I have been trying so hard to think about what all to put in this very first update, and the famous creole words 'Bon Bagay', meaning 'Good Things', is what keeps coming to mind. For now, I am just going to talk more focused on what life is like as a YWAM student. When I have more time I will elaborate on some of the deeper topics we've gotten to discuss.
I am living in a house with over 70 people. People who want to be here. Who want to know God more. Who are hungry for more of Him. Bon Bagay.
There are 18 girls in my room. We all share one sink, one toilet, one shower. The water runs... sometimes. We flush the toilets with the pool water (let's just say it's not suitable for swimming). Such a Bon Bagay.
Dudley Weiner (fun name, right?) is our first speaker. He leaves at the end of this week. He's been teaching on our identity in Christ and what it means to live in the Kingdom Culture. Bon, Bon Bagay.
For the first time, I'm living somewhere as a foreigner and I love it. The Haitian people are incredible. I've been blessed to hear many of their stories. About where they've come from and what they went through because of the earthquake. Bon Bagay.
I'm pooped, so I think I'll just go ahead and end my writing here. But I asked one of my new brothers to write a little something... I think I will try to do this every so often so you can here something beyond what I have to say, straight from the heart of Haiti. Bon Bagay.
I love you all tons! My brain is shorting out, so just comment with questions if you want :) Can't wait to here from you all!
xoxoxoxo
Nicole/Nini
Dear princess Nini family!
I’m Jean Smith Celiscar (Jhud), I’m 100% Haitian, so is Nin [this is my new name!]i.. And we met in the DTS and since the day we are so best friend. I’m have one of brothers with me too in the DTS his name is Jacques. Nicole is so amazing for us. We have good time together, we are sharing about all. That’s so funny…
Since 2009, I planed to do DTS but God has another plan for. And in this plan God wants me to walk in faith and purity, it’s the reason why, He does place for me in this DTS. About my family, I’m the second child of a family of 7 children and the first boy. I’m done with my classical school since 2006 and studied computer science (level 1) after accountant, I was in my 2nd year but the earthquake hide all my dream cause I hav’nt more financial’s opportunity to continue, but I praise God!!!
Now, I’m trying to learn more about my father in heaven during this DTS. My greatest dream is one day see my country changing on all way (spiritual, social, infrastructure and economic.)
So, it’s so awesome to share all that with you,I’ll pray for you and ask God to bless you more and show you His plan for you for the rest of your life. And I ask you to pray for me too for God provide me money for the reading study and my out reach.
I’m Jean Smith Celiscar (Jhud), I’m 100% Haitian, so is Nin [this is my new name!]i.. And we met in the DTS and since the day we are so best friend. I’m have one of brothers with me too in the DTS his name is Jacques. Nicole is so amazing for us. We have good time together, we are sharing about all. That’s so funny…
Since 2009, I planed to do DTS but God has another plan for. And in this plan God wants me to walk in faith and purity, it’s the reason why, He does place for me in this DTS. About my family, I’m the second child of a family of 7 children and the first boy. I’m done with my classical school since 2006 and studied computer science (level 1) after accountant, I was in my 2nd year but the earthquake hide all my dream cause I hav’nt more financial’s opportunity to continue, but I praise God!!!
Now, I’m trying to learn more about my father in heaven during this DTS. My greatest dream is one day see my country changing on all way (spiritual, social, infrastructure and economic.)
So, it’s so awesome to share all that with you,I’ll pray for you and ask God to bless you more and show you His plan for you for the rest of your life. And I ask you to pray for me too for God provide me money for the reading study and my out reach.
BLESSINGS!
Bonjour, Nicole! Sarah, Michelle and I are here together in my room...and decided the most important thing we could do was to post something on your blog...alors, on commence! (I've decided when I post I should do it in French so you can be learning along with Creole...)
ReplyDeleteWe miss you...a lot...so glad you finally posted something! Hope you're having a good time...Brutus is doing well, but he misses you, too. Not sure if your yellow cushion is a suitable substitute for his love and affection.
