tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17464460195151846262024-03-13T22:40:37.218-07:00My Haiti PostcardDuring the early morning hours of August 16th, 2010, I traveled to Cap-Haitien, Haiti to volunteer at Children of the Promise. Read my older postings to experience the trip I had.
Keep checking back as this blog will be updated weekly with the needs for the kids. This blog will also serve as a journal as we start the journey of adopting a little girl from COTP.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-34115121435368153712016-03-25T16:00:00.001-07:002016-03-25T16:00:08.790-07:00Last Day<span style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Today </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">was my final day in Haiti. We woke up early so we could spend more time at the land. The first thing I did was sort their Mothers Day shirts that we're selling! If you want more information, go to my mom's Facebook page. </span><br />
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I made a few bracelets with the bead ladies. I asked Louisemene to do my hair and she braided it and added beads. So bel(beautiful)! The moms had one education class today because they leave early on Fridays. My mom filmed them singing because their song is about them thanking Jenn and Amy for Second Mile. It is a beautiful thing to listen to!</div>
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I played with Carelovedine and Richard some more. I took a picture with Carelovedine before we left. One interesting thing that my mom and I talked about was how I view things different than she does. We saw some kids kicking a rock or a piece of fruit around and trying to get it in between two sticks sticking out of the ground. I said that they were playing soccer, and that they were being creative with what they had. My mom said that she feels bad that they don't have a real soccer ball. I seem to see the good in hard situations. This shows that everyone views things differently. </div>
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Haiti was a different experience for me, and I viewed it the way that I view everything: find the good in things. You can apply this back to your life. This is the main thing that Haiti has taught me. Not that people are less privileged in other countries. Not that I'm lucky to live where I do. Find the good in things. And in people. And in life. </div>
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Lots of love,</div>
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Sofia ❤️</div>
KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-18872661424638471852016-03-24T16:28:00.000-07:002016-03-24T16:31:42.542-07:00Day 4The power went out again last night, so they turned the generator on. It sounded like there was a motor running outside our window! I didn't fall asleep until the power turned back on.<br />
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Our breakfast was fruit again today. They had pineapple! It was so sweet because it was fresh. We talked for a bit and then we went to the Second Mile land again. I went in with the beading ladies and learned how to roll beads! They're really easy and really fun to make. If you want to see the pictures, you should friend my mom on Facebook. She has posted all of the pictures of me on there.<br />
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After I made a handful of beads, I watched more classes and played with the kids. The two girls from yesterday weren't there today, which made me upset, because I was looking forward to playing with them. The other kids, Richard and Carelovedine(I think that is how you spell it), played with me. Amy suggested that I bring out some foam stickers and paper, so I did in hopes that I could keep the kids occupied as the moms talked. I think that the moms were more entertained with the stickers than the kids! They put them on their arms and all over the paper.<br />
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Amy brought out rubber bands to make bracelets. They were the Rainbow Loom ones. I taught the moms how to make a special kind of bracelet, and they loved it! Even the kids tried! I made a bracelet for each of the kids. Carelovedine's had a heart charm on it. I told her my name, and she seemed to like it because she would repeat my name over and over again when she saw me. She was so sweet! I hope I can spend my last day here with her and the other kids.<br />
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To end a great day, we went swimming in a pool at a hotel. We were going to go to a beach, but my mom isn't feeling good so we went to the one that had a shorter drive. It was very relaxing. I'm upset about going home tomorrow, but this has been a fun trip!<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SofiaKarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-81229105117647903082016-03-23T14:54:00.000-07:002016-03-23T15:15:12.379-07:00Day 3Last night, the power went out for a while, so we were unable to fall asleep, sweating uncontrollably. The roosters crowed at dawn again, waking both of us up. We came downstairs for a delicious breakfast of mangoes, bananas, apples, and oranges. After that, we packed up all of the beads we brought here. I worked with the beading ladies at the Second Mile land for most of the day. I taught the ladies how to make bracelets, organized the containers and then went outside.<br />
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I watched two more education classes today. Most of the kids were crying during these classes, which my mom can't <i>stand. </i>She<i> </i>left the bead room to go hold babies. They didn't sing at the end of each class today, but it was still cool to see. The teacher would say something and the moms would say it back. It was all in Creole, of course, so I couldn't understand any of it.<br />
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I played with kids during the classes so they wouldn't bother their parents. Two of the little girls I played with stood out to me. They were sisters, but their parents had died, so they lived with their grandmother, their aunt, and their cousins.Their cousins were twin babies, and these girls were taking care of them. They held the babies for the whole first class. The grandma came and took one of them, and my mom held the other one. Both of the sisters loved my hair! They took turns putting it in a ponytail. The oldest girl, whose name I don't know, took a hair binder from her hair (which was beautiful!) and put it in my hair. I offered it back to her after a few minutes, but she insisted that I keep it.<br />
