Guest House Progress May 26, 2012

Many of you know that a second story is being built on the guesthouse here at Cite Lumiere.  The additional rooms will be used for interns or visitors staying several weeks, a month, or more.  One of the rooms may be used when large work teams come and don’t all fit downstairs.  Robenson-n and I will live in the manager’s apartment upstairs.  It looks so nice already!  We are looking forward to moving some of our things in very soon!!  Hopefully I can move in before I leave for the states in June.  Praise the Lord for the smooth progress this year!  The walls are painted, windows and screens are in, toilet and shower are in, and the floor…..well….the floor is….not so smooth.

 

Let me explain.  The cement floor used to be the roof of the guesthouse. It’s very bumpy.  There is also a ridge right down the middle so the rain would run off.   It was great…for the rain.  But now, we would like a nice finished floor.  The workers started sanding the cement and we realized what a chore this would be to make it look decent.  There is also dry-lock stuck on it, which can be hard to remove, and may show through if we seal the cement as an effort to finish it.  We’ve started to pray about this floor.  It seems to be one of the last big hurdles with the new construction.  Reinhards and I have tossed around different ideas with some other missionaries.  There aren’t many flooring options in Haiti, but we can buy ceramic tile at a fair price in Les Cayes.  Some sanding will still need to be done to get a generally flat surface.  Still, it seems that our best option is to tile the new addition.  Tile is really not in our budget.  Honestly, I don’t like to ask for things or money, but I’m gonna be straightforward, the guesthouse is needing a little financial help to finish off the second story well.

 

If you feel moved to donate some funds to the ACC guesthouse, you could write a check to World Relief and earmark it “Renee Slagel ACC guesthouse”.  Or, you can write a check directly to me.  If you have questions, comments, or ideas to share with us, you can email me at reneeslagel86@gmail.com

 

Thanks so much for all your prayerful support!  Looking forward to seeing many of you in June, July, and August!!

 

Our Shepherd…and the way He guides… May 23, 2012

My first year of teaching is over.  It feels like I just set up my classroom and welcomed the kids to school.   Last week, I hugged them goodbye and felt how much taller and bigger they had become in just one year.  Not only did they each grow at least an inch and a half, but they learned to speak English.  They learned to read.  They learned to make new friends.  They sang new songs and gained courage to pray aloud.

 

A lot happened in my life too.  I didn’t grow an inch and a half, but hopefully, I grew spiritually.  So much has changed…I got engaged, have new in-laws, started learning a new language, met new people, tried to learn what it means to be a missionary, have seen many teams come and go, watched the guesthouse construction develop, and I’m finding out how good our loving Shepherd is.

 

To celebrate the end of the school year, Robenson-n and I went out to lunch on Friday on the first day off.  We took a picnic lunch to a little mountain nearby.  It was a quiet, peaceful place where a lot of animals graze.  We noticed the sheep and imagined being David on the side of the hill spending time with the Lord.  We watched a man shepherding his flock by walking behind his sheep and whipping them with a stick to keep them on the right path.  This brought up a conversation about our Shepherd.

 

Does He walk behind us, poking and whipping us to go in the right direction?

Does He gently guide us with His hand and voice?

Does He go before us to prepare a path and make a way that is straight?

 

Robenson-n and I have always imagined our Shepherd to be kind and gentle, using his voice to lead, but the image this shepherd in Haiti portrayed was much different.  What is our Shepherd really like??

 

We know some scripture references that teach us about our Lord.  In the 23^rd Psalm… “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.”  So, someone who leads is usually in front.  He knows the way.  He shows the way.   John 10:2-3 says, “The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  Rather than yelling “hey sheep!” (or unmentionable words that He could say) he calls us by our very own name.  He is a personal shepherd.  It’s comforting to read these verses, eh?

