A True Haiti Experience

Bonswa,

Well, it is safe to say we officially got our first FULL, 100% Haiti heat experience. Up until today it has been unseasonably cool and we have had great cloud cover which really was a blessing. Today was very hot and sunny and everytime I looked at anyone in our group they were drenched in sweat. It was awesome!! It really is so rewarding to put in such a hard day of work realizing that it is being done all for the glory of God and for His kingdom purposes. It makes it all worth it and then some. Today 5 youth along with Dustin and Janelle went to Parisse to work on more tin homes like we did on Friday. The rest went for the first time to a town called Timonette and began working on the Home of Hope we paid to be able to build. To our pleasant surprise we found out the base is so pumped about having so many people on base right now (there's over 120) that they want to maximize the work we can get done. We are no longer doing a single home - we are doing 2 duplexes! That's equivalent to 4 homes. They have a goal of seeing our team along with another one complete these 2 duplexes by Friday and to start the foundations of a 3rd one. Let me just say these youth are so awesome - when they heard we are doing even more work than planned they cheered and were like "lets do it!!" They have been above and beyond what I could have hoped and I find myself tonight so full of joy seeing the Lord speak to and mature every single one of these youth. There are few things that could bless my heart more. And this is only day 5 - half way :)

We put in a good hard day of work today as I mentioned and made great progress. The kids all got to contribute and many have blisters, scrapes and bruises - and they're loving it. I sense the light bulb continues to go on as they realize there is nothing more fulfilling, more important or more joy-giving than kingdom work. How awesome is that! Everyone did well soaking up the liquids today and all stayed perfectly hydrated - just lots of red, sunburned faces (I even used spf 100 someone gave me and my face got pretty burnt - didnt event know they made spf that high). But we're ready to take on another day and see what God has in store. Tonight was yet another awesome time with our group as we've gathered and will continue to gather every evening. These have been some of the funnest and most moving times as unity is very strong and the attitudes are so positive. These youth pray with an authority that I haven't heard from them before. I have the best possible position - I get to watch and see what God is doing in each life in our group, but yet be continually transformed and encouraged myself. God is so good. AMEN?!? His name is worthy to be praised above every other name in heaven and on earth. Even here in Haiti, the devil does not have control, God is to be feared and worshipped. We feel the burden for this country and join with the vision of YWAM to see this nation turn from being a curse to a blessing. The Lord be praised.

FYI - everyone is STILL 100% healthy. There has been sickness that has come on some of the group, but each time they have been prayed for by others in the group and each time it has dissipated by the next day. We are seeing the Lord move in great ways... I'll say it every time - thank you for your prayers - continue to battle with us and the believers here! If there is one thing myself and the rest of our group is learning on this trip... it's the power of prayer.