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Got home last night at 9:10.  Got put on standby.  Unfortunately, the luggage didn’t make the flights until my original.  Nonetheless, got there with my wifey.

Will update tomorrow or so.  

Also think I have an infection in my mouth.  Not fun.  

Alive though.  Good day.  Glad to be with my wifers.

Update Monday

It’s 3:15 local time.  It’s 91 degrees.  It’s hot.

Today we walked to downtown Saut d’Eau to show the new blancs the city.  While there, we were able to stop by the mayor of Saut d’Eau’s office.  It was pretty awesome.  He’s an evangelical pastor.

Long story short about Saut d’Eau.  There are famous falls.  Lots of voodoo goes on at the falls.  The city has spiritual battles going on constantly in ways people in America would never imagine.  Voodoo witch doctors basically want the city to be given to Satan.

So, here we are, in what has been formerly called “Satan’s Throne on Earth.”  Before we leave, one of our guys prays with the mayor for the city.  Then, the mayor, in turn, prayed for the Americans as well as the city.

Tell me God isn’t awesome, and I’ll call you a moron.

I love it here, but I can’t wait to get home and tell stories, post pictures, and work on promotional material.

Until later: adios.  Or something like that.

We’re Here

So, we’re here.  People are piling in today to the compound.  Catching up with some old friends.

Flights were good, except we got diverted to Ft. Meyers, delayed 2 hours, were late for our flight to PAP, got in a rain delay at MIA so we made our flight, but they lost our luggage.

Presently, I’m waiting on my luggage to arrive.  We had to send a couple of people down to PAP to get it, but supposedly it is here.  Hopeful, because I’m on the bare minimum in my carryon.  Nonetheless, we’re here.

Updates to come!

Best Smile

It’s your vote…

 

Headed to Camp

Yep.  Leaving after church to take our juniors.  I’ll be missing for the next week.  I’m sure when I get back I’ll be in a great mood, so don’t expect a post until then.

I now pronounce you…

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Akers.  

Yep, I’m hitched.  It’s pretty sweet.  Our honeymoon was great.  We went to Tybee Island, GA and it rained every day.  We had one day at the beach.  The wind was blowing 30 mph most of the time.  It was too cold to get in our pool at our beach house.  Heh.  But, it didn’t rain on the wedding day.  

Running has been an afterthought lately.  I still have a 178 day streak, but on the honeymoon, I barely ran every day.  Most in one day was 3 miles.  It was sweet.

Nonetheless, I am back in the office as a married youth pastor.  I feel more mature.  I feel like I can finally be an effective youth pastor in this community.  My wife is an amazing woman who has already contributed so much to my ministry.  I’m very excited about it.

Plus, she’s hot.That’s a picture my mother took.  I have tons more from my mom.  Our actual photographer will be posting ours on her blog this Friday.  Regina did a phenomenal job. She already has some up with a slideshow for those who are not patient.  Go here.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my big day.  The meteorologists have been very helpful.  They’re giving a chance of rain.  Thanks.  Really.  That helps a lot.  “There’s a chance that it might rain, but there’s a chance it might not.”  Heck, there’s a chance that aliens driving BMW’s will come into town and abduct all of the animals.  There’s also a chance that they won’t.  They’re helpful.

Anyways, my running has been lacking.  I’ve got a 168 day streak going on right now, and that won’t change, but my mileage is lacking.  It’s okay though, I know that presently there are more important tasks at hand.  After the honeymoon, the mileage kicks back up and it’s back into training, I suppose.

Don’t expect anything next week.  I’m going to be on a honeymoon.  For real.  You think I’ll be wanting to spend time with you guys?  I’ll be sitting on the beach.  Drinking sweet tea.  Sleeping.  Reading.  Running.  Swimming.  Yeah, sorry folks.  I love you three for reading.  But, next week, you take the back seat.

For anyone who finds this:

I have been privileged to be a part of a mission in Haiti called Mountain Faith Mission – (website here).  I just received this email from our missionaries, Richard and Wilma Turner who are in their 70’s and serving in the mountains of Haiti.

Hello Everyone,

We are without electricity. This means we have no fans, and 90 degree temperature under a tin roof without no ceiling, no refrigeration and no ice. For short periods of time we run the generator to get emails out.

The reason we have no electricity is because our inverter has gone out. Our electrical system consists of a generator running the current through the inverter into batteries. By running the generator 6 hours a day we could have electric 24 hours a day with this system.

The inverter is over 5 years old and had been rebuilt twice but this time we must have a new one. They have a new one here in PAP and within one day we can be back in business.

Our problem is we’re broke and we need 900.00 to buy one. If you could help it would be deeply appreciated. We’re hoping that perhaps many could give a little and we might be able to make this purchase quickly. If you are able to help send your money to Ronnie Lee at P.O. BOX 433, SPARTA, TN 38583 . If you would please email us what you are sending to we can stay connected as to how much comes in. 

You who cannot give, please pray.

This is considered a very serious condition from our end of the world.  

Blessings,
Richard and Wilma Turner

 

If you are interested in helping, please visit our website to donate by PayPal, or send a check to the address listed above.  It’s amazing the things that are never thought of here, such as air conditioning and electricity, are prized possessions there.

Donate here: http://www.mountainfaithmission.com/donate.html

The night before

Pre-race jitters.

Race starts at 7am.  For those who care and check, you can actually track my splits (where I am on the course) by visiting cmmarathon.com and look for the track a runner link.  My bib# is 2206.  I’ve eaten 36 pounds of spaghetti and I’m ready to run.  

Look for the report.

PayPal

I’m pretty stoked.  I just got it set up on the mission website, and I’m testing it out here.  I am hoping this will open up ample opportunities for someone who might be interested in our mission to donate without ever really having to go through the hassle of mailing a check.

Suhweet!

http://www.mountainfaithmission.com/donate.html