Sonia's Back!

 Matthew 25: 45, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto Me.”


on thursday the Gemmen's brought Sonia back to Haiti! i, along with everyone else here, was so excited to see her again! i could not believe how much she'd grown in the last three months. she's so beautiful and strong and big now! and that smile...... ;-) i'm very thankful that i took her to Florida three months ago and not now, because i don't know how i'd have managed carrying such a solid baby around. i don't know for sure if she remembers me or not; now that she's warmed up a little, she seems happy to see me, for which i'm glad.

there's a verse in the Bible that says 'Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.' Hebrews 13:2
so many people have been so instrumental in loving and caring for this little girl. The Gemmen's who were with her through it all, the surgeons, doctors, nurses, social workers, and all the other hospital personnel who made Sonia's care possible; people from various churches that i know were so helpful to Al and Lisa, and possibly some other people whose impact we may never known. :-)  each of these people allowed themselves to be vessels of God's love and healing touch to Sonia, and in doing so, they 'entertained' one of our angels.

now that Sonia is back at GLA, we will work together to do our utmost to provide, love, and care for our little Haitian princess. there is no lack of people willing to shower love and affection on her! please pray along with us that Sonia would remain strong and healthy for the duration of her stay at God's Littlest Angels, however long that may be.

even through the valley

'even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.' Psalm 23:4

today was a very difficult day for everyone at GLA. this morning we said goodbye to a long-time staff member and beloved lady, friend, and mother to several children. we had learned that she had cancer on her brain and knew that her situation was delicate, but i was not expecting her to pass as quickly as she did. at home in canada (and in most first world countries) treatment for the many forms of this disease or so readily available; that is not the case for many here.

today, cancer took the physical life of a beautiful, vibrant woman who was somebody's mother, somebody's friend, and God's daughter. although she left behind so many who will miss and mourn her death, she is no longer in pain or discomfort; she is in the presence of the creator of the universe, the lover of her soul. but my heart aches for her children, some of whom are at big milestones in their lives, who now must adjust to life without their mother. i can't imagine that pain.

it was a subdued, downcast environment through the whole house today. i never know what to say to people or do when hard times like this happen. thankfully, words are often not necessary. one of the best things i can do is to carry them to Jesus and pray that He comfort their hearts and hold them up. i ask that you join me in this. no matter where you are you can show love and support for the grieving family and friends by carrying them to the One whose heart aches and knows our pains. Only He can heal the ache that Exilia's death left behind.