vbs.

Yesterday while the men went back out to the land, the ladies stayed at HVM to hang out with the kiddos. We held a VBS session at the school across the street, and many of the neighborhood children came, too. Rhonda, one of the team members from Simpsonville FBC, shared the story of the gospel, and then everyone made a craft with stickers and a foam cross. After a mad dash to the door to get candy, two of the older boys stuck around and ended up confessing Jesus as Lord. EEEEEEK! Our God is so faithful. All praise to Him!

Later on in the afternoon, after lunch and resting, all of the HVM kiddos gathered around the tables to decorate t-shirts. Paint was everywhere and things got pretty chaotic with forty kids all wanting the exact same color at the exact same time (funny how that always seems to be the case, huh?), but now everyone has cool new shirt to show off.

The fellas finished up their goal for the week yesterday, too, which is a huge accomplishment. What's even better is that three of the Haitian workers who were on-site with them all week confessed Jesus as Lord just as the team was preparing to depart. Two others recommitted their lives to Christ, as well. And, again, I say...EEEEEK! There is nothing more exciting than His creation returning to Him in submission and adoration. May the glory of our gracious, loving, and sinless King + Savior + friend fill the entire world. Our God reigns!

paparazzi.

These are a few of the kids that will soon have new neighbors. Every time we visit the land, they always come running from all over when they spot my camera; and of course I never pass up an opportunity to snap a few pictures and then turn the camera around so they can see how handsome + beautiful they are. They even know my name! Praise the Lord for blessing me with so many faces I pray I'll never, ever forget.

"Ana, èske ou ka mennen nou foto?"

day two.

Our second day on the job was quite eventful on several occasions, but praise be to the Father that we met our goal. We headed out around seven o'clock yesterday morning, and finished up around three o'clock in the afternoon. All twenty steel poles were cemented and installed into the ground, which sets us up for today's goal: lay cement throughout the entire foundation. Yesterday was hotter than the day before, and we're all praying for more wind today as we begin another challenge. The Lord showed His faithfulness and sovereignty in more ways than one during our seven hours there and on into the night, and I'm claiming His power over this new day He has given us.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Proverbs 16:3

teamwork.

Our first work day with the team was a good one, indeed. We began our day together in prayer, ate a quick breakfast, and then hit the road to the Far West. The morning was filled with planning + preparation, and the afternoon was filled with digging + measuring. While the men used their muscles, I stalked their every move while playing with several local kiddos on the side. The sun was hot, but the breeze was a nice treat in the midst of the heat; we all have lovely tan lines to show just how present the sun was! Everyone was surprised + impressed with how well we worked together, and I'm excited to see how the rest of the week continues as we get to know each other better.

When half the men left to get the cement mixers, the ladies went with them and spent the afternoon with our kiddos at Hope Vision Ministry. We got the see the last few minutes of their precious craft time as they showed off all the beautiful bags they had decorated each to their own liking. I was thankful to watch their creative juices flow even just for a little while, and something tells me that they'll be toting their masterpieces around for a long, long time.

Join me in asking for more of the Lord's favor to be poured out on us again today and every other day. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by so many obedient people, and it is my prayer that His kingdom would penetrate any darkness we encounter as we set out to labor in His name.

the gang's all here!

Good news! The team from various churches in the Upstate arrived at Hope Vision last night around seven-thirty. It was great to see familiar faces as well as meet new friends as we prepare to work together this week at the site for the future home for our kiddos. Below is a picture of all the digging that has taken place over the past several days, and our ultimate goal is to have the foundation set by the end of the week. So exciting!

May the Lord move in ways we've never experienced over the next seven days, and may hearts draw nearer and nearer to their Creator. Our enemy may have a few tricks up his sleeve, but it's my prayer that we would boldly proclaim the name and power of Christ in the face of every attack. Please be in prayer for everyone here; we are so blessed to be able to use our hands and feet for the furthering of His kingdom this week!

under the sea.

Never had I ever seen a real life octopus until this day. Just a typical day at Hope Vision Ministry with a bunch of kiddos who can do + find just about anything. Y'all do something crazy on this beautiful Sunday!

the city.

A glimpse of downtown Port-de-Paix in the middle of the day. We're thankful to still have seventeen days to call this place home sweet home. Isn't she lovely?