Last whole Day

Okay, so I did get another chance to blog.

Last night, two of the other volunteers and I decided to sleep out under the stars. We loaded ourselves with bug spray, and found many baby blankets to cover with. The last few nights have gotten much cooler here, so we made sure to have some nearby if we needed them. We decided to stay at the main house, and "sleep" on the balcony in which we have been working on. It was so beautiful to see all the stars, and 3 shooting stars; with the bright shining moon. I was just marveling at God's creation, and reminded again that he allows us to see these extra simple things in life to reflect his beauty. Amazing. The sleep part wasn't as great, but halfway through the night I found a chair to sleep on, and I am feeling it now. I really wanted to see the sunrise, so we came downstairs to go to the other balcony so we could actually see it, and we didn't realize that they put their dog in front of the door at night; who started barking. We didn't want to wake everyone up at 5am, so we decided to watch it slowly rise to the point we could see the yellow glimpse. It was still such a good experience, and we didn't get too bit up like we were told we might.

I cannot believe today is my last day. I have been reflecting on these children, and what they have taught me; which is so much. I did not choose these children to love; I was given a piece of paper with the names of the eight children I would work with. I have grown to love them; even if some hours were/are harder than others, but I have seen such beauty and changes in the lives of these children. I feel like it is very similar to life, and to the people we meet and come into contact with. We may be quick to judge others, judge others off of their appearance, or just realize that we don't want to associate with certain people, but if I would have chosen the babies that were the cutest or the easiest...i would not have had the experience I have had. I have been challenged and frustrated at times, but now in the end looking back..i know I had these kids for a reason. God gave me the patience and understanding for each of these children. I have seen them overflowing with love, and I love how they just beam when I walk into the room. They probably see my face light up when I see them...so they do it back, I don't know, but I do know that I have seen the face of Jesus in each of them. They didn't need to give me love, because i was coming to show them love, but they have overwhelmed with Christ's love. These children have taught me to find joy in the small things, and love on others; even if they are not your best friend. These children have impacted my life, and I hope I was able to give them a tiny glimpse of the love of Christ. It is hard to think about not seeing these kids again in this lifetime, because I may come back, but they may be adopted by that time. I was here for a reason, and the Lord has revealed himself to me. We worship such a loving Father, and that is the love and arms that these kids are living in. Talking to adoptive parents..they have expressed their appreciation for us for serving them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them in return for allowing us time with their precious family member that they can't wait to have home.

Sunday I went back to the Haitian Church, which is such a good experience. One of the first songs that we sang was, "How great thou art." They sang it in Creole, and I sang it in English, but we were singing to the same God. It reminded me of the amazingness of the world, and how we may seem different and do different things, but many of us strive to keep a relationship with our Father. He is glorified by our attempts, even though we fall short. He gives us spiritual gifts, skills, and a heart for something, and all that can line up together for furthering the kingdom of God!

Yesterday we had a birthday party for the kids who were born in July. I love to be able to celebrate their life with them, and show them that they are important, and we care about them. I went down to the nursery to get a baby, and he was fast asleep, but I had to wake him up to get him ready for his party. I whispered his name, and I don't think I have ever seen a baby get up out of his crib and on the floor so fast...it was so cute. The kids enjoy their party, and some may get to experience their first sugar high, but just about the time it kicks it..they are back in the care of the nannies, who work so hard...ooopsies. Speaking of sugar highs...we love walking to a little window shop down the street to get Torro, a resemblance of red bull, and Tampico, which is kinda like Sunny Delight. It def. gives us a boost for the day, and it is a fun little tradition we have had these past few weeks.

I have loved it here; and the Kids, staff, cultural, and volunteers have opened my eyes to greater things. I hope to be able to do something like this in the future again, but we are able to serve the Lord in whatever we do. Another thing we love here is the sticky buns, which get delivered once a week; so i think i am going to go enjoy one, and soak in this day.

Blessings to everyone, and it is hard to believe that this chapter in my life that I have been longing for is closing and will be back in PA tomorrow. Thanks again for every ones thoughts and prayers...i have felt them.

