Fou Family and Fou Friends

It has been almost two months since my last blog post and as I read the last entry about Kelly I know she would have been excited to see everything that's going on. Just another reminder to me of what an excellent example and spirit that she had :)

I've been in Haiti for quite awhile and my creole is definitely lacking. However this blog post has a little bit just for kicks. "Fou," means crazy and that's how it has felt with friends and family--what a blessing to have all of these people visit. I am so grateful that each of them were able to witness places that God has broken my heart, to pick up kids that melted their hearts and to see how beautiful Haiti really is.

At the beginning of November my friend Gates came to visit and was able to help coordinate between the two teams at the guesthouse and was able to attend some meetings with me. One was a security meeting that meets on Wednesday.

 

Right before Thanksgiving Ben was able to help out as our locksmith in Haiti.

 

Here's a glimpse at the Grace Village clinic keys prior to Ben's arrival.

Ben has such a heart of a servant. It was such an honor to see him work and talk with him more. On his last night in Haiti everyone jumped in the pick up and we went to Hotel Montana for a beautiful view of downtown PAP. Such a gorgeous place it was nice to spend time relaxing before water truck and his flight back to MN.

Thanksgiving 2013...what a great time we had as a family! Both the Nelson family and the Bachmanns spent the Holiday in Haiti! I remember talking about the idea with the Nelson girls but to actually have it happen was pretty amazing.

Its still debate able but our families have been friend since cira 1996/1997. Our parents have been in Bible Study together for several years and honestly I couldn't think of better people to be with. Truly the Nelson family is the epitome of serving and has such a big heart for the people of Haiti. The last two Christmases they spent at Grace Village serving the kids in Titanyen. So blessed to serve alongside them and to be able to do life together as families. They knew our family before politics, before people "knew" who we were. What a blessing to have friends that can walk with you in life during the peak mountain top experiences and the low valleys. God has equipped both our families with a network of believers that have been there for each other in so many ways. I wouldn't want to do life without this kind of genuine fellowship.

We split the week with my family arriving a few days before Thanksgiving and the Nelsons staying a few days after. At the beginning of the week we were able to visit Grace Village and one of Samaritan's Purse orphanages in Haiti. Thanksgiving day was busy preparing food and setting the table for around 36 people. What a blessing to have so many people at the table! Turkey Bingo made debuted in Haiti and was lots of fun. Great food and great night that ended with Its a Wonderful Life..tradition.

Decorating

Friday was lots of fun especially as a surprise to many. I don't think anyone knew that we would actually be able to visit the waterfall or that we would be able to see the ocean but we did! We rented two large 4wd vehicles and headed to Jacmel Haiti.

On the way we stopped for the view and met some kiddos :)

 

Getting close to the waterfall

 

Here it is ;)

We had so much fun! After the waterfall we headed into the city of Jacmel and finally to the beach. Such a great time with everyone. The seafood on the beach was amazing. I've never had better fish than in Jacmel!

 

There you go! Its been such a great time laughing, serving and just loving life together. God has been so good and we are all so blessed to be able to have the opportunities that we have. To be able to share this experience and this country with my family was such a gift.

Until next time!

Elisa Laura