Delayed by A Bird

Well, our first day of travel was eventful and not eventful all at the same time. We boarded our plane to Minneapolis began the taxi to take off, accelerated for take off and then suddenly felt the brakes. We taxied to a stopping point where we heard word of what happened. A large bird flew in front of the plane and the pilots saw it headed toward the engine. Remember the Hudson River emergency landing a while ago? Our pilot wanted to avoid that!
After the mechanics looked over the plane, the wheels were deemed unsafe as they were pretty 'burned' after the sudden stop. So we moved to plan B.
Because we are a large group of 28, we weren't quite so easy to reschedule. After 7 1/2 hours in the airport, we finally were booked at a hotel in Omaha. Nice accommodations!
We depart today at 1:50 for Detroit, then Amsterdam, then Kilimanjaro. We should arrive in Tanzania tomorrow evening.
We've lost a day on the ground in Tanzania. However, we have gotten to know each other quite well already. Good friends are good to have on long travels such as these.
One of Jesus' parting encouragements to his disciples on his last days were to lay down their lives for each other- by doing so we show great love. I learned that yesterday.
Peace,
Pastor Rhonda

Eve of Departure

We're ready! These words feel good to say on the eve of departure to our mission partnerships in Tanzania. We've worked for months to be at this point. Not only are we ready because we're packed and ready to go, but we are ready because we've been so richly encouraged in faith. This morning our mission team from SLC was commissioned and prayed for. And we were encouraged by so many of our brothers and sisters in faith. People promised to pray for us and to look after our families in our time away. They also thanked us for our willingness to go and continue to build this partnership in Tanzania. It was a great day to be the church together. We collectively believe that the Spirit is leading us and guiding us and we carry this in our hearts as we depart tomorrow.
Keep us in prayer. Read is blog and follow our travels. We're ready!

Haitian partner program highlighted in Huffington Post article

It is hard to believe it has been three years since the devastating earthquake shook Haiti on Jan. 12. Sheridan has continued to partner with organizations in Haiti to further the rebuilding process. Below is a link to an article that speaks about a program that Sheridan helps to support through the partnership with The Haitian Timoun Foundation (HTF).
Click here to read the Huffington Post Article.
Sheridan will return to Haiti this July with two high school youth to help facilitate a VBS/Day Camp in Jacmel. Please contact Pastor Rhonda Bostrom for ways you can support and/or help further the Sheridan partnership with HTF.

Women in Haiti

Ilosemène had lost everything she had when her house burned down. Charité, who is a CLM member living in Gran Zèb in Western Boucan Carré, is her communion-sister. That is to say that they were part of the same communion class. She invited Ilosemène and her family into her home, and began to share the very little she had. Before that, Charité had begun to make real progress thanks to her own hard work and the support of her very committed case manager, Georges Zetraine, but the extra drag on the household's resources was threatening to drag her down again.

But thanks to your gift and his ingenuity, Georges was able to get Ilosemène out of Charité's house and into one of her own. She now has goats and a small pig, and is beginning to make real progress of her own.

Hébert has insisted that the two case managers currently working for HTF -- Georges and Anderson -- graduate 100% of the members they are responsible for. But it now appears the Georges will do better than that. Ilosemène should be ready to graduate with a cohort that she was not supposed to be a part of. He'll graduate 51 out of 50 members, or 102%.

I Can See by Emily Estes

In preparation to travel to Haiti I never imagined coming home would be one of the more difficult parts. While I can't speak for others, I can say that this was not just a trip to Haiti; it was a journey of transformation and faith. In conversations I've had since being home I've heard some interesting things - a frequent thing that comes up is that those who have read the blogs and looked at the pictures feel guilty for not being grateful for all that they have and for complaining about seemingly insignificant things. I've quickly realized that this was not just a journey that I traveled alone - it's a journey that, through words and images, others were able to join me on... in their own way. I realized that this experience is not one that will only change the lives of those who stepped foot in Haiti; it has the power to transform a person a million miles away.

I want to respond to the individuals who may feel guilt after witnessing the story of Haiti. I, nor anyone else who has traveled to Haiti or any place like it, don't have the power to judge whether you're being too ungrateful, whether you complain too much about those insignificant things, or how you live your life. I believe that any deep rooted emotion that stems from witnessing this journey is something between you and God. I've had to ask myself many questions because of this experience. What are my priorities in life? What do I take for granted? What is my purpose here? Am I living my life in a way that is pleasing to God? What can I change about me? Can I have an impact on those around me? Do others know I am a Christian through my words and actions?

