Dear friends,

Hello from hot Haiti. Although I know it is hot where most of you live, two letters are the only difference...AC!

Tuesday update:

The Gophers are gone: Every group who visits us on a missions trip is full of wonderful, loving people. The group of 14 who just left yesterday was no different. I don't know when I have enjoyed a week so much. I laughed hard, cried harder and made friends for life.

This group, led by Pastor Dave from Becker, Minnesota made an eternal difference on these people of Haiti, and a fat old missionary guy. Thank you gang.ps- only weakness this group had was they were Twins fans, and didn't like Tiger fans

Time off: I am taking a few days break before a missions team from Washington, D.C. visits next week. The boys finished school today so summer is here.

Kindergarten graduation: This past Friday 8 students graduated into the first grade and we had a ceremony for them as is custom in Haiti. They dragged me up front and one of the teachers read a speech she had written to me. One line touched me "pastor Tom, we can say this in 4 languages but really there aren't enough languages in the world to properly say thanks for what you have done for these 89 students, and us, the teachers."

Elections: This past Sunday was Haiti's 2nd attempt at electing it's 19 senators. The first time only 11% voted and was marred by violence and some say fraud. They tried it again and maybe only got 5% this past Sunday, although that hasn't been announced yet.

WJC: The past two days we have had electricity NON-STOP. Normally it comes on at 4pm and is off by 4 or 5 am. For 48 hours it hasn't stopped. One of the boys said "Wow, Bill Clinton is already making a difference." I had to smile thinking of all you Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh fans gritting your teeth when you heard that one.

Yo Addrianno: I met the younger brother of one of my boys, Sonson, this week. He is 5 and his name is Addrianno. I didn't know he existed. What a sharp little boy. I brought him home after church with us and he stayed until today. He is back with his Mom who is very poor and not very stable emotionally. I am praying what to do.

This past week I was talking to one of the boys and he said "Today I saw my dad, I hadn't seen him in two years. I was on a tap tap going down the road and I saw him by the road, I waved to him and he didn't wave back. He saw me but didn't wave back. Thank you poppy for being my REAL dad."

It is hot here, and gets very discouraging at times but then someone comes along to encourage and remind us that we are making a difference. Pastor Dave who just left said this to me "Tom, in America we make lots of Christians, but very few disciples. Here in Haiti, you are making disciples."

I can't end this without thanking my dad for instilling that in me. 12 years ago today, June 23rd, 1997, we laid my dad to rest. Dad, I miss you, I love you and I will never forget you. I am so happy you have enjoyed 12 years in Glory, with the Savior you loved so much. You told me once "Haiti is yours, go conquer it for Christ." I'm trying Dad, I'm really trying. Love, Tom p.s.- leave a light on will ya?