My hands will be empty, but my heart will be full

This is my group photo. These are the precious eight children that I have been working with these past two months. I was getting very anxious to come home, but this past week it hit me how much I am going to really miss these children. I feel like I was numb to a lot of the conditions these children live/lived in until recently. I know these children will get other volunteers once I leave, but it is hard to think about that, because I feel like I have grown to know them so well; like if they love snacks, walks, baths, and how to get them motivated or to get them to smile. I have fallen in love with these kids, and they have touched my life so much. I realized I have become so proud of their accomplishments, and have wanted all the other volunteers to see what they have done. I have really been challenged with Daphne', because it seemed like she was very unmotivated to walk or make eye-contact. This week I have seen much improvements. The other volunteers and I smile at her crawling, because she looks like a giant. She is almost three years old, and still crawls everywhere. Anyhow, yesterday I was trying to get her to walk to me, because i have been putting her in a walker, and bribing her with food; which has been working well. Well, yesterday she took around 15 steps, and she was so proud of herself. She had a big smile on her face, and I was speechless. I was so excited, because it just showed me once again how love can motivate these children, and with love they will develop at a normal rate. Love is a powerful thing, and these kids need it, and thrive for it. The same Love we need to show to our father.

There is a family/team here from Alabama, and the one couple has adopted three children; one from GLA. They are an amazing family, and have shown us once again the amazingness of adoption. The family made arrangements for their daughter to meet her biological family when they were here serving. Thursday she got to meet them, and I got to watch their interaction. It gave me such goosebumps, because it was such an amazing reunion to watch. The biological family was excited to see their 14 year old daughter growing up and living in a Christian home. The adoptive family thanked them so much, and felt guilty for getting the joy of their daughter. The biological family said they would want it no other way, and assured them they pray for them everyday, and are blessed to have their daughter in their home. It was amazing, and it shows how God orchestrates the perfect families for the childrens needs.

I believe I mentioned that this past Sunday a baby arrived that was a few hours old. The family was coming almost daily to visit her to see how she was growing. They were planning on keeping their child, but they didn't have the medical needs for their tiny 2lb baby. Well with the conditions available in Haiti...the little baby went to be with the Lord yesterday morning. It was really sad to think of the loss this family felt. Many parents feel a loss when they drop off their child, but they know that they will be given a much better life than they could provide, but in this case...they lost her on this earth.

This past week has been really good, but went really fast. I have experienced such a joy and peace this week, and last night I was cradeling two of my babies in my arms as it got dark, and God's grace filled me up. It has been such a transforming time here, and I will miss the people and the babies. I wouldn't have traded this time for anything, and these babies have given me such hope and love in return.

Last night was movie night with the older kids at the toddler house. It has been really fun getting to know them as well. It melted my heart when i walked into the room last night to watch the movie with them, and they were all calling out my name, and wanting me to sit with them. They are precious, and I have loved being able to tuck them into bed at night with a kiss. They radiant with love and with anticpation for their future families to give them hugs and kisses...and not just at night.
Today we are working with the kids without volunteers, and tomorrow we hope to make the best out of our last sunday. We may go to the waterfall again or explore something after house church. We will see!

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers during this time. It has been challenging at times, but I have made it through with God's strength. I would appreciate prayers for strength as I say good-bye and for safe travels on Wednesday. I am not sure if I will get the chance to blog again before I leave.
Thanks! Blessings

