Called... U.S. to Zambia, Haiti and now Sierra Leone

Christmas edition of the Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-12-19T10:13:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to you all,

David and I are preparing for our first Christmas away from the states since we've been on the field. Seems each previous year we were always home on leave and visiting churches during December. I packed a few "fold up" six inch Christmas trees, a Haitian nativity set and some beautiful wooden ornaments from Zambia that I have strung across our bookshelf..but missing our family and grandchildren very much...

We have been so fortunate to find a great group of expats here. We get together once a month for a potluck, fellowship and bible study and we had a great Thanksgiving dinner together. They have been able to steer us in the direction of things we need. Part of the group are two young mothers with four and nine month old boys. Last Sunday Sada, the mom to Isaiah and wife to Gabe (a dentist) broke down and talked about her struggles. She and her husband were here for a few years before Isaiah but now it's a lot harder. She misses her mom and I told her I'd try to fill in when she needs me. I'd love to babysit, I miss our grandchildren so much. It's such a pleasant surprise to have found a solid support system. Of course, we know that nothing is really a surprise, God had it all planned.

Anyway, we are going to spend Christmas eve at a nice beach and Christmas day will be church and then a get together with our friends. Things screech to a halt during the holidays here so we will have a rest. God "plopped" a great Wesleyan church not too far from us. It's in Juie, a small town about 20 minutes from us. It's wonderful and it's even in English! The pastor is amazing, he marches up and down the aisles making his points. One thing... they have, what I think would compare to the nuns of my youth in Catholic school. Two ladies.. dressed identically.. one on each side of the church in the rear. Their job (I gather) is to keep everyone in line. If a child misbehaves, the church lady "appears" (with a switch in hand) and gently (honestly gently) prods them. If an adult falls asleep, they are "encouraged" to wake up... not so gently. Needless to say, the children (and most adults) are very well behaved:) They take three or four offerings each service, one for the church, one for people in need and two for what they call the birthday club. We were confused but then someone explained it to us. All the parishioners that are born January through July donate in one basket and August through December in another basket. They count it during the final songs and then announce that weeks winners. The money is put into a fund to help people in the congregation that are in need. We were fortunate enough to be there when they presented monies from that fund to families in the church for their Christmas gift. It was priceless!

Our home is becoming "our" home. Walter has been in the "doghouse" for chasing the neighbors chickens and Diesel is always in search of water or mud to roll in. I woke this morning to find Rocky (the cat) chasing a toad through the living room. Not sure where that came from?? Last week I did a load of wash, opened the door to take the clothes out and had one of those see through (like Zambian toilet frogs) frogs jump out at me. The guard got a big laugh out of seeing me jump. Only thing I can figure out is he got in the through the water tank or the hose. While driving the mountain road last week (think of a rough four wheeler trail with huge holes) we noticed beautiful plants and trees offered for sale. We stopped and purchased gorgeous potted plants, trees and flowers for only $1.20 each. They would have cost a fortune in the states. Prices are so bizarre here, I found OxyClean here, the price was $35. Insane...

We have a few families that live in a building behind our house. The four kids are quickly becoming attached to David (surprise, surprise). John, Thomas, Isaac and Sarah are so sweet but are, as many here, suffering from malnutrition. Distended bellies and a tinge of red/orange to their hair. Most here don't often eat any type of meat or dairy products thus they are lacking in numerous vitamins. We're trying to help by offering what they call candy but are really calcium chews we brought with us. They daily diet consists of rice and greens. The other day David had backed the truck up in the "backyard" and soon we noticed the kids sitting behind the truck playing and laughing. We walked back and realized they were looking at their reflections in the rear bumper. I doubt they have ever seen themselves in a mirror. The little things...

David has been working like a wild man and loves it. His crew of 25 men have almost finished clearing 40 acres of land. He just received a chain saw and if you could have seen him leave the house with it, like a kid showing off his new toy. They were able to cut down a number of small trees and now the villagers will make charcoal from it. The site looks wonderful and gives potential tenants a much better idea of what the zone has to offer. Next step, carving out individual plots. He has another big project, planting three acres of pineapple. There is a huge potential tenant in the process of making their final decision about building on the site. Please pray that they decide favorably, it would be a huge boost for the zone. In the process of acquiring solar panels that will run a pump for the site water system which will save tons of money spent for diesel fuel. That project will begin after the first of the year. David found out last week while we were paying the workers that they have a "sunshine" fund. Each payday, each man contributes 5000 leones (about $1.20) to the fund. One of the men keeps the fund and It's used for any of the workers that have an emergency in their family or a specific need. Pretty neat, huh? I'm baking Christmas cookies today and tomorrow we will feed the workers lunch and treats before they begin their holiday leave.

The headman, who is in charge of this particular area, is also a school teacher. He's a nice man and is working to teach us Krio. He teaches at a secondary school and after the holidays I will be helping out as a teacher assistant a few days a week. I'm anxious to get to know people and have people get to know me. Knitting/sewing class won't start until after the new year. I have a number of different projects I am anxious to start, all working with the people. Currently I'm putting my accounting and computer skills to good use. Tracking expenditures on site and processing payroll for all the workers. In the final stages of obtaining quotes for installation of wireless internet on the site. That will be a great draw for potential investors. I've really been enjoying my walks and now that I feel more comfortable I've been stopping and chatting. The children seem to think it's quite daring to touch a "obotu". They shake my hand or touch my arm and run back to their friends doing gestures similar to high fives... So cute! I encounter chickens, goats, cows and many dogs who seem to be nervous around "obotu". One poor dog, with a horrible limp, was trying to chase me today...barking all the while. They usually just bark from a distance. While digging and planting my flowers and trees around our house, I discovered these HUGE beetles that live deep in the soil, YUCK! Me and my bugs...

This is truly a beautiful country, gorgeous beaches and rolling green hills. We have seen so many palm trees here but noticed a number of men climbing them to hang up plastic jugs. They are tapping the trees (much like maple trees) for palm oil. It's a lucrative business here. Unfortunately along with the many beautiful palm trees there are many that have no fronds anymore and look like large logs stuck in the ground. When I asked why, we were told if they tap the trees too often, it kills them. A healthy palm tree can be tapped regularly and live to be 30-40 years old but I'm sure it's hard to remember that when you are hungry. French fries made in palm oil are absolutely amazing! There is hardly any litter, it's wonderful. We've seen many handwritten signs on mountain roads warning people not to litter. Considering the mountains of litter we saw in Haiti...it's so clean here.

Great devotional I would like to share with you taken from the books of Isaiah, Psalm and James. "Make me the focal point of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counter-productive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscience dependence on Me". This really struck me when I read it, I realized that since we have a home here I've been subconsciously using it to make myself feel more secure. Isn't it amazing how quickly material things can inch their way into our lives? My first thought was to admonish myself but I stopped instead and thanked God for bringing this to my attention (again). During this season, when everything we see and hear is telling us to buy, buy, buy...what an amazing realization to know the only gift we ever need is his perfect love and it's FREE! May we remember the real reason for this season, our Saviors' birth. We pray that God continues to bestow his peace, joy and love to each of you.

In Him,
Mr. David and Mrs. David

Just a reminder, the end of the year is quickly approaching, any contribution made before December 31 will be a charitable deduction on your 2011 income tax return. You may send them to World Hope International, Attn: Contributions Lockbox, P O Box 17151, Baltimore, MD 21297-1151. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 . Thank you!

Thanksgiving edition of the Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-11-28T09:15:00.004-05:00

Greetings from Salone (that's what everyone here calls it)

We had a nice Thanksgiving, fellowship and food with our new friends, expats who are here doing various ministries. It was a turkey less Thanksgiving as the price of a turkey here is unreal! I made sweet potatoes using my moms' recipe and banana bread. Many of the expats are young families with babies and small children. One little boy is about four months old and made me long for our grandson. I so admire the couples who pick up their families and follow Gods' calling. It was wonderful to be with friends and celebrate as we are so thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed on us.

We even had our own touch of Black Friday as we drove into Freetown for generator parts and the crowds and traffic are truly overwhelming. There are streets that are so crowded with people and small stalls that you truly cannot see pavement. Shopping in Freetown is truly an adventure, first you have to acquire/exchange money. This can be done at the bank but most use "money changers" on the street that offer better rates. The currency here is called Leones and there are 4,450 of them to each USD dollar. The denominations are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000, nothing larger. So when you exchange a few hundred dollars you have what equates to a suitcase of cash. It's heavy and cumbersome, challenging at times to do the conversion in your head.

Thank you for all your prayers, the investment forum was a success, over thirty of the participants traveled from Freetown to the site by bus (a good two hour drive) for a tour. The tour went well and it was very interesting to meet people from different countries and industries. David has been working hard to get the whole site cleared from boundary to boundary. That's over 50 acres, which many still have tall elephant grass and numerous types of trees. The work force has really been busy! David has really established a good relationship with his crew and enjoys their company. Nice group of guys, I process payroll for them twice a month and enjoy the time greeting each one and counting out their funds. David and I have noticed, even since we've arrived, how much new building is happening between Freetown and here. It's wonderful to see the results of a government that wants its' people to succeed. So refreshing after Haiti, which was so heartbreaking.

All our barrels arrived, intact and never opened. We were thrilled to be able to set up house and have a few creature comforts. Before we left we purchased a knock off brand foam mattress at CostCo. It was vacuum sealed in a plastic bag and much smaller after having the air sucked out. We were hoping to get it into a barrel but no luck... then our friend Mike got a great idea. He cut a piece of metal sheeting, banded the bag and then ratcheted it down and it fit in a steel barrel. What a feat and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to pull it from the barrel, open the bag and watch the lump turn into a wonderful, comfortable queen mattress. Just in time, David and I struggle sleeping on the slim foam mattresses most use here. Since we've both had back surgery, it really is wonderful to have a good bed, we both function much better with a good nights' rest.

The other thing... a member of our church donated funds for us to purchase and ship a washing machine along with the barrels. It arrived intact! Our house is small so David built a lean to on the back of the house and put the washer outside so it could connect to the water tank. There is no electricity where we are, so the only power comes from a generator. It was necessary to call the "plumber" which involves trying to find him and then going to collect him. It was with great pride he unpacked his three tools from a black plastic bag. Then, considering he had never seen a washer before, he set about hooking it up and completed his task in a few hours. He was smiling and laughing as I jumped up and down with joy! The water pressure is not good... so in order to nudge the machine along, I have to use a hose connected to a pump sunk in a barrel of water and partially fill the machine through the detergent slot. The first load of wash was done with a big audience in attendance. No one had ever seen a washing machine and they were amazed. I narrated the wash process and everyone checked the results to make sure the clothes were clean. The ladies just kept shaking their heads and smiling. I think we will begin to save the wash/rinse water so it can be used for washing other things. Water is a luxury here and not to be wasted.

I love my walks... people here are so friendly and you learn so much. I was approached the other day by the futbol coach of the mens/womens leagues in this area and he offered to be my personal trainer. He went on to tell me word had spread that there was a very strong "obotu" (white person) who jogged everyday and may play futbol. I was flattered but told him I thought I was a "little" old and didn't really understand how to play nor wished to try out for the team. All three of our sons played "soccer" and I never did understand it:) I do have fans though...it's so cute as I pass through the small village and market on my walk a group of about a dozen middle aged women gather and clap and cheer each time I go by. They mimic my movements and laugh. All the children run up to touch me, they are so beautiful, big gorgeous smiles!

Our pet family is growing, Walter and Diesel, the two puppies are a riot! They love to play and refuse to be ignored, whether by us, the neighbors or the guards. Yesterday they even got Rocky, the newest kitten to play with them. Tillie, kitten number one escaped the house and now lives with the families behind us. She just didn't want to be inside. Thank goodness for tile floors...eventually the dogs will be outside most of the time. Diesel came to us from the headman who gave him to us as a gift, on the way home in the back of the truck a can of diesel partially spilled on him resulting in many baths and his name. Last week, on our day off, we went to the beach and a man approached us with a old cement bag tied with elephant grass. He offered to sell us a "wild cat" for 10,000 Leones ($2.50). I couldn't say no and he looks almost exactly like my first cat Sam did. On the way home, a bucket of rocks fell on him resulting in his name. He loves being a house cat and has fit right in.

I'm excited, I'm going to start my first knitting/sewing class soon. The barrels were full of yarn and needles that had been donated. We also had a large number of pillowcase dresses made by ladies in our home district. Thank you so much, there are a number of girls running around in them now! If you are interested in donating yarn/needles/sewing supplies/material, let me know. If you can get them to our home church, they will be shipped to us in a future barrel. Looking forward to meeting more women in the community and developing relationships. There is such a large Muslim population here and the holy spirit has been encouraging me to find ways to talk to those I meet about our Savior. Lots of babies and children with strange things tied about their stomachs, necks and wrists. The only power available to us is through him and not through any charms or talisman. I want to share what God has done in my life and wants to do in others!

Our favorite reading this week comes from a devotional referenced from Psalms, Luke and Philippians. "Problems are a part of life. They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me." As "fixers" this really spoke to us, we continue to learn that it's not within our "power" to fix anything.. without his help!

Thank you for your wonderful emails and encouraging words. They mean so much to us! We have had some tough days but know without your prayers they would have been impossible. If God has been nudging you to financially support our work and you still can't decide, please take that leap of faith! The end of the year is quickly approaching, any contribution made before December 31 will be a charitable deduction on your 2011 income tax return. You may send them to World Hope International, Attn: Contributions Lockbox, P O Box 17151, Baltimore, MD 21297-1151. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 . Thank you!

In Him,

Mr. David and Mrs. David (again...:)

P. S. We have these goofy bugs, pill bugs I think. They range from the size of a peanut to MUCH larger and their "back" is so tough. They can withstand being stepped on (numerous times)... they play dead then next thing you know they are moving! I've seen a few snakes and still didn't freak out, I think my fear has been removed. I don't think I'll ever like them, but I'm not petrified anymore:) Thank you Lord...

P.P.S. I'll try to post some pictures on our website/facebook, our internet connection isn't very fast and sometimes just cuts us off. Our bathroom, check out the shower in the middle.

Early November edition of the Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-11-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

Ow di day? (how is the day?)

What a crazy couple of weeks! We have been busy getting settled and David has been working on the site. He's happy:) and he's counting down the days until he has tools!

The house is coming together. Believe it or not, the shower with the sloping drain is a great idea! No pesky shower walls to clean, I can clean the shower and the bathroom floor while taking a shower! The sun beats down on the plastic pipe outside, the warm heats up and it's "almost" a warm shower. Haven't seen any spiders since our first night, word must have gotten out...our house is not safe for them:) Surprised we've seen no geckos in the house, number of lizards outside though.

David has been investigating all the little shops and villages surrounding us. He found a gentleman who is building us a few small tables, a chest of drawers and shelves for storage. The outdoor market in Waterloo (about 2-3 miles from us) has a mish mosh of everything. We may not be able to find all the food stuffs we want, but we would never have to go without underwear! Fresh bread, which is one of my weaknesses, is everywhere...I love it! Lettuce is very hard to find here and purchased by the leaf. Banana leaves are great for baking and help seal flavors in the food. ( I see a vegetable garden and some laying hens in my future). Brightly colored chitenge fabric (as in Zambia) is seen everywhere. Women here also use it to keep their children close but do not tie it over their shoulder. They tightly wrap it around their chest and waist.

We have added two new members to the family... Tillie, a cute white kitten with gray markings. She's still pretty skiddish and spends most of her time living behind the stove. Yesterday David got a cute black puppy with brown markings. Named him Walt, after a "whiny" friend of ours (we love you Walt, oops sorry Harv). We put both of them in a box together and they were cuddling for a bit. Hopefully they will both settle down. Last night we woke to find Tillie yowling while running up and down the screen on the window trying to escape while Walt whined and howled. Did I say I missed having pets:)

We have "some" internet service, USB modems through a company in Freetown and Africell phone/internet service. Unfortunately, our house appears to be in a dead spot so we are trying to work around that. Reminds me of our church camp in upper Michigan, need to stand in just the right place to get reception. If we get in the truck and drive down the road we can pick up fairly decent service. Think of the days of dial up.... but slower. But we are grateful we have any at all.

I had forgotten the "joy" of washing clothes by hand. I find myself daydreaming of the laundromat. David bought me a washboard but it did not come with instructions and trust me, they are not as easy to use as one might think...and I have the banged up fingers to prove it:) The land consists of lots of red clay and that makes for laundry nightmares. A family from our home church donated money for us to purchase a washer and we PRAY that it makes it through customs!

We successfully found our way from Newton to Freetown and back on Friday. During our first visit in June we purchased a map which proved useful in helping me navigate while David participated in a lively game of "dodgem cars/vehicles". All those years of professional driving are put to such good use. Our associates in Freetown claimed we were "brilliant" in our navigation:) We decided not to push our luck so once we arrived we had one of the First Step drivers take us around to many markets and stores while David followed the routes on a map. Next time I'm sure he'll try driving it. The streets are so narrow that in order to pass many of the street vendors actually have to move "their stores" in order to make room for a vehicle. Many of the actual store buildings are owned by Nigerians who stayed/returned after the war ended. They have reputations as tough merchants. I was in search of a Pyrex type baking dish/pan and when we finally found one the price was $45! Pricing is very inconsistent, David purchased a threaded 20ft length of steel pipe for only $10. Needless to say, I'll wait until customs releases the barrels.

The ship arrived last Thursday with our barrels and should be released sometime this week. Please pray all our items make it through customs! Today is a Muslim holiday so everything will be closed. It will take some time to learn all the holidays. So far.... the US is the only country we've seen that celebrates "Hallmark" holidays. The call to prayer is very different. Whenever you are in a village or town of any size, you will hear it. 6 am, noon, 2pm 6pm 7pm and 8pm. Close to 80% of the countrys' population are of Muslim faith

I've started walking in the mornings (to reduce the impact of all the bread). There is a small school about three quarters of a mile from our house and in the morning all the children make their way in bright orange dresses and shirts. So cute and so friendly! As in other countries, the initial greeting is made by me and that opens the door. After the first few days I have been joined by children and people on the roadside smiling and laughing while making jogging motions. Since they walk everywhere everyday I'm sure it may seem strange to see someone do it for "exercise" carrying nothing. The women are stunning. I notice it appears men here work helping perform family chores. In the mornings, alongside the road many people lay their rice out to dry in the sun. They tend it during the day and scoop it up in the evening.

While exploring the Newton/Waterloo markets we found a road that led to a small paradise. One of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen, water not as blue as Caribbean but clean with gorgeous rock decorating parts of the coastline. On the way we saw a number of waterfalls with crisp clean water running, the country is beautifully lush and green.

These past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster..up and down and up and down. We are glad we know it's "normal" from our last two placements but it's still a process. I was feeling very sad and lonely the other day until we drove by a futbol (soccer) field where amputees in wheelchairs and on crutches were in a hot and heavy game. What a humbling site, all of the sudden my issues seemed very superficial. They were having a great time and moving at quite a pace. What a blessing that God continues to teach and provide comfort to us in so many different ways. The last few weeks have found me in my bible more than usual and it's amazing what you find in there. He gives me just the right words... I opened up my favorite devotional the other day to find "Grow strong in the light of my presence. Your weakness does not repel me. On the contrary it attracts my power, which is always available to flow into a yielded heart. Do not condemn yourself for your constant need of help. Instead, come to me with your gaping neediness, let the light of my love fill you. A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets tough, it musters the courage to thank me even during hard times". How blessed are we for a roof over our heads, food and water. Making a gratitude list really puts things in perspective. We are missing our children and grandchildren but at the same time know that God has provided for all their essential needs too. His comfort is always available, all we need to do is seek it.

We do know that we are right where God wants us to be. His plans for our work here will continue to unfold and we pray to be open to his direction. Next week there will be a national investment forum being held in Freetown. Industrial leaders from a number of countries have been invited to attend and learn how they can establish business' here. There are many natural resources here and the government is working hard to improve the living standard of Sierra Leone people. Please pray that the forum proves fruitful.

Blessings,
David and Beth

PS The roosters in Sierra Leone don't know what time it is either:) (especially the ones outside our bedroom window)

Live edition of the Sierra Leone Tribune October 30th

2011-11-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Sierra Leone!

We have arrived safely and are working on recovering from jet lag. We found out today that the ship with the barrels has been delayed but the good news is that the second shipment of barrels "caught" up so we both of them will arrive November 3rd (fingers crossed).

It's hard to believe we are here, it seemed like a long time coming but truly we only left Haiti the first week of July. Somewhere between Paris and Sierra Leone I had a "small" meltdown that lasted about 10 minutes. All of the sudden I felt homeless.. You know that feeling of being homesick? Well it was like that except God reminded me again (through my husbands' words) that home is where I am.

Last night was our first night in our house, it was filled with adventure:) At this count, we have met several different types of spiders (big and small) and have not freaked out once (ok a little at the really HUGE one)!!! Me with no weapons, they are all in the barrels. Outside noises, monsoon rains and the HUM of the generator. There are no power lines here so we will always run off a generator.

When we arrived, our house guard jumped into the vehicle and began hugging David and I. We met him when we visited in June and he was so happy to see us. Very funny to watch Davids' face...

The things we take for granted, there are no cupboards, few shelves and no closets and David with no tools... He's going crazy, lol. He would happily build me something. The refrigerator is one of those small apartment size so we should lose weight as storing lots of food won't be possible.

The bathroom is so interesting... I will post pictures on our website. When you walk in the sink is on the right side then as you continue walking the floor slopes and you are in the shower, complete with a floor drain...then uphill and onto the toilet. Unique but it's indoor plumbing and we are happy!

This morning while cleaning a variety of people stopped at the house to meet with us and a few small "stores" on the top of womens' heads stopped by to sell me things. African fabric, brooms, rice and ... drum roll please.... Barack Obama underwear!

It is "warm" here and David is thrilled! Me, I am adjusting and will be fine in a few weeks. Getting used to sweating while standing still and wishing I was like my sister who does not sweat, under any circumstances. Something in her biological makeup that didn't get passed on to me:(

First thing I did when we arrived was put up our cuckoo clock (our oldest gave it to us years ago for Christmas and Africans are fascinated by it) and put out pictures of the kids and friends. Next came our traveling bible and devotionals, now it is home.

We went shopping for groceries and supplies yesterday, what an experience. A large store full of many things I had no idea existed. We managed to buy household items (mop, broom, sheet and towels) we had to have and enough food to get us by until the barrels arrive. What an adventure, things are called by different names and labels are not always accurate. But they did have staples like bread, peanut butter, spaghetti and margarine so we will be fine! I'm going to try to make something from a few of the mystery food in cans...stay tuned...

Traveling through the streets and countryside here is indescribable. The laughing children, beautifully attired women, "markets" on the side of the road, freshly baked bread, fried plantains and the smiles, oh the smiles. They are contagious. Unlike Zambia, where the culture is rather quiet and nonemotional, Sierra Leoneans are similar to Americans, vocal, talking with their hands and very animated. We feel right at home. Driving at night is challenging, to say the least, most vehicles have no headlights (or don't use them) and few taillights, then... all the pedestrians. Once outside of Freetown there are few places that have electricity and it is DARK DARK... like can't see your hand dark.

