Dear Friends,
My mother and closest friend passed away suddenly December 11th. Bobby and I had prayed that very morning that when it came time for her to leave, the “Lord” would quietly take her and he did. God gave my family, especially our two children Jonathan and Julie who were practically raised by my mother while Bobby and I travelled the evangelistic field and me extreme grace that passes all understanding.
Bobby was to return to Haiti with me today (Thursday), but one of our closest friends passed away this week and he went to North Carolina to be with the family, while I was en route to Haiti
Usually, when we return to Haiti the kids at the orphanage are “jumping up and down” like “alligators on a springboard,” but a “death” in a family is extremely sensitive to the Haitian people. I was wondering how they would react when I came home to the orphanage. All of the children knew my mother had died and they had all been praying for me.
It was touching as we drove up to the orphanage to see the children, small and tall, older, younger and even the toddlers come up and kiss me and hug me very quietly. They all said, “I’m very sorry, Mommie.”
Then, all of the Haitian workers stood in a line to greet me quietly. They all hugged me, kissed me and shared love with me.
It has been so extremely hard as a missionary to leave my home, my elderly mother, our two grown children, three grandchildren, and many friends in order to live in Haiti and share our lives with other children. While many times, our “own children” and “grandchildren” have had to share us with our Haitian children, but they have all made the “sacrifice.”
Years ago, when the Lord spoke to Bobby and me to come to Haiti, we decided to “put our hands to the plough” no matter what the cost. It has been so painful at times, but I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for this opportunity to serve Him.
After all, He gave me the best mother I could I ever have.
He has given me the sweetest and best children that I could ever be blessed with…Julie and Jonathan.
We have three grandchildren, Anthony who is 21 and a set of twins Aidan and Brandon who are 8. Bobby and I have missed so many birthdays, baseball games, hospital surgeries, good times and hard times to “take up the cross.” It has not been easy, but I thank God every day.
And, He has given me the sweetest and most precious husband that I could ever have and he has qualities beyond those that I deserve.
And God has blessed Bobby and me with something more precious than gold…friends like you. “You” are something money cannot buy and Bobby and I thank you and love you!
Yes, I have truly been blessed.
Love, Sherry