His Blog...Her Blog

Help Haiti Act

2010-11-29T20:47:00.001-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HELP HAITI ACT 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Urgent Call for Action: Let's Get the Help Haiti Act of 2010 Passed!

The Help Haiti Act of 2010 (HR 5283) will give the Haitian children who came to the United States this year the same green card and citizenship path they would have had if they had come through the normal international adoption route.

The House of Representatives needs to vote on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5283 - Help HAITI Act of 2010 before the "lame duck" session of Congress ends. Everyone in the adoption community:

please contact the Democratic House leadership and urge them to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote.

Let's finish the job we started in January.

There are approximately 1,200 children who need our help.

The people to contact are:

perry.appelbaum@mail.house.gov (on behalf of Congressman John Conyers)John.Lawrence1@mail.house.gov (on behalf of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi)terry.lierman@mail.house.gov (on behalf of Congressman Steny Hoyer)

Contact us at

adoptionpolicy.org with any questions.

Links...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Center for Adoption PolicyChild Advocacy Program at Harvard Law School
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Happy Birthday Zoe!

2010-07-23T07:37:00.003-04:00

(I made this a few months ago when Zoe was student of the week at school.)

Just thinking...

2010-05-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

I'm not even sure why we have a blog ;) i don't know how anyone finds the time to keep one of these things up to date!

Jen

HelpHaitilive.com

2010-02-25T20:58:00.001-05:00

Finally Home!

2010-02-20T20:13:00.002-05:00

Flight out...

2010-01-26T15:01:00.002-05:00

I was asked to write a snippet about our evacuation, and since I haven't blogged yet I found it only fair to put it here as well. I have many stories to tell, hopefully I'll be able to unpack them into words for your benefit and mine.

On January 22nd, 2010 I boarded a USAF C-17 Globemaster with my two adopted sons and 14 of their adopted friends. It was the end of a traumatic week, and the beginning of our lives together. Before the earthquake we had been in the arduous process of adopting Sammy and Gino, navigating within the requirements of the US and Haitian governments to give these children a home and family they could call their own. Two years of paperwork, homestudies, interviews, physicals, fingerprints, background checks, and the like. We expected the adoption process to take another 8 months at least. Then an earthquake, in Haiti, in Port au Prince where our children lived. Panic, worry, fear. Immediately we booked a flight that soon would be cancelled along with all other commercial flights. I had to be there, trained as a Paramedic and a Firefighter I knew I could help, and I needed to know that my boys and our friends were okay. I was able to get a flight to Ft. Lauderdale, thanks to the local ABC affiliate and a donated flight from Southwest airlines, hopeful to join a chartered flight into PAP scheduled for Saturday morning with 2 of our missionary friends who were stateside separated from their ministry and families. Hillary Clinton’s visit bumped our flight until Sunday, so we spent Saturday gathering medical supplies and doctors to come with us (we had to charter a larger plane which was paid for by a supporter of the “Heartline Ministries” where the boys are from). We were able to take off from FLL to PAP with 2 doctors, an anesthesiologist, a nurse, two paramedics, a midwife, and over 2,000 pounds of supplies. The next week is a blur between going to the embassy to expedite the adoptions and helping at the makeshift clinic as they treated horrific wounds and infections. Finally on Friday, around 6pm, I had humanitarian parole visas for my two boys and 14 of their friends who also had American families in the adoption process before the earthquake. I called the orphanage and told them the news and within an hour they had the kids in a truck traveling to meet me at the embassy. In the meantime I was in contact with Lt Col Randon Draper of the USAF who was in charge of arranging evacuation flights on the airplanes returning to the US after bringing much needed supplies to Haiti. From the embassy we were put on a escorted bus to the airport, onto the tarmac next to the waiting C-17 where our passports and the children’s visas were checked and confirmed. The children’s eyes were wide as they took in the sights of huge airplanes everywhere. “AVION, AVION!!” they shouted over and over again. Soon Lt Col Draper greeted us and led us up the stairs into the cavernous cargo plane. Jump seats lined the walls with an extra row of seats down the middle. News crews, rescue crews, red cross personnel, military, and other evacuees made for a motley crew on this windowless flight. The captain opened the rear hatch to back the plane towards the runway, we all took a good look at what we were leaving behind before the door closed and we began our flight toward our new lives.

ALL TOGETHER AT LAST!!

2010-01-24T13:00:00.002-05:00

After 2 years of waiting, yesterday Sammy and Gino came home to be with us forever.I can't begin to explain how it feels to have them home!

I don't have time to write of all the funny and wonderful moments we have shared in the first 24 hours. BUT i did want to tell everyone who has stood by us,listened to my frustrations with the process, dried my tears of sadness, loved us, prayed for us, supported us, and now REJOICES with us!

THANK YOU!
WE LOVE YOU!!
WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITH YOU!!!
WE THANK GOD FOR YOU!!!

Jen

Another day of waiting...

2010-01-22T00:48:00.002-05:00

Tim has spent the entire day yesterday and today at the Embassy. Things are looking good! So good that I need to go pack!!! They could be home today or tomorrow! Please continue to pray and we will let you know when he is on a plane!

oh and if you were wondering if Haiti still needs help, the answer is YES!!! if you doubt it just check out the photos on tim's FB page. Then go to www.haiti-relief.com and make a donation!

We need a Miracle!

2010-01-17T23:32:00.003-05:00

Well, Tim finally made it into Haiti this morning! He set up a clinic and then went to see the boys! They were exceedingly happy to see him! Tim borrowed a phone and made a quick call to me. I was able to tell the boys I love them and they returned the love with a "Halo, I wuv ew" This totally made my day and has lifted my spirits a great deal!

The plan (which seems to change every hour) for now is to head to the US Embassy in Haiti in the morning and present our case and request and emergency visa. I have no idea what the "real requirements" are for this type of visa. It seems there many who have heard "this or that" but i suppose tomorrow we will find out!

As for Heartline, they were able to fly in medical specialist and 3000 lbs of supplies today! This was vital to the on the ground operations. They have set up a "hospital" and will see many who are in desperate need of surgery tomorrow. You support has made this possible. This is just one of the many aspects of their relief efforts. Please help them continue their good work at www.haiti-relief.com

I'm going to try and get some rest. Please pray for the visa to come through and lift up all those who are aiding in the relief efforts with Heartline!

Good night!

Heartline created Haiti-Relief.com

2010-01-14T10:58:00.003-05:00

On January 12th a devestating 7.0 earthquake hit just outside Port Au Prince Haiti.
The housing in Haiti was not built to withstand such an event and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced, killed an injured.

Heartline Ministries, Inc. is a 501c3 organization who has spent over 20 years in Haiti doing humanitarian work, adoptions and education. Heartline has been greatly impacted by the devestating quake. We need your help to rebuild and to help those around us. Please donate any amount you can. 100% of all donations will be used directly in Haiti to rebuild and to deliver humanitarian aid.

We ask every individual give 5 dollars.

We ask that every church or civic group give 10 dollars.

So, today, instead of a drive-thru lunch please paypal five bucks to help people who truly have nothing.

Help Fight the Devastation

GO TO www.haiti-relief.com

MY APOLOGIES and UPDATE

2010-01-13T11:42:00.003-05:00

Due to emotion drain and sleep deprivation I made a typo that originally linked this Chipin to a non-exsistent email/paypal account. If your payment was submitted before 10:30 am EST PLEASE CANCEL AND RESUBMIT!!! IT IS WORKING PERFECTLY NOW I PROMISE.

Quick Update
All the children are fine.

They and the night workers and e Tlucek clan stayed at the home of the Buxmans last night. They stayed in the yard due to the mant aftershocks that we had.

The main damage that we sustained was to the walls around the houses. The wall on allfour sides of the boys' house has collasped. There is significant damage to the wall on two sides of the girls' house and at the women's cenetr and at my house.

We. of course, have no city power and no water due to broken pipes.

The inside of all the houses are littered with broken glass, and whatever was on the shelves noe is on the floor.

This morning at 1:30 I accompanied Troy Livesay to Bring two of our medical people and some medical supplies to a friends place who had set up a clinic in the street to help the many, many who were injured due to falling cement blocks and debris.

Along the route so much seened normal and then we would hit stretches of severe damage and of houses and businesses completely destroyed. We saw car on the side of road crused by falling debris. The three story police station which is about three miles from our house is completely destroyed.

People were told not to sleep inside so the strrets were packed with people sleeping and sitting. It at times was difficlt to get by them.

We have started cleanup by piling up the falling walls to make some kind of security wall around the houses. I have hired some of the local guys to help with this.

Our plan is to at least get then girls' house secure and have all the kids stay there. But the nannies at this point are saying that they will not sleep inside. It is possible that all will spend another night in the Buxmans' yard.

We will work on securing food drinking water for the children.

Heartline and its people have been blessed to have sustained relatively minor damage, especially compared to others who have suffered the loss of homes and others who ave been injured and other who have lost loved and others their lives.

I understand that Port au Prince and the surrounding areas have in many places been destroyed. The picture of the damaged national palace perhaps is indicative of the condition of the country

Our greatest need is for money to rebuild the walls to secure the homes and to make various repairs. I know that this seems so minor compared to he loss that others have suffered.

Your prayer are greatly needed.

I will update later today when I have a chance to use the internet of others that work with us. Our internet is done.

John

Earthquake Devastates Haiti!

2010-01-12T23:56:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest from Haiti:

At about 5:00 PM as I was almost ready to send this e-letter, the house began to sway and I could hear the sound of breaking glass and of walls falling.
Haiti had just been hit by a major 7.0 earthquake. All the Heartline people are fine but the houses.especially the walls have sustained major damage. The wall at the boys' house is 75% gone as well as a major portion of the girls' house. In my house a good portion of the front wall is gone and a portion of the back wall.
We are running off of batteries power and have no running water due to the pipes breaking.
The people filled the streets running to somewhere. We do not really know the damage sustained throughout the rest of the city.
All the children at the homes and the nannies and the Tlucek kids and visitors are sleeping outside tonight in the Buxman's yard due to several after shocks.
There are people sitting in the streets as they are afraid to go in their homes due to aftershocks. Even s I typed that sentence we just had a strong aftershock.
I am able to send this bu using the internet at a friends house that lives nearby. Our service has been knocked out.

