Assignment - La Tremblay

How exciting for me! We're going to La Tremblay, which is the site on which I worked in Feb/March 2011. In fact, our 2011 team was the first UMVIM team on site. We demolished the old church to clear the way for construction of a new church. So, personally, it will be exciting to return and see the progress on the new building.

La Tremblay is a worksite near Croix de Bouquets, about an hour away from the Guest House in Petionville. The church in La Tremblay was damaged beyond repair in the earthquake and has been in the process of being rebuilt. They are nearing the end of major construction at this site, so our team will likely be working on the final stages of the roof and security wall. Please check UMVIM's facebook page for new photos and updates: (http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/UMVIM-Haiti/244390165599275)

Second Team Meeting

Much planning and preparation has been underway as we met for the second, and last time before the trip. The lineup has changed and we now have a full team of ten. Add: Cindy Estee from Dallas, Tx. and Rev. Ray Noell from Rochester, NY. Praise the Lord!!

Here's a pic of the Austin-based team. (Thanks to Pastor Jim for taking the picture.)

During our team mtg, we looked at Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...." And were reminded of a story by Richard Stearns in his book, The Hole in Our Gospel, that the reason we do what we're doing is because we are followers of Jesus Christ and are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves....to show that God loves everyone.

A special offering will be collected at OHUMC during Communion on April 1. Then, the team will be commissioned during all worship services on April 8 - Easter. Wow! What a special day that will be!

We talked about meds, flight reservations, EARLY transport to the airport (thanks to Pastor Jim for driving the team in the van at 4:00 AM! Ugh!), forms, forms, and more forms, packing/luggage, and donations. Speaking of donations, we are going to round up small hand tools, nutritious snacks, and toiletries.

We still don't know our assignment but expect to hear the decision this week. We reminded ourselves to be flexible and open-hearted to God's lead in this endeavor. He is good - all the time!