Anticipation

What is it like to be getting ready for a trip to see family?  Creative Arts Pastor Chris Graves of NewChurch Georgetown, Georgetown, TX recently posted a blog sharing how he and his team have developed such deep relationships with their Sister Church, that they truly feel that they are family.  And they are anxiously anticipating their upcoming mid-October visit to Abricot. 

 

And Then There Were 8...

I am 23 days away from my 2nd trip to Abricot, Haiti.  I have more anticipation and excitement than I did one year ago.  In a way, I find that odd.  I would think that your "first time" would have provided me those emotions.

The reason, I think, is because it is not just an exploratory trip for me.  I have been there.  I have developed relationships.  I have looked into the eyes of the people of Abricot.  I have seen them cry. I have seen them dance with joy.  I have seen them pray and I have prayed with them.  I have seen the hurt.  I have seen the broken.  I have seen the searching.

For one week,  we are just people.  God's creation! Although we come from different experiences, languages and cultures.  We are people searching to know and to let be known our Creator!

Let me introduce you to the 2012 team.

JD Griffis - Team Leader and a mainstay on trips to Abricot.  JD brings his skill of organization, clarity, athleticism, steadiness and planning to the team. JD is actively involved at NewChurch Georgetown and is currently leading a front porch. Anytime you talk to JD about Haiti or Mexico, you can see the fire and passion for sharing the love of Christ.

Rachel Elliott - Another mainstay on the Haiti trips.  Rachel has been a vital part in the Hope For Kidz program between NewChurch and Abricot.  Rachel has a way with the kid's in Haiti, that is remarkable. After seeing Haitian kid's grow up without parents in Haiti, Rachel and her husband Dennis decided to adopt their 3rd child into their family. Rachel and Dennis are both pastors at NewChurch Georgetown.
 
 
 

Mike Rainey - This will be Mike's second year going to Abricot.  Mike is a pastor at NewChurch Georgetown. Mike is also our Haitian Creole wizard.  Mike has an incredible ability to hear, listen and learn the native language very quickly.  Being that Mike is 6 foot 4 (I think), he also serves as our basketball team captain when we play in the streets of Abricots.  Mike is also our Cajun player.
 
 

Deb Cleary - Deb has also made returning to Abricot a yearly trip.  She has developed some deep rooted relationships in Abricots.  It is an amazing site to see her face light up in the presence of the Haitian children. The Haitian children's response is the same.  Deb is like family to so many of the Haitian people. It is an excellent asset to have someone on the team so familiar with the people of Abricot.  She will provide tons of knowledge to our newcomers on the trip.
 
 
 

Myself - The Haiti trip last year, truly was life changing for me.  I was reminded how we all are God's people and the love of Christ has no boundaries.  I also met Manulson Romelus, who is now our Hope For Kidz sponsored child.  This trip also started discussions within our family about potentially adopting in the future. We will see where God leads in this decision.  What I do know is that the Haitian people are now my family as well.
 
 


Becca Graves - My beautiful wife. Becca has heard me talk of Haiti for a year now.  She is excited, but anxious about the trip.  I have first hand experience about how loving she is to our children and I cannot wait for the first time she stares into the eyes of a Haitian child.  I am very proud of her for making the commitment and decision to go.  Becca is not one that likes to rough it and this trip will challenge her, however,  she is the most selfless individual I have ever met.  The selflessness will be a huge asset to our team.
 
 

Angela Herrington - Angela is also new to the Haiti team.  Angela's husband, Josh, was part of the team last year.  Angela brings her musical ability to help lead in worship. She has also been designated (since she is new) the restroom beautification project. This consists of making a hole in a concrete floor resemble somewhat like our home amenities.  This is a very important job!!! Seriously, I am excited to have Angela's calm, peaceful but yet energizing character on our team.  
 
 
 

Bobby Catt - Bobby is the youth pastor at First Baptist San Angelo.  Bobby is also my brother-in-law.  Bobby is phenomenal at relating to youth and children where they are at in life.  Bobby also has lots of experience in missions.  He has traveled to Jordan, Canada, Venezuela, Guatemala and Peru. In college, Bobby interned at a missions agency and was responsible for entering child sponsorships in Haiti.  Since that time he has desired to go to Haiti.
This team sets out on Thursday, Oct. 18.  Please pray for us as a team and as individuals that we allow God to use all of our uniqueness and strengths to serve the people of Abricot.  Also that we work together as a team to step up around each other's weaknesses. 
Please pray for the people of RMI who will lead us while in Haiti.
Finally, please pray for the people of Abricot.

Thank you, Chris, for allowing us to share this!  We are excited to see that God is blessing the Sister Church Partnerships and to know that He is using these relationships to transform lives.