Crossing Cultural divides...My sister-in-law's cancer to my Haitian friend's headache?

Tracy
 Last month I got an email from my mom, hearing words I never thought I would hear, "Tracy has cancer."   My sister-in-law, Tracy, hadn't been feeling well for a while and knew it was more than just "not feeling well". Through a series of tests and the removal of her thyroid, cancer was found. She is still undergoing tests and appointments to kick this thing as they have found more cancer in her lymph nodes.

My friend, Marilude
  Last week I visited Marilude down the road. We both had the flu bug a month ago so we hadn't seen each other for a while.  When I got there she was still sick, battling a bad headache.  She was in bed most days due to this relentless headache.  I had those headaches too but Advil took them away so I could function throughout the day.  I couldn't believe she was still sick! I couldn't imagine STILL being in bed! I felt the Lord was prompting me to bring her some Advil that day.  So I did, trusting the Spirit's leading.  The next day I visited her to see how she was doing.  She was up and about! The headache was gone!

  Laying in bed,  2 things came to mind about Tracy and Marilude.  The first thing, I was glad Tracy lives in the United States.  She has access to good health care and all measures will be used to kill the cancer.  My friend, Marilude, here in Haiti?  She left the doctor finding out she is anemic and has bad headaches.  There was no plan to help relieve her from the headaches.  Not even medicine.  The second thing I thought was, I am so glad Tracy and Todd(my brother) love the Lord and have Him to rest in. I can't say that for my friend.

 While living here in Haiti I have come to find that there are 2 specific needs which cross the cultural divide. Physical and spiritual needs.  If these 2 needs aren't met very little hope is found.  Having hope makes all the difference in the world.  For example, my sister-in-law, Tracy. She has hope.  She knows the Lord will carry her through whatever comes her way.  Even through the most difficult words such as "you have cancer", Tracy has hope.  Despite not really knowing a whole lot about the battle before her, she has hope.  Tracy is surrounded by good, skilled doctors and nurses and she has hope in the Lord.  Does she growing weary? Yes.  Does she feel lost, wondering what is going on? Yes. At times, does life feel like it is too much to bear? Yes. Yet, they(Tracy and my brother, Todd) can cling to verses such as Matthew 11:28; "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light." What if they didn't have those precious words to cling to at a time like this?  What if she didn't have the well-trained doctors and nurses able to treat the cancer?  She would have no hope.  Which makes me think of my dear friend, Marilude.  Putting myself in Marilude's shoes I would feel defeated and weary.  No health care. Headaches so strong I am in bed, not knowing when they will end.  No medicine available to take the headaches away.  (And there is a simple, over the counter, cure for her headaches. Advil.) No Jesus, comforting me and spurring me on. Ugh! There would be no hope for tomorrow.
      What does this mean for me living here, in Haiti?  The need to be tuned into the Holy Spirit, yielding to It's call, is key.  When the Spirit prompts,  I need to act.  But only when the Spirit prompts. I can't act because I 'feel bad' for those around me.  That would cause a whole lot of other issues for myself and those around me. I have been here over a year and continue to learn about these "helping" issues.  It is tricky line to walk in this culture and environment!  At the end of the day, I have to trust God to lead me in these new-budding relationships, giving me wisdom, discerning each situation.  And at the end of the day my friend needs Jesus so she can have hope. So she can "Come to Jesus" for rest. So she can ask herself, 'what value is in this trial that the Lord would have me walk through it?'  So she can cling to Isaiah 41:10; "..do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
     To wrap this up, Tracy and Marilude have both encountered difficulty yet their outcomes and outlooks are very different. They both are women, created by the same God and are sick.  They were born into 2 very different countries and cultures BUT their needs are the same! These 2 simple needs cross the cultural divide.  Now all I have to do is keep working to truly figure out what that looks like here in Haiti!  Wish me luck!

It's Time!

