SATURDAY NIGHT - HE'S ALIVE

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

I looked forward to today knowing the children would be home from school and we would have the whole day to interact.  I should have known that the majority of the day, however, is spent cleaning their room, hand washing their clothes, re-braiding their hair for church and possibly the hair of a younger child.  This includes even the younger boys, who are responsible for washing their socks and underwear in a bucket.  Seemed everywhere I wandered there was action.  I was SO impressed with their diligence and level or responsibility.

At one point I saw a huddle of at least 15 girls with everyone talking at once.  In the center was one of the Nannies who was giving out new barrette’s for their hair.  Since I couldn’t understand a word being said, I assumed they were all pleading their need and style preference.  Then a packet of rubber bands for their hair was given to one of the older girls who was flocked as she divided them into even piles on the floor for individual distribution.  After all, one must have their hair adorned properly.

I sought out a few kids to give them the letter I had received from their sponsor. I try so hard to have it be a one on one time between me and the child – but the others seem to find us.  Everyone gets so excited to see the photos of the sponsors.  It’s turned into quite the highlight for the children.  Now I’m dealing with, “Will my sponsor send a photo?”  or “When will my sponsor come to New Life?”  Always difficult questions to answer.  

About 10 of the older boys were gone all morning to a special trade school.  Most of them are in a plumbing class or learning tire repair.  It was encouraging to see that they are getting prepared for life beyond the security fence by learning additional skills.

I loved listening and watching the children play.  Their imaginations were flowing and I couldn’t take in enough.  If ONLY I understood Creole!!  This old dog, just can’t learn any new tricks.  I’m terrible about learning the language.  I figure if I only have a limited amount of viable brain space left – I better save it for something I might really need to remember!  I posted my first video on Facebook – I’m really going places in the technical world!  It was of some of the little ones playing.  I taught two of them to say “I love you.” in English yesterday so they repeated it back so cute in the video that I had to share. 

Whenever they see me coming with my big shoulder bag, TOO MANY come running.  Some get excited to do a dot-to-dot, color a page, do a Word Search or this time I brought math sheets from Kindergarten to about 8^th grade.  The older children actually took the challenge of a math sheet and wanted their sponsor to see their great work.  Then of course, you have those who come running knowing the chances are pretty great there is a piece of bubble gum or candy somewhere in all that mess.

It’s difficult to spend quality time with 97 children – but I gave it my best shot.  I would be lying to say it was all bliss.  I actually had to threaten a “time out” here and there when I got overwhelmed with repeat offenders.  But all know they are dearly loved.

In the late afternoon Rene’ took me to pick up ice cream for our party tomorrow. We are having hotdogs and ice cream as a treat tomorrow, in addition to celebrating Lulu’s (a guest at New Life) birthday.  Every time I am in the street and outside the peaceful setting of New Life I’m reminded of the REAL life.  Despite being in Haiti probably 20 times now over the past five years – I still stare at the activity on the street with disbelief and remind myself this IS life in Haiti day after day after day.  Mounds of garbage here and there, a piece of tin being supported by four, thin sticks hoping to provide shade for the person who will sit under it on the sidewalk to sell whatever they might have to sell, someone urinating in the sewer that runs by, young, young barefoot children trying to wash off your windows if you are a stop – hoping to get money for food.  The sidewalks are packed with people, horns are honking non-stop – although each toot has a universal meaning to all.  I have seen the same homeless man laying in the same spot against a brick wall in a fetal position at every visit.  I’ve started looking for him on every visit, to be sure he is still alive.  Today was no exception.

           

HOW TIME FLIES...

The activities of the day are very slow and generally relaxed, but yet everyday seems to fly by!  I can’t believe a week has passed since my last blog.  For those of you who look forward to hearing about the happenings in Haiti I apologize.  I know what it’s like to be at home and anxiously await a word or two.

The children are in school from very early in the morning until mid-afternoon.  This doesn’t give me much time to be with them.  If anything – that is what I am really missing on this visit.   When they get home they each have chores and then eat their big meal for the day.  By the time they finish, we eat, and then it’s dark out which makes it harder to play and do things – as homework comes to play and nightly devotions at 7:00 p.m. (In fact, I can hear their voices singing worship songs all the way in my room as I write this!)  Lights out for them at 8:30 p.m., and I’m usually not too far behind them.

