I'm Home!

I'm HOME! wow that went fast! I was greeted in the Grand Rapids airport by My Dad, Scott, David, and my Grandma! how nice to see their faces!!!!

I want to apologize for not posting as much as I had planned. Between the power going out and sometimes having internet and sometimes not, it was just too much (plus the busy schedule!).

The conversation of the month was that God is NOT a coincidental God. He knew who to put at Christian Light and exactly when to have them there. His timing is always perfect. The team from Tennessee was there when I got there, they helped make the transistion in very easy...they welcomed me with lots of smiles and laughs. The team from Kansas was just amazing, they brought lots of cement dust and hard working men that made me feel like I was part of a lot of good things going on....they also reminded me of my past two teams being on construction. They also brought the schedule of doing devotions as a group in the mornings. Isaac was a great example for me and for the kids, I'm really glad we got to know eachother...he has an awesome story of coming to Christ which I really needed to hear. (thank you Isaac).
The teaching team that was there for 4 days from Florida was there for me when I broke down crying and they prayed for me when I needed it most. They had some great insites and great faith.
The girs from Kansas that stayed for the month were incredible. Keyanne reminded me of how much love a mother has for their children...made me miss my mom but also made me love the kids a little extra since they don't have their mothers around either. Donna was great to have around, especially when it came to our 4th of July celebration (her and Keyanne did all the planning and cooking!).

Sally (who is  nurse) arrived on June 23, I got sick on June 24, and on June 25 went to Bernard-Meves hospital. Sally was there just enough time to take care of me and give me medicine and get me all back to health (that was incredble timing! and I love Sally even if she didnt take care of me).

Ms. Beverly (from Texas, a retired special ed teacher) showed up just in time to start a new schedule for school and have some fun things to do with the kids. She brought a whole new energy-- Desirae and I called her an angel! :) Then Miss. Jessie (who is also a teacher) showed up and was able to help with the new schedule and teach another class with Ms. Beverly! The kids really like her!

Then there is Miss. Desirae... Miss. Dez! She was my saving grace for the entire time I was there. She loved on the kids just as much as I did (which is a LOT!) and I learned a ton from her. She turned 18 while we were there and we got to celebrate her birthday together (even though I was sick). She was my partner in Christ and went to the hospital with me, helped take care of me, we did devotions together a lot, played basketball with the kids together, and just about everything....we did together. Desirae reminded me daily how much God loves us and how much God wants to spend time with us. She is an AMAZING young lady! She went to Africa last year, Haiti this year, and next year planning on a trip to Russia. She has great faith and loves sharing God's love with everyone. She was also my entertainment for the month (and I was hers) which caused a LOT of giggles. We spent the last 2 nights bringing our matresses up to the roof and sleeping up there. There was a nice cool breeze all night long! This also made us start the morning off in laughter because we were COLD!!! :) I can not say enough good things about her. We talked a lot about God's timing, his humor, and his placement of people. I wouldn't have made it through the month with out her!

Sherrie has an awesome vision for the school in Haiti. She has a lot going on and has a lot to be in charge of. Talk about a woman on a mission! Her plate is overflowing with things to be done, things to look after, schedules to keep track of, and full with love for the school. Being there for a month and seeing how it all works with people coming and going, watching the kids in their adjustment of how they are when people leave, when new ones show up and how stressful it is on Sherrie and the kids to accomadate a new team on top of everything else going on.

I hope to make another post about my experiences with the kids and some of the things we got to do, some of the things they said and more about my time spent with them. I have some people I need to see and a nice shower that is calling my name! :) some things we just take for granted....

I hope that when you read this, you too will look for ways of how God is NOT coincidental and how is timing is always perfect. Leave him to be in control of your life because his ways are always better than anything we could plan for ourselves. His love for us is SOOOO much greater than we can imagine.

There is a song the kids sing that goes like this: "Read your Bible, pray everyday, pray everyday, pray eveyday, read your Bible, pray eveyday and you grow grow grow!"

