Two Haitian Princesses

One Year Ago....

2011-01-12T08:43:00.002-05:00

Was the day that the earth began shaking in Haiti... it continued to shake for days.

And even though the shaking has stopped for the most part, the emotional shaking continues.

Now there is cholera, unsafe and unclean living conditions, "sheets" for roofs, you get the idea.

I just read an internet article about Haiti and how it is a living hell for many.

I don't know why I did it (because it always breaks my heart) but I read the "comments" under the article. People are clueless. Americans are clueless. And rather than research to find out the real meanings behind the problems, people judge. They judge harshly.

*Why don't Haitians just practice safe sex are some of the comments.... really?! I bet we don't even want to know how many Americans are walking around with sexually transmitted diseases because they didn't think before they acted. How many women secretly placed their children for adoption because they didn't have the means to care for them. How many American children were born into families where they were not wanted and are not loved.

Also, many Haitian women are at the mercy of their boyfriends, husbands or even worse, having to sell their bodies for money to feed their families.

We have *no* idea what it would be like to be raped and there not be an agency in which we could go to to report the incident. If we keep that secret to ourselves it is our decision. Haitian women don't have a choice. Nobody cares.

*Some of the comments were "why don't they just help themselves and clean up their own mess".

Unfortunately most Haitians do not own the land they were living on. Especially in the cities. Most people were renting. If you cleared the land of the house you had been living in, and then attempted to rebuild it- do you really think that the person who owned the land would let you "keep" the house you built? Really? 'Cause that wouldn't happen in America, and it isn't happening in Haiti. Those were the problems we ran into when trying to rebuild Brit and Fed's houses. Fed's family could show documentation that they owned the land. We (and Lori from Real Hope for Haiti) knew that if the house was rebuilt they would get to keep it, because it would be on their own land.

So they are stuck. No place to rebuild, and no means to buy land to rebuild on.

There aren't loans available. There is no "100% financing" like we have here. Nothing.

*But so much money was sent down already. No, actually a lot of money was given to big organizations like the Red Cross. The Red Cross states on it's website that it gets to pick where it's money goes.

From the beginning people were encouraged to give to organizations that were already on the ground doing good things before the earthquake. Organizations that knew how the country worked. Organizations who would use the money to help the Haitians help themselves.
Organizations *not* related to any government.

Those organizations are still there, and they are doing awesome things. They are helping Haitians to get back on their feet. Creating jobs, educating and loving.

*The government is corrupt- they don't deserve our money... Newsflash... their government is very corrupt. And so is ours. We just have a lot more money to throw around in all of the corruptness.

There is not much of a middle class in Haiti. There are the elite. And then there is the majority who live on one meal a day (or less).

*I read nearly 300 comments under the article, and probably 6 of them were from people who had educated themselves on the real problems Haiti has- how America helped contribute to those problems over the years. The rest were from people who have No Clue. No Clue.

And what is even more sad than the fact that people LOVE to judge when they have not educated themselves well enough TO judge.... is that many of those judging threw in comments about how they (the commenters) were Christians.

Here is what I know.... Jesus spent most of His time amongst the poor, the hurting, the lost, the lonely....
And if we are to be modeling ourselves after Jesus....

1John 3:16-18
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

There are only hundreds of other verses in the Bible that say similar things.

Sadly we as "Christians" often think our opinions mean much more than Biblical truths.

Makes my heart hurt.

******************************************
BUT- I know God used the earthquake to open the eyes and the hearts of many people.

In some it was just the realization that life is bigger than our safe little homes, and that in an instant it can all be taken away.

For our family, the earthquake meant opening our home to two more kids.

We really didn't have the money for it... my husband was open to adopting again, but not then. We had too many bills, too much to do....
But then the earthquake happened.
And our hearts broke.
And we knew that there were so many kids in this world who needed families, and *we* were a family.
And no matter the excuses we could come up with, none of them would make sense if we were standing face to face with an orphaned child.
So within only two weeks of the earthquake we started the ball rolling with a new homestudy and finding an agency.
****************************************
My kids and I talk a lot about how we are to see Jesus in others. When we look at pictures of Haiti- rather than seeing "poor people not doing anything to help themselves", we need to see Jesus. Would we tell Jesus "well, you've done this to yourself, you got what you deserved."
(that comment was under that article as well).
We are all just doing the best we can with the circumstances we are given. But, I am sure, we can all think of times when God used others to bless us or help us out when we most needed it.
Being His Hands and Feet.

Fed's House.....

2010-10-03T15:06:00.002-04:00

Is almost finished....

Go here to check out Lori's blog with lots of pictures and the story....

Video of Fed's New House...

2010-06-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

They are pouring a hortizontal support halfway up the wall for extra support. Blocks will go on top of this and another support put along the top before they do the roof. Anel went to go get more photos today.

Fed's House...

2010-06-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody.... I heard from Lori... it is rainy season in Haiti and internet is spotty...

Fed's old house is torn down now and they are pouring the foundations....

More pictures to come.

Thank you to Everyone...

2010-05-04T11:40:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone who donated to the families' rebuilding fund.

As most of you know if you follow other Haiti blogs, finding land is at the forefront of the "problem" right now.... whose land is it, how can it be bought, etc. Right now it seems like that is what is being worked out with Brit's family.

The funds will stay safely with RHFH for her family until the land issue is certain.

Fed's family has begun tearing down... funds will be distributed as the different phases are worked on... with the contractor keeping track.

I will leave the donate button up on the side of the blog for now- because there might be added expenses at the end- like doors, windows, screens that will need to be bought.

Thank you for sharing your heart with these girls!!!

$570 to go....

2010-04-20T09:08:00.002-04:00

We are SO close!!!! Please help us reach the $6000 goal..... Fed's family has begun tearing more of their old house down- so we need to get the rest of the funds in so that they know how much they have to work with....

Thanks so much to all of those that have contributed!!

A Goal....

2010-04-09T11:15:00.002-04:00

Both families, a contractor, and Lori have become very involved in the plans for rebuilding these homes.

Both families are contributing materials to this endeavor....

Our goal needs to be $3000 per family- so $6000 total.

Please help us meet this goal so the families can get their homes started!!!!

Real Hope for Haiti....

2010-04-08T08:56:00.001-04:00

Over the last few years, Lori and Licia who run Real Hope for Haiti have become heroes to me.... they give day in, day out.... they give of their families, their homes, and themselves. The amount of people they save and show the love of Jesus to on a *daily* basis is awesome.

Lori took the time to post on her blog about the rebuilding fund for the girls, and what it means to her to help individual families..... take the time to read it, because it is even better to get someone's perspective who is in Haiti *living* it.... Instead of my second hand ideas.

Click here to read her blog post

Fed's House....

2010-04-07T09:00:00.003-04:00

Lori was able to get these pictures of Fed's house. The family removed the tin from the front porch (top picture) to build their temporary shelter. They are not living in their house. It is not safe.

It is hard to see, but there are significant cracks everywhere, and in the third picture down, that is a support column that all of the bricks are loose and ready to slide out.

Fed's family will save the tin, wood, and doors to use in their new house.