   A year has gone by, some language is under my belt so it's time to meet new people. Monday, Thursday and Saturday are my typical running days.  Running seemed like a good way to meet people. Run by, say hi and pray I have the nerve to stop and say hello.  The first month I just ran. I didn't stop, just waved.  The second month I prayed the Lord would give me the boldness to stop and say hi.  The first time out, I chickened out, not stopping. Second time out?  Chicken again! I was soooooooo nervous not able to get passed fear. Third day, a woman stopped ME! ME!!  I whispered to myself, "Thank-you Lord, oh thank-you Lord".  Poor guy (the Lord), working with me.  He must think, "Oh dear, I have another Moses on my hands! I have to, like, throw people at Joy to be able to use her!'...The woman and I chatted for a few minutes and I felt like I had succeeded, overcoming my fear, even though it wasn't on my terms! The next time, another woman stopped ME (thank-you Lord, again) and I have been getting to know her ever since. Currently, I have faced my fears meeting family after family along the road I run on with the basic Creole I know.  I run for exercise but with a purpose; stopping and meeting neighbors along the way. Instead of the little children calling out, "Blanc!! Blanc!!"  now they yell "Madame Josh, Madame Josh".  It is slowly beginning to feel like home here.  One morning a week I walk and pray with Pam (missionary friend) for this little neighborhood we are a part of.  And in the afternoon we visit one family, trying to get to know them better. Pam is fluent in Creole which makes for a better understanding of how each family works. I also work on my Creole getting pointers from Pam after our visit.  I have learned a lot from this community.  Most women in our area have children and are living with other women or family members.  A friend of mine sells alcohol to men after the work day.  I have been surprised to learn their struggles are a lot like ours in America.  Broken homes. Alcoholism. Struggle. I know I will learn much more as time goes on.  My desire is, a year from now, I will have the boldness to begin a Bible Study with the women from my running route. My language is still very basic yet I hope in a years time it will grow as I am out more and more among the neighbors.
 

 Josiah and Hope are now in the 3rd and 1st grade. I school them at home.  Our school year is going smoothly.  Josiah has quickly picked up Creole. He can take things to our neighbors or ask them questions for me, all in Creole. He is always playing with the neighbor boys.  Some of them are around his age. Hope's language is coming along. I think a lot more is in her head! I think she knows more than she lets on. One day I overheard her speaking to our neighbor! I just about died because I had no idea she could understand let alone respond in Creole. That girl! Hope just celebrated her 7th birthday playing games the neighbor kids thought were crazy!! It was a great time!

   Josh continues to work with the workers hired through Paulos Group.  He also has been building relationships with the men who are directly related to building the houses. He loves to joke with them and also figure out their struggles and frustrations. Josh continues to keep Paulos Group's finances in order. He has also taken up soccer, playing a couple times a week with our neighbors.
   

  All in all, relationships are growing and forming. Reaching people for Christ is not just providing nice housing with plumbing, electricity and a refrigerator. This is what people 'see' Paulos Group doing.  It is the behind the scene things that people don't see. Our relationships with people, striving to love them, forgive them and respect them during difficulty. Living among them, day in day out. Facing some of the same difficulties they face. Our actions "show" Christ.  Loving them through difficulty is hard to do at times.  Sunday mornings we open God's word in their language, teaching them things they have never heard before.  We pray solid christian leaders will be formed through this. The huge obstacle we face is why they come to church and why they "love God". Are they saying the right things and attending church because we are white Americans and have something nice to offer them, such as a work opportunity or a home? We are trying to figure out how to overcome this.   Just the color of our skin sets us completely apart from them.  We pray and trust that one day we will see a life truly transformed for Christ. We pray our hearts will be attentive to the Spirit, following It's leading.  You might have heard or read about someone working in another country. They plaster the number of people that have 'come to Christ' on their website or newsletter or in their speech.  "327 People accepted Christ",  "135 people accepted Christ".  Now that I have been here for a year and see the difficulty for 1 Haitian to truly know God puts lots of questions in my head about the "number game".  Desiring hearts for Christ should be our desire, not to make us feel good or to see people as a number or project. It is out of genuine concern for their soul, not being able to tell home (Americans) how many lives have been saved. It is a lot to think about...
    This past year has been a year of learning, growing, battling and loving. It has been good. But it is also difficult. We are beginning to truly love this country and  its people. And our hearts break more as we see their need for a Savior.  Pray for sensitive hearts ready to receive the Love of Christ. Pray for our family, endurance, grace, and a servant's heart daily. May we live out Christ and speak Christ to those around us.  Pray for Paulos Group as we move forward seeking the Lord for the months and years ahead.