There is a family with three small children that live behind our home. Guess where David is? Yesterday we were in Freetown at First Step offices, I turn around and he's gone. I look around and there he is out on the street talking to people and playing with kids.

We are both excited to get settled in and begin what God sent us here to do, and whatever else he asks... Thank you for all the encouraging words these past few weeks and the out pouring of additional support funds which made our journey last week possible. We are feeling blessed knowing we are in your thoughts and prayers as you are in ours. May Christ continue to keep his loving hand on you and keep your path safe and straight.

Blessings,

David and Mommy (which is what everyone is calling me) I "think" it's a sign of respect

Mia "reading" her new testament..

2011-10-19T07:34:00.002-04:00

She takes this book with her everywhere and pretends to read about Jesus... so cute!

Final edition of the Michigan/Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-10-19T06:48:00.001-04:00

Good morning!

Words cannot express our profound gratitude for the out pouring of prayers and financial support we have received the last few weeks. By totaling our faith promises and monies received to date.... we are leaving! "on a jet plane.. don't know when we'll be back again"... (oops sorry just so excited:) this Saturday for Sierra Leone! It is an honor to have so many partners behind us, who not only have such a strong belief in missions but that step out in faith and support the work through prayers and finances. We are truly blessed!

Needless to say, we are slightly frantic..packing and getting ready to say our goodbyes. Goodbyes aren't easy and now with another beautiful grandchild, it's tough. We've spent a few wonderful weeks trying to keep up with our granddaughter, Mia. She is such a joy, I love being reminded what the world looks like through a child's eyes. Each new thing or experience brings a sense of wonder and awe to her. We were also able to spend time with our new grandson, Dayton. He's a month old now and growing like crazy. He is the cutest (of course) ever and if you want to see, check out my face book page or our website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com.

We continue to marvel at Gods' timing... we discovered last week that the first shipment of barrels we sent back in August had been delayed in Spain.
Yesterday we received word that the barrels will arrive in Sierra Leone the day after we do. These barrels contain the majority of our household possessions. Please pray that they aren't tied up in customs long.

Having been the "worrier" in our marriage, God must have been smiling these past years as I've continued to learn to trust in Him. I remember when we were preparing to leave for Zambia, our first assignment, I was so worried about everything. Would our funding come in, would we "fit" in, how would we display Gods' moving in our lives? I woke very early this morning, my mind racing but not with apprehension or concern but with wondrous anticipation. We can't wait to see what God has planned, being part of the unfolding "mystery" each day brings on the field. Excited to meet new friends and co-workers and settle in our home. So grateful....

Would you join us in prayer for the following?
Traveling mercies
Comfort for our family and friends we leave
Smooth transition to our new home
Opportunities to build new friendships and share His word
Customs will quickly clear the shipment of barrels

Just think.... next Wednesday morning we'll be waking up in a new country and a new home! The new experiences that await...and they wouldn't be possible without you. Again, we thank you.

Blessings,
David and Beth

Hopefully final edition of the Michigan version of the Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-10-01T12:07:00.004-04:00

Hello,
I can't believe how quickly time is passing... the fall weather is beautiful and we are enjoying it. Sierra Leone is south of the equator so our seasons will be different, it's getting hotter there every day which will probably feel good by the time we get there:)

I think I have mentioned before, how quiet it seems to us here. I can't wait to hear and see the vendors on the streets, children laughing and way too many vehicles for a one lane road:) What kind of new bugs will I have to tackle? I've heard there are white/invisible ants that can even get into sealed Tupperware containers... A worthy adversary? There are a lot of "weapons" in our barrels, I'm ready (I think).

We are so excited, we are grandparents again. Dayton Joseph Stewart entered our world September 15th, three weeks early. He was small (little over 5 lbs) but perfect in every way. He looks just like his father did in his baby pictures, except he has full beautiful lips like his mom. I am emailing from Denver (thank you frequent flier miles) for a few days where I am holding him and taking pictures every chance I get. Storing those memories for the year ahead. Our granddaughter, Mia will be four in November and I can't believe she was ever this small. Our grandchildren are, of course, the smartest, cutest and funniest... (to us).

During these few months home with portions of our hearts spread here and in our last two placements we have dealt with excitement, apprehension, loss, grieving and acceptance. The following passage from Philippians 4:12-13 has come alive for us these past four years. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength". It is so true, no matter our circumstance he leads us through. How else could we marvel at how content people are that have no home but have him? People that put their trust in him each morning to provide for their daily "bread". Children that are joyous playing with a stick and a rock... His hand in all those lives providing the peace only he can give.. We are so blessed.

We are entering the home stretch and we need that final push to send us on our way. Our bags are almost completely packed and we are just waiting, waiting for your help. We are still $3600 from our target goal, that's only $300 per month in cash or pledges. It doesn't seem like a lot, if 12 people pledged $25 per month or 6 people pledged $50 per month, we'd be on our way. Please help us in praying that ears would be open to Gods' calling to help us financially. We know these are tough times but we ask that you remember, God urges us to pledge based on faith, not on budgets. We would be honored to welcome you to our financial support team, we are confident you are already a member of our prayer team. We have a tenative leave date of October 20nd, please help us get on that plane!

Thank you for all the comments and emails, we really value your encouragement. The past few months we have appreciated seeing many of you and sharing the next step of our journey. Posted a few new pictures on our website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com.

In His Service,
David and Beth (will I have another new name in Sierra Leone?)

If you wish to make a contribution here is the information:

World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our name and constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at
Watters Family in Sierra Leone Thank you!

Dayton Joseph Stewart has arrived!! Isn't he amazing, we are such proud grandparents!

2011-09-17T10:15:00.001-04:00

Mid September edition of the Michigan/Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-09-13T06:40:00.003-04:00

Good morning,

It's hard to believe fall is almost upon us. As I sat at the table this morning and looked out the window at 5:30 AM it was still dark and it seems just last week it was light . We had forgotten what summer and fall were like, we haven't been in the US for these seasons for four years. I love wearing jeans and sweaters and the air smells so good. The leaves on some trees are beginning to change and they are beautiful. I must say I haven't missed the poison ivy, which seems to love me, nor the household flies. In Zambia and Haiti poison ivy can't survive and although we have many bugs, common house flies don't live there. My "enemies" now consist of various sizes of crickets (and an occasional baby spider) , no challenge at all, haven't even used my weapons:) David is thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a few high school football games and live in luxury on the couch watching college games on Saturday afternoons with the TV remote control. Even as a loyal Buckeye fan I have to admit Saturday nights' Michigan vs Notre Dame game was terrific! The little things in life... We are anxiously awaiting the birth of our grandson, Dayton, hopefully he will arrive sometime in the next few weeks!

I've received the go ahead to develop a literacy program in Sierra Leone. I'm so excited. God has been reminding me of the workers we met in Sierra Leone, who came in to pick up their payroll and couldn't read or write so they drew an X or some kind of mark next to what they were told was their name. They wouldn't look me in the eye and I keep thinking they are shamed because they don't know how to write or read. As more workers and their families move to Newton (where First Step is located) the need will increase. We need your help! I know many of you are teachers or have teaching background and we are in need of teaching materials, lesson plans, books and YOU! I already have a dear friend from Wales who will be coming in the summer to help out, we met her in Zambia when she was there teaching ESL to grade school children. If you have any advice, web addresses or companies we should research please let me know. I see a trip to Sierra Leone in your future!

I've realized in just a few short months we have been spoiled...flushing toilets, running water and electricity everywhere. I remember the day when those were things I felt somewhat "entitled" to, now I realize they are luxuries that few other countries share with us. The other thing I have noticed is the seeming lack of social graces. I am baffled by younger people calling me honey and dear in restaurants, stores and drive thrus. David has helped me structure a comeback "I'm sure you meant no harm but when you call me hon (or dear) I am offended". I can't say that before we left for the field I even noticed this but it's glaringly apparent to me now. In many foreign countries these behaviors are strictly taboo. "Elders" are treated with the utmost respect whether they are five years or fifty years older than you. I must say I like that custom and miss it.

Very excited to open my email today and see the quarterly newsletter from World Hope. The newsletter included a article on First Step. It's so exciting to realize not only are jobs created building factories but all the fruit farmers now have a new market to sell their mangos and pineapples. To quote the World Hope CEO "the best way to alleviate poverty is to be a supportive guide rather than a temporary crutch". Check out the newsletter at https://www.worldhope.org/index.php?ID=141&gotoType=6.

We have been blessed with funds to send another four barrels to Sierra Leone this month. They are packed with food stuffs, household items, knitting and sewing supplies (including a sewing machine) and the beginning of what I hope will be many teaching aids. We are now only $4500 away from being 100% funded!! That's only $375 per month in pledges or cash donations. Please continue to pray for additional funding! It's exciting to think, with your help, in one month we could be in Sierra Leone.

God continues to provide for all our needs and we feel so honored to be doing his work. He's been leading me to read the book of Isaiah and chapter 58 has really resounded in our lives. We need to continue to try to do the next right thing remembering vs 8 "...your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you...". Thank you for traveling this journey with us, we can't wait to begin!!!

Blessings,
Beth and David

If you wish to make a contribution here is the information:

World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our name and constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at
https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 Thank you!

The little car that could....

2011-08-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

After much thought, many nights tossing and turning we finally had to break down and get a new mattress to put on top our sleeper sofa frame, many funny looks on our way home from the "store".

Mid August edition of the Michigan/Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-08-15T09:17:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends,

Thank you to those of you that have responded to our "call" for help! Through your prayers and assistance we were able to pay the shipping costs for all the barrels and are now only $7500 away from being 100% funded!! That's only $625 per month in pledges or cash donations. We know that many of you are considering how God would have you invest in our ministry. Please remember, any commitment you make could push us over the top and help us reach our goal.

David and I just completed a week long debriefing and renewal session with Missionary Training Institute. It was EXACTLY what we needed, the retreat center was nestled in a forest of pine trees, walking trails, four poster beds and great food. It was beautiful, we met many new friends and were able to share our experiences and talk through good times and tough times.

One of the points we focused on was how important honoring the sabbath, or creating our own sabbath (not always Sunday) is to rest and renew our spirits. Being on the mission field we tend to give and give and don't always have time to renew ourselves. One of the statements our faciliatator made hit me so hard, we spend so much time as missionaries self-sacrificing and giving our all that we can lose sight of the joy he desires for us. He loves us unconditionally and we don't need to do anything but accept. We have put on our "happy missionary mask" no matter what and we learned that it's okay to struggle and be frustrated. Reviewing all the verses in the bible about how Jesus struggled with his mission on this earth. Many times in the bible we read where Jesus needed to go off and be alone and pray. We tend to forget, nowhere is it promised that all will be wonderful and it's through many of the tough issues we find new strength and direction. Please don't get us wrong, we wouldn't trade one day of the last four years but the last few months in Haiti took a emotional toll on us. It was wonderful to be reassured that it's alright to feel sadden, exhausted and overwhelmed while still remaining in Gods' will. We ask that you continue to lift us up in your prayers.

We sealed and shipped nine barrels to Sierra Leone two weeks ago. It's exciting to "hope" they arrive about the same time we do. David is ready to begin working and I am looking forward to developing various ministries and adding my accounting and computer experience to the mix. Can't wait to get our hands dirty! What a blessing our home church has been to us, supplying us with a barrel of kitchen supplies and a special couple, Mike and Coleen, who transport the barrels to and from Indianapolis for us. We were able to leave the barrels in their garage, pack them and then load them on their trailer to go. God has put so many amazing people in our lives. This time we have been able to spend with all our family and friends is wonderful! Stockpiling memories to comfort us during those lonely moments..

It was a strange feeling to pack all our "stuff" in barrels and send it off. We haven't really had a home for a few years so remembering and planning how to stock one was fun and exciting! I think many of you know, David and I live in a one room pole building (on our property in Michigan) that we remodeled into an efficiency apartment years ago, thinking my mom would live on our property when she got older. It has a bathroom (with a door on it) kitchen area, wall of closets and a sleeper sofa that doubles as our bedroom at night and our living room during the day. It is luxury living considering our living conditions in Haiti... but it's a small space that seems to be getting smaller and smaller as time goes by. I think, for me, it's because I know the place that God has planned for us next and I can't wait to get there! I am so excited to get to know the neighbors, the children in the area and be back in Africa. Africa will always hold a piece of my heart, as will Haiti, and the thought of returning to the people we love is exciting! Will there be geckos, what will I name them? A dog or a cat (or both) in our house? Water... electricity? We are like runners at the starting block, anxious..excited but not truly knowing what the finish line looks like, yet!

I spent a few weeks scanning all our family photos. When we checked our storage tubs for items to send to Sierra Leone, we found that our family photos were beginning to show damage. Talk about a lifelong trip down memory lane... wow! I was laughing, crying and missing all those who have gone before us. A few of the photos were classic, my sister and I under the Christmas tree with the worst perms I have ever seen, did my mother really love us...how could she have done that to us? My oldest, Chad, hysterically screaming on Santas' lap... why did I do that to him and then have a photo taken? Hmmm.. What a gift photography is to all of us, I would never remember all those days without those photos. I've passed them to the next generation along with lots of good stories I'd forgotten.

Thanks to each of you for your prayers. We could not continue without your prayer support, all the money in the world would be meaningless without you “holding” the rope and standing in the gap for us.

Blessings,
Beth and David

If you wish to make a contribution to push us towards our goal here is the information:

World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our name and constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at
https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 Thank you!

Mid July edition of the Michigan/Sierra Leone Tribune

2011-07-18T07:48:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

We arrived back in the states two weeks ago and headed out for a week at Wesleyan Woods Campground in Vassar, MI with many of our district church families. One of our district church partners came alongside us and arranged the whole week including a wonderful full service RV. It was great and we feel so blessed by their generosity. David and I didn't realize just how "starved" we were for worship. It was like a sponge being exposed to water, we just soaked it up. During our time in Haiti, we had the opportunity to attend church four times and only twice was the service in English. The worship leader led us in rocking the walls and the evangelist was inspiring. He encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones and look at what is keeping us from totally giving ourselves to Jesus Christ. He spoke of how many of us fight the Holy Spirit when we are feeling that urging to take our problem to the altar. So much truth in his words and so grateful he allows himself to be used by our Lord. It was wonderful to attend service twice a day and visit with so many friends. At night wandering around visiting friends and campfires, I had forgotten how wonderful smores are:) Enjoyed being able to put faces to the names of many of our faithful prayer supporters. Thank you so much for stopping us, introducing yourself and all the encouraging words. It means so much!!!

Busy.... trying to get ready for Sierra Leone. Our friends currently serving in Sierra Leone told us of a company that ships to SL every two months out of Indianapolis. They purchase and pack 55 gallon plastic drums, drive them to Indy and they are loaded into a container and away they go. It's much cheaper than the airlines. We purchased several yesterday so let the packing begin! I'm packing bunches of knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, patterns and sewing notions in hopes of starting a womens' sewing and knitting group. Got any extra laying around?? Also, anyone have any manuals/information for beginning auto repair mechanics? Badly needed in SL.

All of our "wordly" possessions are stored in the basement of a good friends' business so we are in the process of sorting out what we may need. It's very nostalgic, we only kept personal items like photos, things the kids made throughout school and items that had significant meaning to us (quilts, dolls, etc.) I want to scan our family photos, they seem to be deteriorating slightly and we don't want to lose any. We have been enjoying going through all the pictures. Lots of laughs, tears and great memories revisited. Love the one of Chad, at age four with a ripped t-shirt and shorts standing on a small table growling with green crayon all over his teeth (the Incredible Hulk), Josh and Nick at ages 7 and 9 dressed up in tuxes (like little penguins) for our wedding and lots of photos of our moms.... We miss them so much! I think I'm more than a little nostalgic lately, got a milestone birthday coming up:) Why doesn't my body match the age of my mind?

Picture this, we are still driving my moms' 1992 Toyota Corolla (which starts up EVERY time we come home). Runs like a top, I think the body will fall off before the engine quits. It's small so it's hard to transport much in it. David decided to get a car rack so we could put some tubs and suitcases on the roof to get them from point A to point B. Got to laughing so hard today, driving down the road with two action packers (totes) and a suitcase on the roof and the backseat full to the roof, like the Michigan "hillbillies". Won't be taking any sharp turns, we could tip! So good to laugh and appreciate the little things... we have a car...it runs...and it has AIR!!!

We haven't received a leave date yet but assume it will be sometime in September if all our funding is in. If you would like us to speak and share our work with you or your church, please contact me, we have a few dates open. As you know, it takes lots of prayer and financial support to get us to the field. Thank you in advance for those that have chosen to continue to support us through prayer and finances as we transition to Sierra Leone. Please consider making a financial contribution and/or we would be honoured if you would join us in praying for financial partners to pledge towards our support goal. We are excited about this new direction God is leading us in and can't wait to meet and work with new friends! David is mumbling and talking "tool" talk all the time:)

It's a beautiful summer evening, breeze blowing through the screens, TV on in the background, homemade soup on the stove, food in the refrigerator, clean water available from every faucet and comfy chairs to relax in... why do we feel so unsettled? Everything is going well, kids are fine, weather is great, starting to unwind but something is missing. I miss the vendors everywhere on the sides of the street laughing and talking, the beautiful kids in uniforms walking to school, the insane car and motorcycle drivers...the noises of life. Probably sounds crazy, but it seems so quiet here. We miss Haiti but trust in Gods' new direction for our lives. Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers.

In Him,
Beth and David

P.S. I don't normally do this but I have a special request. David and I have a great friend who has been fighting a battle with addiction for a number of years. She's in dire need of prayer right now, so I'm asking you to take a moment and pray for her. We can't fix it but we know who can! Thank you so much.

Special edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-06-28T08:10:00.001-04:00

Good morning

We are struggling emotionally and asking for prayer. This leaving thing is so tough.. we spent the weekend traveling to see many friends before a team arrived yesterday. David is working on the Cite Soleil work site to get things organized for the team to work all week.

We traveled to Petit Goave and were thrilled with all the building progress we saw along the way. There are far fewer tents in many areas and the park in Petit Goave, where we have held many medical clinics, is clean and neat. All the tents are gone! New clinics, churches and houses springing up everywhere. It's so encouraging. The "deviation" (detour) where all the traffic was routed through the riverbed is closed. The bridge has reopened and they are building what looks like a new road in the riverbed.

David and I stopped to visit the Wesleyan campground where we lived in the wooden shed for six months. The shed is empty and as we stood inside I closed my eyes and could see images of all the team members that had visited, the children running in and out, playing Skip Bo by candle light and the puppies born under the shed. Oh, "Lassie" is pregnant again and she immediately ran up to me and started nudging me. We visited with Auglide and Madames' daughters. Babu, Auglides' mother, came running up to me smiling and saying gwo, gwo, gwo... which means big, big, big...hmm I hope it was just the dress I was wearing. (Although in every country we have been, big or fat is a compliment:) Auglide is still the queen of the campground and cuter than ever.

Walked through the fishing village, Percin, that was the hardest. I can't set foot in there without children running up to me chanting "Thumbs up, elbows back etc. etc." Thanks to my good friend Kim in South Dakota, I will always be associated with that melody. Livensen is the young boy who captured my heart when we arrived and hasn't returned it yet. He clung to me the whole visit... Our good friends Josef and Magarit with a family of eight including adorable twins. The twins are dolls and crawling all over the place.

Next was DeCurtis where David worked on building the school alongside the Wesleyan Church our district helped build. He hadn't even stopped the vehicle when his three "girlfriends" came running shouting his name. We visited with Davids' namesake, he's about four months old now and getting big. David was so happy to see him and hold him. They never let go until we got into the truck...

We stopped at our favorite hole in the wall restaurant on the beach. Lots of missionary/volunteers from various countries go there, it's hidden away outside of Grand Goave and the restaurant is called Lamite. A sweet little Corsican man owns it and he's an amazing chef. He came running up asking where we have been, we had a wonderful salad and said our adieu.

Our last stop was the Baptist compound where we stayed for a few months while David was working on the clinic in Leogane. Wow, we pulled in and everyone started screaming and running to us, it was overwhelming but very heartwarming! Ginny and Ariel were tugging at our hands while all the ladies that cook pulled David into the kitchen "house", sat him down and shoved a big plate of food at him. He was grinning ear to ear. He spent a lot of time in the evenings when I was out with teams just sitting in the kitchen trying to communicate with the ladies. (I never got a plate of food...but I did get a fork to help him eat:)

Remember that Beatles song, "In My Life"? There are a few verses that just kept coming to me yesterday. To paraphrase part of the song "There are places I remember..All my life, though some have changed.......... Though I know I'll never lose affection For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them"... We will never forget.

We have met some of the most wonderful people, many who have become great friends, watched team members fall in love on a trip and get married (one is happening very soon... memories of Zambia), been humbled by Gods' calling to people on the field and been blessed beyond belief by all the hard working Haitians we've been honored to know and join in doing Gods' work. Your love, prayers and support to the Haitian people have made a huge difference, I wish you could see the progress that has been made and the encouragement provided to so many...keep it coming there is still so much more to be done!

Thank you all for being there for us, we hope you'll continue to share the next step of Gods' plan for us.

Blessings,
David and Beth

I just updated our website, www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com and Facebook with some new photos..

Washing up...

2011-06-27T12:28:00.000-04:00

So cute, one bucket clean water, one dirty.

Hens will roost anywhere:)

2011-06-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

Isn't this funny? Walking by the clinic we saw an abandoned file cabinet that was quickly inhabited..

Mother/Child Clinic in Leogane

2011-06-27T12:23:00.000-04:00

Doesn't it look great? It's filled with moms and kids everyday.

Recognize this...

2011-06-27T12:22:00.000-04:00

It's the river crossing between Grand Goave and Petit Goave, they are building a new road! Progress is everywhere!

Our favorite Corsican chef on the beach... look at the presentation of that salad!

2011-06-26T22:29:00.004-04:00

David and the DeCurtis trio of fans:)

2011-06-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

We walked up today and they all came running... David, David, David...

Davids' namesake from DeCurtis

2011-06-26T22:27:00.000-04:00

David worked with Davids' dad on the site and his wife taught me how to cook Haitian style..

David and Julie

2011-06-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

Julie has grown into a young woman this year, great family!

Livensen

2011-06-26T22:24:00.000-04:00

My favorite... such a sweetheart always a huge smile!

The twins are getting so big...

2011-06-26T22:23:00.000-04:00

This was tough, a family in Percin we got to know really well. Aren't the twins cute?

This tarantula bounced to the ground, lost a few legs and within minutes the ants had him...and he was only a baby!