Lori has spoken with the man who helped oversee the building of her house (that is currently housing the patients from the Comfort Ship).
He is trustworthy with money and overseeing progress, buying materials, and keeping things on track.

Lori is getting a price list for how much it will cost to rebuild Fed's house.

So there is a plan... there is someone who will oversee the building, there is someone to allocate money and not just hand it over the families, there is someone (Lori) who has gone out of her way to figure stuff out for us since we can not be there. She is in the business of saving lives, and helping people heal.... so that she has gone to all of the work to find out all of this for us... means the world to me. Your donations ARE tax deductible.

Please donate..... please.

Brit's House

2010-04-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

Lori from RHFH was able to get pictures of Brit's house. Her family has one room of this house, and they share the house with extended family. There are now more cracks in it. It would be nice if their house at least had screens (not sure if that is something that is done in Haiti or not) but I know the mosquitoes are terrible certain times of the year.

So, at least her house has not crumbled in on them. Lori has told them they can not just rebuild on this site if they can not prove the land is theirs, it would be pointless, because whoever owns the land would then own the house.

After I saw this picture of Brit's house this weekend, I cried. Just thinking about what she must have thought when she came to stay with us. Did she think our 2500 sq. foot brick house was a castle? Our lawn was weeds, but at least it was green and not dirt.
We certainly overindulge in what we think we "need" and what is really necessity.

I can tell you, that even though those girls are poor, and growing up in houses like the picture above.... they had the beauty and spirit of wise women, they had a sparkle that so many children lack who grow up here in the US. They showed compassion to my children, and caring and love to Jeff and I. They are such special girls who deserve the same "rights" as all children... a right to clean water and nutrient rich food, the right to live in a safe home, the right to get an education. It is a shame that money is the thing that is often missing to make those things possible.

Britnie's Family...

2010-03-26T23:10:00.005-04:00

Lori (from RHFH) was able to speak with Britnie's family.... they actually have a plan drawn up for the house they would like and have gotten estimates on materials.

I am very impressed with this and am so glad they are participating in thinking about their future.

The only problem is the amount of the estimate for their house is a little under $9000.... of course- this is nothing compared to what we pay for homes in the US... it is just bigger than my brain had envisioned fundraising (especially with how slowly the "amount donated" seems to be going up).

Also, that we would like to help BOTH families!

Lori will be telling the family we will do the best we can to fund raise, and we will keep praying, but we are sort of at the mercy of how much people want to donate.....

So... if you are wondering how to spend some of that tax refund.... I know the perfect place!!!!!

If you have donated....

2010-03-25T10:46:00.001-04:00

and you do not see the "total amount" on the sidebar going up- it is because I have to wait for someone from RHFH to forward me the paypal donation amount....

they are busy folks there- so often times they only have a chance to check e-mails once a day or every other day.

If it has been a few days since you donated- and the amount has still not gone up....
please e-mail me at onecrowdedhouse@gmail.com
and I will look into it.

Thanks.

A PLAN!!!!!

2010-03-18T18:28:00.005-04:00

**You can click here to donate (and I will put the button on the side of the blog)
This is Real Hope For Haiti's paypal account- this button is set up to receive funds for Brit and Fed's housing. If you choose to donate from the Real Hope for Haiti website (the same paypal account) - be sure you write in the special instructions that the funds are for "Housing for Brit and Fed".

**You can also send checks to:
Real Hope For Haiti
PO Box 23
Elwood, IN 46036

write the check out to Real Hope for Haiti- and then either in the memo section or on a separate note please state that the $ is for "HOUSING FOR BRIT AND FED"

We are going to try and keep a running total of the funds collected on the side of the blog.

Let's help these families get set back up in safe/secure homes!!!!

How You Can Help.....

2010-03-17T19:44:00.007-04:00

The earthquake in Haiti has devastated so many families.... even if people's homes were not destroyed, the fear that is now in most Haitians is very strong. They are still worried if they live in their homes that another earthquake will occur and devastate even more. The cement homes are not earthquake proof- that is for sure.

We finally received word that both girls and their families are alive (praise God for that).... but that Fed's house now has to be rebuilt. We do not know the specifics of the condition of Brit's house, but we do know that the clinic (Real Hope for Haiti) has already had to give her family food and a tarp (I am assuming this means her home was damaged as well).

Lori, from Real Hope for Haiti, has said that she can have Brit and Fed's families come up with a budget and a plan to rebuild/do repairs on their homes, and to help their families to get back on their feet. Lori estimates that a two room block home with a tin roof would cost around $3000-$4000 to build. Lori says the homes will have to be built with more iron bar reinforcements and other protective measures to make the homes earthquake resistant. Obviously building houses out of wood is not a good idea because Haiti is an island and wood would not last very long.... I am going to be researching if pressure treated wood is an option- or if it is too unsafe (the chemicals) given the close quarters of people/children.

It is now the rainy season again in Haiti, and you can only imagine what flooding will mean for the precious people who are living in tents, and under tarps.

Fed and Brit made a major impact on our family. Having them in our home helped us to realize that our family was not complete. We are now in the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia. A girl (10 years old) and her little brother (6 years old). We hope to bring them home within the next 6-9 months.

It is so easy to think of people who live in third world countries as "them/they/those"..... as in.... those poor people.... they have it so tough.... but I can promise you that "they" are real live people just like you and I... they have hopes, dreams, fears, and praises. They have more strength and grace than we could ever imagine.

I know that several large organizations (such as the Red Cross) have taken donations to help with Haiti relief..... but this is an excellent opportunity to help at a very basic level and know exactly who your money is going to..... To be able to make a difference immediately.

My goal is to raise as much money as I can within the next four weeks. I don't necessarily have a "goal amount" in mind, because I certainly don't want to put a limit on giving. I would imagine that with a home costing 3-4 thousand dollars each- that both families would need that amount or more. Seems crazy for me to think about that amount of money... but if lots of people give little amounts it will add up quickly.

Please feel free to pass this on to as many people as you would like.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for these girls and their families.
To contact me, our e-mail address is:
onecrowdedhouse@gmail.com

Both girls are ok, but.....

2010-03-17T16:11:00.000-04:00

This picture of Fed is from pretty recently.... I just (as in a few minutes ago) got this new picture and this info from Lori at Real Hope for Haiti....

Fed is doing fine. Their house is cracked and the porch is falling down. They will have to tear it down and rebuild. Her mom said that it can't be repaired. It was a 2 room block house with a tin roof. Brit is fine, but I'm not sure about the house.

I think that she's been here since the 12th, but can't find a photo. I gave them tarps & food.

School is still closed.

I have sent an e-mail back to Lori asking if I were to raise funds again- if she would be able to give the $ to the girls families.... I will let you know more information when I hear back.... My heart is beating out of my chest right now thinking about these girls and how desperately I want to be able to help their families. Be praying about if you might be able to help out. I will update more on if this is a possibility. Thanks for praying for these precious girls. They will forever hold a piece of our hearts.

Fed and Brit....

2010-01-20T21:20:00.000-05:00

Fed is fine. House partially collapsed, sleeping outside.

Brit - no news yet.

They live in Source Matelas - north of Titanyen (near the mass graves).

Please keep praying for these precious girls and their families...