"John Mchoul" - Founder of Heartline Ministries www.heartlineministries.org

"Just experienced a MAJOR earthquake here in Port au Prince - walls were falling down. - we are ALL fine - pray for those in the slums" -- From Twitter user troylivesay in Port-au-Prince, Haiti at 5:24 p.m. ET

"Phones and internet are mostly out - we don't have either at home - radio says the Palace fell down and buildings fell down all along Delmas" -- From Twitter user troylivesay in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at 7:28 p.m. ET

"I can't imagine the devastation this has caused to such an overly stressed city - I think it will be suffering for quite some time" -- From Twitter user troylivesay in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at 7:31 p.m. ET

"In our area mostly exterior walls fallen - people afraid to re-enter their homes..." -- From Twitter user troylivesay in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at 8:20 p.m. ET

"Tipap made it home from Carrefour - saw many dead bodies and injured along the way - said most buidings w/more than one story are down" -- From Twitter user troylivesay in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at 8:22 p.m. ET

http://www.livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/

On a personal note:
Please pray for our sons, Gino and Sammy, and all the children at Heartline's Children's home. Reports are that all the children, nannies, and Heartline personal are unharmed. However, the buildings are not livable at the moment and they are staying outside for the night. Pray for the adoptive parents, some of whom are in Haiti now visiting their kids. Pray for those that live, love, and minister in Haiti...the Livesays, Tluceks, Mangines, Mchouls, Buxmans, Brittany, and my friend Gina's family...the list goes on and on.

Tim and I plan to travel to Haiti, Lord willing, on Monday to bring aid and stay on to help with any immediate relief and rebuilding efforts. Please consider making a donation to Heartline. They need it now more than ever!!

A Moment of Insanity and Extreme Generosity

2010-01-09T11:13:00.010-05:00

My sweet Zoe gave all her birthday money to help save lives!

Ok...so in a moment of INSANITY, last night, I committed to do (not "run"...I will run/walk even crawl accross the finish line) the Disney Marathon. This is real insanity since the I haven't trained AT ALL! Why? you ask...the answer is easy! It's to benefit Haiti! I get to run with all my favorite ladies from Haiti and adoptive moms from the states. Who could say no to that! Not me!

Mama Beth explained that this group of runner has raised $60,000 to purchase an ambulance that will save the lives of mothers in labor and their babies in Haiti! After Zoe heard about the diffence the ambulance will make she asked if she could give all of her birthday money ($50 she had been saving it since July) to Mama Beth to help. Of course we said YES!

I am "running" this for the women and children of Haiti (and for Zoe, who encouraged me with her sacrifice) . My part in this is insanity (and a lot of pain), Zoe's part has been extreme generosity, what part will you play? To read about the Heartline Runner's or to donate the money you've been saving for a rainy day (hey it's a rainy day!) visit the Heartline Runner's Blog

www.heartlinerunners.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas Adoptive Families!

2009-12-11T20:15:00.012-05:00

To all the families that we have bonded with through adoption!

Merry Christmas from our heart to yours!

SAMMY IS 3 TODAY!!

2009-11-23T09:28:00.006-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Haiti Bucket Container Garden Update...

2009-08-04T18:50:00.001-04:00

We received these pictures from Haiti today showing wonderful progress on the garden!!

--
http://www.heartlineministries.org/
http://www.haitiancreations.com/
http://heartlineministries.org/Blog20.aspx

Haiti Container Garden Project

2009-07-06T17:06:00.008-04:00

Some people have asked me to go further in depth regarding the container garden project that I contrived (with the help of google) and the outstanding group from Texas A&M executed with excellence. The idea started when Jen and I were visiting the boys. John mentioned that he would like to use the roof of the boys' house to plant a garden to improve the diversity of their nutrition (he would like me to let you know that they eat well, but this can only supplement the excellent care that they are already receiving). We tossed around a few ideas and concluded that it would be a bad idea to place soil on the roof due to drainage, mold, roof leak, and weight issues. Instead it was obvious that containers would be best and we thought that buckets may be our best bet. I took this a step further using the library...I mean, google, and found plans to make self watering bucket gardens. So, here is how it works, a resevoir for water is created in the bottom of the bucket and is filled with water through the 1" pipe. The 3 inch pipe and everything above the resevoir is soil. The soil in the 3" pipe is in contact with the water and will act as a wick bringing moisture up to the plants. Another 1" pipe with holed in the bottom of it passes completely through the middle of the bucket horizontally to provide aeration to the roots. The bucket's water resevoir needs to be topped off only once every few days and the soil will only uptake as much water as the plants need. I'll try to instruct and tell you why/how as we go:

Using a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, the lid is placed on the bucket and a 1.25" (hole towards a side) and a 3" hole (in the middle) are drilled using a hole saw drill bit. Then the lid is cut away from the rim of the lid using a reciprocating saw, or a Dremel with a 1/8" cutting bit (my preference), it is cut so that it will sit snugly inside of the bucket about 3" from the bottom.

Underneath the 3" hole, a 3" piece of 3" PVC pipe with small holes drilled in it will be placed using zip ties. This "cup" is where the soil will touch the water and wick it towards the roots. Through the 1.25" hole, a 18" long piece of 1" PVC will be pushed through, this will be the tube through which the resevoir is filled as needed:

The set will then be placed inside the bucket. On the sides of the bucket, two more 1.25" holes are drilled opposite of eachother and a 1" piece of PVC that has small holes drilled lengthwise on one side is pushed through and the holes turned facing down so soil doesn't come through.

A small hole is drilled in the side of the bucket just below where the lid sits to act as an overflow spout to know when the bucket is filling and to allow extra water to drain in case it rains. The bucket is then filled with soil. After the bucket is full, remove the lid rim, place plastic over the bucket and use the rim to hold it in place. Then poke a hole in the plastic, stick your finger in the dirt, and plant a seed, covering it with soil. For the first week or so, water the bucket from the top to make sure the soil stays extra moist for the seed to germinate, then just keep the resevoir filled. If you have access to fertilizer, you can add about 4 oz of 7-7-7 and 4 oz. of Dolomite to the top of the soil, it will slowly release during the course of your plant's life. We didn't have this, so we used compost that had been made from the food scraps of the two children's homes with mango leaves, etc. In only 3 days we had about 30-40% of the 231 buckets that we made germinating and showing signs of life!

Hopefully this explains it a little better for you, we learned and adjusted as we went, set up a pretty efficient assembly line using about 10 people and were able to construct all 231 buckets in one full day, then filled and planted on the second day. These results could not be accomplished with just any group, we had a SUPER group that worked with determination and intelligence even though they had never constructed one of these before, and I had only made one myself. Special credit also goes to David Cole who by default became our agriculture expert and made a huge difference in our level of success by using his knowledge and experience with planting.

Questions?

I'm an UNCLE???

2009-07-05T23:48:00.002-04:00

Jen just noted that "Uncle Tim" sounds weird...given that since Uncle Jon and Chris, and Aunt Kim and Katie sound so natural after 7 years, Uncle Tim and Aunt Jen still have an awkward feel to it. I have to admit, I think that Mochi...excuse me...Hazel Marina, is the most beautiful baby that I have ever seen, but that doesn't make "Uncle Tim" sound any more natural. I'm used to being a dad, but have not been schooled in being an uncle. I have much to learn. In short, congratulations Elise and Chris, you make lovely offspring, keep it up.

Beef Jerky and Glow Sticks...

2009-07-01T08:02:00.003-04:00

Each night we've been trying to have a devotion time, and last night's made me laugh and cringe at the same time. On monday the group had gone to a seaside village to see a more rural area of Haiti. Their task was to distribute 'de-worming' medication to the children and adults of the community. The also brought beef jerky and glow sticks. In the chaos of it all, one member of the group realized that the kids were going crazy for the jerky and glow sticks while the thing that they really needed was to not have worms in their stomach stealing their nutrients. They could have cared less about taking a pill that would make them healthier, yet they were in a tizzy for a salty snack and a party favor. The experience brought out the conflict of chasing what we want that will satisfy us temporarily and putting off what we need to make us healthy and whole. It's true in kids, and it's true in us.

New Pictures up on Facebook...

2009-06-27T21:00:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures from today. I had a good reunion with the boys, the looks of "is he really here or is this a dream" were priceless, and they both came straight to me. I'll write more when I have more. In the mean time, click here for pictures.

F-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-freeeeeeezzzzziiiinnnnngggggg...

2009-06-27T05:22:00.002-04:00

Not what you expected for my first Haiti blog??? Then you don't know Ft. Lauderdale Airport at 2am. Apparently they want to discourage people from sleeping overnight, or they want to sell more hotel rooms at a cool $139 to borrow a bed for 8 hours. So, I nodded off a couple of times, woke up every 5 minutes as the P.A. system reminded me to recycle, the current security threat level (it's orange in case you were wondering), and to report any suspicious baggage that I may see. I should probably appreciate it now while I can, since I'll be sweating for the rest of the week. Updates to come.

Crabby Old Man poem...

2009-06-18T11:30:00.002-04:00

This poem came across my inbox from a woman at our church...it's a forwarded email but it won't bring you bad luck if you don't pass it on, etc., etc., etc. I spend a decent amount of time at work walking down the halls of various nursing homes and nut houses, trailer parks and apartment complexes, tent cities and abandoned houses, and even lonely mansions. The fact is we will all grow old, will all be active minds trapped in worthless bodies, waiting impatiently for this life to pass wondering what waits us on the other side. Read on and ponder on many levels, I did.

Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . .. . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . .. . and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am, . . .. . . as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . as I eat at your will
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen .. . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty. . . . . .My heart gives a leap.
Remembering the vows . . . .. . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . . . I have young of my own..
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . .. . . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . My loved one and me ...
Dark days are upon me . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . .. . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . .. . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age. . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . .. . . .. grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . .. I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years . all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . .. . . open and see..
Not a crabby old man
Look closer . . see . . . . ME!!

Haitian Funky Mouth Disease (HFMD)

2009-05-16T11:50:00.004-04:00

It's a cruel world when a lollipop can carry the Haitian Funky Mouth Disease. What was supposed to be an act of bonding between me and the boys turned into a week of misery. You may ask, "What is Haitian Funky Mouth Disease"? It is essentially a mouth infection that causes your gums to swell and become tender (like right after the dentist's 'hook'), and multiple canker sores on your gums and tongue. Apparently, it is rare in adults, and lasts 7 to 10 days.

