News From Haiti

We have heard some news from the folks at HAFF. We got the results of the National Exams and we are kept informed of the political situation as well.

Please pray for Haiti as the political and security situation is getting worse again after having improved somewhat after the elections. Kidnappings and theft are on the rise again. All the upset makes it hard for the students to concentrate on their studies and for the missions to do the work they have been given. So far, as far as I know, all is well on the Plateau and in the Pignon area. Most of the trouble is in the capitol, Port-au-Prince. Pray for our former students in school in Port and for folks from our area who work there.

The photo above is of the 2004-2005 12th grade class. As you might remember (or maybe I didn't tell you), they had to finish the last year of high school in other schools. Several of them asked us if we could help them find a place to stay and help them with transportation for the National Exam. They wanted to stay in a different place from their new classmates who had a reputation for partying during the exams. How can you refuse a request like that! We helped and by the grace of God, the whole group we sent to the exam passed!!! Several of them will now be going on to University. Keep them in your prayers as they will be away from home and studying in a completely new way. They will also be scattered in various towns and schools and won't have each other for moral support. Pray that they make good friends who can encourage them in their studies, and even more importantly, in their walk with God.

Here are some of last years' 9th graders again. Most of them passed their National Exam and will be going on to 10th grade this coming year. Pray for them as they prepare to start school in early September. And pray for the ones who did not pass and who have to repeat the year.

These are last years 12th graders. Of the 39 of them (if I have the numbers right), 11 passed the National Exam and the other 28 are re-taking it this coming week. Today they are traveling to Grande Rivere to get ready for the test Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please pray for them as they travel and prepare.

We are strongly considering opening the next (and last) year of high school. That would allow these students to finish their secondary education at HAFF. Please pray for us as we look at all the details and try to communicate between Haiti, Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania!

Greetings from State College. PA

Yes, I am still in Pennsylvania. The photo is of "Happy Valley" -- the town is State College, the University is Penn State. I have been here for just over a month being a landlady. It has taken longer than I had anticipated. But I have been enjoying being back in the town and the house where I lived from the time I was 9 months old till I was 12. After that, my Father's parents moved in, so the house has been in the family for 46 years. Other than Haiti, it is home.

Visiting with friends, enjoying the cultural resources in town and the cool weather lately have been blessings. Unfortunately, there have also been problems. My intentions of traveling the mid west and south this summer have not materialized since I have had washing machine, driveway, water heater, car, computer and other household problems with which to deal. My computer is still being repaired and I am checking e-mail and blogging at the local library!

My plan right now is to fly back to Haiti with Missionary Flights International September 5, flying into Cap Haitien. The Van Schoycks and Colin and Carla Wilson should be coming in October. All that is assuming that the problems in Haiti have not gotten any worse. Please pray for them to improve and for the HAFF team to all arrive safely and to become a team that can glorify God on the Central Plateau of Haiti.