Tonight we will be gathering at Hillcrest CRC at 6:30pm for a team send-off. We will finish loading up our suitcases and have a time of prayer together before we drive to Detroit. Our flight leaves Detroit at 7:20 Friday morning.
This will be my sixth time flying into Haiti and my sixth time visiting God's Littlest Angels Baby Care Ministry (www.glahaiti.org). I am VERY excited to be going back! Haiti and GLA feel like a second home to me. With my children having lived in Haiti and at GLA I am sure I will always feel a connection to both of these places. However, each time I have gone back I have become more aware of the needs of the long-term foreign staff that are living in Haiti. Life is not easy in Haiti and when you are caring for 160 children ages newborn to 14, there are even more challenges.
As a team we are going to serve the children of the orphanage but I would also like to think that we are serving some of the long-term staff as well. They need encouragement, a listening ear and prayers.
In serving the children each morning, our theme for the VBS will be showing God is Love through the parables and stories Jesus told. Kim Schreur will be telling the stories each day. Kelsey Vandevusse will be leading us in singing songs of praise to Him. Cheryl and Emily Vanderwell have planned out snacks each day that fit the story Kim is telling. Emily Kiel and Tori Schreur will be leading the kids in a craft each day that relates back to the story of the day. Sarah DeKoster and Julie Busscher will be having the kids play a quiet game each day when they are done with their snack and/or craft. Kim Vandevusse will be leading the kids in a large group game each day. Linda Wesseldyke will be photographing all of our activities so we can have a visual reminder of our time in Haiti. Kristin Vanderwell will oversee all of the activities and will help out where needed.
Please pray for each team member as they carry out their tasks. There has been a lot of preparation that has gone into each day's plan. Please join us in praying that our message is effective and that it will fall on open hearts.
I think it is also safe to say that the biggest fear for each person going is that they might get 'Haitian Happiness'. Please pray that each team member remains healthy. Thanks!
Cheryl Vanderwell
3 comments:
Wow, this takes me back to about a year ago! Preparations are done and excitement is "high". I am so excited(and a little envious!) for the team and the week that you have ahead. I will pray especially for your health and also for your work. Going to Haiti was a high point in my life and I pray God will bless each of your experiences as well. It has forever touched my heart! BLessings and prayers go out to each one of you as you begin this journey of doing God's work. Kiss those babies for me!!
Deb Ohlman
...and be careful on the steps, right Deb?
HAVE FUN SHOWING LOVE TO THE LITTLE ONES!!! I am so excited for all of you, and just like Deb said, a little envious. I pray God will bless you with a wonderful and beautiful experience in Haiti. God bless each one of you, Lori Schuitema
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