2011-06-25T17:44:00.002-04:00

See...proof of how "vicious" these ants are and some are even invisible (almost):)

Inside of the remodeled Mother/Child Clinic in Leogane

2011-06-25T17:24:00.001-04:00

Radical change from how it looked before, lots of room for moms and kids!

Can you imagine farming mountains by hand?

2011-06-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

June edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-06-25T10:05:00.005-04:00

Bonjour...

What a month this has been, I can't believe it is almost July:)

We had to make an emergency trip back to Michigan regarding our house. The tenant, which I've mentioned prior, left the house in despicable condition. David and I were reeling when we first set foot in the house. So much damage and not small things... All the carpeting has to be replaced, the siding on the shed "melted" (by burn barrel fire) to the wood, holes punched in doors, car parts in our swimming pool (still can't figure that one out), horse stalls destroyed and lots of dirt. God blessed us with a wonderful church family, great friends and they all pitched in along with our neighbors and helped us clean up. It took two days just to cut the lawn, which resembled a forest:) What was supposed to be a week in Michigan turned into three weeks. We have a maintenance person and a financial manager but without actually going inside no one would have suspected what we would find. It's a unplanned financial burden right now, but we are praying and relying on God for guidance. We don't want to act on emotion as moving to the next level with large court and lawyer fees is a big decision. Please help us in praying for peace and discernment.

Upon our return to Haiti we traveled to Denver, CO for my oldest son, Chads' wedding. What a wonderful day and so happy to see family from all over the US. The day was beautiful and they were married outside with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, breathtaking! We had a rain scare just minutes before the wedding began but it stopped and a rainbow appeared as the first notes of music began. God is so good!!! Amanda was a gorgeous bride.
The first part of the processional was unusual, the wedding party danced down the aisle to different dance tunes but then the traditional took over. Check out my facebook book page to view the pictures and the video. The family got to take in a couple Rockies games and they just happened to be playing the Detroit Tigers. What a coincidence.. It was a great occasion. At the rehearsal dinner Chad was introducing me to friends and explaining what David and I "do" now. He was telling them that 10-15 years ago I wouldn't have been seen in public unless I was totally color coordinated, I can hardly remember "that" person:) He also used the words "high maintenance" I believe... but I also heard pride in his voice and I was humbled.

Meanwhile, God has been nudging (okay pushing...) us to move on... This has been a hard decision, we have come to love the people of Haiti and admire their faith and resilience. it's been so exciting to watch the progress and to be a small part of the solution. As of late, the number of teams traveling to Haiti has decreased and funds for future building projects has slowed. Since the earthquake in Haiti, January 12, 2010, the world has unfortunately experienced many major disasters that have touched us and sent many off in a number of different directions.

Remember early last year when we were originally headed to Sierra Leone? We've been asked to jump back on the road we detoured from and continue our journey to Waterloo, Sierra Leone. The project, First Step, is a subsidiary of World Hope International. It is a economic opportunity zone which allows foreign companies to build factories, produce their products using a Sierra Leonean workforce and then ship the finished product out with import and export duty exemptions. It's a wonderful opportunity for Sierra Leone, check out the website www.firststepeoz.com. Tony Blair is involved and the president of Sierra Leone is behind the project 100%. I hear interviews surrounding the project are airing on CNN this weekend. There is so much work to be done, David will be so busy. I'll initially be assisting the local staff with various accounting and computer tasks. In my "spare" time I look forward to working with the families in the area and developing numerous community projects. I'll also be doing what I've always done, no matter what country, hosting teams. Now, for those of you who we met in Zambia and again here in Haiti, I'll be waiting for you:)

Leaving is so difficult, I will miss all the faces on my walking route, our dear friends Thony and Sarah and their darling son, Olivier and all the wonderful Haitian people we have come to know. On my walk the other day, one of the vendors stopped me and inquired where I have been (I think). He was smiling, taking a cookie package to his mouth, waving at the sky and making motions of walking. Either that or he's telling me I'm really big and fat:) I always buy my favorite coconut cookies from him. I'll need a large stash to bring home.

We feel richer for having served here and grateful for the acceptance and love the Haitian people have shown us. Please remember Haiti in your daily prayers, the new government is struggling. The president cannot move forward until he appoints a prime minister and each candidate he has presented, the house of representatives vetoes. I imagine they are from the previous administration, so this will be tough. Until a minister is in place who will then appoint others to head up various departments, education, health and welfare etc. nothing can move forward.

There are faces and places that are permanently etched in our hearts. Sometimes " I" wish we could just plant roots and STAY but God seems to be saying "not yet". This past year has been wonderful and difficult but we wouldn't trade it for anything! It will be nice to have a small home again. I will have to brush up on my cooking skills:) and immediately find a dog and a cat. I miss having pets, snakes, ants and tarantulas don't count. This past year has reinforced our understanding of the difference between wants and needs. Needs....water, food and maybe shelter. Wants....everything else! I must admit, I will NOT miss the ants :) The weather is once again extremely hot and humid and I think they are multiplying hourly, I'm under constant attack. David will need to learn how to drive within the lines.. not like Haitians anymore who love to make new lanes and forge new paths all the while weaving and dodging tap taps and motorcycles.

We are looking forward to coming back to Michigan next week for camp with our district church family. It's been four years since missions day at church camp when we got the phone call that would send us to Zambia. I can still remember standing up in front of everyone sharing how excited and scared we were...sometimes it seems like only yesterday. It will be wonderful to see so many of our friends in one location.

It's a struggle each time to "turn" the page and start anew but we are also excited about what God has in store for us... Please continue to pray that our departure from Haiti and our transition to Sierra Leone this fall will go smoothly. We hope to have time to visit with you. We thank you in advance for your continued prayer/financial support of our work, wherever it may be.

Are you ready for our next adventure???

Blessings,
David and Madame David :) (I think I get to use my own name in Sierra Leone, it's Beth... right?)

Early May edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-05-04T16:10:00.005-04:00

Bonswa,

The heat and rain have arrived! It's so hot and humid, rains everyday now for a few hours. It's tough because it causes flooding on a lot of the roads/paths. Between Port au Prince and Grand Goave a bridge was destroyed by the earthquake and all vehicles are routed through the river. It's quite the ride! The sign before the "detour" states "deviation". New road sign:)

The new president, Michel Martelly will take office this month. Everyone is waiting...we pray that he will make some very positive changes in Haiti. We look around and see such potential in this country, if it's only allowed to be developed. Please continue to lift the new government in your prayers!

I seem to be struggling lately, probably too much time on my hands between teams. I get so frustrated at how quickly my "old" expectations creep back into my life. Sitting in the shed the other night with David watching a DVD on our computer and the rain started falling. After a couple of minutes I became frustrated that I couldn't hear the DVD because the rain hitting the metal roof was so loud. As soon as that thought hit me, a mental image of people sitting in tents with no floors and holes in their roofs followed. I pray that years of "expectations" continue to fade away. We've been living in a shed or one room at headquarters for a year now. It's hard, living out of your duffle and picking up and moving at a moments notice, it wears on you.

Sometimes I miss having a kitchen to cook in, a bathtub to soak in and a comfy couch or chair to sit on. Day in and day out, plastic lawn chairs leave a lot to be desired:) David and I share a Coleman queen sized blow up bed in Port au Prince and if one of us turns over, it wakes the other up. In Leogane, we each have handmade (by David) twin beds that we push together and try not to fall in crack during the night. In PAP we have a small refrigerator and a hot plate but we have to walk for water... I have to walk down the hall to access the faucet, I don't have to walk 3 miles with a bucket on my head. But still sometimes I find it so inconvenient. I am thankful each day for what I do have, but there are times I "want" more. Thank you God I know the difference between want and need. I can allow myself a very small pity party but then I do a reality check. All I have to do is walk down the street, step outside the shed and I become so thankful for everything He has provided for us. We're safe, housed, have water and food.... all the rest is frosting on the cake. There may be a time in the future I won't have a room full of Coleman gear, foot lockers and Luggable Loos... or maybe not! God knows his plans for us and he'll reveal them when it's time:)

David was sharing his heart with me the other night. When the project started in Leogane there were many people living in tents on the site. One young woman, raising three small children caught Davids' attention. He came home that first day and said he saw a woman that had no hope and it broke his heart. He said she never smiled, looked on the verge of tears constantly (which is unusual for Haitians) and as he described her "she had given up". He mentioned her almost daily and the sadness in his voice was painful to hear. David began charming the young children on the site (as he does so well) and soon they were following him around. As she saw David with the children, she began to take interest. He would speak to the children each day and greet the families. Finally one day she brought her baby out for David to see. She has a darling little girl of 8 months but was covered in bites, heat rash and running a high fever.. but smiling... The next day David gave her lotion and infant tylenol for the baby. Day after day David reached out to the people on site and when a team was here the woman invited them to her home. The team was not prepared for what they saw... she lives in a house made of pieces of sheet metal and tarps that she shares with another family.
There were makeshift beds but no mosquito nets. David and the team rigged up nets for her and the baby. Day by day she began to smile.. David said it was hard to tell at first, but he noticed she was out and about more often and playing with the kids. Now she's mingling with the workers and everyone on the site and laughing and smiling. This woman has had an impact on David like nothing I've ever seen. He believes God placed her in his life to confirm His words to encourage and love your fellow man. David feels his biggest accomplishment in Haiti has been to encourage and share Gods' love through this woman. If he does nothing else.. it will be enough.

It's exciting, people in PAP are beginning to recognize me on my daily walks. They greet me, we converse (limited for me) and many imitate me walking fast (mache vit) down the street. It makes me feel I belong... I love the people, their smiles, laughter and the crazy hand gestures (which I can relate to). I think I have fallen in love with them because they are so resilient and steadfast. They never stop moving and living. Early yesterday morning, I watched two mothers with their daughters coming out of tents walking through mud to reach the road. The girls dressed in their clean and pressed uniforms, black mary jane shoes and lacey socks and the mothers holding their hands and laughing and chatting. It appeared so "normal" it struck me again how much I learn about living life on lifes' terms here. You do the best with what is given to you and the people here have accomplished so much with what is available. I look around and see smiles and laughter and a camaraderie I envy.. Who is poorer? Those who have much and don't realize their blessings or those who take what they have and make it mean something?

• God has given me the courage to overcome my worst fear... snakes! I killed one in Zambia, out of sheer fright, but last weekend while sitting at the beach reading a book one slithered by and I just turned to David and said look honey, there's a snake... Calm, didn't scream or jump up.. it's SO not me. Our friend who sells lobster came over, saw it and said it was "deadly". Hmmm.. still didn't flip. Amazing... We found a beautiful beach in a isolated area that many missionaries go to for a little R & R. We try to get there a few times a month just to relax. Fresh whole lobster cooked on the beach and you can even pick out the one you want, all for about $10. What a treat! Then there is a little restaurant, run by Corsican man that has the best food I have ever had, he's a gourmet chef and has such pride in his work. The presentation of the food equals a five star restaurant in the states. It's so pretty you don't want to eat it, quite impressive... It's pricey so we only splurge and eat there once a month or so.

We have a crazy couple months coming up... our oldest sons' wedding is now in mid-June and then we go to Family camp in early July. It's so exciting to see him find his life partner, and she's a great person. It will be a family affair as the youngest two are in the wedding and our granddaughter will also be in attendance. Church family camp... we can't wait! We always looked forward to camping (okay maybe not so much the camping idea this year) but daily bible studies, evening prayer meetings and spending a week with others that shared our faith. We are hungry for spiritual guidance and companionship.

Yesterday was a very difficult day for me, why I'm not sure, but I know that at some point I felt a calm come over me that I attribute to prayer. Thank you for being there and praying for us. My words fail me...(which you all know doesn't happen too often)

God bless you
David and Madam David

April edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-04-19T16:59:00.002-04:00

Bonswa, li fè chò nan Hait (Good afternoon it is hot in Haiti)

The heat has descended upon us. When we first returned in January it was so pleasant and actually had to have a small blanket at night. Now it's back to sleeping as scantily clad as possible and trying not to move. "Winter" here doesn't last long, unlike the midwest... We hear Michigan has snow right now...can't even imagine snow at the moment. The metal shed tends to make one feel like they are living in a pressure cooker....

We are in Port au Prince for a few days and I always enjoy walking here. Just returned from my walk, I love the people here. Men, women, children on the way to and from school, vendors selling mangos. I passed 42 people (it's the accountant in me that can't stop counting) and only one did not respond to my greeting. Many people look very sober and sometimes stern but the moment you greet them, a big smile and a friendly response follow. Made me stop and wonder how many responses I would receive in the US?

Mangos are everywhere! They are literally dropping off trees everywhere you look. They don't lie on the ground long, people gather them and either eat them or sell them to others. They are so delicious and we discovered there is a certain type of mango here that isn't stringy... They are all delicious but one wonders how people manage without dental floss:)

The other day while driving on a road (really a path) off the main throughway I saw the most humbling thing... A young girl of about 5 or 6 was hanging two large tubs of clothes on a barbed wire fence to dry... my first thought was "How can she do that, at her age and she'll hurt herself on that wire". I felt a rush of sadness... here she was working so hard, at her age.. not out playing and having fun...then I looked again. Most people here put their clothes anywhere to dry, on rocks, trees, grass whatever is available. This young girl was using the wire fence but it's how she was hanging them. She was hanging clothes and grouping them by colors...dancing with a shirt like it was a partner... and singing! Speechless...

Just had a few teams here and as usual had a great time showing them the Haiti we have come to love. The first group was made up of many first timers and what an experience to watch God working in their lives. We worked in three different areas of Jacmel setting up medical clinics and working with Haitian Drs. The team really stepped up to the plate and worked so well together. We had a triage station then on to waiting area for the Drs. (while waiting you could have your fingernails painted) then the Dr. visit, trip to pharmacy station and then a small gift and prayer station before heading home. It was wonderful! After the Dr. visit you could then go out and play Duck Duck Goose or Ring Around the Rosy. In three days the team ministered to over 400 people in a clinic setting. They also visited a few areas where they met with children and did VBS activities. Love watching the children reduce the "blans" to blubbering puddles. There was a small boy of about 18-24 months that stole my heart. His mom brought him and his younger sibling in. This small child had an adults t-shirt on which mom had twisted into two knots on his back and it really looked cute but sans pants of any kind. He was having a ball, playing with a soccer ball on the floor with dirt all over him and laughing. This is Gods' grace in action and we are the privileged ones to view these glimpses of His love for us.

Last weeks' team worked with David on the mother/child clinic in Leogane. All big strong men and David worked them hard:) They moved alot of rocks and dug a large trench for a latrine. Their favorite time was providing lunch for the workers. There are a number of families still living on the site in tents that have been helping out. They will then be paid at the end of the job so they will have money to move to another location. A young mother with three children, one being a small baby of about 8 months touched everyones' heart. The small ones here really fight heat rash and some are just covered from head to toe. Sweet little one always smiling but looked like he should be suffering. Grace... My favorite, watching grown men color with children...

Grace is something God has been revealing to us constantly here. David was turning right into the compound the other day when a tap tap decided to make a new right lane and ran right into him. All the folks on the tap tap jumped out and proceeded to "yell" at David. Normally (in our prior life) David would have been yelling back and flipping out. Instead he just kept smiling and waving his arms to indicate the path of the vehicle. I was walking (okay I was near running) to the front of the compound to "quiet" him and realized God had the situation under control... He always does, I just tend to forget that.

We have finally gotten the tenants out of our home in Michigan. It's been such a struggle, we have worked hard to remain positive and not be distracted by worry. Please join us in praying that God brings forth good people to lease our home in a timely manner. Also pray that they have left it in good condition..

Thank you all for your continued emails and prayers. Sometimes thank you just doesn't seem to cover it...please know that we pray for you and are grateful to have such great people sharing our journey. It's funny but at times when things happen I find myself thinking...so and so would love that or would have laughed at that. You are never far from our thoughts. If not for you, we would not be here. May God continue to bless you and as we all remember his resurrection this week we can rest assured that we are indeed saved by His grace.

Blessings,
David and Madame David :)

Early April edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-04-12T14:46:00.001-04:00

Bonjour

Well the election was relatively quiet... What an answer to prayer! The results are to be announced on Monday, April 4th. Each candidate has expressed confidence that they won, so we shall see. Found a great website www.haitilibre.com which features fairly up to date news on Haiti. Doesn’t seem too biased either. Keep those prayers going!!!

David has been living in a metal shed (he’s moving up in the world) on a compound in Leogane. He's working on rebuilding a Mother/Child clinic here. He's happy to be working and when he isn't at the site he's puttering (his familys' favorite word) around here. It’s run by a large group of Baptist churches in Arkansas. They have teams coming in almost every week. It’s been a treat to meet more Christian brothers and sisters who want to share themselves and Gods’ word with the people in Haiti. A evangelical team just left yesterday. They held classes here each day instructing Haitians how to become strong evangelists. The classes were held just outside our “shed” so I was able to learn right along with the Haitians. Fascinating concepts and amazing testimonies from people. God is working here!

There are a number of kids on the compound and they, of course, love David. He was pretty sick a few weeks ago and each day they would come to peer inside and see if he was moving. They actually drug one of the women over one day to take him to the hospital. I tried everything I knew but could not get the fever down. I was able to take him to a large Drs. Without Borders facility here in Leogane. I spent most of the morning getting all my Creole sentences on paper so I would be able to communicate well… when we arrived we found the Drs. only spoke French! But the Lord provided and I was able to communicate, somehow, and they treated David. He’s much better now.

Ginny, Ariel and Sophony (pronounced so funny) have become fixtures at our shed. Sophony is 18, speaks quite a bit of English so she and I are taking turns teaching each other. I have a English/Creole picture dictionary and we quiz each other. Ginny is about 10 and stays here with her aunt while her parents work in Port au Prince. I am working on teaching her English, we have some flash/picture cards and have been using those to help. Ariel is three and like Auglide (from Petit Goave), is the queen of the compound. Her cries are met with immediate attention. The custodian, John Baptiste never stops moving or smiling. He's wonderful and has a great voice, he sings most of the day while he works.

Driving to Port au Prince the other day we passed a cattle auction. Each man who is selling a cow stakes the cow in a field and then people come to inspect them. The transaction is so fascinating as the method of payment can be pigs, chickens, goats, sugarcane you name it. Watching the motorcycle taxis cruising down the street with goats tied on the sides, chickens hanging off the goats and sugarcane piled 4 foot high... Took a walk the other day and kept seeing brightly painted signs for a new disco.. As I ventured farther down the street I came across the new club..… the establishment is comprised of a big boom box, a tarp on poles and three chairs. Must of cost more for the signs than the creation of the club But at night I can sure hear it!

Scientifically I’ve been told there is no true reason why hair and nails should grow faster in hot climates but they do! We arrived back here about nine weeks ago and, as I mentioned before, I looked like GI Jane, now I appear to have a mop on my head. David has shaved his head twice since we’ve arrived. I trim my fingernails at least once a week, and I know this because they are always dirty!

Sitting in the shed the other day and reading, I looked up to find a chicken had wandered in to visit. A rooster no less… as I learned from our days of raising chickens, if you don’t let a rooster know who is boss they will harass you forever. So I stood up and proceeded to “get” him out of the house by whatever means possible. .. which seemed to provide untold entertainment to everyone here. I can only imagine what I must have looked like…

One thing I have missed here that we loved in Zambia is all the beautiful handmade traditional clothing. The brightly colored ladies suits and mens shirts. I kept wondering why.. Got my answer... We have been reading a great book on the history of Haiti, so many things we don't understand or don't have answers for so we both decided to do research to help us. Apparently back in the 60s President Kennedy started a program of sending used clothing to countries, and Haiti was one of them. Unfortunately it began to undermine the local clothing industry, so much so that Haitians came to call hand-me-downs kenedis after the president. Well intentioned but....confirms our personal opinion that giving of ourselves and empowering people shows our Fathers' love and builds self respect and dignity. That's why we aligned ourselves with World Hope... opportunity, dignity and hope!

We are well, I'm happy being a "metal shed wife" when teams aren't here, trying to figure out what and how to cook meals on our Coleman two burner stove and the best way to conserve batteries on our fans:) Life is good! and we are more convinced each day that we are right where God wants us and we know alot of that is the result of all your prayers, thank you!

Well another team arrives today, many are first timers "newbies"... I can't wait to share Haiti with them and watch God work.

Blessings,
David and Beth

No explanation necessary...

2011-03-12T22:12:00.002-05:00

The kids take their shoes off before stepping on the tarp to sit and listen to bible study.. so cute

2011-03-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

What is that thing the Dr. is coming at me with???

2011-02-22T16:06:00.001-05:00

Bonswa,

It’s hard to believe we’ve only been back in Haiti for three weeks, it seems we never left

Question? Do you appreciate the fact that you have the opportunity to go to church? David and I were blessed Sunday to go to an English service with a team from Michigan. Only the second time we’ve attended church (spoken in English) since we arrived. I just sat there with tears streaming down my cheeks, sometimes we feel starved for the word and miss our church family so much. A young family had just arrived from Connecticut with five teenagers that were amazing praise and worship performers. We love Haitian church services, but just aren’t fluent enough to understand the message. It felt wonderful to be “fed”.

I know I’ve mentioned that feeling of inadequacy that many feel when they arrive in Haiti, how can I help, will it make a difference, what can I do? I have been experiencing those feelings so strongly the last few weeks. While out with a team in a remote area one of the translators, Wesley, and I fell behind talking. A man approached down the mountain and began pleading for help for his daughter. She had fallen two days prior and could not walk. I explained that I was not a Dr. and didn’t think I could help and began to walk away but he pleaded with me to do something. I couldn’t ignore him, Wesley and I walked back and he led us up the mountain to his daughter. He had made a bed for her on a flat surface (in the mountains not easy to find) away from their home and covered her knee with herbs and wrapped it in pieces of cloth. He unwrapped it and my first thought was her knee is broken and it’s miles to a hospital. I spoke to her and she bravely smiled and thanked me (for what, I asked myself)… I remembered that I had two ice packs in my backpack and some packets of Advil. I applied the first pack and explained how to use it. Then tried my best to tell him that if the swelling didn’t go down in a day or so she had to go to a hospital as I thought it was broken, then we prayed for her. He stood up with tears in his eyes and thanked me profusely.

The following week with a medical team I helped a nurse restrain a small girl of about 18 months that was so severely dehydrated that the other nurse couldn’t find a vein, no matter how hard she tried. All three of us tried to smile, coo and talk to her and she did what all kids do, cry and fight. I felt so helpless. Her mother thanked us all for helping. That night I just kept seeing those little arms covered with a rash and no vein to be seen.

It’s hard being here sometimes, the needs are great but they are being met….slowly. The pastor in church on Sunday talked about what does Haiti need? His answer was one that God has laid on my heart since we arrived. Haiti needs love, one hand helping another, we can’t fix everything but we can come alongside one person at a time. I did help that young girl, even if the ice pack only eased her pain for a short while she knew someone cared. I know that darling baby didn’t understand our words but she could see our faces and hear the love in our voices. Those are the things we tend to overlook.. the small glimpses of love and hope that are shared with another person.

