God has continued working in many lives here in Haiti. The group from Arcadia worked at the village of hope Wednesday and Thursday. Many of the rooms needed to be cleaned because of dirt and mud from the hurricanes. The courtyard had trash and rocks piled everywhere. We spent time cleaning windows, mopping, shoveling rocks/leaves, and washing walls. The kitchen area at the Village of Hope needed a lot of work. There was mud caked onto the walls. We used brushes, water and bleach to scrub the walls clean. It is amazing what a little bleach and water can do. Thursday, April and Melissa went back to the Village of Hope to paint the kitchen and the pantry. Andy continued tiling in Miss Tina’s home and Billy finished the wiring. Corey, Megan, Billy, Linda, Rachel, Miss Tina and I traveled to Jacmel to one of the tent cities. I cannot describe to you what I saw. Each tent is split into approximately 8 different sections for different families to live in. Each section could not have been more than a 9 X 6 area. I am not for sure the measurement of the each section but all I know is that it was very small. I stuck my head inside one of the rooms where an elderly couple was living. I honestly cannot wrap my mind around these living conditions. My heart broke for these people. Sometimes I wonder what exactly I or we as the church body can do in these situations. God keeps reminding me that we can pray, pray for BIG things to happen during this time of desperation. God is using people like Miss Tina to bring hope.

Thursday night the team from Lebanon arrived. It is exciting to see God work in the lives of these young men. Most of the team consists of football players from Lebanon high school. Friday both teams (Arcadia and Lebanon) worked on the children’s home. We mixed rock, water and cement to form a base on the second floor of the building. Everyone worked very hard, sweated a ton but all in all finished just before lunch.

Friday afternoon the group from Arcadia, Chuck, Miss Tina, and Linda walked down to the ocean to celebrate two awesome decisions made by April Bryant and Melissa Starrett. April came to me several months ago when we were meeting monthly for team meetings to discuss getting baptized. She told me that she was ready to make the commitment but wanted to wait until we got to Haiti. Melissa made the decision to rededicate her life. I had the honor to baptize both April and Melissa yesterday! I am so proud of the growth, faith, and trust they each display in our Savior. We celebrated last night, the gift of new life! Praise God for His constant, unchanging and unbounded love for us and that He extends His grace and mercy to us.

The team from Arcadia left this morning at 4am. Pray for safety as they travel home. I will miss them greatly but am so thankful for their willingness and hard work. As the Lebanon team departed for their building project this morning, Chuck asked Corey and I to go into Jacmel to get water, ice, and diesel fuel. Ronald came with us to help exchange money and translate. I am now sitting on the porch at Miss Tina’s writing you this update, surrounded by loving little children coloring and playing with smiles on their face. I am thankful they are here and that I have the opportunity to show them love. Please continue to lift up Miss Tina, Rachel, Chuck, and the team from Lebanon. May the Spirit empower and guide us in our steps. Continue praying for Haiti and that healing will take place.

In His Love,

Mackenzie Grinstead.