Much has happened since my last blog. I have returned to the U.S. and have decided to return to university admissions, preferrably in the Columbus, Ohio region. I am living with my eldest sister, Debi, and her family. I am blessed to be able to spend time with them and take my time in looking for a job. The economy is in recession, but I trust God will provide when/if he desires.
My goals in life? (Thanks for asking.) My plan is to spend time working and adding value to an admissions team for several years. I would like to save a substantial amount of money and return to Haiti to buy a home and adopt children. There are so many orphans in haiti. Haiti's population is about 9 million, and 300,000 of those people are orphaned children. I realize that I cannot help all of them, but I hope to radically change the lives of a few of them. Not by money and americanism, but by hope and love.
I am so thankful for the things I learned in Haiti. I will return with a knowledge of the country and a confidence that I can navigate the systems and culture. My time home has (so far) been one of spiritual challenges and hardship. I've had to come to grips with sin in my past and reconcile those issues with the person I am and hope to be. I am thankful that the love of Jesus is greater than all my sins.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
team and things
Canaan is a buzzin’! We have a team of 32 people arriving tomorrow and lots of preparations are in the works. Rooms, food, facilities, construction, and excursions are all being prepared. The men at Canaan have spent the past 2 weeks working feverishly to get the new dorm ready for the concrete roof to be poured by Team 32.
Steve Mossburg (a missionary from Columbia City, Indiana) and Boni Roth (a missionary from Washington?) have also arrived during the past week. Steve has been a great encouragement to me since his arrival. He is really wise and I enjoy talking with him. He also helped me finally get a cell phone. To provide beds for Team 32, I have moved buildings and now live in Steve’s house. It’s been nice staying somewhere that is more “home-ie.”
Personally, the past week has been a struggle. There has been a lot of little problems and conflicts and I am wrestling with several different things at Canaan. Priorities. The Spirit of Christ. Inconveniences. Purpose. Delegation. Classroom attendance. Time. Impatience. (I hope you enjoy a little mystery.)
It’s the little things that have kept me going this past week:
A Haitian teacher that received his first appreciative note from a student. JOY
Steve Mossburg (a missionary from Columbia City, Indiana) and Boni Roth (a missionary from Washington?) have also arrived during the past week. Steve has been a great encouragement to me since his arrival. He is really wise and I enjoy talking with him. He also helped me finally get a cell phone. To provide beds for Team 32, I have moved buildings and now live in Steve’s house. It’s been nice staying somewhere that is more “home-ie.”
Personally, the past week has been a struggle. There has been a lot of little problems and conflicts and I am wrestling with several different things at Canaan. Priorities. The Spirit of Christ. Inconveniences. Purpose. Delegation. Classroom attendance. Time. Impatience. (I hope you enjoy a little mystery.)
It’s the little things that have kept me going this past week:
A Haitian teacher that received his first appreciative note from a student. JOY
A note from a 6 year old that simply says, “Dear Mark I love you.” LOVE
A bitter girl that apologizes to me. FORGIVENESS
Reuniting with a boy that I met during a hike 3 months ago. FRIENDSHIP
A Haitian guy that treats me as a friend. COMMUNITY
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Craziness in Haiti
Yikes! So I showed up to the church service 30 minutes late today (to avoid lots of singing in 90 degree temps) and slipped into the back, hoping to go unnoticed by young and old alike. Almost immediately, the song leader asked me to pray for the message. Not a problem. When I asked who is preaching, the song leader said, “you are.” Completely unprepared, I rolled my eyes and went forward to pray. As I walked to the front of the room, I thumbed my way through my Bible wondering what on earth I would say. I saw Jeremiah 17:7-8 highlighted, with the word “Rooted” written next to it. Works for me. And fortunately, my heart was ready to let the Spirit speak. I am constantly challenged with how Haitian believers rely on the Spirit to work through them. I want to be more willing. Maybe someday I won’t roll my eyes.
All is going well here at Canaan. We are remembering the school near Port-Au-Prince that collapsed killing 84 people a few days ago, but we have no immediate connections there. Thanks for those of you that are praying for that situation.
Some quotes that have challenged me this past month:
“If you have two coats, one of them belongs to the poor.” - Dorothy Day (and Luke 3:11)
“Live simply so that others may simply live.” - Old Proverb
“The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them away.” - Unknown
All is going well here at Canaan. We are remembering the school near Port-Au-Prince that collapsed killing 84 people a few days ago, but we have no immediate connections there. Thanks for those of you that are praying for that situation.
