Dear Eyes Wide Open Family,

 

Let us consider “His riches”… the ones that matter most. 

 

Will you indulge me in reflecting on just a few that come to mind? 

 

I am a woman who is rich in the giggles of a 5-year-old running in and out of my bedroom singing Jesus Loves Me, part in English and part in Creole.

 

I am a woman who is rich in the joy of watching a 10-year-old still innocent in his absolute obsession with everything Spiderman.

 

I am a woman who is rich in the depth of the most inspired questions and answers coming from my older sons and daughters attending our leadership classes. (Can we learn more about the Holy Spirit, Mom? Why, yes; yes we can.)

 

I am a woman who is rich in gratitude for each time one of our children overcomes all odds to rise up like a young lion to help lead our family.

 

I am a woman who is rich in awe and wonder as I watch the miracles of these lives unfolding before us: rescued, relieved, rebuilt, restored.

 

I am a woman who is rich in worship in response to the gift of being able to freely sing praises and fight battles and raise hard-fought hallelujahs and break chains and walk in victories that have all been prepared in advance for me.

 

I am a woman who is rich in prayer and faith as I pour out my petitions to the Lord and watch Him part the waters and move the mountains, over and over again.

 

I am a woman who is rich in a peace that passes understanding, a peace that can only come from knowing The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

 

And I am a woman who is rich in Love because He is the same One who calls me daughter.

 

So when it comes to rent and food and clean water and clothing and toothpaste and soap and deodorant and tables and chairs and couches and tuition and fees and uniforms and tutors and books and backpacks and supplies and safe transportation…

 

I'm trusting The One who commands the wind and the waves. I'm trusting The One who numbers the hairs on our heads and knows each one of us by name. I'm trusting The One who holds all the riches and meets all our needs. I'm trusting Him once again with all of them.

 

And all means all.

If you would like to join in the holy work of turning over the soil in the deeply troubled land of Haiti by helping to send 33 of the most amazing children back to school this year, you can do so by shopping our online auction here or by giving a financial gift here. 

 

You'll find lots more information at both of these links. We hope you will read about our high value on education and what it takes to go back to school, and then share them widely so more people can step into this epic story of God's extravagant goodness.

Please join the Eyes Wide Open International Board of Directors and our special guests for a night of praise and good, clean fun!

 

Are you familiar with the meaning behind a hoedown? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “the word originated in the rural Southern United States in the 1830s. First recorded in 1841, it initially described an energetic, boisterous community dance. The term combines hoe and down, reflecting both the stomp-and-shuffle footwork akin to farm labor, and the joyous tradition of literally putting one's farm hoe down to celebrate after a day of work.”

 

We decided to host a Harvest Hoedown as a festive way to lay down our needs before God, celebrating Him for all He has done and praising Him for His faithfulness to labor on our behalf.

 

So, wear your country western/farm ware and join us for a faith-building testimony and family-friendly celebration to remember! Enjoy a buffet-style dinner, dancing, silent auction and bake sale. 

 

We hope to see y'all there!

 

PRAISE PAUSE: Please join me in congratulating my son, Doudley, on passing his exams and being the next of our children to graduate from high school!