2,451 miles away

Haitian flag
Haiti Orphanage Team #09004
mixing cement

commissioning service

Mallory survived Teen Missions "boot camp" http://teenmissions.org/ which is a two week intensive training in skills needed on the field like cement mixing, brick laying, digging, construction, etc. and lots & lots of team building. Mallory being Mallory found the joy in it and loved it. She was even excited about having kitchen duties, cleaning a toilet and doing her own laundry in a bucket. I love that about her!

They had a commissioning service on June 21 for all the teams leaving, left for the airport and spent the night there to catch an early flight to Haiti the next morning. Peter didn't think spending the night in the airport sounded like much fun, but I reminded him that air conditioning and cold drinks w/ ice was probably worth it for them. The phone call on Father's Day from the airport made Peter's day perfect, and I was just excited to hear her voice and catch a glimpse of her excitement for all that God is doing.

When they arrrived, they began working right away on the construction projects for the orphanage for Hope in the Light Ministries http://hopeinthelight.org/. Mallory was asked by the team leaders to keep the team journal which is used to post updates on the website (good skills for that journalism career she's interested in), and her willingness to accept new opportunities and challenges like this makes me a proud mom.

I know that God is using Mallory and her team to bless many - not only by their physical help but by the joy and hope that they bring to the orphans and the Haitian people. I am excited to hear how God showed up everyday for them and how her experience has changed her, but in the mean time, I miss her terribly and the life and joy she brings to our family.