My Journal Today:

How is it possible that this is our last day in Haiti.  We were up at 4am hoping it was too early in the morning for roadblocks and road rage.  We had our 3 Haitian policemen escorting us all the way to the border.  Our own entourage of the toughest looking men I have ever met.  Lucien and his friends rode with us, helped us interpret, and gave us the gift of their friendship.

The roadblock was torn down and removed – crazy traffic was back to normal frenzy pace on main road.  I greeted our 3 new passengers feeling safe and courageous to face our day and any “detours” that came our way.  As I looked at each man I wondered their story.  I was visiting a week.. they had lived in Cap Haitien all their lives.  They lived the daily struggles and heartaches and poverty and conditions day after day.  This was their life we were visiting and I wanted to honor their kindness and respect they gave us today.  I was able to give them each a T shirt donated by my bloggy friends and church.  They were happy and grateful.  Lucien wore “Love and Respect with Africa.  I was moved He was so proud and looked so striking- he helped save our lives the day before and came back again to help us, serve us and love his people.

Sharing time alone with Lucien the night before, touched my heart deeply as he proudly held his baby girl and showed me the three most important papers he owned.  At first I was a little confused why he was showing me the baby’s birth certificate, his certification as the father, and the name of Casually’s Godfather.  I realized later, that he “claimed” his daughter, breaking the culture bonds that destroys family in Haiti.  He showed surrender to his family and ownership of his children.  I asked him if he knew Jesus and he looked at me and said hes.  I touched his heart and again asked… have you asked him in your heart?  He said, Oh yes!

I feel a strong new bond to Haiti, a new sense of friendship with the people that I did not experience on my last trip.  God allowed an open door for us to slow down, interact, minister, encourage, bless, and love the people of Haiti.  Going back to the church that protected our food and asking the Pastor, “What needs have you been praying for?”  Alicia asked him if we could pray over him… he fell down on his knees in the dirt and cried as we prayed for his ministry.  We were sisters praying for our brother.

The photograph below captured the moment of my trip I will hold deepest in my heart.  We passed by this room at the orphanage and I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion I couldn’t express.  The room made me sad, it made me weep.  When the Pastor took my hand standing next to the “room” he was humbled and I sensed immediately that he was embarrassed.  He needed to explain to me the situation. Pastor and his wife lived here at the orphanage, so they are responsible for 46 orphans 24/7.  I held his hand and simply said – you have done the best that you can do with what you have.  I am proud of you and want to pray that you can continue to help your children and community grow healthy and strong together.  The children are loved and that is making the real difference.  I soon learned the “room” was where the toddlers slept – the two year old orphans.

I don’t want any two year old to sleep in a room that has 1 filthy torn mat in a corner.  That was the best that Pastor could offer.  I can’t imagine my Zoie sleeping alone in a dark room and not doing something to help.  I stood there crying, but envisioned bright yellow paint on the walls, with toddler beds, light, and items like blankets and toys and comfort filling it with love.  I saw what I saw and can’t ignore the desperation of an orphanage that needs help.  Isn’t that what hope and love is all about.

Video #1 – My interview with Pastor concerning the needs of his orphanage.  It was a moment we could pray for him and celebrate all the work he does for his orphans!  He is my hero!

How in the world did we make it to Danita’s Orphanage for a surprise visit?  She is the super hero of Haiti!  I have watched her videos and website over the past year and could not believe God allowed us to drive in unannounced and tour her facility.  Drew’s wife, Robyn worked at the orphanage a few months ago, and encouraged him to try and visit.  Unfortunately, that was not on our itinerary, but it was definitely on God’s agenda.

My Journal at Danitas:

Touring Danita’s Orphanage and knowing one woman made a miracle happen next to the border – an oasis of Hope in Haiti.  This inspires me to press on and help others build their dreams too!  11 years ago, Danita moved to Haiti and started a church and orphanage.  Her story is remarkable and you can read more about her orphanage and children at her website, Danita’s Children.

Today we met a little hero named Johnny.  He was living in Port Au Prince with his family when he narrowly survived the horrific earthquake.  He managed to crawl to a hospital with a broken femur and severe injuries.  He did not know where his family was or unable to communicate his full name.  All he knew was his name … Johnny. He was brought via helicopter to Danita’s Orphanage and started the fight of his life.  Danita shared with us that all the children from PAP have been identified, but 3.  Johnny has not yet been identified.  He loves bananas “figs” and that was all he asked for to eat when he arrived at the orphanage.  The staff affectionately gave him the name Johnny Fig.  He was interviewed by Anderson Cooper on CNN.  He’s quite a celebrity with his big gorgeous smile!

