Day 6

I woke met Dr. Sonny Bare and headed to the airport for the wait to get into the airport, customs, and then another security screening before heading home. There were several long delays and finally made it home Friday night around 10:00 p.m. I appreciate everyones support and look forward to returing before the end of the year.

Day 5 Thursday

I began the morning with breakfast and met with Pastor Sueide to discuss a potential passport for Wisbens. He introduced me to Mario someone that the orphange is closely connected with about obtaining a passport and getting the right documentation to assist in making it happen as soon as possible. The average wait time in Haiti for a passport is six months and that is if everything is correct and there are no hold up in the system. After the meeting I went to the area where the children live and pushed them in the swing and sat on a stack of tires and watched the kids play spiderman on my phone. It was amazing to sat back and watch the kids play a game that some have never had the opportunity to play. I stared at them for at least thirty minutes in awe of how they shared as well as the how good we have it in the states.

The team from church headed to a tent city to give bags of beans and rice that they prepared and i decided to stay behind and play with the kids and spend more time with Wisbens. I brought out crayons and coloring books and the kids saw me coming and came running. I also brought a pocke full of hot wheels for the boys and they immediately cheered and began to play. Wisbens wanted to color Sponge Bob and instructed me on the colors that he wanted me to use. I had no agenda for the day and I was prepared to spend as much time possible with Wisbens.

After dinner I headed down for the final service and Wisbens saw me coming and immediately ran to me and jumped for me to catch him. He sat on my lap throughout the service and wanted my flashlight to play with. After service i hugged all of the kids and told them that I would not be there tomorrow and I would be going home. They hugged me and at times would not let go knowing that this may be the last time in a while that there would be someone there to hang out and play with them. The last person I talked with was Wisbens. After kneeling down and explaining to him the best I could that I would be leaving tomorrow he put his head down and I grabbed him up and hugged him. As I walked him over to his room and told him goodbye he waved and put his head down as I walked away. It was the hardest thing for me to do on this trip and I look forward to the next time I get to see him. I went back to the room began packing my bags and prepare my passport and plane tickets for the next morning. I look forward to getting home to see my family as well as contacting the attorney to begin the long process of bringing Wisbens home.

Will update tomorrow.

The internet was down yesterday in Haiti and I was unable to post and I got home late tonight and going to bed. I will update everything this weekend and look forward to sharing.

Day 4 continued

When i posted this picture did not realize that i did it twice. Could not figure out how to remove.

Day 4

I woke up this morning had breakfast and met with the group from my church. There was time before i left to meet with an attorney to sing and pray for my meeting and the potential outcomes. My meeting as scheduled for 11:00 and I would be meeting with Allan Lemithe who works with New Life Childrens home and assist with adoptions. Because I was unprepared to meet with anyone on this trip I had to borrow a button up shirt to look somewhat presentable. I am thankful that a shirt was available as Barry informed me that the Haitian people look down on Americans who come to Haiti and attend meetings wearing clothes that they would not wear in the states.

On the ride over to the attorneys office we drove through numerous small towns. To be able to drive in this country takes an expert and I felt myself continously grabbing the seat and bracing for an accident. We made the trip in a land cruiser and in Haiti the bigger the vehicle you have the easier it is for you to get around as well as intimidate other vehicles. (it is definately defensive driving) I did not see a lot of earthquake damage because this part of the country was not affected. The poverty is unexplainable and street vendors were selling anything and everything they could find to make money. There was piles of trash for miles and miles and kids as young as ten years old pushing wheel barrels full of coke bottles to make money for their families.

We met for over an hour with the attorney and he did everything possible to talk me out pursuing adoption. He asked many tough questions and wanted to make sure that what we are doing is for the right reasons. The biggest barrier for us now is that we have Maddox and to adopt in Haiti we cannot have any biological children. We met all other criteria and he believes that we have a better chance at getting around the stipulation because Wisbens is disabled and the Haitian government will be more willing to let him go. At the end of the meeting he decided that he would take our case and we went over the next steps that I will begin as soon as I am home. The other disheartning information he gave me today was that the process can take anywhere from 18-24 months. We will keep our faith and know that Wisbens will be home whe it is time. There is too much to write and will fill everyone in when i get home.

After arriving back at the orphanage Barry stopped as we entered the gate and we had to wash our hands and the tires of the truck was sprayed with bleach water to kill cholera and any other viruses. After lunch we set out for another orphanage in Port Au Prince to provide them ice cream and i was able to see parts of the city that i did not make it to last time. I was humbled once again when we stopped to get ice and was met at the gas station by a security guard roaming the parking lot with a shotgun. After picking the ice we continued the trip and crossed a bridge with a river that had pigs, trash of every kind and adults and children bathing. I was overwhelmed at first and realized that this is the only source of water for many people and they did what was needed to survive. Even if that meant taking a bath in water that had urine, feces and numerous types of trash. When we arrived at the orphanage and the gates opened I had to fight back the tears because of the conditions that these children were living in. There was broken down swing sets, no running water (Water supply was two 55 gallon drums), an empty kitchen, and clothes that were often two sizes to small. We were informed by the administrator hat the kids dressed up for us because they knew we were coming. They all got together and sang a song and we had ice cream and gave them toy cars and coloring books. On the way back there was silence in the vehicle as everyone was taking in what they had just expereinced. I was given the opportunity to tour their school and will post pictures for comparison.

