What a Difference a Week Makes...

One week ago today we were flying into Haiti with our 3,100 lbs. of cargo; today we are sitting in our peaceful living room in our new "home" enjoying another amazing rain, thunder & lightening storm. God is so good. First, we were blessed with not having to pay anything in customs to bring in our stuff. What an answer to prayer! Secondly, when we arrived, our home had been cleaned and there was an eager team from Pennsylvania who helped us unpack and get settled. We had three days with Bud & Jane before they left for Florida, but thankfully the Graffenberger's are here and have been very patient showing us the "rest of the ropes" that we didn't get from Bud & Jane before they left. Tomorrow night we'll host our first Bible study with all the missionaries on the compound. Should be a pleasant evening.

While we have been very busy and are ready for bed by 8 p.m. most nights, we have been welcomed so warmly over & over by so many who are thankful for us being here and excited that we are staying longer than just a few weeks. Although we miss all our friends and family in the States, God continues to impress upon us both that we are here by His design and in His timing.

Sunday we enjoyed a really terrific day of worship (although it was 3 hours on a hard, wooden bench) and were warmly welcomed by many who thanked us for being willing to leave our homes, family & country to live in Haiti. The reality is their worship, contentment, and love for one another blesses me far more than I could possibly bless them!

On a side note, we've had two "encounters" with a couple of rather large spiders. After the second, Bud said, "Next time you need to get a picture..." I replied, "I'd rather NOT have a third encounter - picture or not!" IF I get a picture, I'll be sure to post it. They were both as large as a wide-mouthed coffee mug, and I'm NOT talking an Espresso cup either!

We pray God continues to show you His purpose and plan for your life.

In Him,
Bud & Cindy

Safely Arrived in San Antonio

Yep; here we are relaxing in a nice, comfy hotel in San Antonio --- God is good! We've traveled a lot of hours and put a lot of miles between Oregon and here, but there's still a ways to go. Thankfully we will be in Houston tomorrow to spend a few days with good friends and then on to Florida. Hoping to arrive in Florida by Saturday, finish last minutes details, and make our flight into Haiti on Tuesday, September 13.

God has been so gracious throughout the trip. Goodbyes have not been easy but we have had a peace that can only come from our Lord. Thanks to all our friends, known and unknown, who have been lifting us up in prayer.

We packed the truck and left Salem on Thursday the 1st. Arrived in Grants pass Wed. evening. We then watched the most perfect grand kids so Samantha could attend a funeral at her church Friday morning. . I have been asking for prayer for Dad Lenker as I had anticipated a hard time. You see dad as not been able to hear at all for the last six months or so and I was not sure how it would go. To my amazement when we entered his room he had a $20 gadget from Radio Shack and could clearly hear everything weI said. What a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. After spending literally thousands of dollars on hearing aids that failed to work a simple solution worked. Dad was able to hear as I told him our Haiti plans and that I loved him. We had a time of Prayer with Mom, Dad and my older brother, Lewis who was there as well.

Again Thanks for the prayers.

Bud and Cindy