  

When you pray for someone on a regular basis, they just become so dear to you.

On June 19th, the last Haiti Awake June team went home.  After driving them to the airport that morning, Steeve and I decided to do our accounting  and pay all of our Haitian staff for a month of hard work.  In talking, I realized Steeve hadn't paid anyone on the first of the June, and we decided to pay everyone for June 1 AND July 1, as well as their wage for daily work.  It was a BIG payday for everyone.  

Fast forward a couple of hours.  It was a time to celebrate three successful teams, so Wendy (an American friend who was staying a few extra days) and I asked some of the Haiti Awake staff to go with us to Petionville for lunch.

Here's where Hudson's part of the story begins.  He ran home to get ready . . . and change his clothing. And he came back just in time to jump in the back of the truck at 11:30 a.m. 

We had a great lunch in Petitionville, and we returned to our home, Hudson and a couple of the other men took a nap.  The rest of us just spent the day relaxing.

About 9:00 that night, Polo and I were sitting on the porch talking, and Hudson came to ask if he could have the keys to the truck.  It was dark (no city power and we weren't running the generator), and I could see Hudson using his phone to look for something in the cab of the truck.

When he went back into the house, I asked him what he was looking for in the truck.  And he told me he couldn't find his envelope.  THE envelope.  The envelope that contained so much cash.  The last pay he would receive until August 1. 

Hudson had last seen that envelope BEFORE we left for Petionville that morning.  

Soon everyone in the house was looking.  And praying.  And searching.   As we were searching in the dark using various devices to light our way, I was reminded of the parable of the lost coin and how the woman diligently searched by candlelight.  

And we found . . . nothing.

And soon it was time for Hudson to go home so that Steeve could lock our gate.  When he left, he was so sad.  We were all so sad for him.   In my mind, I was running through all of the possible scenarios of how God COULD answer our prayer, IF He answered our prayer.

“so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power”

— I Corinthians 2:5

A few minutes later as Steeve and I were sitting  in the dark, his phone lit up.  It was a text message from Hudson.  He had returned to our gate and found it locked, but he wanted us to know something very important:

He had found his lost envelope . . . but not in the way any of us had expected.

Walking home in the dark, using his phone as a light,  he found his envelope lying on the road.  Lying on the road.  All day.  And no one had touched it.  No one had taken it.  No one had seen it.  If you've ever been to Haiti, you know how impossible this seems.  First, at night dark is dark.  Second, the streets are always busy.  People are everywhere all the time.  Third, there is trash everywhere!  Why would one object stick out from all the others at dark?

But Hudson found it . . . in the dark . . . hours later.  And the only explanation we had was : God did this.

As we had been searching that night, I had been reminded of the parable of the lost coin.  And I had been praying for us to find Hudson's "lost coin."  And God had answered our prayers.  Just.  like.  that.  Wow.

The next morning, I read through Luke 15, and one verse just hopped off the page at me:

“And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’”

— Luke 15:9

And that's exactly what we did the next morning when Hudson came to the house.  We rejoiced together.

But there's more to the story.    The next verse (v. 10) - the point of the entire chapter - is this:

Many of the June team members fell in love with Hudson.   They saw his sweet spirit, his kind heart, his attention to detail, his work ethic . . . and they loved him.  And many of us are motivated in the same way  - the need to pray for Hudson every day because he hasn't trusted Christ as Savior.

Will you join us in praying for his salvation?  As happy as we are that he found his lost envelope, we will rejoice even more the day he accepts Jesus as his Savior.

Polo and Hudson the day after the envelope was found

“It doesn’t matter what the world says
I’ve seen what you can do
I know it’s more than just coincidence
It’s amazing how you move

It’s not always parting oceans
Sometimes it’s the little moments
When you show how close you are
Some would say it’s only chance
I’m not gonna second guess
I’ve seen the hand of God

’Cause I believe in miracles
You can do the impossible
Every single heartbeat means
There’s a God who’s in control

”

— Audio Adrenaline

Giving Opportunities to Specific Funds Related to the Home for Orphans (a.k.a. Federick’s Orphanage)

Haiti Awake maintains the following separate funds for use with the Home for Orphans.  Donors may designate their gifts to these various funds and then these funds will be used as provided in the fund description below.  Recurring annual or monthly donations are particularly helpful for planning to cover the needs of these children.  

Consistent with federal law and to preserve the tax deductibility of donor contributions, there can be no legal requirement that Haiti Awake use a contribution for a particular purpose.  We do not anticipate this occurring; but, if funds are ever used other than for the purpose of the designated fund, then the donors will be contacted and informed of the reason for the different use of the funds. 