Some quotes that have challenged me this past month:
“If you have two coats, one of them belongs to the poor.” - Dorothy Day (and Luke 3:11)
“Live simply so that others may simply live.” - Old Proverb
“The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them away.” - Unknown
Sunday, November 2, 2008
grace, grace
For the past week, we’ve had 5 Grace College (master’s degree) students visiting Canaan. It was a great week for them and our community here. They served and loved the children like few teams do. On Friday, they made a significant journey to deliver hundreds of bags of food to people still suffering from the September hurricanes. They also painted dorms, bagged food, relaxed at Club Indigo, visited another orphanage, and went on a significant hike to a natural spring.
There’s just something different about Grace (college that is). Canaan welcomes lots of teams over the course of a year (probably near twenty different teams). The two Grace College teams that have come during the past 3 months have been different. The teams have interacted with the kids and lowered themselves unto service more than other teams. Coming from an office (GC Admissions) that constantly tells people Grace is different, it is exciting (and relieving) to know that it actually is! Grace students serve others naturally and quite well.
All else is going pretty well here for me. There have been a few ‘speed bumps’ during the past month, but all in all, things are progressing and I am adjusting. Many thanks to those of you that are praying for my language learning - I have definitely had an increased desire to learn during the past couple weeks.
On another note, it has been interesting being in Haiti during the election back home. I do read about it, but I am not bombarded with the news as I am sure you all are. I look forward to the election results and the possible new direction for America. Regardless of the outcome, may we all pray more justice, less debt, and no war from Washington.
There’s just something different about Grace (college that is). Canaan welcomes lots of teams over the course of a year (probably near twenty different teams). The two Grace College teams that have come during the past 3 months have been different. The teams have interacted with the kids and lowered themselves unto service more than other teams. Coming from an office (GC Admissions) that constantly tells people Grace is different, it is exciting (and relieving) to know that it actually is! Grace students serve others naturally and quite well.
All else is going pretty well here for me. There have been a few ‘speed bumps’ during the past month, but all in all, things are progressing and I am adjusting. Many thanks to those of you that are praying for my language learning - I have definitely had an increased desire to learn during the past couple weeks.
On another note, it has been interesting being in Haiti during the election back home. I do read about it, but I am not bombarded with the news as I am sure you all are. I look forward to the election results and the possible new direction for America. Regardless of the outcome, may we all pray more justice, less debt, and no war from Washington.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Following Jesus doesn't make sense
Jesus came not just to prepare us to die but to teach us how to live.
-Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution
I think one of the most important things I do during the week is speaking in chapel every Wednesday morning (which is a challenge being one hell of a sinner and all). Every week I have spoken about the Kingdom of God and I have been so challenged with just how radical the Kingdom is. I’ve talked to the kids about loving our enemies (and nonviolence), about storing up heavenly treasure (and giving to others), and about becoming great in the kingdom (through service). A lot of values that aren't logical. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus wasn’t a missionary to the homeless…he was homeless. I think following Him is much more wonderful and difficult than I’ve ever imagined. I’ve been reading some radical books (like the Irresistible Revolution) and its challenged both the kids and myself. I want to start living less for earthly kingdoms (and nations) and more for the Kingdom of God.
Canaan is buzzin’ with visitors and stuff happening. This week we have a medical team of eleven people here and then the Grace College team of five comes on Friday. The kids are enjoying the visitors and the clinic helped over 100 patients today.
It’s hard to believe that this week marks 2 months in Haiti for me. Things are going well.
-Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution
I think one of the most important things I do during the week is speaking in chapel every Wednesday morning (which is a challenge being one hell of a sinner and all). Every week I have spoken about the Kingdom of God and I have been so challenged with just how radical the Kingdom is. I’ve talked to the kids about loving our enemies (and nonviolence), about storing up heavenly treasure (and giving to others), and about becoming great in the kingdom (through service). A lot of values that aren't logical. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus wasn’t a missionary to the homeless…he was homeless. I think following Him is much more wonderful and difficult than I’ve ever imagined. I’ve been reading some radical books (like the Irresistible Revolution) and its challenged both the kids and myself. I want to start living less for earthly kingdoms (and nations) and more for the Kingdom of God.
Canaan is buzzin’ with visitors and stuff happening. This week we have a medical team of eleven people here and then the Grace College team of five comes on Friday. The kids are enjoying the visitors and the clinic helped over 100 patients today.
