"The Lord Provides All"

Sometimes, it doesn't always seem so.  We all have our ups and downs (and they pale by comparison to the ups and downs we perceive here. . .), and I recall Dad telling me that God was just testing me.

That I haven't forgotten or dismissed that advice tells me something, sometime about my faith.  There is something greater that me, or all of us, that means to be some better place on the horizon to walk to.

So, today, we're back at the Good Samaritan Old Folks Home, home to 8 very old men and women otherwise on the street, if not gone.  Just showing up brightens their day and, stand back for thunderous applause/hugs/smooches, if you replace the tattered door curtains that defines their last place/contains their only possessions.  I mentioned we brought new mattress covers, we bought new sheets today, and raised a little hell at the toilet that was backed up, about the running water that wasn't, etc.  It just makes you made, and takes every bit of self control to express yourself to those who can fix things up with decorum and respect. . .and make it clear you will bankroll the fixes if it happens, like, NOW.

And so it is. . we were back today, installing the door curtains, and plumbers were all over the place.  The eldest man was given new clothes to augment his wardrobe, which consisted of what he was wearing.  We brought packaged peaches, applesauce, cookies. . to diversify their steady diet of rice and beans. . .all was distributed, and generated huge smiles and thank you's. . .so much that the women started singing "The Lord Provides All".

It doesn't take much to bring happiness to others, and when we consider the gifts we have to work with in relation to those we're serving in the Haiti mission field, we can do. .and do do. .and lot of good, and we do so on behalf of the congregation.

We touched other, younger lives this morning in the village of Bois Neuf  Malore. . .we distributed the dresses sewn by FUMC seamstresses, and tooth brushes (we planned to do flouride treatments but the material came out like Gorilla Glue. . .oh well, do what you can. .we'll come back with a different, better product next year).

Back at the clinic. . .tons more eye patients, and the first surgeries, and more triage by Shawn.

Tonight, we were serenaded by Rubin, a 25-year old orphan who lives with Pastor Chrisnel and manages the computer lab at the John Wesley high school (for probably little if any money).  Some of you know that Rubin's house burned down, and he now lives in the parsonage. .where we all camp out when we are here.  He lost everything, but we brought down clothes, shoes, and some money that we'll discuss the best way to handle with Pastor Chrisnel.  Tonight was his birthday, and his singing. .along with his 7 choir members. .was, it seems, cathartic after solid week of misery. . piled on top of a lifetime of tough conditions.  He sang about his faith, and their version of "Amazing Grace" was just another connection between us.

I know he felt, too, that The Lord provides all. . .through others, sometimes, like us.

John Smith