February 21, 2012 - Fat Tuesday

Due to the inconsistency of my internet I have not been able to update as often as I would like. I extend my apologies first to my parents; but also, to those who have helped, prayed and funded me through this adventure thus far. 

Carnival the last few days have been an experience that will not soon be forgotten; however, this day, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras brings to mind the excess that we so comfortably live with. Wealth, material and luxuries of our privileged lives are not what I speak of; but, it is our words that have consumed my thoughts as of late. The excess of words that we use and the lack of substantial meaning in them is what I would briefly like to share with you. I should take caution so that by my words, and hopefully they remain short and to the point, I do not risk jeopardizing my own legitimacy in this subject. 

The words that so aptly come to mind are those that we so readily profess every Sunday. The belief in Christ and the embodiment of that love is so willfully spoken; however, they lose value when the honest and steadfast endurance inspired with the vision of Christ is not followed through. All this came about from my daily devotional which had me read from Luke 6:27-39. I believe we are all comfortable with being in fellowship with our brothers and sister in Christ; but, how comfortable are you with being merciful, forgiving, loving and yes, even Christ-like, in relation to your interactions with your enemies? This statement is in truth and is what we are called to do. We as believers give to, love and respect each other; but, this is also what sinners do among themselves. What then are you to do about this? What then are we to say when our words that speak of Christ are not followed by actions that testify to him?

This became a reality yesterday when I found my self holding another man’s hand while in my pant’s pocket. This obviously was in the throng of people that comprises Carnival. My initial reaction was to knock him out; but, with my better judgment I realized that this would not be a good idea due to the fact that I was in a well liquored crowd of Haitians at night that would have loved any reason to jump and riot against a blanc. After this morning’s devotional, and pairing it with what I knew Ecclesiastics 11:1-6 to say, I was disappointed with myself that these were the two thoughts that entered my mind, instead of how I could assist or bless this man. Instead, I was limited by my lack of Creole and my natural defensive human nature. So then, are my words void of love and meaning? 

My prayer is that over this lenten season I, as well as you all, may lose the excess words that we so often use. I ask and pray that we may find the words that will appropriately define our actions with the earnest desire that our words may then shape and transform our response to this world. Don’t tell anyone you love them if you really don’t. Don’t tell anyone you will pray for them if prayer is something you don’t do. Don’t tell anyone you’ll spend the time with them when all you want is to be rid of their presence. Don’t give God all the thanks for the love that He has given you if you aren’t willing to give all the love you have to others in His name. I pray on this Fat Tuesday, we trim the excess and focus more on what the Word really means. 

February 12, 2012

    I really should make more of an effort to write on a more regular basis instead of waiting for almost a full week of thoughts and emotions to erupt all in one cataclysmic event. All I have thus far is praises to sing about how good, and faithful, God is. Although I must admit that my real intentions for coming down here were primarily self centered (some of you know about this), I thank God for  providing me thus far with all I have needed in the fulfillment of that purpose. From the very beginning up until this exact moment, I have been blessed by the presence of God which has manifested its self in so many ways; primarily through people I have met. This place is very real and highly functional (although to a different standard than what one young privileged American man may have expected). The bliss that is felt from a weeks missionary journey is now over and this “blanc” is still here. Over the last week I have bucked the feeling of spiritual euphoria that paralyzes so many in the mission field into being utterly useless and have adapted the “be real and get with the program thought process.” In the edited, mild version of what one of my American collegues said, “Its Haiti, shit ain’t perfect, get over it.” Its time we see things for what they are. We can only do what we can, when we can and with what we have. I say, with the knowledge of God’s blessings not only in my life, but in many that I am so grateful to share this glorious faith with, there is the ability to make that needed difference from the greatest to the least of these.

