"When are you going back to Haiti?"  We hear that question frequently, and we wish we had a concrete answer.  Here are a few things that we do know.

We hear somewhat conflicting reports from Haiti these days.  As we last told you, the presidential election came to a peaceful resolution.    Run-off elections for senatorial and other seats have been postponed to April 21 and the inauguration to May.  Crime and kidnapping remain concerns, although two recent reports have indicated that the incidents have curtailed somewhat.

April 6-17, two of our colleagues, Gregg Ennis and Jack Munos, will be going to Haiti.  They will be taking care of some mission business and getting a first-hand assessment at how living conditions are there now.  Please pray that they will have a safe and profitable trip.

After they return, on April 17-18, they will be meeting with Free Methodist missions leaders and several Haitian pastors in Florida to discuss the Haiti situation and make recommendations concerning the return of the F.M. missionaries.  So, later that week we should have a better idea on how to answer the above question.  Please pray for those present at the meeting to have great wisdom on the decisions that need to be made. 

"What have you been doing while you're waiting?"  During our "extended home assignment" we've been able to speak at several other churches in our supporting conference, as well as meet representatives from a few others for lunch. 

A few weeks ago J.R. was invited to fill in as an interim pastor at a small rural Free Methodist church where the pastor passed away from cancer a few months ago.  We've been assisting at the Brooklyn F.M. Church of East Otto, NY the past couple Sundays and have promised them at least a couple more until we know more about our future plans.  This has been a new experience for us, but we've enjoyed starting to get to know the folks in their friendly congregation.  Please pray that God would use us to help them through some of their transition time, and that God would use this time to change us as He desires during our waiting time.

"How are the girls?"  They're doing well.  Alena will be 7 months already this week, and really wants to start moving but can't quite do it yet.  She sits wells alone, waves bye-bye, and chows down on baby cereal and strained fruits and vegetables.  Marissa recently learned how to bowl with the kids from her school.

We enjoyed a mini-vacation to Washington DC last month when Marissa had a week off from school.  We got to see many of the monuments, the White House, a couple museums, Mount Vernon, as well as visiting with some friends who live in the area.  We learned the hard way that there isn't a bathroom at the Washington Monument!  But, otherwise the girls were good travelers, and we made some great memories together.

Thanks for your continued prayers for Haiti and for our family's future plans.  More soon!

In Jesus,
Becky, J.R., Marissa and Alena Crouse

65 Memorial Drive
Gowanda, NY 14070