“Anderson Cooper again spent time at General Hospital, this time in the pediatric ward. An 11-year-old with broken legs continuously screams. It’s pretty horrific. There Anderson also meets a little boy named Johnny, one of Haiti’s newest orphans. They don’t even know his last name. Unlike the children who had adoptive parents waiting for them in the states, orphans like Johnny have no one and nothing. What will become of him and others is anybody’s guess..”  Anderson Cooper 360 Review

Look at the miraculous transformation of Johnny now… 3 months later!!

We made it back over the border without a hitch.  None of us had the opportunity to drink coffee that morning due to the early get away out of Cap Haitien.  I guzzled down an espresso and 2 cappuccinos… I had a serious bouncy buzz the rest of the day!

Danita’s Orphanage-

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Today is the day we tackle the rest of the food for distribution.  We have a ton of boxes totaling about 150,000 meals.  We had some down time to take a few fun pics of our group.

I love my team: Leader- Steve Ijames aka: Jack Bauer, Co-Leader- Don Fuhr aka: Jason Bourne, Becky, Chris, Bayli, Ed, Drew, Dennis, Paige, Jody, Kathi, Alicia, Ali and me!

I encourage you to find a mission team to join… you will not regret the decision!  If you want adventure and the opportunity to simply love… you will find both on a mission trip.

My Journal Today:

We are up early.  We got all 150,000 meals packed on the truck.  We had our agenda that day- visiting 3 projects with hundreds of children and families waiting for food and fun!  Dennis led our group in prayer before we headed out asking God for protection and direction.  So far, our plans had been redirected and we were so excited to see if God had a new plan for us today!  Less than 5 miles driving in the bus, we knew that our plans had been dramatically changed.  This was the moment our group had been warned about- the other side of Haiti, the violence.  We were driving on the only road with access to cross the bridge to travel to the 2 projects in Cap Haitien.  I was sitting in the front of the bus and saw several men to my right screaming at our window.  I remember thinking, wow, they are really angry… is that directed at us?

As we turned the corner, I immediately sensed danger when a man in the middle of the street picked up a glass coke bottle and throw it at our window.  He missed, but picked up another bottle and hurled it at our bus.  Two men were now running toward us, throwing glass bottles one after the other.  Inside the bus, our fearless leaders were barking out instructions and the bus started backing up quickly.  Behind us was the truck of food and behind him was an UN vehicle.  They tucked their tail and pulled an U turn and took off leaving us to fend for ourselves.  The men running at us were now screaming and waving their arms and throwing bottles at us.  The road was blocked by a structure of metal to keep cars from driving through.  I accidentally took a photo of the street and men running at us.  In fear, my finger clicked!  It’s probably not the best idea to take pics during a riot.

The man in black ran aggressively toward our bus and kept throwing bottles at us narrowly missing our vehicle, but when he reached close enough to our bus, he moved his hand to his back pants and my heart froze.  His face was escalated to violent anger.  I felt instant terror throughout my entire body – was he reaching for a gun?  At that moment, our guard, Lucien (who was a French speaking local Haitian) jumped out of our bus and yelled, “Stop, these are American Christian missionaries here to help us, don’t harm them!”  The man in black looked through the glass and I locked eyes watching to see what he was going to do next.  He bowed slightly and backed away from our bus, like he was apologizing to us.  He reached down and picked up bottles and walked away calmly.  By this time, we had backed away from the street and driving away from the roadblock.

We were told later that the city had been without electricity for a week due to not getting the vital shipment of oil.  Unfortunately, a few thugs decided to riot and cause injury to many Haitian’s that day.  Cars were attacked and people were hurt in the chaos.  At the police station, we noticed a mob of people waiting there to report the incident.  The two men were arrested later that day.  God protected us from danger and we were able to deliver all the food to 1 of the 3 church projects.  In fact, the church we were re-directed to was where my family’s sponsored child, Rose was waiting for me.  I was thrilled that I could see Rose again, and that she brought her father for me to meet.

Video #1 – Roadblock Craziness!!