I have learned many lessons through all of this, here are a few:

-New Rule: One lollipop, one mouth.

-A moment of bonding can lead to a week of pain.

-Nothing is innocent.

-Listen to your mother.

-Only eating things that you don't chew will help you lose 15 pounds in one week (is that what a liquid diet is supposed to be?).

-Taking vitamin C and Zinc gives you bad B.O. that smells like Parmesian Goldfish.

-HFMD is bad for intimacy with your wife.

-Even with all of our doctors and medicines, some things just have to run thier course.

I'm now on day 8, my mouth is starting to feel better, and I am hoping that it will stay on this course without any lingering effects.

Looking Back...

2009-05-12T11:31:00.007-04:00

I was doing what I do after every visit with the boys...thinking what in God's name can speed this thing up?!?! And wondering if we need to request an extension for any of our paperwork. (This is a good thing to keep on top of b/c once your paperwork expires you have to re-file which means paying the fees again. Something we are trying to avoid.) This ended up in a mad goose chase. I was searching through 100's of copies of documents looking for one lil piece of paper. No luck! So, next i turned to my old "sent" email. I vaguely remember scanning the document b/c we had a problem with it. As i began looking through my email i came across this...

This was the first picture we received of the boys. To my surprise we received it on May 2, 2008. We had spent the next week in prayer before the Lord trying to "figure out" if these were our sons. You see we had referrals from two different orphanages and it was "up to us" b/c we had been approved by both.

On May 4, 2008 I made this and sent it in an email to Tim at the Fire station...

In an email sent on May 7, 2008 I had this to say...

"To be quite honest, we feel confident that Gino and Sammy are the children God intended for our family."

By May 11, 2008 we had given our official "YES" to Marantha Children's Home and we were "matched" with our sons.

It never occurred to me that our last visit coincided with that very special day that we saw our sons for the first time. We bought our tickets based on the dates offered for one of Spirit airlines ridiculously low ticket rates. But there is something sweet about the fact that looking back we spent these days with our sons. May 2nd a year ago we saw them and loved them. May 2nd this year we held them and loved them! What a difference a year has made!

We are more confident then ever "that Sammy and Gino are the children God intended for our family." We are so grateful to God for bringing them into our lives and hopeful that He will bring the boys home to us soon. I'm trying not to be be angry or complain about how long this process is taking but rather I'm trying to see the journey God has had us on this last year. A year ago i celebrated Mother's Day as a mother of two. This year i celebrate it as a mother of four!!! I am a blessed women indeed!

So, what started as a mad goose chase turned into a stroll down memory lane! I can't wait for next Mother's Day...hopefully I will be celebrating with us all together for good!

Oh, If you are wondering if I found the document...not a chance! I think it's safe in Haiti with John. I did end up calling USCIS office to double check the expiration date. It only makes sense to avoid any unnecessary reprocessing fee, right!?!?

To all who have joined us on this crazy wonderful journey, I am eternally grateful.

-J

Joseline and Compassion International

2009-05-06T07:56:00.003-04:00

The shy little girl, whose picture we picked from about 100 others 10 years ago at a Christian Music Festial in New Hampshire. She was now driving down the road toward me. I wasn't sure what to expect as they pulled up and got out of the green truck. The shy little 8 year old stepped out, but now she was a shy 18 year old, as unsure as I, not knowing how this relationship was to be played out. We were connected only by letters and pictures until now, and only a few times per year at that. For the price of $28 (now $32) per month, we were able to pay for her education, some food, and occasionaly provide practical gifts. I suppose we are some sort of parental figures to her though only knowing her through letters. But here we were, face to face. We smiled, gave a hug, and went inside. For five hours we played with the kids, shared pictures with her, went out to lunch, took her to the women's ministry while I taught a first aid/CPR type class, gave her gifts, and sent her on her way back to the island of Gonaves. At the end of it, we were mutually happy to have physical proof that the other was a real person, and mutually confused at how we could be connected in tangible ways from so far without ever meeting. I have high respect for Compassion International and their mission to connect people that otherwise would never be connected, to make a difference in the lives of the sponsor and the sponsored. I'm sure I'll have more to reflect on this experience, but for now I need to enjoy our last day here.

2009-05-04T22:32:00.004-04:00

The days are going by much to quickly. The first two seem a blur to me (Jen). We arrived to find Sammy Gino sick and not quite thrilled to see us. Gino saw Tim and promptly found a nanny to hide behind. Gino waited until Tim was a safe distant away and made a break for me. He was happy to see me but even happier to sleep. For the next 24 hours he was content to sleep in my arms every chance he got but not playful or cheery at all. Sammy was running the same fever but acting much like himself. Always ready for play and daddy's lil man. He has such an affection for Tim and i love it! Gino's fever finally broke. And this morning he was all smiles and giggles. It was so good to see him feeling well again. He was quite talkative and even wanted to play with Papi (that is what the boys call Tim...which i suppose is less confusing than having a "daddy" when you have a sister named Addie).

Zoe and Addie have found their rolls as big sisters to the boys very fulfilling and make the most of the morning activities at the boys house. Zoe had this sweet moment with Gino during playdough station this morning.

Addie loves to try and engage Sammy in everything she is doing. She must have said "Sammy" 100 times today. She succeeded in getting him to swing with her.

We are trying our best to live in the moment while realizing the need to capture some to share and some for posterity's sake. But this is a difficult task. Truly being in the moment requires all of you and no camera in my opinion. Even more difficult is the task of putting words to those experiences. So, here are some fun things that didn't get denied our full attention and i haven't any words to describe... jumping on the trampoline, introducing woffle ball to the boys (and the nannies) at the boys house, glow sticks in the pitch black night of Haiti, Zoe and Addie lovin on their brothers, holding your son while he sleeps, listening to their laughter, and hearing them call you Manmi and Papi and seeing the tears in their eyes when it's time to say goodnight.

I'm at a loss for what to share next, the ants are biting me, and we meet our Compassion child tomorrow so i should try to get some sleep. Good night form Haiti! Love to you all! -J

We're Here!

2009-05-02T21:26:00.002-04:00

This is our third trip to visit our boys who are still waiting to come home as governments and policy makers keep us apart. We are SO thankful for the home that they are in for the time being, and for the wonderful people who care for them while we are in the States. They are among friends, loved, fed, and encouraged.

We posted some pictures from today on facebook (CLICK HERE).

Thanks to everyone who donated items for us to bring, especially Cindi (Jen's mom) for buying a new trampoline pad and safety net, you can see from the pictures that it was badly needed.

Tomorrow we are going to church with Sammy and Gino.

Love to you all, we're enjoying our time, wish the boys felt better (running temperatures), but happy to be with them regardless.

So Happy Together...

2009-04-29T17:13:00.002-04:00

Just 2 more day!!!!

I can't sleep. I can't think. I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to be together with our boys!!!

Happy Birthday to my boys!!!

2009-04-20T09:36:00.003-04:00

HAPPY BIRHTDAY TIM AND GINO!!!!

Happy Anniversary My Love!

2009-03-24T22:46:00.009-04:00

Land of the Free by Andrew Peterson

2009-03-20T08:43:00.002-04:00

Jen's friend passed a song along to her, it resonates with us and where we're at, here's a snippet:

"Well, I’m weary of the spoils of my ambition and I’m shackled by the comfort of my couch. I wish I had the courage to deny these of myself and start to store my treasure in the clouds ‘cause this is not my home...and I’m just a little jealous of the freedom that you have, unfettered by the wealth of a world that we pretend is gonna last. They say God blessed us with plenty, I say you’re blessed with poverty ‘cause you never stop to wonder whether earth is just a little better than the Land of the Free." -Land of the Free by Andrew Peterson

Refuse to become corrupt...

2009-03-13T16:35:00.002-04:00

I was driving last week, and in my quest to come up with original and relevant facebook status updates I came up with:

"Tim Pearson Refuse to become corrupt...it's an active process, to be passive is to be corrupted."

Okay, it wasn't truly facebook that influenced me, but my overactive idealistic mind that wonders why we don't do the right things even when we know they are the right things to do. I call it sin nature, you may call it human nature, but the point is WE ALL DO IT. We are self destructive as a community when we aren't actively working against our individual selfishness, and it's our selfishness that craves the things that destroy us as a group, or destroys another group for our own comfort to benefit 'our' group.

Uh oh...let me try to scramble so I can unpack this. Last sunday's sermon, I'm sure it was excellent but, my memory only allows for one tidbit to stick...the one thing that stood out for me was an illustration of the community that fights tooth and nail to avoid having power lines go near thier neighborhood. They get lawyers, experts, sheer numbers of neighbors to protest how this will bring down property values, create health risks, provide a place for people to throw shoes onto the wires (whatever reason they can come up with). And finally the county caves, decides not to put them there...only to divert the lines through a poorer, less organized neighborhood.

There is the saying that kaka rolls downhill, but it's more than that. Our actions affect more than just those directly around us. And now your saying, "I thought this was about corruption". There are two types of corruption, corruption of comission, and corruption of omission. Comission is actively doing something you shouldn't, omission is not doing something when you should.

How often do we want to do something that is 'good', but then, as soon as it becomes just the slightest bit inconvenient, the idea falls to the wayside? We have a glimmer of wanting to help with the Big Brother Big Sister program, Habitat for Humanity, or sponsor a child through Compassion International, and then the thoughts of cost and commitment come in and we wind up ignoring the tugging on our heart.

We are corrupt in every part of our being. We're like a garden, when it is left unattended, the good things become overgrown and ugly, and the bad things flourish and choke out any new growth. Without constant weeding, pruning, nurturing, tilling, etc. our lives won't bear any fruit.

We can live for ourselves, but it will always be at the expense of another. Our only defense is to constantly be in a state of readiness against our propensity for corruption...or we can get drunk and watch a lot of T.V. eating Twinkies until we die, never thinking twice about the human race as a whole.

**These rambling thoughts have been brought to you by: Cuban Coffee, stimulating the mind for hundreds of years.**

Haiti on my mind...

