Today we received a couple of pictures of the homes we'll be constructing while in Haiti. Aren't they beautiful? We know that these homes will bless the new residents beyond their imagination. What a mighty God we serve!!!
For Donna Lee, 2010 is the Year of Missions. Follow her as she follows the Lord on four mission trips around the world.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sneak Peak
Today we received a couple of pictures of the homes we'll be constructing while in Haiti. Aren't they beautiful? We know that these homes will bless the new residents beyond their imagination. What a mighty God we serve!!!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Answers to Some FAQ about Haiti Mission Trip
11 Days Out
Today we received an information packet from "Love A Child", the organization we're partnering with to build the homes. It has lots of information on what to expect, what to bring and how to prepare for a short term mission trip in Haiti.
Here are some excerpts from the packet.
Who is Love A Child?
Love A Child is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian Humanitarian Organization, and a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO). Love A Child is member of the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), has the Independent Charities of America (ICA) "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has a 4 star rating with Charity Navigator. Love A Child founders and directors, Bobby and Sherry Burnette, made their first trip to Haiti in 1972, moved to Haiti in 1991, and have been faithful fulltime missionaries ever since. Love A Child is heavily involved in earthquake relief ministry, Church planting, Child sponsorship programs, Christian schools, feeding programs, food distribution programs, mobile medical clinics, the Jesus Healing Center, and now is committed to building hundreds of homes that will provide a permanent residence for displaced Haitian earthquake survivors.
The Burnettes are excited about this initiative and welcome volunteer construction workers to be a part of this push to build hundreds of homes. For more information about the scope and impact of Love A Child, please visit www.loveachild.com.
What is Haiti like after the earthquake?
Haiti, already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, was dealt a catastrophic blow in January 12, 2010 when a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the country's capital. It was region's worst earthquake in 200 years and considered the one of the “worst disasters in history” according the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. The quake leveled many sections of the city, destroying government buildings, foreign aid offices, and countless slums. Assessing the scope of the devastation, Haitian President Rene Préval said, "Parliament has collapsed. Government offices have collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed." He called the death toll "unimaginable," and fatalities reached 230,000 by early February. The United Nations mission in Haiti was destroyed, 16 members of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti were killed, and hundreds of UN employees were missing. The scope of the damage caused by the quake highlighted the urgent need to improve Haiti's crumbling infrastructure and lift it out of endemic poverty.
Hundreds of thousands of people were injured and over 1.3 million Haitians were left homeless. An emergency field hospital was set up on Love A Child property immediately after the quake and missionaries Bobby and Sherry Burnette have been inundated with the recovery effort ever since. Love A Child has not only provided these families with food, water, and temporary shelter; but has committed to supply them with permanent housing in the very near future.
What is the purpose of this trip?
The ultimate purpose of this trip is to construct homes for injured and displaced earthquake victims who are currently residing in tents on Love A Child property. The long term housing project will provide a permanent residence for a minimum of 380 families in the form of 380 newly constructed single family homes on Love A Child property. The ultimate goal is to design and implement a model community; a self sustained post-earthquake district complete with zones for public buildings, residential areas, educational facilities, etc. This will be made possible by rigidly adhering to a framework of comprehensive community planning and development. With quality and durability as mainstays; every structure will be designed in adherence to current United States building codes, constructed with appropriate materials, and inspected by qualified personnel prior to habitation.
On a more immediate level, the purpose of this trip is to build and complete as many of these homes as possible during your stay in Haiti. The trip is not a vacation or a sightseeing tour, rather a chance to bless the displaced earthquake victims with a newly constructed place to live. All team members will be assigned very specific responsibilities that will serve the overall need of getting homes built. Although the goal is to place people in jobs that closely align with their skill set, team members will be assigned duties based on need, weather, and availability of materials. So quite simply, the purpose of this trip is to work, to build, and to serve!
Who can go?
Anyone that can work hard and is over the age of eighteen is welcome to be a temporary missionary on a construction team. Although construction related experience is a plus, there are opportunities available for general laborers who can follow simple instructions.
Do I need any special vaccinations or pre-trip medical care?
