Day 5 March, 2014

We woke up at 6:00 this morning to prepare to leave for the U.S. Embassy and waited at the gate for our ride.  It was still dark and the only light we had was the small amount coming from the guard shack.  The guards were changing shift and in the silence I heard the clanking of their shotgun as they loaded their guns.  Our ride arrived 10 minutes late which in Haiti is on time.  We began the journey for the Embassy and Wilna prepared me for potential questions that would take place during my interview.

We arrived and began the walk to wait in a long line of individuals who had appointments for adoptions or visas.  After a long wait we were in the front of the line and I had to show proof of appointment to get in the gate.  The next line we went through was a large cubby where you left your cell phone to pick up on the way out.  I did not chance this with either of my phones and relied on Wilna phone to make a call if needed.  We were escorted to a large door that was at least 6 inches thick and seemed like could take a blast from a missile.  The next step was to check our bags for explosives and stand in another line to go through a metal detector and have our bags searched.  The security was for a good cause and it was hard to believe we were on U.S. soil and outside the gate was a third world country.  

The waiting room was large enough to hold 125 people and every seat was full.  After waiting for an hour I was called up for the initial meeting to gather information.  I was nervous and could not sit still as I sat down and began the long wait for my interview.   There was no privacy in the waiting room today as the interviews took place on a speaker for all to hear.  They were also taking DNA swabs to test people that wanted to come to America to ensure they are who they say they are.  

Two hours went by and I was finally called up for my interview.  I thought that this would take place in an office and after being sworn in was asked personal questions through a thick glass window.  After a few minutes of questioning I was handed a list of additional items that needed to be turned in before June 10th.     

We left the Embassy and took time for lunch to discuss the rest of our day.  I asked if there is anything else we could accomplish while in the city and after a few phone calls we were on our way to pick up Wisbens mom and dad.  The purpose was to make an attempt to appear before the Justice of Peace so his parents could answer questions in regards to relinquishment of their rights and I would be asked questions about assuming responsibility.   Six of us piled into a car to begin our journey for the day.  I sat in the middle of the driver and passenger seat and did not need a seatbelt because we were crammed in tight.   We did not make the appointment time of 2:00 because of traffic and decided to go visit our attorney to discuss what his next steps are.  He discussed what his role will be and gave me a timeline that it would take.   We discussed further and began the journey back to New Life and schedule a time for court in the morning.  We have an appointment at 9:00 in the morning and Wisbens mom and dad are supposed to be there too appear.  Wilna told me that his dad encouraged his mom to be there in the morning to follow through with their part of the relinquishment and ultimately the adoption.    

We dropped Wisbens dad off in Cite Soleil and his mom asked me if it would be ok that she visit with Wisbens.  As we made the journey back I began to tear up knowing that this would be one of the last times she would see her son before he left Haiti to come home to America.  I can't imagine as a parent ever sacrificing what she and William have but they are doing out of love for their son.  We walked through the gate and I found Wisbens to let him know his mom was here.  I walked him down to see her and after taking a few pictures left to give them time together.  It was a time to gather myself emotionally as I thought about the sacrifice she is making so he can have a better life.  As I walked away I saw her hand him 50 Goudes (1.25 in American dollars).  I lost all control of my emotions at this time because his mom had nothing to give but her money for a tap tap home.   She gave her last dollar to her son as a gift and was willing to walk home as a sacrifice.  Not only did she give Wisbens a gift today but she gave Jen and I a gift as well!!!

After changing clothes I went down to spend the last evening with Wisbens.  I took him a family picture with him included and a letter from Jen and Maddox.  He laughed out loud after seeing Maddox's picture because it was of a snowman.  Wisbens has never seen snow and he was probably trying to figure out what Maddox had drawn.  We finished the evening watching Tom and Jerry and I smiled the entire time not because the cartoon was funny but because the joy the kids had in watching the cartoons.  