If these are questions that are on your heart too, explore them! Please don't ignore them. This journey to Haiti does not have to be one that only changes the lives of those of us who went... if you're open to it, it can change yours as well. Listen to God through the emotional response you have to these stories and pictures. Maybe it will challenge you in how you live your life, in the things that frustrate you, in the things you worry about, in what you're grateful for... but maybe, just maybe, if you look a little deeper it will change you. Saying over and over that you feel guilty for one thing or another or that you take too much for granted is a vicious cycle. What about it brings up guilt? That is something you can change! What do you take for granted? That is something you can change!

The reality is that we live in a culture completely different than any other. It's ok. We have many things to embrace about our culture! We have freedoms that many others do not have. Rather than feel guilt because of it, perhaps we can ask what we could do to make a difference in the lives of those who don't share those same freedoms. Rather than simply acknowledging that we have much we take for granted, perhaps we could share a portion of all we've blessed with. Rather than feel something negative, perhaps we could do something positive. What do you say? Will you acknowledge that Haiti, though you may never have stepped foot there, has the power to change something in your life?

On the plane ride home I wrote a poem. It felt more like a song so I went to church yesterday and played around on the piano to find its melody. This is the song on my heart - I'm grateful for having my eyes open, my heart filled, and my life restored.

I Can See

I can see 

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

In a world far from home

He brought family to me

I've been restored

Through my faith in Christ

I Can See

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

He opened my eyes

He opened my heart

He let the tears fall

And a grace abound

I Can See

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

He spoke to me

In a foreign land

He held my hand

Through others hands

I Can See

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

He sat across from me

When I ate and drank

He walk with me

In a land of despair

I Can See

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

He showed me hope

Through broken eyes

He gave to me

The greatest gift

I Can See

Through the beauty of the cross

I've been changed

For my God has rescued me

We're Home by Emily Estes

10/25/2012
7:32am
We're back! Though quite an interesting day, we made it safely back to the U.S. yesterday. Our group would like to send out a huge 'THANK YOU' to all who made this journey possible through prayers, financial help, and in-kind donations for our partnerships in Haiti! There was great comfort in knowing that we were being lifted up in prayer each day.

So, what now? Our lives have been changed. Traveling to Haiti can open your heart in ways you never imagined... if you let it. I believe every single person in our group traveled with an open heart and mind which has added to the impact of this experience. Today we resume 'normal' life here at home. It's strange. Our group, who has spent 24 hours a day in very close quarter, is dispersing, each returning to their own 'normal.' The sudden thought of work, meetings, responsibilities, and the hustle and bustle of this culture is anxiety provoking. We immersed ourselves in a culture that seems to be on a time schedule unheard of here in the U.S. - that being, no time schedule. We adapted to a new way of living - a life that to us may have appeared very limited at times. We ate foods we'd never heard of - a diet unimaginable prior to this experience. We shared faith and fellowship with strangers that have become dear friends. This experience has changed us, challenged us, and led us to a deeper connection with our family of faith in Lincoln and Haiti.

New things are on the horizon for our partnerships in Haiti! The optometry group has ideas to help get a clinic established in Jacmel. This would open the doors for many new opportunities. This week we traveled with many pairs of eye glasses that have been donated for this cause, a huge blessing! The struggle is that we are not always guaranteed to find a perfect match for the needs of all patients - it's a guessing game sometimes. Having a clinic in Jacmel would allow the optometry group to provide more accurate prescriptions for each individual. This clinic would also provide a central location from which outreach could occur to the remote locations and people who are not able to travel into Jacmel. 

Al and Jacque, a dentist that has studied with the help of Al's guidance and support, discussed the future for dental care in Haiti. Currently, Jacque has a temporary location at Tetkole Temporary Shelter. After much prayer and conversation about how they could have a greater impact, Al shared that some things have changed. Rather than staying in Jacmel, they would like to move the clinic to Port au Prince. This would provide them the opportunity to take out a loan to buy a clinic location and see many more patients. With the ability to make more of a profit in Port au Prince and be more self-sustaining, they would then have the opportunity to write grants for more financial assistance. The idea with all these improvements is that the people of Haiti own and operate the businesses rather than solely depend on donations from others outside their country. Establishments such as an optometry clinic and dental clinic will allow donations to be used in a more effective manner. 

Linda Young and Candy Kohnke have great ideas for the future of nutrition education in Haiti. This partnership would open the door to college students in both the U.S. and Haiti and provide a very new piece of education to Haiti. Food handling, personal hygiene, and basic nutrition are absolute necessities! The conversation about involving other areas of the University has great potential! While very much in its infancy, I truly believe something transformational is going to emerge from this discussion.