Wisbens arrived from Albert Schweitzer hospital around 6:00 and I made my way down to hang out with him before evening devotion. I postponed my trip a day and will return on Friday so that i will have more time to spend with him tomorrow. In conclusion tonights devotion was another great expereience and it was amazing to hear over 100 kids singing and praising at that same time. When service concluded we addressed the kids again and presented them with the bags that the sixth grade class at Fraklin-Simpson Middle School prepared for them. I again was emotional at their response to recieveing toothpaste, toothbrush and the necessary items used daily to be clean. I watched as we handed out the bags every kid light up like it was Christmas morning and again yell thank you. When service concluded each kid made their way towards us to shake our hands, give a hug or want us to pick them and and hold them. Everything that the students included was exactly what they needed and will assist them for a couple of months. The last thing i remember about tonight was a young lady who came up to me and offer a jolly rancher from her bag. Thank you again Franklin Simpson Middle School for bringing love and compassion thousands of miles away in a country that continues to struggles. It was great to personally read the kids your cards and know as I was reading them that I know each and every one of you. I look forward to getting back to school on Tuesday and talking with you more about my experience.

Day 3 continued

Day 3

It is nearing the end of day three and it will soon be time for me to go back home and my experience so far has exceeded my expectations. I showered this morning and took a bath in bug spray to prepare for a day of working on the compound and playing with the kids after lunch. I met with Sarah and Barry after breakfast to discuss the plans for the day and begin to plan for my trip into town tomorrow to meet with an immigration attorney.

The group from my church brought money to buy 10 fifty pound bags of rice and 4 fifty pound bags of beans to make indivudal bags for the visit to the tent city on Thursday. It was shocking to see what 250 dollars will buy in Haiti as compared to the states. For another 250 dollars you can provide rent for a family for one full year!!! We will begin to bag the rice and beans tomorrow to deliver and I will post pictures of the process. The left over bags will not go to waste as the kids will look forward to getting them so they can take them apart piece by piece and make string for their homemade kites.

After unloading the boxes I went down to the childrens side of the compound and held the special needs kids and babies. I immediatly began looking for Marilee and eventually found her in a crib. As I approached the crib I saw the biggest smile on her face not because of who I was but because there was someone there to hold her. After picking her up and holding her I began to get emotional because she is still struggling to breathe and it affects every area of her life. My positive emotions turned negative after thinking about all the services she would have available to her if she were in the states. Becasue of her condition she will never be able to thrive and the outlook on her future is negative unless something changes and a doctor in the states does the surgery for free.

After spending time with Marilee and the rest of the kids i proceeded to the back of the dormitory and began to work with members of my church on reparing the septic system. Because Haiti is a third world country and has not advanced there are no standards or laws on how to properly install a septic system. We began digging and after making it down about two and a half feet hit pvc pipe. The soil was very rocky and the further we dug the worse the smell was that came out of the ground. As we dug further and began preparing a trench I saw cockroaches 4 times the size of Kentucky cockroaches and was amazed at the size. The dinner bell rang and it was time to change my wet clothes and eat. We had pumpking soup a traditional meal in Haiti and discussed what type of meat we were eating the whole time???

When we finished lunch Dr. Bare and Claude a physical therapist that i met last year at New Life Childrens Home was back to assist Wisbens with the fit of his prosthetic leg. Claude is the PT who originally assisted Wisben and will be taking him to Bernard Mevs Medical Center tomorrow to be refitted. It is a three hour drive and because the only transportation available is a truck they will be riding in the back of a truck. I would be making the trip with him but because of my meeting in the morning will not be able to go.

We spent time playing soccer with the kids this afternoon and quickly found out that kids as young as ten years old were schooling us. It got so bad that the Haitian kids were laughing at us and telling the rest of the mission team that we were awful????? I questioned them on my ability to play soccer and soon gave in and agreed. Although we got destroyed it was a wonderful opportunity to hang out with the older kids even though they were laughing at us.

I got to spend some time with Wisbens today and took advantage of what time we had to get to know him better as well as watch him interact with the other kids. He is an amazing resilient kid and does more with one leg than most people who have both. I watched him hopscotch, play baseball without crutches and chase other kids around often catching them. I will be meeting with the attorney tomorrow at 11:00 and have prepared numerous questions that I hope will be answered. I will know more tomorrow about how the Haitian government works and the potential cost and timeframe of adoption. Regardless of both he is our son and we are excited to eventually bring him home.