2009-02-13T00:21:00.003-05:00

I can't sleep...and sleep is something that usually comes quite naturally to me. So, I decided to write, not for you, but for me...and if I publish this, you will get to listen to me ramble and test my thougts.
In 1999, Haiti changed Jen and me...we knew we would be back, not sure when, or how, but we knew. Now we've been back twice, and each time our hearts tug a little more, it feels a little more common, more like a second home. We look past the dirt, heat, sweat, smell, and begin to see people, faces, stories, opportunities. We've been given such a gift by visiting, the gift of perspective. But the gift is also a curse. Everything that we thought we knew, we realized we don't. Everything we took for granted now stares us in the face. It's not guilt that is bothering me, I'm over that, it's an urge to see the proof in my pudding, see my rubber meet the road, to have my nose on the grindstone...that sounded weird, but oh well, you get the point.
This evening I read that America has 4.5% of the world's population, yet uses 40% or more of the world's resources. That is staggering. I try to justify it, deny it, ignore it...but I can't. It's not THE issue, just evidence of deeper issues. We (as Americans) don't think outside of ourselves, and our worldview is so narrow and surreal, that we have fooled ourselves and numbed our minds to reality.
As usual, I digress. I'm not awake because I'm thinking about what America, nor Americans should do. I'm awake wondering what this American should do. Beyond that, what should this American Christian do? It's one thing to be an atheist American who lives for himself out of a belief system of being fit to flourish, it's another thing to believe what Jesus had to say and somehow try to reconcile it to our American culture. I used to think that this country was rich, but we did a lot of good with our riches. America contributes less than 0.4% of our federal budget to poor countries. We are second to last of the 22 industrialized nations. Again, I digress...probably because it's easier to talk about the faceless 'system' than it is to talk about this mug of mine.
So, Jen and I are asking big questions, wondering if there is a place in Haiti for us. Wondering if we have a role to play other than living in comfort while ignoring the rest of the world. Curious if there is more to life than earning a paycheck, paying the mortgage, planning for retirement, and staying entertained.
The nice part of it all is that while we are shifting in our seats, we're not in any rush. We're stable, and comfortable, waiting to see where God takes us on this adventure of life. We are open to the idea of working in or for Haiti, but not without wisdom, calling, and sober judgement.
Any thoughts?

Final Day

2009-01-28T22:37:00.004-05:00

Day 7 Pictures Here

Family Portrait

We tried. We had the matching outfits, jeans with white shirts, the kids were clean(ish), the camera was ready...and we couldn't pull it off. 20-some pictures later, and we had nada. They were blurry, someone's eyes were closed, looking away, pulling hair, falling down, bonking heads, mid sentence mouths, droopy eyes, you name it...we had it in every picture. The funny thing is that Jen and I were the worst, constantly looking at a kid, making a face, or talking. Oh well...our perfect picture is imperfect (a metaphor for life?). I do have to say that we did capture 'us'. Maybe it isn't the one that you would find in a doctor's office, but it is the one you may find in our house some day. We are relieved to admit that we don't have it all together, and ready to accept life's curveballs. Like leaving your kids in Haiti.

I did it to you, brought you down with us. We're heading home tomorrow and it's tough. A bond is formed, then broken, all in one short week. It's been broken before, and repaired instantly when we returned, but we can't help but worry about what it does to a 2 year old psychy. We tell ourselves that their brains won't remember it when they are 20, but we still don't like it. We can go nuts lamenting the arduous, ambiguous, ridiculous process that is adoption, but it won't do us any good. We can move to Haiti, leave the secure for the unknown. Or we can go home, love them from afar, return as soon as we can afford it and get time off, and do it all over again. These seem to be our options. Is it better to stay away until paperwork is done and then meet them and take them home at the same time? I don't think so, but it would be less painful. Hurting for love feels good though, it's not heartbreak, just heartache. Time passes quickly in hindsight, but slow in uncertain foresight. We've heard stories of some adoptions taking 2 or 3 years, stories of old laws being enforced more strictly, and as of recently we have not heard much encouraging news that they are showing any interest in making it any faster...perhaps it is even becoming slower.

Regardless, tomorrow we return, already looking forward to our next visit. Thanks for journeying with us. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Trip to Mirebelais...

2009-01-27T23:29:00.002-05:00

This morning I was awoken by Junior, John McHoul's right hand man on the adoption process...he was 30 minutes early to pick me up so I could go with him on 'an adventure'. Our mission was to go to Mirebelais (sp?) in order to confirm that a death certificate would in fact be on it's way to the central record keeping in Port au Prince. From what I understand, each town has someone in charge of issuing death, marriage, and birth certificates, and when they are completed, they are supposed to make their way to PaP for storage. Part of Junior's job is to make sure that all documents that may be needed in the future are in fact there. I have learned from Junior that you cannot take anything for granted in this process. That every seemingly simple step can in fact be a major stumbling block for adoptions. Apparently, the powers that be are jaded towards adoption, all the way from the UN down. I'll have to look into this more when I get home. Anyway, we go to what would be our clerk of the court, a building next to a UN building, and arrived at 8:00...they don't open until 9:00 (thanks for getting me up early Junior ;), so we ran a different errand first, to find the birth mother of another kid to make sure she can still be located. Junior says, "all I know is that she said she lives near the soccer field". So off we go, asking where the soccer field is, then if anyone knows this lady. To Junior's credit, we found her house fairly quickly, and learned that her father died and she was at his funeral. No problem, we know she is here. In the meantime, Junior looks up and sees someone that he knows from a long time ago who lives nearby...I learned that Junior knows everyone from a long time ago, since he is constantly "planting seeds" and meeting anyone and everyone. He has a photographic memory and remembers faces and situations extremely well...or so it seemed to me.

Then we went back to the clerk, he wasn't there and there was a line of people waiting. Junior calls him, he shows up, we go straight into the office and caught some looks of disapproval from those who were waiting. We go back to this 'Official' office. it consists of a white, 6'x8' room, a wooden desk and two chairs. Nothing else. In the end the man says that he will need to make a book' to send down to PaP, with a fee involved. Junior doesn't need this to happen for a few more months and says he will go tell John. Mission accomplished, the document is on the radar of the clerk, he knows it's important, Junior continues to have a rapport with him, and the price of doing business will be agreed on later. We take so much for granted in the states. Just to get someone to do what they are supposed to be doing in the first place requires a personal visit, and hounding to make sure it gets done.

I gained a greater appreciation for what Junior does. He is good at it, and seems to enjoy it.

My bed and my wife are calling me...good night.

Family Day 5...

2009-01-26T21:49:00.006-05:00

DAY 5 PICTURES HERE

BATH TIME:

This afternoon we got out the biggest salad bowl you have ever seen, filled it with water and let the four kids play in it. Zoe and Addie weren't too impressed but participated nonetheless, Gino and Sammy had a blast. From cannonballs to cups of water over eachother's head, we fear that bath time at the 'boys house' will never be the same for these two. We are feeling the end of our stay coming nearer, and so each little stolen moment has a little more meaning. This bath was a special one for me.

CABIN FEVER

We have been spending a lot of time in our apartment above the 'girls house', mainly because it gives us time alone with the boys. Unfortunately, I get stir crazy, and a bad case of cabin fever if I'm boxed in too long. I either mentioned it to Jen, or she sensed it, and so she suggested that I walk down to the bakery to get us some fresh breadsticks (that are addictive)...but first I needed to take something next door. Well, unfortunately, two bags full of breadsticks had just arrived next door, including 10 that were purchased for us. So that trip went out the window. However, tomorrow morning I will be going with Junior to Mirebelais, a village, to run an errand with him and get to see more of Haiti. I'm looking forward to it, and so should you.

HE FITS

Yup, we've thought about packing them up and bringing them home...but our better judgement tells us to wait in line like everyone else. We figured that if we got them to Miami and claimed that they were Cuban, then we could have them under the wet foot/dry foot rule. We'll keep thinking. Any other ideas? *We're kidding.

That's it for now, Jen had some excitement during one of her runs with a couple of the other ladies here, but since this is called His Blog Her Blog, she'll have to write about that one. Good night!

Sunday...

2009-01-25T22:11:00.003-05:00

It's 10:10, which means it feels like it's midnight since Haiti virtually shuts down and restarts with the setting and rising of the sun, so I'll make this one quick. Today we went to the Haitian/American church called Port au Prince Fellowship. It's an experience in itself, and if anyone were to tell me about a plan for this type of church I would have been a nay sayer, laughed and told them it would never work. I say this because the service is in english, and yet 95% of the attendees are Haitians. It is a beautiful mix of foreign and local, joyful worship, and servant hearts. It's organic and wonderful. The singing is not polished, but it's awesome...like a rusty old pickup truck that has it's own intrigue, style, and character. You wouldn't take it to a car show, but you'd be proud to drive it. Afterwards we had a nice lunch and watched a gentleman crush a can of beans on his head (more on that another day...maybe, I'm still trying to process what happened). We overheard a conversation in which Carlos Whittaker was mentioned (my sister's husband's brother who is big in the blogosphere), which was funny to us...we'll have to let him know that he's being spoken of in the Haitian missionary circles. Zoe has made a new friend, Katie Grace, who is 9 years old and looks and acts eerily like Zoe. They had an amazing tea party, I was envious. I took the girls swimming for a little daddy/daughter time while Jen let the boys have a raucous time in the bath. We had leftovers for dinner, and had some amazing milkshake/coffee/choclate type dessert/drink that Byron our neighbor and host made for us. And now all the kids are sacked out on the futon, and Jen has abandoned me once again as I burn the Haitian midnight oil to keep you updated. Good night mom, my faithful commentor (and you too Lani)....and to all of you that do read, and leave no feedback, g'night.

;)

Funny Things

2009-01-24T21:36:00.003-05:00

DAY 3 PICTURES HERE

Since our joy in this visit is tempered by the reminders that the Haitian adoption process is slower than the clay turtles that Addie stuck to our window, we thought we'd share some funny things with you to keep things light (for our sake and yours!):

We put headphones on Sammy with Veggie Tales playing...he spent the next 30 seconds looking all around for where the sound was coming from (the cieling? no. the floor? no. Addie? no. Zoe, Gino? no.) Had it been Gino, we think he would have had the whole thing deconstructed to find the source (he is a thinker and tinkerer).

We're contemplating spelling Gino's name Dino when we return to the states (since that's closest to the phoenetics of it)...we'll wait until after we get back so we don't cause any more confusion on this end...they have enough excuses to hold on to our papers already.