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After that, she wanted to play a hand game with me. It was hard communicating with her because she spoke Creole. She showed me what to do and we played for over 15 minutes. I took pictures with them and sadly had to go. The amazing thing was that they were so happy this <i>whole time</i>! Their cousins were crying, but they never wiped that smile off of their faces. I hope I can play with them again either tomorrow or Friday! Thanks for reading!<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SofiaKarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-57757320814741444682016-03-22T19:20:00.001-07:002016-03-22T19:20:38.725-07:00Day 2 Part 2After COTP, we took the long, bumpy road to Second Mile. A nice man named Errod drove us around today. The people who live on those streets are the poorer Haitians. All of them, mothers, fathers, and children, were working hard out there. It helped me realize that most Americans take the richness of our country and use it as an excuse to be lazy. Seeing these people working so hard is making me want to do more for my community. I already volunteer in two places, but there's more I could do at home.<br />
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It was amazing to finally see the Second Mile land. My dad, who is known of as Jenson there, has done lots of work, so it was cool seeing all of the things I have seen from pictures. Some of the people he worked with remembered him and my mom, who was Madam Jenson to them, and they called me Petit (small or child) Jenson. Jenn gave us a great tour of the whole land. The gardens were huge! They had bigger corn plants than I have ever seen in the US. They had banana trees, carrots, onions, spinach, moringa, beans, peppers, and chaya.<br />
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I saw someone making coconut oil, and we're taking back some mango jam. If you know how I felt about the mangoes here, then you can assume how overjoyed I am to try the jam!!!! I stayed to watch an education class about cholera. They watched videos in Creole and sang songs at the end. My mom was playing with the kids and I was in the office next to the education building typing my previous blog post. My mom couldn't <i>not</i> play with the kids, of course.<br />
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We had a great dinner made by Lalita. It was quinoa and roasted vegetables with beans. It was very good, but the heat must mess with my appetite, because I haven't been too hungry all day! I'll post again tomorrow. We're going to the land all day!<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SofiaKarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-64966913785147209672016-03-22T14:22:00.000-07:002016-03-22T18:06:52.757-07:00Day 2 Part 1So far, today has been filled with a lot of awesome experiences. First thing- roosters woke us up at 5:30. My mom said that they will meet their untimely death soon. Yep, that's coming from an animal lover. I tried Haitian mango for breakfast this morning. OMG. It's AMAZING! Jenn and Amy said that mangoes aren't in season, and the ones that they have now are less sweet and more stringy, but I can't even imagine what the other mangoes are like. Yum...<br />
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Ok, I'm done obsessing over the mangoes. We went to Children of the Promise, which is where we got Rosa. It has changed so much since we picked her up. The children live in houses with actual caretakers, instead of it being a free-for-all with kids running around in poopy diapers, with snotty noses, and no clothes. Most of the nannies there remembered her, and it was so sweet seeing their faces light up when they saw her picture. I met the nanny that she used to talk about a lot. She hugged me, gave me a kiss on the cheek, and smiled the whole time as we talked about Rosa and showed her pictures. I'll try and post the picture later.<br />
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Now, I'm at the Second Mile land. I'll post more about this in part 2 of Day 2.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
Sofia<br />
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<br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-83395172954682518252016-03-22T05:42:00.000-07:002016-03-22T05:42:44.258-07:00Quick Morning UpdateHi everyone! We just woke up here. I slept with no blankets on and a fan on because it's so hot! I woke up the first time this morning at about 5:30 due to all of the roosters. My mom said that I'm going to hate roosters by the time this trip is over. Let's just say that I strongly dislike them already. ;)<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SofiaKarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-84717719151595342212016-03-21T17:45:00.001-07:002016-03-21T17:45:54.530-07:00My First DayFor those of you who don't know, this is Sofia. I'm updating this blog in Haiti. <br />
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First of all, I'm not a morning person. I started my day by waking up at 3 AM to get on a 5:00 flight. Eww. The plane rides were easy and smooth, but I didn't sleep at all. On our flight to Cap-Haitien, we sat by a father and his daughter, who was about my age. They were traveling to Haiti with a similar objective: to help. It was their first time to Haiti, and we talked the whole time.<br />
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When we arrived at the Cap-Haitien airport, I was shocked by the size of it. The building itself was close to the size of a big house. It was not at all what I expected. They checked our passports with straight, bored faces, and then we went to get our bags. No, not like at a U.S. airport. They put the bags on a rack and people had to come and claim them. It was chaos! People were shouting Creole words, bumping into me, and not letting us get through. Now I know how immigrants feel when they come to America: lost.<br />
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We got our bags and waited outside in the heat. My phone said that it was 90 degrees then. Holy. Crap. The only thing that I could do to cool off was take a cold shower. Looks like I'll be taking showers 5 times a day...<br />
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Amy picked us up and drove us to her and Jenn's house. The town was not what I expected, but in a good way. My mom told me that the stink would be awful and that there would be lots of poverty. To say the least, it was pretty much the opposite. There still was a lingering stink, and poverty was still there, but the Haitians were fully clothed, carrying phones and walking around town.<br />
