INTERNET

The last five months have been full, fulfilling, busy, and honestly, without internet we probably did read, play games, as well as spend time standing at the window where there was just enough service to send WhatsApp messages. A voluntary fast is good, a forced one can leave you kicking at times, or, simply, feeling resigned to what was totally beyond our control.

After the hurricane in October, we lost cell service. In January, our satalite went out and we haven't had proper internet since. We had limped along using the schools WIFI for awhile, but it was very undependable and didn't have a lot of allowance. When that went out, well, life goes on and you adjust, almost:) Positioning your phone at the window, (or a few other select spots in the house) became a norm; I took for granted that I could chat with my mom, sisters,  and friends from the sofa, porch, or while I am sewing. Trust me, I wrote LOTS of blogs during the last few months, in my mind.:)


This week we got our internet back. So I will try to update you here, but it might take a few posts:)

Having sweet cousins visit is pretty special!

The winter was full of  friends and family, visiting. We felt so supported and loved by each one who took the time off work, energy, and put so much thought into blessing  and supporting us. We feel your love!!! Thank you to Joel & Mary Landis and family, Mark & Lois Myer, Devin, Annalise, and Alissa, Beryl Landis for supporting Maria and your visit, Daryl & Ivy Peachey and my niece and nephews!!! Grandpa and Grandma Myer, Aunt Ida and cousin Kristen, Jeff & Marj Hartzler and family. We made so many memories, and I know that you all showing up gave us energy and encouragement  to keep on in what God has called us to down here.

Of all the places this guy couldn't have stopped to pose, you

gotta say he's pretty concerned about color coordination!

Another highlight was Jess driving over the mountains and through the rivers to bring Rhonda, her 11 children, and Les and Ida here for a weekend. We had arranged it at Christmas, and we had such a fun time giving back some hospitality to those who have served us in their home many times! 

Having my Aunt Ida and cousin Kristen

here were a highlight. Ida treated the little

guy on the left for a badly burnt foot.

I enjoy helping with things like that, but

he took a lot of time, and many bandage

changes.

The children enjoyed their new ciriculam and their teacher, Miss Maria.  Jess and  I enjoyed joining them for their first break, and we got some Haitian students into jumping rope too. They beat us all in the high jump! School had started later, so when Miss Maria went home the end of May, we still had a few lessons to finish. We welcomed our friend, and "summer school" teacher, Lynita, the end of May as well, and she finished out the year, and continued with school three days a week. Lynita also helped with whatever needed done around the house, did ALOT of sewing for me. (school uniforms are almost finished for next year, thanks to her!) and we had fun doing market, a trip to Terrre Rouge, and beach outings together too.

After Lynita left on June 5, we became the sole "whites" here. I am continuing summer school, and thanks to God, its going better than I anticipated! We do about 3 mornings a week, enough to maintain and "drip" school so they don't fall into that slump students so often face during summer. I'm enjoying the time with them, and even Jorden and Kiara have adjusted to the schedule surprisingly well!

Jess and I have talked about how good summer is.... its QUIET. With the school here being out, ( and that means hundreds of students aren't here) the Dorcas Center being closed, it feels like a good time to do some odd projects, and do special things too. Jess and some of the garden workers did a beautiful garden in  the back of the compound that was basically brush and scrub. When the banans, moringa trees, eggplant, redbeets, cabbage, tomatoes, pineapple, papaya, beans, and coffee get bigger it'll look a lot different.

How could I have forgotten the Agriculutre Confrence that was held here in June? With about 100 attendees and 30 staff and teachers, the week was full and enriching to all who were here to learn more about donkey training, growing various fruits and veggies, trees, and many many other things.

Jess and the garden guys were busy preparing the garden inside the compound. They got a lot done, but I think it simply was a start, and that already there are plans and dreams for what it may look like next year. A garden is always a work in progress,no?

Getting pictures on here is a little feat I need to learn to master. Bear with me.. hopefully I'll get more soon...

Kiara... 3 months and 8 months. Such a joy to our family!