Love A Child advises that team members visit with their healthcare professional as soon as possible to find which medications and vaccinations are recommended. Love A Child requires team members have a current tetanus vaccination. The Center for Disease Control has information on its website about medication/vaccinations recommended for travel to all countries including Haiti.
How will I get to Haiti?
All construction teams will fly to Haiti from either Fort Lauderdale, Florida or Miami, Florida depending on flight availability and scheduling.
Will there be a meeting or training session before I go to Haiti?
There will be a mandatory meeting the evening before departure at a designated hotel in either Fort Lauderdale or Miami depending on flight arrangements. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a detailed layout of the trip itself. Early the next morning, construction team members will fly together on the same flight into and out of Haiti. Construction team members will be issued yellow Love A Child t-shirts that must be worn for the trip to and from Haiti. This will help the team move through the airport and customs more efficiently and will minimize complications associated with traveling in groups.
Upon arrival at the Port Au Prince Airport the team will be directed through immigration. The Haitian immigration agent will tear off a portion of the immigration form. Team members keep the form in their passport as it will be needed in order to depart Haiti.
What should I expect when I arrive at the Port Au Prince Airport?
CHAOS! The Port Au Prince airport is nothing like the airports in the United States. The buildings were all severely damaged in the earthquake and the airport is only a shade above operational. Team members will be bused from the terminal to an adjacent building where each person will be processed through immigration individually. Once through immigration, the team will begin the search for their checked items. Airport personnel will bring the luggage from the plane to an open room which functions as a baggage claim area. The group must find and secure each bag. Once everyone has retrieved their bags the group will move through customs where the customs forms will be collected and the airline luggage claims ticket will be compared to the tag on the luggage. The team will eventually be directed outside of the airport. A Love A Child representative will be waiting for the group and will direct everyone where to go to board the vehicle/vehicles. It is important to not let anyone except Love A Child personnel help with luggage in order to minimize problems.
Where will I go when I leave the airport?
Once in Haiti, the construction team will travel directly to the Love A Child compound in Fond Parisien which is due east of Port Au Prince, about fifty minutes from the airport and approximately seven miles from the border of the Dominican Republic. The entire trip will be spent in this general area. The construction project will take place on a large piece of Love A Child owned property adjacent to the Love A Child compound.
Will I be safe?
Though the current government situation in Haiti is stable, political and economic conditions are chronically unresolved. However, Love A Child is committed to the safety and security of every member on every missions team. No team will be subjected to any compromising situations under any circumstance. Love A Child is serious about safety and takes every precaution to ensure the well being of every team member.
Where will I stay?
Construction teams will be staying on the main campus of Love A Child in Fond Parisien. Tents will set up near the depot and warehouse located within the walls of the Love A Child compound. Although there are showers and toilets in the depot and warehouse, there is no hot water. These facilities are available while on the compound. Each team member must bring their own toiletries, a towel, washcloth, etc. (A complete list of items to bring is listed below.)
Where will I sleep?
Construction teams will sleep in tents provided by Love A Child. However, each team member must bring their own pillow, sleeping bag, sheets etc. (A complete list of items to bring is listed below.)
What will I eat?
Love A Child will provide three meals a day prepared by Love A Child cooks. However, it is recommended that team members bring snacks as needed. Do not eat anything unless it is given to you by Love A Child or Love A Child personnel.
What will I drink?
There will be an abundance of clean water that is provided 24 hours a day by Love A Child. However, in Haiti most liquids are not acceptable to drink. Do not drink anything unless it is given to you by Love A Child or Love A Child personnel.
What do I wear?
Love A Child is a Christian humanitarian organization and there are very specific dress codes for missions teams. However, these rules have been modified for construction teams because of the general nature of the work itself. The culture of Haiti is very different when it comes to clothing and although Love A Child has a standard dress code, there are some modifications in place for this initiative listed below:
Women wear a below knee-length skirt, a dress, or culottes with a Love A Child t-shirt on flights into and out of Haiti. Denim skirts are satisfactory, but shorts, capris, sweatpants, and jeans are not acceptable on flights. While working, the options are below knee-length shorts, jeans, culottes, or surgical scrubs. Women may sleep in long (Bermuda-length) shorts, capris, or scrubs.
