Intro-Ryan

Hi everybody...this is Ryan. Better late than never, right? I am 25 years old, married to Ashley for almost three years, and a Grand Valley State University grad. For my career...that is a long story. I'm making progress. I know God has blessed me and has a plan for me to use the abilities I have in a way that glorifies him, and that is enough. This trip is something I didn't plan on until the last minute, but everything worked out perfectly and I have incredible friends and family who have made going on this trip possible (you all know who you are...and thanks again). This will be one of many mission trips for me, but my first trip to a county that isn't spanish speaking or Canada. I can't wait to meet my fellow travelers and see the work that God has been doing in Haiti.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Intro - Bill

Greetings.  I'm Bill Diephuis.  I'm 40 years old, married to Karen for 15 years, we have 3 boys, Liam is 10, Gabe is 8 and Zach is 4.  We live in Lynden, WA where I am a partner in an electrical engineering firm.  I graduated from Calvin College in 1995 with a degree in secondary education. Karen and I got married that summer and a year later we took a position with CRWRC in Haiti and we lived there from 96 - 98.  It was a great experience - difficult at times but great.  I developed a deep appreciation for the work that permanent staff are doing in the field in seeking to train and educate and empower the poor.
Some of my hobbies are sports (baseball, biking, hiking), fishing, and some home remodeling. I also spend time being a Cadet counselor and Deacon at church. 
I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team, working and serving together.  Only one week before we leave...

Bill

Intro-Rachel

As the title says, I'm Rachel. I'm 18 years old and graduated from high school in 2010. In August of 2010, I went with Christian Reformed World Missions to Managua, Nicaragua for 4 months. This was a huge step of faith for me, as I'm a homebody, and don't really like to be thrown into uncomfortable situations. As you can imagine, going to a foreign country 2 weeks after turning 18 (and not knowing the language at all) was incredibly uncomfortable. I worked at a special education school, Tesoros de Dios. I had so much fun with all the kids and living with a host family, despite the language barrier. It was definitely difficult, but a growing experience for sure, and God taught and revealed to me so much.
I'm so excited to be going to Haiti in a week and doing a completely different type of ministry. I really like hard work, there's just something rewarding about doing manual labor. I'm hoping that I won't have too much trouble with the work that will be done, but I'm more excited to be in the country of Haiti and with the people.
I can't wait to meet all of you in person in 10 days or so, and know that I am praying for all of you-that the Lord will protect and prepare your hearts and minds as you get ready to serve Him and the people of Haiti!
I'm going to attempt to post of a picture of myself so you can have a face to my name (forgive me if it doesn't show up...I've never posted pictures on a blog before)
Have a great rest of your week, and see you in awhile!
Blessings,
Rachel