I Ache...But Have Hope

This morning as I was getting breakfast ready I heard the little neighbor girl screaming. As I looked out the window I saw her older brother beating her with some kind of rope or switch. For what reason? I do not know. I stood frozen wanting to go save this girl from her ruthless brother.  I didn't go. I didn't stop him. But why? I don't know how to act in a culture where these type of beatings are normal.  Had I stepped in I could have cause some serious trouble in this place that could possibly get me or my children hurt. What do I do?  I Ache...praying for Jesus' return.

Over the past few moths I have been talking with a young woman who struggles with anorexia. She is a beautiful young woman, smart, fun and has a servant's heart, however she does not see the beauty she is in Christ, which far surpasses the worldly junk shoved in her face. I cannot wrap my head around why us women try so hard to attain a beauty that is in vain. Why? If we see ourselves as completely whole in Him we would care less about beauty and care more about our life in Christ. I fall for this same type of lie! How is my worth somehow measured by my beauty? When it is spelled out like that it sounds absurd! This young woman tried to reach this 'skinny' goal that almost cost her life. By God's grace she is recovering and clinging to Him tonight. I Ache...Jesus please come. 

As I was reading in 1 Corinthians  today I read the part when Jesus said, "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong."  We are strong in the Christ. We appear weak in the World's eyes but not in God's. Our strength comes from God's Word, something the World sees as foolish.  He can use us to love the hurting, encourage the weary and serve selflessly.  He can use us to be examples to other Believers struggling with worldly ideals. He can use us to choose the unpopular decisions in this selfish world. We are the example. We need to live it out! 

  This week, I have been humbled by many simple prayers God has answered in the way I desired them to be answered. And through this I have come to understand His deep care for me and my simple prayers for those around me. I felt the Lord tugging at me to write something to make you stop and think AND encourage you today. He knows your NAME..He formed your body perfectly...He knows your struggles and CARES!  We, as Believers have hope in the Lord as we try to live in this world. I can't imagine not having that hope of eternity with Him. 

  As I was on a run awhile ago the Lord showed me something in the way of my shadow. As I turned onto the dirt road that leads to our home, immediately my shadow fell right in front of me. As I ran I watched my shadow.  I took a step to the left, my shadow stepped with me.  I stepped to the right, my shadow followed immediately. I ran straight ahead and my shadow stayed straight ahead of me... My prayer is I shadow God as He leads me in this life. Stepping to the right and the left as He leads. If I do so, my 'race of life' will be unwavering and complete, the only thing worth desiring. 

Let's Celebrate!