Amos Story Video...

2010-01-18T12:53:00.000-05:00

This dad (Christian singer) and his wife are still waiting to get their son home from Haiti.... they brought their little girl home a few months back. This agony and desperation is being felt by so many parents who are waiting to hear when they will get to bring their kids home.... please pray for them that it is SOON.

One more note...

2010-01-15T09:44:00.002-05:00

I am not sure exactly how the Red Cross operates it's funds- but I would imagine not all of the money they are getting donated right now will go to Haiti relief (simply because they support many disasters around the world)....

Meaning, if you want to be certain your money is going to help those in Haiti RIGHT NOW-
please choose an organization that is already established in Haiti.

The Orphanage....

2010-01-15T09:26:00.003-05:00

Our US folks still have not heard a whole lot.... like where all the children are? if they have access to food and water?

They did hear that all of the kids are ok- but Majorie the (wife) director, her leg is broken- and Guesno (the husband) had family that was killed.

On another orphanage site I saw that director say that yes they had funds in the bank in Haiti- but guess what- the banks are closed (or destroyed). They can not get their money. I imagine this will be the same story for many people.

If you feel inclined, please pray about how you can help.

Our orphanage has a website.....
You can go here to donate funds to be used towards this earthquake relief.
Please keep praying for the children and the adults caring for them..... pray that adoptive
families that are waiting are able to somehow bring their children home. Much of the paperwork, dossier work, file work was done in Port au Prince... who knows where many of the files are now. This is very worrisome to families who are waiting.

There is a petition you can sign that will help support the parents who are trying to get their children home..... GO HERE

Once you sign the petition a different screen comes up asking for a donation- you do not have to do that- I think that donation goes toward the petition website.... you can just close the window once you are done signing it and don't pay anything.

Please keep praying. The smell of death is now heavy throughout the cities that were hit the hardest. Many bodies are still under rubble. The places where food and water were purchased before have been hit. There is not enough gas to run generators. People will be drinking contaminated water. It is going to get worse before it gets better....

Heartline Ministries.....

2010-01-14T19:23:00.002-05:00

The Livesay family works directly with Heartline Ministries and they are a program who was ALREADY doing so many wonderful things in Haiti.....

My husband and I were able to meet John while we were at the airport in Haiti bringing home our son in 2008.....

Here is a note from John McHoul....

HEARTLINE UPDATE

It has been a busy day trying to stay on top of things here at Heartline and to still have time to respond to emergencies.

We will tonight have about 15 people sleeping at our house as some simply have lost their homes and for others it is not safe to return because of structural damage.

We are starting to see people on the streets with their mouth and nose covered with a cloth or a mask as the stench of death is beginning to hang in the air. In our particular area it is not as bad as some places where bodies are stacked on the side of the road and still buried in rubble. Today as I was on the road, I was passed by a police pickup truck that was stacked with dead bodies.

I will not post any pictures of this and I assure you that a photo can not communicate the pain and despair that so many are feeling as we are now entering the days of discovery. These are the days when people discover that their homes have been destroyed or some of their missing friends, neighbors, and family have been killed. And some discover the joy of having found loved ones.

Some of the comments I have had spoken to me today by people that we are involved with are:

I have had many friends die.
Most of the houses in my area have been destroyed.
My house has been destroyed
I have no place to live and sleep; I am on the street.
I can't find my...
I can't believe the widespread destruction.
My area has the bad smell of death.
I have lost everything

One of our security guards can't even talk as he has lost his voice due to the shock of losing so many in his neighborhood.

HEARTLINE

My priority is the care of the children and the well being our other missionary families and of our workers.

The children are well and being cared for at the Buxman's home, where they are basically living outside as the children's homes are not yet secure. We are working to secure them but it is slow going as we can't even remove the rubble as there are no trucks on the road to cart away the debris and we also are not able to get supplies such as sand, rock, cement, steel as there are no trucks to transport the materials here and we do not have the cash to pay for the supplies. We have money in the bank, but we have no access to it as the banks are closed.

We as well have a responsibility to our incredible workers who still are coming to care for our children, in spite of some having lost their homes, family members, friends and neighbors. Yet they come because they love the children.

We also have a responsibility to the women in our women's program, who as it is live desperate lives. They are starting to trickle into the women's center with stories of having lost much or all that they had.

We expect to spend tens of thousands of dollars to have those who are directly involved with Heartline to rebuild their tiny one to two room homes or to help them secure new homes.

So many want to come and help but at this point it is not possible for you to get here and the best thing that you could do is to donate to help Heartline help others. It will be days perhaps until we have access to money You may press here or here to donate. Your generosity will help to help those who are so desperate. These are people that we personally know and are involved with regularly. Please imagine and multiply it over and over again, a woman with 5 children, no husband, and now no place to live. YOUR HELP MATTERS.

If you have written to me and I have not responded, please forgive me as I have been extremely busy.

I have received numerous requests from news organization to comment on the situation but have decided not to do so as many are already talking about what is happening here.

Thank you for your love, care, concern, and prayers.

We are doing our best to stay encouraged and to honor God by working hard to make a difference.

Endeavoring to be the hands of Christ in Haiti,

John McHoul

Partners in Health....

2010-01-14T15:38:00.003-05:00

This organization was co-founded by Paul Farmer written about in the Mountains Beyond Mountains book....

They already had been in Haiti even before this tragedy- so they know the country and the people and will know the right ways to help.

You can read about them HERE
and you can donate on their website
HERE

My plea to you is that you of course donate as much as possible, but to also donate smartly. Choosing an organization that was already established in Haiti and will know how to use the money wisely and most effectively is the best way to go.

Please beware of random or "new" organizations that are asking for money- they could be scams.

One More Way to Help... Compassion International...

2010-01-14T11:08:00.002-05:00

Compassion International is a highly respected organization where you can trust your money will be used directly to help those in need....

If you click
HERE

you will be taken to a page that gives a breakdown of exactly what your money can pay for.

All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.

Compassion international is an organization already active in Haiti (and many other countries) they know the need, they know the country.

2 Days post Earthquake....

2010-01-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

oh my.... the hours drag by so slowly when you are waiting to hear if people are ok...

Foyer de Sion has orphanage buildings in Petionville, Leogane, and Fontamara.

As of yesterday, the US contacts had only heard third person that the building at Fontamara was ok...... but not hearing from anyone at the orphanage is still worrisome. Someone tried to get to the
Petionville building yesterday, but because of the destruction was not able to get through.

Tara Livesay reported that they are still having aftershocks on the 4 and 5 scale.... still. Her kids come running everytime there is one. Their internet goes in and out. The "Digicell" (like At&t here) is not up and running- so people can not call one another in Haiti by cell phone- nor land lines.

Lots of people are still missing.

Not knowing what all damage the initial earthquake did is unnerving enough- but now the next problem will be getting food and fresh water to the kids in the orphanage buildings.

Licia from RHFH said yesterday that the prices of food are already going way up.

Also, the doctor who did Brit and Fed surgery last year contacted me yesterday to see if I had heard about them. I e-mailed Licia and she e-mailed me right back and said she had not heard anything about/from their families yet. Please be praying they are ok.

