Jean and Jacques went to Haiti and made sure our new home in Haiti will be ready for our return. The kitchen still needs some work, but the walls are painted and the floors are tiled. It took us years to get those two things done in our previous home. Jean decided to have all the rooms painted beige and in months or years to come I can paint them other colors. Haiti being Haiti, beige did not turn out to be beige, but a yellowish color which is a cheerful color I would have chosen over beige so I am happy.

The day after their return Jacques and Josiah left for Berea to start soccer conditioning and practice. Classes weren’t to start until a week after that with Jean and I planning to visit once the games started. It was hard to watch them drive off, but Jean and I had plenty to do to pack up the apartment to be out of it by the end of August. We are staying with Jean’s sister when we are not on the road visiting.

Jacques’ car was too small to carry everything for both of them so a few days after our move we loaded the car with the rest of their stuff and went to see them. Josiah did not play in the first game because he had received an injury the day before, but he felt well enough by the second game to play. It was thrilling to see them both on the field. Josiah earned a starting position as left wing and Jacques is co-captain of the team playing defense. We also got to see their dorm rooms and meet Josiah’s roommate (a nice young man from Camaroon). This is hard for me to say, but beyond those things we were able to see that Joey, with the support of his brother, is well into his life without mama and papa. It is a little sad for me, but on the other hand I wouldn’t want it any other way. Lemec chose to move back to Fresno and it is proving to be a very positive move for him. Pray for all of them for me.

From there we went to Kansas where we had the opportunity to share and visit with many of the people from there who have come to Fond-des-Blancs on work projects. We were also given opportunities to speak with three pastors with hopes of developing ministry partnership with them.

After one more Sunday at the church we have been attending this year we will be on our way to attend the HCDF board meeting in Orlando and back to Fond-des-Blancs by September 30.

All of our sixth graders from L’Exode and the satellite schools passed the government exams which make us very proud. Adona has moved on to work with the government and we have hired a young woman named Rose Laure, who has been a teacher with us for the past three years, to be the new principal at the elementary school. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this important job. Naomie, the principal of the pre-school/kindergarten just gave birth to her fourth child and third daughter. Both of them plus the rest of the family are doing well, but can use your prayers for energy and adjustments for the next few months. Pastor Yves has moved into the duplex connected to the credit union. Jean and I are very excited to begin working with him.

Finally, the bulldozer was not loaded onto the ship as we expected and is still sitting on the dock in Miami. Jean is in close communication with the shipping agent to make sure it gets put on the next ship going to Haiti.

Jean and I are so grateful for the love and support shown to us during our furlough and hope and pray for your continued encouragement as we begin this next phase of life and ministry.

Your friend in Christ,

Joy