First for me… had surgery on my neck last week on a table in the mess hall in Petit Goave. I had a cyst that kept re-infecting so Doc draped me up, numbed me and cut it out. All the ladies in the kitchen were mesmerized and it has cranked up my “image” with the cooks. Madam David is brave!! They kept looking at my neck and putting their thumbs up and smiling! David cut the stitches out yesterday and I’m healing nicely. Queen Auglide (the three year old doll) of Petit Goave has become quite the social butterfly, she’s so friendly now and running all over. One of the puppies born under our shed is now running around like crazy but the other one seems to have wandered away. She is so cute. Exciting to hear that many kids in Percin (the fishing village) are now awaiting sponsors through the Hope For Children program.

David has a new home, he’s living in a metal shed now in Leogane. He found a safe place to stay on the property of another NGO. I’ll be going to visit with him for a week until the next team arrives. He’s working between a school in the mountains of Jacmel and a mother/child clinic in Leogane. The school up the mountain is really coming along quickly, it was only started four weeks ago and the roof is going on now and the walls are being plastered. So exciting as a team did VBS with the kids there and currently they are holding school under a tarp on rocky ground. The nights David stays in the mountains he stays in a shelter with a bed that has a mattress made of hundreds of pieces of tightly woven cloths and clothing. He thought it was a regular mattress until during the night the middle of the bed began to unravel. Oh the experiences we have…

While in Terre Rogue with a team we shadowed the women who fetch water in order for the men to make mortar. They walk over a mile (one way) on a rocky uneven uphill path to fill their buckets and bring them back to the site. During the day they make this trek 10-12 times, talking and laughing, it’s social time for them. Here I am with my all terrain shoes on, huffing and puffing and I wasn’t even carrying anything. They are barefoot and expertly carrying buckets on their heads with no hands! The men and women on the team were blown away by the effort expended just to obtain water. So much for complaining when you turn the faucet on and nothing appears.. for a few seconds…

The clean up continues and it’s wonderful to see! We can’t get over how much has been accomplished in the two months we were in the states. For those that have been here, remember all those tents that people were living in on the median in the middle of the street? They are all gone and trees have been planted in their place. The number of people in the tent cities is diminishing. Not nearly the amount of rubble and trash littering the streets. It’s exciting!

The run off election will be March 20th and the campaigns are in full swing. Don’t think just because we are in Haiti we don’t get cell phone solicitations by candidates. Although it is in French or Creole, as soon as I hear the name I know what it is and hang up, just like home Please continue to keep this in your prayers, there have been outbursts of violence and some rioting. The UN can be seen in tanks and on the streets so hopefully it should not get out of control. We pray that God continues to grant peace during the next few weeks.

I’ll say one thing for living in one room, there is no way you can accumulate too much, of anything! I know it’s hard to believe but it took me three hours to clean one room, we just keep thinning out and disbursing things as we don’t use them. Teams have been very gracious in bringing us food and miscellaneous items and what we don’t need we give away to those that do need. My life can be condensed into a tub with a lid and a backpack. Who would have thought??

We had a number of churches and friends donate kids clothing, underwear and some backpacks. What a great time we had with teams giving them out… one little boy put the underpants on his head, not sure he knew what they were. Others put theirs on right away and were strutting their stuff, so cute! The moms were disappointed we didn’t have any their size and I’d be willing to bet a few tried to squeeze into young girls sizes that night. When did I last appreciate my underwear?? Hmm…

Well, I’m going to do my laundry which thanks to my dear friend Gail I have the “WONDER WASHER”. It’s a small portable hand crank machine that uses pressure to clean clothes. You can fit three or four things in there and it works!!! You just add detergent and crank. I love it and it really makes it easier than washing by hand. I’d spend four hours scrubbing clothes and wringing them out and it took me a day to recover. It’s a miracle! Now… a hand wringer in my future???

Thanks to all that have continued to commit to pray and support us. We are still behind in funding but know that if it’s God will it will happen!

To Donate :
World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151
Mark on your check our name and constituent No 28163
Or call donor services 1-888-466-4673
Check out our Facebook pages and website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com for new photos and information.

Bondye beni ou (God bless you)
David and Beth

David... with a child...surprise, surprise!

2011-02-22T15:59:00.000-05:00

Beautiful...

2011-02-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

Never enough laps to go around...

2011-02-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

Stickers are a big hit!!!

2011-02-22T15:54:00.000-05:00

Stoney Creek Team Day 12 of construction..

2011-02-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Day 10...

2011-02-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

Day Eight (they are sweating and it's only 8 AM)

2011-02-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

Day four

2011-02-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

Progress (two days)

2011-02-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

The school begins...

2011-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Early February edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-02-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

We’re back!!!!!!!

We arrived home in Haiti on Sunday. What a joy, everyone has been expressing their happiness at our return and it’s very heartwarming. The guards at WHH offices have been visiting, smiling and nodding as they speak very little English and my Creole is rusty. I did understand that they were happy God sent us back.

Hurt my back, went to the chiropractor on Saturday to have it fixed and then fell on the ice before we left and after moving suitcases and sitting in the plane, my back has been giving me grief. A team from NY arrived three hours after we did so David unpacked, repacked and away he went. I stayed behind to give my back a rest. The team is doing construction (9 men) so I don’t feel too bad since I’m not up to swinging a pick or a hammer David was like a racehorse at the starting gate, he couldn’t wait to get moving! He loves to be busy, I imagine our retirement (whenever that might be) will not be relaxed and lazy…

As we traveled from the airport I was struck with the thought that the streets looked cleaner, there appears to be less litter and rebuilding is really taking off.. It’s such a wonderful sight! I didn’t realize until we returned how much I had missed it. I ventured out for a short walk to stretch my back today. It’s “down” to 88 and was really beautiful, slight breeze and I didn’t start sweating for at least 10 minutes. I love walking here, the streets are where everything is happening. More shops on the curbs and sidewalks then in actual buildings. Watching the man selling sugarcane out of his wheelbarrow, his motions are so fluid as he cuts, shaves the bark and packages the cane and collects his money. The walking pharmacy in a bucket, how long must it take to build that wire cage and then attach each one of those bubble wrap packages? Kids in their uniforms on the way to school. The smells…. Chicken frying, vegetables, shoe polish, pigs, freshly made bread. My confusion standing in the store thinking I divide what by what to come up with the price?? So happy to be home..

Laughing, David shared with me how the team of nine men, David and numerous Haitians traveled up the mountains in Jacmel to the site of the school they are going to build to find 4 shovels and two wheelbarrows. Hmm, what’s wrong with this picture? We’ve been told that Haitian workers are suppose to come to work with their own tools but when they don’t bring them what happens? Needless to say, David and a few team members went back down the mountain to buy supplies. These guys have spent the last three days with picks, hammers and whatever just breaking up rock. I hear they are extremely tired each night but they are really getting a lot of work done! If their day jobs don’t work out they can always find work as extras for a prison/chain gang movie I’m looking forward to spending time with them Friday when they return to Port au Prince. David is going to be splitting his time running up and down the mountain between the school and a mother/child clinic in Leogane. When I say mountain, let’s see, imagine a 1 ½ lane road that winds all over, no guardrails, crazy big tap taps (buses) coming at you, not to mention parts of the mountain that occasionally fall onto the road, it would make one heck of a Disney ride. David loves it! He’ll be quite busy and it looks like we won’t be seeing much of each other after next week.

This team leaves on Saturday and another arrives from Michigan. They will be doing kids camps, VBS and light construction at the school site in the mountains in Jacmel. (Maybe I hope they aren’t reading this…) I love kids camps, they are always different and to watch the faces of the children (and the team members). They are so excited to listen, learn and play. Can’t wait!

Those rotten ants!!! They couldn’t even wait for me to unpack my weapons before they attacked. Within a short time, my hands and feet were a mess. But…. then I got down to business! I sprayed everything and everywhere…. and I haven’t been bitten since YEAH… of course now I’ll be going somewhere else and will need to do the same thing AGAIN! It’s working, until they develop an immunity.

The election results are to be announced today or tomorrow and the run-off election is scheduled for March 20th. Please continue to pray for Gods’ ultimate authority over this matter.

We have been working hard on fund raising and our budget but are still coming up short on our funding for the year. For those of you that have pledged monthly amounts to our work, if you can no longer meet those pledges please let us know. It would be very helpful to us in knowing where we stand and the amount of funds we still need to raise. If you are able and feel led to make a financial contribution you can check our website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com for information or you may send your contribution to

World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our name and constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at
https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 Thank you!

Thank you for all your prayers and emails. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful people “watching” our backs and lifting us up. We’re excited about what God has in store for us this year. We will keep updating our blog and Facebook pages with info and pictures.

Blessings,
Beth and David

P.S. Please feel free to contact World Hope about volunteering on a short term trip to Haiti, we’d love to see you and ……..I promise I’ll leave the lantern on for you

January edition of the Haiti Gazette

2011-02-02T18:58:00.000-05:00

Hello,

This weather is something else! Cold doesn’t truly describe it. Minus what???? I heard from a friend in Haiti who says it’s very cold there. It’s “down” to 80-85… Guess we’d better take our winter coats with us, lol. We are looking forward to not bundling up before stepping outside. Can’t wait to see the green landscape of Haiti..

It’s hard to believe that 5 days from now we’ll be in Haiti. The day we arrive a team from NY lands so we will hit the ground running. David and I are looking forward to getting back into “action”. He’s off to build a school in a mountain village, Bon Berger, outside of Jacmel. It’s the first village we visited when we arrived there last year and we are anxious to see what has happened there in the last year. Great story to share with you…I opened our email to find a message from Marcelin, one of the men that works with David, he speaks very little English and writes even less but he took the time to find someone (not to mention a internet café/tent) who put together a message that simply said “We r missing u Mr. David and pray you will be returning to us”. The message – touching… Davids’ face – priceless.

What fun (spoiling) we have had with our granddaughter Mia, she is such a joy. We now understand all that fawning grandparents do… she is, of course, the smartest, cutest and funniest

More excitement, oldest son Chad has proposed to his girlfriend Amanda and they will be married in Colorado on September 16th. Newest wedding dilemma… how to find the “perfect” mother of the groom dress while in Haiti?? I’m sure God has the perfect dress waiting .. and my sister is just the person to find it for me. Thank you Connie! She flew back to Ohio for a week this month and we had a great time together with her children and grandchildren. What a blessing and a gift God gives us in our families!

My girlfriends threw a “kids” shower for the children of Haiti a few weeks ago. So blessed with such wonderful, caring and loving friends. We had a great time (wonderful food, of course, what’s a shower without food?) and they were so generous in all the items they contributed for kids and adults in Haiti. Over half of our luggage is comprised of items to be dispersed to people. Medications, underwear, clothing, handmade shorts and dresses(thanks Kingston ladies!!!), knitting needles and yarn (thank you Virginia) and even some toys. Mia has been around us enough now to ask… “are those things for me or your kids in Haiti”?

We have had a wonderful visit with all our friends and family, it re-energizes us. For those of you we didn’t get the opportunity to see, we apologize even though we didn’t see you doesn’t mean we don’t think of you and pray for you. No matter how much time we have in the states, there is never enough time for everyone and everything we’d like to see and do. God continues to use others to bless us in so many ways, we have gotten to meet and spend time with the people behind all those powerful prayers, the churches that stand by us and those who have made the decision to donate to our support in these rough economic times. For those who took a moment of their time to call, drop a note, approach us at church or at home to say Hi we are grateful for your time and attention. Many of us may not realize that our mere presence, word or smile are blessings to those we come in contact with daily. What a gift!

Please continue to pray for the election of a new Haitian president. We have been hearing so many things, re-count isn’t correct, possible complete new election… A strong and honest government is so crucial to rebuilding Haiti. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Blessings,
Beth and David

P.S. Have the new “weapons” locked and loaded, the ants don’t stand a chance!!! (I hope) Maybe they will be hiding from the cold weather

P.P.S. We are still short on our funding which means it may not be possible for us to stay in Haiti through the end of 2011. If you are able and feel led to make a financial contribution
you can check our website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com for information or you may send your contribution to
World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our name and constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call
1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at
https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 . Thank you!

The school is finished!

2010-12-18T09:16:00.003-05:00

Mid December edition of the Haiti/Michigan Gazette

2010-12-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and greetings from the cold,

David and I arrived in Michigan safely and were greeted by ”wonderful” frigid weather. Can’t believe how quickly a persons’ blood thins! To think we have spent the last eight months wearing pants and a shirt and sleeping without even a sheet then to come back to this, I feel like I have my whole wardrobe on my body and at night with four or five blankets on us, I can hardly move. Our first night in the apartment we ran out of propane fuel so spent half the night with no heat. But….. I keep thinking, we have somewhere to stay, food and water so much luckier than many.

As you may have heard, the elections in Haiti were very stressful. The two candidates I mentioned previously were the top vote getters, Mirlande Manigat with 31% and Jude Celestin with 20%. There will be a runoff election on Jan 16th to determine who will be president. The announcement of the results were followed by riots, demonstrations and unrest. The last few weeks have been very volatile and we pray it calms down soon. The UN has been out in force. We have many friends in Haiti and it has not been safe for them to be out of their living spaces or go to work. The pictures on TV showing empty streets are haunting, Haitian streets are NEVER empty. Please keep the Haitian people in your prayers, this is a very important election for them.

For the first time in three years, we were stateside on Thanksgiving. We spent the day with our niece Jennifer and her family. It was a wonderful day in spite of the fact that the two turkeys weren’t cooperating. The lid on the cooker prevented one bird from being done on time and the deep fryer cooked one beautifully on the outside but inside.. not so well. I remember a day when those type of events would have made me crazy but I just couldn’t stop laughing. The food isn’t what it’s really about, it’s the family time. Isn’t that what memories are made of?? A “turkey-less” Thanksgiving makes for great leftovers!

We are still adjusting to the pace we Americans run at… David and I always joke with each other on the flight in that we need to put on our running shoes and get ready to jump back on the “hamster wheel”. No one hurries in Haiti… Many people say to us how nice you can come back and rest but we never seem to stop moving while we are here. We have a very busy speaking schedule, many Drs. and dentists to see and all the family and holiday functions. We are not complaining, it’s just a very busy life compared to the pace in Haiti.

Our granddaughter, Mia, is such a joy! We have been having so much fun with her. She’s so smart (of course), cute and funny. Didn’t take her long to figure us out… we were going to make Xmas cookies the other night and she was misbehaving so I said well we will have to make cookies another day. She said “I don’t like it when you say no, when Grandpa gets home he’ll make cookies with me”… He is such a pushover It’s really hard to leave her each time. We are having so much fun cuddling on our fold out couch, reading stories, watching kids movies and fighting for sleeping space. How can one small child take up so much room????

I just returned from Colorado (thank you frequent flier programs) visiting our oldest son, Chad. Great visit and I was honored he asked me to help him pick out an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Amanda. He has two dogs and a cat (he’s a vet) and it reminded me how much I miss having animals. I enjoyed spoiling them and taking nice long walks (on extremely smooth roads that did not challenge my balance constantly….). He and I went and picked out a Christmas tree, something we have done together since he was four years old. I was overwhelmed with memories, a little boy bundled in a snowsuit so big he could hardly move, picking out huge trees and then trying to fit them in the car and into the house. Love the smell of pine and evergreens, we had fun remembering.

One of the many blessings we are thankful for are all the wonderful people God has placed in our lives since this journey began three years ago. Last weekend we were in Grand Rapids with a group of friends we first met in Zambia and again in Haiti. Wonderful people with huge hearts and such a love for our Lord. We had a ball and were able to make even more new friends. David drove down to TN to visit his dad and made a quick trip to Atlanta to visit friends we met in Zambia and Haiti to speak at their church. Another long weekend coming up with great friends from Rochester Hills. Their daughter spent a month with us in Zambia and now we get “joint” custody while we are home Their church will be sending a team to Haiti in February. So happy that many churches are still so committed to Haiti!

We are homesick for Haiti. David and I continue to marvel at what God has done in our lives this year. To sit here in the US, with a comfortable place to stay, food, heat, electricity and water and miss living in a tent or a shed…. hmmmm…that is certainly God at work. This past year has been such a time of growth, filled with challenges but also with wonderful experiences that far outweigh any negatives. The Haitian people are so kind and caring, God has blessed us by placing us there.

David has many building projects scheduled for 2011 and the list of teams scheduled to visit Haiti grows daily. A special thanks to those of you that have been faithfully praying and supporting us since Day 1. Hope you are enjoying the journey! We have had many people step out and become prayer/financial partners and we continue to pray that God will move in the hearts of people and churches as they make their decision to partner with us. If God has been nudging you, please consider making a financial contribution to help us reach our support goal. We currently have 59% of our yearly goal made in pledges and another 14% in cash donations. That leaves us with 27% (roughly $16,000) to raise to meet our goal and return to Haiti.

Remember any contribution made before December 31 will be a charitable deduction on your 2010 income tax return. You may send them to
World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151

Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 . Thank you!

As we celebrate this season that leads up to the day of Jesus’ birth, take a moment to count your blessings and if you have more than you need (not want), bless someone else! May your holidays be happy and peaceful and always remember the reason for the season! Merry Christ-mas…

Blessings,
David and Beth

P.S. I have found new weapons to surprise the “enemy” with…. Watch out ants!!!

P.P.S. Sat down with a map the other night and realized that we now have friends in almost all of the states… one of our retirement “dreams” (when the Lord says we are done serving on the field) is to take a bike (motorcycle) trip across the US and visit everyone!

Latest breaking news from Haiti Gazette

2010-11-21T19:23:00.000-05:00

Bonswa…

David and I are in the room/office/home in Port au Prince packing up to catch our plane back to the US tomorrow. So many mixed feelings, it’s not like we aren’t coming back but it’s hard to leave (except the ants, of course).

We emptied out the “shed” in Petit Goave yesterday and so many came to see us off, it was emotional. I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but leaving the shed was hard, it had become home. The hardest was Auglide, the two year old “queen” of the campground. She’s finally gotten comfortable with us and can even say our names. I can’t count the number of times I would hear a knock at the door, open it to find Auglide smiling and a number of the other kids behind the door. One of the kids would say, Auglide vle bonbon (wants a cookie) so…

We cooked a lunch for the work crew on Friday. The guys were excited and David kept telling them to work instead of trying to help me. I learned how to make enough rice (that doesn’t stick)to serve 60 people and that you need someone to help you carry the pots when you are finished. I was cooking with my friend, Verlin, in a unfinished room on the site. You would not believe how clean pans get when you use dirt and stones to scrub them. While cooking, paint was gently falling on me through the incomplete roof and after the wooden spoon caught fire I kept thinking of my mom and what she would think… I think she’d be proud

The ants have been in rare form this week, planning and carrying out numerous attacks on me. Never underestimate a creature that can carry something five times its size on their back…. I have more bites than I’ve had since we arrived, it’s their send off for me. Many are in areas there shouldn’t be bites, they are shameless!!! It’s not fair that they are almost invisible. I’ll be working on my strategy while in the states. I haven’t conceded yet!!!!

I soaked up all I could on our ride back to Port au Prince, a ride in a vehicle here is NEVER boring nor is there much chance to nap.. Saturday is market day so many are shopping or selling and I love watching the facial expressions on everyone. The bartering, bantering and occasional bickering, it’s all part of the shopping experience. I don’t think I mentioned the “pharmacy” in a bucket… You see someone walking down the street carrying a bucket that has been fitted with a mesh cage (similar to tomato plant cages) and strung to that cage are hundreds of bubble paks of pharmaceuticals. They walk the streets dispensing, gives a whole new meaning to home delivery I’ve been told they are mostly aspirins, cold medicines and antibiotics. Wheelbarrows full of cut sugar cane, if you purchase a stalk, the vendor will take his machete and within seconds peel and pack it in plastic.

The motorcycles here……thousands upon thousands of them. The bikes are used as taxis, you purchase a bike for about $1000 and proceed to charge each person roughly 70 cents for a short ride. How many rides until you’ve paid it off? The funny thing is they can get five people on a small bike (we’re not talking street bikes or dirt bikes like the states) and drop them in various locations. We’ve seen bikes with three people, three crates of glass bottles, 50 lb bag of rice and a goat tied to the side. It’s a sight to see! I pray that I won’t have to take a taxi, after watching them dart in and out of traffic and dodge holes and animals, it looks so scary!

The cholera outbreak seems to be worsening, please keep this high on your prayer list. It’s so sad, as the cure is rather simple but for many not accessible. Cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can be treated by rehydrating (oral hydration salts or just a mix of salt/sugar) and antibiotic if possible. It is hard to imagine there are people that don’t have access to salt or sugar or clean water. World Hope Haiti sent a truck out this morning with portable health kits and thousands of hydration salt packages to be distributed in various areas. Many here don’t understand the disease and are very frightened. I pray that God places peace in their hearts.

David and I were reflecting back on when we first arrived here. We took turns encouraging each other but honestly I didn’t think we would make it. I kept praying that God would give me a sign(a BIG illuminated one) that this is where we were supposed to be. The heat, critters, garbage, destruction and our personal living conditions seemed too much. Along the way, we shelved our expectations and began to honestly look for the reasons God sent us here. It was slow at first, but the haze began to lift. We began seeing Haiti and its people and not focusing on the event and our views began to change dramatically. Life here has always been a struggle (especially when we compare it to what we in US have) the country has been dealing with poverty and hunger for years. Yet, life here continues daily, people work, children go to school, women have babies, no matter how devastating the earthquake life goes on. Many people that have come to Haiti express what we first saw when we arrived. How do people keep going, why are they still having more children, when will things change? The feelings of sadness and pity we sometimes express. The Haitian people are living, this is their life… they have picked themselves up and continued moving. The admiration I have the Haitian people is immeasurable… Why would we feel sorry for them… probably because as humans we compare their lifestyle to ours. The majority of people we have met here are happy, the children are beautiful. They may not have nice homes, a vehicle, nice clothes or shoes but I envy their peace, happiness and faith. I believe this is what God brought me here for… it’s a lesson I need to keep learning. We are happier and feel more peace now than when we arrived… Thanks to God and all of you for the continued prayer support during this part of our journey.

We head back tomorrow with mixed emotions, anxious to see family and friends but we also need to raise additional prayer and financial partners. Our speaking schedule is almost completely booked. We have eight weeks to raise roughly $28,000 in donations and pledges in order to return to Haiti. David has many building projects scheduled for 2011 and the list of teams scheduled to visit Haiti is growing daily. We are looking forward to a busy year! If God has been laying our work on your heart, please consider making a financial contribution to help us reach our support goal. Remember any contribution made before December 31 will be a charitable deduction on your 2010 income tax return. You may send them to World Hope International, Attn: Contributions Lockbox, P O Box 17151, Baltimore, MD 21297-1151. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. The quickest way to donate directly to our account is on-line at https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327 . Thank you!