Blessings,
Amy Worst

Answered Prayers

Blog update Thursday June 16, 2011

Good morning! Bonjou! As I sit on the roof top finishing my devotions I realize I haven't updated my blog. I am sorry. I have been uploading photos and short status updates on Facebook but that does not share with you all what has been going on.

This morning I feel the need to share what has been going on spiritually. So, here we go!! :)

If you look back to the beginning of the blog you'll see that I put a list of things I thought I would be doing and thought why I was called to be here. I was going to organize the storage room, organize, organize, organize, organize. Well, none of that has happened. I feel like my greater calling so far has to just been to be around the kids. Whether it was for discipline, fun, basketball, devotions, counselor, or simple friendship. These kids have gotten a large chunk of my heart before this trip and now they have just grabbed onto it and are melting it piece by piece! Our God is so incredible. HE has a plan greater than we could ever imagine just for us. I thought I would be coming to organize and I haven't done one bit (even though I have planned and plans to still do so). One of the biggest things I wanted to do was to help the kids organize their rooms (they are a serious mess). This was something that was going to be the biggest mountain to climb...have kids clean their room!? :)

Before the Tennesee team left they had almost finished the new girls bedroom, when they left the older boys finished the painting, when the Kansas team came in they finished the bathroom. The girls have moved to their NEW ROOM and it is all ORGANIZED! Guess what? I didn't have to help with any of it! :) Talk about one answer to prayer.

Heres another one! The first trip we came there weren't enough classrooms so the kids were all under the lean-to (just a couple 4x4 posts and a tin roof) the second trip there were enough classrooms where they weren't under the lean-to anymore. But there weren't enough finished rooms for them to all have a bedroom. So now they put up some tarps and the older boys were living under the lean to (if only they would let me take a picture...but they wont). Sherrie said that the tile man wasn't going to come till next monday, which would mean the room the boys are moving into wouldnt be ready for another WEEK. The tile man came yesterday, he will be here today to finish and on Saturday the boys will all be moving around and ORGANIZING their rooms! (i'm sure i'll help somehow!) How amazing is our God?! The girls are organized and on Saturday (hopefully) the boys will be too! This was a huge prayer request from our 2^nd trip that the boys get out from the tarp and into a classroom/bedroom. I was jumping up and down yesterday morning saying The tile man is here! The tile man is here! :) everyone was like huh? Why is that a big deal? It was an answer to prayer and in quite the timely fashion! Sherrie and I were so confused because we thought he was coming in on Monday and he showed up on Wednesday... we looked at each other and said ok! Awesome! :)

There have been some amazing devotions with these groups (yes there are 2 different groups here) we actually have two pastors too! One is pastor Jack and he leads devotions in the morning and he also led devotions last night with the kids (they loved it!) the other is Pastor Tony, he and I have had some really good conversations about our awesome God. Tuesday morning I broke down and started crying and he was there to pray with me and clam me down. We talked about doubt and confusion and worry. Those were 3 big things going on in my head. Doubt that what I was doing was any good for the kids, confusion as to why I have been called here and worry on what's next. I want to share my devotion with you from yesterday, thank you Tennessee team for leaving this with me, it is absolutely amazing!

From the book: 40 days with Jesus by Sarah young

“Follow me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In Fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Out path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from the distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.

Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Psalm 91:11-12 (amp)

“For he will give his angels charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight”

This book hit it right on. No coincident. I uploaded pictures to Facebook. Please see the sunset picture and have this devotion in your head...I WILL EVEN GIVE MY ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU< TO PROTECT YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS!!!!!

Then after sunset I was talking with a few people (last night was a late one!) and we were discussing future plans. Whether God is calling me to stay full time or what life will be like when I get back home or whats going on. This was a very in-depth discussion and the only thing that I can say and could say is that whatever God tells me to do is what I will do. I trust that the conversation we had about me coming the month of June and me asking THEN WHAT? Him responding I will tell you then, put your trust in me, I am your provider! All of this was talked about last night.... here is the devotion for today!

