The face of Jesus in Haiti

It was an incredible time knowing that God has called, released and confirmed our family to move to Haiti for full time missions.  This team was sweet as we experienced our passion with students, other Haitian adoption families and friends.  They were awesome and from Heartline friends, to GVCM orphanage (where Ava is from) to NWHCM (our future home) we soaked in new experiences and saw God's hand through love.  We found a profound truth that poverty is not a lack of stuff but lack of spirit and spiritual poverty is far more spread than Haiti; it's everywhere. Oppression can be easily masked by stuff and business and that is one form of oppression that is exposed and raw in Haiti; not a lot of stuff and not a lot of jobs therefore community happens because there is time for it.
  I pray that these encounters were life changing...they have been within me as I anquish over the Haitian people as Paul did over Israel in Romans 9.  I desire to share this passion, leaving a legacy.  I feel like Peter and John who said in Acts 4:20 that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard.  I can't get over Jesus and I am so honored that God chooses to use the foolish things of this world because I get the humbling privelage to live among and grow in Christ with my haitian brothers and sisters...
This week we experienced:
- A still birth where a four month term baby was delivered and we grieved with a broken hearted mother
-MANY VBS's with kids all over the island and with NWHCM nutirition program
- Praying for Voodoo monument at Ansofalor followed by an afternoon at the beach
-Seeing our GVCM family, encouraging pastor Yves, doing spas for the nannies and a godly men's conference and basketball tournament with the boys
-Hut to Hut grocery ministry and clinic
-Praying over a new church plant in Bershae (Pastor Fritz) and bringing them funds for a goat and chicken outreach
-Dedicating newborn twins on the countryside of GVCM and visiting church members and the twins I dedicated three years ago.
-Seeing my daughter's biological mother Betty and also getting to see the union of another adoptive family
-Visiting with ex-campers from our Haiti camp days and seeing one of his friends get saved!
-partaking in the awesome ministries of NWHCM and fellowshipping with our family there
-Doing a "Home Makeover" for a missionary family
-Visiting the jail and brothel, praying and doing devotions in St. Louis de Norde
-Giving love bags at the special needs Miriam Center and Gramoun Center
-Sharing and leading worship with the NWHCM mission teams, and interns
-Got to see our future home and get instructions for shipping and the list of needs to work on in order to get on ground in Haiti in four months!
God has moved mightily and been so good!  Awesome God!  Awesome mission trip...
Visit http://www.nwhcm.org/ to find out how you can be involved in the kingdom!

Going to our Caanan

I had butterflies as we landed in Port au Prince!  It didnt't help that during the whole trip I read Radical by David Platt which stirred my spirit beyond words or expectation!  I couldn't wait to hear the regae style music playing and say my first Bonjou!  After a year of sabbath, it did not disappoint! 

This trip to Haiti was filled with new experiences and confirming peace beyond words.  We got to experience a northern rural part of Haiti.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission is a dynamic ministry with grassroots passion that is apparent throughout every represented region/community. 
With new relationships and hearts melted together the heart of Haiti held true...joy, love and smiles beyond extreme poverty.  The compound that immediately felt like home to our family has the church/Bible College, deaf school, Miriam Center (special needs home; the only one we know of in Haiti), a baby orphanage, an elderly center, nutrition program and hospital, along with an innovative aquaponics project! 
Though this week will never be forgotten in our hearts as it solidified our calling and committment to this beautiful island and people, the most dynamic part of my week was the day spent at the brothels and the prison.  A lady the I am proud to call sister, Melonnie has built a relationship with prisoners and guards that testifies to the power of God's love.  She weekly shares bible study, and fellowship with prostitutes and prisoners.  She sees the with Christlike eyes and it is evident that the Holy Spirit's anointing dwells amidst darkness when you are in these places. 
I enjoyed joining mission groups who had gathered to buy goats, chickens and groceries for the local communities to put money back into the economy but also to pray about what neighbor they would like to bless with the goods because God calls us to love our neighbor.  We witnessed a family committ their life and heart to the Lord on this journey.
Finally after days of holding and loving babies (which is where I found Terah when she was missing) or feeding beautiful children who are pure at heart and free in life because of special needs that some would say are a hinderance to full life; we knew that this mission would change our lives forever.
At the end of the week through prayer and petition we met with Janiel Owen, the second generation director of the mission. The precious Owen family was an unexpected element that God used to in our lives this week - kindred spirits to bear burdens and seek Victory! After John and Janeil shared a sweet time together, I joined them long enough the hear the process and ideas shared of what they felt was God's will...
So, we pray...we wait...we prepare and keep our YES on the alter as God continues to move and stir in our hearts.  We reclessly have abandoned all rights and surrender the "American Dream" to our King!

