Three women from The Sanctuary are on a missions trip to Haiti this week. Their team, which includes 14 people from Illinois and Virginia, will be sending an e-mail update each day on what is happening during their trip. A different member of the team writes the e-mail each day.

Here are excerpts from the first two e-mails:

Saturday (from Lori at Joyful Spirit)

Well we made it safe n’ sound! The trip was fine and uneventful. It started early this morning for all of us–meeting at Stacey’s house and loading the bus… In our flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Haiti we learned that Haiti does not switch times for daylight savings. So we are on the same time as you guys (lol).

We arrived at the airport and made our way through customs and over to baggage. All of our bags made it here today but one. They said that our flight was over weight and they had to take some baggage off. And we know this is true because the flight attendants were talking all about it as we were getting on the plane about how full our flight was and heavy due to luggage. I think this is a good problem because I saw lots of teams from all over the country on our flight, and I’m sure they all were bringing donations and supplies here to the people of Haiti. So anyway, we will be heading back the airport tomorrow to pick up two more team members and hopefully that lucky bag #7.

So speaking of teams, we are so looking forward to getting to know more of the Virgina teammates. Tonight after dinner instead of devotions we did introductions and a little background of our heart for Haiti. It is so much fun already meeting new people and hearing about how God has stirred their heart for Haiti. And wowsers! This team from Virgina has lots of talented artists. I am so looking forward to see what they teach and how the teach the kids at Village of Hope. Pretty cool!!

The weather –I’m sure y’all are wondering just how hot n’ sticky it is….well yup it was hot n’ sticky getting off the plane, in the airport getting all the bags, walking over all the rubble walk way to the trucks and unloading the trucks here at the compound known as Hope House. But it was also looking like rain and we are having some pretty amazing lightning shows this evening which has brought in a welcomed breeze. Also EDH is currently on (yay!). This means we can run the air conditioner for a little while — as most of you know, we never know for how long, but we are very grateful when it is on!!

… As many of you know, the sea crate came through customs last week and the team that was here loaded it on a garbage truck (lol! but it worked) and unloaded here at the compound into the new depot in the back. The new depot is great. The walls are up all around the compound. In the back right corner, instead of cement walls there is steel fencing. So you can see and visit the neighbors which is a catholic school — looks great and Debbie thinks its also helps with letting the breeze flow in and throught the compound. Great idea:-)

… Please know we love you all and we appreciate each one of you for helping hold the forts at home this week. Take care and here is a little saying we heard tonight “nothing works, but everything works out.”

Sunday (from Lennie at Joyful Spirit)

Bonjour Tout le Monde (Hi Everyone),

I thought it would be appropriate if I started with a little French tonight. I knew at some point in my life my French major would finally come in handy!

Today was a wonderful day. We started out early this morning so that we could get to VOH, Village of Hope, to determine the logistics of our classes. Then we went to church, worshiped, and listened to some of the most beautiful voices sing in English, French and Creole. The girls of course sang louder than the boys! Girls Rock!!

The weather cooperated, giving us a break from the heat with clouds. But around 3 p.m. it started to rain and now it hasn’t stopped. Please keep all the Haitian people in your prayers… especially having to live in the tent cities. The tents are hot and very small. You put a family in them and there is no room and absolutely no air flow. With the rain you then add mud and wetness everywhere, along with all the mosquitoes.

We finished the day with a wonderful devotional given by one of our fellow team members whom we just met yesterday. We talked about the Face of God and where do you see Him. We see Him in the faces of every child we meet, every missionary, every person who comes to help! Look around, you may see Him yourself in your kids, friends, people you worship with or work with!

We hope you all had a wonderful day. Have a great week and remember to give thanks and praises to the One who provides all and created everyone in his image!

Bon Soir and Bons Reves (Goodnight and Good Dreams),
Son Paix (His Peace),
Lori, Stacey, Liz, Stephani, Patrick, and Lennie