▪••  •  • ••  • •  • •  •••      August, 2016      ▪••  • ••  • •▪  ▪▪  ▪•••  •  •▪ ▪

          Over the last three years August has not had all that much rain.  If you take a look at our climate chart, you'll notice for this past August we had over eight inches, which is a more typical rainfall for this time of year.  Inevitably all this rain has brought very humid weather which creates a challenge for comfortable sleeping.  Couple that with our adjusting to warmer Haitian weather and you come up with some sleeping challenges.  We are very thankful for our fans which give us some air movement and allow us to have decent sleep.

          To add to the weather, just recently we experienced Bamboula's week long birthday party (Bamboula is the name of the area we live in).  This is a huge event for the people in our neighborhood and their friends and family.  People camped out all along on the beach, filling the area up with wooden tables and chairs.  Picture a narrow driving lane between the trees leading out from our front gate.  Even our front wall was lined with booths and tents.  Despite all of the rainfall, and the approaching tropical storm they stuck it out.  The rains did slow down the party periodically, but for the most part we were serenaded with earth shaking rhythms that contributed to a new challenge with getting to sleep.  Meanwhile the Haitians partied away; eating and drinking merrily till the early morning hours.  We prayed for the people and even prayed for the sound booming from the speakers, that it might run into some sort of an electrical glitch.  A couple nights rain did come and help quelch the music at a decent time  Thank you Lord!

          We are now resting in peace.

          This month marked a very special month for us. Not only did Jude turn two months, but he was also dedicated…twice in fact. Why? We wanted our parents to be present at his dedication, so before they left for Haiti and Maryland we had a family dedication and a few weeks later we dedicated Jude in front of our church family. Dedication in general, was important for us, since it signified our willingness to raise our son in the fear and admonition of the Lord and assuming the great responsibility called parenthood. It also gave our close friends and family the responsibility to hold us accountable as parents and to make sure we are walking in wisdom and godliness. In Haiti, we’ve met some terrific parents—but they come few and far between. As we’ve mention before, culturally speaking, full family units are rare. Which is why, when Jude was born we realized how serious the role of parenting truly is and how it should be treated like a cherished gift. Similarly, as we mentioned last month, being in the States has made us realize how blessed we are to have family and to serve a Father who loves us unconditionally. This is a similar message we try to teach the children of Haiti: that we serve a God who loves us and wants to accept us as His own, which means we can never be Fatherless. In many countries, Haiti and the United States included, we see broken families, parent-less children, and parents who neglect their responsibilities, and it’s a heartbreaking reality. Yet, holding the knowledge that our Heavenly Father always wants us and will never leave us can bring such light and joy into the lives of those for whom this is a reality. Please, pray for those we minister to, that they would know and feel the insurmountable love and joy that comes from knowing our Father. Please, also pray for those who have lost or been abandoned by their earthly parents, that they would know that they can never be Fatherless. Bondye Bon (God is good)! 

                                           

                                  Pineapple

     The first written record of the word “Pineapple” in English was in 1398 and it was used to refer to a pine cone. It comes from the Spanish word for pine cone, “piña.” Haitians call it by its scientific name "anana" The more eyes on a Pineapple the sweeter it will be.   Pineapple can take over two years to grow to reach full size but are usually picked before they are full size and each plant only produces one Pineapple.  Pineapple is not, strictly speaking, a fruit. Rather it is 100-200 fruitlets all fused together! You can regrow a Pineapple plant by twisting the crown off a store-bought Pineapple, allowing it to dry for 2-3 days, and then planting it.  

1) Healthy Bones: – Pineapples are popular for their ability to build and maintain strong bones and healing wounds due to the great source of Manganese.

2) Digestive System: – anti-inflammatory properties.  Undigested proteins in the digestive system can form compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream, creating allergic reactions and stimulating an inflammation response. Undigested proteins are also involved in forming uric acid crystals that cause gout and other forms of joint pain.   It’s very important to make sure you’re digesting the protein in your meals properly, particularly if you’re regularly eating large amounts of low-quality protein, like burgers or meat-based processed foods. Generally, it’s not a good idea to eat too much fruit after a heavy meal as it can interfere with digestion.  Pineapple, with its digestive bromelain, is a little different though.  There are many reports of a slice of pineapple after a meal helping with digestive problems, particularly if the meal contained a lot of protein. If you do want some fruit after a meal then pineapple is one of the best choices.

     The enzyme, Bromelain, is an anti-inflammatory property that helps to digest food by breaking down the protein particles within it and clean blood by removing debris and toxins from the blood stream. The anti-inflammatory properties benefit our internal organs and work to neutralize fluids to ensure that they are not too acidic. It also helps regulate the secretions in the pancreas to aid in digestion.  

     The most bromelain is found in the core of the pineapple so make sure that you eat that part too.  Cutting the pineapple up in smaller triangular pieces makes this easier to eat.

3) Immune System: – Pineapple is a rich source in Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene and provides an ample supply of vitamin C, a commonly known antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage and boosts the immune system.

4) Joint Pain: – Due to pineapple's anti-inflammatory properties it can alleviate the oncoming signs of arthritis. Eating a big chunk of pineapple every day, will help keep joint pain away from the body.

5) Cough and Colds (Antioxidant protection) – Since pineapple are rich in vitamin C, it can fight off viruses that cause cough and colds. Even when you are already infected, Bromelain, is effective in suppressing coughs and loosening mucus. 

6) Heart Disease: – Pineapple is also known to prevent blood clot formation because of bromelain. It is also helpful for people who are suffering from High Blood pressure which leads to heart attacks. Pineapple contains sodium and potassium which will help in heart problems. 

7) Stomach Problems: – Pineapple is high in fiber content which helps in easy bowel movement. 

8) Dental Problems: – Pineapple is good for your gums due to its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C increases the body’s ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease.

9) Cancer Prevention - This review of the current scientific literature relates Bromelain to even extend to treating cancer with the enzyme extensively studied as a therapeutic anti-cancer agent for various forms of the disease, especially breast cancer and colon cancer.

10) Skin Care: –  Your body’s main water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C is on the front line of defending your cells against dangerous free radicals that can lead to cellular damage and potentially cancerous changes.  The collagen that glues your skin cells together is particularly reliant on adequate levels of vitamin C in your diet.  Pineapple contains enzymes that make skin elastic, improving skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells, achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.

Along with above health benefits pineapples are also beneficial for people who are suffering from acidity, removing intestinal worms, relives sore throats and bronchitis, protect against age-related eye problems, prevent muscle cramps and soreness, promotes proper kidney functioning and regulate blood sugar.

Sources:
http://healthiestfoods.co.uk/health-benefits-of-pineapple
http://www.mediherbsolution.com/pineapple-health-benefits/
http://www.kingoffruit.com.au/fun-pineapple-facts.html 

Promoting a lifestyle of preventative care!
 

WELLNESS PRINCIPAL:  Health comes from within.  You cannot buy it in a bottle.