Day 3-4 October 12th and 13th

I apologize in advance for grammar and spelling errors.  It is late and the power is on and off, I wanted to finish before I went to bed. 

The last two days have been a roller coaster emotionally and mentally and we continue in our frustration with the process.  I spent hours in town yesterday at our attorneys office and did not accomplish anything besides their mistakes that I have to go home and fix!  Some issues arose when I questioned steps in the process.  I believe that nothing would have been brought up about what was needed if I didn't ask.  Our attorney told us that the November, 1st deadline didn't mean anything and it remains to be seen after that day if we can still get in under the old laws.  What keeps us going is our handsome son and the thought of him coming to Bowling Green to live with us one day.  We continue to miss out on needed time with him.  As this gets prolonged even more we can't help but think about the precious time we are missing.  I know the time continues to be extended on everything being finalized but the rest of his life will be worth it when he comes home. 

Today was a new day and I woke up had breakfast and before I could finish someone stopped by and told me that Wisbens was at the orphanage asking everyone that passed where I was.  I finished as quick as I could and ran down to see him.  We picked up a set of spider man go fish and crazy 8 cards.  This was the best dollar we spent and after briefly teaching them by mostly pointing and  example we played for the next three hours.  The kids enjoyed it and I again was in awe at what little it takes to entertain these kids.  I was able to text with home and we set up a time to FaceTime with Jen, Maddox, my brother  and sister in law and their kids.  Wisbens was able to meet some members of his family he had not met before and it was a great experience.  I love technology!!  We were able to get Wisbens a couple of spider man shirts before I came and after we FaceTimed with my family I surprised him with the shirts. He was so excited that he would be able to take them with him. 

After lunch I was hanging out with the guys and and I went and got some crayons and coloring books.  It was not long before I had four kids in my lap coloring and many other kids running over to do the same thing.  I love this place and cannot wait to get here and see Wisbens and love the unconditional love the kids have as well.  I was able to hold some of the babies today and love any opportunity I get to give attention. 

After dinner tonight we had movie night because it was rained out last night.  We watched the movie in the chapel tonight in case it rained and it was hot and the mosquitos were unbearable.  I took a can of spray and caught every kid I could and sprayed them down.  The movie of the night was Ice Princess and we watched it in French with English subtitles.  It is definately not a movie for Wisbens and I but we made it through.  I walked him back to the orphanage hugged him and told him I would come see him in the morning before I leave.  I am heading out for the airport in the morning at 7:00 and hope that he is awake before I leave.  We had a few setbacks but overall it was a great trip.  I got to spend time with Wisbens and work with some great kids.  I look forward to returning soon!










 

Day 1 and 2 10-11-12

Yesterday was a long day in the airport and after a few delays I finally made it to New Life.  My flight was delayed and the immediate concern I had was that my ride would still be there when I leave customs.  I have complete faith in New Life and was excited to see the sign waiting for me by the driver there to pick me up.  I had an interesting conversation with him on the ride over about the current status of Haiti as well as the current president.  I saw people in the streets cleaning and sweeping and noticed that the there was less styrofoam.  I read before coming down that the government banned styrofoam in an effort to clean the city up.  I must say that there is a long way to go but I do see progress taking place in the small area of Port Au Prince I traveled.  We also talked about the adoption and how long the process has taken.  He stated that it continues to become increasingly more difficult because of many issue.  He talked about one of the major difficulties with human trafficking and how it has slowed the adoption process down.  We talked about several cases where kids were sold for slavery, sex and their organs.  I didn't forget about how awful the traffic was here and was constantly hitting my imaginary brake as we maneuvered through the jumbled up mess.  After we arrived at New Life I was welcomed by familiar faces and immediately put my bags down to eat. 

After dinner I went down to find Wisbens and as soon as I walked down to where the kids live I was greeted with smiles and hugs.  The kids immediately started yelling for Wisbens to come over and see me.  I turned around and saw he had climbed to the top of the playground with the other kids.  He jumped into my arms and hugged me.  To my knowledge he did not know I was coming and I could tell he was surprised.  He immediately asked about Jen and Maddox and not only wanted to talk to them but wanted to see them!  After evening worship I pulled Wisbens aside and we were able to call Jen and Maddox and talk.  He was shy but excited to talk!  I was able to hang out with the guys before they went to bed and play spider man on my phone.  I do not speak Kreyole but could tell by their faces and the raising of their voices that they were excited.

I was able to sleep last night and woke up this morning to heat and humidity.  It is a continuation of summer for me and will be ready to get back to the cooler weather.  After breakfast I went down to check on Marilyne and when I saw her for the first time I can't tell you how big her smile was.  It was breakfast time for her and because she can not talk made noises and pointed at her bottle.  I am not sure how long she has been doing this but she was able to hold her bottle today and drink by herself.  I love this little girl and excited to see her every time I get arrive. 

Barry who is a close friend going through the adoption process arrived later in the morning.  We were able to discuss the adoption process and share the continued struggles we have.  I have tried for the last two weeks to get in touch with our attorney and have not gotten a response.  We are determined to meet with him tomorrow at 10:00 and will get a taxi to take us to his office in Petionville and will wait all day if needed.  It is urgent that we get our paperwork in by November 1st to be accepted by the IBESR (social services).

I met a group from Georgia who consist of pastors, church members and optometrist who asked for help running an eye clinic today at the orphanage.  The group was scheduled to go to Cite Soleil and something happend with their transportation.  It was truly a blessing for New Life because they able to set the clinic up in the church and began assisting the Haitian staff members.  I was brought to tears numerous times watching the employees put on glasses for the first time and actually be able to see.  They were dancing, smiling, and hugging us because for some of them this was the first time they could see clearly in 50 years.  Everything that was needed to build the glasses were on site and each person who needed glasses left with them today. Wisbens had his eyes checked and the optometrist told me that his eysight is 20/20 and his eyes look healthy!!  I was blessed to be asked to be part of an awesome event today.  I am reminded daily how we continuosly take things for granted and was again humbled. 

Dinner was great tonight.  We had fried chicken, salad, beans and rice, fried plantains, and cobbler.  Sounds like the Haitian version of Cracker Barrel to me. (minus the fried plantains) The night closed wiht worship and Wisben and I were able to call Jen and Maddox again!  Tomorrow is a busy day.  I leave for the attorney's office after breakfast and will camp out for the day if needed.  Please pray for a good meeting.