Prayers for Haiti

The people of Haiti have suffered greatly this hurricane season. Many have died and many are homeless. The Bercy children's home came through the storms with very little damage. All of the children are safe. However, the number of children has more than doubled. More than 50 children and 4 adults from another home that was destroyed in the last storm have been relocated to the Bercy home. Your prayers will be appreciated.

There is no news on the adoption. Right now the main focus in Haiti is survival. Please pray.

God is in control.

We finally received word from our agent in Haiti that she is a waiting on a document from a family member of Jenifer's that has not been seen in four years. Bob and I need your prayers. This waiting is a very difficult time for us and I am sure it is even more so for Jenifer. So, this means that until this relative is found, everything apparently is being held up. The dossier is still with the agent. It has not gone to the Haitian government for review. God is in control.

Visit to Haiti

Missing Jenifer

We would love to go to Haiti before the end of the year. Jenifer expressed in her note that she missed us and wanted to know when we will be back.

They say once you reach a certain age that the days fly by. Let me tell you that my days are not passing fast. It seems like it has been years since we began the adoption process. Actually, the papers were sent to our agent in Haiti in May.

God has given Bob and I a special bond with this child. We love her already as she is our own daughter. I saw a happy picture of her on Tasha Rae's blog. You can find her blog address on cabaretkids.blogspot.com. Jenifer was having fun with David Garrett of the Jax. Baptist Convention. David along with other Pastors recently traveled to Bercy. David loves the children and they love him.

Please pray with us on the adoption. By bringing Jenifer to America will also mean there would be room for one more needy child in Haiti to have the hope of shelter, food, clothing and an education at the children's home.

Jenifer

It is difficult at times to wait even when we know that God's timing is perfect. It has been two months since we have heard from the agency in Haiti. Even though we were told it may be months before we hear any news, I did email Ms. Barb requesting an update.

Recently, during rest, I dreamed we were at the children's home in Haiti with a mission group. I had been there for three days and realized I had not seen Jenifer. I woke up immediately seeking the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. In the letter we received from her in June, she told us that she missed us very much and wanted to know when we were coming back. Please pray for this child that she is content and God will give her the peace of knowing that we love her even though we are not there with her. But most of all, that she knows of His tremendous love and sacrifice.

What a blessing it was for us to go on the mission trip to West Virginia with the others from Suwannee County. I must say this was one of the best trips I have ever been on. Bob and I were on the evangelism team. Our team under the leadership of the Holy Spirit had the privilege of knocking on approximately 800 doors. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

Jenifer enjoying fun at the beach,

Happy Memories

The picture of Jenifer above was taken in January when we were in Haiti with a mission team from our church, First Baptist of Live Oak. On Sunday afternoons, when a team is visiting, the older children from the orphanage travel with the team to the beach. This is the only time the children leave the compound. WOW, they have fun swimming and playing. We traveled about 30 minutes to a private beach where everyone enjoyed a few hours with the children. They were so happy and full of energy. We love this happy picture of Jenifer and have it framed hanging on our wall.

We have heard nothing since our paperwork for the adoption arrived in Haiti. I do know of a family that submitted their papers in January and expect to have their child by October. But, then I read different blogs where families have waited 18 - 24 months. As I have mentioned before, this entire process is in God's hands. Bob and I know His timing will be perfect.

In the meantime, our friend Liz from Shindler Drive Baptist Church in Jax. just returned from Haiti with pictures of Jenifer and a sweet note from her. Hope to get Bob to scan the note (I don't how) and I can share with everyone. Her handwriting in English is very legible. Most important she expressed her love for Bob and Linda. Liz reports that her English has improved considerably since she was last in Haiti, June 2007. I think all these children at the home have such a desire to learn. They want to be able to communicate with the missionaries. So, many are studying very hard to learn English.

Bob and I are leaving next Friday to go on a mission trip with the Suwannee Bapt. Assoc. group. There are 50 people traveling to West Va. There are 12 from our church. We will be gone 7/18- 7/25. Please remember all of us in your prayers that we will be able to accomplish all things that the Lord directs us to do. Pray that we will be open to the Spirit's call and be willing to step out of our comfort zones to serve him. Last, pray for safety and good health for the team.

Please continue to pray for the adoption and Jenifer's safety.