The weather continues to be beautiful – which is a wonderful thing!  I’m never quite sure why I continue to live in a cold weather area when I much prefer to sweat than shiver.  But, I’m still a baby and heat up my bath water in a little warming pot and wash from a bucket instead of a cold shower.

Renee left New Life yesterday after being here nearly three weeks.  I have a room to myself now and miss our evening chats as we both re-hash the day.  As long as there aren’t any lizards who come to visit – I’m fine alone.

Renee blogged about all the abandoned babies we went to see at General Hospital last Friday.  It was quite the experience and scene.  The General Hospital is swarmed with people trying to get medical care and then the majority of the pediatric patients are in these little buildings about the size of a one stall garage - one bed after another - with parents/visitors – medical personnel and a few floor fans.  It’s really more than you can bear.  Especially when you see little babies laying there with no known relatives and no one to hold them and give them the love they so need.  What becomes of all these children?

Yesterday I set up a “store” in the church.  I had bought something new for each child, in addition to donated new clothes.  I laid them across the pews by size and sex and was so excited for the kids to get home from school.  I intended to have them come five at a time, so they could really have the chance to look through the selection in their size and have the joy of picking, instead of just being given something – whether they like it or not.  I also printed out a photo of each child I took on my last visit and had them all on display for their taking.  And naturally I had a big bag of candy with instructions that they could have TWO pieces! 

About the first 20 minutes went well.  I picked five on the older boys and they were really excited to try on new dress shirts for church.  I was so pleased that THEY were having fun, too! The game plan was for them to go and select another child to come in THEIR place when they were finished.  Translation obviously isn’t always accurate – as before I knew it – there had to be 35-50 children all running around “shopping!”  I had 10 year old girls wearing size 2Toddler dresses as a shirt – and little boys hoping that size 29 waist for men would fit them.  I think I was probably the only one frazzled, as most looked like they were having a great time.  Somehow it worked that everyone got something new – so mission accomplished!

 On Monday night we were able to get together with Frentzy, Rene’, Fedner and their families for our “family dinner.”  That is what we have come to call it, as we feel we really are family after almost five years of knowing each other.  I just can’t say enough about their love, integrity and appreciation.  We have many laughs and it’s always a joy to be with Patty, my little God child.  She calls me her “mother-in-law” which I think is hilarious – I quite choose that over Grannie!  Her new baby sister “Jodi” is so sweet. 

Some of you may remember that Frentzy and his wife Koline lost their baby boy during child birth back in September.  It was SO devastating – as you would imagine.  Frentzy made an announcement during dinner that they are going to have a baby!  I am SO excited for them.

Today I began my efforts to have the children make a Valentine for their sponsor.  Well – I only had time for six children out of 106 – so I might have to revise my desires and thinking.  They really enjoy doing any kind of activity. I noticed today they were going especially slow and claiming they needed to start over – all the while trying to make their special time last longer.

I’m sure you can imagine what happens when one child gets sick here….it runs through the entire “household.” The small room designated as the “clinic” always has action.  Today I enjoyed going to the clinic and giving the children something special to do while they were recovering.  Rosena – the little girl I have written about before – was in the clinic the past few days because of a respiratory condition.  She continues to crack me up with her little bossy ways.  Someone brought a box of children sunglasses –so everyone in the clinic had on their “shades.”  Rosena insisted on wearing hers upside down.  There are two new boys who have arrived since I was here in October – one of them is VERY frail but today I saw him smile for the first time – shades and all.

Please continue to pray for this ministry.  There are daily challenges for the care givers on up.  Nothing is simple in Haiti – despite the slowww pace.  The simplest things seem to take forever to accomplish.  While I know the children here are cared for much better than most places in the country, I still wish I could take each one of them alone for the day and give them 100% of my attention to assure them that they are special and created uniquely by God and are loved beyond their imagination.  Most only know life as it is at New Life.  They have no idea what it would be like to be a family of four – or whatever. 

