Brit

Brit visited RHFH recently.... here is her picture- and Lori said she has gained a pound.....

Her face is looking so grown up!

I miss this girl LOTS!

New Pictures....

of Brit and Fed.... check out Lori's blog

http://haitinurse4life.xanga.com/

wow do I miss those girls!!!!!

Brit....

Britnie was here. She's doing fair. It seems like she has a hernia. I think that it's not in the same place, but I haven't seen it. Mom saw it once. Britnie said that it hurts and pops out sometimes. I'm not really sure since she looked fine to me when she came in. I asked mom to watch it and record how many times she sees it in the next month. The hospital where we usually send pts for hernias doesn't operate on kids under 5 yrs and the hernia has to be sticking out pretty much all the time. If it gets worse before she's 5, I'll send her to another private doctor to see if he'll operate sooner. She has a stye on her left eye. They are still getting the money and it seems to encourage them and help. Other than that she seems OK. I included some photos. (from Lori at RHFH)

from me...
I feel like my girls are sorta falling apart! Please lift up both girls and their families in your prayers.

It is really tough to see them sick, but I am grateful to have this connection with them now so we can pray for them specifically.

Can you believe how big Brit's baby brother is getting?

New Update on the Girls....

Fed - comes regularly. Fed had a temp last time she came, but healed quickly with an antibiotic. I think it was respiratory. I attached a photo. She looks VERY skinny, but I think that she is just dehydrated due to the fever. Fed's mom brought Fed sis last week - severe fungal and bacteria infection on scalp. They shaved all her hair off -- poor girl! We got her antibiotic too and I think that she'll recover fine. Fed's mom said that Fed was doing much better.

Brit - comes regularly. doing well. at first, she seemed to have a rash - kind of like a red diaper rash kind of thing. I think that she was just itching it. She is fine now. Brit's mom brought in a lady with a boy that has hypospadias. I think that we found a doctor that can do the surgery down here.

They are both still getting the funds and bringing the girls. I get a bit concerned about Fed since the last 2 times that she has come she looks thinner, but I think that she's getting taller and growing some. Her weight hasn't changed that much. I'll keep an eye on that. Medically, they are doing well. Emotionally, they seem attached to their moms and happy. Thanks again for helping them so well during this time in their lives. I was sad that it took so long to get them to the states (2 yrs), but I really think that it was God' timing. You all were the best host fam ever!!!!!! I'll keep sending photos.

Please send up extra prayers for Fed, she looks very skinny in the pictures. She was such a healthy sturdy little girl. Very close to the average size of an american 4 year old. Her arms look like they have shrunk considerably. Pray her body gets well and she begins to gain her weight back.

I think Brit looks great in the pictures... her beautiful sweet ornery self.

Wow, do I miss these girls! It has already been 5 months since they went back home...

A Wonderful Surprise....

I have been missing the girls like crazy, so I e-mailed Lori today and asked her if she had seen them recently and how they were doing. Lori surprised me with these pictures she took when they came to the clinic at the beginning of the month.... Lori is so busy- so it is so awesome that she had taken the time to take these pictures of the girls....

Lori said....
They both seemed to be doing well. I think the biggest problem is that they are being a bit picky on foods. The moms said that they still look at the picture books and talk about everyone. I think that this was a great adventure for them and everything went better than I could ever expect.

The girls are all wearing stuff we sent down with them- and their hair was fixed with all of the hair doodads that I stuck into the bag. I had jammed goodies into every inch of their duffel bags.

And another big thank you to all of the people who donated money for the girls and their families... by setting up their monthly appointments to go to the clinic to get their money... Lori is able to check on the girls as well... and that is so great!

Precious....

a new picture of Brit's baby brother....

How precious is this boy???? The thighs.... the cheeks.... so so adorable.......

One More Sweet One....

The Rest of Fed's Pictures....

I put the photos in a collage- you should be able to click on the
picture to see it bigger.... my favorite one was the bottom one...
Even though Fed is being shy and reserved- her momma is
having a good spirit about the whole thing..... Can you imagine
how hard that would be? That your own child would kind of act
like you were a stranger? I love how Fed looks like her mommy,
two beautiful people- that is for sure!

Those Stubborn Girls....

I sent Lori an e-mail letting her know that we had sent the extra $300 down to them... and she sent a little update on the girls.... it sounds like they are giving their mamas a little trouble! I will include the e-mail in this post... it is funny that they are being so difficult about food, and wanting hotdogs and lunchmeat- I think we only had hotdogs once or twice in the two months they were here- and we never had lunchmeat.... but we did have lots of fruit and cheese.... AND peanut butter, which they both loved, I am surprised they haven't been wanting that. We also had lots of corn, rice, pasta while they were here.... I guess they just remember all of the foods that they don't normally have.... I am surprised Brit isn't asking for TACOS!!! those were her favorite :)

Also, Fed was wanting to sleep with a light on now, they didn't sleep with a night light when they were here, so I am not sure what that is about. They did fall asleep to a music cd when they were here, so maybe that blocked out any noises that could be scary, and now when she sleeps she hears everything, she is worried?!