 

You can dive in and find additional verses.  I know there are a lot more!!!  I’m just learning to love the illustration of Jesus as our loving shepherd.  Ok, it’s not an illustration.  He actually is!  It’s become more and more real to me in the past year as I see how the Lord watches out for me and His other sheep; guiding us, keeping us safe, leading us to still water for refreshment, and providing for all our needs.  Be encouraged that the Lord is leading You today, even if you don’t see it!

 

 

 

Mom and Dad’s Visit to Haiti!! May 21, 2012

We had been anxiously awaiting a visit from Mom and Dad…and it happened!  We were blessed to have them here to experience life in Haiti for a week.  They were able to do the things we do in a “normal” week including driving to church on four wheelers, eating wonderful Haitian food, and even getting a flat tire in the middle of town (at night)….the list goes on…  This entry is written by my mom….

As I reflect on the week spent with Renee & Robbie in Haiti, my emotions are all over the place!  We were reminded over & over how Great & Awesome our God is!

Of course, the best was to see Renee & meet Robbie face to face!  We had talked many times but this was the first time in person.  What a wonderful Godly man he is!  He cares so much for Renee & her spiritual well-being, and she like-wise for him!  Their love for the Lord is so evident.  We also had the opportunity to meet Robbie’s parents, Nobert & Marlene,  and 15 yr. old sister, Shama.  It was very enjoyable spending time with them & getting to know them.  Even tho communication was a bit limited, we did have 2 awesome interpreters with us!  Shama has taken an English class so we could talk to her.  What a nice family!!

I got to spend mornings with Renee at school, which was where I needed to be!  What a great place to spend time with her!  She has some sweet little 1st & 2nd graders.  It was so heart-warming to observe her at work and to see how those little students adore her!  What a blessing to see how God is using her at work!   Even got to take part!  So fun!!

Ray spent some of the days with the LSM work team.  They were doing construction work on the ranch.  (Definitly in his element)  There were 5 men on the team and also Haitian men working with them to learn the skills.  Ray also did odds & ends on the missionary compound for Renee.  He built an easel for Renee for her classroom.  It turned out so cute!!  She will get lots of use out of that, I’m sure.  Renee had donated paint sent down with her to Haiti, which Ray was able to put to use!  Thanks to those who donated!

Another highlight of our week was the opportunity to meet 8 yr. old, Speranda, our sponsor child through the AC child sponsorship program.  Renee & I stopped in at the ACCS office, very close to where Renee lives, to find out where Speranda lived.  Come to find out, she lives only a couple miles from Renee. One of the employees from the office took us to her home to meet her & her family.  She has 2 older brothers & 1 younger sister.  Because of support thru ACCS, Speranda is now able to attend school.  Her family lives in a very small 1 room home.  It was quite emotional to say the least.  But, Robbie re-assured us that they still had it better than some Haitian families.  It was so good to see first hand how the ACCS is working in other countries.  If not for that, many could not attend school as the parents can’t afford it.

We were so thankful and blessed to make this trip!  We need frequent reminders of how Blessed we are and how easily we forget!!  God Bless you all for praying for our missionaries everywhere!

Blessings & Love,  Ray & Glad

Washing Feet April 8, 2012

Matthew 13:13-15   “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

I was touched as I watched 1st and 2nd grade students dip water from a basin, use soap to scrub their peers dusty little feet, and then rinse them off again.  It was hard for some not to grimace at the thought of washing someone’s smelly feet.  But as they began to wash, their faces showed love as they understood this is an act of service that Jesus has humbly shown us to do.   It’s just one way of showing our love.

What a special time it was for our class to experience feet-washing, clad in garments of brown and tan.  They played the part of the disciples well, as they sat down to a Passover meal, together with the 3rd grade class.  They discussed who would be which disciple, and since only 10 students were there Thursday, they decided no one needed to be Judas or Peter.  It was cute to watch them converse as they waited for Jesus to come to the supper.   They were surprised when my fiance came in dressed as Jesus and sat with us at the table.  He explained how he would die soon, but then rise again.  He told them to not be sad, because he would always be with them and that they can always pray to Jesus.  He encouraged them to go share the gospel, even though it would be difficult sometimes and people would reject them.  The students had so many questions to ask ’Jesus’.  They were captivated by this whole Last Supper experience.

