Tuesday, October 6, 2009

shipped out 6 boxes of stuff today, one more to go tomorrow.  getting things arranged for the trip.  had a great meeting this morning with Mike, my old friend (yes, we are getting OLD Mike).   we talked about life and where God has put us and where we are going; it is amazing how we influence each other in our walks by just being transparent before each other.  He has exciting things going on in his life and with his kids; problems and issues like we all have too.  I am getting more excited about......I feel odd saying this, but it feels like "going home".    God will work it out, I am sure.  I already miss my family, friends and especially my son's Luke and Aaron.   I have not gotten to spend nearly enough time with them this summer.  I hope some time as I get arranged they can come and visit in Haiti.   had a friend talk of a mission trip in the spring to Haiti, maybe we can arrange that.   It seems that it is all falling into place; Wayne has gotten me set up electronicaly, computorially (expanding the language base!), and movie wise.  He and Melissa spent gadzooks amount of money for food for the mission; we are all grateful for that.   it seems the door is there, now to walk thru it.    reminds me of the Stephen Curtis Chapman song of the Great Adventure, and of the song Dive.    haven't tested the water yet, but I am sure it is ok.   I am looking forward to rice and beans, sweating and power outages.  What more can you ask of in life?    :)    

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Monday, October 5m 2009

time flies by, decisions get made and life continues.  went shopping yesterday with Wayne and Melissa, and have oodles of stuff to send to Haiti.  Carolyn, don't get mad, but we have some junk food.  I promise I'll eat it all as soon as possible!    (sharing of course with those willing to partake in the removal of the junk food).  I am packing likely too many things, but I know enough now to be willing to leave what I bring this time.  at least a lot of it.  weather here is horrible....temps around 40's at night, 60's in day, it feels like Siberia.  the sun helps some, but Haiti is sounding better,, I can't wait to glisten.  :)      Church yesterday was great, good message on unity in the body, got to see many friends and say goodbye, and received many commitments to give childrens vitamins next week.   that is very encouraging, as the difference it can make in a malnourished kid is amazing. 

so I hope Haiti is ready for me.  I haven't changed much over the summer (with the notable exception of a few pounds)  I assume Haiti hasn't changed much either.  I am looking forward to the new road though.  Less bouncing is good for these old bones.  have to go tape and ship boxes now, dont' worry Gary, I'll be there before they arrive so I'll pay the shipping.  see everyone soon.    I am already missing my family, but the weather these crazy blans have here is driving me back.  :)

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Well, I guess I need to get back in the habit of doing this, as I expect to be leaving hopefully next week.  A set of circumstances had my attention and kept me ill at ease about leaving.   Mainly my own need to fix things, cure ills, save the world, etc,  standard stuff.   Monday night I prayed about it, as I did Tuesday morning.   I got a few e mails, made a few phone calls that morning and, voila, it all fell together.  I knew, you know, knew, then it was time to go.   I have been putting things together since that point, and I know it is time to go forward.   I am looking forward to going from morning temps here in the high 40's/ low 50's to the oven of St. Marc.....NOT!      But it will all be good I am sure.  It promises to be a wonderful year with all kinds of surprises..some good, some not, I'm sure.     But since I truly feel I am supposed to be there, it will be what it will be and that will be ok.  

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Monday, September 21, 2009

still just sorting, thinking, attempting to get my audiology stuff under wrap so I can bring it, ship other stuff.  had a HUGE encouragement Sunday when a friend of mine, Robin, told me that her son is planning on giving me a large donation towards the equipment.   it seems that the things that need to happen to get me to Haiti keep happening.   I hear it is very hot and dry there now in St. Marc, but I am planning on all that changing when I get there....what the heck?    if things are going like this now, might as well shoot for the moon on everything.  so I am planning a temperature break of at least 10 degrees, with some regular showers to cool things off and settle the dust.    now for those lottery tickets....     :)

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

well,it seems that things just continue to "work out" for me  to return to Haiti.  I received some good financial advice from a friend, my ex wife.....yes, sometimes it works that way....and it  seems that I will be able to attend "Haiti University" this year w/o fearing poverty when I return.....IF I return.   has to do with the fact that I am destitute, w/o an income this year and the tax advantages of poverty!      regardless, I know things will be ok.  getting equipment set up to bring with me, and getting arrangements made.   lookin forward to  returning about 1st week of Oct, so I hope it has cooled off by then.....LOL.   

it has been good to come home and see family and friends, but I know that I am supposed to be in Haiti at this time in my life.  I don't pretend to know how it will work out one day to the next, but that is in much more capable hands than mine.  I hope to be able to post pictures at least this year with the internet connection we have, so as to be able to share more of what happens there.   all is working out how it will,  see everyone in Haiti soon. 

Bondye benis ou.

Dan

Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009

isn't it amazing how God works in us?   I am having one of those God mornings where I feel His grace and love all over, where He affirms and comforts me.   everywhere I go, He leads me.    as I sit here, listening to the local Christian station on the radio, and reflecting on the last few hours, a song called "here I am" is on, talking about sending me into the field.   I think of the people in Haiti, the kids in school, the innumerable needs I cannot possibly fill, and I know all I can do is share God's love and let Him provide for me and those around me, both thru me and thru His grace and power.  I have read posts from the Rollings in Haiti, from Tara Livesay, citing a site from some missionaries in China about small seeds and how God works despite our feelings of failure.    God just seems to be speaking to me in a way He hasn't before.......or very likely that I just have not been listening very well.     God has been speaking to me about grace and mercy and I am getting it in a way I never have before.   anyone who knows me knows it's not because I just got smarter.    just another miracle of God, thank you.   my need to accomplish is fading, all I need to do is follow and do what is given me....and know God will work it out His way.    what a relief it is to know it isn't on me anymore to produce results, just to love those He gives me to love today.    very cool, our God, very cool indeed.

Bondye benis ou, really.

Dan

Tuesday, Aug 4, 2009