Rick Brown
Orange, Texas

            When we left home to go to Houston to catch our flight we were excited.  We were excited and had our own preconceived ideas about what to do and how to handle things.  When we finally arrived in Ferrier, Haiti all of that was out the window.  At home I own my own construction business and we do things my way, but soon learned what it meant to be broken and submissive.  My will no longer mattered, but God's will became all consuming.  The first few days the roof was my main focus.  At times I felt inadequate due to the conditions and circumstances.  I finally threw in the towel and let God handle things, which allowed things to go smoother and easier.  I was touched and very impressed with the men with whom I worked.  Men on this trip were out of his comfort zone, but their heart and will was in the right place.  The happiness of the people there would wash over you like a refreshing spring rain.  We all made sacrifices, but the people made bigger ones by giving their best to us in food and drink.  Several of the older girls taught us some songs in their language and we taught them back in English.  This exchange helped us make an undying bond. 

            At night we would gather in our room and discuss the events of the day.  It felt good to know that you could open your heart before God and your Christian brothers without having to be on your guard.

            The best time there was the last night.  The girls dressed up in their very best.  We all ate like a family that God had put together, for a short, but memorable time.  After it was all over we loaded up in the truck.  I was worn down to the very core of my body and soul until I pulled myself up into the back of the truck and one little girl grabbed my hand and guided me to a seat on the bench.  When I was seated a girl sat on each knee and held on to me.  All I felt was unconditional love and tears began to run down my face.

            Although I return home tired and weary, I feel like the hand of God has touched me and I am very blessed.      

Brad Gabriel
Van, Texas

            I thank God for the opportunity to serve His Kingdom in Haiti.  This has been one of the best weeks of my life.  When I left the U.S. for Haiti I felt I was going to serve and bless the girls at the orphanage.  The opposite happened.  The girls and local missionaries blessed and served me.  I received much more than I gave.  I greater understanding of God's love than before I came to Haiti.  In nine short days I have received and given God's love to people I never knew before.  I can honestly say I love them like family.  That's the way it's supposed to be in the Kingdom, God's Family.  I have learned that through service to those in need, God takes my efforts and repays me with love, joy, peace and laughter.

            I will never forget the beautiful smiles and faces of the girls and local missionaries.  They have changed my life forever.  The laughter we experienced together while jumping rope, playing games and teaching each other songs is and indescribable feeling.  Pure love and joy that comes from the Father.

            I'm so glad God allowed me to come to Haiti and pray He sends me back in His perfect time.  I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!  In His family there is love, joy, peace, laughter and happiness.  Praise God.  Mesi Pappa!