   Teaching here has been awesome thus far! There is an age group that ranges from about 18-25 with a couple of older folks thrown in the mix as well. It is a very energetic, hormonal and enthusiastically rich group of students. The difference between American style education and the Haitian system is quite large; but, I would rather focus  on the brighter side and tell about what great promise lies ahead with some of these students. I enjoy so much picking their brains and being unrelenting in my pursuit of them to expand their thought patterns. The past week & this coming week, our main subject of education, besides English, has been advertising in a global market. It has been a great joy to see them reach further into the corners of their minds and pick out ( sometimes pulled out involuntarily by me) a larger dynamic system of evaluating different variables that go into the marketing process. Its been fun to say the least and I’ve got to admit at time I think about applying these lessons the importation of Haitian coffee to the US market. Just a thought. I can’t say enough about how excited I am to challenge & be challenged by this wonderful group of men and women. With God’s love and grace, I pray that we may continue in the making of a good relationship. 

   There has also been a team from New York working at the Torbeck church this weekend. They arrived on Friday and I spent Saturday working with them. I also enjoyed fellowship and the beach with them today. I hope to be able to join them once or twice this week out there before I have to teach classes in the afternoon. Good group of guys. Hard workers. Best time I’ve had with a bunch of yanks. 

  I have also had the privilege of meeting the new dean of the Agro-Forestry program here at the school. He is young, very well educated, Haitian man that actually lives here in the guest house with Earl and I. I look forward to talking more about him with you all. On Friday, I visited and then worked for half the day out at one of his “gardens”. This place is huge and it is just outside of town. It is his goal to make it an educational/event venue for the purpose of teaching people about the importance of agro-forestry and agro-business (there is also a large nursery there) in Haiti. Many of you know that this one issue has one of, if not the largest impact on Haiti’s social, economic and political culture. I look forward to working and learning from him (Professor William Cinea) over the next few months.

   I close this entry with a prayer. I can’t possibly go through the list; but, Bret Winston you and your family are in my prayers everyday. I can’t imagine the disappointment and pain this set back brings to you and your family. I pray though that you may be comforted by the presence of God through our prayers for you. I pray that in His own divine way, He may work His healings on you. I pray also for your wife Danielle and two boys. That this situation may be a time for prayer and growth among your relationship with each other. I know that this is much easier said/prayed than done; but, in God I place ALL my trust. Because of His son’s name I know Him and I pray for you in that name. The name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Sean

February 7, 2012

Team Ralph (minus me) left early this morning after we parted ways (only physically) last night. I can not express the gratitude that I have for them. The work that they did over the last few days has been wonderful and I know that they have forged many relationships w/ the people of Les Cayes and Torbeck that will not soon be forgotten. The team was/is very supportive of me as I left and we enjoyed a great fellowship/devotion before my departure. I am especially proud of my father. The strength and courage that he has shown this week is inspirational. Not only has he been able to “survive” Haiti and do it in God’s glory (as construction boss, with the kids of Torbeck and our Haitian co-workers) he was able to let me walk into the dark of night fairly easy. As I go w/ full confidence in the presence and ordination of God, I pray that my courage, inspired by the hope that is in Christ Jesus, may be an example for others to endure, persevere and further glorify the earthly kingdom of God. 

Yesterday was the beginning of class. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to these promising young men & women. Each class will pose its very own challenges; but, with the confidence of God’s presence, and a lot of patience, they and I will prevail. I look forward to teaching them as well as learning from them. I look forward to building a lasting relationship w/ those that I can. What a great start it has been!

I would like to close this entry w/ how I begin my day (w/ the Solo devotional that I received from the UMM) & how I close most most of my days (besides the ones that end w/ me passed out on the bed from exhaustion.) I pray for the continued safety in travel for Team Ralph as well as Team Snyder ( they have by now arrived in Haiti). I pray for LeRoy and Grace for their recoveries from surgery. I pray for their spouses as well. That this time may be used for prayer and strengthening in the relationships that they have w/ one another and their trust in God. I pray for Terri Lupo & her mission at Hursey. I pray for my Young Adult group. That they may grow in numbers and in their faith. I pray for these students, my hosts at AUC, Pastor Ablamy and his wife Danette and so many others. I lift up these names, these people, to you God, so that they may receive your love, your mercy, and affection. I pray this in the name that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. For it is in His name I give you praise! AMEN!

Sean

Haitian Vacation Partie Un

   If the same spirt that lifted to life a dead, beaten and crucified corpse lives within you, how then can you ever ask, can it be done?

