Well it is official I am the new Mrs. Cara Black. The wedding day came and went so fast. But I remember so much of the details. I remember trying to sleep the night before next to my maid of honor, trying not to wake her up when I woke up around 3 am going oh my gosh! 10 hours left. I remember Ray calling me around midnight telling me good night and that he’d see me in the morning, my response was “I’ll meet you at the alter” I remember freaking out that I was going to miss my own brunch at the church because the hair dresser was taking so long. The first rain drop crushed my hopes for an outside wedding. I texted mom and ray all morning saying we needed to move things inside. We agreed on the wedding being inside but ray and mom still wanted the reception outside. I was nervous that it would be horrible, but they were right, it ended up being great…a little cold though.
I loved how every time Ray left his hiding place in the church people would make me hid so that we couldn’t see each other! It was priceless. I remember running around trying to make sure everything was perfect. It was for me. I remember seeing my sisters and hoping that Ray and I would have but my sisters and their husbands have. I remember at 3:00 just wishing for more time to get things ready and then at 3:15 with Uncle Jerry at my side trying to keep me from running to the alter. A mix of emotions running through me… I remember seeing all the marines, and being overwhelmed with patriotism. I remember getting a glimpse of Ray and seeing his smile when he looked up and saw me right as I started walking towards me. He never looked away from me the whole ceremony.
And then in a blink of an eye we were standing in the receiving line greeting everyone who came to see us. I was so happy to see everyone. Close friends, friends from Haiti, relatives, and my new family members from Rays side. It was amazing. We went through pictures fast trying to beat the rain (so I missed a few that I really wants) but then we went to the reception, a nice country reception in my front yard. It was amazing. Perfect. Even with the coldness people stayed and had a good time. I was so happy being there with my husband. Our first dance little drops of rain came down on us, but it was nice. Made me think grandpa was looking down at me.
The Events of the evening were fun. Lots of dancing and visiting. There was so many people there that I didn’t get to talk to everyone. But it was amazing. I felt like a princess with my prince charming.
Married!
Busy Busy
Sorry there was no update yesterday, the internet was acting very slow.. Anyways, the group had a good day off campus. We all went to la forge and the waterfall. The whole group, even Cheryl and Pam (Are new members) road on the mopeds. I am very proud of everyone. Some were scared, but everyone trusted in God and did a great job.
We swam with the kids at the waterfall and jumped off high rocks into the water. Then we went to Forge for VBS. We had 150 kids! It was amazing. We then got back to the mission and prepared for today. Today we will be heading the Ansofelour. I will give you all an update on that later tonight. God Bless
Only 2 full days left…
The group realized today that their time was almost over when the missionaries told us that our checked bags needed to be ready to go ahead of us tomorrow. (They go ahead since the small airplanes can’t carry them) This realization was a little emotional for some.
The group today, like always was very busy! Last night Steph and Suzette experience their first birth in Haiti. They went to the birthing center late in the night to help out and watch. Today we went on a hike up the mountain to see my sponsor child. It was a work out! After that Mike, Sam, Suzette, and I got the bread for the VBS program and put peanut butter on it to give the children after VBS. Heather, Jamie, Cheryl, Steph, Beth, and Suzette worked hard in the medical areas this morning. After lunch Sam, Mike, Heather, Jamie, Bernie, Cheryl, and I went to La Forge for a VBS program with the kids. We had a music station, story station, and game station. It worked out really well. We were expecting 100 kids, but got 130! So we will see what tomorrow brings. On the way back in we bought 12 mangos for 1 american dollar. So we had a nice treat before dinner! Pam, Bernie, and the boys counted a lot of pills today for the pharmacy. Not the greatest job, but one that always needs to be done!
This group has been a true joy to work with.
To God be the Glory!
God Bless
In Him,
Cara
Day 5!
Today the group was all over the place! Bernie, Sam, Mike, and I painted the Mariams Center. Staph, Beth, and Jamie worked with the kids in Mariams. They did occupational and physical therapy. Suzette and Heather worked in the medical clinics. Heather learned a lot from Suzette! After lunch Heather, Sam, and I went to La Forge to do a shoe clinic. We gave out 40 pairs of women’s shoes. The women were so excited to get the shoes. In haiti you have to be dressed in very nice clothing to go to church… so many people do not get to go to church. So these shoes will be put to good use. Everyone is doing well! Tomorrow we will all be very busy again! This group has been a joy to work with!
Keep us in your prayers!