When we returned from delivering the meals, we headed to a sea side market to shop.  It’s crazy fun bartering for the prices and making new Haitian friends along the way.  I found a beautiful carving of a mother and her child that would be perfect for Zoie’s room.  I watched him chipping away at it, but through our interpreter asked him if I could buy it.  He insisted on finishing it for me and delivering it to our hotel.  Lucien agreed to help, but asked us if we would like to meet his 4 month old baby girl while he retrieved my new statue.  All the women went ga ga over baby Casually.  She was the most casual, easy going baby I have ever met.  She let us kiss and hold her for hours!  Her mother, Dadu came to the hotel and found her daughter drenched in cuddles… what a sweet way to end the day!

My special carving of Mother and Child.  Wait till you see the finished product:)

Baby Casually stole all our hearts!

I’m Your Billboard Today:

My bloggy friends fundraising for their adoptions sent me their T shirts to wear in Haiti.  You can click on their links to purchase their projects!!

1. Faith Hope Love Grace- I gave this T shirts Stacey sent me.  I loved how excited our Mission of Mercy host, Dimas was when I gave him the shirt!

2.  Seek, Defend, Plead and Encourage – Africa adoption bloggy friend.  Our body guard and new friend, Lucien (who saved our lives!) loved wearing his T shirt.

We are heading for the border!  “Haitians cross the Massacre river to sell wares in the Dominican Republic. There is a marked difference in the standard living on the Haitian side of the border from that of the Dominican Republic.”  We waited on the DR side for about an hour, waiting for Dimas, our Mission of Mercy host, to return with our passports and approval to cross over to Haiti.

My Journal Today:

Today we travel to Haiti with our food! We had a jammed packed schedule, so we were up early in the morning ready for the 3.5 hour drive to the border.  The road was bumpy, but the beauty of the Dominican Republic zipping by was stunning. How is it possible to express the emotions to describe the devastation crossing over the two sides – split in half by the “Massacre River.”  I was preparing my heart for what we were going to see and experience.

“Welcome back Haiti,” flashed through my mind.  I was so thrilled to return and serve the people I fell in love with on my last trip.  Crossing over the border is a traumatic experience for the heart.  Guards are yelling, children are running and screaming for attention, but it’s the garbage and filth everywhere that takes your breath away… we are in Haiti.  We had no idea that this was the moment every plan, agenda and schedule we had worked so hard on – changed.  God deviated us at the border and we were clueless.  The crazy contingency plan was already in motion.  All we knew, we were grounded for 5 hours at the border of Haiti, stuck in the bus while Dimas worked fervently to approve our humanitarian visit into Haiti.  The first three hours we talked and chatted about the day and all our plans.  We were so excited to get to the hotel and start delivering food to over 900 families.  There were 3 projects waiting with hundreds of children, families, and staff waiting to meet us and celebrate our visit. Finally, Steve aka: Jack Bauer told us we could exit the bus.  We were instantly surrounded by children.  I think the photos will speak volumes of the fun we had simply loving the “border kids!”  We played with bubbles and passed out candy.  We were so happy to see the school children in their adorable red and blue uniforms coming over to say hi, too.  We hung out together in the hot sun, by the bus for an additional 2 hours before we received the OK to drive from the border.

We continued to pray that our food would not be confiscated at the next border check point… we had been warned!

This little boy broke all our hearts.  What is his story?  His clothes were torn and literally hanging off his body.  We tried so hard to make him smile.  Becky found an outfit and helped him change into the new clothing.  We made sure he had his “old” clothes to give back to his family or guardian (or was he an orphan.)

This beautiful Haitian girl walked by our bus and gave us permission to take her photograph of her balancing act.  What is her story?

There are truly no words to describe a God inspired intervention.  A moment when God changes the path, the direction, the day to fulfill His plan.  I woke up in the morning clearly understanding our itinerary that day.  We had an organized, well-planned agenda and we were all very curious to explore the adventure that changed direction radically at the border.

God used the craziness of our truck driver (with all the food) forgetting his passport, as the tool that diverted us to the tiny village of Dos Dane in Quananenthe, Haiti.  Our truck barely made it up the dirt road, but we found our way to a church where our food would be stored safely for distribution.  We were warmly welcomed!  I have 2 fun Flip videos of our team unloading the truck with the entire village peeking at the “Gringos” with 900 bags of food!

We drove 3 hours to Cap Haitien and checked into our Hotel.  We ended the evening with Haitian munks singing “Happy Birthday” and sharing birthday cake with us.  I did not take photos out of respect, but it was quite a sight!