(From the same book...it's just the next day:) )

You are my beloved child. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment.

Your hope and your future are rooted in Heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you. Nothing can rob you of your inheritance of unimaginable riches and well-being. Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on. But your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

Here are some verses you should go look up:

Ephesians 1:4, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 1:13-14

What's super cool is that Jeremiah 29:11 is a verse a lot of people know, but it is also painted on a wall in my room at home! :) So here we were last night talking about future plans and this is the devotion I get this morning. “you can relax and enjoy the present moment”

That is going to be my goal today! :) this is a super long post, but it's been a while! :)

Hopefully someone will be sharing this with My Grandma! :)

Lots of Love and Blessings, 

Amy Worst

Days 1-3...we have internet! :)

Hello! sorry I haven't made a post. It is not my fault. I have typed and "pretended to blog" but we had no internet connection. So, here is a mish/mash/gobbly gook of what the past 4 days have been! :)

Hello from Haiti! 
What a day, flying from Grand Rapids to Cincinatti to Ft. lauderdale to Port-au-Prince! God is so awesome, I got a window
seat on every flight! Sat next to really nice people on the planes and in the airport in Cincinatti I had some really 
nice conversations with a couple there! I was safe the whole time and met a really cool couple of guys that were on the plane with me. They helped me through customs! A lot of things look the same, and a lot look WAY different. There has been a lot of progress at Christian Light Ministries. I cried tonight while on skype with my Dad and David....just a little overwhelmed. We got it all figured out, I calmeddown :) and then we decided it was time for sleep! (4am wake up isn't the best!)

There is a lot to do this summer and hopefully we can get started on it tomorrow!

Blessings,

Amy Worst 

Today is Friday!

Im on day 3, but day 2 of being here (day 1 is travel)

I'm watching the sunrise finally and it's gorgeous!

We have an awesome God. I am really trying to figure out what God wants but yet i'm trying to just enjoy the time I have. I don't know if this is a final trip for me or still the beginning. I think Sherrie is just so overwhelmed with everything right now, she really needs some full time help. Keep this in prayer!

There is so much to be done this summer in preparation for next school year/august! Hopefully we will have the boys out of the lean-to by next week!!! (they are sleeping outside in a make-shift room/tent) 

The container is supposed to come in the next couple weeks. Yikes. Really need to prepare for that thing coming with all of it's goodness.

This morning I am going to go to the hospital with Vidlon. I'm so excited and yet so scared about this little excursion. I pray the God has healing power over Vidlon. Over his stomach and whatever this might be. Jesus is a miraculous and amazing God. (He even created roosters!!!)   :)

im not sure what to write but that I am so glad im here. There is a lot let stress this time because I don't have the short time frame and with the group trying to make sure everything is done etc etc. Ive also connected with Jo Anne who is awesome!!!! everyone thinks we are sisters. We are white and blonde blonde hair! LOL

well-- here I go it's off to breakfast and then to the hospital!

Happy Birthday mom! :)

Saturday June 11.

What an awesome day yesterday. I didn't go to the hospital with Vidlon because he was feeling much better! Praise God! Yesterday was such a good time. I spent the afternoon pretty much with the older kids. All of the older kids studied Africa. And then Marc stayed after to work on spelling (his choice!). I got the computer out and he skyped with me and my dad and david! :) that was cool. We keep losing internet connection and when we do have it it's really slow. 

Then we did devotions as a group and afterward I played cards with some of the boys. They are a lot of fun. :)

The team from Tennessee is leaving today. They spent a whole day in the office (Jared and Amanda's old room) painting. They got the older girls room painted already and took out room dividers! The girls are cleaning and starting to move their stuff already! They got the plumbing ready for the new room, and all kinds of stuff! they were a really nice and funny group to start off the month! :)

Alright, it's time to pray and sing! And the sun is going to come up...there aren't any clouds so today will be HOT HOT HOT!