It’s hard to believe that this week marks 2 months in Haiti for me. Things are going well.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
the past while in haiti
Sorry it has been a while since my last blog post! The past week was busy as I had 3 visitors come - my sister Debi, Elaine Angell and Natalie Pugin (from Lima). I took the time off of teaching to be their tour guide (a throwback to the ole' admissions days). :) They had a great time I believe - we did some hiking, swimming in the Caribbean, they rode in a tap-tap (the taxi), helped with hurricane relief, and even led much of the Sunday church service. I think the kids enjoyed Natalie's solo the most! She was really brave to sing a solo here and even try a song in Creole! It was so nice to have my sister and friends here.
They flew back to Ohio yesterday and since then, I have been hit with the flu that is spreading among the kids here. It's amazing how much more compassion I have for the kids and their sickness when I am sick too! :)
During the past week, I have been busy with the guests - and it reminded me why I am here. Because I was so consumed with the visitors, I didn't spend as much time with the kids. Several kids told me they missed me in school and one boy (Wesh) said he missed spending quality time with me. I think that is why I am here and I feel so used - these kids need consistent love. They get a lot of teams that cycle through (which is GREAT), but it is such a joy and privilege to love these kids constantly.
They flew back to Ohio yesterday and since then, I have been hit with the flu that is spreading among the kids here. It's amazing how much more compassion I have for the kids and their sickness when I am sick too! :)
During the past week, I have been busy with the guests - and it reminded me why I am here. Because I was so consumed with the visitors, I didn't spend as much time with the kids. Several kids told me they missed me in school and one boy (Wesh) said he missed spending quality time with me. I think that is why I am here and I feel so used - these kids need consistent love. They get a lot of teams that cycle through (which is GREAT), but it is such a joy and privilege to love these kids constantly.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
haiti is worthless?
Read this crazy email a friend here at Canaan received this week:
Dear Florence,
Tell your sister to immediately get out of there!! .... Haiti is an incredibly dangerous place. The authorities are corrupt and there is no end to trying to help these people who will do nothing to change their situation. I hope she gets home safe and directs her efforts and incredible kindness towards a more manageable result. A leader called "Papa Doc" was ruler of that place 40 years ago. Him and his son ran it with an IRON HAND !! Every one there seemed to take joy in being cruel. Goodness and kindness '"well intentioned people" sometimes are mis-directed.
Sally and Bob (names changed to protect their insanity)
life is more difficult here in haiti. i heard that said soon after arrived and, as i was putting my mosquito repellent on for bed last night, the thought occurred to me again. life is more difficult here. i can't go to the refrigerator for a glass of cold anything and I can't hop in my car and go to a movie or the store. to communicate outside of canaan, i use my "bit-e-bit-e creole" and a lot of hand signals to talk. to get on the Internet I have to wait for electricity. to take a shower, i turn the water on, get wet, turn the water off, lather up, and then turn the water on briefly to rinse off. walking is more difficult here too...everything is rough and rocky. No doubt....Haiti has been ruled by corrupt governments and there are no doubt many corrupt haitians too. (Though there may be more corrupt people in the U.S. though...we do have the highest percentage of people in prison in the world.)
But I've yet to meet the "cruel" people mentioned in the email. the people here are beautiful and sweet. I think Jesus loves these people a lot.
Joyfully "mis-directed,"
Mark
Dear Florence,
Tell your sister to immediately get out of there!! .... Haiti is an incredibly dangerous place. The authorities are corrupt and there is no end to trying to help these people who will do nothing to change their situation. I hope she gets home safe and directs her efforts and incredible kindness towards a more manageable result. A leader called "Papa Doc" was ruler of that place 40 years ago. Him and his son ran it with an IRON HAND !! Every one there seemed to take joy in being cruel. Goodness and kindness '"well intentioned people" sometimes are mis-directed.
Sally and Bob (names changed to protect their insanity)
life is more difficult here in haiti. i heard that said soon after arrived and, as i was putting my mosquito repellent on for bed last night, the thought occurred to me again. life is more difficult here. i can't go to the refrigerator for a glass of cold anything and I can't hop in my car and go to a movie or the store. to communicate outside of canaan, i use my "bit-e-bit-e creole" and a lot of hand signals to talk. to get on the Internet I have to wait for electricity. to take a shower, i turn the water on, get wet, turn the water off, lather up, and then turn the water on briefly to rinse off. walking is more difficult here too...everything is rough and rocky. No doubt....Haiti has been ruled by corrupt governments and there are no doubt many corrupt haitians too. (Though there may be more corrupt people in the U.S. though...we do have the highest percentage of people in prison in the world.)
But I've yet to meet the "cruel" people mentioned in the email. the people here are beautiful and sweet. I think Jesus loves these people a lot.
Joyfully "mis-directed,"
Mark
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