Men wear long pants (jeans are permitted) with a Love A Child t-shirt on flights into and out of Haiti. Shorts, sweatpants, or jeans are permitted for relaxing or sleeping, but shorts or sweatpants are not acceptable on flights. While working men may wear jeans or shorts with a t-shirt or work shirt. However, no inappropriate tee shirt logos (flames, skulls, weapon, etc.) are permitted. Please understand this dress code is mandatory.
Shoes and socks are very important. The terrain is very rough and, in places, very unsanitary. It is best to wear shoes or boots that are appropriate for the job being performed.
What will the weather be like?
Haiti is extremely hot during the day and sunscreen is recommended. It rains very frequently in the rainy season and the weather can be severe. Staying hydrated is important. There will be an ample supply of clean drinking water wherever construction teams are assigned to work and live.
What will I do on a construction team in Haiti?
Teams will be assigned specific jobs. Depending on experience, some teams will construct entire homes from start to finish, while others will be assigned very specific tasks that more appropriately align with possessed skill sets. A normal day will consist of an early breakfast, hours of construction, lunch, hours of construction, dinner, and rest. Please understand that teams will be expected to work long hours building as many homes as possible. The speed at which homes are built will determine the speed at which people living in tents are provided a permanent residence. The goal is to build these dwellings as efficiently as possible. This will require hard work, patience, team work, and diligence for the entire length of the mission trip.
Love A Child has provided a construction team foreman that will take the lead on anything related to the actual construction related work being done. Depending on the team’s skill set and experience, there may a team leader assigned to lead a group in the construction of homes from start to finish. Or there may be a team leader assigned to lead a group in a very specific task such as metal roof installations, flatwork, or carpentry. But no matter what the situation, teams will be given set tasks to accomplish from the time they arrive on campus to the time they leave.
The goal is that no team be left waiting for something to do. However, if for some reason, a team has not been given ample responsibilities, please take the initiative to track down the Love A Child field construction foreman and obtain new set of tasks so as to maximize everyone’s time and expertise while in Haiti.
What is expected of me?
It is expected that every team member do their best at all times. Please understand that a great deal of work will be accomplished and it is imperative that teams follow instructions and work together!
Should I bring tools?
Love A Child will provide the necessary tools to accomplished the assigned tasks. However, it is common practice for work crews to pack some power tools and/or hand tools in their checked luggage that will help them accomplish jobs more efficiently. Often times construction crews just leave these tools behind as a donation in order to help with the overall effort. Conditions in Haiti are very rough and tools get used to their fullest potential often to the point of failure. Bringing tools that can help with projects is always good idea.
While on the actual jobsite all tools must be kept in close proximity to the team. No tool should be left alone at any time.
Are there any specific rules that I should know about?
Love A Child is a Christian humanitarian organization and there are certain criteria that must be adhered to. These simple, concise rules are listed as follows and should be adhered to a soon as the team puts on their Love A Child t-shirts and should continue to be adhered unto they arrive back in the United States and remove their Love A Child shirts:
What should I bring?
There will be no opportunity to purchase anything in Haiti. There are no drug stores, department stores, or grocery stores that will be available to the team. Bring what is needed! Please understand that there are very strict guidelines for checked and carry-on luggage. It is the responsibility of each team member to adhere to these restrictions. Check with the airline for specific information. The following items must be brought with you to Haiti:
Toiletries
The following items may be useful to bring, but are not necessary:
Will there be a time that I can purchase souvenirs?
Love A Child will host local artisans and craftsmen that will have Haitian souvenirs for sale. It is recommended that team members bring a little extra spending money for the purpose of purchasing some of these items
Today we received an information packet from "Love A Child", the organization we're partnering with to build the homes. It has lots of information on what to expect, what to bring and how to prepare for a short term mission trip in Haiti.