Tuition

We have found a suitable school for the 17 children for this school year.  It is the school where our coworker, Polo, teaches English classes. He will be able to see the children daily and provide oversight for Haiti Awake.  

Public education is not an option.  Even government schools charge tuition in Haiti and require uniforms.  However, they do not always pay their teachers, and teachers are frequently not in the classroom because they have not been paid.  A reasonable private school is the best option.  

Medical

The children have a variety of medical needs, including head fungus, rashes, and other complications from malnutrition/under-nutrition in the past.  All of the children need a basic health assessment and ongoing screening.  The benefits of good general health are obvious, but better health has a specific positive impact on young students as they are able to concentrate on their studies rather than their empty stomachs.  The children need regular visits from health care professionals who can distribute needed medications, vitamins, and offer on-going education in basic hygiene.  

Clothing

Like children everywhere, these children need basic outerwear, underwear, socks, and shoes in order to be properly clothed for school and for normal life.  

Schools in Haiti require students to have uniforms and an extra uniform, with underwear, shoes, and socks.

Food

Existing generous monthly donations to this fund provide the children with basic daily rations (beans and rice and other simple dinners).  Other donations to this fund are used to add meat and fresh fruits and vegetables to the children’s diet and may also provide a snack and water to each child for school each day.  

Housing

Land cost in Haiti is very high compared to rent.  Because rent has been reasonable to this point, and because we do not have the funds to purchase facilities at this point, at this time we are renting a house for the home for the children.  

 

 

while unrestricted donations are always appreciated, gifts to these funds a great way to know exactly where your donations are being used.  Thank you for your generosity.  

34 Days in Haiti

This verse from Proverbs most accurately sums up the 34 days recently spent in Haiti:

"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps."  (Proverbs 16:9)

God determined each step.  Even though our ministry team had planned out the three teams and all of their activities, God had other plans day-by-day.  We visited places we did not plan to visit.   We were unable to work with ministries we had planned to partner with.  And . . . We made new friends and made lasting memories.

In the end, it was clear:  Each of the three summer teams was put together by God with each member having special talents and abilities that complimented the group and allowed the group, as a whole, to learn more, experience more, be more effective in sharing the Gospel through daily living

Team 1 was exuberant and lively and constantly in motion.  Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"

Team 2 was characterized by love and hard work.  I John 3:16-18,  "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Team 3 exhibited great unity of purpose and spirit.  Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. "

Caleb Steven Derard

“My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.”

— Steven Curtis Chapman

How true these words became to my heart and soul during my recent trip to Haiti.  I had my trip all planned out for April 15 - 26.  I knew what I was going to do, where I was going to go, and what I was going to accomplish.  And guess what?  God had other plans.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

— Proverbs 16:9

When I called Steeve for our daily afternoon "Bonjou.  Bonswa.  Orevwa!" phone call (thanks, AT&T for raising your rates.  Not!), he told me that Manoucheka had been admitted to a local hospital with symptoms of pre-eclampsia.  In addition to my concerns for her and the baby, I have to admit I also thought, "Oh!  I'll get to meet that sweet baby while I'm there!"  Little did I know that That Sweet Baby would become the focus of the entire trip.

Tuesday Manoucheka was transported by ambulance to Zanmi Lasante in Mirebalais.  That is a story in itself, and a part of the larger picture that God painted through this entire experience.  God was in control of every detail of Caleb's arrival.

Wednesday I arrived at the airport in PAP, and soon after Wesly accompanied me north to Mirebalais where Steeve and Manoucheka were.  Steeve and I were thrilled to see each other after 48 hours of worried phone calls.  We snapped this photo with my phone, and I've since told Steeve this is The Photo we need to remember when we're having a disagreement in the future.  We were so happy to see each other.

Thursday a group of us headed back to PAP.  The doctor assured us Manoucheka was not going into labor any time soon.  They were just keeping her to monitor her blood pressure; however, by Friday afternoon, it was evident they had done something because after Manoucheka received a medication, active labor began.

We went back to Mirebalais Friday evening and found Manoucheka in the throws of hard labor.  It was hard to watch and hear. She was in so much pain, and it is nothing like it is here in the States.  Let's start with the fact that there is no air conditioning and there is no privacy as the patient beds are one right after another.   Being there with her made me realize that no matter how intense labor is in the United States, we have NO IDEA how good we have it.  NO IDEA.

