Six months after having to return to the US we were close to having the funds to make our trip back to Haiti.  But first, there were a few more blessings in store. 

Although we were several months away from Passover, Friendship Chapel was delighted to have us host a Passover seder.  

Then, as if we had not been blessed enough, Pastor George and his wife arranged for us to stay at Miss Rhoda’s beautiful riverfront vacation house fully furnished with everything, including a boat dock.

At the time, we had no idea how necessary this blessing would turn out to be.   This allowed us all to leave the boat so we could make repairs without being in each other’s way, and prepare Aleph Tav for the journey, right there outside our large screened in porch.

Several days later, some one brought us a very large shipment of medicine, from a pharmacy that closed down. Thousands of dollars worth… Priceless in Haiti… Lisa, Kerah, and the boys spent several days removing bottles from boxes in order to be able to fit this amazing cargo in Aleph Tav and La Victoria.

“This ‘hea is pastor San Luke from Haiti, and brother James.  The’ll be crew’n with me in La Victoria.” said Captain Raymond as he motored his dingy past Aleph Tav.

“Great! Have them come over this evening for an erev Shabbat meal.” I invited.

That evening we had a wonderful time with Pastor George and his family, along with pastor San Luke and brother James.   It was a perfect time to reflect; how amazing it was that we spent some six months in desperate misery; so bad that we would have most likely given up, had we had a home to return to.  But then, an Amish man prophesies over us, and Ad-nai not only re-establishes  our Rabbinic call, He fills our vessels with a bountiful cargo, and on top of it all, bathes us in an amazing love.

After lighting the candles, doing the baruchas, and enjoying a wonderful meal, brother James approached me.  “Can I have a word with you?” He asked.

“Sure.” I responded.

Brother James walked outside and motioned for me to follow.   “You may be Jewish and all, but keep me out of it. I want no part of your feasts!” He instructed.

“… Uh, …all righty then.   Not sure what I can do about that.   Make believe today is Monday, or Tuesday, or what ever day you wish it to be, and make believe this is just a nice meal…  I’m a Rabbi, this is what we do to celebrate Shabbat and thank Ad-nai for the blessings of His rest.   We simply wanted to bless you, that’s all.”  I explained doing my best not to appear bewildered.

Brother James promptly pulled out his tablet, swiped his finger over it and said: “Here, read this!!!”

“Read what?” I asked.

“Read it!!!  It’s the word of God!…” He said as he taped the tablet with his finger.

“I’m not reading anything… You are welcome to stay and enjoy yourself, or leave, but I’m not reading anything!” I assured him.

“You won’t read the word of God?… Then I’ll read it…” He insisted “…call NO MAN RABBI!!!!” He demanded.

“Are you serious?…” I asked no longer able to conceal my astonishment.  “Call me jack ass, for all I care, but if you are going to make an issue of titles, then address me by my proper biblical title.  King… For that is what I AM.”

At that moment pastor George unaware of what was happening, joined us.  “Oh halleluyah, this is so amazing; I can’t believe I am celebrating Shabbat with my King.”

“Ha, Ha, Ha,” cheered pastor San Luke as he wandered outside, “…my King AND my Rabbi!…  Yes, this has been an AMAZING evening.”

We left brother James outside pondering, and returned to the AC Shabbat celebration.

About ten days later, the time came to say goodbye, but before we did, we had a gift for the pastor’s family and friendship chapel.   We had hoped to bring this to Haiti, and in a million years, we would not have imagined leaving this priceless possession in Steinhatchee…

To be continued