Lowe's is donating 1 million dollars to the Red Cross... and they are opening up their stores to be official Red Cross donation drop off sites. You can read the article about that
HERE

What can you do? Feeling helpless like me? You can pray and pray and pray some more. Get down on your knees and cry out to God on their behalf. So many are hurt, worried, they have lost loved ones, they have lost everything.....

Donate money. Truly. It will make a difference. I saw on facebook that you can join a group called Hunger For Haiti Day.... and the plan is to skip a meal or 2 or 3 on January 20th, and then donate the money you would have spent on food for yourself, to a reputable organization. This particular facebook group is not taking the donations- it is just to rally people together to give.

A few organizations that I trust....

Real Hope For Haiti- they have already been treating lots of the earthquake victims.... along with all of their normal duties of caring for many sick children and adults. They have many pictures on their blog that will be different than what you are seeing on CNN. They have a donate button on the side of their blog.

The American Red Cross- Donations to the American Red Cross may be made at Lowe's stores, online at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Foyer de Sion- this is Smiley's orphanage. It is going to be very difficult to feed and find water for the children now that stores, roads, and transportation are destroyed. Once it is confirmed everyone is ok- I will be sure to tell it here as well.

and pray some more.

Brit

2009-10-09T08:50:00.000-04:00

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....

2009-09-29T21:14:00.002-04:00

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

http://haitinurse4life.xanga.com/

wow do I miss those girls!!!!!

Brit....

2009-07-16T15:17:00.001-04:00

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....

2009-07-05T22:53:00.003-04:00

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....

2009-03-19T14:55:00.000-04:00

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....

2009-03-19T14:51:00.001-04:00

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

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

One More Sweet One....

2009-02-08T07:59:00.001-05:00

The Rest of Fed's Pictures....

2009-02-06T20:16:00.003-05:00

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....

2009-02-05T20:33:00.002-05:00

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.

Another big Thank You....

2009-02-02T16:02:00.002-05:00

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....

2009-02-02T10:46:00.002-05:00

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...

2009-01-30T09:42:00.002-05:00

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....

2009-01-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

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....

2009-01-28T09:46:00.006-05:00

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....

2009-01-27T23:19:00.001-05:00

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....

2009-01-27T19:54:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-01-27T18:05:00.002-05:00

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...

2009-01-27T13:32:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-01-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

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...

2009-01-26T10:14:00.003-05:00

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....

Starting to get packed Up...

2009-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

The girls fly out in a couple of days... we are still
getting all the specifics worked out with the escorts...
but I think everything is coming together....
We are going to miss these girls LOTS!

Sliding....

2009-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago at the park.... the
girls were having fun- but they were SO cold!!!!

Thank You...

2009-01-23T15:53:00.002-05:00

I have to say a great big Thank You to the
H, B, S, and J families for the money to help with
some of these final expenses. All of this little stuff
is adding up- and it really means a lot to have
this extra help!

We have bought gifts for the parents, and siblings...

and tried to do a little stock up on clothes, socks,
shoes, etc. We have toys and books and hair stuff...

and I am strategically packing everything in the
bags tight like sardines :)

We are still waiting to hear if the escort is finalized for
the first leg of the journey- and we have offered to
pay her hotel room as well.... (or we have offered
for her to stay overnight here with us- but she may
think that is weird) (she would need to fly in to
our city on Monday night so she will be here in time
Tues.)

The girls fly out Tuesday morning.

Their care from Miami to Haiti is already lined up
with a mission trip that is going down to RHFH....
so we are just waiting to hear about the first
part of their journey.

Please be praying that we have some good solid
plans very soon :) thanks!

Grace....

2009-01-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Fed is beauty, seriousness, silliness, gracefulness, intelligence, boldness, and toughness all rolled into one special little four year old body. She is so mature- and has a real 'mother hen' way about her. She KNOWS the rules- and you better not break them or she will let you know!

I know she is going to miss us. She has attached to us a lot! She does like to talk about her mama- and she loves it when I say how beautiful and smart and loving her mama is. But I know leaving us is going to be really hard on her.

I know her life is much different than what she has experienced here. While no one has actually told me the way her family works... I have come to know Fed and can tell she is expected to be much more mature than four year olds here in the US.

It has been harder for her to "let loose" and just be silly, be a little girl, to not worry about things. Whenever I am sitting she is smashed up against me, arms curled around my arm... she has to be touching me...

I know all families are different- even here in the US. Some are serious, some are silly (that would be ours), some are all business, some are huggy, others rarely embrace.

I am not sharing the things about Fed to be judgemental of her family. I am sharing them so you can love and appreciate this little girl like we do - and so that you will be praying for her as she transitions back to life in Haiti. I have a feeling it will be a little difficult for her.

There is no doubt in my mind that her family loves her very much, that is why they went through what they did to get her help, that is why they had to have the faith they did to send their child to a foreign country! I do not doubt the abundance of love they have for Fed.

Having these girls here has definitely been an interesting "social experiment" that we have had the honor to witness in our own home. The "well roundedness" of these girls is apparent... no matter what their home life is like- these are great, well behaved little girls. The difference in their behavior and our son's (Smiley who was in an orphanage for 2 years) has been crazy.

It has just proven to us to not judge.... that socioeconomic level, does not determine how well and how much a family can love, AND the amazing difference in a child that that love can make.

Sometimes the love is shown in different ways... but it is love none the less!

Having these girls in our home- has been like having one long play date with friends who live down the street. Truly. They have manners, and they listen, they don't feel the need to be "the center", the are good eaters (but don't scarf stuff down), they are gentle, and really just well rounded kids.

Our son had so many issues that we are slowly working through... his time living in an orphanage, combined with whatever his life was like for the first three years of his life....
We have had to work on impulse control, sharing, loving, compassion, controlling emotions....
so many things that most six year olds do not struggle with (things that are worked through in the toddler years).

His vocabulary (in Creole) was not even a quarter of Brit and Fed's vocabulary. He caught on to English so fast- because he just didn't have a very big vocabulary in Creole. Smiley was speaking mostly English by the end of the first month he was home... Brit and Fed have been here two months, and still only speak Creole (I am sure it has helped that they have had each other to keep up their Creole).

To wrap it up.... FAMILIES ARE SO VERY IMPORTANT.... no matter the make up of the family, single parents, step parents, grandmas raising grandkids.... family makes a huge difference in the life of a child.

And I am so very very thankful these girls have families to return to! I wish someone could record every minute of their reunions with their families so I could lay in bed with a big box of tissues and watch it! I wish I could blink my eyes and they would be back in their mama's arms... the traveling part is worrying me a little bit. I wish they didn't have to spend a day traveling to get back home. AND, I have decided that I will not be the one bringing the girls to the airport. I know I would not be able to control my emotions, and that would not be fair to the girls. They have a long day that day, and they don't need to start it out confused and sad that Mama Tanya was crying. SO, Jeff has been nominated for that job. I have such a great husband... he didn't even hesitate when I asked him to be the one to do it.

He knows I am not good with goodbyes!!!!!!!

Tough and Beautiful...

2009-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Most days Brit picks a toy and pretty much plays with the same toy all day long... she really loves the stick horse, the "machines" (cars), a baby doll.... but yesterday she latched on to the boxing gloves, only taking them off to eat.

