For the past two months we've been traveling considerably, sharing about positive things that God is doing in Haiti.  We spoke at family camps in Pollock, Louisiana; Kane, Pennsylvania; and Saratoga Springs, New York.  We spent a week at Free Methodist World Missions headquarters in Indianapolis for debriefing.  We also spent some time in the Asheville, North Carolina area to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday and for me to attend a wonderful retreat for missionary women on furlough sponsored by an organization called "Women of the Harvest".  In addition we've spoken at 5 Free Methodist churches and at 4 sessions of the conference youth camp at Covenant Acres.  We have felt tired and "road-weary" at times, but God has given us strength to keep going and inspiration when we were low on creative ideas.  We have felt very blessed by the warm receptions we have received along the way and for positive responses to the things we've shared.  We are especially encouraged by how many local FM churches are growing and/or seeking new ways to reach out to people in their communities.  Please pray with us that God will use whatever seeds were planted at the places we've visited and use them to accomplish his purposes.  Please also pray for God's blessings upon all the people who have shared with us so generously through special offerings, providing meals and lodging, and other thoughtful surprises that have encouraged and refreshed us.

It's been especially great to see how well Marissa has adapted to all of our travels.  In the past she has been somewhat intimidated by new situations and enjoys routine, as most 4 year olds do.  But, God has answered our prayers in helping her to actually thrive on seeing all the new people and places.  She has become very outgoing, giving hugs to people who are strangers to her, and happily participating in whatever activities the kids where we happen to be are doing.  She's even sung with me in Creole at a few of the churches (she loves the microphone!)  She has also enjoyed spending time with grandparents and cousins and jumping on the new "jumpoline" in Papa's back yard.  So thank you for your prayers for her adjustments.

We like the new OB/GYN I've been seeing.  The baby continues to grow normally, and I'm feeling pretty good, just tired as we get closer to the September 16 due-date.  We'll spend time over the next few weeks getting supplies and space ready for our new arrival.  Our traveling schedule is slowing down considerably over the next couple of months as we will be speaking mostly on weekends at churches in the western New York area.  So were are very thankful that the busiest time is behind us. 

The situation in Haiti has worsened considerably since we left.  Crime and especially kidnapping rose to where there was an average of 12 kidnappings taking place each day.  Some business people have closed their businesses and left the country.  Because of the continuing lawlessness, the remaining Free Methodist missionaries in Haiti have left the country, as many of you have heard.  Please pray for them (Gregg & Gail, Jack & Jeanne, Shara, the Laberge family) as they seek and settle into temporary ministries and living arrangements.  Also, pray for national staff as they carry a heavier load in their absence and for the Haitian people as they live in fear on a daily basis.  Our family is scheduled to go back to Haiti on Dec. 29, but that is contingent upon what is happening in Haiti at that time and if the other missionaries have returned then.

Prayer and Praise items:
1.  Praises for a good adjustment period, safety in travel, and good reports at the doctor's office.
2.  Prayers for continued traveling safety, inspiration in speaking, and for receptive hearts as we
     share in area churches.
3.  Prayers for a safe delivery in September and Marissa's adjustment to beginning kindergarten
     and being a big sister.
4.  Prayers for displaced missionaries, national pastors and leaders, and for a resolution of conflict in Haiti.