This morning as I woke up and walked out to the living room, the first thing on my mind was, "What goals am I going to accomplish today in order to get this mess of a home back in order."  (We're in the process of moving EVERYTHING in order to accomplish some final projects.  We don't have a lot but when things are all piled in the middle of every room it creates a huge mess!)  Then Joy walks out within a minute or two and sits down next to me and says "Happy Anniversary".  Can you believe we've been married for 11 years.  We definitely count it a blessing and are very thankful for each other.  God has blessed us in too many ways to mention.  We are excited about what the next 11 will bring.
Well, today turned into a day unlike any other anniversary.  It began with doing some work in the garage.  Due to some complications with a power adapter, generator, and inverter we spent 2 hours trying to fix a problem with our problem solving skills that should have taken 15 minutes.  Unfortunately due to lack of available equipment we we had to hold off on fixing it.  As we were nearing the end of this job our neighbor Jul Nor came to the door asking for rubbing alcohol, we didn't have any so he left.  Moments later Joy came running down to us frantically.  She explained that our friend and neighbor, Pa Jul had just cut his arm with a machete while working and blood was gushing out.  So Shane and I dropped what we were doing to see what was happening.  We quickly realized that Pa Jul was in need of some medical attention.
As we approached the hospital Shane drove by it because it looked completely different.  From what we've heard some of the walls have recently fallen down.  About half of the building seems to be missing.  So as we walked in climbing over rubble, the nurses were sitting out side just hanging out.  We approached them and they looked on without any appearance of concern or need to move towards action.  You wonder if they had a hospital to work in that wasn't missing its walls, that had running water,  working sewage, and solar power, if their attitude towards their work would be different.  They were very nice people but their environment definitely hasn't been a motivational factor.  So we waited as we all hung outside chit chatting.  They eventually decided to numb Pa Jul up, stitch him up, and hydrate him with some fluids.  By the time we left, we spent 200 goudes which amounts to about $5.  That's nothing for you and I but it's a little less than a days wages for those here in Ft. Liberté.
So that was my 11th Anniversary.  Real exciting huh?  It's definitely not what I've been accustomed to.  But as I've been thinking about my 1st Anniversary here in Haiti, it hasn't felt the same.  Usually in the States I would find my way to a nearby store to purchase flowers and a card for Joy.  I might also find something else to give her has a gift.  I don't have the same options available here.  We don't have a vehicle yet so I couldn't drive to a store and buy a gift.  I'm pretty sure there isn't a flower shop nearby either with the latest Hallmark cards.  Right now, the best thing I could give Joy was my work and the hope of a cleaned up home.
As the day unraveled, these events displayed our organizations work.  Our work is cultivating proven and innovative solutions to poverty.  We believe that the word "proven" is interchangeable with "biblical".  As we incorporate infrastructure and new technologies into our community we have to work out the kinks and we've learned a lot.  We are adding opportunity and improving our community that many will benefit from.  But then as Pa Jul had his accident we chose to step in because Pa Jul isn't just a guy that lives "over there", he is our friend, our neighbor, and part of our community.  Caring for and about our community is our work.  That is what Christ has called us to do.
Now one thing that our anniversary typically does is that it reminds me that Christmas is right around the corner.  But at times I've had to remind myself that this is the Christmas season.  We have attempted to maintain some of our traditions, but it doesn't feel like Christmas is here.    First, it's still in the 90's and there is no snow, or even talk of it.  We didn't go to the nearby tree farm and cut down our tree and sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate.  We haven't walked into any stores and looked at the Christmas decorations, and we haven't been bombarded by the commercialization of the holiday.  We haven't sang any Christmas songs at church or heard of any upcoming Children's programs or cantatas.  And Santa Clause is nowhere to be found.  With all this on my mind I must ask myself two questions.  What brings the feel of Christmas and what am I celebrating?  Is Christmas a mood that we set with our surroundings?  Or is Christmas a time to reflect and remember?  Am I really celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ?  Or am I enjoying the traditions handed down through my family and our culture?  My question is not intending to over spiritualize this but to remind me why it is I celebrate.  Does the absence of our old environment and traditions take away the value of the season?  In years past it has been easy to get caught up in the traditions of the celebration and become distracted from celebrating the reason for the celebration.  This even includes the traditions we've established at church.  But when all the distractions are stripped away, all that is left to celebrate is the birth of Christ or to let the day pass.  It is my hope that this year there will be a celebration!

Beyond Thankful for Jesus in my Heart

Three days until I leave all that I know and head to Haiti. When I look at myself in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. Gray hairs, eyes with crows feet, weight loss, weak. I have cried more tears than a baby cries in it's first years! These 2 and a half years have certainly taken a toll on my body and mind. Tonight I asked myself, Is this worth it? Is this really worth it? I just want to go back to Ohio and live next to Chris and see my friends and go to our Church. So why am I choosing to go down this road that has taken such a toll on me? As I thought about this and started praying, I started sobbing(surprise, surprise :) ). I told Him, I want to go back to life as I knew it. Ohio is my life. I don't know how to live this new life. As I battled this conversation with the Lord there was one question that came to my mind. Would I find peace back home in Ohio? My honest answer to myself was no. When the Lord calls one to surrender their life to His plan we can find no other peace than walking in His will. No matter how difficult the task, no matter how many gray hairs or pounds lost, I cannot go back. In all honesty, I don't want to go back. So now you are thinking, "Joy you just said you wanted to be back now you are saying you don't want to go back". Well, that is just it, as much as I want to, I don't want to. I believe this is a little sign the Lord has used to remind me of His plan for me. And, as a Believer I can't fight the urge to be in God's will. I think about Jesus and how he gave everything up to save me. Was that easy for Him? No! He, in fact, BEGGED His heavenly Father to take "this cup from" him. In the end, Jesus didn't fight what God's will was for Him that night. And aren't we glad He didnt'! What comfort this brings me tonight when all I want is to live my Ohio life again. And when I feel like I can't take another step I asked Him to remind me of all He went through and know that I am not alone.