The cartoons were finished and I hugged Wisbens kissed him on his head and told him I would see him in the morning.  He know that I will be gone before he gets home from school and before I could leave tonight asked when I was coming back.  I smiled and told him that I would see him before school in the morning and that I would be back soon!  It has been a great trip and although I will miss Wisbens and the other kids I am looking forward to my next trip.  Thanks for your prayers and for following our journey.  

Day 3-4 March, 2014

I woke up this morning and looked at my clock and phone and noticed the time changed on my phone.  I began to scramble to get ready for the day and realized that Haiti observes daylight savings time as well.  I was excited about going to Sunday school and worship with Wisbens today and look forward to the day he comes home and we can all worship as a family. 

There was a translator to assist today and the message was great!  When service was over Miriam the director of New Life spoke to the kids about mission and our mission in Haiti.  This afternoon we will travel to a Tent City in Cite Soleil to feed people who are hungry and need clothes.  The mission will be to go to each tent and ask the kids to come to a central location and watch the story of Jesus in Kreyole.  We will take food, water, clothes, and popcorn for the kids to enjoy during the movie.  

After church I spoke with Wisbens about going with me on the trip and he adamantly said no.  I talked with him about his reasoning and I could tell that he was scared.  Wisbens is from Cite Soleil and because it is the most dangerous city in the Western Hemisphere had apprehensions about going. There were other reasons behind his feelings and I talked with him and reassured him that he would come back with me.  I spoke with a few other kids and they talked about the dangers of Cite Soleil and did not want to go.  I struggled with making him go because I wanted him to see what service and missions was about.  After more thought and conversation with Jen I decided to let him make the decision because I did not want to force any unnecessary trauma on him.  

I spent time this afternoon preparing for my trip mentally and physically.  We had an early dinner and loaded the bus for Cite Soleil.  As we made our way through the city I began to prepare myself for what I might see, smell and feel.  We drove through the streets of Cite Soleil and the smell of smoke, trash and sewage was strong.  The bus came to a halt and we turned through a gate that opened up to a large field with a run down warehouse.  There were tents as far as I could see on one side and the other side was piles of trash.  We were met by leaders of the community who walked us throughout the city to meet the people who live there and invite them to watch a movie at the school.  I asked how leaders were elected in a tent city and was told they are either voted in or it is a dictatorship and there is no choice. 

I was met immediately by a girl who grabbed my hand and walked with me as we visited.  She was constantly rubbing the hair on my arm and head because she was not used to the feel.  She did not speak any English and we were able to communicate with our hands.  We walked for about 15 minutes and she got my attention and pointed to her belly and rubbed it because she was hungry and pointed to her mouth because she was thirsty.  I did my best not to get emotional and began to pray for her.  I picked her up and held her for the rest of the walk and she played with my hair the entire time.   I did not personally take any food because it could have been dangerous to bring out of my bag for fear of being overwhelmed by kids.  I also did not want to run out and have 50 hands held out and not be able to fill them.  New Life did take snacks for the kids to eat during the movie and clothes for the kids who did not have any.

We met in a school house to watch the Jesus movie in Kreyole and were able to squeeze around 150 kids and adults in a small room.  Walking through the city was eye opening for me and the life that I live daily.  Most everyone that lives there goes to bed hungry every day and uses what trash they can to make items to sell and support their family.  

When I returned back to New Life the reality of my life in America set in and again felt blessed for what I have been given.  The amazing part about this is that some of the Haitians feel blessed to be where they are as well.  It can always be worse!

After taking time to gather my thoughts and emotions on the afternoon I was able to go to sleep.

Day 4

I woke up early this morning to see Wisbens before he went to school and to encourage him to have a good day and learn.  I talked with him about respect for his teachers and school staff and let him know that I will be checking in on him.  He smiled hugged me and began the walk to school.

I spoke with Wilna to confirm our trip into the city tomorrow.   She will pick us up at 6:30 in the morning and we will make the journey to the U.S. Embassy for my interview.  My appointment is at 7:30 and that means I will be in line with 100s of other people who have an appointment at that time as well.  I have been told to expect to wait at least 3-4 hours and encouraged not to bring water and food.  When we leave the appointment we will drive to Petionville to meet with our attorney and see what the next steps are on the Haitian side of our adoption.  Our last scheduled stop will be to go to court and meet with the Justice of the Peace so I can appear as one of Wisbens adoptive parents.  It should be a busy day and I hope to get a lot accomplished.