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The market was a crazy experience, but a good one. People were yelling 'Americano!' and 'White!' while staring at us. I always hate it when people stare at me, but I now know how people who aren't white feel living in the U.S. I bought bracelets and metal geckoes for all of my friends who are anxious to hear about my journey. We ended the day by going out to eat. It wasn't a fancy place, but the food was amazing! I had a hamburger(of course) and tried the plantains and pikliz that Amy and Jenn had.<br />
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I will have another post done tomorrow night. Thank you all for supporting me!!<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SofiaKarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-89904411164548497152014-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:002014-05-11T11:25:42.382-07:00Mother's Day<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">This Mother's Day I honor and remember Rosiane - the first mother to love Rosa. She carried, birthed and cared for her little girl before we ever knew she'd become our daughter. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Today I remember the woman who lived through a horrible earthquake and gave birth to a beautiful, strong, loud, and loving little girl. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Rosiane, my prayer is that I can be the mother you would want for her. Even during the hard times, I think of you and the sacrifices you made for her during your short life here on earth.</span><br />
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KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-79036011422273372272013-11-28T07:11:00.000-08:002013-11-28T07:11:40.061-08:00ThankfulThis Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the gift of adoption. While we never had adoption as part of our plan in life, God had something completely different in mind.<br />
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When I talk to people about the little girl what I consistently hear is this: "Oh I could NEVER do that" or "If I had the money I would adopt". <br />
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<i>We never thought about adoption. </i><br />
<i>We didn't have $30k just sitting under our bed either.</i><br />
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I will be the first to tell you that this road has not been easy. When she came home it wasn't happily ever after. This little girl has challenge me in every. single. way.<br />
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But I love her. <br />
She is <b>real</b>. <br />
She is <b>my own</b>. <br />
She is <b>equal</b> to her brother and sister. <br />
And I am her <b>mother</b>. <br />
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She loves her big brother. Nothing will make her face light up faster than when 'Emry' wakes up in the morning or comes home from school. My heart overflows when I see her on the couch cuddling with 'Dopia'. And when I see that precious little face asleep, her hands folded under her head as if she's praying, all the challenges of the day wash away.<br />
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I'm thankful that God had other plans. I'm thankful that I really listened and followed this crazy path He is taking our family on. I'm thankful to see so many other kids come home to their forever families.<br />
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<i>I didn't give you the gift of life</i></div>
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<i>but in my heart I know.</i></div>
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<i>The love I feel is deep and real</i></div>
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<i>as if it had been so.</i></div>
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<i>For us to have each other</i></div>
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<i>is like a dream come true.</i></div>
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<i>No, I didn't give you the gift of life,</i></div>
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<i>Life gave me the gift of you.</i></div>
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<br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-26541476225333295522013-06-14T14:09:00.000-07:002013-06-14T14:09:10.914-07:00Hello blog...it's been a while<br />
Before we left to pick up the little girl I made a lot of promises. <br />
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I promised to email everyone from Haiti. <br />
I promised to lose the pre-adoption weight.<br />
I promised to keep up with this blog. <br />
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I'd be laughing at myself if I wasn't so tired, fluffy, and out-of-touch.<br />
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No one told me the waiting was the easy part. No one told me the stress, tears, sleepless nights, and worry before she came home was a walk in the park compared to what it would be like when she was finally living under our roof.<br />
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The flat little girl - the picture - never had a tantrum. She never talked back. Never hit. Never bit. Never spit out her food. Flat little girl had a sweet smile. She was quiet. She was...perfect.<br />
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Orphanages are no place for children. Something happens to these little people when their whole world is disrupted. When they're put in an institutional setting with too many kids. When they lose the only family they have ever known. When they wake up at night and someone isn't there to rock them back to sleep. Or when they just want one toy to call their own but 60+ other kids are fighting over everything.<br />
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At 10 months the little girl lost her entire world. She was admitted to this strange place with unfamiliar faces. They did the best they could, but they were an orphanage. A place we're thankful for, but a place no child should ever have to be.<br />
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For 2+ years this was her world. And in a moment her life changed again. She lost her entire world once more and flew home to a strange place with unfamiliar faces. She has her own bed and clothes and all the food she needs. She's got undivided attention and toys she gets to keep. She's got a yard to play in, a swing set no one is fighting over, and 3 fuzzy things these people call kitties to keep her lap warm.<br />