Tonight, I find myself beyond thankful for Jesus in my heart. This is such a pre-school phrase yet the basic foundation of my life. I don't know how people live without Jesus in their heart. As I walk into this new "life" I walk step by step with Jesus at my side. I am praying now that He will give my strength back so I might be able to serve Him the best I can.

by Joy King on Sunday September 2, 2012

Recent Adventures

A few days before moving day

  This summer has been nothing but an adventure.  As you can see from the picture we moved! We were thankful the house sold quickly however we had to figure out where to live.  We lived in two different homes and visited family over these 2 months. It has been quite the adventure but lots of fun!  In the midst of this adventure I (Joy) had some procedures and a surgery on my back. (We are hoping this brings some more long-term relief).

Neighborhood/School Going-Away Party

 In July, our neighbors threw us  a "Good-Bye" party and Josh had his last day working at the rubber factory.  He said he learned a lot while working there and leaving is bitter sweet.
                                                                      Josh's Grandmother turned 90! He enjoyed time in Iowa celebrating her birthday and seeing family!

  The Bible says, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

   I have had a few big moments of weakness! I felt helpless and did not think I could take one more step, go one more day, in this process.  During these big moments my dad and mom just happened to be visiting. They helped me work through them, encouraging me, praying for me and listening. They have been a huge source of help for me. They have also helped us prepare for this move. My dad and Josh worked long hard hours creating crates to put our stuff in to be shipped to Haiti.  It was a lot of work and we couldn't have done it without them.  The rubber company has helped out in this area too by allowing them to make and store the crates at the company. Our crates were shipped out last week Tuesday so we shall see when they arrive in Haiti. Only the Lord knows when!! :)

Dad Rieger & I building crates

Crates stored at the rubber factory

  Before leaving Ohio we sold "White Lighting".  It was hard to let her go after having the her for 14 years!! She is in good hands though!

White Lightning & Joy

   We had a wonderful Sunday morning with our church family. They had a breakfast for us and prayed for us. We are overwhelmed by the love and support from them. They have walked with us through every step of this process. We are more than blessed to have them in our life. This was a difficult morning for us, emotionally. We will miss our church family dearly.

  Our plane tickets have been bought.  September 5th we will fly down to Florida before heading to Haiti.  This is just a brief picture of what has happened.  But as we sit back and look at everything from a big picture perspective it has been amazing to see how the Lord has orchestrated everything together.  Every step hasn't been easy, in fact He has continued to mold us into the people He wants us to be and in the process has prepared us for greater things yet to come  We look forward to being in Haiti and beginning our new ministry and life.  We have spent enjoyable times with many of you during these last two months and we know you are praying for us.  We appreciate that so much.  Please continue to pray for us as we are still in transition.  Once we get to Haiti pray that we will begin establishing relationships that will have eternal impact.  We continue to thank you for your prayers and support as we move into this new chapter of our lives.

Transitioning from the Nest

Two months ago we put our house up for sale.  As of Monday, June 25th it was officially sold and handed over.  The process of selling it was more stressful than I would have anticipated but the Lord worked in some pretty cool ways through it all.  The house sold after being on the market for only 2 and a half weeks!  But now that we've packed up and moved out the stresses haven't escaped, only shifted.

To be quite frank with you, I never imagined how difficult it would be for our family to leave our home.  We've had to look back and realize we've left for good.  The last nights that we stayed there I sat with my two kids trying to console them as tears flowed from their eyes while they cried from their bellies.  This has also been hard for Joy.  I'm told that a woman needs a place to call her nest.  When she doesn't have that, it turns her world upside down in ways I don't grasp.  Have you ever heard a mama bird squawking because another creature has intruded on her nest?  It's gut wrenching isn't it?  Joy's nest isn't there anymore.  I feel badly for her.  I wish there was something I could do or say but I have no answer that is good enough.  I can stay strong, love her, encourage her, and remind her of God's promises.  But in the end God has to supply what we need.  We are trusting in Him.

Joy and the kids are now in Chicago while I'm still in Ohio working.  The plan was that they would stay there for two weeks before returning to Ohio.  This may change as Joy is currently experiencing some of her recurring back problems.  It's probably not a far stretch to believe that the packing up of our house and then the added stresses of leaving have contributed to this flare up.  We want to get Joy in to the doctor before our insurance situation changes.  We are presently insured through my place of employment and I've submitted my resignation for the end of July.

We continue to ask for your prayers as we work through all of the changes.  Pray the Lord would continue to reveal Himself to us in very clear ways and we would walk faithfully.