The Sheppard Family Transition

Greetings! My name is Keely, and today I'm honored to share an update on behalf of the Sheppard family. Recently, I've been in close contact with Linda, offering my support as she faces the incredibly challenging transition

of leaving Haiti and returning, full-time, to the United States. Having experienced a similar move myself, I understand the difficulties involved, and my aim today is to convey their current situation while allowing them space to focus on their most pressing tasks.

A decade ago, the Sheppards embarked on a journey to Haiti, purchasing 14 one-way tickets.

Now, Linda finds herself alone in Haiti, packing up their family home, bidding farewell to loved ones, and loading a container that will be shipped to the States. Meanwhile, Ron is holding down the fort in North Carolina.

Their family has grown and thrived in Haiti, experiencing countless "firsts," birthdays, Christmases, and more during their time there. However, now they are each following different paths. Eight of the children have settled in North Carolina, including 13-year-old Naomi, who was just a baby when they first made that life-changing journey. David is in France, and the remaining five are spread across Oregon and Washington state.

Haiti has become increasingly unstable due to gang violence, kidnappings, and limited resources, which has compelled the Sheppard family to relocate to the US. Even though God physically took the family to safety, their hearts remain committed to Haiti's service. This transition has been more challenging than anyone could have anticipated, but it also holds hope for new opportunities and fresh beginnings. God has presented them with various avenues to continue supporting their family, friends, and community in Haiti.

The Sheppards are continuing to offer support to Leanne, who remains in Haiti, and are actively working to secure a visa for her to join them in the United States.

They are also devoted to providing school support for the children in the communities they leave behind in Haiti.

Furthermore, Linda has worked through countless obstacles and challenges to get a container full of gymnastics equipment from Haiti to North Carolina.

This will enable a partnership between Haiti gymnastics and Union County Gymnastics to take shape. The sister-school program will facilitate an exchange, allowing Haitian students to come and train, as well as compete in North Carolina. The connection with coaches having strong ties to the university opens up countless opportunities for the students involved. While the details are still being worked out, the Sheppards are confident that this is all part of God's plan.

As always, we believe that God has a plan for them, and we humbly request your prayers for various aspects of their journey:

• Pray for the Sheppards' transition, both in terms of their physical well-being and emotional healing as they navigate their new life in the United States.
• Pray for peace and restoration in Haiti, and especially for the Haitian families who are facing daily struggles for survival.
• Pray for the ministries that the Sheppard’s are committed to supporting in Haiti.
• Pray for guidance on their upcoming projects in both Haiti and the United States.
• Pray for the safe delivery of the container as it makes its way from Haiti to North Carolina, and for the success of the gymnastics sister-school program, as it opens new opportunities for students on both sides.
• Finally, pray for healing and hope to prevail throughout their journey.

Thank you for joining us in prayer and support for the Sheppard family during this crucial period of transition. Together, we can make a difference and bring positivity and empowerment to both their new life in the United States and their continued dedication to serving Haiti.