<br />
But she's a damaged little person. It happens - no matter the care in an orphanage - it happens. The 'fight' instinct is in hyper-mode. The volume is turned up. The reaction to scream or hit or zombie out in a stressful situation is a natural response. Raging tantrums happen. All too often.<br />
<br />
This afternoon one of those raging tantrums happened. I'm not sure if she was tired or mad, but she lost her mind and started screaming and throwing herself on the floor. I walked to her room and sat on her bed. She followed me, still screaming. After 10 minutes she edged over to me and touched my leg. She was still so very angry, but she wanted to be on my lap. As I picked her up, she melted into me. Her little arms giving up the fight. Her little head resting on my chest. She gave in to the exhaustion and finally closed her eyes.<br />
<br />
I'm tired, I'm stressed out, and I'm eating entirely too much chocolate lately. But as I watch her little chest rise and fall with each breath, her tired little body napping after putting up such a fight, I realize that this life - this here and now - is not at all about me. Right now it's about taking this amazing gift that God has trusted me with, and giving her the best life I possibly can. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLEJrRli9fUx1bTw3sPIonzOrERPMMPQvypmTHyBmOPWSr8OxeHtasRv3YOQ7MrsUsD6qEoMmzBIQjp2upwZx_5Gzf3bU4xBZtZw5PTxQRj0fuuJon4xUEkJrSBBaaRuJK2L7Z4NdsOmF/s1600/4kb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLEJrRli9fUx1bTw3sPIonzOrERPMMPQvypmTHyBmOPWSr8OxeHtasRv3YOQ7MrsUsD6qEoMmzBIQjp2upwZx_5Gzf3bU4xBZtZw5PTxQRj0fuuJon4xUEkJrSBBaaRuJK2L7Z4NdsOmF/s320/4kb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He calls her his 'very best friend'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-54948096143812482812013-02-23T13:33:00.000-08:002013-02-23T13:43:13.699-08:00Was it worth it?Was it worth it - all the paperwork and hurdles? Was it worth all of the money and added stress to our lives? Or the tears and the pain? The delays and lost fingerprints - was it worth it? Was it worth the grey hair, wrinkles and the worry? Was it worth two years of our lives?<br />
<br />
Was it worth it?<br />
<br />
Three weeks ago I was a stranger. To her, I could have been anyone in a crowd. A complete unknown. In a matter of hours she crawled in my arms and called me mommy.<br />
<br />
As she wakes up from her nap she cries out for this person she now knows as mommy. When I lay next to her, she gently rests her head on my chest and instantly falls back asleep. <br />
<br />
Once a stranger - now her security. <br />
<br />
Her comfort. <br />
<br />
Her mommy.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t2t76YB_PMjDBmdMEOGPk4iwZ-r7L1-Ahpw-4mSV1L_cHtMBp4ppRBJTwbKbbYIEXuffqXAmtlkQme2bG9Vmled2-EU69dKXqBBhDGVNXHFrFsmzMUjzA_vkQxEAL8eDYGQkNrLPkFaW/s1600/nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1t2t76YB_PMjDBmdMEOGPk4iwZ-r7L1-Ahpw-4mSV1L_cHtMBp4ppRBJTwbKbbYIEXuffqXAmtlkQme2bG9Vmled2-EU69dKXqBBhDGVNXHFrFsmzMUjzA_vkQxEAL8eDYGQkNrLPkFaW/s400/nap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Was it worth it? <br />
<br />
Yes. It was worth it. All of it.<br />
<br />
And I'd do it all over again.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-2905675380753412092013-02-11T17:58:00.000-08:002013-02-11T17:58:27.663-08:00One Less OrphanShe's home. I can't believe it. After all the tears, prayers, money, paperwork, sleepless nights, worry...she's home.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuhVxsZBD9q3y9VzR9K591MdZaZAS_aXjo1xY39ga1wJXZqKVEGIFa1fGbV_OfnbB21Tw7qrFnxybFG30mzwvSaPqO-qWB0UqgcpuTlsXc98na2VXbl3ou2CjX_MoD_ijTk89PCXAQW0T/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuhVxsZBD9q3y9VzR9K591MdZaZAS_aXjo1xY39ga1wJXZqKVEGIFa1fGbV_OfnbB21Tw7qrFnxybFG30mzwvSaPqO-qWB0UqgcpuTlsXc98na2VXbl3ou2CjX_MoD_ijTk89PCXAQW0T/s400/home.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are getting to know our new family dynamic. The first couple of days were challenging. She was hyper-stimulated by her surroundings. Just imagine going from nothing to everything - a bed, clothes, toys, siblings, and food.<br />
<br />
Her big sister has wanted to hold her since she got home. Today the little girl was all smiles when her sister got home from school. <br />
<br />
This, my friends, is what it's all about.<br />
<br />
One less orphan.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod54of92vDVy2C_FgigI4OwBK6KL_2Fsg7C_pc16-4c9n_2uQLarVYBoZpdV4w6MGBCUXrPR3B61NbXc6u6cM_uLrbn__0fO7Qo1Wh-jg6rcvuatk6C8ZvkQbjrEDnseyRSesLKnmVFfz/s1600/rosa+and+sofia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod54of92vDVy2C_FgigI4OwBK6KL_2Fsg7C_pc16-4c9n_2uQLarVYBoZpdV4w6MGBCUXrPR3B61NbXc6u6cM_uLrbn__0fO7Qo1Wh-jg6rcvuatk6C8ZvkQbjrEDnseyRSesLKnmVFfz/s320/rosa+and+sofia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are 152 million children in the world without a mama to rock them to sleep at night. 152 million little souls without a daddy's lap to cuddle on. 152 million sweet faces that deserve a family. Would you consider opening your heart to one of them? </div>
<br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-80920714674734202622013-02-03T10:28:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:28:35.159-08:00TruthTruth: Haiti is noisy and chaotic and dirty.<br />
<br />
Truth: Haiti is quiet and peaceful and clean.<br />
<br />
Truth: Most of the people on this planet are good. Even if they speak a different language and don't look like you.<br />
<br />
Truth: There is absolute joy in nothing. You don't need stuff to be happy.<br />
<br />
Truth: You can go without sleep for 40 hours and then have a hard time falling asleep.<br />
<br />
Truth: Not all street food is going to make you sick.<br />
<br />
Truth: There are many luxuries not afforded to most people in this world: warm showers, a bed, electricity, medical care and Kleenex and so much more. Be thankful for what you have.<br />
<br />
Truth: If you live your life worried about what could happen or afraid of being uncomfortable, you aren't living your life.<br />
<br />
Truth: Most people in the US have never seen true poverty.<br />
<br />
Truth: I am an overweight, spoiled American.<br />
<br />
Truth: Haitians work extremely hard for almost everything in life.<br />
<br />
Truth: Because I have seen this so much, firsthand, it makes me embarrassed for all I have and all of my gluttony.<br />
<br />
Truth: I have decided it's time to get in shape.<br />
<br />
Truth: I miss Henry and Sofia.<br />