The first picture cracks me up... she really can be one tough little cookie! I am so thankful she will now have a little brother at home to be wild with! We talk about her mama in Haiti and how she had a baby "fre" (brother) for Brit. That the baby was in mama's tummy BUT now she can rock the baby and sing to the baby. She nods her head and smiles real big, and pretends to rock her imaginary baby.

I sing Rock a Bye baby and she giggles and giggles. I actually think she really does understand- because she seems to be really excited about seeing the baby.

She has a spunk, and a vibrance, and a quiet boldness that you just don't see in your average 3 year old!

Evening Chaos....

2009-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am not sure that the volume of the video 'clearly' reflects
the actual volume in our house.... it is actually much, much
louder in real life :)

Go Diego Go...

2009-01-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

Bam Bam and Brit like to watch Diego! This was while I was making supper
last night.... They looked so cute sitting next to each other....

They didn't sit still for long though- and I have some videos to post tomorrow
that will show the real chaos that happens at our house!!! :)

So Silly...

2009-01-19T16:05:00.001-05:00

I took the braids out of the girls' hair this morning and decided I will just
let it be kind of poofy this week before I wash it and fix it one last time
next weekend.

I have taken so many pictures of the girls these last two months-
that Brit has started covering her face up when she sees me bring
out the camera... she thinks she is so funny and cracks herself up!

Our friends came over last night and they have adopted twin boys
from Haiti (they have 5 children total).... we really had a nice time
considering there were 13 children all under the age of 12 running
around :)

Speaking of that friend... she and her husband are trying to raise
some money to buy new appliances for the O that they adopted
their sons from in Haiti. You can check out her blog and today's
post to see what I am talking about.... http://www.thewatsonunit.blogspot.com/
I am sure any little bit would be appreciated!

More Zoo Pics....

2009-01-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

The kids really had such a great day at the zoo- and were all so well behaved.
It will be a special memory to remember the aww of Smiley- and the
princesses as they looked at all of the animals that we had been reading
about in books and seeing on tv.... the animals on Go Diego Go are real animals :)

The Books are Here...

2009-01-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wow that was fast! I just ordered these on Monday, late afternoon (and used the free shipping coupon that I had... so I am sure it was the slowest shipping rate) and I still got the books yesterday! Isn't that crazy that they printed them and got them in the mail in less than 3 days?!

You have to love shutterfly!!!

I showed Brit her book and Fed her book- and they were both so cute- they acted surprised each time I turned the page and it would be either pictures of them, or pictures of people they knew... I think they were surprised they were in a book!

I did label some stuff (in Creole) and for words I wasn't sure of... I used the Oxford Picture Dictionary: English/Haitian Creole.... I bought us one before we brought Smiley home from Haiti.... and then it dawned on me- that even though the girls won't ever really need to learn English- it is a nice picture dictionary to learn Creole as well- and maybe their families would like to have one. So I bought one for each girl.

Also- a nice surprise was I got a coupon for $10 off of another shutterfly book- so I am going to kind of combine the girls books- and make one for us to keep.....

Hair...

2009-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's kind of amazing that all of this hair can be put into a few little braids!!!

Please Pray....

2009-01-13T17:03:00.003-05:00

This is taken from the Medical Advocacy Team blog... this sweet baby boy has already survived longer than expected for one so little with his condition.... please pray good things happen for him right away....

No passport for Bear today as we had hoped.

Please pray for all of our hearts to remain steadfast and strong.Please pray for the passport people to get it done TOMORROW.Please pray for us to all forge ahead with plans and not let anything stand in our way.Please pray for Bears personal round the clock caretaker (shown above).

And pray for the people at RHFH- they are more busy this week than their normal BUSY life. They are swamped truthfully. They had hoped like the rest of us that Bear was in TX- two
weeks ago- and seeing him wait and suffer has to be a great burden to bear.

This is it. This is just in the nick of time.It HAS to happen tomorrow.(Then he will get his Visa on Thursday and travel on Friday.)

Please pray and please pass this on to everyone you know to have them pray.

Bear continues to eat well, gain weight, and is doing OK.His bump is still changing and thinning in some parts.He has been fever free.His head circumference is getting larger...He is a strong baby and fighting so hard.

Psalm 107:1-4 (The Message)1-3

Oh, thank God—he’s so good!His love never runs out.All of you set free by God, tell the world!Tell how he freed you from oppression,Then rounded you up from all over the place,from the four winds, from the seven seas.

4-9 Some of you wandered for years in the desert,looking but not finding a good place to live,Half-starved and parched with thirst,staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.He got you out in the nick of time;He put your feet on a wonderful roadthat took you straight to a good place to live.So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.He poured great draughts of water down parched throats;the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.

The Zoo...

2009-01-13T10:28:00.005-05:00

was lots of fun. It was a beautiful day and we took lots of pictures so I could put them in the photo books I made for the girls on Shutterfly ....

I took pictures of the animals as well, I don't remember hearing of any zoos in Haiti... so that may be the only chance they ever have of getting to see a zebra, elephant, bear, etc. in real life.... I wanted them to have pictures of that!

OH- and I mailed the check (on Saturday) to Indiana to Real Hope for Haiti... they will in turn send the money down to Lori in Haiti and we have decided to break the $1450 ($725 per family) into monthly payments for a year.... this is so exciting and I hope the families are pleasantly surprised!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to that fund... and for all of the prayers for the girls and their families!

If you were wanting to contribute and didn't get to- you can still help out by helping us buy some things to send down with the girls.... the photobooks ended up being about $40 a piece... with nearly 200 pictures in each book- I think I would have spent more if I had tried to homemake photo books (and the pictures would be constantly falling out)...

we also have to buy bigger carry on bags for the girls so they can bring back the stuff they have from here- and the clothes their moms sent with them (we don't want to do check on luggage- because the connecting flights are going to be a close call anyway).

I am also going to buy some little gifts for their siblings and hopefully their parents- so that the siblings don't feel left out when the girls come home with all of their new stuff.

Anyway, as you can see, that will add up... so if you are interested in helping out and time got away from you, we could still use your help!!!! They will be flying out two weeks from today!

(blogger is being testy today and doesn't want me to put spaces between my paragraphs- I have tried to fix it twice and it refuses to cooperate... sorry!)

Brit and the Lapen...

2009-01-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Brit loves to help Tall One take care of her rabbit, Lilly. Brit brushes her and helps feed and water her. This has become a sweet little ritual with them and I am sure Tall One will miss her little helper when she returns to Haiti!

Friday...

2009-01-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

We played on the back porch for a little bit this afternoon while the little boys

were napping. The girls were so cute trying to love on and hold the cats.

The girls kept saying 'meow'... the cats just stared at them like "you know

we understand real words too!"

I don't know if I mentioned that the girls had a doctor checkup earlier

this week and things are healing up really well for them. So thankful

that most everything will be healed up when they go back to Haiti!!!!

Cuddle Bugs...

2009-01-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

Fed really likes to cuddle up against us.... here she is cuddling
Bam Bam again...

She likes to rub our hands, necks, arms... she thinks Jeff's
hairy legs are hilarious....

