Heaven is Real!!!!

Reflecting on the last week, I realize how fast time is already going. I've already been in Haiti over 3 weeks. It's now been over 4 years since the massive earthquake that rocked the ground in Haiti and the lives of an entire country. It's unreal how fast time goes.

In Bible study we have been talking about Heaven. Last week we talked about how we serve The Lord here on earth is preparing us for service when we get to Heaven.  We also discussed jobs in Heaven and what professions could be used and which ones would no longer exist.  There will be no pain and suffering so, no need for doctors, no trials and crime so no need for lawyers and policeman, etc....  This is not to say that people of these professions will not be in Heaven, they will just have different tasks when they get there.  I began to think of my job in Admissions at Lee University.  I'm pretty certain there will be no need for an Assistant Director of Admissions in Heaven. I think that God pretty much has that under control, the criteria has been set.

This week we were asked the question "Where is home?"  Being from a broken home, I immediately thought which one Mom's, or Dad's? I began to think of children who come from divorced families, missionary’s kids, pastor’s kids, and military families, and how as we grow up we don't really have a single place we can call home.  God spoke to me and said that this is not to be discouraging, but that products of these circumstances, which have placed their faith in Christ, have an excitement, comfort, peace, rest, and should be encouraged that one day we can be home, in one home. For a Christian our ultimate home is Heaven!

On the Ground and Running

I have been on the ground in Haiti for almost two weeks.  I am really trying to get a grasp on the language and enjoying relationship building with Haitian, other short-termers, and getting to know other missionaries here a little better.  My first week, we had a team from Canada and a couple Americans here. They were teaching 175 Haitian young adults about Chrisitan leadership and how to conduct camps and ministries.  The sessions were incredible and the worship services were phenomenal. It was a challenging week for everyone.

This past week I worked a little in the clinic and have been doing some things around the office. The clinic is really busy. Of course I love holding the babies but we have a special littl girl in the clinic right now. She was burned last May and is still visiting. She is in foster care so she doesn't come regularly and has terrible scarring.  She is desperate for love. She wants to be snuggled and held.  She doesn't get much attention where she is and isn't getting emotional needs met.  She isn't getting the physical therapy she needs.  Coming from someone who has had their fair share of physical therapy, I can really see the importance of it and how she is lacking.

We had the elderly feeding program Monday and will again tomorrow. They bless me each week.  Today, I saw the first baby I ever held in Haiti. Such a sweet gentle 14 year old today.  Every time I see him and his brothers, I pray God protects them from the evils of this world and that they will grow up to be Godly men grounded in their faith.  For his 12 year old brother, I gave him his first haircut when he was 10 months old. I remember taking the clippers and shaving his massive fro bald. So energetic but cuddly now.  Love that God can keep these boys around for a constant reminder of my first love of this country and his people.

Peace in the Lord

Getting to Haiti was quite stressful. However, God continues to give me peace and reveal himself. This week is a holiday week in Haiti but we have a team from Canada that is doing a conference with young leaders. They have pastors and administrators from the US and it has been refreshing to see Americans, Haitians and Canadians working together for the Kingdom.

It was such a blessing to watch young people that I've seen grow over the last 12 years through the sponsorship program that are now leaders in their church. I'm impressed by their leadership and desire to serve The Lord. Having the opportunity to pray with them is such a blessing. I stood at the end of the service and listened to 200 Haitians singing praises in Creole. It is incredible to listen to people around the world worship the same God in their own language.

So incredibly blessed and humbled

December has been an extremely busy yet rewarding month.  Goodbyes are tough but knowing you are in God's will is peaceful.  I have been able to build new relationships, strengthen old relationships, and spend lots of time with family and friends.

Many people have given, prayed, and encouraged me through this journey.  Christmas in Cleveland and Kentucky was rewarding and refreshing.  Friends and family gave in a remarkable way and with some technology, I can now keep in touch with people. 

I recently had a reception in which I was blessed with family and friends helping see me off.  From coaches, to college roommates, bosses, church friends, and family, all came to show support.  Walnut Memorial Baptist has been an incredible support financially as well as praying for me.  Friends have housed me and had me over or out to dinner and just great times of fellowship.  I appreciate all of your support.

Two bags are packed and my brother is hosting a going away dinner tonight in Bowling Green with great friends.  Tomorrow I will say some final goodbyes and spend my last night with Mom and Jim before being commissioned at church on Sunday.  Sunday night I will go to Columbia in which more family and friends will gather for my last supper and I will spend the night with Dad and T.  Monday I will have breakfast with my dad and he will take me to Bowling Green to meet Mom and Jim who will drop me off at the Nashville airport and I will be on my way to Haiti.  Prayers are appreciated!!!!


For donations: http://www.globaloutreach.org/missionaries.html#DeanC

24 Days Until Departure

Well, the time is nearing.  I am 24 days away from the start of a year in Haiti.  Things have been busy with getting things in storage, packing, fundraising, speaking to people, getting insurance squared away, and everything else you need to do to plan for an entire year.

It has been nice to reconnect with church friends that I have been away from for years and do get involved with my home church, Walnut Memorial Baptist. We unfortunately lost our pastor while I have been home.  It was a sad time for the congregation and his sweet family and friends but we have seen God use this situation in a miraculous way. 

I am getting lots of family time and traveling from western KY, to south central KY, and a little bit of TN.  I was able to catch a UK ball game at Rupp before the departure.  It was AWESOME and oh how I wish I could have tickets to EVERY game. 

I will be visiting Cleveland, TN one more time before my departure in about a week and a half.  I am excited to see friends.  Anyone interested in attending my going away reception on Dec. 21st at Walnut Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY from 2-4PM. 

As I sit here typing this ice is falling from the sky and covering the ground.  The snow will be moving in shortly and I was really wishing to get out of the country before the first snow.  I am not a huge fan but God's creation is incredible and beautiful despite it's coldness.  :)

Fundraiser

Well, we have another successful fundraiser in the books. Walnut Memorial Baptist Church sponsored a steak sandwich luncheon last Sunday.  We had some very generous church members dedicate their time to help make this a success.  A special thanks goes to Lisa and Jim Glover, the kitchen staff, and Richard and Sharon Russelburg.  The food was delicious, the fellowship was wonderful, and thank you to friends and family for coming out and helping get me on the field in Haiti.


I can't believe I am less than two months away from going to Haiti for an entire year. Please continue to pray. 

Leaving TN and returning to KY

I have made the journey back to Kentucky.  Leaving Lee was the most difficult decision I have had to make in the last several years.  I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Cleveland, TN and receiving an undergraduate and graduate degree at Lee.  Having been employed there for the last 6+ years has been life changing.

I couldn't have imagined a better job and better people to work with then I have been blessed to have over the last several years.  Working in Admissions has been a way for me to gain professionalism while sharing my experience with hundreds of students from across the US and even internationally.  I have made relationships with so many people it is hard to express my gratitude and love for these people and the impact they have had on my life.

It was so hard leaving Cleveland, but I know I will get to go back in November to see everyone for Homecoming.  So many great friends shared in my going away festivities, from receptions, to game-nights, to lunches, and group dinners.  Thank you Lee family for your love and support.

I am now spending time fundraising and with family and friends before I leave in December.  My flight has been scheduled and I am planning on leaving December 30th.  I have already made two trips to Columbia from Owensboro with another one this week.  I am cherishing every moment with parents, siblings, my niece, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Granny.