This is one of the babies

Here are some more photos

Here is a picture of Jamie, an awesome volunteer, and I at the waterfall we walked to on Sunday!

Haiti is beautiful

Friday was a good day. The temperature is definitely rising making it hard to sit in the sun, and making us very warm and sweaty. The balcony, where we play with the kids each day is warm; so on Friday was took the kids outside the gate and just sat in the shade and held them. They say June is the hottest month usually, but I think July is going to be the warmest this year. On Fridays we usually have prayer time together as volunteers, but I thought that was going to stop since Brad and Lois left for vacation, but we decided to still have it. It was an awesome time of laughing, and sharing things on our hearts, and praying for each other. Nadine, one of my babies, was throwing a tantrum when I took her out of the nursery, so I decided to take her back, and get her out later. The second time I went back for her she was content and happy. I think she needed a nap. She showed me so much about Christ's character, because as I was taking her back to the nursery after our time together...I looked into her eyes and told her I loved her. She looked back at me, and send in English that she loved me too, as she gave me a kiss. I don't know if she knew what she was doing or saying, but it demonstrated Christ's love for me. No matter what I do he is faithful and loves unconditionally. He is a good God. 

Saturday we worked again with the children who do not currently have volunteers. We also threw a birthday party for the kids born in May. They didn't have time to do it earlier, so we got to celebrate their birthday with them on Saturday. They were so cute, and seemed to have a great time.  Today, Sunday, we went to house church which was very encouraging as always, and the worship was extra special today. We (the volunteers) decided we needed to get out, because days can get very routine, so we decided to hike to the waterfall. It was about a 45 min walk, but it was so beautiful the whole way. We got to the waterfall, which was about 8 feet tall, and we thought it was going to be bigger, but we had a blast. It was a really good time to relax and enjoy each other's company. The water wasn't very clean, but we saw people bathing and washing their clothes and dishes in the water. It was sad to see, but Haiti has limited clean water, and this is one of the reasons why disease is prevalent in this beautiful country. Tonight we went to the grocery store, and it was nice to get some things that we have been craving..like fruit, ice cream, chocolate, and vegetables. We eat a lot of carbs, which are good, but I have been craving fruits and veggies. 

The volunteers have been a huge blessing to me, and I am so blessed to have known them. I never expected to come here and meet young women who were my age, and who were amazing. I prayed for a support group, and God has given that to me. God works in ways we can never imagine. Danielle, which is the girl who I came with, is leaving on Tuesday. It is going to be hard to say good bye, because we came the same time, and have been together this month. I have been improving, and learning to savor each day. I can't believe it is almost July, which means one month down, and one more to go. It has gone really fast, but at the same time it seems like I have been here a long time. I have to keep doing new things with the kids to keep the days different, but serving is important whether I feel like doing it or not, which is teaching me perseverance, and finding my strength in Christ. I do really enjoy it here, and God has been showing me new things about himself. 

"My" Kids

Okay, I guess it is time to tell you about the kids that I have been working with. We are not allowed to put names to pictures, but I can tell you about them without them. The first one is named Bethsaina, and she is six months old. She is such a sweetheart and loves to smile and giggle. I need to work with her on sitting, because she gets too excited at times and topples over. The next one is Daphne', who is 2 years and 8 months old. She is such a sweet and independent little girl. I am her first volunteer because she was only been a GLA for a little more than a month. She doesn't seem to respond to her name or some other phrases, but I am working on showing her love and getting her to take steps without my help. She can stand, but lacks the confident to take her own steps. I am bribing her with cookies which she loves, but we need to slowly wean her off of that for walking. The next is Fanes, which is the hour I most look forward to. He is eight months old, and is such a giggly smiley boy. He has been sick the last few days and just changed nurseries..so he is having a hard time adjusting, but I know his smile will return soon. He needs to learn to sit and start crawling, but once again he will get there. The next is Ferlanson, who is also eight months old, and he has started to really giggle and smile. He had bad skin when he came in, but with applying lotion each day it is getting better. The next one is Jean-Widler, who is a year old and three months. He has a weak eye, so each day I need to put a patch on his strong eye to work on strengthening his weak eye. He loves the jumper and is a content baby. Then their is Nadine, who is about 2 and a half. She is amazing, but def. has a little attitude. I never know how she is going to respond to what I have to offer her....it makes my day being with her. Sarah Ruth, is a year old and 3 months, and has a big smile. I feel like it look some time to warm up to me, but now that she has it is wonderful. Whenever i walk into the nursery she chasing me because she does not want me to leave without her. Wally, last but not least, is three months old. He is a cutie who is learning to smile and be a happy baby. I need to continue to work on his eye-contact and help him to lift his head and look at the world around him. 