Sarah is leaving for Guatemala on Sunday - all prayer is welcome! She's excited to go and work with the kids - and use her Spanish (you get that after Peru...) They are both working at VBS at POP and having a blast. We're getting ready to pray for Sarah's mission trip and we will remember to pray for you. We love you! Mrs. Isbell, Michelle and Sarah (isn't God sweet to give us time together?)
Trying once again to post here. This will be short. If it works, I'll write more later. For now, just know I'm praying for all of you, and love you immensely!
ReplyDeleteMom
Hey, it worked...so, I'll try again.
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know, Nini (love your new name!), that your grandma is doing GREAT. Her surgery went very well, and she has already been up and walking today!! Praise God!!!
So glad you're doing well, making friends, growing closer to Christ, and learning how to share a bathroom with 17 other girls!?? Really? Now, that's amazing!! :)
Keep those posts coming.
Love you and miss you like crazy!!!
Meemshke
Hi Cheese! Thanks for the post, and love the writing from Jhud too! Very cool. We love and miss you so much, and are very proud of you and all of you. Your new friends are lucky to know you, and you them. May God bless you all!!! From Aunt Kristi.
ReplyDeleteNini,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and getting updates from your Mama! It is evident that your new friend has discovered your silly fun side!
Annee and i met a girl at JBU who had just returned from YWAM in Haiti for 2 months. She loved it! I know it will be an awesome experience as you touch lives and lean on our Amazing Lord:)
Keep sharing your story!
Blessings, Donna Hofstra
Your post is such a blessing, that's all I can think to describe it!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me so excited to think about all the newness you're experiencing, but how it's really just more Jesus. I laughed yesterday thinking about our crazy outside reading night at ihop when we decided we wanted to have a "radical week" in our summer, away from American-ness - and here you are taking a radical (some would say :) ) 5 months!
Saw your meems yesterday and did our switcharoo of things...your letter made me cry, you! I loved it and wish I could send you one. I read this and thought of you Beans! :
"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.." 1 thess. 1:2-4
LOVE,
Chicken
Nini!!! Such a cute name. Ahhhh...to be in Haaaay-ti again. The intense heat, the passionate people ... so much disparity. I love your Bon Bagay (Good Things) post. Indeed.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to walking with you through your blog. I know you'll be tired, busy and enjoying yourself. George Palmer is finishing up his DTS in Peru and is so filled up - that's the only way I can describe it.
We're praying! Thanks for updating us.
God is so good at giving us the 'good things'. Love your post.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to walking with you on this journey. I've watched George Palmer become so filled up on his DTS in Peru. So much to come.
I'm praising God for his faithfulness -- true to his Word. Praying for you to witness the incredible power of the Holy Spirit as you are learning and expressing your learnings in Haiti!
Love your post. Looking forward to walking with you on this journey. It's been incredible to watch George Palmer on his DTS in Peru.
ReplyDeleteGod is so faithful!
Hi, Beebs (aka Nini)!
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to say I messaged Dustin and discovered he is leaving THIS Sunday--that's day after tomorrow!!--to come to Haiti. So, please let me know if there is ANYTHING at all you need that he can bring. He said he'd be happy to deliver a package for me (since we've been told not to mail anything). So, let me know as soon as possible if you need anything and Pastor D can be our courier!
Hope you're doing well. And staying well! And getting all filled up with things of God. Don't forget:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Love you, sweetie!
See you in....26 days!!!!!!
Love,
Mom
Hi, Nini!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I saw Pastor D this morning and made the transfer. So be expecting a little "care package"!
Hope you have had a great weekend. Looking forward to your next post!!
Love you,
Meems
Dearest daughter,
ReplyDeleteIf you get 2 similar posts it's because this blog is crazy! :-) (has nothing to do with the author)
I saw Pastor D this morning and gave him a little care package for you. Hope you enjoy it!
Looking forward to your next post!!!!
Love you,
Meems
France!!!! No way!!!! Nous devons avoir une petite conversation de la France quand je suis en Haiti ce mois!!!!
ReplyDeleteBonne nuit...
Mme Isbell
You are falling behind, dear daughter. :-) Need posts!! Hope you stay safe in the upcoming storm. Maybe it will decide to bypass Haiti! Of course a little rain would be nice, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteHad such a great time visiting you and your fellow-YWAMmers. Miss you very much.
Love you,
Mom