Students follow a narrow path to their transitional classrooms, while their new school is under construction.
Construction is up and running once again!!! After over 2 months of delays, it’s such a thrill to see progress once again. John Armour, from Aquavast (Jacksonville, FL) and Len Gengel from Be Like Brit both showed up right on time start the construction up again on the right track. Here are a few pictures from this past week: 
The Gift Shop – only 3 more days to order!
cats and saplings are two of the gifts available in our Gift Shop!
We’ve had a great response to our new Gift Shop. It’s so exciting to see so many thinking about others during the Christmas season. We will keep the Gift Shop open year round, but if you’d like to get a gift out in time for Christmas, please order by Wednesday, December 14th. Late orders will be filled, just not prior to Christmas day.
Grand-Goâve’s “Star”
Len Gengel with Grand-Goâve's Digicel Star.
Here’s Len Gengel from Be Like Brit with Grand-Goâve’s “Digicel Star” ( – also referred to by some as the Haitian Idol). The competition finishes this evening with Jean Kelly Vernet finishing in second place in the competition among thousands of young people who auditioned. Although there was certainly a sense of disappointment throughout the city, we are very proud of Kelly. He worked hard, not only at singing, but at raising support and encouraging people to vote for him. He is now well recognized throughout the whole country and we believe the Lord will prepare men’s heart to receive His love through Kelly’s ministry in music. Congratulations, Kelly!!!
Kera Walker keeps an eye on school construction at MOHI.
A Hole to Fill
In 10 more short days, both Kera and Lori will be heading “home.” I believe that would be Oklahoma and Alaska, but I’m not too sure with these two. They may never be content to stay home again. Kera spent six months with us, focusing mainly on tutoring the “missionary kids” and caring for volunteers at the guest house. She managed to get Alexis into high school and A. Jay is just cruising through his least favorite subject! Thank you, Kera!
Lori Paajanen helps bury a man!!!
Lori will have been with us for 2 months when she heads out. She has done a lot of work with our child sponsorship program. (Some of you will be hearing from her shortly!) She also took weights and measurements of all our preschoolers in Thozin, in preparation for the medical work Child in Health hopes to be doing with them for years to come. Since Lori worked at the school, we had some great times of encouragement, too. Thanks for giving, Lori!
There will be a hole left when they go. Who will fill it? Certainly the Lord has someone He’s speaking to about coming to Haiti for 3, 6, 9, 12 months – Is it you? Contact me today! Let’s see what God can put together!
Dancing with Orphans
Alexis and the girls rehearsing.
Alexis spends time almost every day, after school, rehearsing songs and dances with the girls at the Hands and Feet Project. When these kids first came to Grand-Goâve they actually lived at our house, so Alexis is very much the big sister figure for them. I’m often amazed at Alexis’ choreography. The girls work hard and she is very proud of them. They recently danced out in front of our church’s band, Light of Hope, at a city wide concert held at MOHI. They were a huge hit with the crowd.
Prayers
I am continually amazed at how the Lord orchestrates everything in our lives and in this mission. Apart from Him, we could not be here. The stresses (physical, emotional, social…) are enormous, but I love the Bible verse from 2Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” I am weak enough to recognize my tremendous NEED for Jesus in my life. He constantly strengthens me and gives me knowledge and wisdom that I can share with others. There have been times when well-meaning people have told me things like, “Oh! I could NEVER do what you’re doing!” Well, neither could I, in and of myself, but through Christ? I’ve yet to discover the boundaries!
You know what? When you ask Jesus to help us, He does. When you are talking with the Lord this week and MOHI comes to mind, please talk to Him about Haïti, Grand-Goâve, Mission of Hope International, the people and the circumstances. There’s a shortage of American dollars in the country right now, which means the banks are limiting what they will give out. This makes it difficult to buy materials and other things that require American money. Even Haitian gourdes have been limited. It’s very disturbing to know the money is there in the bank, but you can’t access it. And the average Haitian would freak out if you paid them with a check. So, please pray for this situation to be resolved quickly. Also, please pray for knowledge, wisdom and understanding for our construction crew. It’s beyond my ability, but I will be thrilled for Jesus to be the job super!!!!
As always, thank you for your support in every way. God bless you!!!