Love and blessings,

Amy Jean

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go!

God is so amazing. I can not believe how much He can really fit into a suitcase or two! :) If I was smart, I would've taken pictures of everything as it was laid out on the floor...but that didn't happen.
The airplane leaves at 7:30 am from Grand Rapids and that means I need to be at the airport by 5:30!

This will be a quick post and off to bed!

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has supported me and helped me get to this point. I have been blessed by so many people I don't even know where to begin. God has brought me through an amazing journey so far and I'm really excited to see where he is taking me next!

There is a tropical storm that has been forming around Haiti and last night there was a major rainstorm causing flooding. The families that live in the Ravine area (neighborhood of where I am staying at--Christian Light Ministries) lost everything. So today Katy and I went to goodwill on a last minute effort to get some infant clothes for some of the families. I thought my suitcases were already too full...somehow God made room! They are supposed to get more rain tonight so please pray for them and for this storm to dissipate. Here is a link to learn more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110607/wl_afp/haitifloodtoll_20110607211452

Praye requests:
1) Safe travels
2) People in Haiti that have been effected by the flooding
3) That the kids and I have an awesome time together
4) That I have the ability to do everything that I am called to do
5) That my family stays safe and calm with me being gone :)

a song that I'm going to bed with in my head:

My God is so BIG so strong and so mighty there's nothing my God can not do! oo oo!
The mountains are his the rivers are his, the stars are his handywork too!
My God is so BIG so strong and so mighty there's nothing my God can not do! oo oo!


I will only be able to stay connected via internet. My phone will not work in Haiti. Please feel free to message me on facebook or email me on gmail! amy.j.worst@gmail.com

Thanks again Dad for bringing me to the airport at the wee hours of the morning! :)

Blessings,

Amy Worst

One week countdown!

Can't believe I will be in Haiti in one week! Time is flying by!

What an awesome weekend! Spent a lot of time with my family and friends hanging out at the lake and enjoyed some sunny weather! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people that I love and that love me back :) I had lunch last week with Katy Spengler and Bev Vanderwell which was such a blessing. I was having kind of a bum day the day before and talking to them and praying with them really helped me out. Thank you Katy and Bev!

Today I went shopping at World Mission (on 4 mile and alpine...check it out!) and at Goodwill. I got all my clothes for the trip; skirts, shirts, pants, scrubs, (almost everything I bring is left there) and a SUITCASE! Yes I will be bringing two suitcases and a carry on! The cost of the second suitcase is $30. Which is well worth it! Also, I got a bunch of VBS stuff last week from Hobby Lobby. If you know me, you know that is my favorite store! I'm so excited to do these arts and crafts with the kids! By request I will be bringing stuff for manicures and pedicures to do with the kids. :) super excited about that!

Items from Hobby Lobby:
Foam snap bracelets with stickers to decorate
Coloring books
Paper fans to color on
Bookmarks to decorate

Items for manicures and pedicures:
2 finger bowls
pack of files
pack of orange wood sticks (for pushing cuticles back)
scrub squares (for heels of feet)
5 fun color nailpolishes
1 top/base coat

As you know this all costs money, and I want to say a BIG thank you to those who have already helped me out! :) Below are some things that I still need to get, and if you want to help financially you can still send in a check to World Mission.

I'm hoping to have everything packed by Monday Night. I will be staying at my Dad's house on Tuesday night, as he so graciously volunteered to bring me to the GR Ford airport at 5:30am!
LOVE YOU DAD! :)

Short needs list: (in addition to previous)
2 bottles of Nail Polish remover (any kind)
Nail Polish--I have a few, but could bring more...
Props for skits....anything creative will do here!
Some snacks... I would like to pack some non-perishable items incase I will be preparing my own lunch...like mac n cheese, granola bars,canned spaghetteo's stuff like that. (yes...super healthy I know!:) )
Bug spray, bug spray, bug spray...I don't like our mosquito's...let alone the Haitian ones! :)
Medical Kit....to my fellow team members you know what I mean here!
Freezer bags...the big ones for packing

Special addition to this post!!!