I finished preparing my documentation for tomorrow and Wisbens dad came to visit.  We talked through a translator and caught up on what is going on with his life.  He stated that he is sick and showed me his hands and feet.  I am not sure what is going on and recommended that he see a doctor.  He informed me that he is unable to buy medicine or see a doctor because he does not have any money.  I gained more history on William and Wisbens mom and was able to get more insight on Wisbens life before coming to New Life.  I prayed with him before he left and hugged him and told him that I loved him and will talk to him soon.

I had lunch and waited for Wisbens to come home from school.  When he arrived home I met him by the mango tree and gave him a new toothbrush and toothpaste.  I then gave him a pair of shorts and matching shirt as well as a new shirt for church.  He has been asking for a watch and we bought him one this trip and he absolutely loved it.  He asked for chocolate and we brought chocolate bars and peanut butter cups.  I spread them out over the last few days and took him the last few tonight.  He immediately took them and broke them into pieces and shared them with the other kids.  I am proud of his ability to share and ensure the other kids receive what he does.

We will leave in the morning at for a busy day and ask that you pray for our safety and that our meetings will go smoothly with no issues.

Day 1-2 March 2014

My day started at 3:15 this morning and I was able to stay with a friend and his wife who lives 15 minutes from the airport.  I checked baggage for the first time in a while and needed to arrive early to plan for long lines.  It was not long before we made it through security and was at our gate to leave.  I have been excited for days for this trip and the excitement increased knowing that I would get to see Wisbens this afternoon.  The weather was 27 degrees when I left for the airport this morning and after arriving at the airport received several looks and one comment about wearing shorts, t-shirt and sandals.  I would soon be heading to 90 degree weather and could handle the cold for a brief amount of time. 

Justin Crowe, one of my pastors and friend, joined me on this trip to spend time with the kids and travel with me into the city for appointments.  Justin has not been to the orphanage in two years and he will be able to see the growth in the kids and how well they have done since his last trip.  He will also be surprised at the progress that has been made in regards to the tent cities since his last trip.    We had a four hour layover in Miami and took the time to catch up, rest and eat before flying out. 

We connected with a team of 8 people in Miami that would be traveling to New Life for a short stay and leaving to educate and assist a village with water purification.  They had many bags and because we were riding with them went through an additional search for the purpose of "additional" taxes.  Haitian customs opened one of their boxes and found a water pump that was a necessary piece for assisting the community they were going to help.  Customs seized the pump and began talking about what it was worth as well as paying a 21 percent tax on getting it released.  After an hour wait and negotiating a police officer came in and locked the door and would not allow us to leave until the tax was paid.  The airport was closed and it had started getting dark in the city.  After being released we walked briskly to our tap tap loaded up and locked ourself in for the ride to New Life.  

We arrived at New Life at dark and I put my bags down and ate before visiting with Wisbens.  After a quick meal we walked down to where the kids stay and as soon as I walked through the gate Wisbens ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug.  It was great to see him and I believe that he grows more each time I am leave and return.   Friday night is movie night and after worship was able to spend more time with him before he had to go to bed.  After the move I kissed him on the head told him I loved him and would see him in the morning.  

Day 2

There was a cool breeze last night and we left our windows and doors open to take advantage.  We had pancakes, fresh mango and watermelon for breakfast and after eating went down to find Wisbens.    Maddox sent the board game Trouble for the kids to play and we spent the morning teaching and learning the new rules that were created while playing.   I did not play but sat back and watched the joy of the kids as they took turns and played together without any problems.  

I showed Wisbens pictures of Maddox and I sledding this week and asked if he wanted to sled when he came to Kentucky.  His immediate response was no and I understand because he has never seen or experienced the cold or snow before.  Little does he know that he will not be able to opt out when he gets home.  I continued scrolling through the pictures of Maddox and I fishing and deer hunting and he had no problem saying that he wanted to do both of those activities.  It was great to hear his excitement and I feel that he is already calling Kentucky home.  