What a blessing it was to us, as teachers too, to imagine we were there together in the upper room with our Lord.  If you have kids, I encourage you to reenact Bible events such as this.  It makes them real to us. What we do, stays with us.

I am thankful this Easter for the humble example Jesus was.  He is our King, our Lord, our Savior, and he humbly came to earth…and then…got down on the floor and washed his followers feet!  Even more, was crucified on the cross for us.

Happy Easter and blessings as you remember His sacrifical gift.

Galations 2:20.   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

Acting the part of Jesus is not an easy task, but Robenson-n took it seriously and I must say….he did an amazing acting job with the kids.  He was gentle with them and patiently answered their questions.   Wow, I love this guy!!   Thank you dear!

A Big Praise March 17, 2012

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly of my  weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

We have something to boast about!  We want to share how in our weaknesses, God can speak through us.  

On Sunday, March 4th,  I had come to tears thinking about the what-ifs.  What if Robenson-n doesn’t get a visa?  What if our wedding is in Haiti?  I thought I had come to peace with a wedding here if God wanted that, but I wanted so badly to marry in the states.  It wouldn’t be right without all my family and friends there.  Robenson-n assured me that God has a plan and if he gets a visa, we will thank God.  If he doesn’t get a visa, we will thank God.  Either way, we know God has already worked out the best plan.  

So, on Monday, March 5th we headed to Port au Prince at 3am in Robenson-n’s father’s truck.  We rode with his parents, his cousin, and one other person who needed to go to Port.  With 4 of us in the back seat, we were not comfortable.  (But this is Haiti…we could have fit at least 4 more people)  In my heart, my attitude was not good.  I really was not excited about riding for 5 hours to Port au Prince.  Then 3 of us got sick from something we ate that morning and needed to hold plastic bags the whole way.  By the time we reached Port, Robenson-n was so sick and so exhausted, that he was not ready for an interview.  

We walked up to the guards at the embassy.  ”You are not allowed to enter,” they said to me.  “You are not the one interviewing for a visa.” 

“So, where do I go?  I can’t sit inside and wait?”  

“No maam.  You can go wherever you want, but you may not enter.”

So Robenson-n went in and I was stuck outside on the streets of Port au Prince, alone.  “This is just great,” I thought. It was one of those mornings you wish you could just fast forward through, but often these are character building times.  Right dad? :)  So, I called a missionary friend who told me about a restaurant nearby.  I found it and waited there, praying for Robenson-n.  I knew he was in no shape at all for the appointment.  Lord, give him strength and wisdom and an extra amount of Your Holy Spirit.  I had lots of prayer time and then relaxed, knowing it’s in the Lord’s hands.  Finally, about 2 1/2 hourse later, I got a call from Roby and just asked me where I was and said he would meet me there.  I’ve never awaited news in a doctors office or anticipated any life or death news but the waiting felt that way, I think.  Ok.  It wasn’t that bad, but I was on the edge of my seat.  I saw him walk up toward me and I went to him, searching his eyes for a clue.  Robenson-n just had a nonchalant expression that could have meant anything.  I knew he would be ok with either outcome and it would effect me more than him. 

“So, how did you do?” I asked.  He said nothing and gave me a hug.   He was silent.  ”What happened?” I started to worry.

“I got it!”

I looked at his sparkling eyes and big grin.  “Oh thank you Jesus.  Thank you.”  I crumbled in tears.  He showed me the slip of paper indicating he needed to return to pick up his passport and visa in two days.  “Praise the Lord.”  He beamed and we prayed right then and there and thanking God and asking for forgiveness for our lack of faith.

