Our Journey Continues, but includes WAITING ON GOD

In March, Bev and I returned to Mission of Hope to meet with the director and staff to begin praying about the possibility of us joining the team serving at Mission of Hope. It was busy week, but we spent time getting to know the staff and understand each aspect of both serving and life at the mission. When we came home, we shared with our girls and our church family and began more intensely praying for God’s leading. We have always desired to return to Haiti, but we had to put that aside and pray for God’s leading.

Things have been happening ever since that time that clearly are things that only God could do. That doesn’t mean we are currently preparing to move to Haiti or even have a timetable. Being an organizer, I would like it if God’s answers were always “yes” or “no” and were written clearly for me to see. However, sometimes God says, “Wait.” That is the answer I struggle with the most, but know that God answers that way for a purpose.

Mission of Hope asked us to return to Haiti to continue the process of getting to know one another and continue the interview process. The first week of June, the entire family was here with a mission team from our church. We were busy most of the week serving, painting, evangelizing, and doing things that most mission teams do! On Saturday, I said good-bye to the team and to the rest of my family and continued on at the mission for a total of three weeks. During that time, I spent time “shadowing” each staff member, talking to the director, and assisting in just about every area of ministry. It was an awesome time and I especially enjoyed working with our team of college-age interns, who are giving their summer to help lead groups and work in other areas of the mission. I bonded with the staff and I believe the process of becoming part of the MOH Family has begun. Saying good-bye (which will be tomorrow) will be difficult because although I cannot wait to see my wife and girls, I will definitely miss my family here at the mission.

So, the big question: are we returning to Haiti? God’s answer is “WAIT.” For some of you who have been praying with us, that is not the answer you really want hear … but we know our Heavenly Father has all things under control. I believe the Dittman Family will return to Haiti in the future, which is not a surprise to anyone who knows us. Mission of Hope is still praying about whether or not we are the family to meet the needs they have at the present time. There are other missions in Haiti where we could be used; but we believe God would have us to wait on Him to direct our paths, while we continue to serve Him right where we are planted in Blue Ridge, Georgia. We are so thankful for our church family who has allowed us to take the time away in Haiti.

Please pray with us and for us!
Lee Dittman (June 24, 2011)