hello precious Family and Friends ... it has been quite a week here in Gonaives. I hope you are enjoying the posts and pictures! I (we) have been trying to expose you to this area and the people here; though the pictures and words fall far short. Hearing the cries ... the laughter (not enough) ... seeing the tears and feeling the sobs as you pray for someone who just found out they are dying. Looking for the children you held and played with ten months ago and hearing that they died ... watching as the children tug on you and ask for attention because no one spends anytime just loving them ... the smells of disease, filth, goats, waste, pigs, and dogs in the streets and yards ... the poverty. Note the picture of the girl in front of her house showing me the dirt cakes (dried mud and salt) they sell to their neighbors [yes, to eat].

Life so different, that these 'posts' cannot come close to what these people live in and through daily.

I was mildly encouraged when I went into a few of the homes and found out they had a concrete floor to sleep on instead of dirt. Yes, your perceptions will change (about life) when you are here.

For the short amount of time we have been here, we have worked on a few projects (mentioned earlier) that have impacted the lives of a few ... by His sustaining Grace and Strength. (I will detail those more in a later post)

I have finally accepted the fact that I (we) cannot help everyone, which has been a hard realization over the years. So many that need help to just survive ... food, shelter, and medical assistance that would overwhelm all the hospitals in the Omaha area.

The struggles are great here in this very spiritually dark country ... but there is a Light at the end of the tunnel. I have witnessed a tremendous turnaround in the attitude of many people here. In just a few years, the L-rd has delivered many miracles ... the healing of hearts ... souls and bodies!

Please know that Father is Loving on the people here through a few special Servants, and many that are seeking Truth and Love are finding it! Please pray diligently for Pastors Emory and Genada ... and their Call here; for Brian and ORR as we live out G-d's Direction ... and for the other Saints that have Haiti placed in their Path.

Your prayers and involvement are so needed and encouraged ... thanks for helping AND being such a vital part of what G-d would have us do in Haiti ... you are Loved!

ken