After lunch I met with Pastor Seide to get answers to questions regarding Wisbens adoption.  He gave me the necessary information I needed and will work on completing documents for our  meeting with USCIS on Tuesday.  As I was walking down to visit with Wisbens I noticed men on makeshift ladders putting razor wire around New Life as another security measure.  New Life is a sanctuary in the middle of Port Au Prince and has many items that is needed to survive outside of the orphanage.  

I spent the rest of the afternoon talking with Wisbens about coming home to Kentucky and answered questions he would have when he come home.  He loves to eat chicken and goat as well as going to the beach and swimming.  I think he will fit in perfect minus the goat.  We talked about his future today and when he grows up wants to be a pilot.  This has not changed from four years ago when I first met him.

While we were talking a group of people drove up in a truck and after setting up shop in the back of their truck began rounding the dogs up at New Lie.  They were giving needed shots to the dogs and performing surgery on the tailgate of the truck.  I have had many first in Haiti and today was another.  We finished the night off with music and devotion and the although the message was in Kreole I felt the presence of God during the service.  I am excited about going to sunday school and church in the morning and getting another full day with Wisbens before he goes to school on Monday.  It has been a great day in Haiti and with Wisbens.  He is already trying to get me to come back next month!

Day 3 11/19/13

I awoke this morning after a good nights sleep excited and nervous about my trip into the city.  After breakfast I returned to my room to get ready for the busy day ahead.  My ride arrived at 9:30 and we began the journey to Petionville to meet with our attorney.  I showed him the documentation that was requested and after viewing if for a few minutes he looked at me and smiled stating that everything we needed was there and complete.  I get anxious when meeting with anyone down here because requirements seem to change each trip.

He took copies for his record and we left for IBESR to turn in the documentation to complete our file.  We were led down a series of hallways before going into an office the size of a closet to meet with a supervisor.  He asked for our dossier number and after producing it for him asked for a copy of the receipt where we paid to begin the process.  I did not have a copy and called our attorney to see if he had one in our file.  He did and we traveled back to his office to pick him up and produce the appropriate forms to IBESR.  We arrived 20 minutes later and the agency official reviewed the receipt and approved.

After further discussion in Kreoyle I could tell that there was something else needed that we were unaware of.   I was told that the supervisor needed an original copy of our presidential dispensation from Le Moniteur.  We had a digital copy and he informed us that it would not work.  We again jumped into the car battled the traffic and went across town to Le Moniteur office to get a copy of the original.  We waited for 30 minutes and again traveled back to IBESR to drop off the final document requested this time.

While at IBESR I noticed that they had their decorations up for Christmas with a tree and presents.  As we travelled through different cities I saw at many marketplaces that they had tree branches painted white and placed in coffee cans.  After further conversation I learned that they are Christmas trees.  Today was a great learning experience in regards to how other countries celebrate holidays and I am glad I was able to witness it.  After 5 hours of travel we stopped at a restaurant in Petionville to eat lunch.  I could not read the menu and asked for a bacon cheesburger with buffalo wings.  After eating we traveled to the American Embassy to try and get an appointment for a interview while I am in town.  There was a lot of traffic jams and disabled cars in the road that blocked traffic and by the time we arrived at the U.S. Embassy it was closed.

Driving through the city today it seemed as though everyone was on edge and I had some concern because of the riots yesterday.  The smell of smoke from burning tires and garbage was still in the air and the piles of burnt tires and steel strips littered the road.  The traffic was awful as usual and at one time we were three cars wide on a two lane road with motorcycles traveling in between.  I counted two small children and two adults on a motorcycle at one time today.  I witnessed two cars collide today as well as a car driving up a tight alley collide with a car that was parked and continued driving without even stopping.  I could not drive in this town and hiring a driver is worth every dollar it costs.  There were crowds of people huddled around business and street corners today often times spilling over into the street.  I learned that they were watching a soccer game.  Soccer is a huge part of the Haitian culture and it is not uncommon to see people take turns sitting on each others shoulders to catch a glimpse of the game.