Manoucheka labored well into the night, and about 2 a.m. she was taken in for a c-section.  About 2:30 a.m. Caleb Steven Derard made his grand entrance into the world.  Steeve and I were able to see him and Manoucheka just minutes later.   My first thought upon seeing him?  "He's huge!"  And he was.  We are told Caleb weighed about 11 lb. at birth.

“Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still.”

— Steven Curtis Chapman

Caleb's birth was rather dramatic, and the next morning I listened to "Be Still" over and over and over.  It was as if God was reminding me of what was important.  And there was that word "faithful" again.  He is faithful.  Always.

Caleb and Manoucheka came home on April 20, one week after their ordeal began.  But they weren't home long before we began to realize Caleb was going to have a few challenges.  First, Manoucheka noticed that Caleb's foot was turned.  Then, I noticed that Caleb wasn't exhibiting normal newborn reflexes.  That Wednesday, April 22, God sent us to just the right pediatrian, Dr. Nathalie Theard, in Petionville.  She had referrals for Caleb's foot, and she also asked me to text her over the coming days regarding his reflexes.  She is an amazingly caring physician.

By Friday, April 24, we had many questions about Caleb's health, and not many answers as of yet.   Steeve, Manoucheka, Caleb, and I drove around the PAP area trying to find an orthopedist based on Dr. Nathalie's referral.  And, I just got completely overwhelmed.  Completely.  Like crying overwhelmed.  Like "Steeve, you just have to pray before I can even drive this car" overwhelmed.

Rick, Jared and Ethan were headed to PAP via Atlanta, and I messaged Rick  and told him I just didn't think I could return to the States on Sunday, as planned.  I asked him to see if we could change my flight.

That is a story in itself, but to make it short, it comes down to these facts:  1)  Delta changed my ticket at absolutely no cost to us at all, 2) the only date Delta could change that ticket to was the very date I told Rick was my absolute "I must be home by then" date, and 3) God knew that I needed to stay 8 more days . . . Not just to help Steeve and Manoucheka, but for me to learn more about the character and the provision of MY God.

There are still some questions about Caleb's health, but he's under the care of Healing Hands for his orthopedic issues.  The newborn reflexes are now being displayed, though not as strongly or as consistently as we would want if everything were "perfect."

But this is what I know.  

“But God will, He will finish what He started
No thread will be left unwoven
Nothing will be left undone
Every plan and every purpose
That He has will be accomplished
And God will finish what He’s begun.”

— Steven Curtis Chapman

 In the end, staying until May 4 allowed us at Haiti Awake to do the "big thing" I had thought would be the focus of my trip - moving Federick's children into their new home.  I love those 17 children that live under Federick's care.

However, what I learned on this trip is that there are many children in Haiti, there are many needs in Haiti, but one little guy most definitely has my heart.

And his name is Caleb Steven Derard.  

Wesly Bien-Aimé

Earlier today, I wrote this post to share with our summer ministry teams.  But . . . the more I've thought about things today, the more I thought it was an appropriate post to share with all of you who are part of Haiti Awake.

Two weeks from today, Jared, Ethan and I will be on our way to Port-au-Prince to get ready to welcome YOU. We're so excited about hosting three separate teams and sharing Haiti with our friends.

We'll be waiting for you at the airport!

I was thinking yesterday about how difficult it still is for me to remember everyone I have met. Sometimes it's overwhelming. I've met people, I know I'm supposed to know them, but I just can't remember who they are or how they fit into the grand picture. And I know you'll experience this, too . . . trying to figure out who everyone is. Right, Sharonda?

For the next few days I want to introduce you to some of the people who will work with us while you're in Haiti. Hopefully this will help you put names with faces and put you more at ease from the start.

This is Wesly Bien-Aimé. I've known Wesly for over three years. He can do just about anything, and I personally depend on him and trust him a great deal. On my last trip, I really don't know what I would have done without him. He was with me morning until night, and he took care of what needed to be done.

He's a hard worker, a really smart guy, and although he looks tough (muscles, muscles, muscles!), he's really got a great heart.

Wesly is learning English. If you're patient in communicating with him, he'll be patient in communicating with you, too.

Wesly knows there is one thing I want for him more than anything else.  I want Wesly to know Jesus Christ as HIS Lord and Savior.

The most important thing about Wesly? He's my friend.

When Jesus Says Yes . . .