Most important I am asking for prayer for there to be a future for these children whereby they can survive once they leave New Life.  When you see their skills, knowledge, and hear about their future dreams my chest aches with anguish.  BUT – our God is a mighty God capable of all things.  I am actually feeling a bit downcast this trip and have to keep reminding myself that giving away God’s love IS important and fruitful – even in a country where hope is hard to find.

Last Days

Hi to all of our supporters back home. Just about time for me to return to the States as I can not believe three weeks have gone by already. It has been quite a busy three weeks. Was able to spend a few days with the kids, but before I knew it we were off to the Pestel region. Checked on four cholera stations Miriam and many others had put into place two weeks before, held medical clinic for two days and got a chance to stand on the land which we hope will one day soon be Alex's House, a malnutrition center for kids in this region. Also made a visit to a main water source for a village that has tested positive for cholera. Hope to be able to help this area out with personal water filter stations that would be located at each home. Stay tuned for ways you can help through IFJ. Then it was back to New Life to enjoy one more week and found ourselves at General Hospital and MediShare on Friday.

It was an emotional filled visit to both of these locations. First stop, MediShare to spent sometime with a hydrocephalic baby named Jean. He is two years old and Mom brought him to clinic, left and never returned. He had such a sweet temperament. Talked to the nurses taking care of him as New Life is going to take him as one of their own should all the paperwork come together. I so believe he will have a good chance at life even with the short time we spent with him. He currently has no shunt and fluid is draining normally. We so hope he will become part of the New Life family soon. Then it was off to General Hospital.

Going there always hits me right in the guts as this hospital was severely damaged in the earthquake and patients continue to be hospitalized in what I call "Mash wards". All patients must bring their own sheets and food. Anyway, people have started abandoning babies there as well. We visited a ward that had six infants in it that no one was taking care of so a woman off the street came into take care of these children. The hospital said the infants would not eat. So this woman went home, cooked for these infants and puréed all the food. Brought the food back and the infants couldn't get enough of it! This woman is a blessing from God. New Life will try and take four of these infants as well. Then it was off to the newborn floor to look at three abandon children that were left shortly after their mom's gave birth. Two twin boys and one child with a clef palate. One of the twins looked very healthy but the other was considerably smaller and as a result looked malnourished as well. New Life will start the paperwork for taking these three children. Please pray for all of these little ones, that they continue to grow while all the details get worked out, that New Life is able to open their hearts to these little ones and that they thrive and grow in His name.

I go home with mixed emotions. Family commitments, bringing attention to the continued awareness of Haiti's call for help and missed time spent with all the New Life kids. I know it won't be long before God has me at the next crossroads though, giving just a glimpse of where to head and asking me to step out in faith again. I continue to pray for patiences and listen to Him. Thank you all for supporting me in prayer. See all of you soon!

RETURNED and READY - February 2, 2012

I haven’t been able to gather my thoughts to Blog until today.  When I return to Haiti, while everything looks the same and smells the same and feels like the despair I left, it still takes time to let all that pass and wait for the “realness” that keeps me coming back.

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It’s always a wonderful reunion to see the employees here at New Life who I love so much and who work so hard day after day.  I didn’t even go see the children at the orphanage the first night – too exhausted to have such an emotional experience. 

Yesterday –being the first full day was a total joy.  I hate to report, to all my mid-west friends and family, the weather can’t be more beautiful – a constant light breeze with temperatures only in the 80’s.  A sheet is actually needed at night with NO fan – can you imagine?

Seeing Rene’, Frentzy and Fedner was so exciting as they never leave my heart when I am home.  We had a great chat.  There was another man who joined us and they asked many questions about the United States.  I explained what the recession has done to our country and the prejudice that exists toward so many different races and for the various reasons.   It was quite interesting to explain to them what it means to have your home/car repossessed.  It was a concept they couldn’t imagine.  Of course – they don’t know what a loan really is – or  what it means to file bankruptcy when you have SO many nice things.