We finally arrived back at New Life after 8 hours in the city and after the roller coaster ride in the vehicle and at the offices I was ready to slow down.  I dropped my bag off in the room and rushed down to see Wisbens.  I gave him a hug checked on his school day and sat with him as he played cards.  After dinner I talked with him about leaving in the morning and he asked when he would get to go home to Kentucky.  I told him that I was not sure but working hard every day and praying that he would be home soon.  His birthday is December 23rd and I asked him what he wanted and it was for us to come back to visit and take him home for Christmas!  He has no idea how many people he has at home praying for him and love him already.  I cannot wait for the day he actually gets to meet his immediate family but those who have been with us on this long journey to bring him home.

I fly out at 10:30 in the morning and will try and go see him before he leaves for school in the morning. Thanks again for following our journey to bring Wisbens home!

Day 2 11-18-13

I woke up excited this morning because Wisbens is out of school and I am was able to spend the day with him.  After breakfast I went to visit and they were having a meeting with the older boys.  They sat attentive and asked questions when requested.   When the meeting was finished I was able to spend time with Wisbens and work on some school work with him.  The kids love to gain knowledge and take every opportunity they get to learn.  Wisbens did an excellent job picking up on the assignments and reading and writing them all in English.  We have always wondered about his ability to read in English and he did an excellent job today.

After lunch I made attempts to confirm my meetings tomorrow and follow up on the current riots that are taking place in throughout Port Au Prince.  Some are rioting against Michael Martelly the current president and unhappy with his progress.  People have been protesting because they feel like no progress has been made and there is too much corruption.  I make a point to ask a Haitian each trip how President Martelly is doing specifically since the earthquake and most are happy with the progress.  Haiti has struggled for many years in all aspects of government and it is going to take some time to see positive things happen.  I have made numerous attempts to contact my transportation into the city tomorrow and have not heard back.  We will make a decision in the morning about leaving New Life.  We have important documents that need to be delivered to continue and it has to be taken care of this trip. 

After the kids had an afternoon snack I was able to sit with Wisbens and some of the other kids and work on basic math and reading.  Wisbens English continues to improve and I was impressed with how much he has learned since our first meeting.  I continue to be thankful for New Life for giving him the means to learn and go to school.

I ate dinner outside tonight and had a front row seat to the New Life kids playing soccer against another team.  I felt as though I was watching a professional match as these kids take soccer serious and when they have free time practicing on their skills.

The weather has been warm compared to home and I am excited to get to my room and have a cold shower every night.  Please pray for progress and safety if we choose to travel in the city tomorrow.

Day 1 11/17/13

My day started at 3:00 a.m. for a 6:15 a.m. flight to Miami.  I arrived in Miami and had a three hour layover before leaving for Port Au Prince in the afternoon.  I had plenty of time to eat lunch and rest before making my way to Haiti.  I could have taken an earlier flight but appreciate the layover especially if there are any delays.   After landing in Port Au Prince the anxiety began to build because I knew that I would soon be off the plane, through customs and looking for my transportation to New Life Children's Home.  I navigated through the organized chaos of the airport through baggage claim and realized that my flight had arrived early.  I had to make a decision to wait inside longer or take a chance on my transportation being there and dealing with the crowds.  I took a chance on my ride and made my way outside where I was immediately approached by individuals wanting to get me a taxi, carry my backpack for me and escort me to other areas of the parking lot to wait for transportation.  I did not need any of their services and know that the pushiness they have could mean the difference between having food or not.  This is one of the most stressful parts of the trip because of how fast it all takes place.  I went through my usual routine of wearing sunglasses and repeatedly saying no over and over and calling New Life to follow up.  I purchased a Haitian phone in July and so far it has been a lot of help especially for potentially difficult times.  After what seemed an eternity of waiting my ride arrived and I was on my way to see Wisbens.