I have enjoyed these last few days because I feel like the children recognize me, and have bonded with me. It feel so good to get them to laugh and enjoy our time together. I have also enjoyed getting to know the volunteers. They are all so unique and different, and have such amazing backgrounds. It is true that each person is going through their own trial, and that we need to be aware of that. I have enjoyed hearing what they think on certain issues, and being able to debate, and discuss what I believe. Today we were talking about our struggle on materialistic objects, and how we can have comforts, but still be able to serve and give generously. It was good to hear others opinions. It is crazy to see a face, and not know what they are dealing with until you hear their story. Some of the volunteers have lost friends, and had family members go through or went through cancer. It is neat to be able to see how they became stronger, and what the Lord had taught them. You never know why the Lord brings people into your life, but I know it is for a reason. I need to continue to pray for more opportunities and good talks, because not all the volunteers who come through here have a personal relationship with Christ. It is not just the kids we are ministering too...it is also the volunteers and staff. Thanks again for all your prayers....I can feel them. Thanks and blessings to all of you!

It's been a bit

Hey! Sorry, it has been a little while since I wrote. There are over 7 volunteers here now..so the Internet is not as available. I am doing well. I was just thinking today about the slower pace of life that I am living these days, which is nice to be able to rest and reflect. I feel like I am always doing something, but it is not the constant go, go, go that we normally feel pressured to do. It is good to take each moment and savor each day. I need to learn to be able to savor each day more, but I am learning the importance of each of the moments I get. I feel like the weeks fly by, but the days seem longer. It has been really rainy in the evenings, which allowed for us to save water and take showers in the rain, which are fun. The rain we get in PA would never be heavy enough for shampoo to wash out, but here is another story. Today I went with Molly and another volunteer to take a child to the Doctors for a visit before she goes home. The traffic was bad, and we heard that there was going to be some demonstrations for riots...so we turned around, because it would not be safe for white persons to be in the area. It has been amazing to meet adoptive families...because it is such a blessing to hear their journey, and now be able to finally hold their child in their arms at last. It is amazing to see the glow on the parents faces when they interact with their child, because for some of them-all they have every seen of their child is a picture for the past 2-3 years. God is good, because he picks families that can meet a certain need of a child. God works in amazing ways. I will try to write again soon, but I hope all of you are doing well. Sending my love your way :)

The Devil has no authority here

The internet has been down the last couple of days because of rain and storms, but here I am..in good 'ole Haiti. This week has been a journey to say the least, but I can say God is good. I have realized that I need to fully surrender myself to the Lord. The last two weeks have been up and down, and I was discouraged and was thinking of what I could do to come home early. The Lord has really opened my eyes, and today I was full of joy content for one of the first full days. I had a few nightmares this week, and woke up in the middle of the night. I usually don't wake up in the middle of the night nor do I remember my dreams. I was talking to one of the ladies who works here, and she was sharing that she prays for protection over her household each night. Haiti is a dark country with a lot of spiritual opposition, and there are people who practice voodoo and cast spells. All this to say...is there is a spiritual battle around us at all times. Sometimes we are unaware of it, but we are part of the battle. The Lord reminded me to wake up each day claiming the Lord, and getting myself ready with his righteousness. It is a good reminder. Okay..it is time to leave the main house...i will try to write sometime soon. Blessings!!

It's gettting warmer

The last few days have been really warm, and the hurricane season is coming. It rained really hard last night, which helped to cool down the night. Today is going well, but with this warm weather it makes it harder to enjoy each moment, because it makes us more sluggish. We took the children for a nice long walk this morning, which was beautiful, and I was impressed by the little ones because they made it up a big rocky hill. Four more volunteers are coming today, which I am excited for to help make more conversation and fun on the balcony during the day and in the evenings. The volunteers who are here now seem to be quiet during meal times, but that might also be because it is our down time for the day. They are such a blessing, and I have enjoyed getting to know them.

On Sunday we went to the Haitian church with the kids. It was a great experience. We were told to dress nicely, because they take pride in their clothing on Sunday mornings. It is sad though, because if they don't have nice clothing..they can't attend. As we walked down with the children and the nanny....i saw that she had flip flops on as well, so i thought we would be fine with our flip flops. Well before we neared the corner of the church she had us stop, and I was like what is she doing? She pulled out her really nice shoes, and I looked to the other volunteers and was like...well i guess there isn't anything we can do now....and it wasn't like we wouldn't stick out already. They said that they give grace to American...:) It was really warm in the church, because there were about 300 hundred people packed into benches. We didn't have a translator so we guessed what was happening, but thankfully the nanny beside us was helping us turn our Bibles to the right chapter. I caught a few words here and there, but I enjoyed observing others worshiping the Lord, and listening to their beautiful language. The worship director's song was up front with his dad, and he saw us come in and he eyed us up as he inched closer and closer. Eventually when he was pretty close I reached out my hands to him and told him he could sit on my lap. He sat there for about an hour, but most of that time many people were looking at me with smiles, because they probably were thinking of all the people to sit down on..he had to choose a blan (which is white person in Creole'). It made my day! The service was about 3 hours longs...9-12. I enjoyed this opportunity.