  I want to apologize for such a brief update of this blog. There is not really a whole lot I can say at the moment. There are blessings beyond belief thus far, and I am so thankful for Team Ralph, our hosts, Pastor Ablamy and his wonderful wife Donette. The congregation and work staff in Torbeck has been most gracious to us in our endeavors here. 

I am quite busy now preparing for classes which start tomorrow. I have been assigned a total of 7 classes with anywhere from 30-60 students in each at 2-3 hours per class. Thats what I get for volunteering. The staff here at the AUC campus has been very helpful in getting me aquatinted. The adjustment to this life is coming quicker and easier than I expected; although, I know this is just the beginning. I now freely take taxis (mopeds) around town and can get to all the necessary stores with out much trouble. Our network of Americans here is wonderful and its nice to talk with folks that I have met thus far that have an eager heart to serve. There are many different personalities. Haiti seems to bring out quite a cast of characters from our country. 

  The statement that I introduced this blog with is one that I will basing my experience here in Haiti on. There is quite a story behind it and I look forward to sharing it with you soon. I thank you all for your prayers and ask that you continue you in them. They have most certainly paved a way for a “smooth” and comforting transition here. Please continue to pray for Team Ralph and the safe travel for them and Team Snyder. Most of all, give God the glory and praise for all the great things He has done in my life and in yours!

Your Brother in Christ,

Sean

Building Muscles in Muscle Shoals

By lunchtime on Wednesday, the team had nearly completed placing shingles on the volunteer trailer’s roof.  It was great to see the finished product – a roof with neat rows of shingles that will keep relief work volunteers dry and comfortable.

Returning to our earlier conversation about James, it is a significant understatement to say that James has been helpful to us this week.  He is a real pro builder who has taught us a lot of techniques for doing things better and more efficiently.  We have really enjoyed getting to know James and his family, and his knowledge and leadership made our building efforts much more productive.  Talk about an unexpected blessing - a professional builder and his family just happen to live in the trailer park where the volunteer trailer is located – and he winds up giving several hours of free advice and labor to us during the week!  Thank you, Lord!

We wrapped up our work on the relief trailer in the middle of the afternoon and then took a trip to the Tennessee River.  What a welcome and refreshing treat to cool off in the river after a hot day.

Muscle Shoals United Methodist Church, where Eric Bell is pastor, hosted us that evening for a meal of Alabama pork barbeque and special Wednesday Night Fellowship program.  Another humbling and heartfelt moment occurred (we’ve had quite a few on this trip) when Melissa Owens, Northwest Alabama District Volunteer coordinator, read a wonderful poem that she wrote about how much our team’s visit to Alabama meant to the church and the community.

Speaking of barbeque, Dudley wanted us to be mindful about the significance of barbeque in American history.  According to Dudley, one of the first and most influential settlers in colonial America was Lord Barbeque of West Hogshire.  As you celebrate Labor Day this weekend, consider how our culinary heritage would have suffered if Lord Barbeque had not made the trip across the pond so many years ago.

As you can tell from my last paragraph, sleep is calling again.  The last thing I will leave you with is this:  Carpentry and construction is hard, tiring, and vital work.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Jesus made his living as a carpenter.  Doing this type of labor this week gives a hint of the profound humility that Jesus demonstrated in his life as a laborer who served others.

Good night, Hibben.  God Bless You!

Michael and

Your mission team in Alabama

Teamification

Definition:  the process of becoming teamified.

Hibben team building porch on volunteer trailer

Tuesday morning’s plan was to depart Hamilton by 7:15 so that we could be at the volunteer trailer work site in Toscombia by 8 AM.  Under the guidance and direction of Rev. Eric Bell, director of Alabama Northwest District Methodist Relief, we finished work on the trailer’s exterior plumbing and began the task of placing felt and shingles on the roof.