Blessings to you and may we all be thankful for Gods’ blessings this year!
David and Madame Beth
(alias Grandpa and Grandma…can’t wait to see her!)

P.S. The presidential election in Haiti is next Sunday, please continue to pray that the people make a good choice and that the votes are counted accurately. In the past, this has not always been the case. The votes are counted by hand so the results won’t be announced for several days.

Haiti prayer request update

2010-11-12T15:02:00.011-05:00

The puppies

Greetings,

Once again I stand in awe of the power of prayer. Last week I appealed to all of you to pray that Hurricane Tomas would not bring much damage to Haiti when it hit. I asked this last Wednesday. We had been following the path of Tomas all week and as of Wednesday night he was projected to hit Haiti full on with major winds and rains beginning Thursday night and continuing through Saturday morning. On Thursday morning we awoke, checked the net and found that Tomas had made a strange hook like turn during the night. This turn scaled down the impact on Haiti drastically. Tomas hit on Friday, it was a glancing blow with flooding in Leogane and high winds, but that was it! I believe as we all prayed on Wednesday night God responded! I received so many replies with prayers, I am once again humbled. Mesi!!! I posted pictures on our website and Facebook of some of the flooding but you will be happy to know that all has dried out now.

David returned to Port au Prince yesterday and picked me up to return to Petit Goave. I had returned to meet a team that was due to arrive the end of October but could not come due to Tomas. On the ride back I saw a beautiful site! There is a huge river basin that runs through downtown that has been filled with plastic bottles and trash since we arrived. Yesterday morning there were workers in the basin with large bags picking up all the bottles. It brought tears to my eyes. Everywhere you look you see progress, people cleaning, building and working. It’s been 10 months ago today that the earthquake struck and considering the economy and disadvantages the people here face daily, the progress is huge!!!

The ants have taken over the shed in my absence. Within two minutes of arriving, I received my first bite, declared war and the shed looked like a battlefield by midafternoon. I had brought reinforcements (sprays, coils and bombs) from PaP and I used every weapon at my disposal. Today I continue to sweep up the “remains”…. Mama has removed the puppies from under the shed, only two but they are so cute. Both girls and the one is a bruiser! She’s huge. Had fun playing with them last night.

The school David has been working on is almost complete. The roof is on the main building and going up on the teachers’ building and storage facility. He’s hoping it will be finished before we come back to the states on the 22nd of November. They are pouring a concrete basketball court today and it looks great! I have posted pictures on Facebook and our website of the school. I really enjoy going to the site with David and watching him interact with all the workers and the kids. This morning when we got to the site it seems every child in school knows David and they all come running. To see his face light up, what a delight for me. The workers all stop to greet “the boss of David” which they all laugh heartily about as they know it’s a compliment to me but far from the truth There is a small boy on site that has been so sick, he’s been struggling with strange sores all over his body. David has been providing over the counter remedies and things for him, today I saw him and he looks great. The big strong foreman is a puddle of jello in the hands of children. Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a tender hearted man.

While in Port-au-Prince I would get up early and walk in the mornings. There is so much to see that I found it hard to look and keep my feet planted on even terrain at the same time. One never knows what the day holds… one day I had a pig as a walking partner, the next hen and chicks and my favorite, a young boy who lives on my walking route that has decided we will race each time we meet. We speed walk, running is not fair, and he loves figuring out ways to outsmart me. He will walk ahead, hide somewhere and when I think he’s gone… he’ll speed by laughing! I practice my Creole on him and he grins… just when I thought I was getting better.

The election campaigns have been heating up, lots of parades, demonstrations and cars driving around, with a speaker as big as the car mounted on the roof, proclaiming the virtues of their candidate. I was reading the local paper and it appears the one woman who is running for president is actually ahead in the polls. She has a good honest reputation and many like her. Please continue to pray that the people elect a president that will make a positive impact on the country. The election is November 28th.

Since the church has been holding all their services on the campground we have been able to observe and participate in many services. A funeral in Haiti is quite the event. The church service starts about two hours before the hearse arrives with the deceased. People come dressed in their best and they are beautiful, women with wide brimmed hats and high heels and men in nice suits. I can’t believe the women can navigate the roads here with heels, I’m lucky to remain upright with my Keen (all terrain) sandals. The singing is beautiful, when the hearse arrives all the flowers are placed on the roof of the hearse and the procession begins. First comes a 6-8 man band playing great music (sounds like New Orleans jazz) followed by the hearse which is followed by hundreds of people walking behind. They then proceed to the final resting place of the deceased. What a celebration of life!

We return to the US in 10 days and are looking forward to seeing everyone! Can’t wait to get our hands on our granddaughter… If you would like to contact us while we are home, our cell phone numbers are 517-918-7473 (Beth) or 517-918-7630 (David). We would love to hear from you. If you would like us to visit your church, small group or bible study and share what God is doing in Haiti don’t hesitate to call. There are a few dates still available. We will be in the states and hope to raise our support goal by the end of January. World Hope has a busy packed schedule of teams and jobs for 2011. David and I are excited. If you wish to partner with us through prayer or financially, please check out our website http://www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com/or to contribute on line visit https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327. We believe that if God wants us to be part of this work, he will provide for all our needs. He has provided for every need the last three years in addition to bringing so many great people into our lives. To acknowledge a few, Scott and Dawn (the hammer) from SD who shared their beautiful (soon to increase)family with us, Kim from SD (are we still in Haiti?) whose song remains here, Dennis and Wylene from GA, (focus /\ )beautiful people willing to go wherever and supply what is needed, Harv (alias Walt) who tries to hide what a big heart he has, the man/boys from VA (purple shirt included) who poured their hearts and love all over the kids, Kelly from Australia who dazzled everyone she met, Ruth from NY who has a huge heart for kids and Kyla from MI my “daughter” who God has HUGE plans for and her beautiful family. I could go on and on.. the blessings we have received. Thank you for being one of them!

Blessings,
David and Beth

P.S A good friend and fellow church member went home this week. Stacy, a beautiful woman with a heart for missions, spent a year ministering in Russia and worked faithfully with Hospice centers after her return. The last few years she has struggled with diabetes. Her passing was unexpected and she leaves her sister, brother and her husband Adam and many many friends. Please keep her family in your prayers, as we know when God calls his children home they are happy, joyous and free, it is we who are left behind that battle sadness and loss.

Hurricane Tomas Aftermath

2010-11-08T15:00:00.007-05:00

To the right is a road, not a river!

How blessed we are that on Thursday night, Tomas made an unexpected turn to the west before he turned north again. Instead of getting hit head on directly across the whole country, we only got a glancing blow...

Haiti Video

2010-11-01T13:55:00.000-04:00

The elections heat up and posters are everywhere!!!

2010-10-30T15:45:00.004-04:00

More posters for the elections, the larger the poster, the more money the candiates have. The number 10 party, denoted in the yellow and green signs is the wealthiest. The gentlemen in that poster is the current presidents son-in-law. He has 10s of thousands of posters everywhere!

Assorted photos

2010-10-30T15:39:00.004-04:00

Above the latest in construction photos, it's really moving fast and the sign posted for the construction.

To the left a funeral home, check out the casket with a window on the front porch!

Late October edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-10-22T14:26:00.003-04:00

Kompliman!

The rain has arrived… and lots of it. We’ve been experiencing a lot of flooding lately, so much so that part of the new ocean wall was washed into the ocean. David was so surprised but then when he looked next door and saw that the Mormon complex wall, that was three feet wide, also fell into the ocean. He’s now working at re-routing the water flow to slow it down before it hits the wall. The campground property changes elevation quite a bit from the road to the ocean. The water moves very fast when it’s raining hard. The “shed” has flooded a few times this past week so the “floor” is really clean now (after sweeping the mud away).

There are a number of dogs on the campground and one has always been my favorite. Not sure what her name is but this week she decided to bestow the honor on us of birthing her puppies “under” the shed. I kept hearing this scratching noise and thought “Oh no, we have rats”! I looked at the back of the shed and thought, we have VERY BIG rats. Big hole dug under the shed… Couldn’t figure it out until David tried to plug the hole with two cement blocks. We were laying in bed and heard this barking and loud clawing noise and went outside to find she had moved the blocks and was going under the shed. The light bulb went off and I realized she was getting ready to give birth. I laid in bed that night and listened to her have her puppies. The next day she walked right in the shed, looked at me and then led me back to the hole. I see two or three little black puppies with white markings. So cute, she now walks in everyday for “lunch” and then back to the hole to take care of “ti chens” (puppies).

The school David is working on is really moving along well. It’s scheduled to be finished November 15th. There are thirty Haitians working on the construction crew and they are great guys. David comes home at night with such funny stories. The men (and women) here are so strong, the guys are trying to teach David how to do handstands which they do for entertainment on their lunch breaks. I have never seen so many “six-packs” (stomach muscles) in my life. I made 40 peanut butter sandwiches for David to take to the guys for lunch today. He likes to treat them once in awhile and they are so appreciative.

I’m working hard on learning Creole and only slightly frustrated. The only language I’ve tried to learn that one word has MANY meanings. For instance, “mache” can mean walk, market, crawl or succeed. It can be very confusing but I’m sure I’ll get it. Thony (our project director) was explaining that it’s due to French influence… people walk to the market.. hence walk and market and maybe even crawl but what about succeed? I’m working on becoming bolder and trying to speak more but obviously my voice inflection is in need of more work It seems to provide entertainment wherever I go and try to speak, everyone laughs and tries to help me. I can go to the market and shop for all the vegetables by name now!

What a treat to have time to just watch the world around me… While stuck in traffic the other day saw a woman washing her feet and then using a rock, as a pumice stone, to get the rough edges off. I so enjoy going to the market and observing the people with each other. They are always laughing and smiling, two people next to each other can be selling the same thing and actually help each other with their sales. The few times we’ve been out at night there is so much to see, all the street vendors have candles lit (look like luminaries) displaying their wares. Little makeshift restaurants on the roadside with roughly constructed tables and seats and wonderful smelling food emanating from huge cast iron cauldrons. The first session of school is dismissed at noon and I enjoy watching the kids walking home. Each school has its’ own uniforms so they all have different colors and styles. The preschool kids are the cutest, they have little aprons over their shirt and short pants with their names embroidered on. The socks and hair ribbons usually always match. Our friend Jacqueline is raising Julie (a earthquake orphan) and she just started school. We went over there for her first day and she was all dressed in her uniform, bows in her hair and the biggest smile on her face.

David, of course, knows almost everyone in Petit Goave. Everywhere we go I hear shouts of “Da-vid” and now “Madam Da-vid”. It still amazes me… before we followed Gods’ call to Zambia, David was so quiet and rather shy. He didn’t speak to people he didn’t know and was very introverted. God has opened him up and now he’s Mr. Congeniality! We visit Percin and all the kids and adults come running to “Da-vid”. I love watching him talk to people on the street, workers or team members about what Jesus did for him and can do for others who seek him.

We are experiencing a major increase in population this month. Lots of what I call “earthquake” babies. As humans, many times we respond to calamity and trauma by reaching out to one another for comfort. The intimacy between husband and wife is very apparent, so we see many tiny babies and women due to deliver any day. Saw a young girl leaving the clinic with a newborn the other day and she hopped on a motorcycle to get a ride home. Such a different picture from home where one of the clinic staff would say “Where is the car seat?, you can’t take the baby without a car seat”. Most little ones have ridden on a motorcycle by the time they are a week old…

Please remember, no matter where you are, you can help Haiti! By praying, financially supporting the work, being part of a team or continuing to keep Haiti and its’ needs in the forefront of your church and your sphere of friends. It’s been over nine months and many have come and gone but now the need is greater than ever. Clean up and rebuilding has begun, we even saw a stone crushing machine the other day! It’s exciting! I was doing my devotions the other morning and came across this reading “Approach each new day with desire to find Me. Before you get out of bed, I have already been working to prepare the path that will get you through this day. There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some of them are trials, designed to shake you free from earthly-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My presence: sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer. I have not abandoned this sin-wracked world; I am still richly present in it.” Looking around Haiti, my first impressions were devastation, death and hopelessness. Now I realize.. that’s not what Haiti presented, that’s what I saw. After living here, I see joy, happiness, resilience, peace and boundless hope and I see God working everywhere here! Between now and the end of November I ask you to pray daily for the election of the new president. The front runner is the son-in-law of the current president, he’s wealthy and has not proved to be generous with any of his wealth. Pray that the Haitian people are not swayed by the wealth of the candidate but by their words and deeds.

We have a great new way for anyone to donate on line, a direct link to our account! Just follow this link https://giving.wesupport.org/gift2/designation.php?GUID=0A797C5B-2B8A-4686-AB22-A52383315A6B&id=7327
You don’t need to enter our account number and our name will be displayed so you know you are in the right place! Thank you again for your continued prayer/financial support. We are excited to get home in November and begin visiting many of our friends and partners. (Not to mention our beautiful granddaughter, Mia and our sons) It will be a busy time and we trust that if God wishes us to continue his work in Haiti, he will provide the people necessary to cover us in prayer and support us financially. If you’d like us to visit your church or small group, please contact me as soon as possible. We only have a few openings available.

Blessings,
David and Beth

PS Ok, I’m desperate, anyone have any idea how to become unattractive to ants??? They don’t care much for David but me……. I have a new fragrance,” eu de insecticide”… David doesn’t care much for it

PPS Missing and praying for our dear friends in Zambia, we love you!

PPPS Check out our blog www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com or facebook for current pictures…

The church EMD built in DeCurtis

2010-10-07T14:45:00.000-04:00

Building of school at DeCurtis

2010-10-07T14:36:00.003-04:00

Mid October edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-10-07T14:11:00.002-04:00

Bonjou! Koman ou ye? Mwen byen… (Good morning, how are you, I’m fine)

My last few weeks have been spent being a “shed” (house) wife. I’ve even discovered that you can scrub bare wood with a broom (can you tell I have some time on my hands?) and it helps fight the ants! We are still at war! It’s not fair that they are invisible…Serving coffee in the morning, sweeping the shed, working on laundry and spending three hours a day studying Creole armed with my software, workbooks and CDs. I’m getting it! Now to overcome the intimidation of speaking it. David has started building a school in DeCurtis, outside of Petit Goave, so I’ve been able to spend time with him the last few weeks. The kids from Percin, Johno, Dotsie, Reginald and Livingston have been helping me with my Creole. I practice with them, they laugh and correct me and then I try to teach them the English words for what I’m trying to say. The ladies in the kitchen, Mary, Lorett and Vanessa have also been helping me. It only took me 10 minutes to explain that I needed a birthday cake for a team member.. I didn’t even have to use hand signals or draw anything Now they know I understand a little I have to keep reminding them to “pale lan” (speak slowly) so I can try to understand. Pray that I’m able to continue to overcome my fear of speaking…

We went to visit Percin (the fishing village) last week and were so happy to see that another group is building single room homes of wood for many of the people. It’s wonderful to see the people painting their houses and making them their own. Percin has always been very poor and most structures there are made up of scraps of tin. The people there are always full of smiles and kind words to say… A few churches in the states have become very supportive of Percin and can’t wait for them to see the changes.

The cleanup and rebuilding is continuing to explode! We see dump trucks picking up loads of rubble and garbage from the street and bulldozers taking down large buildings. For those of you who have been here, the Caribbean market (which was shown on much of CNN footage after the quake) has been reduced to a small pile of rubble. Small buildings are popping up all over, the people that used to live in tents on the median in the street are moving and a number of empty spaces can be seen on the soccer field which is Leoganes’ large tent city. Many of these tents have been up for almost nine months and are falling apart. I don’t think tents were made for daily occupancy. Hopefully that may encourage people to find other shelter. Haiti looks much different than when we arrived six months ago. They still have so much work to do and they are in need of our help and prayers. Please continue to lift the country and people in your daily prayers.

Many of you are aware that David and I have been struggling with being spiritually fed since we’ve been in Haiti. The past few weeks have been delightful! Two different teams from our home district in Michigan have visited to build a church in DeCurtis. Last week each morning we had worship services with the team and then to our surprise, the Wesleyan church in Petit Goave has moved its’ services to the campground while they renovate their church. Imagine waking in the morning to the most beautiful voices singing and praising Jesus. Church here begins at 6 AM and goes until 9:30 or 10 am. We watched as hundreds of people trickled in for service. The most beautiful children and all dressed up for church, one little girl holding her mom and dads’ hands, dressed in a bright red dress with matching red lace socks and black Mary Jane shoes. Her hair tied up with red and white bows. She was just smiling and looking between her parents. The most unusual thing, so many children but no talking, whining or crying during service. The school age children cross their arms across their chests when they pray. We attended the service and joined in worship singing their hymns in English and feeling so peaceful. Didn’t understand much of the sermon but it was wonderful…

This morning was ladies bible study, what a wonderful experience! The ladies gather, read their bibles and then proceed to begin corporate prayer which involves kneeling, laying on the ground or standing on the bench. I wonder when/why we Americans became so stoic in our worship? It was so exciting to be part of their service and although I couldn’t understand everything being said I definitely got the point! God was being exalted and praised in so many ways. It’s been three hours and the ladies are still going strong…

The church and the school are being built at the same site. The first team came down, set the posts, built the trusses and put them up. The second team has put the roof on and finished the tin work. The first team included the pastor, Chris Steinle, that led the first mission trip I ever went on. God used him mightily to speak to me during that trip and we talked about how that changed my and Davids’ life forever. He and I prayed that first trip that God would speak to Davids’ heart about missions and just look what happened…Who would have thought 10 years later we’d be sitting on a different mission field talking about how God answers prayer? The second team is a few men from our church and it’s so nice to hear what is happening at home. They brought “gifts” from home. Pop tarts, beef jerky, starbucks coffee, peanut butter, mixed nuts etc! It’s amazing what comfort a little piece of home brings… Thanks to all our church family, especially Colleen Syzskowski and her husband Mike. They went to many different stores and many places donated items to bring to us. We are so blessed to be part of a wonderful church. Please take a moment to lift Colleen up in prayer, she will be undergoing surgery next week.

Continuing with some of my comments from the last update… I reflect back on when I thought we were making such a sacrifice to follow God and go to Zambia to serve his people. Of course I knew we would have a house to live in with bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and electricity. When I think of it now, if God had first called us to Haiti I wonder…would I have gone?? The truth about ourselves and the inward glimpses we get can be overwhelming. I worry how long will it take, after we are back in the states, or serving in another country someday before I won’t think of people in tents the minute it starts to rain? That I won’t appreciate water that so readily comes out of the tap, the shower and thousands of water fountains everywhere? Holding the heel of bread in my hand and knowing it is probably someones’ meal for the day? As I’ve “suffered” in my Coleman tent with a floor, a portable fan, a cot that keeps me off the ground and more food then I can eat… I could say life here is hard but I really don’t have a clue and sometimes I feel like a hypocrite. But… I am so thankful that God knows all those answers and he has brought me to where I am today, which is exactly where he wants me! I can sit on the ocean wall with my husband and truly enjoy the beauty of a sunset without being distracted. I feel a great burden lifted off me, not having to create a perfect nest in order to feel happy. I sit in the shed filled with this childlike wonder that I can be so happy here. Home doesn’t have a look anymore, it’s a sense of peace wherever I am. There is a contentment in me that I have been longing for all my life. What’s that old song “Looking for contentment in all the wrong places”…Our marriage is stronger than its’ ever been and we’ve learned to see all the miracles around us and stopped looking outward for things to make us happy. We are a work in progress and it’s exciting to think of what God has in store for us…We pray that we never forget what we have seen and been part of and that it continue to grow us stronger in our walk with the Lord.

Thanks to all of you for helping us to reach this point in our lives. Without your prayers and support, we wouldn’t be where we are today and it’s a great place to be!!!!!!!!!!!! There are so many times during the day that we actually sense someones’ prayers. Mesi beaucoup! I’ve posted a number of pictures on Facebook and the website, check them out…

We will be back in the states November 20th through mid January. The Haiti elections are coming up and due to the political climate it is better we are not in country. There will be a new president this year, no more terms for the current one. Please join us in praying that God make his desires known. If you and/or your church would like to have us share about our work here in Haiti, please email and we’ll put you on the schedule. We still have a few dates available and we’d love to visit! We continue to work our way out of the financial slump and in order for us to remain on the field , we do need your continued support. The end of the year is fast approaching and remember all your donations are tax-deductible. If you wish to contribute, please follow the instructions on our website, www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com or call World Hope at 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services (make sure you ask them to apply your contribution to our account number 28163) If you wish to make a donation by mail:

World Hope International
Attn: Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297-1151
Please note our name and account number (28163)on your check

May God be your strength and comfort today and everyday!
David and Madam David,
alias Bef (Haitians can’t pronounce th..)

Beth, the "pharmacist"

2010-09-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

Face painting fun...

2010-09-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Davids' favorite "new" restaurant

2010-09-23T17:05:00.000-04:00

It is a very big wall..

2010-09-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

Last of the wall going up.,..

2010-09-23T16:58:00.000-04:00

September edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-09-23T16:48:00.002-04:00

Kompliman! (Greetings)

Been spending a few days between teams in Port au Prince, life here is very different. World Hope Haiti offices are located in a middle class residential neighborhood in an area that is relatively safe. It’s nestled off the main street where the roads are hilly, but paved. There is a section of road where we always hold our breath, no matter what vehicle we are in it bottoms out, just to what degree… We had a bus full of over 25 people and luggage and we had to get out and walk so the bus could make it up the road. I’ve walked through the neighborhood in early morning just absorbing the atmosphere. Since its’ what you would call an upscale neighborhood, the vendors come to you. The tinkling of a small bell alerts you that the man that shines shoes is nearby, a man carrying a cooler of cold drinks calls out his wares to those in houses and early in the day household workers are seen walking to work. The street side vendors are few but can be seen nestled back away from the road. I catch a glimpse behind tall concrete walls and fences occasionally to see beautiful homes and even a few swimming pools. Truly a different world then what is found a mile away. When I walk I try to smile and greet everyone and it’s always met with a big smile and greeting in return. The children (timouns) always giggle and call me blan (white person) or Madam blan Those beautiful smiles are such a delight…

There is a small strip “mall” within walking distance with a gas station, small market and the infamous “Hot and Fresh” restaurant. Spent sometime today perusing the market. Food stuffs are so expensive here. They do have a lot of the same items we have in the states but the prices are very inflated. The restaurant has great food but can’t let the menu deceive you… they have pizza listed but since we’ve been here it’s always finished.:) Personally, I don’t think it ever got started

We are feeling so encouraged, the more we travel the more progress we see. On our way back from Petit Goave I was impressed by all the work being done. It’s like watching the city come back to life. It will be a long road but the journey has begun. At the end of my walking route there is a very large house and grounds that was occupied by 10-15 large tents since we arrived. I noticed yesterday that all the tents are gone and the area is clean. I’ve officially seen more heavy equipment in the last two weeks than I have seen since our arrival!

