We're Arrived!

Praise the Lord...we're here safe & sound. The travel went well, although we had quite a RUN to our connecting flight in Houston! The weather is surprisingly cool; although being in the air conditioned office helps tremendously! Bud was "on the road" traveling today and will be going to the airport (with Dan) to pick up our team that arrives this morning. When I thought a blog would be a wonderful idea, I didn't account for the S L O W internet connection here, but hopefully we'll work out the bugs and I'll have some photos to add. The seminary site is AWESOME! It is totally amazing to see the progress just since January. We are settling in and already feel "at home" in our mini-apartment (we do have our own bath you know!) No terrible bug or animal sitings thus far! We thank you for your prayers and look forward to hearing from you when you get the chance.

In Him,
Bud & Cindy

Just two days and counting...packing is as complete as possible at this point (have to throw in those "little things" I'm using daily!) We have opted for a 4th piece of luggage...which is now completely filled with generous gifts for Starfish Kids! Hopefully I'll be able to deliver them to the individuals; but so appreciate those who hand me the gift and say, "If you can't get it to "Johnny", I know there is another deserving kid who can use it!" That lightens my burden considerably!

Gill (Haiti missionary) & I have been emailing and apparently one of the annual teacher trainings will take place the first of August at the OMS complex. There will be over 200 teachers and I'm excited to be a part of assisting Mdm Jonathan (Gill's righthand assistant) to prepare for this. It will also be very interesting to see how this type of training is done in Haiti and will be a great opportunity for photos so you can better understand and share in the Starfish Kids vision (although just looking at the face of Shelly's SFK, how can anyone MISS the vision!)

Thank you again so much for your prayers! We feel them!

In Him,

Bud & Cindy

Departure...Closing IN!

Well, reality is at our door step. This time next week (accounting for the three hour difference) we'll be disembarking our plane at the Cap Haitien International Airport! This week will be spent visiting friends and family, putting together the last minute details and packing! The question I've been asked several times is, "How do you pack for an 8-week trip?" Well, here's a photo to give you an idea of the "pile" that's been accumulating the past few weeks - and this is just a portion of what's to come. All-in-all, we're feeling very prepared and very relaxed about being ready and we know that is because we have so many people praying for us. Yesterday's service (barring the little microphone mishap!) was totally wonderful! Having so many pray with us, promises of prayer while we're away and well-wishes just confirmed the blessing a Godly church family is. THANK YOU each one so much! God is good!

On another note, we've been practicing our Creole and have learned a few words, which has been a lot of fun. One I've been practing a lot and am sure to use is ravet - Creole for cockroach!

In Him,

Bud & Cindy

Just two weeks to go...

As we worshipped yesterday, Bud & I were overwhelmed (and overcome) singing the words, "If you can use anything Lord, you can use me...", unable to continue singing as the tears flowed. Afterward we asked each other what we were thinking and both agreed we feel completely blessed and humbled to be able to spend the next two months in Haiti. And, we both feel completely ill-equipped. Thankfully we serve a more than able God who can work through and past our limitations and insecurities! We are so blessed by the number of friends and church family who "stand with us," praying for us, supporting us financially and encouraging us. We may fly to Haiti and spend a few weeks, but others will faithfully remain here serving the needs in this community. What a blessing that God equips us each individually and differently to complete His purpose. Whatever you are passionate about doing for the Lord - just keep on doing it!

Next week will be our last Sunday before we leave. The choir will sing, "Isn't It Amazing?" and I hope as you hear the words of the song they will fill your heart to overflowing as you marvel in God's amazing grace that for each of us is individual and personal and perfect for what we are each called to do. We love you all and look forward to sharing with you our experiences these next few weeks!

In His Service,
Bud & Cindy

Remodel is complete...

Praise the Lord! This phase of the remodel is over!

Step 1: Down to the studs...

Step 2: Drywall & Paint...

And...the finished product! (After several weeks of dust, sweat and mess!) Isn't it beautiful? Bud did a fantastic job and I was a good helper (so he says).

Our "to do" list continues to get whittled down as we prepare for our departure. Just 15 days (but whose counting!) We are excited, anxious and full of anticipation AND are fully confident we are fully in God's hand. We continue to covet your prayers.

In Him - Bud & Cindy