I started to ask a million questions and he said, “Sit down, I will tell you everything.”  So Robenson-n told me that when he entered the embassy, he was in a sitting room, waiting for his name to be called to go to the next room.  As he sat, he fell asleep with his head in his hands.  The whole room emptied out!  A security guard tapped him and said to go move on.  So, Robenson-n went to get in line in the next room.  He felt sick to his stomach and the air conditioning gave him a pounding headache.  He knew he couldn’t do it.  He was going to get sick all over the floor.  He asked God for strength.  He continued praying and when he became closer to the counter, he saw 4 U.S. Consular Officers.  3 ladies and 1 man.  No one wanted the man because he wasn’t smiling nor was he friendly with the applicants.  As Roby approached them, the line split and he was put into a line….for the man.  He had seen and heard the man say, “You are not qualified for a visa.” He had not given out any visas that morning.  Robenson-n prayed that God would speak through him and to him and to also to speak to the consular and change his heart. 

I won’t record all the conversation, but Robenson-n started to speak and felt the Holy Spirit with him.  He didn’t feel sick or worried.  He felt strength from the Lord, in his weakness.  Robenson-n spoke about us and showed him some pictures and the man started to become friendly.  The man even said, “I know Fairbury, IL.”  What?  Are you kidding? It’s a town of 3500 people!  What are the odds?  Was he just saying that? haha.  So, only 3 questions were asked.  “Why are you going?  Where are you going?  When are you going?  He didn’t even look at his letters or bank statement or anything.  In about 20 minutes, the man came back with a slip of paper and said “Have a good trip sir.”  Wow!   It was that easy?  Robenson-n walked outside with tears in his eyes, held up his arms and prayed….while security guards looked on and chuckled. 

We can’t even explain why he got the visa.  So many are denied.   We just know God wanted it to work that way.  Alot of prayers went up from you guys which totally helped to calm our spirits.  So thank you.  

A few lessons learned:

1.  Do what you can and trust God to do the rest.

2.  Always be open and honest; it’s always the best way.

3.  Rely on the Holy Spirit, not on your own understanding. 

4.  In your weakness, God makes you strong. 

That is our embassy experience.  So, Lordwilling, the groom will be present at our IL wedding on July 28th, 2012.  All glory to God!!

 

A Quick Update February 27, 2012

          Well, a few weeks ago Robenson-n and I finished his online application for the US embassy.  That was a big accomplishment!!… especially since it was about 11 steps and with each question we answered, another box dropped down for us to fill out more specific information.  Let me say, it was tiring.  We didn’t finish it all in one evening.  Thankfully we had the option to the save the form and continue later.  Now, Praise God, we have crossed that finish line and have an interview appointment at the embassy in Port au Prince…Monday, March 5th at 8:00 am we would appreciate your prayers. (Haiti is one hour ahead because we did not “fall back” in the fall)

          We have collected letters, evidence of our work, pictures, and prepared for the questions they might ask.  Robenson-n and I are doing what we can, but now we trust God to do the rest.  We pray that Robenson-n gets to speak with a kind and gracious consulate.   Most likely, I will not be able to go up to the counter with Robenson-n when his name is called.  We pray that God will bless us for honest, straightforward answers and that God will be glorified through this process.  Whether or not Roby gets the visa to travel to the states in July, we know God has a plan.  God’s way is best.

           Last week, during the time of Mardi Gras celebrations called Kanaval, CEF held some children’s clubs as an alternative to the partying in the streets.  On Monday and Tuesday, a club was held at Simon church and Robenson-n said about 1000 children and teenagers attended.  I helped on Monday and loved seeing the children soak up truths about God through songs, stories, a memory verse, and a review game at the end.  The youth of Haiti need to know our constant, unchanging God while living in a country where very little is predictable.  We pray that truth is instilled in this young generation so that they grow to be a Godly generation that changes the nation. 

