The Sheppard Family~Living and Loving Haiti

Last November Linda and I decided to bring the kids to Oregon, due to the growing unrest in Haiti.  Linda and the kids arrived expecting to spend a few weeks waiting for the protests to pass. Then we traded locations back and forth for the first few weeks (keeping one of us in Haiti).  It was great for the kids to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in the US, especially since Naomi had no real memories of celebrating either holiday here.  In mid January, I began planning to take the kids on our return trip to Haiti, but God had different plans yet.  By the end of January, we realized that concerns about the new virus might affect our ability to return.  In February the US even began suggesting citizens abroad to return to the US. We get to mid-March and Haiti reports it's first case of Covid 19! Immediately, the borders closed down locking Linda in Haiti. All flights canceled, some even returned to the US empty. It took almost a week, very little sleep, a lot of prayer, and knowing the right people to get Linda to Oregon.

It has been great to see our grown kids in Oregon.  Talitha, Billy, and Rose all graduated high school and will remain in the US.  We are so proud of our kids, but it is always difficult to see them go.  We're down to just 6 at home with us now. The family feels so small. Such excitement, filled with concern.  Please remember them in your prayers, as the transition back to the US and into young adulthood can be rough.

Linda arrived in Haiti less than a week after the country reopened its borders.  She reopened her gymnastics classes while trying to social distance and also give a sense of normalcy.  (note: this photo is from before Covid)

She has also returned to her counseling as well as her fitness training/bodybuilding.  She brought Cristof (the new German Shepherd family member) with her to Haiti.  He is going to dog training just as Django does.

 The village in the mountains (Sonis) is still working on the "road" (think motorcycle trail) to the village.  They are getting close to finishing it. However, it is now hurricane season and that will slow things down.  They are also attempting to get the school/church building completed in time for the school year.  We're still planning the water collection and storage system, but we hope to make progress once the road allows for transporting materials out there.

The six kids still living with us and I are going to try to go back to Haiti this week.

Please prayerfully consider supporting God's work through our family, as we transition back to Haiti.

God Bless,

Ron