A Day of Thanks for the RMI Staff.

The RMI Haiti field staff work hard.  Very hard.  Sometimes from early in the morning until late into the night, they are at work; preparing, facilitating, fixing, cooking, translating, cleaning, sorting, changing, transporting, organizing, checking, rechecking and making sure everything is in its place.  And always without complaint.  They all work hard.

We wanted to do something to show them how much we truly appreciate their hard work and the sacrifices they make to help RMI do the work that God has called us to do.  So we planned a Staff Appreciation day at the Zanglais Retreat Center.  We closed the office, invited spouses and younger children, and on a Monday in mid-September, we loaded up the trucks with the staff and their families and headed to Zanglais for the day.  The missionary staff had been hard at work since early in the morning preparing things, chopping veggies, setting up tables, and making everything ready so that today, all the staff had to do was arrive.  We didn’t want them to have to do any work.  We just wanted them to be able to relax.

We had a short program prepared.  Rob opened with devotion in which he shared about Jesus service to others.  As part of his devotion he washed Benjamin’s feet.

Becky lead the group in singing a hymn and also shared a special song.  (Everyone always loves it when she sings! )

We asked the Florida office staff, Herb and Shirley Shoemaker, as well as a member of Board to write letter of thanks to the staff.  Even though they couldn’t be here in presence we wanted the National staff to know how much they were appreciated both on the field and in the States.   The Field Missionaries also spent time expressing their appreciation and thanks for all the hard work the staff does.

 

After the program, we all enjoyed a great Haitian meal together and cake for dessert. After lunch, everyone stuck around for and played games, swam in the ocean, and enjoyed a little time to relax with family and friends.

We truly hope the staff felt loved and appreciated, because they are and we couldn’t do what we do without them.  If you’re friends with any of those who are on Facebook, would you take a moment and let them know how wonderful they are?  And next time you’re in Haiti, let the rest of the folks know how amazing they are.  Because they deserve it!

All the pictures from the day can be seen here.  Pictures of the staff can be found here .
(Rameau – he does our market shopping and Michelet- he is the night guard at the Depot- are not pictured.)