        James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Why worry?? February 3, 2012

Phillipians 4:6   

“Don’t worry” might seem like the silliest advice anyone could ever give. Yet here it is in black and white, inspired by the Holy Spirit: “Have no anxiety about anything.” Worry has got to be one of the most common problems of the human race. It is almost a daily companion in one form or another for many of us. Still Paul says, “Don’t do it; don’t worry.”

Does he suggest an alternative? Yes, and one that works according to the testimony of many Christians: “But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Telling God about your problem is the alternative to worry. He cared enough to send Jesus, His Son, to be our Savior. If He cared that much, can’t we trust Him to take care of us, to deal with the problems that worry us? As human beings, maybe we’ll toss and turn occassionally. But we’ve all seen the calm that comes to those who commit their concerns to the Lord and wait patiently for His gift of peace. What a difference it makes!” (All of the above comes from a devotional that I read recently)

When our minds race with thoughts, worries and questions and as we run around trying to do so many things, Jesus watches, wanting so badly for us to run to Him. He longs for us to talk to Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him.  Recently, Robenson-n has been reminding me of this. He says, “Our place is at the feet of Jesus. When you are worried, go to Jesus first and tell him everything. Put it at his feet. Then when you finish praying, walk away, don’t pick up your problems again. Leave them with Jesus. If you start to worry again, you are saying God is not big enough to take care of your problems.” Amen. It’s so true. I always yearn to come back to that place, in prayer, at Jesus’ feet, where I find peace, such sweet peace.  God’s got it under control!!!

Lately Robenson-n and I have been working on some planning for the future. We drew boxes containing categories: wedding, organization, visa, house. We started making lists in each box. When we look at these boxes, the lists can seem overwhelming, but we have found peace in praying for a few details each night, setting a certain goal for each week, and trusting God to work out the details. What a blessing it has been!  Our first priority is to get a visa for Robenson-n to travel to the states for our wedding in July. The embassy can deny visas easily, so we must prove that we have a reason to go and also a reason to return.  We are gathering letters from our workplaces and his pastor to show our credibility.  This week we went to town (and happened to chase a big wild pig through the streets on my fourwheeler…haha) and then made it to the bank, intending to pay the visa fee before we can apply online.  (The application must be filled out online, then the embassy in Port au Prince will give the applicant an appointment to come in for an interview)  Anyway,  the visa line was already closed for the day.  So, we did some  shopping and Robenson-n went back to the bank this morning and ended up waiting 3 hours.   As you can see, lines are extremely slow and terribly long at the banks.  BUT…we’ve checked that off the list!!  Praise the Lord!!  So, a prayer request is that we can get everything done for the visa and that God will prepare us for the interview that is ahead.

Here is Roby squinting in the sun in front of the bank.

Below are some pictures of one of Robenson-n’s Good News Clubs that we hold every week in front of his house.   Robenson-n lives here in Les Cayes and has grown up in this neighborhood.  He knows alot of the kids and desires for them to know Christ.  There are usually about 100 children that attend this particular club .  I love watching him teach children about the love of God. He is so animated and holds their attention well.  I feel so blessed to have Robenson-n in my life!  Last Sunday, I met the little girl who had run up to him at church the very first time I met him.   She is such a sweet heart.  Roby told me that she doesn’t have a father, so for her, Roby is her father-figure.  On Sunday, she told him she needs shoes for school because she only has one pair that she wears to church and school both and they are getting worn out.  He talked with her and gave her some money to start saving for new shoes.  I love his heart to help and serve others.

Remembering Haiti Earthquake 2010 January 12, 2012

It seems everyone has a story to tell today as they remember the earthquake 2 years ago.  Every life in this country was affected in some way.  There are countless God stories where people barely escaped collapsing buildings or were caught in traffic and spared.  Horrific memories come flooding back on this day.  But despite that, I see people moving on and thanking God for His faithfulness. 

One particular story is close to my heart.  My fiance shared his experience at the dinner table tonight with the Reinhard family and I. 