I know I’ve “mentioned” this before but please don’t forget… One person can make a difference! We have a medical team here and have been traveling to various areas ministering to people. Yesterday we arrived and saw a number of people waiting, among them were a mom and dad with their young son stretched across their legs. He was covered in horrible sores and obviously in pain. Our two doctors checked him out and discovered he had a staph infection brought on after the impetigo he had got infected and his kidneys had begun to shut down. They said (not to the parents) that if he didn’t get to a hospital immediately he would die by the end of the day. The team leader, David, Michael (translator) and the family went off in the bus. They found a private hospital that began treating him immediately. The hospital required that they buy 10 days of meds for him and it just so happened that “buried” next door was a branch of Drs. Without borders who gave them all the meds free! David negotiated (his favorite thing) and got the hospital bill reduced by 75%. This young man will grow up now and all because someone was here… God is so good! What we may be called to do may not be quite so “dramatic” but it does matter! All people need and want the comfort of our heavenly father and friendship of others.. what would it be like if no one reached out to anyone??

David is excited, he starts his next project on Monday. He will be building a school in Verger which is about 9 km. outside of Petit Goave. The architect has drawn the plans and materials are being ordered. Our church district in Michigan is sending two back to back teams this week to construct a church at the same location. He loves being busy! The wall at the campground looks wonderful.

I’ve been struggling with a variety of weird illnesses but isn’t it great when the Dr. does (country) house calls??? Hoping to feel back to myself soon. I’ve been bombarded with this idea lately, which tells me God is trying to get my attention. The idea of home and what that means to me. I used to think of home as a family, house, dog and cat, all the usual things. I spent much of my life trying to “achieve” home… But the homes I created were never quite enough. When we left for the field in Zambia I knew that a home awaited us. I began recreating what I perceived as home. Now God knows (and me of course) I do not like to move, never have and never will. As a child we moved constantly and my sister and I went to so many different schools and lived many places. My “dream” was to live in the same place forever! When we returned from Zambia our apartment was flooded, we lived in a hotel for 60 days and then our one room apartment for two months. When we were asked to come to Haiti we “knew” we wouldn’t have a house right away but I was thinking TEMPORARY! Here we are six months into our job and still no home but the strange thing is its alright. I finally understand what it means in the Bible when we are instructed not to rely on self, material possessions and building homes with no true foundation. My home is God. The peace that learned lesson gives me is phenomenal. God has been so patient and bringing me along slowly knowing I’m one of those people that has to learn themselves. I like to think he chuckled that moment I “got” it!! It’s stated clearly in the book of Mark 10:17-24. I’ve read it many times but I’ve finally seen it! My sister, Connie, suggested I write about just this subject and I’m starting to put thoughts and sentences down in detail. We’ll see… Where is your home? Really?

We will be back in the states from mid to late November through December. The Haiti elections are coming up and due to the political climate it is better we are not in country. There will be a new president this year, no more terms for the current one. Please join us in praying that God make his desires known. If you and/or your church would like to have us share about our work here in Haiti, please email and we’ll put you on the schedule. We are still fighting out of the financial slump and in order for us to remain on the field , we do need your continued support. If you wish to contribute, please follow the instructions on our website, www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com or call World Hope at 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services (make sure you ask them to apply your contribution to our account number 28163) If you wish to make a donation by mail:
World Hope International
c/0 Contributions Lockbox
P O Box 17151
Baltimore, MD 21297
Please note our name and account number on your check

Blessings,
David and Madam blan…

Updated score: Ants 13 – Beth 10 but I won’t give up!!!

It’s cooled down to only 100 degrees this week

Mid July edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-07-17T13:45:00.004-04:00

Wow!!!

It’s so good to know that voices are heard and God uses whatever means available to get things done This past week there has been a lot of the news coverage through ABC and Anderson Cooper regarding why so many relief supplies have not reached the Haitian people. Many containers that were shipped here months ago have been sitting in customs at the airport or sea port held by the government for a myriad of reasons, none making much sense to anyone. World Hope in Haiti was informed on Thursday night that one of the containers earmarked for WH was being released and needed to be unloaded immediately. Thony, the country director and numerous employees went to the airport and didn’t finish unloading the container until around 1 AM. What a blessing yesterday to see all those relief supplies being packaged up to be delivered to people! If you could see the conditions many live in right now, you’d understand why a bar of soap, washcloth, can of Spam and various toiletries mean so much..

As in most poor countries the key is clean water. Thankfully, the container held a large amount of bottled water that will bless many people. We saw a man the other day, standing in a very dirty stream of water, trying to capture and strain water through a couple pieces of cotton. Just when you think your heart can’t break anymore, there it goes… but then he looks up at you and smiles. Lord let me always remain teachable…

What a surprise, the Nazarene compound is a few blocks from World Hope and we were able to meet up with a couple that used to pastor a church in Tennessee that Davids’ father and his wife attended. We had dinner and visited with them, what a small world! They have been coming to Haiti for over twenty years and love the people here, got some tips from them about learning creole, there is hope for us!

Keep hearing of the major heat wave hitting in the states right now… Hang in there we feel your pain! Good news, David and I are both losing weight, I think we are “melting” a little. It is amazing how quickly your body adjusts, it’s still uncomfortable but it’s just become tolerable. I don’t travel anywhere without a hand fan and a washcloth to mop away the sweat. Quite the fashion statement! Wish my mom could see me now… we seem to be are moving into that stage (remember it from Zambia) where we are really missing our kids and families, please pray that God continues to provide peace and comfort to us.

We keep hearing and seeing one continual scenario playing over and over here - graciousness! Each person that comes is blessed by the people here who never hesitate to thank you for coming and helping their country, from the WHH staff to people encountered on the street or in the tent cities. The resilience of the people is inspiring, they display their belief that God will provide, and He does…

Please continue to pray as there are hundreds of containers waiting for release to many relief organizations here in Haiti. It’s so exciting, in the last few weeks we have seen so much cleanup and rebuilding. These signs are so encouraging to the Haitian people, knowing that things are moving ahead. Imagine how they feel…

Blessings,
David and Beth

Wilson, "comic extraordinare"

2010-07-11T15:31:00.001-04:00

David and Father Abraham

2010-07-11T15:17:00.001-04:00

Kijan ou ye? (how are you)

First, let me say thank you (merci!!) After I sent out the prayer request regarding our tenants lack of payment, they paid within two days. We were flooded with prayers and feel so fortunate to have such mighty prayer partners on our team. It’s a new month and we pray that they will continue to catch up

It’s been a pleasure to see a few familiar faces from Zambia teams on the last two Haiti teams. We laugh and joke that people are following us  but we know who they are following... We all seem to agree it’s a lot hotter than the last time we met. A church in Michigan sent down a work team to help David on constructing the wall around the Wesleyan compound in Petit Goave. They worked so hard and it was so hot! Working together with the Haitian crew they got so much accomplished. Creating forms for the pillars and columns with rebar, using pliers and a hacksaw. As was the case in Zambia, there are few tools available and most of the work is done by hand. Thanks to our dear friends from Georgia who supplied David with so many tools, you’d of thought it was Christmas. A few weeks ago Global Partners sent a small team down to finish putting a roof on a dormitory in the campground. Lucky David, he was able to spend 5 days with people from our district, including our own pastor. I was disappointed I couldn’t see him but was with a team on the other side of the mountain. It was wonderful, he delivered letters to us from our friends at church, lots of encouragement and lots of goodies!

I’ve never experienced heat like this. Waking up in the morning by the time your feet hit the ground, you are sweating! The amount of water that one has to consume is unreal. Think of it as each person drinking the equivalent of 4-5 days’ intake of water in the states, EVERY day! I am lovingly referred to as “the water nazi”. It doesn’t take long to get dehydrated or suffer heat stroke. The humidity is so thick it seems you could cut it. We had a youth (20 somethings) team here last week and 5 out of 6 of them got overheated and sick . I was able to practice my mothering skills and laughingly told them... Ha you thought you left your mother at home We currently have a childrens’ ministry team here from South Dakota and are having such fun with them. We’ve been visiting orphanages each day and sharing bible stories, songs and crafts with the kids. We have also been able to provide and serve a small meal for the children each day. We are attempting to learn creole and obviously have a ways to go… each time we speak it’s received with laughter

David got his first haircut here, we found a “barbershop” and into the chair he went... No scissors to be found but lots of electric clippers. For those who know David, he doesn’t have tons of hair but it took almost an hour to cut his hair. The gentlemen then turned to me with clippers in hand and tried to motion me to the chair. Smiling and nodding, I backed out of the shop. I do need a haircut BUT…

David has been very busy overseeing the rebuilding of the wall at the Wesleyan compound. It’s a huge project and building supplies are hard to obtain. They are currently waiting for blocks, as the company they have been buying from had a mechanical failure. Can you imagine being a 60 something man and shoveling sand and stone with mortar all day long in 110-115 degree heat? We’ve nicknamed him Iron Man. The groundskeeper for the campground is affectionately called “Father Abraham”, he is in his 60s with a disarming toothless grin, a young wife and many sons (couple of daughters too).

In addition, Regino, Dodsie and Johno the three young men that meet and greet each team. The boys are best friends and about 8-10 years of age. They have all recently gotten the opportunity to go to school and are so happy. They are so sweet and to see the occasional smile that has begun to form on Johnos’ face is priceless. They wait for the team each afternoon as we return from the field, anxious to play.

As usual, everyone in Petit Goave and on the campground now knows David. He makes friends so easily and everyone knows the “blanc” (white person) Watters. A few ladies have adopted him and feed him when teams aren’t here. They are spoiling him rotten. Of course he has more than a few children that follow him around. My new name is Madam David.. sound familiar?? Mrs. David???

The month of August will be hopping with teams, we have teacher mentoring, medical and day camps going on. Never a dull moment, it’s great meeting new friends and reconnecting with others. It’s a pleasure (no matter how sweaty) to assist in guiding people in their experiences in Haiti. Thank you to all the churches and pastors that continue to speak of Haiti to their congregations and organize mission trips. It’s been six months, most of the charitable agencies have gone but the people here need help more than ever. Many of us may wonder what can one person or a team of six or seven do that will really help?? A LOT!!!!!! Your obedience to Gods’ call and your love is all that is necessary. You come, I can guarantee God will be here. We can’t change anything overnight but we can help one person at a time. If each person that has visited since January (just through World Hope) has touched only one person, that’s close to a thousand people that have been encouraged and lifted up.

Rebuilding IS happening, just since I was last in PuP (two weeks ago) I have noticed a number of sites where rubble is being moved and cleaned up. Praise God! Please continue to lift up the needs of Haiti in prayer. Thank you for your faithfulness and your continued support of us during this journey. We love you and pray for you daily. Till next time…

Bondye beni w (God bless you)

David and Madam David

PS Did you know the way to a missionaries heart? Oreos and Poptarts!

PPS NEVER sit down without looking first, I almost sat on a gigantic tarantula the other night, my heart was pounding for more than a few minutes

Gods' handiwork!

2010-06-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

Early June edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-06-07T14:32:00.003-04:00

Bonswa and Komen ou ye (Good evening and how are you),

Despite the devastation what a beautiful country this is, traveling through the mountains the view looking down onto Port au Prince and the ocean, spectacular! The hills are lush green and the fresh coconuts and mangos are wonderful. Today is the first day we’ve stopped moving. I just soaked my feet in a bucket, first time in two weeks they have been really clean

The sites we’ve seen… imagine a two story building collapsed onto itself creating a 12 ft. mountain of rubble AND one man sitting on the top of that with a hammer just chipping away. Looking at the remains of the largest grocery market in Port au Prince and spotting a lone shoe imbedded in what remained of a cinder block, one wonders the fate of the owner of that shoe. A small store, about 8 ft wide, open and selling hardware wedged between two huge piles of rubble that used to be buildings. A lone shirtless man standing in the sewer shoveling garbage out of the drain in order for the rain water to stop flooding the street vendors. A young man named Joshua who stopped me and asked if I had seen his parents. He has been walking and looking for them since January. I could hardly speak… We are so thankful that God is bigger than all of us and all we see. He provides for all his children and will continue to do so, he’s loving, forgiving and our comforter.

Everywhere you look you can see what God is doing here, in the midst of all the devastation. People going about their daily lives, trying to recreate some sense of “normal”, (please pray that the tent cities won’t become the new normal). There is frustration that the government isn’t sharing plans with the people as to how removing rubble and rebuilding will occur but they just keep pressing on. Traveling through towns where people are trying to move rubble (with a make shift shovel) and create a home. To see a older woman with very bad teeth but the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen waiting to get her teeth cleaned. You could feel her peace and sense of contentment. The smiles and waves when you pass by. The traffic is unlike anything I have ever seen but unique. Cars, trucks and motorcycles cut in and out, making two lanes into five at times but the drivers are always allowing others to cut in and out. How they can constantly be aware of where all the vehicles around them are and not hit them, divine intervention

The teams arrive willing to do whatever they are asked in order to serve the Haitian people. Teams with medical, construction and childrens’ ministries doing their thing in POURING rain.. with smiles on their faces. I’m so proud of my fellow Americans! Two dental hygienists treated over 200 people in four days, two nurses saw over 300 people in four days. The child like amazement of the team (me especially) as we had our first encounter in “cooking” and eating a MRE, the same food packs our soldiers eat on the field. Evenings spent sitting on the concrete wall looking at the most spectacular sunsets, each one totally different, the colors are amazing and the islands are beautiful. We have debrief and devotions there and it’s so peaceful. You should see the pigs, they walk down the beach and take a dip in the ocean, so funny! Watching God work in the hearts of team members, very humbling…

We spent the last two weeks at the Wesleyan campground in Petit Goave, about 3 hours from Port au Prince. The first week was rain, rain and more rain. Remember those camping trips where you find yourself peeling your clothes on and off like a wet bathing suit? But God blessed us and we discovered a stock pile of tarps we could drape over our tents and stop the leaking.. The second week was hot, humid and sunny every day. I think some of those crazy birds from the dinosaur age were stirred up during the earthquake and about 4 AM the “pterodactyls’” start their day. They are the strangest looking birds, big wing span, weird shaped head and a cackling that is truly unique. (Makes one wish for a slingshot) Their serenade is followed by the sound of tent zippers as everyone makes their way to the “bathroom”, and then tries to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Always a big rush to the coffee maker in the dining hall as power to the campground is turned off about 6 AM. After breakfast we are off to set up clinics, visit tent cities or work with children. David has been working on rebuilding the walls of the Wesleyan compound. It’s hard work, as few tools are available, and the heat is oppressive but they have made good progress.

The World Hope Haiti staff are amazing, they have been going non stop since the earthquake and have provided help to so many people. The translators are four young Haitian men that were brought up together in a orphanage here. They speak perfect English and are great fun to work with. Please continue to lift the staff and the people of Haiti in your prayers. I find myself becoming very frustrated that Haiti seems to be old news in the states and there is so much work to be done now. They desperately need our prayers and continued support.

David and I will temporarily live in a empty office on WHI compound until we can find housing. It’s very difficult here, prices are high and availability is slim. It’s more than adequate with lights, air conditioning (sometimes) and internet facilities. No kitchen or shower facilities but we are making do. It’s secure and we can leave most of our things here while traveling with teams.

Thank you for all your prayers and emails. We so appreciate the encouragement, you can’t imagine. We are still a little short on our funding, if you can help we’d greatly appreciate it. If you’ve made a pledge that you can not meet, please let us know. We can help by praying for your situation and it helps us in adjusting our budget. Check out our website for information on how to contribute www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com. We will be posting pictures soon!

Bondye benediksyon ou (God bless you)
David and Beth

P.S. We continually encounter the rest of the baby tarantulas’ family and they aren’t small

Tent city in Leogane, makes ours look like the Ritz

2010-06-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

Home Sweet Home

2010-06-07T13:14:00.001-04:00

Surreal..

2010-06-07T13:11:00.000-04:00

So eery, isn't it?

2010-06-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Kids in tent schools

2010-06-07T12:55:00.000-04:00

First edition of the Haiti Gazette

2010-06-07T12:43:00.001-04:00

Boujour,

It’s hard to believe we only arrived 48 hours ago…so much has happened!

We arrived late Tuesday and were met by Thony, the country director and Wilson, one of the interpreters AND intense heat! The truck ride to headquarters impacted us greatly. The thousands of buildings destroyed, mountains of rubble and trash and the hundreds of people walking the streets, very emotional. To see three and four story homes collapsed, like they were flattened by a giant stepping on the roof. Gas stations intact but oddly slanted as if the whole station would fall over at any moment. One home completely reduced to rubble and the house next door in pristine condition. It strangely reminded me of a spooky ride in Disney World.

Most available space is occupied by tents, rubble or people. Tents erected in the middle of streets, on sidewalks, in large compounds.. thousands upon thousands of tents, signs everywhere asking for water, food and help. We tried driving down one street but couldn’t get through because of the tents, we passed a mother bathing her kids in a big barrel and the kids were all smiles, a woman selling mangos on the street washing her arms with numerous of small plastic sacs of water and the saddest… the blank stares on many faces. I can’t even imagine what they must be feeling. It’s heartbreaking but through it all you can see the spirit of the people going about the business of putting their lives back together. They realize life will probably not go back to what they knew but they are trying to do the best with what they have left.

We traveled across the mountains to Jacmel yesterday to meet with a team from Maryland. They have been conducting VBS all week and we traveled up the mountains to a small village. What an adventure, four wheeling through three large bodies of muddy water, navigating around immense boulders laying in the road, watching people bathing and washing clothes in streams and playing all day with the kids in deep rich red clay mud. I’m sure you can picture what we looked like at the end of the day. I saw a herd of donkeys and they all had saddles made of wood. Can you imagine riding on that? The kids were so sweet and the first time I couldn’t find David I just followed the crowd of kids The team was able to feed 100 kids lunch, which is a very big deal! They played, performed skits and sang. It was a great day that ended with a “wonderful” cold shower, but after two days it was heavenly I see lots of baseball caps in my future…

I never thought I’d say this, but the roads in Zambia are looking better and better all the time Driving/riding here is like a roller coaster and I’m so grateful I’m not prone to motion sickness. The cars, motorcycles and people all crowding the streets and navigating rubble everywhere, closing my eyes works Our bodies are tired and sore, brings back Zambia memories

It’s been four months and news coverage has dropped off, but the needs have not. Continue to pray for the work here, there is still so much to be done. As God reminds us throughout his word, we can not turn away from our brothers in need, it’s our responsibility as Christians to help each other.

We are going to begin to look for accommodations this weekend, it’s so tough as there is very little housing available due to the earthquake. The rains have been terrible and the other night we watched tents collapse and flood. Please pray that we find something soon… Thanks for being there for us and joining us on our journey!

Blessings,
David and Beth

P. S. Did you know that baby tarantulas are blue? I didn’t either… very eery looking.

Final Michigan edition of Haiti Gazette

2010-06-07T12:41:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU! GRACI! TWALUMBA!

You are awesome and we feel so blessed by the response to our last email, we are “almost” completely funded. Our goal is only a few thousand dollars away. We are scheduled to leave on Tuesday, May 18th at 7 AM, please help us with this final push to 100%.

God has been carrying me these past few weeks.. He has comforted me as I struggle with the idea of not having a place to live when we first arrive in Haiti. When I look back and see that he has been with us every step of the way the last three years, why wouldn’t he provide now? It is all in his time, not mine. It’s comforting to know that right now he is making the way for us.

Since our return from Colorado we have been able working on our last minute preparations including final Dr. visits and vaccinations. One important things we learned during training was how to say goodbye to people. Simple concept but something most of us don’t do well. We’ve spent the last 10 days with friends and family saying goodbye. Tonight our granddaughter, Mia spends the night for the last time before we leave and we can’t wait! She is such a joy and we’ve learned to appreciate the time with her, not dwell on the time we’ll be gone. We spent time with our oldest son, Chad while in Colorado. He’s doing so well and we had a wonderful visit. The last week we’ve spent lots of special time with our two younger sons, Josh and Nick. This weekend will be devoted to more family and friends. God has brought some amazing people into our lives!

The missionary training was phenomenal! We were blessed by the relationships we built with our fellow attendees and methods learned to handle life in another country. The three weeks covered various aspects of our lives - spiritual, cultural, personal, lifestyle changes and much more. We had a personal coach that met with just us weekly to help us through transition and met twice weekly with growth groups of women/men for myself and David. Our coaches, Robin and Tim were phenomenal! After training was complete, we drove up to South Dakota and spent time with our great friends at Countryside Church. Great services and a wonderful brunch with many good friends we met in Zambia, they truly made us feel so welcome. Driving through Wyoming, home of rolling hills, cows and what seemed like very few people, I marveled at how beautiful the open spaces were and even saw cowboys herding cows through the hills. It was great, like watching an old western! We now feel spiritually and emotionally refreshed and can’t wait to get to doing Gods’ work!

Please continue to lift us in prayer these last few days as we pack up the apartment and finish our goodbyes and head on to the next stop on “Gods’ personal tour for the Watters family”. Not to sound redundant but we never forget that without you none of this could happen, our gratitude for your prayers/support is never ending. We are so excited! We look forward to seeing many of you there. Next stop Haiti…

Blessings,
David and Beth

Mid April edition of the Mich/Haiti Gazette

2010-04-15T20:38:00.000-04:00

Greetings from altitude of 6900 feet (huffing and puffing)

David and I are in Palmer Lake, CO at Missionary Training Institute for the next three weeks. We are so excited about what God has planned for us during this time. We are part of a training class that includes 27 adults and 13 children and we are all heading to different countries (13 to be exact). Hearing how God has brought each person from their own “comfort” zone and what has happened to them since they stepped out of the box and answered his call is humbling. Many of us have been on the field before but many newbies. I love seeing these young families, the kids are aged from 4 months to 7 years old. David and I are enjoying getting to play with all the kids and I have a growing admiration for those young families that step out to follow the call. The time outside of training that we spend just sharing our experiences on and off the field are invaluable. No TV or radios just beautiful mountain scenery and wonderful trail walks in the mornings. Great time to re-energize ourselves and get a spiritual and mental tune-up

We have had so many “light” bulb moments since training began…. You know those moments when you realize why something happened the way it did. Why did I say or do something in such and such situation?? In depth time this afternoon talking of expectations of what we hope to accomplish on the field. Many of our fellow students have asked David and I what we did on the field in Zambia and what we accomplished versus what we will do in Haiti. Our answer to the Zambian portion of the question was always David assisted in erecting the two buildings on WHIZ compound and I led teams and helped in the office. Today during one of our discussions I thought of something I may not have seen clearly due to emotional “overload”. Prior to our departure from Zambia, David and I threw a big braii (remember bar-b-que) and invited many of our Zambian friends. At the end of the braii, Pastor Siachikata and Pastor Siamoongwa invited anyone to get up and make comments or share words of encouragement with us. A number of our good friends had many wonderful things to say but… nothing quite as profound as what our friend, Mrs. Esther from Mwapona shared. She was one of the ladies that was in my knitting group and I truly enjoyed the weeks I spent with her and the other ladies. As many of you know, David loved to visit and would take off on his bike and ride through Mwapona and stop and talk to families. She started out saying how prior to our arrival she had always avoided “mukuwas” (white people) as she felt uncomfortable around them, inferior because she couldn’t speak English and (sadly) thinking they somehow conveyed an air of superiority. When she spoke up, she thanked us for our time, friendship and respect we had shown her and wanted us to know she did not think she would avoid or be uncomfortable with a white person again and expressed she would never forget us. I realize now, that if that is the only kingdom work we “accomplished” for God while we were there, the two years were definitely fruitful!

