I can hardly contain my excitement. Our flights are purchased and we are headed to Haiti as a family (FINALLY!) in October. My husband and I haven't been to Haiti together in nearly two years. Our 14 month old daughter has yet to meet his family.

We contemplated this trip for a while and moved it out several times before finally deciding it was time. I have nothing but peace at the thought of taking my daughter to Haiti. We are excited and expectant for this time to see the people we have been missing. The plan is to recharge, to reset as a couple who have been burned out living in The States, and to see the progress of ministry projects in Chevri.

"I have one desire – to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it". - Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer Points For October

Smoothness of Travel - This will be our first time traveling with a little. Plus flights to Haiti are crazy these days with the FAA ban on US jets flying to Haiti. Only one Haitian based airline is flying.
Safety for Nelson - For the first week will be staying more North than in the past. Due to the expanding gang territories. If any fighting should break out we will have enough notice to make it to the Cap Haitien airport. However, after that, the baby and I (Rachel) will be headed back to the states. Nelson will remain for two more weeks to manage ministry activities closer to the gang affected area.
Logistics for Our Family - Our Haitian family is still living out in the countryside. Just miles from the river that boarders the town taken over by the gangs. For safety reasons, we will be sending a vehicle for them and bringing them to a more northern town. There we will spend time visiting with them.
No Setbacks - Working in Haiti there is always a great potential for setbacks and unforeseen issues that put a damper on plans. We have so much that we need to get done in a short time. For this trip we need supernatural favor!

Medical Supplies On The Way

Our totes that we shipped out of Indianapolis back at the start of August have made it to Florida! They are awaiting shipment to Haiti. This is great news. We are confident that they will arrive in time to make our next mobile medical clinic a great success.

In addition to providing medical exams and care. Our team will be passing out feminine hygiene kits, tooth brushes, and clothing to as many families in need as possible. Many new-comers in the village are already asking when the doctors will be coming again. The need is so great.

A team of volunteer doctors and nurses lead by our field director, Valery, are patiently awaiting the arrival of supplies and already planning the event. I can't wait to see what God does and how the community will be blessed through our ministry!

School Year 2025-2026

Because of the gang invasion in Mirebalias, and having to move our main base to Chevri, many of our sponsor students and their families are still scattered in the countryside. This makes the start of the school year a little rocky. Some of our students are in areas with no school, some are in areas where school is double the cost of what is was in Mirebalais, some will have to commute to the nearest school, and all of them will be starting over at new schools.

While these complications will most definitely change things, we plan to continue doing all that we can to enroll as many students as possible for this school year. In the midst of this trying time where most of these families have lost everything, continuing their children's education and focusing on the future is essential to their survival.

Last week our volunteers came across one of our missing students. We hadn't got news of him or his family since the village evacuation in March. This was so exciting! Poor Maslot is a brave and resilient boy who, with his family, has left everything and fled from the gangs three different times. The first move resulted in his father's death from a bullet during the attack.

Maslot, along with 22 other students are still in need of a sponsor for this school year. The cost for one student to attend school is typically $360. *Any gifts given towards these scholarships will be divided up to cover tuition for as many children as possible.* **((SPONSOR A STUDENT))**

Land Projects

While the ongoing rainy season has put a damper on the latrine, shower house, and well work, small progress has been made. We are hopeful that the latrine and shower house will be completed in October. The well shouldn't be far behind.

Once these projects are finished we will start to dream up and plan for the construction of a water reservoir, a small permanent clinic, and a meeting house nearby. There is so much in store for the future. We can't wait to realize these plans one step at a time!

Displace Family Housing

We have lately come across five more families in desperate need of shelter and economic assistance. While some large tents have been donated and will be put to good use, we desire to give these families a more permanent housing solution. With the gang takeover looking more and more lasting many people will be seeking to not only hideout in the countryside but relocate and start rebuilding their life there.

Two families have gotten word that their houses were completely burned down. Along with their houses all of their possessions that were left behind were either stollen or burned along with the building.This news is devastating!

Two families are currently sheltering in an abandoned school building. They have no beds, running water, electricity, very little physical possessions, and when it rains the water comes in soaking them and flooding the floor. Here is a video their situation.

Phinante, one of the women we hope to help, broke her knee when she fell in a ditch while fleeing. Phinante was our neighbor when we rented a house in Mirebalias. She is one of the most generous and compassionate people I know. She and her elderly mother are currently sheltering in the mountainside with strangers. Our hearts are burdened for them.

These families have been through the worst situation imaginable! We hope to help them in whatever ways we are able. For starters, the cost of renting a small house for one year is around $400 US in the countryside. This is a small price to pay to bless a whole family with shelter, dignity, and security for the next 12 months. Let's help some of these families! Send us a message once you make a general donation if you would like it used specifically for these 5 families. ((DONATE))

Espazien Family Personal Needs

Our plane tickets are purchased but our family is still in need of funds for other logistics. We don't normally ask for financial assistance for our personal logistics on trips. However, because all of our family and friends have lost their homes and vehicles we do not have any free accommodations for this trip making the financial burden greater.

If you feel lead to help meet these needs you can make a donation to us directly through Venmo, PayPal, Cash, or Check. Below is the breakdown of what is needed.

Hotel rental for 3 weeks - $1,050
Vehicle rental and gas - $600
Food and water for 3 weeks - $800
Checking luggage - $200

Venmo - @madanmespazien

PayPal - @EspwaDemenHaiti

Checks can be made out to

Wilchonn and Rachel Espazien and mailed to: 5005 Sugar Grove Rd. Farmington, MO 63640

Flights Are Purchased!