Looking ahead and yet obedience now...

Have you ever felt God stirring and doing a mighty work and yet there are "growing pains?"  I feel like when Paul writes that He wants to know God in the power of the Resurrection that my heart goes, "YES!"  Let's live believing the incredible truths of His Word!  Then, God says death comes before the Resurrection...ok, Salvation?  Got it!  Well, then there's being refined by fire.  Whoa, fire does not feel good but if that's what it takes in order for my reflection to be Jesus to a lost and dying world, broken and hurting...(deep breath) I surrender all- which is so odd to say because I don't even feel that it's mine to surrender, it's God's, always has been.

    A friend of mine is leaving tomorrow to go to Haiti.  I am happy for her and yet my heart so longs to be there among the people, culture and country that God has put a supernatural love and desire for.  We are currently praying and planning to be back in Haiti early June.  I will be one year, almost exactly since the last time we were there.  The longest stretch in seven years.  The Lord has graciously placed Haiti in our home daily and we have focused on our family's transition and completion of Ava's adoption. God has done other incredible things in Haitian relationships along the journey and Yves calls, facebook with Haitian friends and blogs from GO, GVCM, NWHCM, and Heartline keep us connected and praying for our dear friends committed to Haiti; but not one day passes that my constant prayers, memories and thoughts are far from my heart.  As I often do, last night I dreampt of being in Haiti.  The people, children, expression, colors, smells...I am yearning to step off of the plane as the warm air hits my face, hearing the tropical drums as the welcome music plays and I see the smiling faces of the Haitian people and of course baggering, and chaos! 

In the meantime, faithfulness, full obedience where God has us.  Dying to self, learning full submission.
 James 1:19 and keeping my eyes on Christ, abiding in love amidst any storm or tribulation while being fully committed as a wife, mommy and student is where God has me.  I am content because I trust the ONE who is in Control.  That's where I am -  we need prayer, we need support in various ways and encouragement.  God is faithful...can I be?  Phil. 4:13

Weekend in DC - IJM

This weekend was dynamic in my life in many ways.  I took my almost ten year old daughter, a girl I mentor and her mom to an International Justice Mission Conference in Washington D.C.  We saw the memorials, museums and rich history of DC ; surrounded by the political unrest of budget and economy circling around our visit (God is in control!)  We attended the annual IJM Global Prayer Gathering and encountered worship with 1,000 prayer warriors and trained for awareness of how to be a local voice and impact our community.  We prepared and learned how to lobby before Congress for Justice and the release of oppression!

1. When I got there I felt a little envious of all of the young professionals and lobbyists pursuing careers in political social justice.  I remembered the ambitious college student that I once was as a political science major.  I stood amazed at God's will by the end of the weekend.  After I shared this time with my precious oldest and disciple, being reminded of the incredible gifts of my children are and how awesome my husband is!  I was confident of a reaffirmed assurance of my calling in life. I returned home so thankful for my path and God's journey for me.

2.  After hearing many stories and testimonies of children, families and women who have been enslaved, abused and oppressed, I was reminded of my own story.  I knew that the only hope for them was Christ.   I was strengthened by the truth that there is power in our testimony!  Without shame, we are not products of our pasts, but results of a mighty God who takes our messed up lives, creates a beautiful work and makes it a message of His Good News!
So, joining in the freedom of the people who God has delivered through IJM:
- I was born by an unmarried teenage girl
-After being adopted, my parents divorced
-I am cuban and most of my family is white; I have always felt different
-My dad and mom have both died, leaving me an orphan once again at a very young age
- I made some really poor choices in college conforming to the world
                     Praise God he uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.  1 Cor.1:27

3.  I met so many incredible kingdom and justice seekers who desire to live a life for Christ that leaves a legacy of love; I was reminded that we are not alone!  I was empowered and encouraged at who God is and where he is at work globally. I saw Him in my daughter and student!  I was blessed beyond measure.  As we attended the training to lobby on Captiol Hill before congress for human trafficking; I deeply knew then and know now that what Satan means to destory; God uses for good! 

4.  Thinking of the brothel near the mission we are going to in Haiti...I was moved to pray and reminded of the power of prayer! - BROKEN - passionate about the purposes of Christ and his mission to seek and save the lost and set the captive free!  Oh, that we may be a vessel that loves in such a way to heal broken hearts!  Thank you IJM... Then, the weekend finalized by a confirmation that IJM is not yet called to go to Haiti.  More heartbreak for a different reason... 
Psalm 27:14  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.  
Psalm 33:20  We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 
Psalm 37:7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 
Psalm 38:15  LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.