 On January 12, 2010, Robenson-n was living in Port au Prince, studying at a university there.   He drove 13 minutes to school and was prepared to take an exam that day.  The professor told him he must hand in his homework before he could take the exam.  Robenson-n then realized he had left his homework at his house.  Was it possible to take the exam first and bring the homework later?  The professor emphatically told him no.  So, he decided to return to his house even though it would make him late.   At his house, Robenson-n quickly got his papers and was back in the yard by his car when the earth began to shake.  “What is happening?” he asked.  Haiti had never experienced an earthquake.  Buildings were shaking and everything around him was unstable.  The 2nd story of his house came toppling down on top of the car as he stood there surrounded by a cloud of dust.  Robenson-n turned away from the house and started walking toward his university.  He saw buildings falling everywhere and bodies lying on the roads .  As he walked, the landmarks he normally saw were destroyed and he was getting lost.  Because he wandered around in a daze, it took 60 minutes to arrive at school.  He found it also in a heap.  “Is this really the same building?” he asked.  There he discovered that all his classmates had been killed.  Only Robenson-n and one girl were still alive, but she was severely injured and died several days later.  Robenson-n didn’t know what to do.  He went to live with some other friends.   They didn’t eat or sleep for 3 days.  Nobody did.  No place felt safe to sleep.  Their minds were in shock and they continued to feel the aftershocks.    Finally after 3 days, his father was able to get to Port au Prince from Les Cayes to pick up Robenson-n.  It was devastating for his family.   To this day, they don’t talk about it and Robenson-n usually doesn’t either.  It is a difficult thing that he would rather block out of his mind.  His studies in Port au Prince stopped.  Robenson-n continued his life in Les Cayes where he had grown up… but he needed to adjust to a new normal after the quake.  He couldn’t understand why God had spared his live.  He couldn’t understand why God still wanted him on earth.  But he didn’t ask questions.  He said he just trusted that God had a plan.

As I sat and listened tonight, I thought how amazing it was that we were sitting by each other.  My heart hurts for the pain he experienced, but rejoices for his faith.  I hurt for the people who still feel the scars and have not experienced the true Healer’s touch, but rejoice that God is able to heal and restore broken, sinful hearts.

My Love Story…written by God January 11, 2012

It’s difficult to find a starting point in sharing my love story because God started writing it long before I even knew it.  He was working in my heart years ago as a teenager when I started praying for my future husband, specifically that he would be a godly man, growing in wisdom and knowledge of God, and developing leadership qualities.  Then I began to feel God preparing me for mission work outside of the United States.  I wondered if maybe God could use me as a single missionary, maybe even the rest of my life.  He placed contentment in my heart as I overlooked my childish dreams of being swept away by prince charming.  In fact, I started to resist marriage and embrace Jesus as my husband.  “Boys will be a distraction in my work,” I thought.  When I started teaching English to a class of college-aged students in Haiti, some of them asked why I was not married.  I tried to explain that Jesus is my husband and He wants me to be single right now to serve Him and others.  During this stay in 2010, I went to church with a missionary family and met a gentleman after the service.  I shook his hand and he welcomed me to Haiti.  A small child ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his legs and he lifted her up with a huge grin across his face.  I thought “What a great daddy he is.  He has a very blessed wife.  If ever will marry, I hope he will be like this guy.”  I pushed the thought away quickly.  What I didn’t realize was that this godly, single man felt God put conviction on his heart to start praying for a wife that Sunday.  So, from September 2010 up until now, he has been praying for me specifically every day.  He prayed that God would take me off his mind and erase his love for me if it wasn’t God’s plan.   This man, named Robenson-n went out in front of his house each morning and placed 2 chairs under the coconut tree.  He said, “God, You can sit here.  I want to talk to You.”  Then he poured out his heart and prayed that God would guide his life.  He prayed that God would help him to know what to do about developing a relationship with an American girl.  Robenson-n also asked his prayer group to join him in praying for his situation. 