Sammy has episodes that can be mistaken for seizures...he's perfected the art to the point where he scared some visitors that don't know him. He has a shut down act when he thinks someone is going to leave. He throws his head back, closes his eyes, and goes silent...until he cracks his eyelids open and stares out of the corner of his eye to see if you've fallen for it.

Gino/Dino is an excellent mimicker. Once he's on a roll, you can get him to imitate almost any action...we had him rubbing his tummy, patting his head, poking someone else, picking his nose, itching his ear, etc.

Gino/Dino is afraid of me with my shirt off...while this may not suprise many of you, it was funny to us. I suppose he can tolerate pale skin in small doses, but when I was changing my shirt, you would have thought he saw a ghost...hmmm....time for a tan?

We're having trouble taking pictures, either we're stark white, or they are too dark. Sometimes we get it right. Time to experiment with flashes.

Sammy still has his chipmunk tendencies. He'll hold his last bite of anything until he's presented with something better...resulting in the ejection of a soggy, chewed up ball of whateveritwas in order to make room for the new offering. Today it was trail mix, then a carrot.

We had another dance party today, Sammy has some suave moves, Gino has mastered the march, Zoe has a "special 6 year old dance", and Addie throws the hips (she gets it from her father), Jen got funky like I've never seen before.

Gino makes sure that everyone else eats his food that is too hot for him, repeatedly shoving forkful after forkful into my mouth whether I was ready or not.

Sammy will be our quarterback...he has good arm speed and accuracy with a Nerf football...catching?...not so much.

I'm stoked about the return of nap time...Sammy and Gino share my fondness for the afternoon siesta.

Gino is scared of statues (yes, and my white belly, but I already told you about that). There are two 3 foot tall Haitian carvings that he would run away from.

Gino has a sleepy routine of pulling his belly button and sucking in his bottom lip. Sammy just cries when you put him down.

Addie said tonight, "I'm going to sleep by myself tonight.". She went and tucked her brothers in, laid down next to them....and a minute later she was in our bed asking for someone to lay down with her.

Zoe got a bloody nose...by accident...it wasn't my fault...promise...it was the trampoline...and maybe had something to do with a 210 pound man jumping with a 6 year old...but that's all I'm saying.

We're learning all about generators, inverters, stacks of car batteries for power....and sweating through the night.

Good night.

Yesterday...

2009-01-24T07:27:00.003-05:00

Tim asked me to write about yesterday. I will attempt to do this one handed since Dino insists on my holding him this morning. As some of you may know I'm training to run a marathon, while typically I love my training runs and the time alone...I didn't want to run yesterday at all!! I woke up and Gino (Pronounced Dino) and Sammy were smiling and giggling at me and i just didn't want to go. I wanted to enjoy the moment but the reality of 26.2 miles hit me up side the head and so I ran the streets of Haiti with Beth, Tara, and Shelly. While I was running Tim fed the kiddos and took them back to the boys house and hung out while they did their morning activites. I meet up with them, sweaty and covered in the mud of wet streets, to find Addie and Sammy making shapes with playdouhgh and Zoe "mothering" any child that showed a hint of "need." It's been fun to watch Addie take on the role of big sister with gusto, she is eager to throw away their diapers, get the toys they drop and help them learn new words. Zoe awaits any chance to help out and stays at the boys house, even staying behind without any of us, to "help a lil' longer".

(Ahhh, no little hands helping me type)

After that we returned to the apartment where we are staying and took a big family nap. Well rested, we returned to the boys house for some trampoline jumping, swinging and playing with friends. We returned to our place for a variation on bath time. Since we only have a shower and cold water we have been putting bathing suits on them, filling a large bucket with water and giving them cups to play with the water. THEY LOVE IT! It gives them a chance to experiment and play with water while they get cooled off. After about the bucket is emptied we soap them down and start over. In the end we have clean happy kids!!! Fun stuff.

We had a nice dinner with some other adoptive parents that arrived yesterday and all the people invovled in the minisitry here. Well past the boys bed time Dino was fast asleep in my arms and Sammy wasn't far behind. We called it a night and worked on processing the day with the girls before they drifted off.

So, that was yesterday and now I must get ready for the fun that awaits us today!!!

One more thing...I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME!!!!!!!

Jen

Day #2 pictures, blog to come tomorrow...

2009-01-23T22:28:00.003-05:00

Pictures from Day #2 HERE

Sorry to make you wait, but it's 10:30 and we're pooped...I'll try to get to blogging in the morning. Great day.

One Big Happy Family...

2009-01-22T21:46:00.003-05:00

In hind sight, it would have been a really good idea to take a picture of all of us together for the first time, on the first day...but behold, the day is done, the girls and boys are asleep on a futon mattress laid on the floor, and Jen and I are pooped after getting up at 4am for our flight this morning.

Our first encounter with the boys as a family was a huge success. The boys reattached quickly, as soon as they had determined that we in fact were the same people that loved on them a few months prior. Zoe and Addie slid into their big sister roles with ease, and adjusted instantly to Haiti (I don't think that is normal).

Even thought it was freezing in Florida when we left, it is still 90 degrees + here...it feels like Haiti, and we are readjusting to sweating non-stop...in fact, I am two feet from a cold shower since the bathroom is the only place we can pick up the WiFi signal from next door, and I can't wait to jump in it.

We don't have any official news on the progress of beaurocracy, but apparently they still haven't passed the updated guidlines that will permit couples who already have biological children to adopt. So currently we are in a pile of applications that are awaiting 'special' approval. We haven't heard from Junior, the point man on the paperwork, so this is only what we have heard through the vine.

The shower is calling me (and Jen has already directed me to where the toothbrush and toothpaste are...her subtle way of telling me that I have funky breath), so I'm going to take care of some personal hygeine and write again tomorrow.

Thanks for your love, prayers, and support. We appreciate you all.

Blog again, blog again, jiggety jig...

2009-01-21T12:14:00.002-05:00

Sorry for our blogging absence, it's been a busy month or two, with little news on the adoption front, other than we are leaving today and arriving in Port au Prince tomorrow. We're excited as this is the first time our entire family will be together!! We intend to blog during our trip and keep you updated with stories and pictures. Thanks for being on this journey with us, your support, prayers and friendship are appreciated deeply. Let the adventure continue.

Soccer

2008-12-06T23:22:00.002-05:00

Washington, D.C. for Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T20:18:00.006-05:00

15 hours in the car with two dogs and the girls proved worthwhile as we've been enjoying plenty of time with most of our family (my brother and his wife were unable to make the trip). We took the girls to the Museum of American History, went ice skating on the National Mall (my dad broke his ulna, and I dropped Addie on her face...but aside from that it was plenty fun), have cooked eggplant parmesian for the family and showed them what we've learned about making spanish black beans. A few hundred games of 'Bananagrams' to top it off and some visits from old friends have made this a great trip that isn't over yet. I'd like to spend some more time here as an adult as I realize how many opportunities to learn about our nation were squandered in my childhood. Our history is less than 300 years old, yet I know so little about it. Jen and I went on a date to the Natural History Museum and I realized how little I know about science, and Jen was more than happy to point out how much of 'science' we accept as fact...I found it disturbing when little signs refudiated what the big signs said due to 'new discoveries'. We're taught a lot of facts that are just waiting for a small discovery to correct them. Jen says that a whole exhibit on the evolution of horses (from tiny to today's size over a 40 million year time period) has been widely accepted as being disproven, yet the exhibit remains unchanged...she tried to engage the lady behind the information desk in a debate, but she didn't want to fight. Also disturbing is that only one Neanderthal exists, and although it is widely believed that they were hunchbacked, they now say that the specimen was just arthritic like our old people and that they were actually upright. I don't know what a lot of it means, but I'm less impressed by 'science' and the certainty with which we're presented conjectures based on minimal evidence. Hmmm, maybe I'll study American history and leave the sciences to Jen. Well, this has turned into a rambling blog.

A "Magical" Day at Mickey's

2008-11-17T21:10:00.004-05:00

Well, our girls can call themselves "true Floridians" now that they have finally been to Disney World. Of course we didn't go it alone. Grandma, Aunt Katie and Uncle Ty were there to make it "really" fun. It turned out to be a nice day and none of the lines were more than 20 minutes. I don't know if it could have been much better...my kids never threw a fit and I never broke a sweat. Addie seemed content just to have all the candy, popcorn, and ice cream. The tea cup ride was the only ride she liked...matter of fact she loved it! But by far her favorite thing of all was her Minnie ears, which she had worn for 48 hours straight now (with the exception of a quick bath). I may put up a counter to keep a running total of how many days she wears them. Zoe had a blast! She rode her first roller coaster ever...Space Mountain!! Way to break her in, huh? Lucky for us she loved it and was eager to ride all the other rides realizing she had conquered the "scariest" one. She had more fun playing with Katie and Ty in the lines than else by far! For Zoe quality time with family trumps everything else. Grandma had fun spoiling the girls (and the rest of us) and even braved a few rides. Katie, Ty, Tim, and I had fun trying to make each other yak on the tea cups. I have to admit my brother Chris spins those tea cups faster than anyone I've ever meet! So, fast i hear his wives neck is still messed up from their last ride. As, the park was closing it lit up with Christmas lights and carols played on the speakers. It was chilly and a cup of hot cocoa would have nearly put me in the Christmas spirit but than we got the boot! The park was closing early for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and we didn't have tickets. That's right, the $70 tickets my mom had bought us were only for regular admission. To stay for the party and fireworks there would be an additional charge! And that's when I realized the Christmas spirit wasn't at Disney...for the Mouse it's all about the money!!! Oh well, what can you do? The girls didn't know the difference and we, the grown ups, were content to call it a day! Zoe shed tears about 30 seconds after grandma, Katie, and Ty walked to their cars. She was missing them "already" and good byes have never been her strength! Addie said her good byes and immediately asked us 10 times (asking once has never been her strength) if she could sleep with her Minnie ears on...we said yes! All and all a memorable day! Thanks Grandma...we love you!