I would love for extra prayers for the girls as they continue to transition back to Haiti life, and prayers for patience for their moms. I can only imagine how I would feel with my kids, and how frustrating it would be to not be able to give them what they are wanting.... how sad that would make me feel, but also, how over time... it would just get irritating!

Brit's mom brought her back in to see Lori on Tuesday, Fed's mom just came back on her own not wanting to upset Fed..... here is part of Lori's e-mail.....

Fed said that when she came to see me again, she was staying and I was going to send her back. I didn't see her because mom thought it wouldn't be good on her - too soon. Brit was quiet with me, didn't want me to look at her, didn't want to talk about her brother, didn't want to take a photo, cried a couple times. Mom said that she'll just sit there and cry for 30-45 min at a time and can't be consoled. Neither are eating rice, corn, and other Haitian foods. They like cornflakes, hotdogs, and salami. That diet can't be good for too long! ;) But the moms know that things will change over time. The girls get the photo book out and say, "This is our food - apples, oranges, cheese" ...etc. The moms think it's funny and know that they can't hold out forever. They will get hungry and eventually eat Haitian foods again. Fed was upset about not having a light on at night. Mom lit the kerosene lamp, but Fed wasn't happy. They miss everyone and talk about your whole family. Fed will get her mom's cell phone out and act like she is calling you. Sometimes she'll hear her in the house talking to herself. She'll go inside and she's acting like she's talking to someone in your family. They are speaking Kreyol fine. I was concerned about this when I never heard them not speak anything that I understood, but that is fine now.

I hadn't told them about the money, but did on Tues and started giving it to them monthly. The girls will have appts monthly for a long time, so they can just come and pick it up then. It is a pretty decent amount each month. They didn't act too surprised, but I think that they were. They were very thankful and appreciative. I included the Haitian church donation into the total. I made sure that they knew that this wouldn't last forever. After one year, the money is done. They need to meet basic needs and try to save some back to start a business, repair the house, school fees, etc. -- not to blow it all every month. I told them that I couldn't tell them what to do with all of it, but I want the girls well taken care of. They assured me that they would be. They love them very much and I trust them.

Brit's step-dad was here. Brit, her brother, her mom, and her step-grandma passed through the clinic for meds. While the step-dad was waiting, he told us that there wasn't one person that encouraged them to send the kids to the states. Everyone said that white people take your kids and make up some story or talk you into giving them up. Every single person said that the parents would never see the girls again. That's a LOT of faith! I was so honored that they trusted and believed in us that much. The village was shocked to see the girls return. It was a huge party!! Everyone was so happy!

Fed's brothers and sisters walked to school that day that mom came to get her to save tap-tap money for their mom to pay her tap-tap money to get here. They also got her a piece of sugar cane and left it at the house for her since they weren't going to to be there when she returned home (they were at school).

The photo books were a great gift. I really think that these helped the parents understand a bit of what they experienced and helped the girls connect these two worlds. They have each other too. I think that they have seen each other several times.

I know that this isn't easy for them or you, but feel that it will get better with time. What a great love that He has placed within your family that you all could be able to reach out to embrace these 2 girls in such a marvelous way. May He continue to heal you hearts and mold them into such a way that you are always searching for more ways to show His Love.

more pictures and video soon.....

Another big Thank You....

We would like to say a big thank you to a Haitian church near us, their church (Centre International de Foi en Christ) has so kindly donated another $300 to send down to the girls and their families... we will be getting that check down to Real Hope For Haiti this week and Lori will add it to the fund for the girls.

While We are Waiting....

While we are waiting to hear the "rest of the story" and to get any more pics of the girls and their families.....

I would love it if you would go check out Bekki's blog.... she is a fellow host mama to another little Haitian princess.....

She would like to raise money for the family of her princess...... Only $2000 is needed for this
family's dream house.... can you imagine? How exciting to be able to help them build a bigger safer house for their children.

Go visit!!!!!

pictures...

I am sure Lori is super busy- so I haven't gotten any more of the story or the rest of the pictures... I will be sure to post them on here as soon as I get them.

I have had a few "sad" moments over the last couple of days. Doing laundry and folding up the rest of the girls clothes.... Last night I got out four little plates (instead of just two for my little boys).... I stood there confused for a minute, and then realized they weren't here!

I pray they are still adjusting well, and that their parents have had fun looking through the photo books, and going through all of the girls stuff.

All Worth It....

Lori, Licia, and the mission team were super busy yesterday,
but Lori still took a minute at the end of the day (almost the start
of the next day- midnight!) To send one quick picture and a
short update.... she will send more pictures and give a more
indepth update when she gets a chance.

But for now.... isn't this picture WONDERFUL.... Fed's mom
looks so happy to see her.