<br />
Truth: We save too much for when we're older. We need to give and trust that God will work out all the details.<br />
<br />
Truth: You didn't choose to be born in the country you were born. <br />
<br />
Truth: Haitians didn't choose to be born in Haiti either.<br />
<br />
Truth: We aren't put on this earth to be comfortable. We're put in this earth to take what we have and make sure others have what they need.<br />
<br />
Truth: I mean it.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-33481180459716326212013-01-31T12:12:00.000-08:002013-01-31T12:12:28.023-08:00Oh the things people sayThe big news of the day: <b><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;">SHE'S COMING HOME!! </span></b><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While I won't believe it until she's in my arms and her little feet are on the carpet in this house, she really is coming home. I can't even describe how this process has changed me. I've aged. My hair has more grey in it. My face has more wrinkles. I may have put on a couple more pounds. Oh how I wish I was a stress exerciser.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I approach the most significant trip of my life, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the things we've heard and been asked during this journey. I have a response to all of them, but I'll let you imagine what it would be. Some are shocking. Some are clueless. Some are said out of genuine caring and compassion. This is only a partial list.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>I could never adopt.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>I'd love to adopt, but it's just too expensive.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>How could you do this to your kids?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>What if she has issues when she gets home?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>How much did she cost?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>You have to PAY for a kid? You'd think they'd give them away for free.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Why does it take so long? </i> (If I had a dime every time that was asked...)</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>I could never love a kid that wasn't my own.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>You have lost the most critical years of her development.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Your kids are going to just wake up one morning and a new kid is going to be there. Don't you think that will be hard for them?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>You understand that you're just supporting corruption, right?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Is she one of those lost kids because of that tsunami? You know, the one where all the parents died.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>What happened to her real parents?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>She is so lucky!!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok. I've got to address one of them. I know this comment is said out of love and excitement. It's one we hear all the time. But I feel it needs to be addressed - the little girl and her luck.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Adoption is born out of a tremendous amount of loss. There is significant pain in adoption. The little girl lost everything. She lost her world. She lost her family. For over two years she hasn't had a mommy to rock her when she had a fever. She hasn't had a daddy to kiss her boo-boos. She hasn't had a brother or sister to teach her the alphabet or her colors. She hasn't had her own bed, her own clothes, or even a warm bath. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No. The little girl is not lucky. We are the ones who are completely blessed in this process. The adoption journey has changed our family. It has changed the way we talk. It has changed how we spend our money. It has changed how we view the orphan crisis. (I cannot sleep at night when I think about 152 MILLION children who don't have a parent.) I have made friends with amazing people I never would have met if it wasn't for this journey. The relationships with my friends here has strengthened as they listened to my stories, helped wipe away my tears when there was another setback, and gone out of their way to make sure the little girl has everything she needs when she gets home. We have felt love and support from friends, family and strangers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no luck. Only blessings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay tuned. The big event is almost here!</div>
KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-10639534314683052372012-12-31T07:48:00.001-08:002012-12-31T07:48:58.743-08:00Two years - two steps to goHis bags are almost packed.<br />
<br />
He washed her sheets and blankets and made her bed.<br />
<br />
He patched a hole in her wall. The hole I've asked him to patch for months.<br />
<br />
He put an extra leaf in the table.<br />
<br />
He handed me a pair of sunglasses to pack. He said she'll need them.<br />
<br />
<b>He is ready.</b><br />
<br />
There are two steps to go. <br />
<br />
Her visa appointment hasn't been scheduled yet. I'm waiting for an email with the date. After the appointment her visa will be issued. The final step is an exit letter from IBESR. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I got really excited. For the first time. Excited at how real this is becoming. We have waited for her for over two years.<br />
<br />
It's time to come home.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-82972206017486303982012-12-23T13:22:00.000-08:002012-12-23T13:22:57.848-08:00Brief UpdateIt's hard to post an update today. A dear friend lost her son on Thursday. It feels insignificant to talk about passports or visas when a beautiful little boy passed away before he was able to join his family.<br />
<br />
Right now there are concerns about cholera at COTP. Many of the kids are sick. Some are on-site with IVs. Some are at the hospital. And some are still showing no signs of being sick. We've heard no updates about our little girl since Friday. Our prayer is that she's OK.<br />
<br />
Her I-600 was approved and her file moved to Visa. We are waiting to hear about her visa appointment. After that we just need an exit letter from IBESR. Once that's submitted we'll be on our way to get her. Not soon enough.<br />
<br />