Wedding Crashers Photo

2008-11-16T11:15:00.001-05:00

Wedding Crashers

2008-11-16T10:24:00.001-05:00

Last night Zoe and Addie crashed their first wedding...well kinda. We came to visit my sister and her hubby in Orlando because Katie was a bridesmaid in a close friend's wedding. When my sister mentioned that that girls and I were in town to visit her the bride insisted we come in place of some people had canceled. So three discount stores and two hours later we were mingling with Katie and Ty at the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding! The girls behaved like angels making the evening very enjoyable. It was such a pleasant surprise! Today we are taking the girls to Mickey's for the first time. WOOHOO!

When Words Fail...MAKE A MOVIE!

2008-11-07T09:50:00.003-05:00

I (Jen) haven't blogged since our return from Haiti. It's impossible for me to try to express my thoughts and emotions on meeting the boys and then having to leave them. I hope this video helps convey what my heart is feeling!

Halloween and Fall Festival/...

2008-11-02T19:02:00.004-05:00

I couldn't be more proud of Zoe's selection for a costume this year, and of Jen's amazing talent to make it happen. Zoe has a little known book called The Paper Bag Princess (only one person that I know of recognized her, and knew of the story). It is a story of a dragon that burns down a castle and takes the prince away with it. Well along with the castle the princesses clothes and possessions are burned up too, so she is left with a paper bag and a sad looking crown. She decided to go rescue the prince, and does so by outsmarting the dragon.

When she gets to the prince, he tells her, "Elizabeth, you are a mess! You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess." to which she replies, "Ronald, your clothes are really pretty and your hair is very neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum." and they didn't get married after all. THE END.

I like what she chooses to emulate, I pray it continues.

...and of course, we needed a dragon...

Jen and her mom are quite the seamstresses, don't you think?

Day Six, final day...

2008-10-26T21:34:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

Today was our last day, and before we knew it, we were saying 'see you later' to the boys. We started off by going to an English speaking church that is begrudgingly led by John McHoul (he is praying for a replacement so he can focus on his multiple ministries). It is fun to see him in his pastoral role, the same as he is every day, no pretense, no show, genuine as can be, he is who he is. The message was about listening to God, he used a quote that said if you are going to pray for two hours, the first hour and 55 minutes should be spent listening, and the last 5 minutes can be used for talking. Often we go to God in prayer with either our script in hand, or our wants at the forefront. We want to check prayer off of our list of things to do, or things we think we should do, and get on with our day and our lives. God often speaks in quiet whispers, and the clamour of our days drowns it out. I'd like to make time to listen, that's what I got out of it (thanks John). The worship was led by an Austrailian, many Haitians and a couple of Americans. The congregation was mostly Haitians, many who come to practice their english while also going to church. It was neat to see Missionaries coming together to worship and fellowship, I guess I think of how a lot of ministries and churches form thier clique and avoid eachother for a multitude of foolish reasons. The boys came with us, wide eyed during the entire car ride there and back (thankfully they didn't get car sick like the other boy yesterday). They both slept through the service and were well behaved for the part they were awake for. Then we came back to the McHoul's for a celebration lunch of ham, mashed potatoes, beans, rice/beans, and fruit. They hosted close to 40 people, a feat in itself. We were able to meet a few of the missionaries, their families, and others. We celebrated one girl who will get her visa on Monday to be home with her family on Tuesday in Orlando, and two birthdays. About half way through, Gino zonked out again, and I (Tim) took advantage of an opportunity to nap. It was sweet. After our nap, we went to the boys house, played for a little while, let them eat dinner, then broke out the glow sticks again. We sang the ABC's, Old McDonald, and whatever other song I knew half of the words to, and enjoyed ourselves. Unexpectedly our ride back to our house arrived, and we knew it was time to say 'see you later'. We kept the fanfare to a minimum, kissed them goodnight, and gave them over to a nanny. It is hard to be loving them and knowing that this process is out of our hands and out of the hands of the home, and in the hands of God and the government. We have been encouraged to hear that the process has picked up speed from where it was at the beginning of the year, but our hopes are for much sooner than the projected time of 12 months or more. We are sad to leave the boys, but are itching to be back with our girls, we miss them deeply, and can't wait to snuggle with them tomorrow night. For now we say bon nuit, we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Day Six...

2008-10-26T08:02:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the delayed update, last night the internet wasn't working for a while, and we were busy entertiaining two little V.I.P. guests. I'll start from the beginning of the day...if I can remember it. In the AM we went to the boys' house and played with them until lunch/nap time when we drove into the hills of PaP to a tourist trap type market to look for trinkets and play the bargaining game (which Jen didn't like this time). We got a pencil holder for the homeschool room (don't tell Zoe ;) The twin boys who are being adopted came with us on the trip (our boys were sleeping), it was one of their first long car trips, and we learned that one of them gets car sick...so we showed up to market with a naked kid and clean up in progress. On the way back we had a bucket just in case, but made it home without incident. We returned in time to wake the boys from their nap, then brought them home to the McHoul's for dinner and toys. As with every new experience for them, it took a while to adjust and relax, but it didn't take long before they were playing with their firefighter helmets, cars, and a spoon...making car soup. Gino fell asleep with Jen first while Sammy and I stayed up. We layed Sammy in bed and he just stayed there awake, not moving a whole lot (something we aren't used to). At some point he fell asleep, there wasn't much change from when he was awake. Something that we are used to is not having any room in a bed for us to sleep in. The boys were between us, kicking eachother and us all night. They slept well, except for when we were awoken by Sammy crying. In the pitch black night we were feeling around for him and only found his lower half at the top of the bed! Somehow he had made his way between the wall and the headboard! Tim moved the bed away from the wall and we were able to extricate him, he went back to sleep within thirty seconds. This morning they were disoriented at first, but quickly were comforted to see us. They have been happy, playing and eating. It's fun to have them alone to spoil them and watch them become comfortable and act natural around us...but now we are encroaching on Day 7 business, so we'll keep that for tonight. Today is church...do we bring them?

Day Five

2008-10-24T22:22:00.003-04:00

I suppose we could get more creative with our titles, but for now the day encompases the conglomeration of things we are doing. Today we started at the boys house, we were greeted with big smiles from Gino and Sammy and open arms (no lollipops!). They are becoming attached which is good and bad, good in that a bond is being formed, bad in that we will be gone for a few months, come back, leave, come back...I suppose that so long as we come bring them home with us eventually, they will know that we will always return. The only other way is to move to Haiti...but that is another discussion.

Anyways, during lunch/nap time, Tim went with John to the market and grocery store on a mission to find pure vanilla for his grandmother who is an avid baker (and a very good one I might add). Jen spent her time at the women's program house buying 8 bags for those who have claimed them on facebook. We have also been able to see another amazing thing that we haven't posted is the women who make purses, hats, baskets, etc. out of typical plastic bags (the type you get from the grocery store). Essentially they cut the bag into one long/thin strip and then crochet them like you would with yarn. It's very cool to see trash turned into something functional.

When nap time was over, we went back to the pool...and again the boys were apprehensive, but relaxed and had fun thanks to Jen's motherly instinct who introduced plastic cups to help them play with the water and enjoy it (video below). They also started mimicking (sp?) words which was fun for us as speech is not thier strong suit. After the pool, Jen went back to the women's house, and I stayed with the boys until dinner. When I tried to leave, both Sammy and Gino had a break-down...again, heart warming, and heart-breaking at the same time. I detached, then left...and Jen (unknowingly as to what had just transpired) arrived just after I left and consoled them for a little while.

Then we went to a Haitian dinner at a neighbors house. She made a great meal of chicken drumsticks, rice/bean mixture, chicken stock sauce, spicy cole slaw, and Akra (not Okra, it's a root that is fried like a hush-puppy with spicy peppers). It was fantastic, and the woman who hosted us is also a music teacher...she played the saxaphone for us at the end, it was a great evening.

Much to the nannies shagrin, we stopped by the boys' house after bed time to say goodnight, Gino was still awake looking at the book Jen made for him, he was happy to see us, and sad to see us leave shortly thereafter. It's hard to figure out the fine line of encouraging attachment, and keeping separation so as not to mess them up when we aren't there. Ultimately God knows, we'll trust in that, and continue to try to be wise.

Now we're staying up, chatting with Beth, and two visitors who are leaving tomorrow (I'm rudely typing while they are talking). Another couple, who are further along in the process than we are, arrived today...a nice couple from Illinois adopting a little girl named Yves. So now there are three families here visiting the five children we are adopting. What a neat community. Enough chatter, we leave you with a video. Love and kisses...especially for Zoe and Addie.

Day Four...

2008-10-23T22:52:00.002-04:00

Today we took the boys to a pool for the first time in their life...and boy could we tell. Not only have they never been to a pool, we don't think they have ever had a full bathtub! When you have 10 little bodies to bathe in Haiti, it is an assembly line proceedure of using a bucket of water to wet them, then soap, then a bucket of water to rinse, then off to drying, then to clothing. I attempted to put a cloth diaper on Sammy...it wasn't pretty (Jen's was a little better, but not professional), I passed mine off to a nanny. So needless to say, the pool was a little overwhelming at first, and cold to them (extra refreshing for us!). Gino clinged to us for most of the time, Sammy was the first to let go and stand on the step, but at the end (as you can see in the video) they relaxed a little and had some fun. In the afternoon, we watched the women sew bags (Jen bought two more for a total of 5, yeeeesh), and also saw a woman use some fabric we brought to make the sling design she came up with. We also saw their child birth education class. In the evening we went to a Haitian Bible study of about 20 people, it was interesting as they did it all in English, not for our sake, but for them to be able to practice what they learn in school. The study was on the book of James, 'rejoice in suffering', it was strange to see that what we see as their suffering is the only life they know. Keep Haiti in your prayers. Love to you all...good night!

Day Three...