I wanted to offer up if anyone reading this blog is interested
in reading our family blog... just send me an e-mail at
onecrowdedhouse@gmail.com and I will send you an invite.

We are trying to work through some stuff with our adopted
son from Haiti and I will probably be putting stuff about that
on there soon.....

Shhh...

2009-01-07T08:00:00.003-05:00

They are trying to sleep ;)

Fed is really latching on to our family. I am a little worried for
her when she goes back, and have already begun praying for a smooth
transition for her. She is such a sweet, caring little girl. She looks
out for others- and you can tell she has a bit of a "mothering" way
about her.

She pretty much likes to be next to me all of her waking hours.

If I am up doing something- she will go play- or 'hover' near
what I am doing. But if I sit on the couch for anything she will
run over and sit her little tushy as close to mine as she can get
it.

We talk about her mommy in Haiti every night. I pray for her
family in Haiti every day.

People have asked if I will be so sad to have them leave... Yes, I
will be sad, and I am sure I will even cry like a big old baby.... but,
to have these families back together, the way families should
be!, is so awesome to think about.

So, I haven't been stewing about it, or dwelling on it too much.

This was what we signed up for!!! :) To love them while they were
here- and then they would return to their sweet families in Haiti.

We are just blessed to have been a part of their journey.

First Time at the Movies?....

2009-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Well, we don't really know if this is the first time the girls

have been to a movie theater or not, but Fed acted

like it was probably a new experience for her.

After they got used to the darkness, and all of the

people laughing at every funny part- they thought

it was great... and then they started laughing when

everyone else was laughing... so cute!

Yee Haw....

2009-01-05T17:15:00.003-05:00

We just found out that Brit has a new baby brother that was born on Saturday night.... so far momma and baby are doing good. Lori said she would try to get a picture if they come in....

Congratulations Brit!!! You will be a sweet big sister.

Please keep them in your prayers... for continued health for mom and baby!

A Grandma is Visiting...

2009-01-02T13:34:00.001-05:00

Another Grandma is visiting- this time it is Jeff's mom.... The girls
are getting used to people coming and going now I think- and our
little trips to the airport to pick people up and drop people
off......

Only a little over 3 weeks until the girls head back to
Haiti. While it is sad and weird for me to think of them not being
here- I am also very happy for their families that they will have
their sweeties back home!

In the next week or so- I will be sending the money to Indiana-
so that it can then be forwarded on to Haiti to distribute to the
families- if you were wanting to contribute.... I will need the money
speedy quick!

I am so excited we will be able to help these two families!

Happy New Year...

2008-12-31T10:37:00.002-05:00

We hope you have a wonderful evening.... have fun, play games,
be careful, and if you are dancing... just be sure to keep your
britches pulled up!

this is Brit in the video.... we think that girl has some ~moves~

Christmas Morning....

2008-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

ornaments...

2008-12-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

I bought some ornaments that I could put the girls' pictures in so that we could always
remember this Christmas with them.

These are the purses I made for the girls.... I made the gifts for ALL the kiddos this year- and only
Santa had to buy his little gift (under $20) and the little stuff for the stockings. The homemade
gifts were a big hit. I need to start looking around for ideas for next year!

Medical Advocacy Team...

2008-12-27T21:02:00.003-05:00

The Medical Advocacy Team (that arranged for Brit and Fed to come for their care)...
has an urgent request. Two more sweeties are in desperate need of surgery....

Please visit their site and see how you might be able to help....

click below....

I will update about our Christmas sometime tomorrow or Monday :)

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas Blessings from our family to yours!!!!

Christmas Eve....

2008-12-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Brit is quite the artist.... I have bought both girls a travel "magnadoodle" to take back with them to Haiti. The first time they used one, they were pretty amazed that you could erase what you had drawn :)

Fed has become my "mini me" and is now into photography :) She follows me everywhere, and there is rarely a time
where her little body isn't right next to me, no matter what I am doing!

They are already half way through their time here. This past month has gone so fast! I am sure it has gone quite slow for two mommies in Haiti though.

I have already begun praying that their transition back to Haiti and their families will go smoothly for all involved.

We are going to spend the day playing games, and just hanging out.

It is so nice to just be together.... and have this time to reflect on Christ's birth!

So Hard...

2008-12-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

I posted this on our private family blog- and
thought I would post it here as well....

It is so hard to feel "ok" with how my life is, when
so many around this world are suffering.
Especially the children.

THIS fellow adoptive mom posted this on her blog.

Her post really hit home with me... because I feel
the same way she does. When people say- "oh
you are so wonderful, I don't know how you do
all you do"... it kind of makes me ill....
the reason being I know there is so much more
I could be doing.... so much more....

Yum...

2008-12-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

The girls are real troopers about trying out new foods...

So far Brit LOVES tacos... lettuce, tomatoes and all!

Fed... eats just about everything- and then will
look over at Brit's plate if she hasn't cleaned
hers up :)

Thank You!

2008-12-19T17:03:00.002-05:00

A big huge thank you to the "A" family.... another $50 to
send to Brit and Fed's families in Haiti.....

We have now raised enough for them each to receive
over $60 a month for a whole year!

I would love to be able to send down even more - so
if you have been thinking about it and putting it off....
feel free to help that number grow!

I plan on sending the money to Real Hope For Haiti
in the middle of January (before the girls go home)
so that Lori, in Haiti, can have it to give to the parents
when the girls arrive back in Haiti.

Nighty Night...

2008-12-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

Our bedtime routine consists of going potty, getting lotioned
up, trying to put pj's on over lotioned up skin (can kind of be hard sometimes!),
brushing our teeth, putting our sleeping caps on, and then
kissing the pictures of our mommies goodnight.

The girls thought I was goofy the first time I took one of the pictures
of their mom's and said "good night mama, I love you" in Creole.

There is not a whole lot we can do to help them feel connected to their
parents in Haiti- but I thought at least if we did this, that they
would hopefully fall asleep and have sweet dreams of their mamas.

Now they think it is fun to say night night to their mama's.

And hopefully their mommies know that we think of them and
pray for them every single day!

One Last Pic...

2008-12-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

Isn't this one hilarious????!!!!!

Double Trouble....

2008-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

"beauty" stuff....

2008-12-16T14:23:00.002-05:00

A few people have asked some hair product- skin care questions....

I thought I would go ahead and share what we have been using.

We use the thick Aquaphor stuff at night - and for day time we use
Jergen's Shea Lotion for our boys and the girls. I get both of these
at Wal-Mart.

The girls.... I bought the hair snaps at http://www.snapaholics.com/
The owner is currently moving- so I think she has closed her
site for a bit- but I would think you could google hair snaps and
beads- and find lots of choices.

The beads, I bought some at Sally's beauty supply (you do not
need to be a hair professional to shop there), and the others
I bought on the snapaholics site.

The sleeping "caps" are actually from Sally's as well.... they are
officially labeled "wig" caps . They
are in the ethnic hair care section and only a couple of dollars for a
pack of two.

They are pretty much panty hose :) So I am sure someone could
just make some themselves....

For shampoo and conditioner- I use Silk Elements, Silken Child
line of products- also found at Sally's.