We have made some new friends here at the trailer park.  Judy and her husband James live a short distance from our work site.  She came over to say hello on Monday, and asked us where we were from and why we had come to northwest Alabama.  Another neighbor stopped by, thanked us for coming to help, and shared a watermelon with the team.  In the afternoon, we met Toscombia’s own Energizer Bunny when Judy brought her 4-year old son Benny Ray home from day care.  Benny Ray, who also is called Boo, had so many questions for all of us.  Mostly he asked what we were doing, whether or not he could come with us, and if he could help us.  He was thrilled to receive a toy or two and some coloring books that we had picked up for him on Monday at Hackleburg Methodist’s Relief Center.  We were pleasantly surprised to learn that James happens to be a very experienced and skilled roofer.  We’ll get back to that in the next blog post.

By the end of our third day of the trip, the group had really come together in the work that we are doing and in the way that we relate to each other.  Everyone pitches in to help, whether the task is cleaning up the work site at the end of the day, straightening up the parsonage’s kitchen area, placing shingles on the roof, or reading a story to our new friend Boo.

Which brings us to the title of today’s blog entry.  Building a community where people join together to serve God isn’t something that happens automatically.  God equips and calls us to serve others, but we must accept that invitation and take action that will enable us to be useful in service to God and others.

And we (and our team, especially) have to be able to laugh when some folks make up words like ‘teamification.’  Personally, I’m going with the story that I wasn’t fully awake when I blurted it out in the bus at 7:30.

It is a privilege to be here with such talented and compassionate people.  Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together and allowing us to be part of your service to the people affected by the tornadoes.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Michael and

Your mission team in Alabama

TMI, Part II

(Too much inflammation ...)

As this blog entry title suggests, some of us are feeling sore today due to our previous day’s work.  On Monday morning, we left the Hamilton UMC parsonage and drove to Hackleburg, AL.  As some of you know, Hackleburg is a very small town (population of 1,500) that was devastated by the April 27^th tornadoes.  Virtually every business location in the town was destroyed, and well over 100 homes were leveled to their foundations.  18 people who called Hackleburg home were killed in the violent storm.  Both the elementary and high school buildings are now abandoned.  As the school year begins, students in the town now attend classes in trailers that have been set up a short distance from the gutted school buildings.

When we arrived, we met with George Gravitt, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Hackleburg.  George showed us such warmth and hospitality.  His welcoming us and his joyous spirit set just the right tone for the day.  We had brought Hibben’s donations of school supplies and cleaning supplies, and we unloaded them in First Methodist’s Relief Center (their converted basement).

Monday morning was our first opportunity to see Hackleburg for ourselves.  Some homes have already been rebuilt, but we saw many lots with a driveway that led to a cleared flat cement slab where a house formerly stood.

Everyone we have met here has been so gracious, friendly, and welcoming.  But what truly amazes me is that I have noticed almost no bitterness or sense of despair among those we have met.  It seems that they are placing their faith in God and in each other, and they are doing the best they can to rebuild their towns and their lives.  I am humbled and inspired by their strength and their faith.

Monday’s work effort involved renovating a large trailer that will be used to host mission teams who come to the area for tornado relief work.  The trailer, which can accommodate more than 12 people, was donated by a church in another area of Alabama.  Removing the roof’s shingles and re-fitting the exterior plumbing gave the team plenty to do on Monday.  Our team takes satisfaction in knowing that our work will be helpful to the efforts of future work teams.

At the end of the day we headed back to Hamilton to get ourselves cleaned up and to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by Carlson Huey (Hooray for Carlson!).  A well-prepared, delicious dinner tastes even better when you’ve been doing construction work in the Alabama heat.  Thanks to Carlson for sharing his gift of hospitality.

The theme of our daily team devotions is, most appropriately for a mission trip, service to others. One of the most striking examples of service is Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).  It’s not something that you might expect Jesus, who is Lord of all, to do to his followers.  Yet, it is the example and the commandment that he gives to us.  It is a great reminder for us as we go about our work this week.

Time to rest.  Good night, Hibben!  Thanks for your prayers!
Michael and

Your Alabama Mission Team

Alabama Tuesday am

We are on the work site and sweating already!
Feeling the effects of yesterday...TMI has a new meaning for us: Too Much Inflammation!!!
Lots of Aleve on board. We are ready to go!
Love Kathie and the TMI team... See below photos
PS more will be photos posted tonight

Rev Kathryn enjoying hefty piece of watermelon

Volunteer trailer renovation

Sending Out From Hibben to Alabama

Greetings to readers of this Alabama Mission Trip Blog!