This is a typical “street” in Haiti villages.

Video #1 – We started unloading 900 bags of food and caused quite a stir with the neighbors.  Take a peek at the lady in the background behind the fence in the yellow dress.  Moments after I filmed this Flip video, she crawled under the truck and grabbed my leg, pulling me out in the street.  The commotion caused the children to scream, a 2 year old baby was pushed down and nearly trampled, while the lady was yanked off me and directed back to the street.  I didn’t mean to cause so much craziness!  Later, the Pastor told me she was crazy and cried all the time.

Video #2 – Pastor says hello to my bloggy readers.

I’m Your Billboard Today:

My crazy readers sent me their adoption fundraising items and I promised I would wear them in Haiti.  The best part, I gave them away to special people I met along the way.  Please head over to their blogs and purchase these special projects and help a family bring home their children.

1.  You can purchase my sister-in-law’s China Adoption T shirt (I’m wearing) at her blog.  My niece comes home soon!

2.  You can purchase the beautiful Ugandan beads at Kelly’s adoption blog. I gave them away to the precious mother of my sponsored child, Rose.

Ugandan mother’s making the necklaces for income to raise their children.  You can help today!

My Journal Today:

I slept like a rock, no Ambien necessary and shot out of bed at the buzz of Ali’s iPhone alarm.  Breakfast at 7am sharp – eggs, hot Quinoa breakfast cereal, coffee (strong!)

We drove about 20 minuets to a loading area where we waited for a 20ft. semi truck loaded with boxes of food pulled in.  Several workers were hired to help us.  We unloaded the truck and listened briefly to instructions.  Each bag was to be stuffed with: 2 Salami, 5 cans of sardines, 2 cans of corn, 2 cans of mixed vegetables, powdered leche, brown sugar, bag of cereal, bag of oatmeal and 1 loaf of fresh baked bread.  We stuffed 3 plastic bags and made 900 “ready to go” bags.  We attracted a lot of attention, and I loved watching street boys coming to help us bag food.   They insisted they could miss school and help us.  At first, our assembly line was a little disorganized, but we quickly got in the grove and worked as a team.  We were all bagging crazy love!  We completed the packing at 2pm.

It was incredible to work with locals and laugh and joke and get the job done together.  We took a photo with Don Fuhr’s timer… Ali and I yelling “Uno, Dos, Tres, Queso!!”  We laughed in hysterics, but I don’t think anyone got our joke.

Back to the hotel for a quick clean up and then a delicious dinner out at a local restaurant.

Video #1- We start off with a bang bagging 900 meals (ignore my ecstatic shrills about 170,000- I was a little off that day)

Video #2- Crazy Assembly Line packing up truck with 900 bags of food!! We had a blast, but man it was a lot of sweaty work!

Why we are here – an excellent video from PBS.

Thank you, Don Fuhr for letting me use some of your amazing pics!!

Hot Quinoa Breakfast Cereal Recipe

• 1 c. Quinoa
• 2 c. Water
• 1/2 c. Apples thinly sliced
• 1/3 c. Raisins
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• Lowfat milk or possibly cream
• Honey or possibly brown sugar

Directions:

I’m so excited to share my week in Haiti with you!  I knew it would be impossible to take my computer, so instead I brought a journal to write my thoughts and details of the trip.  I didn’t want to forget a moment of this special adventure… my 2nd mission trip to Haiti.  We had a purpose – food distribution and visiting children at our 11 projects scattered from the border to Cap Haitien.

We had no idea that God would take our plans, our agenda, our schedule and turn them upside down, twisting around with drama only God could direct.  He had his own inspired plans, agenda and schedule for our team… we just had to hold on, avoid whiplash, and enjoy the craziness!

Before the trip, I googled the definition of Haiti.  Haiti, (a republic in the West Indies on the western part of the island of Hispaniola; achieved independence from France in 1804; the poorest and most illiterate nation in the western hemisphere) A few nicknames: Mountain over Mountain, Mountain Country.  The name “Haiti” comes from the native Taino/Arawak word ayiti or hayti, meaning “mountainous” or “high land.  The two main religions are Roman Catholicism and Voudou, or Voodoo, a mixture of African animism (belief in spirits and nature) and Christianity. Many Haitians practice both these religions at the same time.  [read more]

The flight distance from Miami, Florida to Haiti is:  681 miles!!