Love A Child is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian Humanitarian Organization, and a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO). Love A Child is member of the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA), has the Independent Charities of America (ICA) "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has a 4 star rating with Charity Navigator. Love A Child founders and directors, Bobby and Sherry Burnette, made their first trip to Haiti in 1972, moved to Haiti in 1991, and have been faithful fulltime missionaries ever since. Love A Child is heavily involved in earthquake relief ministry, Church planting, Child sponsorship programs, Christian schools, feeding programs, food distribution programs, mobile medical clinics, the Jesus Healing Center, and now is committed to building hundreds of homes that will provide a permanent residence for displaced Haitian earthquake survivors.
Haiti, already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, was dealt a catastrophic blow in January 12, 2010 when a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the country's capital. It was region's worst earthquake in 200 years and considered the one of the “worst disasters in history” according the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. The quake leveled many sections of the city, destroying government buildings, foreign aid offices, and countless slums. Assessing the scope of the devastation, Haitian President Rene Préval said, "Parliament has collapsed. Government offices have collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed." He called the death toll "unimaginable," and fatalities reached 230,000 by early February. The United Nations mission in Haiti was destroyed, 16 members of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti were killed, and hundreds of UN employees were missing. The scope of the damage caused by the quake highlighted the urgent need to improve Haiti's crumbling infrastructure and lift it out of endemic poverty.
The ultimate purpose of this trip is to construct homes for injured and displaced earthquake victims who are currently residing in tents on Love A Child property. The long term housing project will provide a permanent residence for a minimum of 380 families in the form of 380 newly constructed single family homes on Love A Child property. The ultimate goal is to design and implement a model community; a self sustained post-earthquake district complete with zones for public buildings, residential areas, educational facilities, etc. This will be made possible by rigidly adhering to a framework of comprehensive community planning and development. With quality and durability as mainstays; every structure will be designed in adherence to current United States building codes, constructed with appropriate materials, and inspected by qualified personnel prior to habitation.
Who can go?
Anyone that can work hard and is over the age of eighteen is welcome to be a temporary missionary on a construction team. Although construction related experience is a plus, there are opportunities available for general laborers who can follow simple instructions.
Love A Child advises that team members visit with their healthcare professional as soon as possible to find which medications and vaccinations are recommended. Love A Child requires team members have a current tetanus vaccination. The Center for Disease Control has information on its website about medication/vaccinations recommended for travel to all countries including Haiti.
All construction teams will fly to Haiti from either Fort Lauderdale, Florida or Miami, Florida depending on flight availability and scheduling.
Will there be a meeting or training session before I go to Haiti?
There will be a mandatory meeting the evening before departure at a designated hotel in either Fort Lauderdale or Miami depending on flight arrangements. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a detailed layout of the trip itself. Early the next morning, construction team members will fly together on the same flight into and out of Haiti. Construction team members will be issued yellow Love A Child t-shirts that must be worn for the trip to and from Haiti. This will help the team move through the airport and customs more efficiently and will minimize complications associated with traveling in groups.
CHAOS! The Port Au Prince airport is nothing like the airports in the United States. The buildings were all severely damaged in the earthquake and the airport is only a shade above operational. Team members will be bused from the terminal to an adjacent building where each person will be processed through immigration individually. Once through immigration, the team will begin the search for their checked items. Airport personnel will bring the luggage from the plane to an open room which functions as a baggage claim area. The group must find and secure each bag. Once everyone has retrieved their bags the group will move through customs where the customs forms will be collected and the airline luggage claims ticket will be compared to the tag on the luggage. The team will eventually be directed outside of the airport. A Love A Child representative will be waiting for the group and will direct everyone where to go to board the vehicle/vehicles. It is important to not let anyone except Love A Child personnel help with luggage in order to minimize problems.
Once in Haiti, the construction team will travel directly to the Love A Child compound in Fond Parisien which is due east of Port Au Prince, about fifty minutes from the airport and approximately seven miles from the border of the Dominican Republic. The entire trip will be spent in this general area. The construction project will take place on a large piece of Love A Child owned property adjacent to the Love A Child compound.
Though the current government situation in Haiti is stable, political and economic conditions are chronically unresolved. However, Love A Child is committed to the safety and security of every member on every missions team. No team will be subjected to any compromising situations under any circumstance. Love A Child is serious about safety and takes every precaution to ensure the well being of every team member.