Our time of preparation and planning for this trip is ended, and we set out Sunday morning on our journey to Alabama.

We need to recognize and thank many people at Hibben Methodist and Northwest District Alabama Methodist Relief for getting us equipped and ready for this mission opportunity.

‘Thank You’ to the entire church family for supporting and nurturing the vision of ‘equipping the saints for ministry’ (saints with a small  ‘s’).   It is a simple truth that without your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial and material support, this trip would not be possible.  Because of your gracious response to Jesus’ call to serve our neighbors, there are some families in rural Alabama who will be reminded that God indeed loves them and cares for them.  And that’s a great thing.  Worthy of an Amen?  I thought so.

Thanks to all the church staff and volunteers who took care of important details over the past couple of months.  Jennifer Roberts and Candace Dellinger gave vital support to the team since early May when some folks began to pray about putting together a Hibben trip to Alabama.

A special thanks to all mission team members’ families for making it possible to have your loved one away from home for the week.

And we must also say thanks to Sean Kilpatrick for organizing and leading the trip.  Sean has put in a large amount of time and effort to coordinate the trip and keep in constant touch with the missions staff in northwest Alabama.  He has done a great job seeing to the team’s needs and plans (His heart is close to Alabama).

As the team proceeded into Alabama, we had a chance to settle in and talk.  Dudley Patrick gave us the particulars about barbeque restaurants between Charleston and the Georgia state line.  Kathie James led us in some stretching when we reached our first rest stop in Denmark, SC.  Kim Brown shared her delicious homemade chocolate cookies.  Sean Dolan challenged some of us to games of electronic Scrabble.

On a reflective note, I find my thoughts still drifting to the ‘busy-ness’ of the past few weeks, along with some recent worries and concerns.  Sometimes in the midst of all that’s going on, it seems as though the world is just so messed up.  But for me, that usually happens when I am allowing my focus to slip to negative things.  The true picture is that God’s goodness outweighs and easily overcomes whatever messes we humans get ourselves into.  After all, Jesus promises his followers that he will be with us “always, until the end of the age.”

So as we begin our trip in Alabama, we are mindful of the many good things that God has given us.

We’ll have much more to say.  Thanks for reading this, and thanks for your prayers.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Michael and

Your mission team in Alabama

Kathryn
Cheryl
Kathie
Kim
Sean
Shawn
Dudley
Carlson
Michael

Alabama : live from Tuscumbia!

Your Alabama mission team is on the job! After a smooth trip in we were treated to a church service last night a moving video of the destruction from the F-5 tornadoes in April. Today we are removing and replacing the roof of a donated trailer tobe used by future volunteers. Next is cleaning and hooking up plumbing.
More later! Love, Kathie and the team

Hearts and Hands for Haiti

Thank you Sean for your wonderful blogs. I have felt no need to add to his insightful words.
And it is a good thing because everytime I have tried to blog, I have experienced some kind
of computer glitch. (Tom, I hear you snickering!)
This has been an incredible journey. It will take us a while to process all that we have seen and felt.
So if we seem to be incoherent when we return do not worry, we will get better. Although I doubt that we will every be able to adequately describe this place and experience.
God has been present with us in many ways: through the smiles and laughter of incredible Haitians who have opened their hearts and lives to us; through the natural beauty of this land; through faith at work as we serve and have been served.
As American Christians we have so many blessings, but all of our blessings may be stumbling blocks to our spiritual life. Here, our brothers and sisters live everyday totally dependent on the grace of God, with no illusions that they could handle life on their own. What they say is "If you are alive, it is good, it is the grace of God. Everything else is just the situation."
Amen.
Kathryn