For the scalp- and in between the twists and braids- I have used
Isoplus Castor Oil hair and scalp conditioner-
but my favorite is Silken Elements
Tea Tree Anti Itch Hairdress.... it really does help their little
scalps not to itch.

Two Beauties....

2008-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pictures....

2008-12-15T13:46:00.002-05:00

Yes- I took those pictures myself.... my daughters' bedroom has great
light on sunny days, unfortunately yesterday was cloudy- so it was
too dark to use no flash..... I hate the shadows!

I may try other ones on a sunny day.

I have a couple of photography backdrops- but I am by no means
a professional :) I just like to play around with my own kiddos
(they might think I torture them!) and take pictures for friends
occasionally.

I think my two year old could have taken pictures of Brit and Fed-
and they would still be gorgeous!

A Sparkle...

2008-12-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Fed has a sparkle almost like none I have ever seen before.... you can tell her life might be a little tough in Haiti.... but that she has a fiery personality that will prayerfully carry her VERY far in life.... one beautiful girl, inside and out!

Miss Sassy Pants...

2008-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Umm.... does someone look a little bit "diva like"???.... I think she may just be an actress in the making!.... one minute she can look all sweet and innocent.... and the next ;) Brit's momma is going to have to hide her away until she is at least 30!!!!!

A Little Photo Shoot....

2008-12-14T16:53:00.003-05:00

Today was hair washing day- and I have been wanting to take the girls' pictures with their puffy hair..... so before I fixed it this afternoon- we decided to have a photo shoot. I will share more pictures of them as I get them uploaded. Both of these girls are just stunning.... breath taking really. (oh- and the only make up on these girls is lip gloss..... doesn't that make you jealous?? I can't remember ever being able to put on lip gloss and look like a model!)

Air Vents....

2008-12-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

Fed discovered the air vent this morning.... Her tummy must have been cold- because she stayed there for quite a while warming herself up :)

Slumber Party....

2008-12-13T17:07:00.002-05:00

My prayer for the girls is that they will remember these two months here as a big ol' slumber party. Brit and Fed are becoming very good friends and I hope so much that their parents are able to get them together from time to time once they are back in Haiti.....

I am doubting that "play dates" are a very high priority in Haiti.... but maybe they can start something new!

These pictures are from last night. I couldn't resist snapping a few. The way Fed has her leg swung over Brit- so cute!

Dr. G....

2008-12-12T16:41:00.005-05:00

We love Dr. G.... He is a great guy, great doctor, great

man.... he and his wife even help raise service dogs

that help people with special needs (I think raising

puppies- and getting them past the ornery stage- and

then having them leave your family would be tough!)

The girls' appointment went well today- he wants

to see them again after the new year- and then about

a week before they go home the end of January.

Everything that is going on with them is "normal"- so

so far we are to just keep doing what we have been

doing :)

(for whatever reason- Blogger refuses to let me write posts how I want to write them!... anyone have an idea how to fix that?.... because when I try to fix it- it just does what it wants!)

Thursday....

2008-12-11T09:31:00.005-05:00

The girls love "coos coos".... I tried to get them to say "blue's clues"

and they would giggle and say "coos coos" again.... so funny.

I found some darling dresses at Target for the girls yesterday

(while my mom is here- I actually ventured out to the store

while my wild men were napping). (Might I also add- that I do

not so much like venturing out- and going to Wal-Mart actually

makes me slightly insane- and that is where I had to get groceries!)

Anyway, I was looking for some short sleeved holiday dresses

that the girls will be able to take back to Haiti with them- and that

hopefully I can take some pretty pictures of them in as well.

I was so happy to find some that were brown velvety stuff on

the top- and pink fluffy stuff on the bottom- and on SALE :)

I plan on making the girls each a http://www.shutterfly.com/ photo book

from their time here.

I would imagine as they age- most of their time here will seem like

some sort of fuzzy dream- that they won't be able to tell if it really

happened or not. Hopefully a photo book will help them remember

this crazy time in their lives!

(once again- blogger has no respect for me putting spaces between sentences!

I don't know what is up with that!)

Feeling Better and Better....

2008-12-10T16:33:00.006-05:00

Both girls seem to know their limits and sit and

rest when they feel a little owie....

Can I just say that these girlies are wonderful!!!!!

They are so well behaved, they eat great, they sleep great.

It was a little rough with Brit at first- but I think

knowing our Creole has helped out tons! In fact, I am

sure there would have been many more tears (from them

and us!) had we not been able to communicate.

My mom is even learning some Creole as she is here, and

communicates with the girls :)

These pictures are from yesterday when the girls were wanting

to make funny faces at the camera.... they are just so cute!

(blogger will not let me space things- or put the words where I want them!)

Playing...

2008-12-09T11:09:00.004-05:00

The girls are up and playing quietly today. They are so

tired of the sitting business! Especially Fedlene.

Things are still pretty swollen for her (not as bad

as it was), so she still has to keep ice on her booboos-

she is not loving that either- but she just doesn't

complain! Such brave girls.

Home....

2008-12-08T18:06:00.002-05:00

And just chillin'......

Going Home Today!

2008-12-08T09:28:00.003-05:00

These pictures were taken last night right before bed... the girls were both feeling great- and they were able to sleep really well last night- as the nurse mostly left them alone. Fedlene is still pretty sore this morning- but they just removed her catheter- which is always ouchie anyway. And as long as we can get her to go in the potty- we will get to go home after lunch time today (is hospital time like football time? where seconds actually mean minutes or hours?) anyway- we should all for sure not be sleeping here tonight!

The doctor has already come in- and we will go back to see him on Friday. The nurse is trying to get the pharmacy here to fill the prescriptions- so hopefully we won't have any medicine costs- which would be wonderful. They are going to send us home with some other essentials that we will need while they are recovering.

*And before I could finish typing this entry... Fedlene has already used the potty... YAY!!!! Now it will just be waiting on the staff to get all of our stuff together.*

Thank you for the prayers.... besides some swelling for Fedlene- everything is going wonderfully.

Finn Was Found...

2008-12-07T17:29:00.004-05:00

My kids' and husband's persistency paid off! They had contacted most of the families on our street- and told them what Finn looked like and that he was missing... just a minute ago a neighbor way up the street called- and said his wife was on the way to the grocery store- and on another road- saw what she thought was our dog- standing on some one's porch looking worried.

My husband drove right there- and YES it was him.... so glad he is ok- the road he crossed was not a safe one! He was very frightened and VERY happy to see them :)

six hours later.... crisis averted

an odd thing was- that our neighbor's indoor cat (across the street) went missing today as well... Jeff jokingly said maybe they were on an adventure together.... wasn't it Milo and Otis or something like that?

More great news- Fed had a bowel movement- which as most of you know is a *big thing* after any sort of abdominal surgery.... she is feeling better as a lot of pressure was released.

Both girls ate a great supper of mac and cheese and milk.... and now they are playing toys.

ahhhhh.... big sigh ;) bed time soon.

Out of Bed...

2008-12-07T16:03:00.002-05:00

Fed thought she needed to use the restroom- so we
tried that- and while she was up- we asked her
if she wanted to sit in a chair.... she said Yes!