It gives us a whole new perspective on what God may have planned for us in Haiti. We are all living examples, wherever we are, of Gods’ love, kindness and grace. By continually trying (and failing) to live by his word, we are testimonies for him! We serve an awesome God and to serve him anywhere is an honor. We pray that in all we do in Haiti, his light will shine through us.

These past few weeks have been so difficult for so many we care about… The loss of a father and brother in law, the return of cancer in a small boy, termination of a marriage and a young boy returning home to Jesus long before any of we humans were ready to let go. It seems many times David and I come to you and ask for prayers but we want you to know we lift you up in prayer daily. As much as many of us gripe about its’ flaws, Facebook has proved to be an valuable tool in allowing us to follow your lives and share your adventures. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your happiness and your struggles. Alone, we are weak but together with God we are strong and although we may not understand the whys now, it is comforting to know God does and he is in charge. Please don’t hesitate to share your prayer requests with us, we would be honored to pray specifically for any needs.

As our tentative leave date of May 18th approaches, we realize how many visits and calls we have not been able to make. Churches we haven’t visited, friends and family we haven’t seen enough of, where does time go? Only 11% of our support remains to be raised! God is good and we know he is speaking to people as I write this. We are confident that if his will is for us to be in Haiti, we will be fully funded prior to our leave date. Praying that we will be on time to relieve the current volunteers that have been standing in the gap for us until we arrive. In all this, there is a peace in knowing we are right where God wants us and he will take care of all our needs.

Thank you again for your continued love and support, keep those wonderful emails and notes coming! They seem to arrive “just” when we need them most! We are once again humbled to think of all those praying for us and the wonderful people God has put in our lives the last three years.

Blessings,
David and Beth

If you would like to contribute financially to our ministry please follow these instructions. You may send them to World Hope International, P O Box 96338 , Washington, D.C. 20090. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. You may donate on- line at www.worldhope.org, please make sure you designate your contribution with our name and number to ensure proper crediting to our account.

March edition of the Michigan/Haiti Gazette

2010-03-30T06:05:00.002-04:00

Hello from sunny and green Michigan,

I had forgotten how much I missed spring! Our renters moved in February and we spent a few weeks cleaning and painting and I spent the last month cleaning and raking the yard, my favorite job. All the perennials around the house have been growing and those little green sprouts coming out of the ground are beautiful. The little things that I’ve learned to appreciate so much now. Doesn’t take much to make me happy

The house was only vacant three weeks before we found new renters so we only had to come up with money for one house payment. God’s timing (just as we were starting to fret and be concerned), is always just right! It’s a relief to know that financial responsibility is taken care of for the next 18 months.

We traveled this week to Washington, DC to World Hope headquarters. It was great, we shared a nice lunch with all the staff and got to meet many of the people (we didn’t know) “behind” the email addresses. I finally got to meet the infamous Yaw, the accountant. Boyd and Fines from WHIZ were always working on some kind of report for him and at times he was “the bad guy”. He’s charming and was a delight to talk to, we laughed as I shared stories with him from Zambia. We met with various people about our responsibilities in Haiti. There are many teams scheduled to travel to Haiti during the next several months. Besides work teams, one of the most exciting things we will be doing is assisting teams in working with children. Day camps, VBS and lots of other activities to involve the kids. Imagine how much more traumatic the earthquake must have been to small children, who didn’t even understand what was happening. We will be leading teams and David will begin to ascertain what needs to be done first, and second and third… He may begin work on completing a wall around the Wesleyan compound. So many obstacles, where do you put the debris, not to mention who owns it, where to get supplies ? Most of the schools in Haiti were damaged or destroyed and it’s so important to get them repaired or replaced quickly. The list goes on…

This move to Haiti will be quite a lifestyle change from Zambia. In looking back, I see how God has been preparing us for the next adventure… We went from our home in the US, to a comfortable home in Zambia, on to a hotel room for two months and then finally to our one room studio apartment in Blissfield. Our future home in Haiti will be a room, part of a room or a tent Depends on how heavy duty a tent we find, rainy season has started and hurricane season is coming. Packing will certainly be easier…tent, cot, air mattress, couple of towels… God was preparing us for future work as we learned how little we needed in Zambia. Speaking of Zambia, we still miss it very much and think of people daily. I wonder how Zumba is, his wife was due to have a baby.. I miss “my Jeff” and his gorgeous smile, Chabota or Baby Boyd as I used to call her, we were becoming good friends when we left. David misses Ivy and Ethel not to mention hundreds of other kids Mrs. Botha, I miss the most.. she was/is one of my best friends… I miss that beautiful smile of hers. Sad as it is, what a honor it was to share their lives and learn to love them. I can close my eyes and see Beenzu at the reception desk, Boyd in his office, Benjamin at his desk and Raphael laughing and joking and Mrs. Mkonde so kind and quiet. Those memories will never leave us…

I wanted to share a few of Gods’ blessings we experienced this month. As I mentioned before, money has been really tight since we’ve been home for four months with no pay. When our little old Toyota started making ugly noises when applying the brakes, David made an appointment with a mechanic that used to help us out a number of years ago. The latch had broken on the hood latch so we had been using a bunge cord to keep the “lid” on David took the car in and spent some time talking to Mark (mechanic) about what we had been up to the last few years while he was working on the car. Five hours later, new brakes and a new hood latch Mark presented David with the bill….$14.83, cost of the brake pads. He told David he just “felt” he needed to do this for us. We all know what that feeling is

When we spent those 60 odd days at the Holiday Inn, we were earning points in their reward program (even though the insurance paid the bill) and have been able to use those points for free nights lodging in cities where we were scheduled to speak. A friend of Davids’ has given him the opportunity to do some construction work to help ends meet. Our dear friend Nick has lent us his car when we worried the Toyota wouldn’t make a long journey. He has allowed us to store our few remaining possessions in the basement of his business since we left and that has saved us paying storage fees. My dear friends Kathy, Mary Ellen (yes you), Lou Ann and Kevin who have provided much love and comic relief since we’ve been home, they are beautiful strong women of God I’ve been blessed to call friends. Reconciling with old friends, Amy and Sam and renewing friendships. Gracious churches taking love offerings to help meet our needs and cover our traveling costs. An absolutely wonderful home church, Whiteford Wesleyan Church in Ottawa Lake, MI part of the East Michigan District that has been there for us no matter what the need. They have helped us on our journey from short term missions trips, longer term trips and now to full time field work. The love and encouragement we receive from the members and our pastors is spectacular.. Pastor Rick is awesome and I forget exactly how much I miss him until we set down in the pew and he begins to speak. He married David and I, (I’ll have to tell you sometime the story about how he and David thought the bride was never coming down the aisle..) But the best of all… being called Grandma and Grandpa by the most beautiful little girl, we now know what everyone meant when they talked about the wonders of being grandparents. It is wonderful!

We are off soon to three weeks of training in Colorado at Missionary Training Institute. David and I are looking forward to absorbing all we can, in hopes we will be emotionally and spiritually prepared for the work God has commissioned us to do. It’s exciting and we are really looking forward to it. After training we will shoot up to South Dakota to visit one of our favorite churches, Countryside, in Spearfish. The church sent two mission teams to Zambia and we were thrilled to make many new friends. It will be great to visit with them! They are also planning trips to Haiti.. Our oldest son lives in Colorado and we’ll also have the opportunity to spend a few days with him. See… God plans everything so well!

Our tentative leave date for Haiti is around May 12th. We currently have 85% of our support in place. World Hope requires that we be 100% funded, through cash contributions and pledges, before we leave for Haiti and we really need your help! If God has been laying our work on your heart, please consider making a financial contribution to help us reach our support goal. You can partner with us by following these instructions. You may send them to World Hope International, P O Box 96338 , Washington, D.C. 20090. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. You may donate on- line at www.worldhope.org, please make sure you designate your contribution with our name and number to ensure proper crediting to our account.

What a blessing it has been for us to travel to new churches, make new friends and we have acquired a number of new prayer partners. At times during the last four months we have felt under attack, Satan uses whatever he can to discourage, anger or derail us. Isn’t it wonderful when we can claim Gods’ protection and know that Satan wouldn’t be interested in us if we weren’t doing Gods’ work? Thank you for your support and prayers, we couldn’t do it without you.

Benediksyon (Creole for Blessings),

Beth and David

February edition of the Michigan/Haiti Gazette

2010-02-24T06:34:00.004-05:00

Good morning from “chilly” Michigan, we certainly have seen enough snow to last us for quite awhile David and our granddaughter, Mia made a snowman yesterday. She loves the snow while grandpa can’t quite get warm.. he had forgotten how to shovel snow. What fun, she is such a joy. She is calling us grandma and grandpa now. We are loving our time with her and are beginning to learn all about the world of “Dora the Explorer”, her favorite! What a bundle of energy and by the end of the day, we are exhausted but happy!

I remember when I was young the thought of staying in a motel for 2 months would have been exciting. I did appreciate clean towels and sheets but most of all those little soap, shampoo and conditioner samples. I saved them each day and have accumulated a huge bag of them that we’ll take to Haiti. As we checked out and thanked the clerks, I explained to the manager that I had been saving the samples to take to Haiti, she asked me to wait and returned with two large boxes of samples for us to add to our stash. God has put amazing people in our path since we’ve been home. Starting with the understanding insurance adjuster that secured lodging for us until the apartment was finished (who also happens to be a Christian), the builder (very interested in why we do what we do), gracious Holiday Inn staff that made us feel at home and were so encouraging and our wonderful families and church family. Our renters are moving out next week, please join us in praying that God will provide another great family to rent our home. We will be busy the next few weeks cleaning, painting and doing yard work (if mother nature cooperates).

My niece, Beth, died a few weeks ago. She was involved in a car crash in 1983 and suffered severe head trauma. Until the time of her death she had lived in a group home in Ohio. The last 27 years of her life our family has struggled with her injuries and the emotional toll it took on all of us. The young 16 year old we had loved was gone, replaced by what seemed a hollow shell. We have dealt with anger, frustration and guilt over the feelings we experienced during those years. Over the last few months preceding her death God was working on preparing us for letting go. My sister gave an amazing eulogy for her daughter that we all know came directly through the Holy Spirit. It was a tribute to her life, before and after the accident, and an admission spoken on behalf of all of us that has brought such healing to our family. Praise God! May Beth Jane rest in the peace and comfort of our father’s arms. I thank God for his wonderful timing that we could be here with our family during this time.

The devastation in Haiti is hard to comprehend. We see the news, magazines and know that it’s even worse to see this up close. We have been praying that God will continue to prepare our hearts and strengthen us to step up to the plate and do whatever is needed. The photos of all the tent cities and the orphaned children are heartbreaking. Yesterday I heard that nursing infants are dying because their mothers were killed and they have no milk. It’s so hard to understand the magnitude of what has occurred, over 75% of the population have lost their homes and 30,000 businesses have been destroyed. The relief efforts are moving along but there are many obstacles. To think of a city made of tents that houses thousands of people, I have trouble comprehending. It saddens me to see (or should I say not see) that the media doesn’t include much about the relief efforts in Haiti, it’s been 6 weeks and I guess they consider it old news. That is heartbreaking, as the rebuilding has yet to begin and so much work needs to be done. I hear from many that the spirit of the Haitian people is strong and they are survivors but I imagine many are still very traumatized and need reassurance. How frightening it must be to see your home crumble before your eyes or be unable to find family members. The World Hope office in Haiti employs a large number of Haitian workers and everyone of them lost their home, not to mention friends and family members. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti.

David and I are feeling very… I can’t find a word that fits. Leaving Zambia, living in the US and on our way to Haiti, not sure where we belong. We miss the people of Zambia, not a day goes by we don’t reminisce about someone there. Driving in a snowstorm the other day I found myself muttering about the condition of the roads and realized immediately how grateful I am there are roads. Snow and Zambian “roads” would never work Life here is so fast… it seems we will never catch up. We know this is Gods’ timing, not ours but sometimes it is such a struggle to wait. We have been busy visiting churches and in our spare time beginning to learn French and Krio. Many Haitians speak some English but we need to be sure we are able to communicate with all the people we will be meeting. (Will I ever be able to use my Spanish)

We received a very special donation this past month. While visiting a small rural church in Michigan a young man (about 8) approached me and asked what we do and who do we work for? I tried my best to explain our work, that we go wherever God needs us and do what God (our boss) asks of us. I could see he was really processing that information and at the end of service he came up to me, reached for my hand and deposited all the money he had been saving for weeks from his allowance, 43 cents. As I struggled to hold back tears, I began to thank him but he interrupted to thank us for doing what we can until he’s old enough to go do it. Thank you to all the parents and church families that are teaching the children such wonderful values!

In order for us to go to Haiti we still need to raise the remaining 37% of our yearly budget. God continues to move on the hearts of people and churches as they prepare to make the decision to partner with us. We have learned that the size of a church’s congregation does not matter. It is the size of the congregation’s heart for the Lord that makes the difference. We appreciate each church and individual. God speaks to people to join our team from the most unlikely places. While home on furlough we do not receive a stipend, but have seen God work daily in providing for our needs. Please continue to pray that we raise the balance of our support so we may reach our target leave date in May. There is much work to be done in Haiti and we are anxious to begin. I hear many people expressing their desire to help Haiti, donations to our work will help us to help them! If God moves on your heart, you can partner with us by following these instructions. Thank you for your support and prayers, we couldn’t do it without you!

World Hope International
P O Box 96338
Washington, DC 20090
Make sure to mark our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check.
If you’d prefer, you can donate on line via www.worldhope.org.
You may also call World Hope to set up a one time or recurring contribution with a debit/credit card at 1-888-466-4673.

Blessings,
David and Beth

If you know someone who would like to be included on our email list, please ask them to forward their email address to us at missionsbeth@yahoo.com. If they don’t have email, we would be happy to include them on our “snail mail” newsletter list.

Once again God changes our path...

2010-01-31T21:09:00.000-05:00

Family and Friends,

For one of the first times, as I sit down to write this, I’m struggling for words… Still trying to get my arms around what has transpired in 24 hours. As I have shared with many of you, I’ve been praying for peace about our decision to leave Zambia. It became clear to me yesterday why… Remember when I mentioned that when we say “Here I am, Send Me” it may not be to just one place???

David and I will be taking “the long way” to Sierra Leone, VIA HAITI. World Hope has asked us if we would consider going to assist in rebuilding and work with the many teams that will be coming down to provide disaster relief. World Hope is targeting 10 areas that have been most affected by the earthquake. Currently tent cities are being erected for survivors and those who have lost their homes. There is no electricity and food is very scarce. Please pray for Haiti and all the volunteers heading there to assist in relief work. WHI is putting plans into place to begin assembling teams to get supplies to these areas.

The pieces are all falling into place, last week when the earthquake hit I contacted WHI to find out when teams would be going down. I really felt God calling me to help, but I thought it would be a short term trip while we were home on furlough. As usual, he was preparing our path.. David and I have been praying and talking continuously since yesterday and we both feel that God want us to respond to this immediate need. When WHI told us of the collapse of an orphanage and the hundreds of children living outside, David knew he needed to be there.

Currently our plans are to be in Haiti by April/May. We need to raise funds to cover our living expenses for at least a year. We need your help! Please pray and if God is speaking to you, consider donating to our work. We want to work as your hands and feet for Jesus. The people of Haiti are faced with devastation I doubt any of us can imagine. WHI will begin to search for safe housing for us.

We continue to travel to churches and share what God is doing through us. If you would like to become a prayer/financial partner, please check our website www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com. Instructions on joining our ministry are listed there, or you can call WHI at 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. If you wish to make a donation by mail, the address is World Hope International, P O Box 96338, Washington, DC 20090, please make sure to note our constituent number on your check, #28163.

Stay tuned and I will continue to share updates with you on what God is doing in our lives, it seems to be changing lots

Blessings,
David and Beth

If you would like to contact us, please feel free to call we’d love to talk to you! Beth 1-517-918-7473 or David 1-517-918-7630

Watters family update

2010-01-15T16:14:00.001-05:00

Family and Friends,

As I sit here listening to the wind howl outside and the wind chill fall, I fondly remember all those times I made mention of the warm temperatures in Zambia. The grass always seems greener on the other side. We have been so busy since we returned to the states, doctor visits, physicals, and my favorite the dentist. I’ve been feeling terrible for the last few days, there is nothing that matches a true winter cold, I had colds in Zambia but they were nothing like this… But so grateful we have a roof over our heads, food and medicine, God has taught us so much in appreciating the small things we used so take for granted.

The apartment still isn’t finished, they have gutted it, dried it out and tomorrow will begin putting in new drywall. Life in the Holiday Inn seems quite decadent compared to Zambia, clean sheets, towels and breakfast when I want it (courtesy of the breakfast bar).

It has been wonderful to see our sons and our granddaughter. Mia, who is two, is beautiful (of course) and so smart. We’re getting to know her and she us. She talks a blue streak and is a joy. Her first glimpse of David she said “Daddy?? (Our son Nick looks so much like David). We fully intend to spoil her rotten and become her official “babysitters” while we are home! We are enjoying our friends and reconnecting to many of our partners in this journey.

Since the completion of the WHIZ complex in April, David has been keeping busy with teams but has been sensing God was nudging him. You know how when you have a small pebble in your shoe and it keeps reminding you to take it out? Zambia had become our home, where God wanted us to be. I have never felt more comfortable doing his will then leading teams throughout Zambia and sharing our love for the people. My goodness, all my crazy personality “strengths” were being put to good use. David thrived during the building project and as those who have visited us know, loved every child he encountered. We made friends, we were right where God wanted us. BUT…. the pebble remained…

When we first responded to Gods’ call two years ago we agreed to do our best to remain open to his direction in our lives. Of course, “I” was sure it would be in Zambia and began putting down “roots”. I kept on the refrigerator a bookmark a friend gave me years ago, it showed a stick figure with arms up in the air and the verse “Here I Am, Send Me” embossed on the fabric. But it didn’t say “send me ONCE”. My sense of security is again tested and I find that it has become much easier to let go and let God as time goes by.

World Hope had asked us to return to Zambia for a third year but something kept holding us back. We began talking to WHI about “the pebble” and they started to help us. We have spent many days searching our hearts and praying for Gods’ direction. It’s amazing how he works, WHEN we truly ask and remove our will from the equation. He has watched out over us, guided us and directed us this far, why would he stop now? We are convinced that once we “let go”, he makes his plans so clear.

World Hope has asked us to continue our journey, now to the other side of Africa, Sierra Leone. WHI has been working with the government of SL to establish a 50-acre Fair Trade export processing zone in SL where firms will be able to locate labor intensive aspects of their global production chain without significant up-front costs or risks. They want David to help in building the first factory shells. It is a wonderful opportunity to revitalize this country with jobs. He will be doing what he did in Zambia but on a much larger scale. It feels right to us. I’ve been asked to work with the Hope for Children program, traveling to outlying areas and finding children in need of sponsorship. This is very exciting to me! David is making a trip over in February with members of the FIRST step team to look over the site and begin to put plans in place.

Please continue to pray for Gods’ will in our lives, in particular to soothe the sadness in us in leaving the Zambian people. I keep trying to remember what I have told many of you when your time in Zambia came to an end, it’s all about the relationships you made with the people. The people that crossed our paths have changed us forever and will always be with us. Zambia will remain in our hearts and who is to say God won’t ask us to return there in the future? We will continue to write and speak to Mrs. Botha, Zumba, Fred, Boyd, Josh and the list goes on. Please pray that WHI quickly finds a couple to replace us. No, not “replace” because I like to think we will always have our place there, but make their own place in Zambia.

Our district, East Michigan, is currently supporting Sierra Leone and a couple from our church, the Ashers, are currently there working in the hospital. We are continuing to travel to churches and meet with people to share this new chapter of our lives. We would like the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives, if you would be interested in having us speak to you and/or your church please contact us and we would be happy to schedule a visit. If you wish to learn more about our ministry or would like to become a prayer partner and/or financially support our ministry, please visit the website (www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com) for detailed information. Also check out the First Step program at www.worldhope.org.

We humbly come before you and ask you again for your prayers and financial support. We can’t do this without you. You have no idea the impact you have on our lives. A few weeks ago, while visiting a church and speaking, on the way back to our seats a woman stepped out of her pew and said I just want you to know I pray for you every morning. I looked at her and said “I know, we feel them”. It’s true and may God continue to bless you all for your faithfulness.

Blessings,
David and Beth

World Hope International
P O Box 96338
Washington, DC 20090
Our constituent Number 28163

If you would like to contact us, Beth 517-918-7473 or David 517-918-7630. We'd love to hear from you!

Michigan edition of Zambian Herald

2010-01-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

Can’t believe that I was complaining of the heat just a week ago, come on turn the heat up! Our blood must have thinned so much, David and I can’t stop shivering. The wind kicked up the day we arrived home and when we stepped outside it took our breath away. Both of us were speechless (which you know is unusual for me..) What a pleasure to drive up and down on smooth, flat roads without having your bones and teeth jarred continuallyJ.

Thanks so much for the prayers, our flight home was smooth and uneventful until we arrived..God has been so gracious to us, he has continued to teach us patience and how to appreciate the good things in our lives. On our property in Michigan is a small pole building that we had converted into a efficiency apartment a number of years ago. We remodeled it thinking my mom would move in, but when she didn’t we rented it out from time to time. We talked to the family that leases our property and after they agreed we decided to move into the apartment while we were home these next few months. No expense for us and convenient… Upon arrival on Wednesday, traveled to the house to pick up our car (a 1995 Toyota Corolla which was my moms’) it started right up, but the brakes were locked up and it wouldn’t move. While David was taking wheels off, I walked over to the apartment, opened the door and what a surprise. Apparently sometime during the last year, a pipe leaked and the whole inside of the building is black mold, everywhere! Furniture, carpet, closets it’s the worst I’ve ever seen. The carpet is immersed in water and the smellL…

After the last two years living in Zambia where it takes SO long to get anything accomplished and response time is so slow, imagine our surprise when within 12 hours the disaster recovery team was at the apartment waiting our signature to gut the building down to the studs. He was followed by the insurance adjuster who expressed his deep concern for us and our situation. On the spot he wrote us a generous check to cover the cost of a motel room until they can get the building remodeled. Within 26 hours of landing in the US, the car was fixed, we had the peace of mind that all would be taken care of and David and I were just stunned. In Zambia, let’s just say it would have been weeks..maybe months. But… it would be comingJ The speed at which things move here is taking a while to get used to, remember those playground spinners, that just go round and round and you jump on or off while they are in motion. The US feels like that right now… We are adjusting. God is so good, he takes care of all our needs. I could just picture us wandering around in our little car with suitcases bulging out everywhere looking for shelter (my sense of the dramatic hasn’t changed..).

