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.