Recap Video

Purpose

As I admire the mountains and enjoy a cup of coffee, I begin to reflect on what a blessing it has been to spend the last three months in such a beautiful country. It's been awhile since my last update, and I want to start off by thanking you for your encouraging messages as I pushed through a lonely season. You are all so wonderful!

The past two weeks have flown by. As I stated in my last post, we had two families come and pick up their children. It was awesome to see the children interact with their new parents, as well as witness how the children transformed from day one to day three. While questioning my purpose, God allowed me to experience something incredible and gave me a clear reminder as to why I'm here.

Last Monday my "mom away from home" returned, along with a team of 14! Needless to say, it's been a busy and fun-filled week getting to know people. The team leader adopted from GLA, and welcomed her child home shortly after the earthquake in 2010. Hearing her miraculous story was yet another great reminder of my daily purpose here in Haiti. We continue to spend one day a week at Fort Jacques, and it's nearing completion. This is the view from one of the classrooms, God's creation is stunning!

My 4 1/2 year old continues to practice walking, and it's evident she is progressing. I'm so proud of her!

Prior to this past week, I spent time daydreaming of the things I look forward to when I return home. Such as, the availability of a close grocery store, driving, clean water, freedom to roam, long/hot showers, and going to the gym. However, with only two weeks left, it's starting to sink in that I have some tough goodbyes ahead of me. Here are some of the shining faces I will miss dearly:

Yesterday evening was cinema night at the toddler house. We filled several small bags with homemade popcorn and smarties for snacks. There's no way I'd rather watch a movie - snuggling one child on my lap and another on each side of me. These are the little moments I will cherish forever. 

I humbly ask that you pray for these remarkable children, that God would continue to pour His unconditional love and blessings upon them. Also, please pray that God would give me strength as I prepare to leave this country. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you. Have a fantastic week!

Love & Blessings,

Ashley

Trials Produce Perseverance

I recently read on the Internet that one of the major problems missionaries face is loneliness and frustration. This past week I found these two emotions to be true for me. When I talk about my experience, I tend to to share the rosier side of the story, but quite honestly, that's not always my feelings.  Up until Wednesday, I had the expectation that because I am carrying out God's work, I should be happy and joyful all the time. At this point, my ear had been plugged a week, and nothing was changing. I was mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. I was overcome with loneliness as I thought about the people I haven't seen or talked to while I've been here. It seemed that the feelings I had been holding onto for the last eight weeks were finally unleashed.

Prior to this, whenever I felt sad or frustrated, I was overwhelmed with guilt. How can you be sad? The woman across the street is washing clothes by hand in a bucket of water, the children are playing soccer with an empty pop bottle. How can you be sad? The devil grabbed a hold of my foot and started to pull, filling my head with lies, doing anything he could to pull me down.

Later that day, I learned the feelings I was experiencing were normal. The frustration, the confusion, the loneliness. Normal. Whether in Haiti or Iowa, there will be tough days. Patience will be tested. Struggles, purpose, and God's plan will all be questioned. For the remainder of the week I clung to this verse that a friend shared with me.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3

With all of that being said, I want to thank you for your prayers and encouraging messages. It helps me more than you will ever know. As I look through these pictures, I remember why I'm here. These children offer me an abundance of love and joy, it fills my heart.

The weeks are quickly dwindling down. It's hard to believe I only have four left. We gained six new volunteers today, and are expecting two families that will finally be able to bring their child home. Needless to say, it should be a fun and busy week! Please be praying for the families, as well as the two children as they adjust to their forever homes.

I enjoy hearing from all of you, so please keep in touch! I hope you have a great rest of the week!

Until next time, 

Ashley 

Gaining Growth

When I was younger, my parents would often greet me in the morning with, "I think you grew overnight!" I never thought much of it until I recently witnessed growth in my own sweet six. After returning from a four day weekend, I come to find out my 1 1/2 year old is walking! It was so exciting to witness this milestone in his life. Also, 'S-man' (9 months) is now standing with my help. I love seeing his progress! My joyful 4 1/2 year old is continuing to improve her walking. We practice by going on walks around the neighborhood, which she really enjoys. She loves to greet people in passing with, "Bonswa!" My two handsome 6-month-old boys are beginning to shine their personalities. "Little I" will undergo surgery in early November to correct his cleft lip. Praise God! Finally, my 10-month-old firecracker is starting to stand up on her own. After 7 weeks here, I am still amazed everyday at the love and joy these children have to give.

It seems that my immune system and Haiti just don't want to get along. Once I recover from one illness, it's as if another is waiting to attack. However, this has made me extremely grateful for when I am healthy. I've been having ear/sinus trouble the past couple of days, please pray for God's healing hand to be upon me. The Lord has blessed me with three incredible women, who are also long term volunteers. The laughter we share is medicine itself. On days that I have felt off, I've challenged myself to dig into The Word and really digest it. It's crazy how much better I feel when I start my day off with devotions. Oh, and don't forget coffee. 

Please let me know if there's any way I can be praying for you this week. I'd love to hear from you!

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

All my love,

Ashley

The Surprise of a Lifetime

What a spectacular week it has been. Although I was sick Thursday and Friday, the surprise I received  on Monday made up for it all. My mom and sister-in-law made a trip down to Haiti.

I'm so unworthy, yet God continues to pour out His love and blessings upon me. It's difficult to put into words how special this moment was for me, it's one I will cherish forever. In the back of my mind, I worry about how I will adjust when I return to the United States. These children have captured my heart, and there will always be a piece of me in Haiti. My mind is at ease knowing I have two very special people back home that can relate to, and understand my experience.