Please pray for the family who lost their son. Please pray for all the kids who are sick. Please pray for strength and wisdom for the staff that is on the ground in Haiti. Please pray that all hands that are involved in the adoption process work diligently to get all of our kids home.<br />
<br />
I just want her home.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-11964742425192176932012-12-12T16:06:00.002-08:002012-12-12T17:03:07.415-08:00And so it continues...Adoption is a rollercoaster. You start to climb up, hoping, anticipating...only to go back down again.<br />
<br />
I received an email from the embassy yesterday. Someone at that very moment was working on her file. Then they stopped.<br />
<br />
My fingerprints aren't...on...file.<br />
<br />
We had our initial fingerprinting done almost 18 months ago. They expired a year later, so we had them redone. They have his prints. They don't have mine.<br />
<br />
If you haven't had your fingerprinting done recently, you might not know that there isn't ink or paper involved in the procedure anymore. It's all computerized. Digital. Instantly on file.<br />
<br />
They can't find mine.<br />
<br />
We have our updated I-171H. For the non-adoption speakers it's a document from Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration. It not only confirms our fingerprints were done, it gives us a new 'expiration' date for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
My heart sank. My thoughts started going crazy. I instantly emailed the embassy back with a copy of our I-171H. They answer emails 'in the order they were received'...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I don't want to wait. All I've done is wait. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It's been over 18 months since our paperwork arrived there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This needs to be done.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I need her home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The Christmas miracle I've been praying for. It's not going to happen. Please God. Please have her home by her birthday.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-88773229074514883652012-11-29T14:59:00.000-08:002012-11-29T14:59:08.610-08:00Jane...get me off this crazy thing...What. A. Day.<br />
<br />
Right now I've got the movie 'So I Married an Axe Murder' in my head. How's THAT for the start of a blog post? There's a scene where Mike Myers is doing a little jazz bit. The line,<i> "Jane...get me off this crazy thing..."</i> is in my head right now.<br />
<br />
The past few days have been crazy!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We got word that the little girl's passport was issued. Can I get an AMEN?! </li>
<li>I found out late last night that she was one of the kids heading to PAP.</li>
<li>She had her medical exam at the embassy. Today! </li>
<li>Early this morning I get an email that documentation needs to be shipped to PAP ASAP.</li>
<li>Soon after that was an urgent email - a document needed to be signed, notarized, scanned and emailed immediately.</li>
</ul>
Whew!<br />
<br />
While I'm tired, stressed out, and very anxious...I am so thankful! This has been a long, taxing process. When you're talking about the life of a sweet little girl, any amount of stress I'm feeling, any amount of money we're spending, and even the wait...it's all worth it.<br />
<br />
We're praying for a Christmas miracle. While it's highly unlikely, but it IS possible that she could be home before the end of the year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3_69igJEUupbf_WF71OBVju-3sXAnDzTv6D1n-HribwuD60gvdXETo5UyMdA4VJ9udf73vOzGgpm481qtf0t6HrnQMeFW4y-AkiIpJbNx_yrM8Lm0FMnK-2RDbVwBNvmyc4f-JyRwrXq/s1600/mother+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3_69igJEUupbf_WF71OBVju-3sXAnDzTv6D1n-HribwuD60gvdXETo5UyMdA4VJ9udf73vOzGgpm481qtf0t6HrnQMeFW4y-AkiIpJbNx_yrM8Lm0FMnK-2RDbVwBNvmyc4f-JyRwrXq/s320/mother+love.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting last February</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-17641355821704829662012-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:002012-11-11T11:13:08.048-08:008 more weeksI want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who shopped with purpose during the Delicate Fortress Creations fundraiser for Jason's upcoming trip to Haiti. You helped to raise $527 which will be used to cover some of the costs of the projects he'll be working on. <br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMKPR6_Lg5f31RCAUWnObPCyz3eDkqqJ1X_F3n1WIRxPDwE_xwwr5_vJyN9Vf1J9kPEyZe72DlTR7xgGnLdWr6ONybuQF_oQRc1D5TL9W4nvTtmiNs3yPdJizc6lC2opkzMnm7cwKWe5/s1600/thank+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMKPR6_Lg5f31RCAUWnObPCyz3eDkqqJ1X_F3n1WIRxPDwE_xwwr5_vJyN9Vf1J9kPEyZe72DlTR7xgGnLdWr6ONybuQF_oQRc1D5TL9W4nvTtmiNs3yPdJizc6lC2opkzMnm7cwKWe5/s400/thank+you.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This past week I traveled for work. I was in a pretty intense training session, and thankfully pretty distracted. The length of the adoption has started to wear on me, especially as we approach the holiday season. In addition her 3rd birthday is just around the corner.<br />
<br />
Any adopting parent understands the severe email addiction during the adoption process. Every ding or buzz causes a reaction to instantly check email. We were in the middle of some pretty intense conversation when the buzz happened. Instinctively I grabbed my phone to see who had emailed. 99% of the time it's one of my sisters or SPAM. But this time was the 1% - it was from our agency. The title was benign: <b>Archive process</b>. My heart skipped a beat. We've been waiting for a document to come out of Archives so we can proceed in MOI, then eventually to passport.<br />
<br />
My heart stopped and everything went fuzzy when I started to read: <i>I hope you're doing OK today, because I have some news that's not pleasant to pass on...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It's hard to describe the emotions that went through my body as I continued reading. I stopped hearing all outside conversations. I started biting my lip because I was about to start sobbing.<br />
<br />
One. More. Setback. Why? <br />
<br />
I quickly set my phone down, knowing there was nothing I could do with the news. I needed to focus on the training and try to get my mind to stop thinking about what I just read. Every moment my thoughts turned to her I had to do everything in my power to keep from sobbing. The stress started racing towards my back. My sorrow had to be expressed somehow.<br />
<br />
