Our four-year-old "grandson/love-of-my-life" started simply saying "eat" whenever he was hungry. He still says it regularly, with great enthusiasm - especially if we're driving past his favorite burger joint at the moment. Of course, his mom, dad, Uncle AJay, Aunti B, Papy, and I all say it now, too. It's always said with enthusiasm, smiles, laughter, and an abundance of affection. Maybe you have fun family "traditions" that generate those warm-fuzzy feelings across the g

Students were happy to return from their Easter break this past week. They truly love learning. The wonderful scents of scallions and garlic sauteeing wafting through the air as they arrive at school make it that much better. We officially kicked off our Stateside food drive today with a presentation at Chair City Church. They are a generous congregation and have committed to gathering food throughout the month of May and into June. We are grateful. As we continue struggli

Happy Easter to you! I hope this day for you is filled with deep reflection, time with loved ones, and great gratitude to our Lord Jesus. I'll share with you some thoughts about Good Friday below, but first, let's cover some updates about Mission of Hope International in Haiti. Port-au-Prince had a short week of school and finished up their third-period exams before heading out for their Easter Break. The 7th grade class in Thozin is quite fond of their teacher, Mr. Enock.

I've never considered myself a "touchy-feely" person. I like to maintain personal space and appreciate it when others do, as well. When I met Jesus, it was in a "hugging" church environment, so I learned to hug and I've become quite accomplished at it (so long as the recipient doesn't hold on for "too" long). I have to admit, however, that I've truly come to appreciate the power of a hug. Hugs can help to strengthen us when we feel weak. They can reassure us when we are c

I'd like to share some verses with you that have really been speaking to my heart this week and then I'll share some stories and pictures with you from Haiti. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that a Pharisee (a lawyer) tested Jesus with a question, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a s