Praying for Peace and Patience in Petionville

 Today was one of the most emotionally and physically draining days I have ever had; and this was our day off from working! We "toured" up the coast all the way to Petit Goave, making stops in Leogane and Mellier. We got a great glimpse of the country side here and I must say this place is blessed with a lot of natural beauty. In Petit Goave, we stopped by the Methodist mission and I am proud to say that things are moving in the right direction. We also stopped for a little r&r on the beach. The scenery there was absolutely beautiful; however, a month long beach sweep of just a 1/4 mile area is much needed. Many of the guys here believe a well developed fish camp would be nice! Although I think, instead of doing much fishing for men, we would be doing a lot of fishing for fish.
   Traveling back I wish I could say the same for down town Port au Prince. It is so difficult to describe the scenery. There is much progress and work being done amid chaos. I'm afraid much of the "negative" out weighs what good is going on. Throughout our travels through there I realized that this is where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. That this is where Jesus healed the crippled man. This is where Jesus Christ lives and walks today and although I blessed to be able to see this and be aware of it; it is quite unnerving that one must go to such extremes to see His love and His opportunity for action. There is no way to live here without Jesus in your life. There is no way for any reason to wake up in the morning and face this mess without placing your full trust and faith in our Lord. There is so much to be learned on the personal level that I must leave you at that. These mission trip are truly about building relationships upon the rock of our Lord Jesus Christ. If not, all other ground is sinking sand!
Sean

Praying for Peace and Patience in Petionville

Bonjour amis! The internet connection has been quite patchy for the last couple of days. We are very spoiled having this luxury everywhere we go. We are now approaching the halfway point of our mission here and I must say "what a long, strange trip its been." We have had many small adventures and revelations that will have an impact on our lives forever. Each new day brings a new opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our fellow freres et soeurs (brothers and sisters) here. This trip is teaching many of us to look for and see Jesus in all that we meet. He comes in many forms; boss man, Mama Ruth, the children, Lamiere, etc... It is impossible not to see Him on a daily basis because when you have Jesus in your heart, which many people here do, you take on a personality, characteristics and attitude that resembles Him little by little. Yes it may be hard to realize that you can be slightly compared to Jesus when you have Him in your heart. You cease to be a servant of the Lord, because Jesus now sees you as a brother or sister with Him and in him! It should be a goal of us all, to one day call Jesus my brother. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve (worship) the Lord here in Haiti with this team and these people. I pray that God continues to open the eyes of the blind (at times us) and reveal even further His glory in the light of these people. Thank you all for the support that you all give us. Your prayers are heard and felt.
Sean

Praying for Peace and Patience in Petionville

   What a day! In Ed's words we saw the complete range of "the spectrum" here today. Our morning began with an awesome breakfast prepared by the great staff here at the guest house; oh by the way, the coffee here is amazing! I have finally found my true love. We were able to attend service here on campus. What an amazing worship experience. We could not understand very much of what was said; but the feeling of God's love flowing from everybody was unbelievable. We were introduced to the congregation and asked to speak just a bit. The hymns are quite beautiful. Many are recognizable but obviously they were sang in Creyole. There were many experiences just at the church that we look forward to sharing with you all.
   We were also taken on a tour of the city today and I must say, there is nothing that can prepare you for that. At this moment I can only stop and reflect because words DO NOT DESCRIBE what has happened and continue to happen.
   After swimming in the guest house pool, we were greatly surprised by Jean's three sons, daughter in law, and cousin. Many of you know Jean. If you do not, he has done an incredible job of raising his three boys and the world is a much brighter place with them here! We were blessed to have them with us this afternoon and were even more encouraged by the spontaneous worship inspired by God we took part in together.
  The only hope that this place has is in God. Without Him, and there are those who this is truly evident of, that have neither. We are all greatly inspired by the love of Christ and the pure trust in faith that those who we have met have in God. They have truly turned over everything to Him, and many of their lives are full of joy (and smiles with laughter) that is difficult to understand. The sermon today was about how we on many occasions receive God's blessings and gifts with an ungrateful heart. And this was being given to a Haitian congregation? How then, must we evaluate our own reception of God's gifts? We have all received an undeserved, yet freely given inheritance by Christ's sacrafice. Let us praise God with joyful and grateful hearts! Lift up His name in praise for all that He continues to bless in your life.
Sean

