Faithful Presence

 (A map of Haiti pointing out Ganthier, 

where we will live in reference to Port-Au-Prince.) 

We are 2 months away from heading to Haiti... It's a roller coaster of highs and lows these days. It is a bit overwhelming for me to look around and see all that will have to be sorted, packed, marked and moved. Where to begin?! However, we are growing excited about details coming together and the adventure on which we are about to embark.

Today the sermon was about being a faithful presence to those around us; about presence instead of presents. The words lingered in my head as I keep thinking about how can I be a faithful presence to my family, friends and soon, Haitians? How can you be a faithful presence in your community? Please pray with us as we learn what that will look like and how we can really serve to be a faithful presence in these current days and the days ahead.

As we walk out in faith, we continue to ask you to pray with us for:

• The remaining $3,000 we need to get to Haiti. This will cover plane tickets, baggage, some house set up and language learning. That could look like:     

              200 people giving $15

              100 people giving $30

                75 people giving $40

                50 people giving $60

                25 people giving $120 

• A place to store our car in Memphis (inside or outside)
• Old suitcases

Thank you for being a faithful presence to us. Your encouraging words and gifts are reassuring that God has made us for this. 

Be blessed.

The McCalls

                

Above is our "farm to table" themed table set up to raise awareness at our local church fundraiser.

As I ran down this road this morning, I saw the tips of these trees touching and I couldn't help but think of Isaiah 55:12, "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands."

Well, as Lilly said today, "Mom, let's just go ahead and go to Haiti now." We are all kind of feeling the angst of what is soon to come. Lilly is even picking up on all the talk about moving that will occur over the next few weeks and the months to come. Charles is anxious to get his hands dirty in the soil, Lilly wants to get there and eat some mangoes off the tree, I'm ready to put my lingual skills to the test and Ava, well Ava is getting geared up for some involuntary potty training.

As for an update ...

• December: We plan to pack up and move everything to Memphis and put it in storage on Dec. 21. We plan to spend the holidays with family and friends and return to Waco Jan. 2.

•  January: We head back to Waco for a few weeks to live at the World Hunger Relief Farm so Charles can get some extra training and finish up commitments at his current job. We plan to celebrate Lilly's birthday and say goodbye to friends before returning to Memphis.

• February: We plan to move to Haiti the first week of February!

It's always funny how one plans a move in their head and so rarely does it happen that way but we are hoping for the best transition possible.

We started learning Creole this week. Lilly repeats everything she hears from the lessons and Ava giggles. It's cute and distracting. Lilly says we should just teach them English!

Please pray for the following:

• The remainder of one time financial support comes in so we can buy plane tickets, etc. 
• The details of moving ... and me packing with a two year old!
• Language learning in the midst of the move
• Wisdom to know what to take to Haiti, what to store, etc.

Praises in the process:

• At least half of what we need for one-time financial support has come in! 
• The girls seem to be excited about the move
• We had a successful fundraiser last week at church
• A renter for our house starting in December and a free place to live in January

**** Note: We are sending out magnetic prayer cards this week. If you have a new address or want to ensure you receive one, please send me your snail mail address! 

Thank you for partnering with us in this crazy adventure to Haiti! We are honored to have you along. 

The McCalls