My Journal Today:

I woke up at 5am this morning so excited about “travel day!”  I feel like we’re embarking on a real adventure.  170,000 meals and 600 pounds of formula tucked inside rubbermaid bins for delivery.  I can’t wrap my brain around how we are going to pack, deliver and serve so many meals.  I’m familiar now with the things I will see, but knowing it has all changed in one way or another.  We will arrive in the Dominican Republic, Santiago at 10pm – a long day, but team is buzzing with anticipation.  We have 14 amazing people, most I have never met… 4 jumped on board from blog and FB!  Now that is crazy!

What I’m specifically praying for is a formula miracle.  My bloggy friends and community helped raise $2,200 for baby formula and the chances of not making it through security are high.  We did not get the “paper” we needed from the officials in Santiago, so we are trusting God to get every can to Haiti.  We will have the opportunity to hand deliver the formula to churches, orphanages and Mother’s Milk Day via the Campbells.  We are asking God for full access to bring it through customs.  God can blind their eyes and allow 100%!

Bloggy friend from New York, Paige (and her sister) was easy to spot.  She was wearing Simply Love T shirt.  We waited in Miami for Drew and Dennis – our team of 2 from Florida (never met them) We played a game to guess who they were. LOL  Due to delays, our plane was late taking off and the guys ran like crazy to make it on the flight… just in the nick of time!

Miracle #1: We MADE IT through customs with all our formula!!  God did the miracle without a snag… customs asked what we had in the bins (all 10 of them) making sure we did not have medication.  He never even looked inside.  A much different scenario than our last hold up and confiscation with mission bins in 09.

Checking in to the Hotel Hodelpha with my roomies, Ali and Alicia.  Dinner: Sea Bass Fish Sticks and cheesecake!

God will mark our hearts.  Wake up call – 6 am!  Here we go….

Photos used with permission – Don Fuhr who was part of our amazing team, gave us all the gift of his beautiful photography.  I’m thrilled to show some of them on  my blog this week.  You can click on his site and look at all his photos of our trip to Haiti.

Have you ever met someone that made such an impact on your life… you just want to tell everyone about them?

We met Robel in Ethiopia and I want to tell you all about him and his new ministry, Into the Streets of Ethiopia. The first thing you love about Robel is his bright eyes and spirit for the Lord.  His sense of humor helped us through the 2 crazy weeks we spent in Addis Ababa picking up Zoie.  We would not have made it without his love, friendship and prayers.  He literally prayed over us when we didn’t think we could go another day.  He prayed over Zoie.  He brought us to his church and prayed for us there, too.  He’s a man of mighty prayers and I know that God has blessed him and his ministry to children on the streets of Ethiopia abundantly- we can pray and help too!

The best part, when I go to Ethiopia this summer in July for my crazy mission trip- I will get to spend time with Robel again and his ministry with the street children.  What’s really amazing, I recognize many of the children in the photos on the Into the Streets of Ethiopia website.  I was relieved to know they are alive and being ministered to.  They are being loved and cared for and learning about Jesus.

The aim of Into the Streets of Ethiopia is to raise financial support, basic living materials and educational needs for street children living in  Ethiopia.  Improving the child’s living standard and provision for education will help to contribute to their future well being and adjustment in society.   It is our desire to partner with charitable organizations which serve underprivileged youth in Ethiopia.  All funds will be devoted to the cause of helping street children and at risk children in Ethiopia.  [read more]

Robel’s Story (you don’t want to miss this!)

I was born on December 25,1986, in Harar, Ethiopia to a farming family. Our farm grew corn, fruit, and vegetables. When I was 10 years old my dad passed away. My mom, my sisters, and I lived together for the next year.  My father’s family eventually took over our land and due to financial pressures, I felt the need, as the only man, to take care of my family.  The only way to financially support my mom and sisters was for me to go to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, and find work.

My kiddos hanging out with Robel in Ethiopia!

link-www.intothestreetsofethiopia.com (where crazy readers can further read about him and read about his ministry).

Roger and I want to offer some practical advice today LIVE on adoption homecoming.  Adoption bloggy friends, please share with readers in the comments some ideas that helped you or things that were challenging when you came home with your new adoptive child.  BTW- if you are interested in purchasing the Simply Love T shirt I’m wearing on the videos…. blue T with Simply Love on the front.  My BF is fundraising with them on her blog for Africa Mission trip.  Go on over and take a peek- Randi’s Adventure in Wonderland.

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