Hearts and Hands for Haiti

I have no idea where to begin. This day in Haiti has been full of contrasts.
We worshiped this morning with the Methodist congregation here in Petionville. They are gracious and loving people. The entire service was in Creole so we did not understand a word - other than Jesus. But we certainly felt the spirit and love of God and the people.
This afternoon we toured Port Au Prince. There are not words to describe the devastion and destruction of the earthquake. It is poverty on top of poverty.
Yet, the joy and faith of our Christian brothers and sisters is a shining light in the darkness.
What a priviledge, and how humbling, it is to work and stand with them.
May God's light shine through us as brightly as it shines in these Haitian Saints.
Peace, Kathryn

Praying for Peace and Patience in Petionville

   WOW!!!! What a day. As it started at about 3 o'clock for everyone this morning, we are just now settling in for the night at the Methodist guest house in Port au Prince. To say that this day has been a bit crazy does not do it justice. We had a 5 hour delay in Miami and somewhere along the way between Miami and Haiti, our luggage decided to part ways with us. We all have our carry on's; however, all of our personal gear and tools/kid supplies are M.I.A.  We will be searching vigorously for them tomorrow. What is important is that we are all safe and here in our destination.
   Words CAN NOT describe this place! The sights, sounds and smells are truly unique and possibly tread on the cusp of disturbing. Although we drove through the city at night, I can not imagine what awaits our eyes once daylight approaches. We are eager and excited to worship with our brothers and sisters tomorrow morning and we are looking forward to spending this time in fellowship with them; with or with our clean underwear. UGH!!!
   The roles have been reversed. We came here to provide comfort and relief to those in this area; yet, it is us receiving the charity today. I thank God for His presence with these people. This experience is truly a blessing to be shared!
   Sean

Praying for Peace and Patience in Petionville

Dear God,
   Thank you so much for the abounding grace and blessings you place in our life! Our packing has been done, our planning is finished and now we ask for your protection in our Haitian mission team's trip in the morning. I lift up my praise in thanks for all of the support given to us by our brothers and sisters in Christ at our church, as well as our friends, family and co-workers. All this we know, can only be given by you.
 Allow for us during this trip, to be the feet and hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us have a rejoicing heart when we use our words, thoughts and actions. Above all, let the love of Christ, our Lord and Blessed Savior flow from us as the living water of the Holy Spirit.
 We now depart from here, in your name, knowing that Haiti is not our end destination; but rather a brief stop, in our life long journey to you. You are the presence that gives me comfort in all situations and I pray to you that our presence may bring a light of hope and love to those who we touch. For it is in the name of Jesus Christ that we love you, praise you and worship you. Amen
Sean

Hearts and Hands for Haiti

Well, we are actully packing up. There were a few weeks in Jan. when it seemed doubtful that we would be able to travel to Hait. But God has opened the doors and I think it is going to happen!
We have just finished packing 5 big bags full of children's toys, books, crafts, soccer balls, water bottles, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Next, come the bags of tools.

Flight leaves at 6:15am tomorrow. And we arrive in Port Au Prince around 11:00am.

Thanks for the prayers!
Kathryn

Charlie's Pumpkin Patch Observations #6

NOTE: It is recommended that you read Charlie's posts  in chronological order beginning with Post #1 and continuing with 2 thru 6 in that order. You can either scroll down or select the desired post by clicking on the links under Blog Archive in the right column. Posts #1 thru #5 were posted in October 2010.

The day after Halloween I drove to the pumpkin patch to retrieve my wheelbarrow and shovel.  What a strange feeling when I get there.  The patch is empty—no children running around, no moms or dads, only a few Charlie Brown pumpkins scattered around.  The feeling is kind of like…taking down the Christmas tree.

I haven’t had that feeling in the prior 9 years of the pumpkin patch.  And it’s all Kathryn’s fault, as in Rev. Kathryn.  It started a few weeks back when we’re kayaking on Hobcaw Creek.  Kathryn and Jim in their fast tandem get ahead of sister Carol and me in our single seaters.   They stop and wait for us a few times and each time we talk a little and take off again.  One time we’re talking about the pumpkin patch coming up soon, and Kathryn says to me something like you should write about the patch. Best I remember I was my usual noncommittal self.

Started writing the first notes and now have to finish what I started.  Trying to write narrative makes me relive the events in my head, so the whole patch experience is more alive this year than before, and that’s a good thing.