18 Miles = 3 hour bus ride!
The group headed out to Beachamp Sunday afternoon and had a great time. This campus is only 18 miles away…but it is one long bus ride. 3 hours to be exact. We were tired. The campus is a lot different then the main campus. It isn’t in the city… very rural! The missionaries have horses and donkeys! It was cool. Our group did a VBS for the groun Moun (Old People). We did a skit on Luke 9:23 on how you need to deny yourself and carry your cross daily. Then we made crosses with the people. and gave out bread and peanut butter. Then we went to the orphanage and hung out with the children. Playing soccer, rock games, and holding them as they fell asleep in our arms. It was a great experience. We got back to Saint Louis right before dinner! We are excited for tomorrow. The group is staying on campus to work at clinics and the Mariam Center (Special needs children) and the boys will be painting!
Every one is doing well. No one is sick! Praise God!
Thank you for your continued prayer!
Arrival!
Alright! The group has arrived. All 9 of us! Bernie, Sam, Michael, Sue, Heather, Jamie, Beth, Steph, and Me! We are all very tired from our 8 1/2 hour bus ride! It was exhausting. But we made it to the mission in record time! We were one of the fastest groups this summer. Most groups don’t even make it in before dinner! And we were here early so we were very excited. Tomorrow we head to the west for a VBS program with the elderly, and then a tour of the new orphanage and of course we will get to play with the kids! Then we will be back at the mission head quarters monday night. So if i am not able to blog tomorrow it is because i am away from the internet for a while. May God Bless you. Please keep our group in your prayers!
Love,
Cara
Heading back!
Hey Everyone!
I am going back to Haiti July 31st- August 8th! I am taking 8 others in with me! For this trip I am collecting school supplies so if you would like to help here are things I am collecting
Notebooks
Pens
Maps (for on the walls)
Markers
Soccer Balls/Jump Ropes
Calculator
Toliet Paper
Alphabet Chart
Chalk
Wite Out
Paper Clips
Hope all is well! God Bless
Bon Voyage
Tomorrow I head home at 4:30 AM! It will be a bumpy ride and a long day of flying but it was all worth it to come on this trip. So much amazing things are seen every time I come here. everytime a child smiles I swear I see Jesus smiling back at me. OH What A Site!
My last day in la Forge was emotional but it was good. Today i stayed on campus and hung out with my sponsor kids. it was a good time. I gave them piggy back rides and lots of hugs! I also went to the jail to feed the prisoners. This may sound weird, but in Haiti if you get sent to jail you do not get fed unless your family brings you food, so we as missionaries go there and minister to the prisoners and then give them something to eat till they get out. A lot of there people are in prison for small stuff that could cause them a lot of trouble. So many of them want to see justice. But they are all active in prayer with us and always grateful we come.
I will be back in Haiti July 31-Aug 8th so I am not sure how many blogs will be between now and then but once I am back there will be more blogs. Thank you for all your prayers!
May God Bless You!
Cara
Second Group is in
The second group of the summer has made it in! There are 109 of them which is pretty amazing. it will be cool to see what they all do while they are here. Tomorrow I will be going to La Forge for my last class with the women. I am planning on having a party with them. Hopefully some music and some good old haitian dancing with the girls. The last time i had a party down here with the girls it was a hoot watching them sing and dance, but very fun. So I look forward to seeing how they like it.
Today we handed out a lot of stuffed animals to the children that a group brought in. sometimes people think ohh yuck stuffed animals… because they get ruined very quickly here… but for me if you think about it, at least that child was able to play with a toy for a couple of day’s instead of mud. Even if it only last a short time its worth it to see the smile on their faces when you give it to them.
Yesterday we went and interviewed the kindergarten and first grade class at la forge for sponsorship. It was crazy to hear some of the answers. One child walks an Hour and a Half to school one way. I was like wow I dunno if i’d ever want to go to school if it was that far! Some kids live in tiny huts with 12 other people living with them! I was just amazed and it was confirmed to me that I am doing the right thing by trying to help this community.
The sponsorship is 25 dollars a month per child. With that they get their school uniform, paper, pens, food, and a portion of it goes to pay the teacher. If you are at all interested please email me at carainhaiti@hotmail.com
may God Bless YOU!
I can’t believe i’ll be home soon. My time here went to fast, but then I keep reminding myself that i’ll be back in 6 weeks.
Hope all is well.
Sunday in La Forge
This past Sunday was my last Sunday here in Haiti. So I went up and gave my goodbye speech and said a little message. Then at the end of the service to my surprise the people called me up to the front. I was a little confused at first, but then all of a sudden they all started praying for me. I was like what? I never expected something like that. Tears came to my eyes I was in shock, not many times if ever that i’ve been to Haiti has a Haitian asked to pray for me. I was so moved and touched by the experience. I have a week left of just doing my classes and then i’ll leave on saturday morning,
Please keep the missionaries and their children in your prayers.
