I'm just a little excited...

One thing that is very exciting for me with this trip, returning a year after I was last there, is that I will be able to see some of "my" babies again. Last year, I spent so much time pouring my love into these kids lives. A few weeks ago, I got to see one of my babies after he made it home to his adoptive family in Indiana, and it was so gratifying to be able to hold, cuddle and kiss him again. I think there will be four of my babies who will still be at the orphanage. While I would love for them to be home with their adoptive families, you can bet I'm going to make use of every opportunity to snuggle them somemore. They may not remember me, but they are deeply engrained in my heart.
This picture is of the 8 children that I was assigned to last summer, "my babies".
Kristin

Ready to Go

Well the time is almost here!! It is pretty neat to think back to that initial meeting in October 2007 where we were challenged to step out of our comfort zones and possibly sign up to go to Haiti. We were given some information about the trip itself, a little about what we would possibly experience and asked where we thought we would best be used. Upon leaving the meeting we were told to be ready to be Challenged and Changed!!!! Some knew right then that this wasn't the trip for them and I knew that this was the one I HAD to go on!!!! With alot of prayer and talking things out with family and friends, this one proved to be in God's plan for me. It has been such a neat experience to see God's hands working in all of our preparations. Our fund raisers could not have gone better and our monthly meetings have really brought this trip together and we are ready to go!!! One of the best things about this experience so far has been working with the team that God Himself has assembled for this job. We have truly begun to grow together as a team and I realize what a special group this really is. As we near our departure with all our "necessities" taken care of (supplies, getting shots, suntan lotion, bug spray, antibiotics, learning a little Kreyol, leaving the "homefront"........), we may have some traveling "jitters", but when I look at their pictures and pray for the children that will attend our VBS, I am assured that God has the Whole World in His hands. Thanks to each and every person that has supported this trip in anyway and know that you have been a blessing to us and have helped us make this trip possible. Pray for us now as we are excited to start the work that we have been planning and as we share God's love with God's Littlest Angels!!!!

Deb Ohlman

I can't believe it! We have 10 1/2 days until we leave! I started counting down for this trip at 260 days, so this is almost unbelievable. Its crazy to think that in less than 2 weeks, our group will be in a 3rd world country, experiencing a life that is so different from ours right now. People have been so supportive, helping us with the expenses (its all paid for!!!!), items for the VBS, and most importantly, with prayer. I'm not sure what to expect when we reach Port Au Prince, but I'm ready for the experience.
We leave June 5, and on June 6 my softball team will be playing in the regional tournament. When I found out about the timing, I felt awful leaving my team right before this big game, but when I was talking to my coach about the trip, she told me something that has helped me a lot. She said that it is so much safer for me to be in God's will over in an unstable 3rd world country, than for me to stay in my comfort zone at home. Following God's will is what we all must strive to do, despite how difficult it can be sometimes. I have only begun to realize how much God will bless and take care of his children when we are in His will, following his plans for our lives.
God's plan for the lives of our group is to go to Haiti. What we will accomplish, and how we will help those around us is still unknown, but I am certain that if we follow God's will as completely as we can when we are down there, He will bless our work, and allow us to do great things for His kingdom.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!

~Kelly VandenBerg

Our Bake Sale

Our Bake sale was an amazing success! Thank you to everyone who baked us goodies for the sale. It was rather difficult for those of us on the team to sit there during the morning looking at all of the scrumptious desserts! Thank you to everyone who came by and purchased some of our goodies. We have been blessed beyond measure through your support of our fundraisers, and are eagerly anticipating the day when we will arrive in Haiti, to begin passing these blessings on. We leave in 24 days!
Kristin

Car Wash/Hot Dog Sale Fundraiser

Here are some pictures from our Car Wash and Hot Dog sale fundraiser that we had today. We were blessed with gorgeous weather after some not-so-nice forecasts. The cars kept coming to be washed-it was a huge success! We want to give a huge THANK YOU to all of you who came by and supported us. We appreciate you! Our bake sale fundraiser is next week Saturday, the day before Mother's Day. We appreciate any and all prayers for that also.

In Christ,

Kristin