Update on Hopp Return to Haiti

Most of our goods are packed and we have said many of our goodbyes.  We are ready for our return to Haiti.  Unfortunately it looks like in God's providence our return to Haiti will not happen March 1-2 as we anticipated.

As many of you know, Heather and I are Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the US.  In order to live in Haiti we need Travel Documents to protect our permanent resident status in the US.  Every two years we file the paperwork for the Travel Documents and then wait for a fingerprinting/photograph appointment with the US Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS).  Everything was looking good for our filing but when the first appointment notice came we were traveling in Michigan.  We had to return the notice with a request for a new appointment date.

We prayed earnestly that the appointment notice would be dealt with in a timely manner, but we are still waiting.  As of Monday (February 27) we are still waiting.  In all likelihood we will not be able to fly out this week.  We must just wait for the notice to come in the mail as there is no further information available on the possible reschedule. This has been disappointing to us as we all strongly desire to be back home in Haiti.

So where does this leave us?  Still firmly in God's hands as we know His plans are perfect.  Ben checked with Missionary Flights International (MFI) an while the March 8 flight into Port-au-Prince is full, there still may be space.  Heather, Marcie Winslow and the kids will be rebooked once we have an appointment date.

Please continue to pray for us.

1. Pray that the appointment notice will come quickly.
2. Ask God to give us patience as we wait and try to make good use of the extra time stateside.
3. Pray that there would be an opening on the March 8 flight with MFI.
4. Continue to pray for the uncertain political situation in Haiti and that there would be no unrest resulting.
5. Pray for the churches on Lagonav and Port-au-Prince as well as the Hopp home at Kaliko.
6. Ask the Lord to help with the scheduling of construction teams next month and that the work not be delayed because of this hiccup.
7. Pray for Marcie Winslow's safe arrival into Tampa tomorrow (Feb 28th) to join the Hopp's in Ellenton, FL during this period of waiting.

We give thanks that we have friends who do lift us up before the throne of grace.  We know our God is able to keep us and will bring us back to Haiti in His good time.

"And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, not be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek first his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." (Luke 12:29-31 ESV)

Waiting on our Lord,

Ben (for Heather, Ethan, Emma, Elijah and Esther)