Rainy and cooler

The weather has gotten cooler the last few nights, which has been a nice break. It has been so warm here, which has had the potential to make everyone a little more on edge, but the rain has cooled things off. Here I am at the end of Tuesday night already. This is my last full week, and now it feels like my time is quickly wrapping up. Approaching this week I felt like I still was going to be here for awhile, but the more time I spend with my kids the more of them I get to know them, and the more I realize how much I am going to miss them. I feel like they finally have grown to trust me, and expect my return to pick them up at the nursery each morning. One of the babies just waves good-bye to me when I put her down, which has been a nice change from her being very unhappy every time I dropped her off. My guess is that she trusts that I will be back for her. The babies are doing really well, and I am blessed to have seen them make important developmental stages in their life. What a treat, but at the same time I wish it was their parents. It is amazing how much these children have learned and improved, and a lot of it is due to them getting love and attention, which makes them more motivated. It has been challenging because Daphne' can stand for long periods of time, but refuses to take steps on her own. I am hoping that she justs gets courage and motivation, and takes those steps. I know the nannies would appreciate it, and I know she would be able to get around much better in the nursery. She is one of the older ones in the nursery, and I know she has it in her because she is determined. J-Widler, who is in need of eye surgery to correct his eyes, seems to be getting the chance of getting to the U.S. on medical visa in the beginning of August, which is such good news. The other babies are and have been learning to sit and crawl on their own. I can't imagine how excited parents get when their child does new things, because when our babies do something new..we make it known and celebrate loudly. I got very excited when Fanes crawled across the mat yesterday, which made all the days worth it.

This weekend was great and relaxing, which was much needed. We went to the lookout, which overlooks Port-au-Prince and the ocean, the Baptist Mission, and the grocery store on Saturday. It was fun to get out and see more of Haiti once again. I wasn't feeling the greatest this weekend, which took away from my last outing, but I am feeling much better now. Health can be so easily taken advantage of. God works in ways we cannot always see, but other times it is very obvious. I feel like we have seen many miracles happen here. One of the babies got very sick last week. It was one that was up on the balcony a lot with me throughout the time i have been here. He was doing great and was fine, and then the one day he got a bad infection. They didn't know if he was going to make it or not, but they did all they could. They did CPR on him for 2 hours straight, and watched him closely. He currently is doing very well. In the States it would be no question if these babies would survive or not, but here it is a different story. The Lord watches over these babies, and really has in hand in all of their/our lives. On Sunday we got another baby at GLA that weighed about 2 lbs, and was born about 5 hours before the mother brought her in. She is so tiny, and is currently in the incubator. She is small, but doing really well. Her mother knew that if she had any chance of surviving, she had to bring her to the NICU at GLA. There are many selfless parents here, and I cannot imagine what they give up for the benefit of their baby.

Sunday we had house church again back at Joel and Evyonne's house. He spoke on God's father like characteristics, and how he lavishly loves us, and delights in us as Children of God. It was very encouraging, and once again we had an amazing time of workship. We also went to the waterfall again. We love to get out and hike, and meet new people. We met up with three little girls who were walking to the waterfall to get water for their family. They were each carrying water jugs that weighed about 5 lb or so each. They were strong, because we offered to carry it, and I was def. feeling the extra weight when we were climbing the hill. Many people hike the path with water or with something on their head. I am always very impressed. As we were walking back the one girl's shoe's sole was falling apart. She kept telling us this, and was pointing to her feet. I was wondering what I could do, because I broke my flip flops the day earlier, and many Haitians were pointing and laughing at me. Some of them were probably very excited to have better shoes then my falling apart shoes. Finally I decided to give her the only money I had with me, and told her to buy shoes with that money. It was not much at all, but the smile on the girls face was huge. The other two girls gathered around her, and they walked away with an extra skip in their step. I was reminded again how true it is that it is soo much better to give then receive. We are so blessed with so much!

I continue to need prayer for focus and the ability to savor each moment with these kids. Yes, I am leaving soon, but I don't want that to hinder my time with the kids or the other volunteers. I have learned to go to Christ first, because here I have very limited access with others, and the Lord has taught me a lot through that. I have enjoyed the slow pace of life here, and the ability to sit and focus on these dear kids. Today another family has come to visit with their son who they are in the process of adopting, and it is so exciting to see and hear their journey. They said there are no words to describe the feelings you experience when you get to meet them in real life for the first time. It has been a joy talking with them, and seeing them love on their son. It is the same love our Father feels towards us, and God is so good!

It's Friday everyone!

