We don't want to waste one minute...

Everyday now the trip seems more and more real... Yesterday I showed the boys the hotels that we would be staying at and they had a beautiful smile on their faces. We sat and watched every video we could on Hinche and Port au Prince that we could find so that they could have an idea of where we are headed.  In the next few weeks we are pausing our regular curriculum, and we are taking this opportunity to learn about the history, geography and culture of this beautiful country and the people that we are about to meet...

We don't want to waste one minute of this God given opportunity. We have so much to be thankful for... I have found my self becoming more emotional as the time draws near. I also find myself more aware of the many blessings that people have shared with us over the last few months. We have watched God provide in so many ways, when we ourselves couldn't.

Through it all God keeps bringing one image to my mind over and over again... In Exodus chapter 17:8-13, We read about Moses standing on top of the mountain with his staff raised high over his head... Most often this is the person we hear about... for me, I see Aaron and Hur; without them Moses could never have defeated the Amelikilites... When he was too weak to hold the staff up, they brought him a rock to sit on and even then when the weight of the staff became too much to bear... it was they who held the sides of the staff, relieving the burden for Moses. God has given us such beautiful people in our lives. We thank you for sharing our burdens, for helping us to walk this path that God has for our family and this group.

I think it is never just one person or a few, rather it is each of us offering our gift to the glory of God, each thought, each stop at the door with a card, each phone call,prayer, word of encouragement, each donation. Together, we can do all things! Thank you so much for all your support. Every ounce is appreciated! You go with us as we see what Christ has for us to learn through this adventure....

~Anitra 

in a little over 5 weeks...

As our departure day for Haiti is now right around the corner, I am amazed at how much work and continuous support has gone into the prep stages of this missions trip. As a team, church and community we have been able to raise nearly all of the costs we need to cover our trip in just a few short months. With some work still to be done, the team is working on putting together some final fundraising events and are relying on God that He will provide. But what really amazes me is all of the generosity, encouragement and blessings that have been handed our way from so many people since the very beginning. Being able to share this experience with those around us has been a true blessing, and I think I could speak for the team by saying we couldn't have gotten where we are without you and of course God's great plan. As the team gets ready to head out in a little over 5 weeks, we look forward to growing closer to God, our Haitian families and each other with full and expectant hearts.

We look forward to sharing this experience with you!

Taylor

Busy & Exciting days

The team has had a busy but exciting last few months preparing for our trip.  We have been so overwhelmed with the generosity and support we have received to date!  We are actually just $7000 off of our fundraising goals.

First we filled out loads and loads of paperwork and then had some fun selling "Lunch to go!" Turkey Soup, rolls & brownies.

Some of us were busy applying for our passports for the first time.

Then we held a neat day for kids called "Get 'er done" with Perley the Magician, crafts, Gingerbread house making, movies, baked goods and a chance for Mom's and Dad's to get those last minute Christmas things done.

We were able to book our flights at 3/4 the price we had budgeted for- praise God!

We kicked off the New Year with a Breakfast and Bottle drive bringing in 8,053 bottles/cans and 90 folks for breakfast!

Accommodations in Haiti and Montreal on the way home are booked, it's starting to feel real which means it's time to call in the prescriptions, and tip back the Dukerol.

Next up:

Get your tickets today for “The First Ever Great Valentine’s Bake Off & Spaghetti Dinner” Sunday February 15th at 12:30PM at Smythe Street Cathedral.

Enjoy a heart warming spaghetti dinner and participate in determining Smythe Street Cathedral’s Best Baker of 2015!  Aspiring Bakers will bring in 2 desserts, one for the judges and one for auction at the event. For more information as to how to participate please contact Heidi at heidi@smythestreetcathedral.com.

Tickets are $10 or $5 for children (under 10). Please purchase in advance on Sundays or in the office during the week.