Surprises!

This has been quite a day. I've experienced emotions I'm not really used to. My heart physically hurt this morning for the people of Haiti. It was almost paralyzing, not fear, not hopelessness, just an intense hurt.

I've felt a bit lonely all day. Rob told me last night that he would probably stay over at the hospital tonight, so I wasn't expecting to hear from him. Yet as the day passed, it got bettter. Tonight, as Ben and I were doing homework on the computer, the not-yet-familiar "ding" of skype calling startled me.

Rob isn't working overnight after all, so we got to talk with him. Ellie showed him her new haircut. Ben jabbered like crazy. Just us being us. It was so familiar - almost hard to believe Rob's sweating in the hot, humid Haitian weather far away.

All is well in their little corner of the world - or as good as it can be under the circumstances. The NCBM team feels quite blessed to be sleeping in the missionary home at Global Outreach (men sleep on the porch and women get the bedrooms). Tonight's exciting dinner - Rob laughed as he shared - included rice, macaroni and cheese and spaghetti. They also had salad, mangoes (every meal so far) and pineapple.

Rob recommends that anyone else coming down with NCBM bring a swimsuit, multi-vitamins with iron to give to the Haitians, and candy for the kids and the Haitian hospital workers. He confirmed that the locals really do believe that vitamins have special powers - not sure if they think they're magical or not, but they like them. As to the candy, he said it's great for getting help and building good will. (I know our own kids will work hard for candy! Why would Haitian kids be any different)

His prayer and praise report (with input from Steve and some others):

• a greater willingness among volunteers to work at night.
• continued good health for the team. They are tired, but strong.
• provision - they have rice, oatmeal, cereal and pasta, but the other food provisions need to be delivered (It's somewhere nearby, but hasn't made it to them yet. No worries).

They are thankful for:

• wonderful accommodations, much better than expected.
• a great team.
• the opportunity to meet people's needs and really make a difference.
• the chance to help.

As I listened, it was obvious from the side chatter among them that this team is becoming its own little family. They seem to be enjoying time with one another and the opportunity to serve together. I think I enjoyed listening to that as much as getting to talk with Rob.

For the NCBM #3 families:

• They have decided that Darrin packed everything but the kitchen sink - and they think he may have it stashed somewhere, too! :)
• Steve is the hardest working of them all - he's the handyman and chef (hopefully he can cook) - and from the sounds of it, doesn't get much of a break!
• Hello to Amanda from Bradley who has the overnight shift.
• The medical team is HOT! As in the weather HOT. It is quite humid and there's not much of a breeze. Rob said the way the hospital's built, they often work in courtyards, completely contained but covered with tarps. So they have shade, but no air movement at all.

I don't think I'd go quite so far to say that things are normal down there, but I do think the team has acclimated well. They are learning some of the customs and beliefs of the Haitian people, and they enjoy the opportunity to help. While they are quite tired (Rob's going to bed before 9:00???), they are not miserable or overwhelmed. That is a blessing, for sure!

God is listening to the prayers of people everywhere. Please don't stop praying! I am thankful that God brought me through the pain of this morning to the peace of this evening. He is ever faithful, and I am grateful that He listens.

Keep praying for the people of Haiti and the relief workers. There is so much still to do.

Good night.