Official!

Time keeps flying by, and I keep forgetting to write this post.  During the time we've been back this summer, we went to a Missionary Orientation put on by ACWR in Bradford, IL.  It was a really blessed week to learn and share together.  The kids played and had activities together, and so the adults could focus on our topics.  We were very blessed!  Kirk and Karrie Plattner, Blake and Tashi Widmer, Kurt and Joan Plattner, Matthew and Ruth Gerber, Frank and Kathy Sauder, Rick and Komari Aberle, Dayton and Kathy Kupferschmid, and Keith and Alisa Beyer and families were all at the training.

We also finished out the ACWR application process for long term mission service.  This included a few interviews, and then a visit with the Hospital Lumiere Board.  After they had their Board Meeting, David was officially offered the Facilities Manager position.  

So what does this include?

This is going to be pretty much what David's been doing already...fixing electrical emergencies, helping with construction work teams, general maintenance, along with new duties like planning future renovation/construction projects.  Good, clean electrical power is a big problem that is being faced right now (last night David got a call that there was NO power....all sources had gone down, and no one was really sure what the problem was....at 1040 at night...when the hospital is depending on the electricity.....not a fun problem to be having).  So, there's a 3 phase project that is being planned, with needs up to $300,000 to implement all phases.  To read more about what is being planned, go to: http://www.acworldrelief.org/electricity-improvements/ and click on the link for a presentation.

When do we go back?

We bought tickets this past week for October 14th!  It's getting closer!

Do you plan to come back to the States to have the baby?

Not at this point!  We had a sono last week and there aren't any major red flags that we know of, so at this point, we will plan to stay in Haiti for the delivery. 

The Haitian OB doctor that is at the hospital has had a lot of experience, so we feel comfortable with him.  He does do c-sections, which I'd REALLY like to avoid, but at least it's an option in an emergency.  We are hopeful for a safe delivery and healthy baby, but still appreciate your prayers for this different experience!

How long do you plan to stay this time?

As of right now, we are saying 4 more years.  Obviously this is subject to change, longer or shorter, to whatever we feel God wants and is best for our family.  But at this point, we feel like we need to spend at least several years to get to a point where we are fluent in the language and able to build and form relationships with the local Haitian people.  ACWR takes really good care of their missionaries, and so we are allowed a two month furlough back to the States every year.  Not sure yet whether this will be taken all at once or over two separate trips, but we will see what happens.  We are very thankful we can take this time to keep up with our relationships with our family and friends....you!!