Daphne'

This is Daphne'. She is about a year and a half old. GLA thinks she was neglected, and I believe this to be true as well. She is a challenge to get to smile, but she is full of love, and I know that she will break through sometime soon. She seems to be withdrawn from the other kids, but loves my one-on-one attention. She will smile when we dance to music. Today she looked into my eyes, which is something that she has not been doing too often. I talk to her as I rocked her, and I think she is starting to open up, which is very exciting to see.

Pudding Party

Yesterday we worked with the children from 1-5 for our work project. We spent time with the children who don't currently have volunteers. We put them in containers filled with water, which they loved to splash and play in, and we made pudding and gave it to them. They kepts saying that they wanted more. It was sticky and very messy, but worthwhile to see thier smiles and content faces.

This is three of the children we took for a walk. Each day we try to break up the day and take the children out in the community. It is good for them to broaden their surroundings, and see new things. One of the volunteers gave them lollipops, and they loved it. We put shoes, hats, and dresses on them to ensure the neighbors that they are well taken care of. After we get back we put them back into their nursery clothes. The children are so adorable!

Picture Day

Today was picture day at the toddler house so we stayed there for the morning to help out. The kids love this day, because they get to dress up, smile, and get to show their parents how cute and big they are getting. They kids are well behaved for the most part, and put up with a lot. They are taken well care of, and the staff do really fall in love with them.
Last night at Bible study we talked about Josiah's reign in 1 Chronicles 34, and how there was a need for a revival after evil leaders. We talked about being passionate for the Lord, and fervently seeking him. They noted that this word has the word fever in, and what we know about fevers is that it is hot to the touch; which is the same way we should be for the Lord. We have one purpose on this earth, and that is to follow him. God is good, and is teaching me many different things about living out his plan, and not my own. It is neat to see the Lord placing new passions on my heart, and building on ones that were already planted. Thanks again for your prayers...I am doing well, but got to run back up to spend time with the babies. I will try to post some photos soon. Much love

Before the dinner bell rings....

The dinner bell is going to ring soon, but i wanted to send my greetings today. Today started out as a cool morning, but near the afternoon got very warm. Haiti is nearing the end of the raining season, but has not reached it yet. Most days it rains in the afternoon, but on the bright side it cools the day down. We have had a lot of laughs recently because the kids have been doing a good job at eating lets say, because we have changed many diapers after getting pooped on :) It was precious because this morning when we walked in through the gate and looked up on the balcony which has doors, and you see all the little ones lined up....just look and waving. One of my babies was up there and I said her name...and she gave me a beautiful smile. I feel like the kids have been warming up to us, and it is so neat to see. The more comfortable they become, the more we will be able to work with them. I am really enjoying them, because what is there not to love about them. Today the other volunteers and I were talking about these kids futures, and guessing what they may become because of their actions and features...so cute. I love walking in the room to pick them up, but I dread putting them back in the nursery after an hour, because they cry and don't like it. My goal is to meet with the Lord each morning on the porch, because I need to start each day with God's strength. If I don't..I will loose sight of my focus and purpose here. The balcony, where we play with the kids, overlooks several mountains which are absolutely breath-taking, and the phrase..."I look up to the mountain's and where does my help come from; my help comes from the maker of the heaven and earth." A good reminder. I was daydreaming today of what heaven will be like when all nations and tribes come together, and what a glorious place that will be. These kids are stealing my heart, but I hope to one day bring one of these babies home with me. We have been joking and scheming of all the possible ways to put one in our backpacks-unfortunately the bigger ones might not fit...but we are still looking for a way....much love, and thanks so much for all your prayers-because I can feel them. I am doing well, and feeling good. It is an answer to prayer.
P.S. Sorry that this tends to be scattered thoughts. I will continue to write as much as possible, but it all depends on weather, access, and time if I can write. Thanks again!

