VERTIERES DAY

I was in a bit of a funk this morning when I got to school and then I looked at the date: November 18th. 

The day may not mean anything special to you, but it is Vertières Day in Haiti, commemorating the last decisive battle for Haitian independence against the French back in 1803. 

For my family and the missionaries with OMS in Haiti, November 18th became our surrogate Thanksgiving Day, because it - unlike the 4th Thursday of the month - is a national holiday and school is out for the day. 

And what a day it always was. Matt and Stacey Ayars would host the gathering at their house on the campus of Emmaus University. There was always turkey and plenty of other dishes to share:

There was a kids' table:

And sometimes special guests from out of town, like Phil and Connie Dicks in from Iowa.

And Stacey always made sure we gathered for a "family" photo.

But the best part, honestly, was the worship before the meal. We sang and prayed and gave thanks to God for all his goodness and provision. The day was infused with gratitude through and through.

The missionaries are all scattered this year and things are tough in Haiti, but God's goodness and provision have not ended. 

I am grateful. Happy Vertières Day!