I’ve seen a lot of beautiful things this winter. I was able to spend some time in Minnesota with family, and while I hate shivering, there is a quiet still beauty in the frozen snowy scenery.

I’ve seen the beauty that is Haitian winter, with its warm days and temperate nights, wrapped up perfectly in soft ocean breezes.

There is beauty in the contrast in both places, relief from the heat; reprieve from the cold. No matter where I travel though, the most beautiful things I’ve experienced have been human: compassion, generosity, sacrifice, love. I suppose those things are also in contrast. They are in contrast with human instinct at times, and the beauty is in watching people be Jesus to each other.

For instance, a friend of mine passed away on New Year’s Eve. He was a man in our elder program, who left behind a six year old daughter. I’ve watched in awe as the contrast of the grief and sadness has been met by a church community in Cite Soleil caring for this girl as their own. They have made sure she stayed fed and in school and offered her their own homes without hesitation as we sort out a permanent solution for her. It’s both heartbreaking and beautiful.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past weeks with our short term missionary teams. It’s good to witness as individuals push through their own nervousness to serve and connect. And it is a privilege to experience their observations and questions.

Since I haven’t blogged in way too long, let me just toss some random shots at you as a photo journal of sorts:

Backing way up to Christmas Eve and this adorable nativity of my nieces and nephews (and one brother).

World’s best grandparents. Aside from my own… lol (They are my mom and dad btw.)

Speaking of contrast… hot tubbing in Roseau, MN!

Edmund was very sick this particular day, but his face lit up and his mind was calmed when this woman decided to cuddle him regardless.

My Haitian kitty… who has grown accustomed to the finer things in life…

Time serving with a team from SVCC.

Serving and shopping with the parent/child team led by Marni and Sara!

I’m just one of the kids! Haha, we are watching a team put on a skit at one of our partner ministry’s orphanage.

I loved the opportunity to serve on a parent/child team! I spent 6 days with 6 moms and 10 kids between the ages of 10-15. I absolutely loved this group of kiddos and experiencing Haiti with them!

Just a mountain selfie in Kenskoff…

Young women of the team perfecting their jump photo.

Serving in Titanyen with the Woodridge team!

Adorable little girl at the feeding center in Titanyen…

Adorable AND hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣

Leadership in town praying over our Grace Church pastors.

One of our littlest (and most photogenic) EKS members.

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.