Hi,
Well, 9 more days and we’ll be travelling back to Haiti. David’s month and my 6 weeks in the states have been very different than we had planned but we’ve seen God work in so many ways.

Physically:

• David and I were able to have lab work done along with physicals with our doctor in DuBois
• I’ve gotten excellent care under Dr. Wayne Whitley in Fredericksburg, VA (check out his website at wwhitley@wwhitley.com) which involved some trips to VA
• David was able to have a colonoscopy done in Lancaster (on very short notice – a miracle) to check out his frequent intestinal problems – no tumors or polyps but still waiting results on tests for parasites etc.

Emotionally:

• I was able to spend time with my brother and his family and also attend the celebration of his life after his “homegoing” on April 23. Lots of tears, laughter and fun as we remembered the terrific brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend he had been to so many. His life of dedication to God’s service alongside his wife of almost 45 years was an inspiration. I was also able to spend time with my sister, Sue, and her husband, John, when they came from Indiana for the funeral.
• David’s brother, Mel, and his wife, Marsha and their son, Matt visited us for 2 days and were a special encouragement. Mel is involved in counseling at a mental health clinic in Boston area and has many Haitians as clients. He helped me understand some of my remaining reactions (feeling like things are shaking) as a result of the earthquake are “normal”.
• Our weekend in DuBois with our “home” church family was amazing. They are such a loving and encouraging group of people. We felt wrapped in a blanket of love and I got lots of hugs. What a blessing people were to us there.
• Being with our family off and on throughout our time here has also been such a blessing. It’s fun to do things with our adult kids and laugh as we “walk down memory lane” with them. They along with a cousin, Matt, are planning to come visit us in Haiti next November.
• We’ve had almost 2 weeks at this lovely home in north central PA seeing deer, wild turkeys, lots of other woodland creatures. It is so beautiful and quiet – lots of time for reading, listening to great music, napping and just enjoying each other. Sue and John were here with us for 2 nights and then Mel and family for 2 nights. Amy and Jeff arrive today for a few days before we all return to Lancaster. One of the little framed notes here at the home says : “How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterwards.” Doesn’t that just say it all?!?!?!?

Spiritually:

• As we have shared with each other and with family and friends all that happened during and after the earthquake we can see God’s hand on our lives. We can do NOTHING in our own strength but with and through God we can do ALL things He brings into our paths.
• Knowing so many are praying for us and the people of Haiti in the area of rebuilding of lives, buildings and ministries gives us the strength to carry forward.
• We know God has much to teach us in the days, weeks and months ahead of us. Bruce and Cindy have already returned and shared that it is hard to return. We know it will be but God gives the enabling as we need it. The coming summer will be full of preparations for the beginning of a new school year for the seminary. The physical plant may look very different but we know God desires this ministry go forward for His glory.

Thanks to all of you who have encouraged us in so many ways during this time in the states. Please pray for McMartins and Schmids that we will be faithful in what God calls us to do and that we will go forward in HIS strength.

Love,
Phyllis