 I am so pleased to tell you that our team raised extra funds on this last trip. This is so exciting! I have the pleasure of bringing $1500.00 worth of Treasures (audio Bibles) with me to distribute! This is one of the best things about these trips, we are able to bring the Bible in Creole (their language) to people who can't read, can't see, or can't speak English and they are solar powered! This is so awseome! On our first trip we were able to bring around 40, during the Crocs for Christmas fundraiser we sent another 25, and on our second trip we brought 50 which God turned into 54! YAY!!! Also, with the additional funds we have purchased a lap top for me to bring and leave there! This is really exciting because most of the lap tops that are there right now aren't working! Now for sure you will hear from me in Haiti. THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our last two trips!


A song that has been stuck in my head all day today: Glorious Day by Casting Crowns
Listen to it! (or look it up on youtube)
"One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
one day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
dwelt among men
my example is He
the word became flesh
and the light shined among us
His glory revealed.
living He loved me
dying He saved me
buried he carried
my sins far away
rising He justified
freely forever
one day He's coming
oh glorious day
oh glorious day
one day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
one day they nailed Him
to die on a tree
suffering anguish
despised and rejected
bearing our sins
my reedemer is He
the hands that heal nations
stretched out on a tree
and took the nails for me
living He loved me
dying He saved me
buried He carried
our sins far away
rising he justified
freely forever
one day He's coming
oh glorious day
oh glorious day
one day the grave could
conceal Him no longer
one day the stone rolled
away from the door
then He arose
over death He had conquered
now is ascended
my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him
the grave could not keep Him
from rising again
rising again
living He loved me
dying He saved me
buried He carried
our sins far away
rising He justified
freely forever
one day He's coming
oh glorious day
oh glorious day
glorious day
one day the trumpet will sound for His coming
one day the skies with His glories will shine
wonderful day my beloved one bringing
my savior Jesus is mine
living He loved me
dying He saved me
buried He carried
my sins far away
rising He justified
freely forever
one day He's coming
oh glorious day
oh glorious day
glorious day
oh glorious day

Thank you.... I'll be writing again soon!
oh yea, please comment if there is something you are planning on bringing. you can either bring it to Rockford Christian School/River Rock church OR to Aesthetica Image Group (salon I work at on 28th and Breton) or get a hold of me! my email: amy.j.worst@gmail.com

Blessings,
Amy Worst

Thank you letter

Below is the thank you letter that I am sending out to everyone who has supported the past two trips. Thought for some of you this might be easier to read on here. :)

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you so much for all of your support! In both trips to Haiti, the support I have received was above and beyond anything I imagined. Thanks to you, our team was able to accomplish so much! During this last trip, we were able to wire all the classrooms in the second wing, get the plumbing started for the big bathroom, tutor kids in English, act out Bible skits, do arts and crafts, and SO much more. The time there goes by so fast but it amazes me how much we really get done.

God has been truly awesome and has had a major hand in this relationship with Christian Light Ministries. So much so that I will be returning by myself on June 8 and will be staying through July 6. Thanks to you, I have almost enough money raised from the previous trip to not have to do any more fund raising; AWESOME!

I feel so blessed to know that I have so many people supporting me! We saw a lot of progress from the first trip, but there is still so much work to be done. There is a long list of things I will hopefully be doing during the month that I will be there. Among the list are the following: Bible studies and skits with the children, after school activities, arts and crafts, organizing the storage room, organizing the kids’ bedrooms, and tutoring kids and staff in English.  

I know that this is a big list, and I will need a lot of energy to do all of these things while juggling 37 kids, which is why I ask you to continue your support in prayer.  Pray for safety as I travel alone, for Sherrie Fausey, the school, the kids, for my family and friends, for wisdom, strength, patience, endurance, and for discernment on what’s next. 

