Support

 

**The following are two letters that I sent out while serving in Haiti**

Dear Friends and Family,

When you last heard from me in this fashion, I was in the beginning months of my time in Haiti working as a nurse at Children of the Promise.  If you recall, I explained in that letter how I was led to stay in Haiti longer than originally planned. Those seven months passed quickly and I now find myself writing to you from the “lòt bò” as Haitians would say, or “other land.”  Yes, I have been back stateside since April 24th and  hanging out in Texas, relaxing and debriefing while spending time with my sister, brother-in-law and new baby nephew. I’ve been back up in Wisconsin since June 7th. While my commitment to Children of the Promise in Haiti ended in April, the effects of that experience are long-lasting. I am writing to you now to deeply thank you for your support, both prayerfully and financially, and for coming alongside me during those seven months.

As I reflect on it, I often find myself pondering over what I learned and gained from this experience, and I can’t easily wrap my mind around all of it. I’ve never before witnessed nor felt such a span of deep emotion - from overflowing joy and praise, to uncontainable sadness and ache. As one person put it to me recently, “You’ve seen some of what God sees every day.” The unprecedented raw reality of some things was confusing, frustrating and unjustifiable. However, those situations became grounds for immoveable endurance, perseverance, peace, trust and faith. All this is not even to mention how I was stretched in regards to nursing skills, language development and culture acclamation. To be honest, it’s uncomfortable to reflect on and debrief through what many would call a life-changing experience when, for my new family in Haiti, those “experiences” are their normal day-to-day routine with no foreseeable chance of that ever changing in this life. But with that reality I also witnessed in the people of Haiti a deeper hope, understanding, and longing for the promise of God; 

that those who believe in Him will live with Him in glory someday . 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us...as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved...if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience...And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His   purpose.   (Romans 8:18-37)

For His Glory,

Kerry

I live and work at Children of the Promise (COTP), where we are dedicated to caring for the physical, emotional, medical, and spiritual needs of sick and malnourished infants/toddlers in Northern Haiti. When I initially left for Haiti at the end of September, 2013,  my commitment was to serve for three months. As the end of that time approaches, I’ve been asked to consider extending my contract.  I have agreed and am excited to continue volunteering in this role until April 2014.

In a job where I daily experience unpredictable events, heartbreaking situations and soul-searching issues, the faithful peace, comfort and assurance of love that I receive from God is what get’s me to the end of each day.  But it’s not all blood, sweat and tears...I also feel extremely privileged to have this opportunity to grow, work and live alongside the people of this country.

The words of support and prayers from many have already been a huge encouragement.  I humbly invite you to partner with me in these next few months by supporting my ministry in Haiti, both prayerfully and financially.  

As I anticipate the coming weeks and months, I covet your prayers for these foundational, continual requests:

-Haiti; for peace and stability.

-Patience and understanding as I learn about and adjust to cultural differences

-Language acquisition (Creole)

-Wisdom and assurance in my role as a nurse as I make medical decisions and provide care.

-General health and safety for myself, the other international staff, Haitian staff, their families, and the Haitian children that reside at COTP

Financial gifts will fund and support a number of different things while I am in Haiti, including: Travel expenses, Immunizations, lodging, food, health insurance, and the General COTP budget, which is used toward the cost of vehicle maintenance, diesel and propane, supplies for the children (diapers, formula, food, etc.), and shipping expenses. I estimate that I will need to raise approximately $5,000 to cover these total expenses through April, and am seeking one-time donations to reach that goal. 

If helping to fund my service at Children of the Promise is something you feel led to do, donations can be made out directly to COTP, and are tax deductible. Please do not include my name anywhere on the check - simply include a note indicating you wish the donation to be directed to me, along with your address/e-mail. Send the check and note to:

Children of the Promise

PO Box 123

Prinsburg, MN 56281

There is also an option to donate electronically on the COTP website.

Simply go to: www.childrenofthepromise.org.  Along the top, go to the DONATIONS tab, scroll down to FINANCIALLY and follow the instructions to donate online.  There will be an option to designate the financial gift to me specifically. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with further questions. I would also just love to hear from you!

Children of the Promise has given permission for the posting of the photos on this site.  Photos taken of children in the care of Children of the Promise are not to be posted publicly without explicit permission given by Children of the Promise.