This week was a great week, but I find myself very tired. Thursday was picture day at the toddler house, which I got the privledge to help out with again. It went really smoothly, and was quicker than last time. While we were waiting for Melanie to get to the house to take the pictures, I was observing the nannies hand-washing the clothing. I was very impressed, but decided to give it a try. Apparently I wasn't doing it correctly, because I wasn't getting the squishy noise. I was still kinda proud of my accomplishment, and after doing two articles of clothing my knees were hurting. I left to go wash my hands, and the other girls said they shamely put the clothing I washed back into the container. I am very impressed at their constant hard work. They are true servants, because it is not easy to wash clothes for 72 kids each day.

Later that day we decided to go on a walk. Holly, one of the volunteers, was frustrated because she didn't have any babies to take out. I told her she could take one of my babies out. She was really excited, and started to get him all strapped in. She was claiming how wonderful it was, and that she was hands free. I told her she should face him out, because he could see better. She said she loved him towards her because it felt more secure. I helped her get him all ready and we proceeded towards the gate. She turnd to me to tell me she needed prayer in a certain area, and all of a sudden my eyes got realy big, and I quickly told her my baby was throwing up all over the place. She didn't know what to do, becaues he was strapped to her, and facing her; there was nothing for her to do. I laughed so hard, and so did Dixie, the director here. Holly gags really easily, and she was gaging, and standing in a puddle. The office is located right around the corner, and they thanked us for making their day. Last night we were sure to reinact the whole thing. I was almost crying from laughing. I love random little stories like this, especially when people make a big deal about something :)

Last night we also had our "talent" show. It was fun, and everyone participated. It was hilarious because it was so random, and no one really had any talents to show off. We enjoyed each other, and had a great evening laughing. We then watched a recording of an Adoption story, which is aired on TLC from GLA. It was fun, because I have watched many of these shows before, but didn't realize that this is where many of those stories took place.

This morning we had our weekly Bible study at the Guest House. Todd, whose family is serving in Haiti this month while the hosts of the guest house are in the States on vaction, lead us and encouraged us. It was a great time to reflect and rejuvinate us to finish strong. I feel like I have been doing really well, but the closer I get to coming home, the more anxious I become. My prayer is to stay focused until the end, and give 100%. I am grateful for a time to relax this weekend, and come back refreshed to give my all for my last full week. We are going out tomorrow for our fun day, but still now quite sure where we are going.

I dont' feel like I have ever seen the resemblence of Christ as often as I do with these children. Last night I was holding baby Fanes, and I was just gazing into his big dark brown eyes. I saw my reflection in his eyes so clearly. I don't know if he resembles his biological mother or father, but he gave me the picture of what it looked like to reflect others. The Lord was just speaking to me, and encouraged me to reflect Him no matter who I came into contact with, because it should be as evident as seeing myself in Fanes eyes. The Lord wants us to be his reflection to others around us. It is easy to get so busy and distracted, but there is one reason we are here....to Love God and love His people. The Lord is faithful. My mom emailed me this week, and informed me that more money came in within the last few weeks. I was so thankful, and knew God would provide finacially. I was discouraged and unsure if I should have still come, but being here I know the Lord has called me here for such a time as this. Thanks for all your prayers, support, and finacial gifts. It has impacted me, and many others.
Have a great weekend..blessings.

Wow

I am amazed at the strength that the Lord gives us when we are tired and worn out. Today I was feeling very tired, but despite that it was a good day. Today we finished up picture day with the little babies. We also got news that baby S can leave tomorrow with a medical visa. Anna, a volunteer who was here last week, came here expecting to be here for a week and ended up staying over a month waiting to see if doctors would still take baby S. She has hydrochipilas and the doctors in the U.S. didn't want to take a baby that wouldn't stand the chance of surgery. No one wanted to make the call if it was "worth it" which sounds horrible for a life. They have decided to take her, and they got her passort/visa today. This was a huge answer to prayer, and news that we have been waiting to hear for a long time. Some new volunteers came in, and Jamie is leaving tomorrow. Jamie has been amazing, and has taught me a lot about her life, and the love that she has shown these little children. It is amazing how volunteers come in and go, but being here you get to know people fast.