One of the first things we did was go to our church and visit with our pastor and his wife. It was wonderful to see them and felt so good coming “home” to our church. We missed them so much. Looking forward to spending time with our family and friends.

We are busy scheduling speaking engagements at many churches and can’t wait to see all of you. Don’t hesitate to contact us, Beth 517-918-4229 or David 517-918-4805. We’d love to hear from you. If your church would like to arrange for us to speak, please contact us via telephone or email. Just a reminder, there is still time for your donation to be included in this years’ charitable contributions.

World Hope InternationalP O Box 96338Washington, DC 20090
Make sure to mark our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. If you’d prefer, you can donate on line via www.worldhope.org.

As we celebrate this season that leads up to the day of Jesus’ birth, take a moment to count your blessings, little and big but most of all the freedom to worship openly and share our faith with all around us. Have a blessed Christmas!

Many thanks to all,
David and Beth

December edition of Zambian Herald

2010-01-15T16:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

How can a year have passed since we returned from the states? Without the visual changes in the seasons we are used to, we tend to forget what month it is. Here it is December already and very strange to walk in Spar (the BIG grocery here) and see an aluminum Christmas tree and garland. The bugs (they are HUGE) are out in full force but God has granted me the grace that I’m no longer bothered by them, which is another minor miracle. Hot, sticky and oppressive describes the climate right now. I’m sure we’ll be remembering it fondly when we arrive at Detroit Metro on Wednesday morning and experience the cold. We have asked our friends to bring along our winter coats when they come to meet usJ. It’s exciting to think of seeing our family and friends, in particular our church family, we miss them so much.

We hosted a Thanksgiving braai (cookout) last Saturday and roughly 200 people shared a meal with us. My good friends, Mrs. Botha and Angela (little Beths’ mom) and a few others, arrived at 8 hrs to begin cooking and lunch was served at 15 hrs (3 PM). We cooked two goats, thirty one chickens, buckets of relish and cabbage along with a small “boat” full of gravy, not to mention a HUGE drum of nshima. It was a wonderful day! The kids played, the adults shot baskets and had a few heated games of volleyball. I baked each night last week and served many “sweeties” to our friends, cookies, peanut butter bars and brownies. We looked around at all the wonderful people we have met and were truly thankful for the gifts God has bestowed on us. I’ll be posting pictures of the days’ events on facebook, check them out…

Many changes at WHIZ lately, we ask you to say a special prayer for continued guidance and vision for all. As we all know, things always change and it is exactly as God has planned. WHIZ is doing wonderful works in Zambia and will continue to do so with our continued prayers and faithfulness.

Again, this year we look forward to the simple things we (as Americans) take for granted, traveling on smooth roads, water whenever we want it, reliable electricity and MEXICAN food! Can’t wait to go to our favorite restaurant, Mario’s, and have one of everything on the menu.

Thank you for your prayers and support this past year. God knows we can’t do this work without the help of his people. As we near the end of the year, we would like you to consider giving a year-end gift towards our ministry. In order for us to continue our ministry, we need your financial support. As always, your gifts are tax deductible and can be made by:

You may send them to World Hope International, P O Box 96338 , Washington, D.C. 20090. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. You may donate on- line at www.worldhope.org, please make sure you designate your contribution with our name and number to ensure proper crediting to our account.

We look forward to seeing many of you and if you would like to schedule a time for us to speak, don’t hesitate to contact us. When we arrive back in states, I will email our phone numbers so you may call us, we’d love to hear from you. Please continue to keep us in your prayers for safe traveling mercies, twalumba!

Blessings,
Ba David and Ba Beth

October edition of the Zambian Herald

2009-10-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the HEAT..

Yesterday the temperature reached 115F in the sun and 98F in the shade, summer is upon us… It has rained a few times, which is unusual, as the rains don’t start until November. The heat just zaps the energy out of you and the only place in town that has air conditioning is a bank, difficult to just go and cool off like in the states when we would go and escape to the mallJ

The last month has been quite eventful. David was riding his bicycle at dusk back to the compound and had a head on collision with another man riding his bicycle. The impact was major, bending the rims on Davids’ bike, splitting the other bike into two pieces and David had a terrible cut under his chin which required stitches. Fortunately the Zambian gentleman was only shaken up and not seriously injured.

We lost one of Wilmas’ kittens, he stopped nursing and had problems breathing. I tried feeding him with a syringe and keeping him warm but he just wasn’t strong enough to make it. It was so sad and Wilma just kept walking through the house crying. The remaining kitten, Betty, is growing like a weed and is so funny chasing everything and everyone. Socks and Wilma are both in heat again, it must be the climate hereJ

We have been blessed to be part of what appears to be the beginning of another great ministry in Zambia. A team from New York was here last week and participated in the first marriage seminar based on the movie “Fireproof”. A number of couples (Zambian and American) gathered to watch part of the movie and then participated in roundtable discussions on what they had seen. It was great to listen to the interaction between all the couples and listen to sharing of what their marriages and customs are in their respective countries. The second half of the film and another seminar was held this week and was a great success. What really impacted me was how surprised the Zambian couples were that “we” (Americans) have the same problems they do. The misconception that all of life in America and in our homes is ideal. Please pray as God continues to work through this ministry.

One of the things God is teaching David and I constantly is life is about the small things. During a home based care visit last month our team asked how far the family traveled for water. They explained that since the old well on their property was not working they had to walk very far to get water. A few of the men spoke up and asked to see the well. The reason the well did not work is the rope had broken on the crank that was attached to the bucket that was used to haul the water out of the well. They could not afford the cost of a rope and/or bucket. That evening the team purchased heavy duty rope and a new bucket and repaired the well the following day. The families in that small area gathered and were singing and praising God for guiding us there.

Another Zambian first… a staff member came to me for assistance with their office desktop computer. It kept shutting on and off and making very strange noises, upon further inspection I found a very intricate wasp nest built from the outside vents (for fan) to inside the computer housing. How do you kill the wasps without “killing” the computer? We found most of them were already toasted. Only in Zambia…

For those who have been here and lived to tell of the “Livingstone” road… They have continued to create more and more detours as they rebuild the road but have finally opened part of the new roadJ Only a 5km stretch outside of Zimba but it’s heavenly!

We are due to travel back to the states on furlough December 9th, can’t wait for that cold and snowJ God has presented us a few different options in how to serve in the future so we are praying for guidance and direction. We would like the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives and here in Zambia, if you would be interested in having us speak to you and/or your church please contact us and we would be happy to schedule a visit. If you wish to learn more about our ministry or would like to become a prayer partner and/or financially support our ministry, please visit the website (www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com) for detailed information.

This past month has held many challenges and through them all we have had a peace that God is guiding us, he never leaves us or forsakes us. What a comfort to know that he is in control and he knows the plans he has for us.

Blessings to all,
The Manzi (Watters) family

September edition of the Zambian Herald

2009-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Muli buti,

Another amazing month of seeing God work… The “cold” weather has left us and here comes the HEAT!! The mornings and evenings are still cool but midday it’s getting mighty warm. The air is so dry and you can see the coating of dust hanging on the trees, bushes and anything that is stationary. During the next few months it will get hotter and drier until we are anxiously awaiting the first showers in November. It’s the time of washing up twice a day, it’s impossible not to get dirty here. Along with the heat come a myriad of insects and bugs but we find we don’t really notice them much anymore. The teams “notice” them right away and so we are usually calming anxieties or taking on a vicious intruderJ

We have hosted three different teams since my last update and continued to be awed by the events that transpire while they are here. One team from South Dakota included a woman who has been trained to help visually impaired persons. She brought a few white canes (like we see in the states) and taught two different blind men how to use them. It was wonderful! Think of it, you are blind and live in a very rural area, no traffic lights, curbs or guide dogs. Your only way to navigate is to rely on someone else to help you from place to place. To watch these gentlemen learn how to use the cane to determine where obstacles lie and the deep holes in paths… We were able to watch them walk from church back to their homes independently. I can’t begin to describe the joy on these mens’ faces. She was also able to train a WHIZ employee on the fundamentals and hopes to send more canes to Zambia. The things we take for granted…

During this month a number of team members were able to meet their sponsored children. We can’t always arrange for this to happen but when it does, what a memorable day for the child and the sponsor. Hope for Children in Zambia has over 600 children that currently have sponsors. Many children never meet their sponsors so when they do, it’s a day they will likely remember for years to come. Sponsorship is such a blessing to the child, but also to the sponsor, your sponsorship dollars DO make a difference in a childs’ life and give them HOPE. See WHI website (www.worldhope.org) for more info.

Wilma (the cat) had two kittens last week. She, as Socks did, waited until we were away and she chose to have them in Davids’ dresser. He’s always the lucky one J all our animals seem attracted to his clothing/scent. They are so cute, one male and one female. Eyes are still closed but they do look like her, unlike Socks’ puppies. Speaking of Socks, since her last puppy went she has become so needy. I think she’s lonely… Wilma is sharing the kittens with Socks and allows her to smell them and touch them.

Davids’ father, sister and younger brother are visiting. They are amazed at what they see each day and what we keep hearing from them and teams is how kind and gracious the Zambian people are, Davids’ dad has been on many mission trips but says he’s never been so touched as by what he has seen here. Shelby, his sister, is in heaven all the kids love her and the pastor of one of the villages said he could see Jesus shining through her. It’s so hard to explain until you actually experience it yourself. The sights, smells and sounds, the childrens’ faces, smiles and the singing.. Oh I wish you could hear, it seems God gave every Zambian perfect pitch and the harmony you hear when a group sings, it’s enough to give you “holy chills”, as our pastor says. Here, God has removed the blinders from our eyes, and we can see the beauty and joy shining through the exterior shell that displays dirt and worn clothing. He has taught us to look past the exterior and see the hope, love and faith underneath. Team members from Stoney Creek Church in Michigan were able to minister to a HIV stricken man and he gave his life to the Lord. Imagine their joy at seeing the same man come to the church to help work in the chicken house and fellowship with his new church family the following day. God IS good and ALL the time!

If you would like to become a prayer partner and/or financially support our ministry, please visit the website (www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com) for detailed information. We can’t tell you how much your prayers mean to us, we have never spent a day alone, we know we are in many thoughts and prayers. For those of you who made financial pledges, please don’t forget to send them to World Hope with our constituent number 28163 on them. Remember all your contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for all your love and support!

Blessings to all,

Ba David and Mrs. Beth (I’m regaining my name…J)

August edition of the Zambian Herald

2009-10-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

Good morning (depending where you are…)

It seems each month I start with the same thought, where has the time gone? It’s been hectic here, as usual. The weather has really been erratic. Last week we were freezing (for us, must have been about 45-50 degrees at night). We had to buy a portable heater and carry it back and forth between the office and home. Everything here is made of concrete and tile so the house and buildings stay so cold. The last few days have been beautiful, warm and breezy hope “winter” is coming to an end.

We’ve been thoroughly enjoying our visitor, Kyla Judkins this month. During our travels the last few years, we were adopted by a second church where we met Kyla and her family. God has been speaking to her and she is very interested in missions work. What a joy to have a young person in the house and to see Zambia through her eyes. She’s been truly enjoying her visit and we feel blessed to have her with us. I’m loving it, I finally get a “ daughter” to hang out with. It is going to be hard to send her home but her parents want her backJ I’m thinking joint custody… We travelled to Botswana last week to see all the animals. It was amazing watching herds of elephants swim across the river together (check out the facebook pictures), saw warthogs and even got to witness hippos mating (which was/is difficult to explain).

Got a big surprise the other day… while we were in Livingstone visiting Victoria Falls on my birthday. I could go there everyday and it would never look the same. It’s beautiful. That evening we were eating at ZigZag and they brought out a cake with candles and the whole restaurant joined in singing Happy Birthday to me, including the staff. After the song was finished, water was poured on my head (it’s a Zambian tradition). It is a compliment and was quite a surprise! I recovered nicely ( I thought…J)

Watched my husband be part of a miracle the other day while we were walking in town. A older man approached us and began to talk to David and asked him for money. David said he could tell the man had been drinking and asked him what he would buy with the money…. David began to tell him how Jesus would provide for all his needs and he doesn’t need to use alcohol to feel better. While Kyla and I were shopping David stayed with this gentleman and talked and when we came out of the store we saw the man throw his alcohol bottle away and as David prayed with him he gave his heart to the Lord. It was beautiful! Who knows that man could be the reason God sent us here.

We were thrilled to be part of a wonderful blessing the IWU May nursing students bestowed on Sianakanga church. While they were here working at Zimba mission hospital we walked over an hour to church in the bush. The trust had just built a new church, no plastered walls, dirt floor and only stones and boards for seating. The service was wonderful and each of the students was really touched. At the end of their trip they asked if they could donate monies to have pews made for this church. David got the OK and found someone to build them. We finally got to deliver them this Sunday when we took a team to church there. They were a total surprise to the pastor and congregation and to see them clapping, hooting and hollering. Check out the photos on Facebook, thank you again IWU nursing students! God is so good!

What fun having five puppies has been… They are huge! We have given away four already, Mrs. Botha named hers Scooby, her sister named hers Jungle, Joshua (little Beth’s dad) also named his Jungle and Zumba named the only female “Danger”. We have one left which has been named Symons, after a WHI employee. He will probably end up with the country director, as his dog is the father of the litter. Imagine my surprise when I realized a few days ago that Wilma (the cat) is expecting. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out how or should I say when???. She’s getting huge.

Just another reminder, if you have pledged to partner with us financially, we would appreciate your continued faithfulness. We understand the sacrifice you have made, especially in today’s economy. In order for us to remain on the field, we do need additional support. If you wish to contribute, please follow the instructions on our website, www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com or call World Hope at 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services (make sure you ask them to apply your contribution to our account J). They will be happy to help you. Thank you.

We’ve encountered a few bumps in the road the last few months and we know your prayers are what helped us through them. Following Gods’ will isn’t easy but it’s so worth it. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.

Blessings,
Ba David and Mrs. David

June edition of the Zambian Herald

2009-07-09T00:16:00.000-04:00

Muli buti,

Not sure how it can almost be July…. it seems so strange because it keeps getting colder (versus in the states it’s getting warmer), July is the coldest month here and then the extreme heat will begin to creep in.

Teams are keeping us hopping, we are in the midst of 26 days straight of different teams arriving from the states. Four teams in the last thirty days…it’s been very busy and we’ve been travelling to a number of villages we’ve never seen. God has put so many wonderful people in our lives, we truly enjoy our work with teams. The graciousness of the Zambian people is wonderful, they are great hosts when we visit. David travelled with a team from South Dakota to a very remote village (5 hours travel time on very bad roads), spent the night in a chicken coop (not previously occupied) and they all came home dirty and covered in dust, tired and so full of the spirit and joy I was jealous!! A Dr. on the team was able to help treat a young man that had a terrible break in his leg, had surgery and then a major infection set in. In order to reduce the swelling, we strapped cold water bottles around his leg and secured them with rags (it worked)!

Two weeks ago a youth team travelled from Kentwood, MI and participated in two Hope Fests at area schools. The team sang, danced and performed for the school and then the school members did the same. From the minute the pick touched the first guitar string, Njase Girls School was alive! To see 600 girls standing on their chairs, singing and praising God was… there doesn’t seem to be a word for it. We were so moved, as my pastor says we had “holy chills” all over. What a wonderful night and a large number of girls rededicated their lives and made a pledge to abstain and save themselves AND their lives! Reach For Life (the WHI program that addresses the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa targeted at middle school and high school students) is really making a difference. The young people are realizing “The choice is theirs”! The youth on the team were great, they demonstrated such servants hearts and touched lives wherever they went. They called David and I Mom and Dad all week and we really had fun with them. I miss being called my other name “mom”. Four members of the youth team were baptized in the Zambezi River the day before they left Zambia. Very humbling to be part of that… It’s so encouraging to see our youth living out their faith.

Socks is a mama! Two weeks ago she had five puppies who look NOTHING like her, they are suspiciously looking exactly like the country directors’ dog, a huge something... The puppies have smashed pug faces and big gray and black bodies (so homely they are cute). They are going to be huge dogs, four males and one female. Socks has really has crossed the line as far as dogs go in Zambia. I am constantly catching the guards, WHIZ staff and guest house staff touching her and speaking to her. Dogs here are not domestic, they are for protection purposes and most people are very frightened of dogs. She is so loving and friendly it’s impossible not to like her, I guess. Wilma is having a fit, she so wants to check the puppies out but Socks isn’t ready yet.

What a treat, we were able to spend a day with a member of our home church, Whiteford Wesleyan in Michigan. Eric is the nephew of Fred and Carol Cromer, GP missionaries that have been in Jembo, Zambia for 18 years. Eric was able to join one of our teams for a day and participated in trust work, home based care visits and a Hope Fest event. He’s at SWU and was here working at the hospital in Zimba and spending time with his aunt and uncle. It made us feel closer to our church family, we miss them so…

Please put my friend Beatrice on your prayer list. For those of you that have been here before, she guards the field along Mochipapa road and spends her days in the small grass hut there. She had cerebral malaria in December and almost died and yesterday while I was walking in the morning she told me she has malaria again. HIV/AIDS is so huge here, but malaria is still the number one cause of death.

Just a reminder, if you have pledged to partner with us financially, we would appreciate your continued faithfulness. We understand the sacrifice you have made, especially in today’s economy. In order for us to remain on the field though, we do need your continued support. If you wish to contribute, please follow the instructions on our website, http://www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com/ or call World Hope at 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services (make sure you ask them to apply your contribution to our account J). They will be happy to help you. Thank you.

Sorry this is short but need to keep moving with our current team. We send them off Tuesday and pick up another team of 14 the same day… We feel so blessed by your continued prayer and all the encouraging emails. During this past month after getting home late each evening, I check emails and it brings such a lift to our spirits to see words of prayer and affection from so many people. David and I are expecting a visit from some of his family in August and are looking forward to sharing Zambia with them.

Leza amuleleke,
Ba David and Mrs. David

Our prayers are with our extended church family at Wesleyan Woods Campground in Vassar, MI right now. Family camp began today and a close friend of ours is to be ordained this evening. Wish we were physically there but we are with you in spirit. May God continue to bless your week!

It's finished, even being a little burnt on the top, the ladies loved it!

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The cake goes in...

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Coals go in to heat up the ground

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Ladies digging out the "oven"

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Late May edition of Zambian Herald

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Muli buti,

It’s beautiful here this time of year. We are headed into “winter”, which means gorgeous sunny and balmy days with chilly mornings and evenings. Perfect weather! David prefers the extreme heat but this is my cup of tea. To the locals it is very cold and many heavy coats and hats are seen along with moms carrying babies on their backs with chitenges and blankets wrapped around them.

I was reflecting the other day on how different our lives are here compared to the states.. I’ve learned a family of two can survive with two towels, one set of sheets can be used for 18 months straight (weekly washing, of course) and hold up just fine, it’s possible to cook without packaged shredded cheese, various insects, frogs, geckos and pets can all exist (and possibly expire) in the same house (with us) and there are times plaids and prints DO go together. Several years ago I could never have imagined what life would look like now. The most important thing David and I have learned is that each morning we need to pray for Gods’ guidance throughout the day and trust that he will take care of us, no matter what situations we incur. We used to “think” we were doing this but we’ve gained a totally new perspective on relying on God for all our needs. It’s very simple, we just have to do it! I was always so impatient.. like well God you must be busy so I’ll take over now. His will is so much better than mine!

We read something the other day during our devotions which really spoke to us “God knows what we truly need. Even though many Christians live in poverty and endure hardship, God gives them the spiritual nourishment they need in order to live for him. If we have a relationship with God, we have all we need, despite our circumstances.” This is so true of the Zambian people, there is so much to be learned here.

Socks IS pregnant and expecting in the next week or so, I think. I’m excited, never had a dog that had pups. She’s getting bigger everyday and nesting in the bed we made her on the back porch. Wilma (the cat) goes out and lays with her and cleans her. I think these puppies will have two moms! Socks continues to win the hearts of the teams that come through and can be seen stationed outside the guest house just in case someone should “need” her.

I have been power walking in the mornings and seeing the same groups of people during my walks. It’s fun, some mornings school kids will try to “race” me, the ladies pump their arms and smile at me and I see the same old man every morning. He must work nights, because he’s always carrying his brazier (small cooking/heating grill), wearing his knit cap and carrying many items. He walks towards me swinging the brazier, which is still putting out lots of heat, hesitates, smiles and gives me a thumbs up. I look forward to seeing him everyday. Got a big compliment the other day, I am “strong for a old lady”…J

David is working with me with teams and he’s really enjoying it. The majority of odds and ends of the building project are complete so he has more time now, before WHIZ comes up with another project for him. WHIZ had their first training in the new centre and housed 36 people in the guest house. It went very well and people were very impressed with the centre and accommodations.

Great experience yesterday, travelled with a team to a trust and we ladies learned how to build an oven out of a small hill and the Zambian ladies learned how to make a cake. They dug out a square hole in the side of the hill, heated it up with twigs and bark and when it was hot enough we scooped out all the “coals” and then put the cake in and closed the hole with a sheet of metal. The heat from the ground bakes the cake! I had no idea! It was done in about 50 minutes and the ladies loved it! I also spent sometime teaching a number of ladies how to make socks and sweaters. It was great fun and it’s such a wonderful way to interact with people. They love the different color yarn and the textures. Circular needles are fascinating to them. I’m already getting low on yarn and needles so if anyone has any, let me know and maybe you can send it with a team that is coming this way.

We’re very busy right now, drop off one team on Saturday and pick up another team of 15 the same day. Please pray for our strength and health. Our responsibilities with teams starts months before they arrive and continues long after they leave. We love what we do but it can be emotionally and physically draining. Thank you for your continued prayers and support, we are blessed to have so many partners in our ministry. Again, thanks for the emails and notes, we love reading them. Thinking about the wonders of spring in Michigan and do miss those smells - freshly mowed grass, the air after it rains and all the flowers! Check out our new pictures on Facebook, especially the ones of the oven.

Blessings,
Ba David and Mrs. David

P.S. How does spell check know where I am and that words are spelled differently (like honor and center - honour and centre) here?

Daybreak team member helps David

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Crutch project (handmade)

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Entrance to the building (check out the cross in the tile)

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This is on the walkway of the entrance, tells people what WHIZ believes.

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Mr. Mwale (the architect) and Mr. Watters (project manager)

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Dignitary table in guest house

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Great cake!

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Building tours begin

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Unveiling of dedication plaque

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