While this was going on, unknown to me, I was enjoying the challenges of teaching at the missionary school and learning the Haitian culture and language.  I saw him at various missionary events and Wednesday evening services.   We usually made small talk but I made it obvious I wasn’t interested.  Before going home for Christmas in 2010, he sent me a message saying he was praying that God would bring me back to Haiti to continue working longer term with the Haitian people.  It was a nice gesture but I ignored him because I was afraid he would think I was interested in a relationship. 

I was in the US for 7 months before I moved to Haiti in August for an indefinite term.  I prayed that Robenson-n would have moved on and even prayed that he moved to a different city to work.  But instead, he had felt called to start taking classes at a Bible college near the missionary compound.  So, he was closer. 

As I settled in again, God started convicting me that Jesus sent out disciples by two and I really needed a prayer partner.  I made friends among the missionaries and in the community but God was saying I’d be more effective with a partner.  My list of characteristics for a husband popped into my head.   People were making comments about Robenson-n and his work in children’s ministry.  I started to learn about his work and passion for teaching others about God.  He received his degree in civil engineering but felt God calling him to do full time ministry.  As I learned more about Robenson-n, I was starting to see checkmarks in my head for each trait that I saw.  God, he is too good to be true!  What am I not seeing?  I continued to push him away, but developed a deep respect for him and his strong faith. 

In October of 2011, one missionary who knew Robenson-n had been prayerful for a year now, suggested that I start praying about marriage.  I did not really want to.  How could marriage across cultures work?  What would people think of me marrying a Haitian?  How could all this work?  What would my family, my church, my friends say?  In October I went to a cookout with some other missionaries.  It was Robenson-n’s birthday, so as is tradition in Haiti, people prayed for him at the end of the evening, thanking God for working in his life and asking for guidance in the future.  During the prayer, I just started crying.  I didn’t know why.  I was confused about what was going on in my heart.  At that moment, I felt God telling me, “It’s ok.  It’s ok to love him.  Just be open to My will.”  I knew I needed to start praying about this seriously.  When I woke up the next morning, I had the most peaceful feeling.  I wasn’t fighting anymore.  My walls were being torn down.  God reminded me that the Lord is my Shepherd and he is leading me each step.  The kids in my class at school were learning the 23^rd Psalm so it was a constant reminder to keep looking to the Shepherd who provides everything we need.  

 Some other verses I was encouraged by:

 Joshua 1:5-6

Joshua 1:9

I started to see that I have a lot of fear.  Fear of man.  Fear of what people think.  God pointed out that I need to fear Him only.

 Psalm 118:5-6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?

Also,  Jeremiah 1:5

God was giving me peace about marriage and I needed to move forward.  I counseled with various couples who know Robenson-n and asked for advice and prayers. I talked with an elder.  Everyone I talked to encouraged me to keep moving on and taking steps, praying that God would either smooth the path if it’s His will for us or put roadblocks in the way to stop us from pursuing marriage.  We continued to get green lights.  At one point, Robenson-n let me know that God was telling him to surrender this because it would just be too hard for me.  He didn’t want to cause pain in my life or rejection from other people.  He was in tears but knew he must lay it all at Jesus feet.  Without evening knowing…that same day, I was in tears surrendering it all and asking the Lord to just be in control and lead me in the right path.   

Several days later, we both knew God’s plan for us was to be together.  I had resisted it for so long and finally knew that God wanted this…and so did I. 

As of January 7^th, we are engaged!  We have found out we are alike in so many ways even though we have different backgrounds.  It has been amazing to see God bring us together and work out details.  So many of the big mountains we saw ahead of us have been removed.  Even though Robenson-n and I don’t know exactly how things will work out, we are prayerful for continued guidance.  We are incredibly excited, as well as our families.  His church in Haiti has welcomed me with open arms and has been extremely friendly.  It feels like home to me.  We had a chance to share our testimony with his church and announce our engagement.  They are prayerful as well.  I am just amazed at the love stories that God’s writes.  Robenson-n is so compassionate and loving and treats me like a princess.  I never dreamed my story would turn out this way, but I can’t imagine it any different.  It is beautifully written.  Praise God!

