It was an extremely hot and muggy day, approximately 2 weeks after Hurricane Matthew blew through the south of Haiti in October, 2016. Patchouko and I were trekking through one of the neighborhoods served by Accolade for Saving Lives (ASL). Our objective when we set out this day was to assess damage to the ASL […]
The Joy of the Lord is our Strength
Joy. As I sit to edit pictures taken so far this week in Haiti, I am moved to tears by the joy that I see. The emotional climate is different since Hurricane Matthew. It is fragile and painful. This group came from Minnesota, USA to see what Patchouko has been doing at ASL. They are blessing ASL with knowledge, music, games. They share the gospel message that God’s love is for THEM, for all of us, in good times and in bad. For this MN group, coming to “see” means digging in deep. It means giving of heart and soul. It looks like stepping into the culture without reservation, It is serving the boys and serving the servants here. To this I am the privileged observer. From behind my camera lens I am blessed to capture joy amidst the pain. The deep and wide love of God has moved me to tears. Take a peek and feel the joy!
Rising Above Her Circumstances
The hurricane took every single panel from the roof of her one room rental, where she and her two teenage children live. Upon arriving to Les Cayes 9 days ago I stopped by her house. There was no cover over her belongings, it was raining. We discussed the goals of CLIMB and Accolade in the […]
Could It Be Just A Coincidence?
I was returning home from Haiti looking forward to a nap on the plane. The likelihood is high that I was asleep before we even took off that day. I missed the beverage pass, the snack offer and was awakened by an overhead announcement from the pilot. “You may have noticed that we have circled […]
The Greatest Commandment
I posted my very first facebook video – in the same clothes I wore yesterday, the same clothes I slept in after being up until 3 am, and it didn’t even matter. God has stripped any hesitation I have ever had of “putting myself out there”. If not us, then who??!! Right? Jesus told us […]
Update After Hurricane Matthew
All Accolade for Saving Lives Staff, program participants and their families are accounted for and safe – PRAISE GOD!! The Accolade center itself seems to have stood strong to the winds and rain. One concrete block wall of the yard “fence” was destroyed by fallen trees, the yard completely flooded and trees damaged or down. […]
When Oceans Rise – Thank you, Hillsong
You’re likely familiar with the song “Oceans” by Hillsong. As we watched the waters rise in our former hometown of Charles City, IA two weeks ago it was our prayer for friends there to keep their eyes above the waves, their souls resting in God’s embrace. The afternoon of September 27th the same Cedar River […]