Wednesday morning, ALL the children at the toddler house were outside. Since they're usually in school, I was so happy my mom and Emily could experience the love and energy of these 40 awesome rugrats. They even put on a little concert for us. 

My mom and sister-in-law left Friday morning. Since then, I've been trying to recover from a stomach bug. Thankfully, I woke up this morning feeling much better. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me this week, and of course I can't wait to see my lovely children. If there's any way I can be praying for you, please let me know! 

Sending my love,

Ashley 

Patience is a Virtue

When we see a familiar face, we usually ask, “How are you?” Speaking for myself, I almost always respond with, “Good, you?” I’ve developed a habit of answering the question with “good,” even if I’m not so good.  After a tough week, I’ve started to answer the question with a little more honesty.

In Haiti, there are two types of power, city and EDH. Sunday afternoon our generator broke, which means we had to rely on city power for the week. However, the city decides when we receive power, and how long we have it. One day they gave it to us at 11pm, another day it was 1pm. Sometimes they keep it on for 7 hours, other times just 30 minutes. This week I felt the true effects of living in a Third-World Country, where as before I was still taking light, water, and Internet access for granted. 

Not only did our generator break, but our vehicle did as well. On top of that, the only man in the house was extremely ill. By Friday, everyone’s patience had reached its limit. I know that all of this was a test. A God given test to see how I would react, and to measure my patience. In Hebrews 11:17, God also tested Abraham when he told him to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. 

As we were walking down to the main house, I saw all the people on the side of the streets. At that point I was filled with humility. I thought to myself, “You have a roof over your head, a comfortable bed to sleep in, food, clothes, and clean water. Step outside and look around.” As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” He is continuously revealing his love and faithfulness in His teachings. On Saturday, the generator was  fixed. Please keep 'the man of the house' in your prayers. He managed to fix the generator, but is still sick.

The kids at the toddler house started school on Monday. With that being said, there are usually only 10 to 15 kids outside when we visit in the mornings. There are three boys that I really connect with at the house, and I was worried they weren’t going to remember me the next time I saw them. Saturday morning I walked down for a visit, and sure enough when I entered the gates I saw three smiling faces running towards me. My heart is overflowing with joy and love for all of these children. I can only imagine the joy our Heavenly Father feels when we come running to him with open arms.  

He loves to braid my hair and she loves snuggles. :)

Silly faces!

Decorating for the birthday party

It's hard to believe I've already been here one month. Thank you for your continuous outpouring of love and support. Please let me know if there is any way I can be praying for you. I hope you all have a great week! 

Lots of love,

Ashley

The Earth is Filled with His Glory

My third week in Haiti is coming to an end, and God continues to lift the veil that often covers my eyes. I want to share with you some of the lessons God taught me this week.

On Thursday, the other volunteers and I spent the day working at Fort Jacque. We sanded, primed and painted railings. I was covered in dirt and paint, my dad would have been so proud! There's still a lot that needs to be done before the toddlers move at the end of November, so we'll start working their at least once a week. There are six toddler pods, each housing 10-12 kids, along with a loft for the nannies and storage.

Bright and colorful toddler houses

Classrooms, lunch/play area will be in the red building

The other days of the week were spent on the balcony with my sweet six. Each day I fall more and more in love with them. I'm amazed at their progress each week. They are such a wonderful gift from God! Here are a few pictures and a video:

"This lady gives a lot of kisses.."

Now, for some of my lessons learned. Since I am here until November, many volunteers will come and go, most staying for a period of two weeks. Normally I'm hesitant to develop a strong bond with someone, especially when I know a goodbye is right around the corner. God has been teaching me not to fear goodbye, as well as accept and welcome new volunteers with open arms. If I spend my time building up a wall, I'll be missing out on the opportunity to form some amazing bonds. I've been leaning on Mark 9:37 as a reminder, whether it's a child or elder, welcome them in Jesus name! 

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever   welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

On Saturday, we drove up to the mountains, where the 'real Haiti' was revealed. Petionville is considered one of the wealthiest parts of Haiti. Although it's wealth doesn't compare to America, it's safe to say I have it pretty good where I'm staying. The view from the mountains is indescribable, pictures just don't do justice. Up until this point of my trip, the poverty hasn't hit me like it did on Saturday. It's like nothing I've ever seen.

As we drove up to the top, three boys stood in the middle of the road. Two boys held baskets of food, while the other held a pink flower. We were driving slow enough for one of the boys to grab onto the passenger door, where I was sitting, and he ran with us for 100 meters or so. We planned to give him money on our way back down, but were unable to communicate that to him. Usually when I witness poverty my heart breaks, but this little boy brought me to tears. Yet, even though my heart was breaking, the people in the mountains and God's beauty was so evident it brought me joy.

When I returned back to the house, I tried to wrap my mind around what I had just seen. What did God want me to learn from this? As I began to process everything, I remembered that the average Haitian makes $2 a day, TWO DOLLARS! Back home I buy a coffee for that price almost everyday. I asked myself over and over again, "What am I doing?" I think God wanted this experience to break my heart, so that I would realize the magnitude of it all. Since then, I've started to take a closer look at what my priorities are living in America compared to what they are in Haiti. Along with that, this experience has really made me think about where I'm investing my money.

Once again, thank you for your love, prayers, and support! "Now glory to God our Father, forever and ever! Amen."

Love from Haiti,
Ashley