July of 2013 found me in Haiti for the 5th time.  But I was not in Port-au-Prince.  Instead, I was north of the capitol, in unfamiliar territory, with unfamiliar people, and feeling quite lonely and out of place.  In fact, I felt so "homesick" for PAP that the day after I arrived, I found a way to get back to PAP, and I asked Steeve to meet me at EpiDor to talk.

Once there I explained to him how miserable I was, how isolated I felt, how much I didn't think I was in the right place.  I was having trouble integrating with my team, I felt marginalized, I felt I had no place or purpose where I was.

Steeve reminded me that God has a plan in every situation, and he told me that I needed to stay where I was and learn what I needed to learn.

Two days later, I was still struggling to find my place with the team I was with, but another team welcomed me with open arms.  So I basically joined up with them, and I was invited to visit some orphanages back in the PAP area.

That day we visited three locations.  I had no idea where we were, and I did not know the people I was in the vehicle with.  I had never been involved with orphan care before, and this new experience tugged at my heart in a real way.

I remember seeing this sign in the first orphanage.  It had a profound impact on my thinking the rest of the day.  

That day we visited three orphanages, but one grabbed my heart in a special way.  And at that one orphanage, one little boy stole my heart.  His name is Handy.

When it was time to leave these children, I felt so helpless.  I had nothing with me that I could share with them.  Nothing but a pack of gum that didn't even have enough pieces for each child to have one.   As we drove away, my heart ached for those precious children.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

— James 1:27

Fast forward seven months.  Rick and I were taking a short trip to Haiti to visit Steeve and Manoucheka.  And I thought, "Hey!  We could see those kids again. We could take some things to them . . ."  Except there was one problem.    I didn't know where "those kids" lived, and I had no contact information for them.

But I had photos.  So I sent the following photos to Steeve and asked him if he could possibly find these children.  I knew it was a long shot, but I also felt God really wanted Rick and me to see these children.

And you know what?  I was right because Steeve found the director and was able to make contact with him.  He agreed to let us visit in February of 2014.

https://youtube.com/devicesupport http://m.youtube.com

The summer of 2014 found us once visiting the precious children under Federick's care.

“The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

— Psalm 146:9

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”

— Psalm 87:3

The fall brought unexpected changes regarding Haiti for the Graves family . . . and the first Haiti Awake team in October of 2014.  It seemed like a natural choice to do a 4 day Bible school with these children who were quickly becoming a big part of each trip to Haiti.

And in January, the 2nd Haiti Awake team spent 4 days with these precious children.  We all felt there was more we should be doing for them.

And God has made that possible.  Through the generous monthly donations which have come in, we are now able to help these children in a real, tangible way each month.  They are "our" children.  There are still many needs (school, furniture, toiletries, more caregivers) and we need more monthly support, but we are doing SOMETHING now.  We are so thankful for what God has done.

God is sovereign over all circumstances in our lives. We don't always understand why He has us in the place He puts us. We might feel alone, forgotten, unneeded. But the beauty of those moments comes later when we can look back and see WHY God had us where we were . . .

I am thankful for that very hard week in July of 2013.  I'm now thankful that I didn't fit in with the team I *thought* I was supposed to be on.  I am thankful God had another plan.  And I'm thankful that He directs each step we take.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”

— Proverbs 16:9

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

— I John 3:16-18

Steeve Derard's Testimony

In early February 2015, Steeve came to Wilmington for a few days and met with pastors from several ministries in the area.

On Sunday night, February 1, he had the opportunity to publicly share his testimony at Grace Baptist Church.

Grace Baptist Church February 1, 2015

Important Contribution Update

Important Contribution Update  Haiti Awake, Inc. was formed as a North Carolina non-profit corporation in December of 2014.  Haiti Awake filed for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in early March 2015.  When this application is approved, then exempt status will be granted retroactive to the date of formation (that is December 2014 for Haiti Awake).  This means that gifts made to Haiti Awake starting in 2015 will be tax deductible unless the IRS denies Haiti Awake's application for exempt status.  This is the IRS's policy since a vast majority of the 70,000 applications a year are approved, because our country encourages charitable activity and giving, and because the IRS is aware that it can take several months for an application to be approved.  Since our application was made in early 2015 and the current processing time is approximately 6 months, we expect to have our exemption approved before the end of 2015.  In the extremely unlikely event that the IRS denies Haiti Awake's application for exempt status, then Haiti Awake will inform donors who have made gifts.  This policy of retroactive application is available from the IRS in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2013-2, Section 11 (http://www.irs.gov/irb/2013-02_IRB/ar07.html#d0e1098).  This is great news for those of you who have been waiting for the tax exempt application to make donations.