The traffic was slow today and I have realized after a few trips that Sunday is the best time to travel to Haiti.  After getting to New Life I put my bags down and began looking for Wisbens.  I found him at the chicken coop feeding the chickens and moving them to clean cages.  I hugged him and we spent time catching up on how things have been since I left last month.  We talked about the recent and upcoming holidays that we celebrate at home and I showed him pictures of Maddox at Halloween.  I explained to him the concept of trick or treating and he seemed surprised that kids wear costumes and knock on doors for free candy.  

I can always count on him asking me within the first 15 minutes of arriving when I am leaving and when will I be back.  I explained to him my purpose of the visit was to not only spend time with him but to continue the work of getting him home soon.  He did ask if I could bring him home to Kentucky this trip and I would love nothing more than to pack him up and bring him home.  

Tomorrow is Vertieres Day/Armed Forces Day and the kids are out of school for the holiday.   I talked with some other families who are currently at New Life in the adoption process about taking Wisbens to the beach tomorrow.  Although the kids are home tomorrow it is potentially unsafe to travel outside of the orphanage.  There are planned protests towards the government tomorrow and some have already begun in Cite Soleil.   I have asked about what the protest are about and it seems as though some Haitians are unhappy with the current president and plan to try and get his attention.  

I have all day tomorrow to spend with Wisbens and I look forward to a great day.  

Day 3 October 2013

We woke up this morning excited and apprehensive about what our day was going to look like.  Although we had plans they never seem to happen the way it is scheduled.  We ate breakfast and waited for our ride to begin our journey in the city.  I spoke with our driver a few times and the time was pushed back and after four hours and lunch our transportation arrived. 

We met our driver at the gate and began the journey to Petionville to meet with our attorney.  The trip there was an experience for Maddox to see a glimpse of how every day life is for some Haitians.  It was hot today and with the humidty was close to 98 degrees.  Our vehicle did not have air conditioning and we could not roll the windows all the way down for safety reasons.  Maddox did an excellent job and did not complain one time about the drive or the heat.  The traffic is an experience in Haiti and you have to respond quickly to close calls. Jen and Maddox tend to get car sick, but they took some precautionary medication before we left the orphanage and they did great!

We arrived at our attorney's office four hours late and in Haiti that can be on time.  We had a great conversation and did not leave with any bad news today.  Jen and Maddox were able to meet both of our attorney's working on our file and finally put a name with a face.  After leaving their office we headed to IBESR (Social Services) to check on our file and see if there had been any progress.  We met with a few people and left with a positive experience. Still no date though of when he will be moving to Bowling Green--that's the million dollar question!

We began the long ride home in the sweat box and I asked the driver to take us through Cite Soleil to show Maddox and Jen where Wisbens is from.  Cite Soleil is currently the poorest city in the Western Hemisphere and we prepared Maddox for what he may see as we drove through the city. The sights, sounds and smells will be something that we as a family will always remember about traveling through Wisbens hometown.  Just last week there was a riot on the very street we were driving.

We made it back to New Life and Wisbens dad was waiting and we spent a few minutes making attempts to communicate with him.  We did not have a translator today and did the best we could to talk about how he has been doing and Wisbens.  He was glad to see us and especially to meet Jen and Maddox. We had an excellent dinner and went down to visit Wisbens and the other kids before packing for a long day tomorrow.  Jen brought fake moustaches and the kids loved them!  The only way they could see themselves was with a picture and we laughed as the kids traded moustaches.  Maddox had a great time playing with the kids and they were all accepting of him and welcomed him.  It was a memorable experience for all of us and we pray that this will be a moment that will stay with him for a lifetime. Experiencing Haiti changes the filter which you use to view the world. We were able to share with Wisbens a book that our church made for him and he loved it and looked at it numerous times before sharing with others.  While looking at the book and asking who the people were in the photos, he asked, "when are you taking me to Kentucky?"  This was the moment we have been waiting for on this trip. He wants to be with us. It reminded us of our love for Jesus and His merciful and gracious love for us.

We have a long night ahead preparing for tomorrow and will get up in the morning and try to see Wisbens off before he goes to school.  We look forward to coming back to New Life soon and continuing this journey.  Wisbens wants us back in November. We better start saving some money!