The partnerships that have developed with Tetkole Temporary Shelter, Pazapa, CLM (the program helping women in the Central Plateau with a motto of, 'That all may have life.'), Trinity House, Wings of Hope, HELP and much more, are areas that need help in continuing to make a difference. This will happen with more sponsorships for children to go to school, for women to make a home and future for them and their children, and for musical instruments for Tetkole kids.This will happen through continued donations of clothing, hygiene supplies, shoes, eye glasses and sunglasses, dental supplies, and education materials. This will happen through continued, personal relationship between us which is why these mission trips are vitally important to the success of each partnership we develop.

While in Jacmel, Mike shared a poem that he had found. I believe it sums up what is next in our relationship with Haiti. Sometimes, it's not as simple as praying for our friends in Haiti; it takes much more in our commitment to relationship to help lift them up in more ways than one. 

Sometimes It's Not Enough to Pray by: Author UnknownAll around us they are cryingThey're afraid and they are dying;Helpless, they've bowed their heads in shame.And they are wounded by our distance,By our caution, our resistance.
We must bring them life in Jesus' name.If they're hungry will you feed them;If they're lonely will you need them?If they're lot will you passion point the way?Sometimes it's not enough to pray.
If they're frightened will you hold them?If they're hurting please console them.And if they're struggle is not the same as yours,Don't let that difference close the door.
They are hungry we must feed the.They're so lonely we must need them.They are lost and they need our love today.For only love will point the way.Sometimes it's not enough to pray.

Last Day in Haiti by Emily Estes

10/23/2012
9:57pm


How do we say farewell to a people that we have come to know as brothers and sisters in Christ? We loaded bags and suitcases planning to come to a country in need of our donations and material goods. Tomorrow morning we will depart carrying less in our arms, but more than our hearts can contain. We will not say goodbye for a goodbye signifies something final... and let me tell you friends, this has only been the start (and continuation for some) of something beautiful. We've shared optical supplies, dental supplies, clothes, food, and education materials - all of which have been so graciously received by our friends here in Haiti who so desperately need all that we can materially provide. We shared something more though. Some were able to open their hearts in a new way upon opening their eyes to the beauty that exists in poverty and devastation. Through that we shared faith, relationship, and hope.

Today's experience was with the CLM project, a scholarship program for women in the Central Plateau who need assistance. A $1500 scholarship donation sponsors one woman and her children for 18 months. It provides the resources for them to build a home (a project they are responsible for doing with the materials provided), an enterprise of either chickens, goats, cattle or horses, a stipend for food, and money to send their children to school. The women and their families are visited every week by a case worker - individuals who do a phenomenal job of helping, guiding, and encouraging women to live a better life. We were simply amazed in our journey through the plateau and shadowing during the house visits. The pride we witnessed among a people who live below poverty level was a site that is indescribable. One family was fortunate enough to have a sewing machine - Jim interacted with her in an attempt to determine if she needed eyeglasses. Indeed she did and there was no greater smile than the one I saw on her face today when she was able to easily thread her needle! In that moment I wanted to plop down, cry, and ask God what more I can do for this poor woman. But it's in that instant that I realized, perhaps she's a bit richer than I. She knows the value of heartache to the core, yet she smiles with joy; she has a home detestable by American standards and she beams with pride as she walks us through; she appears weak by site but she's stronger than most; she, among great despair, has shown me a beauty immeasurable. It's in the giving of these material things that I begin to feel selfish - she has given us a far greater gift. 

Although challenging and exhausting, I think our group could have walked through the plateau, through the rivers and mud, hills and valleys, for many more hours because the success of this program (starting with 150 women and today reaching over 1,000) is a Godsend you can't see enough of. Of course there's struggle too... but this program is being implemented by talented individuals who go far into the rural areas to support women and encourage them. One of the women today has six children, one on the way, and no father figure providing any support. Pastor Rhonda has been an incredible mentor on this trip and today I witnessed what God can do when you're willing to allow Him work through you. She spoke to this woman who is struggling with the program in a way that proves that only what we allow to exist between us can separate us. If we're willing to be vulnerable, God will lead us in a way only He can. I felt God working through the conversation between Pastor Rhonda, the case worker, and the woman in the program. I hope you will join us in praying for this woman, and any other woman who is struggling to complete the program; may they find a confidence in themselves, a hope for their lives and the lives of their children, and success in a world that they have the opportunity to create.

As we begin our travels home I'm confident we will all leave a piece of our heart here in Haiti. No final goodbye will separate us for tomorrow only brings a, 'See ya later.' The partnerships and relationships being developed are a foundation for what's to come. My enthusiasm for the growth of this ministry is far too much to contain - God shines the light of a candle where the flame of a fire will be shared. I hope you'll join me in praying that that fire in our hearts, minds, and spirits will continue to grow and spread into the hearts, minds, and spirits of those around us.

In praise and thanksgiving,

Emily