Construction teams will be staying on the main campus of Love A Child in Fond Parisien. Tents will set up near the depot and warehouse located within the walls of the Love A Child compound. Although there are showers and toilets in the depot and warehouse, there is no hot water. These facilities are available while on the compound. Each team member must bring their own toiletries, a towel, washcloth, etc. (A complete list of items to bring is listed below.)
Construction teams will sleep in tents provided by Love A Child. However, each team member must bring their own pillow, sleeping bag, sheets etc. (A complete list of items to bring is listed below.)
Love A Child will provide three meals a day prepared by Love A Child cooks. However, it is recommended that team members bring snacks as needed. Do not eat anything unless it is given to you by Love A Child or Love A Child personnel.
There will be an abundance of clean water that is provided 24 hours a day by Love A Child. However, in Haiti most liquids are not acceptable to drink. Do not drink anything unless it is given to you by Love A Child or Love A Child personnel.
Love A Child is a Christian humanitarian organization and there are very specific dress codes for missions teams. However, these rules have been modified for construction teams because of the general nature of the work itself. The culture of Haiti is very different when it comes to clothing and although Love A Child has a standard dress code, there are some modifications in place for this initiative listed below:
Men wear long pants (jeans are permitted) with a Love A Child t-shirt on flights into and out of Haiti. Shorts, sweatpants, or jeans are permitted for relaxing or sleeping, but shorts or sweatpants are not acceptable on flights. While working men may wear jeans or shorts with a t-shirt or work shirt. However, no inappropriate tee shirt logos (flames, skulls, weapon, etc.) are permitted. Please understand this dress code is mandatory.
Shoes and socks are very important. The terrain is very rough and, in places, very unsanitary. It is best to wear shoes or boots that are appropriate for the job being performed.
What will the weather be like?
Haiti is extremely hot during the day and sunscreen is recommended. It rains very frequently in the rainy season and the weather can be severe. Staying hydrated is important. There will be an ample supply of clean drinking water wherever construction teams are assigned to work and live.
Teams will be assigned specific jobs. Depending on experience, some teams will construct entire homes from start to finish, while others will be assigned very specific tasks that more appropriately align with possessed skill sets. A normal day will consist of an early breakfast, hours of construction, lunch, hours of construction, dinner, and rest. Please understand that teams will be expected to work long hours building as many homes as possible. The speed at which homes are built will determine the speed at which people living in tents are provided a permanent residence. The goal is to build these dwellings as efficiently as possible. This will require hard work, patience, team work, and diligence for the entire length of the mission trip.
It is expected that every team member do their best at all times. Please understand that a great deal of work will be accomplished and it is imperative that teams follow instructions and work together!
Love A Child will provide the necessary tools to accomplished the assigned tasks. However, it is common practice for work crews to pack some power tools and/or hand tools in their checked luggage that will help them accomplish jobs more efficiently. Often times construction crews just leave these tools behind as a donation in order to help with the overall effort. Conditions in Haiti are very rough and tools get used to their fullest potential often to the point of failure. Bringing tools that can help with projects is always good idea.
Love A Child is a Christian humanitarian organization and there are certain criteria that must be adhered to. These simple, concise rules are listed as follows and should be adhered to a soon as the team puts on their Love A Child t-shirts and should continue to be adhered unto they arrive back in the United States and remove their Love A Child shirts:
- No smoking permitted.
- No drinking of alcoholic beverages permitted.
- No profanity
- Do not promise money, clothing, healthcare, refuge, adoption or help of any kind to any Haitian
- If there is a desire to give a gift of any kind to a Haitian, please discuss it with a Love A Child construction team host.
- Do not give an address, e-mail, or phone number to any Haitian including Love A Child staff. Among other things, personal information could be sold and used to illegally obtain a U.S. visa.
- Love A Child is an interdenominational, humanitarian relief organization. Please do not impose specific religious beliefs on others.
