Thankful!

I am so thankful for each of you who prayed for Stacie and me as we battled stomach issues. We were feeling a lot better today! The power of prayer is amazing! Continue to pray for $3,000 to be raised by Monday, so the ministry can purchase a vehicle.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are ministry days. So today we took a "tap tap" into Montrouis to feed the moms and the children. Fritznel, who is Stacie's husband, teaches the moms and the kids. He teaches Bible stories to the kids, and then he teaches the moms business skills. Today, the kids learned about Cain and Abel, and the moms learned how to get the most for their money. For example, Fritznel asked the moms what would be better...driving into Port Au Prince to buy things you need at the market for a cheaper price, or traveling to Saint Marc which is closer but may be a little pricier. The moms really had to think about it because items in Port Au Prince are cheaper, but it takes more money to get there. Plus, you would have to buy something to eat and drink because you would be gone for a long time. Even though the prices in Saint Marc are a little more expensive, you are saving money because it is not as far, and they would not have to spend money on food or drink. These business skills I learned at a young age like most of you did, but it wasn't until today that I realized how much I take basic business skills for granted. These moms do not know these important life skills, but thankfully through Stacie and Fritznel's ministry they will soon learn.

Another thing that is really important for these moms and kids to learn is cleanliness. The kids will play in the dirt, and then immediately stick their hands in their mouths. This is common nature for them, but Stacie and I just cringe and tell the kids to stop that. Thankfully they listen! I realized today how much I have taken cleanliness for granted. It's second nature for us to wash our hands and take a shower...we love to be clean! Right?! But these kids do not know how to keep themselves clean. No one has taught them to be neat and tidy. This group of women are learning how to keep their children clean and themselves as well. Pray that Stacie and I will be able to help these moms realize how much influence they have on their children. It is one thing for us to tell the children to wash their hands before eating, but when they see that their moms aren't doing it then they wonder why they should have to.

I have read on Facebook that you all have been receiving rain! Praise the Lord! Pray that it would come this way! Haiti needs it so badly...thank the Lord some rain fell this afternoon, but we need more!

Tonight while Mom and I were Skyping, Millie (Stacie's 2 year old goddaughter) came in my room, and she got to talk to her for a little while! It was so cute! Then Millie's mom, Assefie, came in to Skype as well! That was interesting because Assefie does not know much English, so Mom would say something and I would have to try my best to translate what was being said! I guess that's one way to learn how to speak the language!

Overall, today has been another blessing for God! The kids are so precious! Some are more shy than others, but I give them a few more visits and I will be a human jungle gym!! Some are not afraid of white people (as their moms and Stacie put it) and they just get all in my face!
Still no pictures of the moms or kids because I do not want to make them too crazy! I think just having another white girl around is enough for this first week!

I believe tomorrow is laundry day, so be in prayer for me as I have to wash everything by hand! That will definitely be an adventure!

Blessings and Love!
Ashley