Again, I want to say Thank you. Without you this wouldn't be possible!

Blessings,

Amy Worst

Needs List

Hello again! :)
What an awesome weekend! Both River Rock teams got together on Saturday (we were only missing a few team members) to catch up with each other and talk about Haiti. It was so good to see everyone! We also decided on what to do with leftover funds raised. Thank you to everyone who has supported. Both of these groups have been so amazing, I am really blessed to have gotten to know them!

I have been asked to do some explaining or story telling as to why I am going back, and why I'm going back so soon. First of all, both trips have been awesome and amazing trips for me. I have been able to grow so much in my spiritual walk with God. Every morning and every evening was spent on the roof top of the school watching the sun rise and the sun set, while doing devotions in the morning, and group discussions in the evening. Those mornings with God are something I truly miss. I had the best of intentions both times to continue to get up early and start the day off reading my Bible. I encourage anyone and everyone to try to start their day off with some quiet time with God! Somehow in the busyness of getting back to work and the regular schedule it just hasn't happened. If you know me well you know I am not a morning person...the snooze button is my best friend!

This really caught my attention one day a couple weeks after we had been home. I was missing God! I couldn't sleep so I got back out of bed, knelt on the floor and started weeping in prayer. Completely confused as to what I was supposed to do next. What was I supposed to take out of those two trips? Did I do everything that I was supposed to do? Did I help or make it worse? Do those kids miss me as much as I am missing them? So many questions rolling around... and then I said Do you want me to go back? This began a conversation that was SO clear. It goes like this:

Do you want me to go back? YES
How do I know how long? When? Do I move there? The month of June to start.
Then what? I hate not knowing what is next! I will tell you then
What about my jobs? I am your provider. Put your faith in me.
How do I explain that to my family? my friends? Let me take care of them.
ok.(crying) Stop crying my child and go to bed. you are in my arms. 
ok.



I wasn't planning on sharing that conversation with anyone, but when I got back in bed I had to write it down so that I would remember word for word what I heard. I feel it is necessary to share this so that other people can see how God is working in my life. Now you know why I am going back to Haiti for the month of June. I'm going because I am told to go. I have learned that it's much easier to go on his plan than on my own. Everyone remembers the story of Jonah, and I do NOT want to get swallowed by a whale!!!
 
There are around 40 kids that are on the property at ALL times. We really got to know these kids and we got to see their love for God. It was amazing to me! The first day there on our first trip they were playing with a flat soccer ball because it was the only one they had left. They used two cement blocks and set them upright about 3 feet apart..that was their goalie box! My heart broke because of the flat soccer ball... I thought wow these poor kids don't have a ball to play with! Then I sat back and took some pictures and watched them smile and laugh and have so much fun. This instance really made me reflect on my life, how I have been blessed with so much and need so little. In fact, I am sure I have TOO MUCH!

There are a ton more stories, and I will try to fill them in here to share with you. But, if I told you them all at once that would be no fun! :)

Some things that I am in need to bring with me this time are:
Clothes (usually I go to goodwill for skirts and scrub pants...leaving everything there)
Teaching tools for beginner English...preferably something that helps from French to English.
Bible skit Props, we have brought down some in the past, but I would like to bring more
Coloring books--NO ACTION FIGURES... if there are christian coloring books that would be best
Arts and crafts ideas/supplies
Blank Journals for the older kids.
A good teen Bible study book for me to do with the older girls.

Small tools for organizing that are lightweight...still thinking about the best way for this. IDEAS?

For the people who have sponsored a child, if you have something small you would like me to bring specifically please let me know so I can make sure I have room in a suitcase. :)

Please leave a comment if you are planning on getting anything so that we can keep track of what is still needed. Keep in mind there is a weight limit for my suitcase! :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. :)

Blessings,

Amy Worst


Psalm 51:10
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me"