Our God is good    all of the time    No matter what!

Surrender

I feel like I've got to get better about this blogging thing.  Lately, I feel like there is so much tugging at me to improve.  I'm striving to exsist in each moment receiving solace in God's grace and what it means to be faithful and obedient right where you are.  I have so much to share but struggle knowing where to start and how to communicate.

So, we just got back from taking 11 teenagers to Mission Waco's Poverty Simulation, where we live homeless or in poverty for one weekend.  It was my second time to experience the injustices and life of those in poverty or homeless; some by choices, or some by circumstance of a life that has shown them nothing else.  The weekend is challenging and holds you accountable to things that we happen to be very passionate about, yet get seperated from where we currently minister and seek to share God's love.  Then, there's the struggle...do we lack faith to take risks to live beyond comfort zones that keep us from truly being the light in darkness?  If we believe in incarnational ministry...are we living that out?  We ask questions, probe the gospel and wrestle with God as he affirms his call and will for our life and leaves us with a peace that comes from freedom in Christ.  We have challenged ourself to grasp the newness of life that the New Testement brings.  It was the Old Testament that said our tithe to God is 1/10.  The New Testement faith was about selfless sacrifice.  In a Compassion Video shown over the weekend, I giggled as the speaker sang, maybe we should change the hymn to "One -tenth to Jesus I surrender, One-Tenth to him I freely give...I surrender one-tenth, I surrender one-tenth."  It sounds humerous yet transparency, accountability, and the things that the Acts 2 community God intended to be the church seem to be foreign or difficult to embrace.
  
     Just enough Jesus seems adequate for most of society professing christianity...
Christ has redeemed me, loves me unconditionally and has completely changed my life and shows me daily how to live and abide in Him...I don't want to conform to being satisfied with going through the motions of any form of religious tradition.  I don't want a lukewarm faith to be what defines my children's hunger for living out the kingdom of God.  So, by faith we doing something about it.  As always, I do not know how?  God has obviously moved mountains before and he makes streams in the desert, therefore I will trust Him.  We are clinging to Matthew 6:33

I am wrapping up the last of my Social Work degree; and ironically feel led to pursue and EMT certification on top of it.  Ok, will do!  Next...the International Justice Mission is an ogranization that fights injustices such as human trafficing, forced prostitution and child labor.  Through politics and missions they are exposing the darkness and helping heal hearts and rescue lives all over the world.  In April, I am taking my daughter and a teenager I mentor to Washington D.C. to and IJM Global prayer conference and Advocacy training to hear about where God is at work locally and globally.  I hope they come back with an awarness that inspires them to change the world, with a broader Christian world view but mostly a broken heart leading to deep compassion.  It was the attribute of Jesus that kept him from denying those who needed healing and hope.

    So, I committed by faith to that journey.  THEN, my husband tells me that we are suppose to go to Haiti and visit and organization that has been building kindredship and God has melted our hearts together with for the past year.  When?  In April!  Oh, well, immediately I am questioning the Washington trip that we have by faith invested in and now with greater faith are proceeding to go.  Isn't that what Jesus said, to go!  Ok, our yes is on the alter and we will willingly go where you are leading us and our family. In the meantime there are struggles, spiritual warfare in the least expected places.

 Please pray for us.  A hedge of protection, a steadfast strength and that we would receive faith from God that grows us daily.  My children-  They are awesome and beautiful, such treasures... God would hold them securly as we will travel quite a bit in April.  My husband is currently coaching (1. because he loves investing in youth 2. for extra finances) on top of his pastorship.  Then, I am balancing college, as well my first priority, homemaking and temporarily homeschooling a friend's 6th grader that is going through some struggles.  For us all to have faith, seek Malachi 6:8 and through prayer have peace for whatever God has in store for our family.  The journey is fun and exciting!  I will not live asking questions about tomorrow but by faith walk through today loving and trusting...

Haiti Spring Break

http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/--218691370

I am praying that God opens a door and provides a way for our family to go to Haiti for Spring Break Missions!

Travelers...

Here I am 6 months later!!! This morning I heard the mountain moving testimony of the Mestas's, a precious family and Ethiopian adoptions; I am so inspired and encouraged... I was also reminded of the need to share our stories and tell of the wonderful things that the Lord has done!



To catch up on where we are in life...

John graduated from seminary with his masters and I started back to school full-time. I am wrapping up my associates degree which seems odd when you return to college after twelve years; now I have to transfer in order to complete my bachelors degree. I am initially majoring in Social Work. I will begin doing homestudies for adoption families as I complete my Masters in Social Work/Counseling...then, who knows maybe doctorite in Counseling. Some wise counsel told me that if you ever want to do Christian counseling then it brings legitimacy to the ministry. I have learned to join the Lord where he is and not plan too much but by faith, and prayer look to God in the present.

