HAITI

I have to keep from crying at work everyday as I check the latest news from Haiti. My office neighbor is a beautiful woman with family still in Haiti. I see her tearing up throughout the day and I am so filled with longing. Longing to accept all the orphaned children in my home. A longing to help with food and shelter as people sift through the rubble. A longing to hold women as they shed tears over the loss of a child or spouse.
I want to scream from the top of my lungs to everyone who has not noticed or let the news go in one ear and out the other..."Haitians are our people!" The history of colonization and export trade has enabled this beautiful land to become as CNN keeps referring it to, "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere". Yes, American was part the Haitian history. How quickly we forget.
Right after the earthquake I was watching the news and the first pictures and person they interviewed on TV was a gentleman who stated in no uncertain terms that this tragedy would bring the people of Haiti back to God. I pray this blessing on those hurting.
I also encourage all to take in the full magnitude of this disaster. The businesses destroyed, families separated, home in ruins, scare food and water, infrastructure obliterated. It will decades and possible even a century to re-build this community. So when you make that donation also consider whether your commitment to this country is only while it is sensationalized on TV or over your lifespan to assist in building up this nation, "our people".

Happy Beginnings

Happy Beginning! Rob and I are starting our new year off with travels galore! Rob will be in Miami the latter part of the month of January attending 10+ days of missionary orientation. I would have loved to join him but I have taken on a new venture of my own. I have wanted to venture out into the consulting world for several years now. I have been blessed to act as a consultant in my current role at Valle del Sol on many exciting projects- most recently with the YMCA USA. The YMCA USA is hosting (4) 14 month seminars for YMCA's across the nation entitled, "Engaging the Latino Community". After workind with the YMCA in Phoenix, Chicago and Orlando they have asked me join part of their national consulting team. I am thrilled. Valle del Sol has graciously allowed me to act in this role without it jepordizing my current position at the agency. Thus, I will be traveling the first part of the month of January and will arrive home just as Rob leaves. Please keep us in your prayers. More to come on our exciting journey.