I feel like I am experiencing many ups and downs..I love it here, but I am becoming anxious to come home. I have been challenged, and I feel like I have experienced an amazing love from these children. It seems like you always go into a situation expecting to help, but you get so much back in return. It is amazing. Tonight as I was holding Fanes on the balcony after the sun had set...we were alone, and I was just holding him, looking at the sky, and singing worship songs. I was thinking....wow, life is incredible, and God allows us to experience such amazing beauty. He wouldn't have to make such an incredible sight when the sun rises or sets, but he chooses to, to resemble his love and beauty that he beholds. These kids have such love, and they reflect such love in their eyes. Their smiles, giggles, and shrieks are precious, and they strive for the most important thing....which is to give and get love. These kids don't have many toys of their own, but when you sit there and talk to them...they stare up at you, smile at you, or just stroke your face because they are intrigued. They teach you alot. These kids imitate things that we do, and they look up to us, and continue to reach and reach for your hands so that you pick them up. This shows me a lot of the same ways I should strive for Christ. I really don't think I have ever compared things to Christ so much. It has been very eye opening, and has shown me more of the character of Christ. This was one of my goals this summer; to see and fall more in love with our Father. He has shown himself through these kids; through kids who are father and motherless, and have very little to claim their own. The Lord can use simple things to teach us things...we just need to look to him, and be still before his throne.

We are having the first annual GLA talent show on Thursday night. I think this is very random becasuse there is only like 10 people or so...so it should be interesting. I have some tricks up my sleeve for the night, but it should be fun. The other night I fell asleep on the couch, and woke up to people around me asking me to give them a preview of someting that I showed them earlier. It was hilarious, because I was really out of it still from just waking up. People are great...and know the right time to get people to do things :) Blessings and much love coming from Haiti.

This is Martha (a new volunteer) and I on the mountain that we hiked today. We decided to stop about half way up. I tried to upload a photo of the mountain, but it took too long. We left this morning at 7 am, and got back around 1 pm. It was a very warm day, and we ran out of water practically at the point we stopped at the top. It made for a very tiring walk back. It was amazing and beautiful. I felt like I got to know the culutral better just by hiking and seeing more of Haiti. We saw some incredible things, and met some amazing people. At one point we stopped to take a breather at a y shaped path, and were surrounded by Haitians on all angles all of a sudden; I guess we were a sight.We were very sweaty and our faces were really red...some of the kids were like..you are white..and you are red as we walked by. We packed a lunch to eat, but I decided to give away a lot of my snacks, beause they needed them more than I did. I traded half of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picture. Kids are very willing to pose for pictures if they get to see them, but older people usually want something in return of a photo. I thought it was a good trade...a temporary sandwhich for a lifelong photo. This trail reminded me of a steep deer trail made up of dirt and sliding rocks. It was really neat to overlook the moutain and see some of the homes people live in. I was so impressed that people walked up and down this trail to go to church. We were exhausted walking up and down it one time, but people are so willing and dedicated to make the trek each Sunday. We stopped hiking at a church, but we could hear them singing from far away. It was beautiful, and make us all the more eager to make it to that point. We sat down in the shade, and had a little lesson. I read James chapter 1, and we discussed it. The Lord gives us trials to help us not lack anything, but to continue to perserve and consider it a joy to be under trials to strengthen our faith. It was encouraging, because we need to perserve through the good times and the hard times, because it will be worth it. The Lord can work through us if we are willing. The Lord has been so gracious to me, and has provided me more opprotunites to share my faith and be able to listen to some of the volunteers experience or hard times that they are going though. The Lord puts us in places at the right time, even when we don't see the fruits right away, or when we don't think what we are doing is making a difference. If we are willing, and if we pray for opprotunites-the Lord provides them, we just need to be aware and on the lookout so we don't miss them. I am thankful and blessed. thanks for all your love and support :)