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.