They didn’t realize the level of  crime, murders, drug addictions, and homeless we have.  They didn’t know what a random drive by shooting was – or that gangs just fire at people to show their power and many times innocent people including children are killed.   I found the more negative things I described the more aware I became of how broken our country is, too.  I think they even started feeling thankful that they lived in Haiti – maybe for the first time.  I told them about the millions of people who don’t believe in God in the U.S.…but DO believe on getting more and more and more trying to find happiness -  only to find it doesn’t last for any length of time, especially when they meet someone with more than they have.  They shook their heads in amazement.  Of course they experience this, too – but to a level WE wouldn’t understand.  For example – if you have BEANS in your rice vs. just rice – you have a better meal.  And if you just have cornmeal – you are really eating like a peasant.  Then there are the people in the mountains where I was in October – who would walk miles just to have a meal of cornmeal.  Isn’t life crazy?  As a human race – it doesn’t matter where we live or the color of our skin or the language we speak we ALL have the same flaws of judgment, jealousy and greed – only we each think it’s only apparent in others – not ourselves, or surely not at the same level.   

Rosena is the little girl I felt such an attraction to and knew she was pointed out to me for a reason at one of our clinics in the Pestel area in October.  I couldn’t wait to see her.  I knew she wouldn’t remember me, as she is only two years old.   When I found her, she was asleep in her crib.  I stared at her as I did the day I left.  Unexpectedly, tears came to my eyes – as they are as I write this.  What will happen to this dear child who has stolen part of me?  I checked on her for several hours – STILL sleeping.  When I returned after dinner I spotted her.  I walked her way and when she saw me she ran to me and I scooped her up and with her tiny little hands she patted my back over and again.  While I’m not SO naïve to think she had a clue who I was, I felt God had her console me and remind me that HE has her covered and I can lighten up a bit of my ongoing concern for her.  In October, she was basically sick, shy and frail, so I never got to experience her personality.  Well – she is so precious that I couldn’t take in all of her antics, laughs and mumbles in Creole which I so wished I could understand.  She had on little outfit that had a very tiny pocket.  I peeked inside and found what looked like a checker.  She quickly grabbed it away from me and tucked it carefully away in her pocket.  Then she held her tiny little hand over the pocket as if it was a precious jewel that she clearly wanted for her very own. It took all I had not to sneak her into my room and hide her in my covers – her and about 10 more.  The blessing is that for almost four months of this child’s life she has had her own crib with a real mattress, clean clothes every day, someone to respond to her cries and no pains of hunger.  All things thousands upon thousands of children will NEVER experience in Haiti and around the world. 

A team of about 12 came yesterday for only one night as they left Haiti this morning after being in northern Haiti for the past week.  They spent a portion of yesterday at the orphanage with the children.  This morning at breakfast several from their team ended up sponsoring FIVE of the children as each had fallen totally in love with their selected child.  Maybe we should post a sign upon arrival:  BEWARE OF CHILDREN – YOU WILL LEAVE CHANGED (enter at your own risk.)

Oh how I have been recharged!  I told the guys earlier the story of the Haitian man who came to the States and was wined and dined for a week  and the night before he left he was having an exotic meal at a four star place and someone asked him if he was going to have trouble going back to Haiti where he would have nothing again.  He responded that he was anxious to return, as there were too many things in the States that distracted him and got in the way of his Lord.  Yes – there is something about being here that puts God back where He should be in your life.  What joy, what peace.

Mid afternoon Renee and I went to visit Marie and the girls.  Hoping to have a little party, we stopped at the only place we frequent when we are here and bought pizza, French fries and a cake with thick gooey frosting!  Another stop for and orange drink and we were ready.  Of course that only took about two hours to accomplish plus the oven broke at the restaurant and the three pizzas we ordered were all burnt, plus weren’t the expected size!  I began to have a mini melt down and had to be reminded that I’m in Haiti – and that’s how we roll!

The girls were all waiting for us in a circle of chairs.  I haven’t seen them in 6 mo. so was amazed at how much a few of them had grown.  They enjoyed the “party” and literally licked their plates clean.  Burnt pizza didn’t faze them in the least.  They were more concerned about comparing the size of pizza they received to the girl next to them.  Songs were sung, hugs were exchanged and as usual, it was difficult to say “good-bye.” 

Renee and I are now back in our room exhausted – physically and mentally – Time to get rest and see what tomorrow will bring.  Another emotional roller coaster ride, I suspect….