There will be no opportunity to purchase anything in Haiti. There are no drug stores, department stores, or grocery stores that will be available to the team. Bring what is needed! Please understand that there are very strict guidelines for checked and carry-on luggage. It is the responsibility of each team member to adhere to these restrictions. Check with the airline for specific information. The following items must be brought with you to Haiti:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Clothes (in accordance with dress codes) shoes and socks
- Toilet tissue
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
- Towels
- Washcloths if needed
- Sleeping bag, mat, or linens appropriate for a hot tent
- Pillow
- One-half gallon Thermos
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Snacks for yourself (granola bars, Power bars, etc)
- An unbreakable cup
The following items may be useful to bring, but are not necessary:
- A combination lock for each piece of luggage (personal belongings will be left in tents on the Love A Child compound)
- Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment
- Plastic poncho
- Mosquito net
- Cell phone (may work if set up for international service)
- Camera and extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Skin wipes
- Bug spray
- A hat
- Books
- Computer (there is no internet access where construction teams are housed)
Will there be a time that I can purchase souvenirs?
Love A Child will host local artisans and craftsmen that will have Haitian souvenirs for sale. It is recommended that team members bring a little extra spending money for the purpose of purchasing some of these items
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
In the Beginning...
Have you ever said something and then watched it unfold before your very eyes? Well, that is exactly what I am experiencing and I don't want to miss it. Therefore, I will journal it. Here, on this blog. It is my Year On A Mission.
I'm not sure exactly when it started, but on March 27th, I told a fellow sister that I wanted to serve on four mission trips in 2010. I wanted to serve my brothers and sisters in Haiti, Nicaragua, Togo and Kenya Africa. At the time, I didn't know how I was going to accomplish this feat, but I knew that God placed the desire in my heart and that He would be the one to bring it to pass.
My first confirmed trip is to Kenya with my church family. We will be there for two weeks beginning in the middle of October. We will conduct workshops and intensive trainings in several coastal towns. This will be an incredible time of leadership training and impartations.
My next desire was to serve in Haiti. However, my first two attempts to join a Haiti team met with rejection. One due to a conflict in dates and the other because the team was already full. Then in late April, I applied to be a part of a Haiti Construction Team and was accepted. I immediately started the fundraising process and let me tell you, the Lord has been faithful! We leave for Haiti in less than 10 days and will be there for a week.
Around that same time, early May, I received an invitation to return to Togo, West Africa. I served on a team to Togo in 2006 and have since had a desire to return. This is the first year in which I am able to do so. The cost of this trip is daunting in light of the fact that my contract at my former place of employment ended in early May. Nevertheless, I know that the Lord is leading me to be a part of this team, so I accepted the invitation to join. The dates of this team work perfectly with the dates in which I'll be in Kenya. Therefore, I will join my Togo Team there straight from Kenya.
Early in the year, I inquired about the 2010 Nicaragua Medical Team. I was rejected because the team was already full. I contacted the leader twice to see if there were any openings and both times was told the team was still full. Then, just 2 1/2 weeks before I was scheduled to leave for Haiti, I received an e-mail from the Nicaragua team leader, informing me that a slot was open if I were still interested in serving on the team. I certainly was interested. This would complete the four trips on which I believed the Lord was calling me to serve. I am excited and in a state of anticipation. However, I must admit a part of me is concerned. How am I going to raise the money for all of these trips. Half of the money for the Nicaragua trip is due on the day I return from Haiti and I haven't raised any of it yet. Therefore, I was hesitant to join the team. But then I prayed and I was led to step out in faith.
The next day, this past Sunday (Father's Day), I had to turn in $250 for my Togo Mission trip. I also need to raise some money to start applying to the Nica trip. What was I going to do? In the middle of our Youth Service on Saturday, I heard the Lord say to go ahead and do a bake & dinner sale the next day. I complied. Individuals thought that I would not make much, because most people take their fathers out to dinner on Father's Day. But I said, I believe God. When we are faithful and obedient, He makes up the difference. That day, we raised over $350. Glory to God. Therefore, enough was raised for the $250 due for Togo Team and some left over to put towards the Nica Trip. God is amazing!
So, now I'm contemplating what I will do next to raise the funds for these trips? Do you have any suggestions? If so, post them here. I will soon send out donation letters. Don't be surprised if you get one from me :-) I am also selling Cakes. People tell me all the time that my "made from scratch" cakes are delicious. I'm trying to think of a catchy name now so that I can make up some fliers and distribute them to all of my family and friends. Here is what I've come up with so far: Commission Cakes, Cakes on a Mission, Destiny Desserts... What do you think?