What Can We Give Baby Jesus?? December 27, 2011

I realize Christmas is over, but I still want to post a glimpse of our school’s Christmas program.   The angels shared an interesting perspective of how heaven was impacted by Jesus leaving to be born on earth.

Angel 3:  I cannot understand that tear you saw in Michael’s eye, and the sorrow that seems to cloud the faces of all the Big Angels. 

Angel 2:  I’m sure it has something to do with those humans that were created on earth.  The Father loves them so much, and yet I have heard that they have forgotten Him.  Isn’t it terrible to think of it?

Angel 4:  And do you know I heard the strangest story that the Lord Jesus Himself was going down to earth to save the humans?

Angel 5:  GOING TO LEAVE US?!  Going to leave the wonderful glory of heaven and all the beautiful and lovely things here?  Going to leave the purity, the holiness, the love of the Father, going to leave the Ivory Palaces and the rainbow throne, and all the holy angels who love him so much—going to leave all that for the people down there?!  Oh it cannot be true!  (tears roll down his cheeks) 

Angel 3:  What will he do down there?!!!

Angel 2:   I HAVE NO IDEA.  I HEARD SOMEONE SAY THAT HE IS GOING TO BE BORN!  WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT?

Angel 4: I don’t know either.  It seems to be something that happens to the people down there.

Angel 5:  You don’t mean to say that He is going to be LIKE them and take the same body that they have?!?!

Angel 4:  Apparently that is what it is.  But I cannot understand it completely.

Narrators:  The cherubim were silent for a while contemplating what all this could mean.

Angel 1:  When does this strange thing come to pass, Ian?

Angel 4: I think it is what they call “tonight”  down there.  Any time now I suppose.

Narrator:  Row upon row, rank upon rank angels and archangels were gathered before the Great White Throne.  With a terrible sinking feeling in their hearts, the angels saw the Throne was empty, and that their beloved Jesus was gone. 

Angel 2:   He is gone, He is gone.  I told you so!!

Narrator:  Suddenly, the angels heard their names called by Michael. 

Michael:  (In loud voice) Katie. Segev.  Ian.  Natou.  Peter.  Eric.  Joey

Narrator:  Michael ordered them to fall into their places.  They all found their places, speculating all the time as to what was required of them.  While they wondered, Michael held up his hand and there was silence in heaven. 

Michael:  You are gathered together to listen to the most wonderful pronouncement ever made in the eternal ages in which we live.  Our beloved Jesus, the only begotten Son of our Father, has left us.

(Angels gasp and look at each other)

Michael:  Our Lord has gone to earth to be born as a babe that He might take upon Himself the fashion of a man in order to take away the sin of the world.

(Opens the scroll)

Michael:  On earth tonight at a little town called Bethlehem, His incarnation will be accomplished.  By the order of the Father, you will accompany me as we bring the good news to the weary world down below.  I will make the announcement of the glad tidings to a few shepherds in the fields nearBethlehem, simple-hearted men who fear God and believe His promises.  You will sing the song I give you.  The time is here.  Let us go. 

(Then the angels appeared to the shepherds.  The children in my class were the wisemen and shepherds who came to adore the King.  They asked…”What can we give Jesus?  We want to give him something, but we don’t have much money.”  They offered the gifts they had and then said, “The best gift we can give Jesus is our heart.”   What a wonderful job the children did with the choreography and singing, “We Fall Down.” 

I love the lyrics to this song: 

We fall down,

We lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of

Mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

And we cry Holy, Holy, Holy,

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy,

We cry Holy, Holy, Holy,

Is the Lamb.

The 3rd grade class shared scripture about the life of Christ and the high schoolers played in the band.   What a fabulous night of celebrating our Savior’s birth!!  Great job CLCS students!!!