God is Alive

Today we went to a house church. Evonne and Joel lead our service, as well as doing Bible studies on Wednesday nights. They have been missionaries for about 11 years in Haiti, and they are on fire for the Lord. They encouraged us to follow God's plan, and not our own, because his way is the best. We need to commit everything we do to him, because the more we draw close to him the more of his we become. It is challenges, because it is easy to want to count the days until I come home, but today was good to hear. I do feel like I am adjusting well, and I am really enjoying the Haitians i am meeting, the kids, and the staff. They are a blessing, and their ministry here is amazing. The other volunteers have been great too, because we are able to debrief about our days together, and spend time in the evenings together. Each evening we have free time. We get up around 6:30 or 7 am and walk 20 mins. to the main house, which is about 20 mins away, and we get there about 8 am. We work with kids until 5; have dinner, and drive back to the house at about 6pm. It is completely dark at 7, and we are required to stay in the house because the streets get dangerous at night. We spend time together as volunteers and go to bed between 9-10, which is very early for me, but I have been tired. This country is beautiful, and greater things are still to be done in this city (I love this song).
Yesterday we went to a pool and had the day to swim. After that we went to the market, and I got a beautiful painting. Every other Saturday is "vacation" day while the other one is work day. They do a good job at educating us on the cultural, and any other questions we have. I am so excited to work with my kids again this week, because they are precious. No matter how much love I give them, they give it back to me. One of the babies is 2 weeks old and has a very swollen head, which is full of fluid. We have been really praying for her, because Haiti doesn't have the medical care for her. Someone is coming to take her to the US on Wednesday, so please keep her in your prayers. There is another baby who came to the orphanage and was all but dead, and they resuscitated him, and he is doing very well. His mother comes everyday to breastfeed him, and he is gaining weight, and can soon join his family again. His twin died, and his family feels very blessed to have GLA nourish him back to health. The Lord is good, and He is teaching me a lot about selfless love, and relating to others despite how different or hard it is. Thanks again for all your prayers....I am starting to really love it here. The Lord is teaching me to fully rely on him, above all else. I also desire to fully learn the character of God, and grow deeper, because it is so easy to say you"know Him", without truly knowing our creator. That is my desire, and I am excited to meet with Him each day. Blessings

My Angels

Once again I don't have much time to write today. I have eight babies, and I take care of them an hour each day. One of my babies, Daphne' is very withdrawal and sad. It is hard to see this, because babies usually smile in an instance...not this one. I will be working with her to make eye-contact, and to make her feel loved. They think she has been neglected. Today I was playing with her, and she started to laugh, which melted my heart. She will be a challenge to break through to her, so keep her in your prayers. All the children could use prayers. This morning we had breakfast with Lois, who is the host for adoptive parents to come visit their children. We had a time of prayer today for the children, staff, and volunteers. She said that they are short volunteers because people have been declining the opportunity to come. She said the devil has been at work. This is an answer of prayer, because I had the same situation with which i was thinking about not coming. Praise the Lord for giving me the grace and peace to still come. These children need and strive for attention. I can feel myself falling in love with them already! I will hopefully write soon again! much love

I am Here

I don't have too much time to write today..but I did get here safe. It has been kinda hard adjusting, but I do feel called to be here. Yesterday I was trying to think of all the possible ways to change my flight to come home early...but today has been so much better. It is a very different culture, and there are so many kids that need love, which is so heart breaking to see. I have eight babies, and each child only gets a measly hour each day. I wish I had time to give them more love. You walk into the nursery..and you have 10 children swarming you with their arms in the air, because they want you to be picked up. Yesterday was very overwhelming to meet everyone, be in a new place, and not know anyone. I was so blessed to be able to meet Danielle in Florida which helped a lot, and everyone on staff is so sweet. The babies are crying..and my lunch break is up..so i must get back to them. I am doing well, but it will take time to adjust. Today we went on a walk around the orphanage, and it is very mountainous, and beautiful. The people are friendly, but I wish there wasn't such a language barrier-i want to talk more deeply with the people, but now I am limited to small talk. Take care and I will try to update soon again. Blessings and thanks for the prayers...i can feel them :)

Leaving.....

Tomorrow is the day that I will be flying out, and the next time I post it will be from Haiti. I am feeling anxious, because I feel like I have been talking about it so long and now it is here. I am so excited to walk into the orphanage Wednesday morning and see the children's faces. The faces that I have fallen in love with, even before I have met them. I am so excited for the children to smile back at me, and recognize me. I have three flights...the first one leaves tomorrow at 4 pm, and the third flight I will arrive in Haiti around 9:30 am Wednesday morning after a nine hour layover. God is so good, because he provided someone for me to meet up with in Florida for my layover, who is going to GLA the same day with me. It will be a blessing to go through customs with her. I couldn't have planned that better myself. This past weekend was very special because Sam and my family had a time of prayer together as we committed each one to the Lord this summer. I know that I will be supported in prayer, which is such a privilege and blessing to be part of the body of Christ. The children at this orphanage don't have a family to love them yet, but I pray that I can be the best temporary arms for these children until they receive a family to cherish them forever. It is hard to leave, but I know this is where my heart is this summer, and once I get there i know it will be amazing. I want to cherish each moment...because it will go fast. Thanks again for all your prayers :)