Well, I guess that's all for today. My arms are a bit sore. I received two vaccines today. One in each of my arms. Let me tell you, that was fun ;-). I'm not sure how often I'll post. I guess as I am led by the Lord. Please pray for me that I would seek and clearly discern the voice of the Lord in this season. The attack is great on the mission field, but the prayers of the Saints avail much.
Grace and Peace,
Donna Lee
I'm not sure exactly when it started, but on March 27th, I told a fellow sister that I wanted to serve on four mission trips in 2010. I wanted to serve my brothers and sisters in Haiti, Nicaragua, Togo and Kenya Africa. At the time, I didn't know how I was going to accomplish this feat, but I knew that God placed the desire in my heart and that He would be the one to bring it to pass.
My first confirmed trip is to Kenya with my church family. We will be there for two weeks beginning in the middle of October. We will conduct workshops and intensive trainings in several coastal towns. This will be an incredible time of leadership training and impartations.
My next desire was to serve in Haiti. However, my first two attempts to join a Haiti team met with rejection. One due to a conflict in dates and the other because the team was already full. Then in late April, I applied to be a part of a Haiti Construction Team and was accepted. I immediately started the fundraising process and let me tell you, the Lord has been faithful! We leave for Haiti in less than 10 days and will be there for a week.
Around that same time, early May, I received an invitation to return to Togo, West Africa. I served on a team to Togo in 2006 and have since had a desire to return. This is the first year in which I am able to do so. The cost of this trip is daunting in light of the fact that my contract at my former place of employment ended in early May. Nevertheless, I know that the Lord is leading me to be a part of this team, so I accepted the invitation to join. The dates of this team work perfectly with the dates in which I'll be in Kenya. Therefore, I will join my Togo Team there straight from Kenya.
Early in the year, I inquired about the 2010 Nicaragua Medical Team. I was rejected because the team was already full. I contacted the leader twice to see if there were any openings and both times was told the team was still full. Then, just 2 1/2 weeks before I was scheduled to leave for Haiti, I received an e-mail from the Nicaragua team leader, informing me that a slot was open if I were still interested in serving on the team. I certainly was interested. This would complete the four trips on which I believed the Lord was calling me to serve. I am excited and in a state of anticipation. However, I must admit a part of me is concerned. How am I going to raise the money for all of these trips. Half of the money for the Nicaragua trip is due on the day I return from Haiti and I haven't raised any of it yet. Therefore, I was hesitant to join the team. But then I prayed and I was led to step out in faith.
The next day, this past Sunday (Father's Day), I had to turn in $250 for my Togo Mission trip. I also need to raise some money to start applying to the Nica trip. What was I going to do? In the middle of our Youth Service on Saturday, I heard the Lord say to go ahead and do a bake & dinner sale the next day. I complied. Individuals thought that I would not make much, because most people take their fathers out to dinner on Father's Day. But I said, I believe God. When we are faithful and obedient, He makes up the difference. That day, we raised over $350. Glory to God. Therefore, enough was raised for the $250 due for Togo Team and some left over to put towards the Nica Trip. God is amazing!
So, now I'm contemplating what I will do next to raise the funds for these trips? Do you have any suggestions? If so, post them here. I will soon send out donation letters. Don't be surprised if you get one from me :-) I am also selling Cakes. People tell me all the time that my "made from scratch" cakes are delicious. I'm trying to think of a catchy name now so that I can make up some fliers and distribute them to all of my family and friends. Here is what I've come up with so far: Commission Cakes, Cakes on a Mission, Destiny Desserts... What do you think?
Well, I guess that's all for today. My arms are a bit sore. I received two vaccines today. One in each of my arms. Let me tell you, that was fun ;-). I'm not sure how often I'll post. I guess as I am led by the Lord. Please pray for me that I would seek and clearly discern the voice of the Lord in this season. The attack is great on the mission field, but the prayers of the Saints avail much.
Grace and Peace,
Donna Lee
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