California Dreaming

I'd like to start out by expressing my heart felt gratitude to all those who have served and those currently serving in the armed forces of the United States. You have made this world a better place by strengthening the United States of America. Thank you for enabling us to live in freedom!!!

Lex and I started MOHI in March, 2000. It has been our "baby" since our children were babies. Just as our babies have grown into adults who are capable of tending to their own needs and making decisions for their own lives, so the mission has a greater stability and better systems in place that enable it to be less dependent on its "parents".

We are so proud of our leadership team's sense of responsibility and eagerness to make MOHI shine in the community whether we are physically present or not. At the beginning of each week, you can find us sitting with the leaders via video chat. We are able to get updates about each department, from the churches and schools, to the medical ministries, vocational training, construction projects, and maintenance, each leader shares their ideas, successes, and challenges. Together we are then able to outline our next steps.

I'd like to share a few pictures from this week. Here is the church in St. Etienne this morning:

The flag ceremony at the school in Thozin:

Students of all ages are enjoying the library! (FYI, they have to take their shoes off before entering.)

The school in St Etienne:

Medical Clinic in Thozin:

Kendy showing of products of the earring project:

While all was going well in Haiti, we had a great, long weekend in Southern California with our dear friends, Pastor Rex and Sherry Holt in Thousand Oaks. Pastor Rex has been a vital part of our annual Christian Leadership Academy in Haiti for several years now. Our attending leaders eagerly wait to hear his encouraging and inspiring messages that he delivers in fluent French. Sherry is just one of the most hospitable and encouraging women I know. Having served on the mission field in Togo, West Africa for many years, Sherry has a keen sense of what will really bless our family and makes plans accordingly.

Our time in California was the perfect mixture of ministry, fellowship, and memorable family activities. Pastor Rex interviewed our family at Mercy Chapel, beginning with Lex's testimony - which never ceases to amaze me! We enjoyed speaking with many individuals after the service, too.

We met with leaders of the missions department, Brian Field and Jennifer Capunitan at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. It was great to meet people with similar experiences and hearts for the people of Haiti. We look forward to connecting with some more folks from Calvary Community this winter in Haiti.

We met up with Bill and Lee Hodges. Lee is the artist who created the earring project at MOHI. We were able to show off some of our student's work and discuss ideas for the future. Lee wore some of her own earring creations to our meeting, too.

Each morning, we enjoyed a hike through the mountain trails of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, making many fun memories while getting some exercise and seeing lots of wildlife.

We enjoyed many moments with Pastor Nick & Rebekah Acker's sweet family. We visited the Ventura beach and Santa Barbara Zoo together, enjoying hours of conversation and plenty of play time.

We enjoyed checking out the city of Santa Barbara and a short visit to Stearns wharf:

We did take a day to ride the train into Los Angeles, visiting the city's oldest church and house near Union Station. We then visited Hollywood and ended our day walking up the Universal Studios City Walk.

After a wonderful time in Thousand Oaks, our hearts broke as we drove by the crime scene down the street on our way to LAX. The next day our incredible hosts faced a mandatory evacuation from their home. Needless to say, we have been continuing in prayer for this community. Would you like to join in with us, praying for peace, safety, and no more death? I'm trusting the Lord's presence is being felt among them today.

Thank you so much for your continued interest and support of MOHI. Have a great week!