The short explanation is that the office has 'lost or misplaced the book' in Archives. We're at a complete stop right now and will have to start this step completely over when they find or replace the book. I don't understand what it means, only that I was told this is another delay of at least 8 more weeks before we even get to the passport stage.<br />
<br />
Delays. Everywhere we turn. Delays.<br />
<br />
We have emotions and opinions about what's going on, but none of it will change a thing. We are at the mercy of the process. And so we wait.<br />
<br />
We got a tiny piece of hope that there might be a 'break' in what's happening. Again, I have no idea what it means. I'm trying to keep life moving forward, expecting there will not be any positive news on Monday.<br />
<br />
But come Monday I know I'll be captive to the buzz of my phone.KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-52157768671282404382012-10-24T14:21:00.000-07:002012-10-24T14:21:26.678-07:00Shop with purpose!As you know, Jason will be returning to Haiti to work with <a href="http://www.secondmilehaiti.com/">Second Mile</a> again. We are so blessed to be connected to a wonderful woman and friend at Delicate Fortress Creations. Starting today through October 30th, she will donate 30% of all sales towards Jason's projects. <br />
<br />
All you need to do is click here: <a href="http://www.delicatefortress.com/">Delicate Fortress</a> and start shopping with purpose x2! Make sure to type SECONDMILE at checkout so your purchase is credited to his fundraiser.<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCSeQcHlOLl_sw-xhkm95mtm_9MXKa4fc-mFTlBZqmzO0o0b8U1fJvCnVZtBo5ytS9MN_jKuA_P7Qn6qe8nGC4a4eEEQMnCzwUnJCZ02ogyoTQlQSf2liJQv3xE5ZONVXEjyQKbqiqiXA/s640/second+mile+ad.jpeg" width="414" /></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_713253287"></span><span id="goog_713253288"></span><br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-41733966275928795082012-10-08T07:40:00.000-07:002012-10-08T07:42:08.159-07:00An UpdateHave you found that the number of postings I have is directly related to the amount of updates we have? Well, that's the case. Since this blog has been quiet for a while I'll give you a little update.<br />
<br />
We have been sitting in MOI for quite some time now. By 'typical' timelines, meaning what others have experienced, we should have been out a long time ago. So I asked. And I wish I hadn't. Sometimes living with the unknown is easier than the known.<br />
<br />
We were told that two COTP families got out of MOI, but unfortunately it wasn't us. They were expecting us to be out...but there's a problem. We don't know the specifics, only that they have to go back to Archives for something. Weeks. She said weeks.<br />
<br />
You'd think after all this time I'd be pretty numb to a delay and a word like 'weeks'. I'm not. It hit me really hard. The hope that I had that she'd be home by Christmas left. That last glimmer of hope - that itty bit that I was pretending I didn't have - gone. Completely.<br />
<br />
We have accepted that she will not be home this year. God might have a miracle up His sleeve, but I can't let myself think that way. The disappointment is too hard to deal with.<br />
<br />
Once again, I'm going about life. I'm scheduling work trips, planning events with the youth from church, and living every day not expecting any news.<br />
<br />
I'm sad. I'm tired. And I'm on the verge of tears a lot. But with the acceptance comes a bit of peace. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure any of that makes sense. It does in my head.<br />
<br />
In fun news - Jason is going back. He worked his week in Haiti and had a wonderful time. He wasn't home more than 30 minutes when I told him - they want you back. He has every reason to say no. We're paying for an adoption. Every appliance in the house is breaking down. Even my car is having issues. But he said yes. Again.<br />
<br />
You can guess what happened next. Yup. God worked out all the details and the money came. The money to cover the entire cost of his travel - there it was.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for an awesome fundraiser we're having starting October 24th. It will last one week, and all money raised will go directly to <a href="http://www.secondmilehaiti.com/">Second Mile</a> to fund the projects Jason will be working on. It's with a beautiful company run by an amazing woman. You can start your Christmas shopping early. And everything you buy will make you feel good about how you spent your money.<br />
<br />
More details...soon.<br />
<br />
For now, I leave you with this. Powerful.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>“…and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Matthew 5:41</span></div>
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<br />KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-26421665454426524072012-09-10T10:57:00.002-07:002012-09-10T10:57:40.757-07:00Say yes
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She asked if he would come down to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew what his answer would be, but I
told her I’d ask.</div>
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He had every reason to say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear him now.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We don’t have the
money.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Who will watch the kids?</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It costs too much.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I don’t have the time.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The expenses are
beyond our budget.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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School is starting.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There’s this thing
about money…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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We sat down to dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the first chance I had to ask him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready to sell the experience to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to encourage, and push and
deflect all of the reasons he wouldn’t go.</div>
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Very casually, I asked.</div>
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Very casually, he answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
go.”</div>
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I couldn’t believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Really</i><i>?</i></b></div>