2008-10-22T21:55:00.005-04:00

Okay, Day Three has come to a close, another busy day in the bag. We woke up at 6 this morning, got ourselves together and headed over to Sheila's house (where the womens and sewing programs take place) to help set up for a medical clinic by HALOS. There were about 200 patients that were seen by a family practitioner, a OB/Gyn, and a pediatrician (depending on need)...also on site was a pharmacy and a lab to test for malaria, HIV/AIDS, worms, fungus, HbG, etc. Unfortunately they had to inform a family of five that they are indeed infected with HIV...they will follow up with them to help them get into a program. I got to play doctor, interviewing patients then turning to the real doctor for confirmation/correction to my diagnosis. Jen got to play nurse while the boys were napping, taking in patients and getting vital signs. Jen worked her usual mojo with the boys, had them laughing and giggling, and she made an amazing discovery...she figured out why Sammy is always making this face:

She got him laughing and discovered that he is part chipmunk, storing food away for later times...he still had bread and beans balled up in his mouth from 2 hours prior! The first day I had given him peanuts, and we found those an hour or two later as well...we just hadn't put two and two together. Maybe it's the old orphanage story of putting children to bed with bread in their pocket, or maybe he just really likes super soggy bread in his mouth...who knows...it's cute. Jen will be responsible for any broken arms that are suffered on the trampoline in the coming weeks...she gave a gymnastics demonstration to the little ones, teaching them that it is really easy to do massive flips with twists (at least she made it look easy). Later we had a nice dinner at Byron and Shelly's (who have 7 kids, 5 adopted), along with another adoptive mother who is visiting, and another couple who were missionaries here, now back to visit (she is actually the one who brought Sammy to Heartline from Desalines, and is the one who named him!). Aye, we also met Junior who is the main man running paperwork all over the island to make adoptions happen...he has an office on wheels, lending staplers, pens, and glue to the government agencies so they can complete paperwork (he has some amazing stories, we told him he should write a book about why adoptions take so long in Haiti). Junior told us that our paperwork is out of first legalization and is now in IBESR as of Tuesday (one step closer, many more to go, keep praying/fasting!). Also we have sold 7 bags that will support the women's program (maybe 8, I just got another email). Now it's bedtime, we're thinking we may take the boys swimming tomorrow in Shelly's pool. Love you all, especially Zoe and Addie...we hope they aren't having too much fun without us.

More photos of Day Three RIGHT HERE

The only thing missing...

2008-10-21T23:10:00.002-04:00

IS ZOE AND ADDIE!!!! WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!

P.S. Don't have too much fun without us.

LOVE YOU,

Mom and Dad

Day two...

2008-10-21T22:08:00.006-04:00

Well, day two...I (jen) began the day with a very enjoyable tour of the city. Beth, Tara (another fulltime missionary) and I ran about 5 1/2 miles through the streets of Port au Prince. I am the first to admit that I am extremely sore since I haven't run in about 3 months...not such a good idea in hindsight. After that is was time to go see the boys!!! They came right to us and we saw them open up a little more today (as seen in the above video). Gino still has a strong preference for me over Tim but was warming up to Tim as the day went on. Gino even said "bye-bye" and willingly gave Tim a kiss good night! My battery is going to die so I have to hit on the highlights of the day quick... the boys "got silly" with us and we saw that they aren't as quite as we thought. This is a good thing though if they are going to survive in the Pearson home...better known as "carnival" to some. Never a dual moment. It may have been a fluke but Sammy said 'MOUM" a few times to me today and Gino said "PAPI" to Tim. I have no doubt that they we repeating what they heard but this too was encouraging since we weren't sure they could talk at all after yesterday. We visited the boys again after helping the McHoul's set up a clinic they are having tomorrow. It was about 6pm but pitch balck out and we gave them glow sticks!!! oh boy did they love those...for all I know the poor nannies are trying to get them to stop playing with there glow sticks and go to sleep. It was a wonderful day! Tomorrow is going to be busy so I need to get some sleep!

This is a time lapsed picture of the kids playing with the glow sticks that Tim took (i like it).

Good night-

Jen

Haiti deforested...

2008-10-21T08:47:00.002-04:00

On our way in we were reminded of the deforestation in Haiti and its effects. We had just passed the city of Gonaives (just out of frame to the left of the picture), the place that had the worst of the mudslides and flooding (they are still digging their way out)...and the culprit was still there. This island, once called Eden by Columbus, now resembles Afghanastan...when we fly into the Dominican Republic we are reminded what the island should look like. The people cut down trees to make charcoal, operating out of survival mode. Now the island is only 1.5% forested (last I heard). Haiti has a saying 'mountains beyond mountains' which essentially means 'problems beyond problems'. It will take a huge effort of grace and love to bring this island to a level of dignified poverty. Pray for Haiti.

Day One...

2008-10-20T22:18:00.002-04:00

What a busy day...after we 'slept' in the airport we made it to Port au Prince, breezed through customs and were on our way to meet the boys (after a few errands on the way). We walked from the 'girls house' to the 'boys house' where we found SnG playing with all the other kids in the yard. I (Tim) confess that it took me a while to find them as I was searching faces rather than looking for the "Big Brother" and "Little Brother" shirts that we had sent them! Jen on the other hand saw Gino make a break for one of the nannies. We were prepped that Sammy would cling to anybody, but that Gino may run away/hide/cry. To our delight and suprise, Gino took to Jen extremely quickly and was glued to her for the day. Jen held him during nap time (and got some needed Z's herself), while I went back to the house we are staying in to get some things. Gino would tense up when I came to try and hold him, and cried when Jen put him down (a miracle in our book). Beth (Momma Beth as she is better known) said that he sees Jen as someone special because it wasn't normal for him to cry like that, and that he is usually content being on his own. Gino warmed up to me when I introduced fruit snacks into the picture, and we were cool from then on...especially when the lollipop and toy cars came out (yes, I resorted to bribery, the last arrow in my quiver). Sammy was content in all situations and loved to be held. Neither one is very talkative, except in defending their toys from some of the bigger kids...we'll see how that progresses. Thanks to all of you bathing us in prayer, so far, so good...much better than we had expected in many ways. Oh, and we're impressed with the McHoul's multi-faceted ministry here, but that will have to be second fiddle to these adoption updates.

First Meeting!!

2008-10-20T13:54:00.003-04:00

We have met the boys! I just spent the last hour trying to upload some video for you, but it kept dropping it...I'll try again later. The boys took right to Jen, Gino is already attached and cried for her when it was nap time (so now she is napping with him!). We helped them eat lunch, played with some toy cars, and put them to bed. Nap time should be over now, I'm at the McHoul's house, and need to get back...we'll update you tonight (if we have electricity).

Good morning Zoe & Addie!

2008-10-20T04:56:00.001-04:00

I hope you slept well. Don't have too much fun with grandma today! We love you. P.S. Wilson misses you.

Time to make the doughnuts...

2008-10-20T04:38:00.000-04:00

We're up before the little doughnut man, waiting patiently for our egg and cheese bagels so that we can then pass through security to the promised land of more sporadic sleep on benches specifically designed to prevent sleeping. Don't mock my run on sentence, it's been a long night! :)

Only the best for us...

2008-10-20T00:41:00.000-04:00

We picked out the best bench the airport had to offer...right next to Dunkin' Donuts for our resting and dining convenience...and it seems that we didn't pack our toothbrushes...looking forward to making a stellar first impression as we drag ourselves off the plane! I'm having a blast...something about being stripped of comfort that makes me feel alive...what do you call that?

My cool shoes...

2008-10-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

My cool shoes from my cool daughter...I plan to run in them through the streets of the poorest country in the western hemisphere with the woman that runs the ministry/orphanage...fodder for future posts.

At Tampa International...

2008-10-19T21:18:00.000-04:00

Good night Zoe and Addie, we love you!! Ask Grandma to help you add a comment! Sleep well.

Packed and Ready???

2008-10-19T16:28:00.003-04:00

We are packed, and I suppose we are as ready as we will ever be. Pastor Lou sent us off with a good sermon, acknowledging how the congregation has loved us greatly, which will overflow to our Haitian brothers/sisters/friends/strangers. I also liked the part about being pleased but never satisfied with our expressions of love to our Family and neighbors, that we cannot and will not achieve a status of success where we can sit on our hands and be content. Thanks to all of you that are encouraging us in all manner of ways, without your love, the love of Christ, we would have little love to share. Stay tuned, we'll have more to come this week.

Cutie Pa-tooties...

2008-10-19T01:20:00.006-04:00

We took some fun pictures of the girls to update their 'comp' cards for an audition they have on Wednesday (going with Grandma)...so far they are having fun with it, and we like having a lot of pictures of them! If I can avoid being modest, I think we did a good job for 3 hours of work! Jen was on point for the wardrobe changes. We'll do an album on facebook eventually so you can see 'em. (Like we didn't have enough to do today!! But it was fun family time.)

Packing trials...

2008-10-18T16:40:00.004-04:00

SUPRISE!! Your flight to Haiti only allows for 1 checked bag per person, because like in so many things, the rules are different for Haiti. So, we scrambled, and think we have it figured out. We will be using UPS to ship two boxes to a shipping company in Ft. Lauderdale that will then put them on a boat to Port-au-Prince and deliver them to the orphanage in 14 days. HA! So we're going on faith and a prayer that they will in fact make their way to the destination intact. We're stuffing each of our suitcases with donated goods, and packing our carry ons with our clothes in minimalist fashion. What an adventure! Lovin' it.

Makes me sick...

2008-10-17T12:21:00.003-04:00

Zoe and Addie are starting to explore the many facets of the 'new' playground...apparently swinging alone no longer is good enough, and they have upgraded to spinning. Afterwards, Jen demonstrates with a first hand view. I used to love to spin, now I feel nauseated just turning around once...slowly. I went on a teacup ride a few years back and realized that it I'm really close to being the embarrassed adult that stumbles off of amusement park rides and loses his lunch.

...sidenote: A few minutes after typing the above, Addie was sitting in my lap and did in fact lose her lunch on me...not from spinning, the video was taken yesterday, but apparently she has a fever that is going around...watch out!

Good Samaritans, or drug smugglers?

2008-10-15T12:19:00.004-04:00

I always get nervous about customs whenever we take trips...I've heard horror stories of customs agents requesting 75% of items be left behind (not only in Haiti, but the DR and other places as well), and even a $10,000,000 shipment of medicines being 'lost' in customs only a couple of weeks ago (rumor or true, I don't know, news is a funny thing there...and here, but I digress). Please pray for favor in customs, we don't have anything illicit, but we do have new items, medicines (some prescription), pre-natal vitamins that look like medicines, and things that a customs agent could want. We can only carry so much, so I'd hate for any of it to be 'lost'.

6 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!