Our family is doing incredible. Jordan is flourishing in speech therapy. TK is a missionary daily, growing up, seeking justice and blessing us tremendously. Ava loves dance class and has started a two day class where she loves her friends and "school." We literally exsist in awe daily of God's work in life and ministry!

I want to share this week...
As I drove to get Ava from "school" I saw three travelers and felt strongly like I should stop for them...2 men, 1 female VERY pregnant. All I could think of as the got in the vehicle was a message from a mission trip to Chicago with Power Plant two years ago. In the Word, God's messengers would travel and were told to find homes of peace to go to and stay in as they went from place to place. I thought of so many who fear being a home of peace and therefore how do these vagabonds have a haven (especially in an area that has no shelters because they don't want to attract those kinds of people). They shared that they slept in an empty field the night before in the cold. I could tell how tired the pregnant young girl looked and knew that I should offer a meal and a place to shower. They were thankful and they came to our home to share God's blessings...as we shared life they showered and ate.
She shared life's road for her up to this point; she was traveling to AZ to go to her mom (who had her 4yr old) because they were going to be homeless in FL. The story was long and proved that life is hard. She was 8 months pregnant with her baby boy and we had some incredible conversations about our worth to God, his love for us and the gift of her children.
Then, there were the guys...One had been born and raised Hippie literally. He believed in Zen/Good people; feel good...led to good conversations of truth and Christ but mostly us living out the gospel and love in a tangible way! I got to dread his hair which was fun!
Then, there was Skye, the youngest of the crew, 19 and left home to travel and experience life (living off the land) after gradution rebelling against his Mormon upbringing, headed back to Utah to go home to a mom I know missed him and a little brother whom I could tell that he missed.
Our family was blessed as we shared our stories...they stayed the night and rested. We wrestled with obedience and faith, knowing that our mom's said to be safe but many times the Word challenges us to take risks of faith to be God's hands and feet and live out the kingdom of love. We took precautions and yet went to bed with such a peace and thankful that God chose our family to live out love with this group.
I was saddened that we knew more about them than most of the people we have superficially known for three years; we enjoyed a night of authenic transparency that we don't get often with "clean people who seem to have it together."

Then, as our friends and the body of Christ came together we were able to put them on a bus together the next morning to AZ. They were blown away; they never asked for anything and yet our paths crossed purposefully and she did not need to be traveling as close to having the baby as she was.

Then, one day later we enjoyed watching dad coach his basketball team. We went home thinking dad would be on his way soon after the game. Then, I got his call "Well, we've got another friend for the night. I'll be home soon."
And I smiled inside and began making preparations. John sweetly told me the story later for locking up the church after game and seeing the traveler. He said, "Really Lord? Again."
This was Chris and middle aged mentally handicap sweet Brother in Christ.
He needed a place to stay out of the cold and was going from church to church where he was finding no help. He told a funny story of his last stop before our church where they handed out gas cards to people who needed help. When he said he had no car they said sorry bye as he passed through crowds of people who just looked at him.

I think that God was messing with John because after sharing the he just got back from CA for his grandma's funeral and was on his way to Arkansas by bus, John asked, "Are you going back to family in AR? He said no, my mom and dad are dead but I was able to forgive my mom for abusing me before he died in jail. John said, Oh, that's good and what about your mom? He replied, "I killed her."
John thought, well I'm going to die and everyone is going to say, I knew those Barnes were crazy picking up people off the road, and I know where I'm going if I do or I'll live. He drove down the access road from the church and decided I am stopping at McDonald's before I take this guy home! So, they pulled in and Chris explained from John's prodding that his parents had him late in life and that weakend his mom who died early in his childhood. His dad always told him he killed his mom, resented him and that is why he abused him.

Then, as they sat to eat he says, Did you know I carry a weapon? John chokes on his food when he pulls out his Bible and says the sword! LOL! Chris shared about his work at his church with the youth group and it moved us as we were challenged by whether someone like Chris would be accepted among our parents working with the students? He wanted fellowship, acceptance and love and did not go to sleep until around 3a.m. (thankfully, he kept Earl -our oldest up!)

Chris's hygeine was the worst yet and I was brough to tears (and gags/literally!) as I washed his clothes because I was so blessed that God chose me to serve this sweet man.

As we went to bed that night, I said John, isn't it awesome to be God's hands and feet? He said, "Earlier this week we were Jesus but tonight we got to be with Jesus! He was so right!
Matthew 25
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...I was a stranger and you invited me in.
Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me!