Finally the part that Ms. Baker's and Ms. Calverts classes have been waiting for!! I went to the devotion service tonight and listened to praise and worship in Kreyole and had the opportunity to talk to everyone at the orphange at the conclusion of service. With a translator I talked with them about the love that they have in Franklin, Kentucky and how over 200 kids worked together to ensure that their Friday night movies did not involve watching Shrek over and over. I talked with them about the hard work that was put in before and after school by the teachers and students and how much that each one of them meant to students in Kentucky who have never met them. I presented them with a suitcase full of DVD's and immediatly there was cheering and chanting of DVD's, DVD's. The pastor hugged me and was emotional as he thanked each and everyone of you for taking time to think about an orphanage in Port Au Prince Haiti and the joy that it has brought to the kids. Everyone clapped and the pastor prayed and thanked God for Franklin Simpson Middle School. At the conclusion of service every child and adult made their way to me shaking my hand and giving me hugs of appreciation. I told them with a transaltor that the only thing I had to do with this was answering a few questions and delivering it to Haiti. After we were finished the kids ran to the suitcase and began digging through the movies with anticipation and excitement of what's to come for Friday night movie night. I can't say thank you enough too Ms. Baker, Ms. Calvert and the sixth grade class for making the day for over 100 orphaned children tonight. I sat in 100 degree temperatures as i type this with cold chills and in awe of what this has done for the kids. You all are awesome and I am proud to work at a school where students are willing to come together and serve others in need. THANKS!!! We will be giving out the kits tomorrow and I look forward to sharing similar stories in future post. I could not post any more pictures and will begin a new blog to share pictures from tonights service. It is 1:15 and time for bed. Thanks for the nice comments see you soon.

Day 2 Arrival

It is ten o'clock and my day has been non stop since about 3:45 this morning. It has been absolutely worth it because of the extended time I have been able to spend with the kids. There was immediate flashbacks to last year as the plane approached Port Au Prince and I began to see the remanents of the earthquake that happened close to a year ago. There were tents scattered all over the city where people continue to live without running water, bathrooms and sanitation.

After landing and making our way through customs I stepped outside and was instantly reminded of the heat and smells that linger throughout the city. I eventually met with Naz and we proceeded the New Life Children's home. The ride took about 20 minutes and it seemed like hours because of the constant stops and turns that was made to avoid a potential accident. I talked with Naz about Haiti's new president Michael Martelly and he was optimistic that the country will improve and hopes that the president follows through on his promises.

I arrived at the orphanage and was met by Sarah the current administrator and given instructions about my stay. I was told two days ago that everyone that I would be meeting with about potential adoption would be unavailable. Sarah informed me that I have an appointment with a Haitian attorney on Wednesday at 11:00 to begin the process here in Haiti!!!!!!! I am amazed at God's timing and how it is not about me and what I feel is best.


The kids were in school until 2:00 today and I had time to tour the orphanage and see all of the updates that have been made. One of the biggest concerns the team had last year was the cracks that remained in the walls after the earthquake. At that time the kids and montantes were still sleeping outside. As I toured the facility today every crack had been repaired and everyone had moved back inside to sleep.


A group from my church arrive around lunch and I got the opportunity to walk them around the orphanage before the kids were dismissed. We spent time with the special needs kids and I saw some familiar faces from last year. Marilee stood out the most and I immediatly went to pick her up and hold her. I expressed concern with staff members about her continue trach issues and the continuing issues she has because of the collapse. Staff members informed me that the paperwork has been filled out they are waiting on someone in the states to perform the procedure pro bono.

It stormed this afternoon and I believe that the mosquitos grew in the process. Because it has been wet in Port Au Prince for a few weeks the mosquitos are really bad. It is time for rest and wake up tomorrow morning and start over again. I look forward to presenting Sarah the gifts from Ms. Baker's and Ms. Calvert's sixth grade students and will upload pictures after we meet. It is time for bed and I am exhausted look foward to catching up tomorrow.

Day 1 Miami

I made it to Miami around 3:30 this afternoon and met Dr. Rudd Bare from Ohio who will be going with me to New Life Children's Home this week. He is a trauma doctor and will be traveling to numerous hospitals to serve in the emergency room. Because we arrived early there was time to go to the beach and relax as well as have a cheeseburger before leaving in the morning for Port Au Prince. Dr.Bare went to Haiti last year after the earthquake and worked at the main hospital in the city where a majority of the severly injured patients were sent. We discussed the many stories of tradgedy and hope and look forward to arriving in the morning to continue. I am anxious and apprehensive about landing tomorrow to see how the continued relief efforts (or lack thereof) have assisted the country. I look forward to seeing the kids specifically Wisbens and begining the long journey of bringing him home.

On the road again!!

It is Saturday night and my bags have been packed for three days. I am excited to get back to New Life Children's Home and catch up with all the staff members and kids that I began a relationship with last year. I will be leaving for Miami at 7:55 in the morning and will meet with Rodney Napier the founder of the Granted Wish (who will be assisting me with the adoption) as well as a doctor that will be accompanying me on the trip to serve at various hospitals throughout the city. I have a 7:00 A.M. flight to Port Au Prince on Monday morning. I am anxious to be in Haiti again--a country that is still in dire need of prayer and support after the earthquake. The purpose of this trip will be to take the next steps in the adoption of Wisbens and follow up with some of the kids that I worked with last year. I miss my Jen and Maddox already and look forward to catching up with them daily on Skype.