Greetings, dear friends! It is a joy for us to be writing warm Christmas wishes from Haiti. We have traded snow for sand and pines for palms this year! It has been a marvelous year, showered with many blessings as our family has transitioned to our new life here. We delight in what the Lord has done and is doing in and for us.
Three birthdays - Three new places
We started the year in Freeman, South Dakota. Elijah celebrated his 2nd birthday at the end of January in the parsonage. This was the place we had called home for the last 5 years. Ben was installed as a Missionary Evangelist to Haiti on January 29th and we left the snow and cold for warmer climes.
We arrived in St. Petersburg, FL at the beginning of February. We stayed at D&D Missionary Homes as we prepared for the mission field. Emma celebrated her 4th birthday in Florida and in Colorado…we flew on her birthday to Colorado Springs for a 3-week missionary training course at Mission Training International. Even the kids took classes there that have proved invaluable as we have adjusted to living in a new culture.
After visiting many delightful folks in churches in Florida, Michigan, Ontario, Tennessee and Alabama, we headed to Haiti on June 28th. What a blessed day that was! In His providence, God allowed us to get over 4000 lbs of our personal belongings as well as our puppy, Thai, through customs with NO fees! We arrived safely that afternoon at our new home in Kaliko with the encouraging help of our dear friend Pastor Eric Hausler. Less than a month later, Ethan celebrated his 6th birthday on the beach in Haiti.
Lord of the land and the sea
The Lord has given us all the grace we have needed for each day to live through the trials and joys of Haiti. The land and sea are marvelous. We are nestled between mountains and the ocean…each of which is within easy walking distance. We live in the countryside, 61 kilometres (38 miles) north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city. Swimming is almost a daily activity for us as we have free access to a pool and the beach at Kaliko Beach Resort. The kids have all learned to swim here and Ethan now loves to snorkel with his Papa. Emma collects shells while Elijah builds sand castles. Mama bobs in the refreshing salt waves.
Day to day life
Life in Haiti is challenging and requires lots of patience. But we consider ourselves blessed because we have electricity and running water. Not a day goes by when the sun doesn’t shine. It can be really hot and humid in the summer months. It cools off now in the evenings to 24°C (75°F) or so. We are all learning Creole at different paces. We homeschool early in the morning and usually go for a swim in the afternoon. We are constantly meeting new people, which is a joy for us. Many visitors have joined us for meals and a trip to the beach. Haitian cuisine is delicious and fun to make! By God’s mercy, we are all healthy and malaria-free.
Haitian-style Christmas
We decorated our lime tree outside with lights and ornaments. The kids have been practicing Away in a Manger to sing at a special Christmas service. Many Haitian churches have all-night parties to celebrate Jesus’ birth called a “reveyon”. We are thankful for Immanuel - God with us- here in Haiti and in our hearts and in yours back home. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas in the Savior’s love and a blessed 2008!
For more pictures you can browse our online albums here.
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