So now the two girls are sitting side by side playing
puzzles. Fed is still very achy, but hopefully being
up will help things move around a little and make
her more comfortable.

My husband called with terrible news- our dog
has been missing since this morning- no one knows how
he got out- when he got out - or why. He does not
usually run off- in fact- we take him out to the
bathroom without a leash. We can leave the
door open to the house- and he will sit and not
run out- so everyone is really sad and searching
for him.... my husband put signs up all over the
place, I put an ad on Craig's list lost and found
(since that is all I can do from here), and my
kids passed out pictures and fliers to the neighbors.
I hope he didn't run away looking for me! He likes
to have all of his "people" together- and gets worried
if people are upstairs and downstairs- so he will lay
on the stairs so he can be loyal to everyone. He waits
by the front door when he knows it is about time for
the kids to get off of the bus.

So- I know most people don't usually say prayers for
animals... but for the sake of six kiddos (and Jeff and I!)
please pray he is found- and pray he doesn't get run
over- he has NO street smarts... he is an inside dog-
and wouldn't know how to defend himself either....

You can see him back in THIS post with Fed.

Thank you....

The Tip Junkie....

2008-12-07T12:47:00.004-05:00

Here are 24 quick, easy, cheap gift ideas from the Tip Junkie....

She has lots of great gift ideas on her blog

oops- I meant to put this on my other blog :) I will leave it on here- 'cause it does have some cute homemade gift ideas!

Sunday...

2008-12-07T11:40:00.007-05:00

Here are two smiling faces for you to enjoy today. Fed had a really rough night- the bloating and gas in her tummy, plus the achiness from the surgery.... I asked the nurse to call the doctor a few hours ago- to see if there was a different pain reliever we could give her, and he said yes, so she has had that in her for about an hour now- and is doing better. She is so brave- and just not a whiney girl, so when she keeps quietly moaning it is just breaking my heart. I pray that this stuff works for her- and so far it seems like it is, because she has been coloring and is now eating fruit loops.

Miss Brit is doing awesome. She did not do so great during the night- simply because she was sick and tired of people waking her up! Once the girl gets to sleep - she is a great sleeper- so to have someone come in every hour and a half/two hours was really irritating her! (hmm- and me as well :) When the nurse came in this morning at about 8, Brit was still "trying" to sleep, and that time she just decided she wanted to stay awake. So she has been sitting up in her chair (no bed- because that might mean she has to sleep- and now she doesn't want to sleep!- so she refuses to sit on the bed. :)

Anyway, she has been playing and happy and smiley. I asked her if she wanted me to fix her hair- and she said YES... so I know that felt good to get it all fixed up. Poor Fed kept telling me she wants me to fix her hair as well, but it really hurts for her to sit up still, so maybe tomorrow.

So we are just hanging out and watching Pocahontas. Praying we still get to go home tomorrow!

Besides the iv- I could be doing all of this at home- and I know they would be much more comfortable as well... but the doctor will get to decide :)

Nighty Night...

2008-12-06T20:27:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics of the girls tonight.... Brit wanted OUT OF THAT BED!!! So I got her up and let her sit in the chair.... she loved it. She did not want to go back to bed later when I told her it was time to sleep. Jeff ran to the store and got the girls some little ponies because they love combing hair.... They both played with those and loved them.

Fed's abdomen is pretty swollen- though her tummy sounds good.... they think it is just gas- but she is uncomfortable.... Please be praying for her... she is not her usual fun, easy going self. She is not a complainer- she is a very tough girl- but she is so solemn and quiet... and that is just not her normal personality! I am praying that tomorrow the little wild woman is back to her old self! The nurse just measured her tummy so she can keep an eye on if it gets any puffier.... I think she may try to give her some gas relief meds if it continues. She is eating and drinking (a lot!) so that is good.

These girls are truly amazing. Lori from Real Hope For Haiti is sharing pictures and updates of the girls with their families in Haiti. I just think that is so awesome that she is able to do that... and I am sure the families are so grateful to hear the updates.

Fed... Back in Our Room...

2008-12-06T14:14:00.003-05:00

Fed's surgery went very well- and the doctor was able to accomplish everything on the list. God did some big miracles to make that all come together as perfectly as it did!!!!

Fed is sleeping now- but she was very cranky when she first woke up. She wasn't crying- but she was ticked off! The nurse would move her arm, and Fed would fling it back the other way with a frown on her face. She is never sad, so I know this is her way of dealing with it. She is so brave. Both girls are sleeping right now.... and Jeff ran out to get us something yummy to eat... so I have a few minutes to update the blog.

Fed's surgery was a little more intensive than Brit's- so the doctor thinks we probably won't go home until Monday. Of course it will probably be the end of the day Monday (isn't that how it always works out in the hospital?... you are told you get to go home sometime in the am.... and night time rolls around- and all of the papers have finally been signed :)

Thank you so much for the prayers.... I know God was hearing them and was in the operating room the last too days!

Brit....

2008-12-06T10:02:00.001-05:00

is sick of being in the bed.... and sick of the catheter and iv....
it might be a long day! But she still smiled for the camera...

Sweetie Number Two...

2008-12-06T07:11:00.002-05:00

Jeff and Fed just went down to the presurgery room-
so they can ask all of the same questions (for about
the fourth time:) ) and drink her sleepy juice.

She smiled when I took her picture this morning-
but she knows something is up and has been really
quiet. Of course waking up at 4am will do that to
a girl as well.... Keep praying....

Sleeping Beauty....

2008-12-05T19:14:00.003-05:00

Well, if we were at home- she would be asleep for the
night and sleep until at least nine the next morning....
We will see how much sleep she gets tonight- with
the constant "checking". She never took a nap today-
so she is pretty wiped out. I think pain wise she is doing
ok- she is pretty annoyed with the catheter though...
hoping they take it out sometime tomorrow.
She is eating and drinking fine.... and now resting
peacefully. I am going to read for awhile- as it
should be the changing of the guards sometime
soon here- and a new crew will come in to
introduce themselves.

I am continually amazed at how brave both of these
girls are. God has His hands all over this situation.
I can not imagine my children would be very
pleasant if they were in similar circumstances!

Back in Our Room...

2008-12-05T15:17:00.002-05:00

She is doing great and has eaten two bowls of fruit loops and drank half of a carton of milk. And as long as other people stay out of the room (which of course isn't happening a whole lot :)

she is very chatty and smiley. She does keep telling me she is finished sleeping though- because she is already tired of being in the bed :) But I brought stuff to keep her entertained- and they have "child life specialists" who will get you toys or videos or snacks- stuff like that to keep the kids entertained. She wanted to watch "boom boom" (that is what she calls Blues Clues) so we were able to find that on nickjr on the internet. She is not digging the iv in her arm. I don't blame her because I don't like those things either.

Thanks for the prayers.

out of surgery- in recovery...

2008-12-05T12:40:00.003-05:00

So apparently Britnie is in recovery and resting well. If she continues to rest well, then recovery will take a little longer- so he said that is a good thing.... if she begins to be in pain- I guess we will get moved into the room so they can help her deal with that.

Thank you for the prayers. The doctor said everything went really well :)