Some things I’ve learned in working the patch.  99.999% of the people who come to the patch are very nice.  That includes the ones who came here by way of I-95 South and I-26 East.  Mike retired and spent many, many hours in the patch this year.  Terri, who I thought was the quintessential southern lady, is really a Boilermaker from Indiana.  Carol really is a native Charlestonian.  That our new member, Roger, moved here from Blue Carolina.  That Sam wrestles for Wando and Sean graduated from Bear Bryant U.  Now they are all more than faces on Sunday mornings.

There were a few people and a dog from past years who didn’t work the patch this year and I sorely missed them.

The really good news is that LeRoy said we sold $26,611.25 worth of pumpkins this year.  That’s over $500 more than last year.  Including donations of $1,135 we’ll have $10,448.94 that the United Methodist Men, with a whole lot of help from a whole lot of people, will donate to the many missions that Hibben supports.  And, of course, we’ll never know all the good that will be done with that money, but that’s ok because we took action on the admonition that faith without works is dead.  Strange as it may seem, the pumpkin patch bolsters my faith.

LeRoy says next year he’s going to double my pay.  Let me see—2 X 0 = 0.   Can’t ever say that LeRoy doesn’t have a sense of humor.

So what else did Charlie learn at the pumpkin patch this year?  That October is the biggest smile month of the year for him, and that he got far more out of the pumpkin patch than he put in.

I hope someone writes a blog about Pam and Operation Christmas Child.

Charlie's Pumpkin Patch Observations #5

Yippee!  The last pumpkin from the final load is being passed helping-hand to helping- hand. I call it the pumpkin dance, twisting side to side with hands outreached.  The pumpkin dance is over for this year, thanks to lots of people, including the University School students, parents and faculty.

Carlson is still bouncing around with energy like the 12 year olds.  How does he do it?  I’m exhausted just watching while I was taking money from some customers.  Then he’s going to ride his bike home…on Sullivan’s Island.  Carlson’s enthusiasm, if not his stamina, is contagious and I think he’s an extraordinary example of the servant as leader.

Sam and younger brother Thomas are helping along with their mother.  Between customers, Thomas just has to irritate his big brother and Sam chases him until he gets in a good lick and they stop for a few minutes.  Then Thomas does something else to Sam and they do it all again, and then again, and again.  And I’m thinking that’s just like our two sons did.  In fact, just like I did with my big brother—if I could get in just one good lick it was worth the beating he’d give me.  A friendly beating, he’d hold me down and hit my arm with his fist a few times, and I’d promise not to bother him again, he’d let me up and when he wasn’t looking I hit him again.  What’s that Nature vs Nurture thing?  Nancie watches Sam and Thomas—she knows what boys do.

I usually show up about 4 and stay to help LeRoy close.  More than once someone would ask LeRoy what we do with all the pumpkins at night.  With a straight face, LeRoy motions toward the church and says we take them all in at night.  After he gets the quizzical, are-you-kidding-me reaction to this answer, LeRoy sort of chuckles and says that they stay out at night and we don’t have much of a theft problem.

Kathy works the patch almost as much as Carlson, with as much energy and always smiling.  I’m glad to see she’s working when I arrive.  She always gives me a hug and I really like that.  We’re getting ready to close and I see Cyrene on the front lawn putting out the fire ant killer stuff—yes, tomorrow is…

Fall Festival!  What fun?!!  The front lawn and parking lot filled with kids of all ages having fun.  Jake, or was it Jared, sitting in the dunking booth.  Three balls for 50 cents.  Kent takes aim and fires at the bull’s eye—splash, and then he does it again—splash, and again—splash, and again—splash, and again—splash.  Kent must have spent $5 at the dunking booth.  All the kids seem to have cotton candy—sticky fingers everywhere.  I’m learning to plan ahead so I buy three Christmas presents.  One is a tree-of-life necklace for a niece.  That vendor was giving half of the sale price to Water Missions International—that’s cool.

Fall Festival is a big sales day for the pumpkin patch.  But far more than that, the outreach to the community can’t be measured.  How many happy memories were made because of the planning and work of so many members of our congregation? Sure is good to be in a congregation with so many helping-hands.

Charlie Spriggs