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!