Lori said Fed was kind of in shock when she first saw her
mom, and it took about 10 minutes to warm up- but after
that she was fine. She doesn't look like her cold is
quite so yucky either- so that is great.

man I love this picture.....

The Rest of Brit's Reunion....

Lori said that Fed was happy to be there- and Brit was pretty
much in shock.... (I think the exciting thing.... being reunited
with her mom... that we had talked about for so long- had
finally happened and she just didn't know what to do!)....

Brit's mom asked if Brit was happy to see her- and Brit said no,
she then asked Brit if she wanted to go home with her and she
shook her head no again.... It sounds like her momma took it
all in stride though and gently talked to her and the had a snack
and cuddled....

She wanted nothing to do with her brother- which is crazy because
she would carry a baby around here and say it was her brother :)
Hopefully she will warm up to him....

The man is Brit's step dad (the baby's father), he is a taptap
driver- so that is probably how they were able to make it to
the clinic so late at night.

By the time they left- Brit was fine.... Lori called them to make
sure they made it home ok- and she said that she talked
to Brit on the phone- and Brit kept saying "yep".

Lori said she seemed happy and relaxed.... the parents were
having fun going through the bags... and instead of Brit falling
right asleep apparently she talked their ears off telling all about
her trip....

This is so funny because this is exactly what she did almost
every night while she was here.... that girl can TALK and she
remembers all the details :)

Praise God she is home and doing well!!!!!

Just in Time....

I checked my e-mail one more time before bed... and Lori
(who amazes me at all she gets done!) had e-mailed me
one last update on Brit and some pictures....

Thank you Lori!!! I can't quit smiling- I am so happy those
girls are home!!!!

I will give the details of Brit's reunion tomorrow....
when I am more awake....

Pray for Fed's reunion tomorrow morning with her family...

After she got to the clinic and had some toys and food- she
is already doing better- so keep those prayers coming for
that little sweetie.

To Hold You Over....

Enjoy this picture of Brit's beautiful baby brother....
oh my goodness, couldn't you just eat him up with a spoon???!!!!

Look at those cheeks!

Lori's dad has the team and the girls and left the airport
at about 7pm... I think they have to drive a ways before
they will get home..... Lori's dad (or someone in the car) reported that Brit
is just sucking her thumb and looking all around....
Fed has a terrible cough now (she was just snotty when
she left- it sounds like her day of traveling has been rough
on her), and is upset and tired. Her parents will come
get her in the morning.

Brit's mom, step dad, and this darling baby brother are
waiting for her when she gets to the clinic.

Please pray for Fed, it sounds like emotionally and
physically she has had it....

I will miss tucking them in tonight and their sweet
giggles as I give them "anpil" (a lot/big) kisses, and
they would try to cover their faces with the blanket
so I would have to pull it down to kiss their cheeks....

I am so thankful that besides Fed's cold- that they have
arrived back home- safely... thank you God.

In Haiti?

Lori just e-mailed that the plane has landed.... in typical Haiti fashion, two hours late!

Pray for the team members and the girls, and Lori's dad as they try to get everyone's luggage and get through the haitian "customs"..... I am sure the girls are exhausted.

In Florida...

The princesses arrived in Florida- and the last hand off has taken place... this is a huge relief for me... and thank you God for such sweet people who not only called Jeff and I to say they had made it there.... but she also sent me a picture! Fed looks a little irritated... and she is already
in her extra outfit... so I am wondering if she threw up....

Brit looks shy, but I can tell she is still doing good.

Thank you to the team from Indiana for taking good care of those sweet girls- and for thinking about us as well- it means so much!!!!

Safe travels- and praying no one's luggage gets lost!

Taking Off?

The girls' flight should be taking off any minute... be praying everything goes smoothly.... Jeff watched them and the escort walk through security... so check in and all of that stuff went well....

I will update as I hear more :)

Not much time...

The girls fly out tomorrow morning.... we pick up the escort today sometime after 4pm and she will stay the evening and night here- getting to know the girls a little bit.

Jeff will drive them all to the airport in the morning. I will post any updates about their travels on here and also when/if we get any pictures or videos of them reuniting with their families....

Also throughout the week- I will probably post "left over" pictures that didn't make it onto the blog yet....

To give you something to look at for now... a friend of mine is starting a little organization
http://www.suturesareahumanright.blogspot.com/
She is looking for organizations to sign up for help (that might need medicals supplies), and for individuals or businesses who would like to contribute to the shipping/postage of the donated supplies-- and also for organizations that would like to donate the medical supplies too........

Through our adoption and now hosting these girls we have met so many people who are willing to reach out beyond their safe little homes and extend a hand to others in need. People think they don't have money, don't have time.... but most of the time the truth is we don't have the drive to do it (or maybe people are fearful, or what I am not sure?).

I am proud and honored to have come into contact with so many people who see the bigger picture, and then do what they can to help out....