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He’s not a very excitable person, but he seemed
really…excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about
dates and flights and logistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without much effort, we got it all figured out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dates were planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tickets were purchased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lists were being created.</div>
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It’s funny how it works that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God asks us to do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s as simple as a question, “Will you
help?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t send a postcard,
or call and ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t obvious
or burning. And when we choose to say YES, He worked out all the details.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A simple question.</div>
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<br /></div>
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An easy answer.</div>
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What is God asking...of you? Take a leap of faith and say yes. You'll be amazed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr4QfzjO6AwUWxsJFn0z3sEdbae1oMCqo0SHkHhQsN-wq28-6nUMeOugP5uKMmmI2PfTUIoZlSJmW7hcFwXj4tvyLsk9CO_bLZbVflYJXrxq2-MZql9kGNQ2NSGXh2Fb7nHfDivrN53UQ/s1600/Jason,+Dadou,+Jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr4QfzjO6AwUWxsJFn0z3sEdbae1oMCqo0SHkHhQsN-wq28-6nUMeOugP5uKMmmI2PfTUIoZlSJmW7hcFwXj4tvyLsk9CO_bLZbVflYJXrxq2-MZql9kGNQ2NSGXh2Fb7nHfDivrN53UQ/s400/Jason,+Dadou,+Jenn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-15257975611888891702012-08-23T17:30:00.003-07:002012-08-23T17:30:29.534-07:00Changing lives, one bead at a time<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fow8geJKDSjJFHcR81Igk7LdLLvd6NxIXRBTETz92AQuq_CcZMJphLx3OU_wJWSA38-oPtF59WOKH-a_G_W2IM6okmVIvzHO0_ixwCTEDIU02mAkx9WqHMiTO_HTsAjN63m4HReFvCW8/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fow8geJKDSjJFHcR81Igk7LdLLvd6NxIXRBTETz92AQuq_CcZMJphLx3OU_wJWSA38-oPtF59WOKH-a_G_W2IM6okmVIvzHO0_ixwCTEDIU02mAkx9WqHMiTO_HTsAjN63m4HReFvCW8/s400/beads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
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These are the amazing women who are creating the beads that make up the awesome jewelry that we are selling in the states. <div>
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Beads of <i>Promise</i>.</div>
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Beads of <i>Hope</i>.</div>
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Beads for a brighter <i>Future</i>.</div>
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Beads that <b><i>keep families together</i></b>.</div>
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<div>
While this current batch is already spoken for, we will be getting another big load of beads in mid-September. Please let me know if you are interesting in selling jewelry made from these amazing beads. 100% of the sale of these goes directly back to <a href="http://secondmilehaiti.com/">Second Mile Haiti</a>.</div>
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<b>100%. </b> Have I already said that?</div>
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Changing lives - one bead at a time.</div>
KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746446019515184626.post-73692770643432035222012-07-31T17:04:00.000-07:002012-07-31T18:36:37.997-07:00What’s a mom to do?<br />
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As you can tell by the stunning lack of blog posts, there
isn’t much to report. We have
reverted back to a snail’s pace.
These ‘final’ steps will most likely take us to the end of the year. I’m just praying she’ll be home by
Christmas.</div>
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So what’s a mom to do?
Sit and obsess about something I have no control over? Or use that energy for something good?</div>
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I’ll take what’s behind door B.</div>
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I’ve accepted a job as the Vice President in charge of
jewelry sales with <a href="http://secondmilehaiti.com/">Second Mile Haiti</a>.
Oh I make myself laugh. I’m
actually a volunteer bracelet assembler and mail mule. And I love it!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msY9eel8a8e8PsLsM3SQaVlO5mT5HX75oUsYIWWLg4NK-0WxB9Ydvo8M3w1PphEFeH4II155v2Srg3cEMk4S-Fe1XhQx8thb3uTCj-7K-YCVoC2LvyP1CbgUOiCSVXXS1s4dS77qVz_s/s1600/bracelets1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msY9eel8a8e8PsLsM3SQaVlO5mT5HX75oUsYIWWLg4NK-0WxB9Ydvo8M3w1PphEFeH4II155v2Srg3cEMk4S-Fe1XhQx8thb3uTCj-7K-YCVoC2LvyP1CbgUOiCSVXXS1s4dS77qVz_s/s320/bracelets1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The beads used on the bracelets are the most amazing things
you’ve ever seen. They take med
boxes and cereal boxes and even juice boxes and make them into mini
masterpieces. I get the honor of
assembling some of them into amazing bracelets. Second Mile has been able to hire two Haitian moms full-time to
work on making paper beads. It’s
only going to grow from there.</div>
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If you’d like to help moms and babies in Haiti, please
consider selling bracelets for them.
The cost is only $10 per bracelet and 100% goes back to the organization. Yes, 100% of the sales of every
bracelet sold goes directly back to Second Mile Haiti.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">100%<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Invite all of your friends over for coffee. Set up a table at church. Shoot up a post on Facebook. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they
sell, and how quickly you’ll be asking for more.</div>
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As my dear friend Karyn at <a href="http://delicatefortress.com/">Delicate Fortress</a> once told me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Don’t buy more. Just buy different.”</i> When searching for the perfect gift, look no further than
Second Mile Haiti’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beads of Promise</i></b>.</div>
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Stay tuned for more news. I’ve committed to doing something really crazy, and I hope
you’ll join me. </div>KarenGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11838322046772869911noreply@blogger.com0