2008-10-14T23:28:00.006-04:00

In 6 days we will be hanging out with these two peanuts! We leave Sunday night, and will arrive in Port-au-Prince on Monday morning.
We are totally overwhelmed with packing, getting
the girls ready, the house ready, the dogs ready, ourselves ready...but we're fired up. Thanks to so many who brought items for us to take with us, it looks like we're getting close to being full, so if you have already bought 'stuff', bring it to church and we'll take what we can and try to ship what we can't. If you still want to participate, we can take money with us and purchase items there, or give it to the orphanage for them to use as they see fit, or you can still contribute to the cost of our adoption. We expect nothing from anyone, yet are blessed, humbled, and thankful for all that people have done for us and with us. We will be doing our best to update this blog while we are there, please visit often, it will probably be our easiest avenue of communication to the 'masses'. Love y'all.

Halloween Preview

2008-10-14T22:03:00.003-04:00

This year Zoe decided she wanted to be the 'Paper Bag Princess', a character in one of her books...well, the paperbag princess outsmarts a dragon in the book...so we needed a dragon, to which Addie was a willing volunteer. You will have to wait to see Zoe, we don't want to spoil you!

The cons of having a 6 year old who reads...

2008-10-12T20:52:00.009-04:00

Today Tim bought a book called "Speeches that changed the world", and tonight, Zoe was thumbing through the pages and came to the one pictured here...she came into our room and with a bit of excitement in her voice and said, "Mom, listen to this! I am personally going to shoot that paper-hanging sssooonoofffaaabi#@*h Hilter." Apparently, she was pleased with herself for having found a quote by General McArthur about Hitler (whom she has read about in her American Girl books) and completely oblivious of the meaning of the word that just left her mouth. Tim and I burst in to laughter as any good parent would do. And then we proceeded to do the only thing any sensible parent would do and LIED! She asked, "Why are you laughing? What's so funny?" Through my laughter and tears I told her that Tim had looked at me funny b/c I had a band-aid on my face. It was a half truth. I do have a band-aid on my face. But you and I know that is not why we were laughing...thankfully she doesn't know the word, which tells us that she hasn't heard it!

7 days and counting...

2008-10-12T18:12:00.003-04:00

Just a couple of quick thoughts...

What do you say when you meet your new 2 year old sons for the first time?

If you had 7 days to spend with your new 2 year old sons, what would you do?

What do you say when you leave your 2 year old sons, and how do you make him secure that you will return 'someday' to pick him up and take him home?

Why does adoption take so stinking long, and cost so stinking much?

Just some thoughts going through my head.

Mom, What is...?

2008-10-10T21:03:00.006-04:00

This may be the first in a sequel I call "Mom, What is?" It will likely feature all the wonderful and unexpected questions that my kids ask. Like this one. The other night we were diving home and Zoe asked, "Mom, what is 24 plus 24 plus 24 and 2 more 24s and..." at which point I realized I was only half listening and lost track of the 24s. I asked if she wanted to know what 5 times 24 was and she said, "No. I wanted to know what seven 24s is." I did the quick math in my head and said, "It's 168 honey." She thought for a moment and said, "So, there is 168 minutes in a week?" "No, honey there are 168 HOURS in a week." I said. Then I turned to Tim and said, "WOW! 168 hours in a week!" What do we do with our 168 hours each week?? Thanks Zoe! Thanks for making me stop and think. Hoping I spend my next 168 hours wisely!

Eyes of the Heart

2008-10-09T09:52:00.006-04:00

Book Report (yes, I read a book):

This small book is a quick and informative read, written by Jean Bertrand Aristide during his time as president of Haiti in 2000. Aristide touches on Haiti's experience with 'globalization' and how it affects the poorest of the poor. I recommend that you get a copy and read it, let your inner optimist come out and pray that the world can change the path it is on.

12 Days and Counting

2008-10-08T16:19:00.002-04:00

It seems surreal that we will meet our sons, Sammy (left) and Gino (right) , in 12 days! How do you prepare for something like this? How do you show them you love them and assure them you are coming back for them? Will the moments we share and the the memories we make comfort them until they are able to come home to us? Will they understand why mommy and daddy had to leave them? These are just some of the questions that this short visit raises for me. And honestly, I don't have the answers. This is such uncharted territory for me that I can't even begin to pretend I know what I am doing. Luckily, I find that I am not overwhelmed by my fears and doubts. Rather they give rise to a faith and a hope that I can trust God will do what I can not! I only have the ability to love them while I am with them but God has the ability to reassure them of my (and His) love when I am not in their presence. This is my comfort and my peace. Praying daily for wisdom and understanding...
J

Blogging, Twitter, and Facebook, OH MY!!

2008-10-08T14:46:00.002-04:00

Ok, the internet age is insane...it will be amazing if the children coming up will have any real experiences or just virtual ones. I'm trying to untangle this web (no pun intended), to figure out how to make it all work without it being a giant hassle that doesn't last (like the giant hassle of journaling that I have failed at many times before). We'll see what happens, the good news is that Jen and I are the only ones reading this (I think.)

Who is in charge?!?!

2008-10-06T21:41:00.008-04:00

After tucking in my sweet girls I decided I would take my long over due shower. They begged me to stay but I didn't give in and reassured my sleepy heads that I would be back after my shower to rub their feet (yes, they are spoiled with nightly foot rubs...I know, I'm crippling them for life!). Off I went with high hopes they might actually fall asleep before I finished my shower. Not a chance! Less than three minutes into my shower Addie walks into my bath room and with all the authority she can muster says, "Moooommm! I told you NO SHOWER!" To which I politley responded, "And I told you not to get out of bed. Go back to your bed please and I will be there when I'm done." Apparently, my three year old thinks she is in charge!! She trots off and I think to myself at least one of them is alseep...hopefully! I kid you not, two minutes later Zoe shows up and with just a hint of attitude and sighs, "Are you ever gonna be done with your shower!" Apparently, my six year old thinks 5 minutes to myself is too much to ask! Ahhh! The bittersweet moments of motherhood. I have to confess I chuckled when I heard Addie's utter disbelief that I would disobey her command. And I laughed and shuttered to think that Zoe already sound like a teenager. Somehow, I thought Tim and I were the ones that run the show around here...but more often than I like to admit my sweet little girls try to test us just to make sure!! Rest assure the night ended with them getting their foot rub but having to fall alseep on their own...a perfect comprimise to reassure them I love them but I'm still in charge:) The picture is old but they sure look sweet!!
J

FW: FDR's First Inaugural Address

2008-10-02T20:49:00.003-04:00

From my friend Steve Ruddel

Subject: FDR's First Inaugural Address

I found this speech inspiring. There are even some possible parallels to our own current political/economic times.I hope our next President, whoever they are, can lead our nation in a similarly honest and responsible way.

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/

Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933, as

published in Samuel Rosenman, ed., The Public Papers of Franklin D.

Roosevelt, Volume Two: The Year of Crisis, 1933 (New York: Random

House, 1938), 11?16.

Addie and her 'love' for animals...

2008-09-30T13:50:00.002-04:00

Addie loves animals, kind of like that character Elmira from Animaniacs...she just wants to love them, and hug them, and call them "Sassy" (I don't know where "Sassy" came from, but that is her new name for everything). She also has an affinity for dead animals as they don't bite or squirm as much. She found a dried up frog in the garage and paraded around with it...can you guess what it's name was? Yup, Sassy. It's easy to tell which lizards we have caught in our back yard, they're the ones without tails (they grow back for all you non-Floridians...who am I kidding, I'm the only one reading this!) She's a trip...loving her exuberance and that she's not too 'girly'...at least until we get the boys.

It doesn't make sense!?!?!

2008-09-28T20:12:00.005-04:00

Just the other day we were asked to give a "placement date" for a grant application. So, I did what I had been avoiding and asked. I was told roughly "14 months" from now...could be more, could be less. Why does it take so darn long for our paperwork to be processed? I know, I know... there are all the logical reasons like.. hey, you did decide to adopt from Haiti. What did you expect!? Or The government has enough on their hands, they did just get hit by 4 hurricanes...your kid's paperwork is low on the priority list. Or hey, you knew full well that this was a 12-18 months process and they are trying to avoid the kids falling into the wrong hands. I know all the "reasons" why it is taking so long but why can't the government see that if they would actually process some of the paperwork and get these kids to their homes that they will be making room for the hundreds of kids that were orphaned by these hurricanes. That's perfectly logical to me! Even if I admited the reason for the long drawn out procees are logical...it dosen't make waiting any easier. It just doesn't make sense!!! Why so long?!?!

But then I think...during this period of waiting God has shown Himself to me in ways I'd never have known Him. Like the fact that we stepped out in faith to adopt two beautiful boys that we have never met without knowing fully how we could afford it. I learned to trust God like never before. And then when the donations and fundraisers started and our church raised nearly $12,000 in two months! I knew Him as Provider. And yet it doesn't make sense... why so much Lord?! I don't deserve it!! And then when some individuals in our church decided to and are fasting until the boys come home...Why Lord?!?! It doesn't make sense! Why would so many give up their comforts to come before you and humble themselves in agreeance with our prayers. It doesn't make sense! I don't deserve it!

And so, it may not make sense...or at least from my perspective. But in the end I don't deserve the goodness, blessings, and mercy the Lord has lavished on me nor do I "deserve" the painful and agonizing wait for my boys to come home. But in both, God is and has been good to me beyond my wildest expectations. So, with peace and boldness I beg you Lord, please bring my boys home...but not my will...but yours always!

J

Status Report on Haiti's Bout with '08 Hurricanes/Storms

2008-09-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

The Adoption of Sammy and Gino Pearson

2008-09-24T23:34:00.000-04:00

The Pearson Boys Blog

For now we have a separate blog so as to not bore people interested in the progress of our adoption with the rest of our lives...and we don't want to lose their support when they get to know us ;) Maybe, we'll figure out enough to blend the two, but for now, this is how it goes.

T

Addie's Plug for our Blog...

2008-09-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

2008-09-24T15:07:00.001-04:00

Yup, we're becoming one of 'those people'...bloggers. Whose idea was this anyway? Maybe we're just crazy enough that someone might be intrigued by what makes us tick, and somehow participate with us on this journey of life. If no one reads it, then at least we have one great big public journal that we will keep forever...or until the computers crash. Either way, welcome to our blog honey, maybe this will make it past the first 5 pages (the farthest I've made it into any paper journal), then again, maybe it won't. Grow old with me, the best is yet to be...that's what the rock at your mom's house says anyway ;)...and welcome strangers, feel free to snoop...and participate.