Mobile Clinic Wannabe

While dragging myself out of bed to traipse through Port Au Prince in the rain with a raging headache and drippy nose was not on my list of preferred activities yesterday, I am ALWAYS glad to get out and about.

Abe woke me up with a phone call and arranged to get me shopping money for the market and then proceeded to line out a meeting with some ladies who suffered from various maladies needing antibiotics, assessments and medication. Relatives of members of the crew he runs who's illness was brought to his attention. Abe is always so good at actually listening AFTER the programmed "How are you today" greeting. And if everything is not okay, well then he finds a way to make it so! When it was all said and done, I am glad I was able to be a part of a few people's better day.

The driver picked me up and Davidson, who just happened to still be in town, came along for the ride to interpret. He was a trooper as we drove through slow windy streets to eventually squish into a tiny bedroom where he translated a long list of potentially embarrassing female issues. How thoughtful of God to bring someone into my life who actually had a job interpreting for an American Dr in a local hospital. He always has everything planned out to a T!

I had a slight idea of what the patients were going to need so I stopped by a few pharmacies and stores to get certain items and pills I knew they would not be able to afford. Cut into our grocery budget a bit, but all in all I was very pleased to be able to find most of what I needed. It surprised me how many scary items are available to the public here without a prescription. Also duly noted is the lack of FDA approval on everything I purchased. I am eternally grateful for the small arsenal of remedies I was able to bring from the States.

After spending FOREVER drilling into the ladies how to properly execute the treatments I gave out we headed for the market. I should have added earlier that, as it was Adam's turn to go to the market with me, he was forced to patiently tag along in all my adventures. His GI Joes got a LOT of play time with him.

We used the rest of my weekly allowance and even found someone willing to sell me eggs for a fair price. Right as we were wrapping it up Abe called and asked for me to hurry to the job site. While one man was taken to the hospital for attempting to sever his hand on a saw, another fell from a ladder and was not behaving normally. They didn't have a driver to take him to the hospital and as they make glorified band aid stations look desirable, the nearby hospital would not be able to scan his head for injuries even IF he would be able to afford it. I was anxious to get my hands on some real trauma again, but you may all rest assured that my blood lust is still unquenched. Once I arrived he had come to and while he had the typical symptoms of a decent concussion, his skull, neck and back were sound. I patched up his shoulder, elbow and knee without needing to break out the suture kit and left him with pain killers for the morning and strict instructions for his brother to watch him. I wanted him to go home, but finally succumbed to promises from Abe that he would stay off of ladders and sit for the rest of the shift. Well, it was good for me. ;-)

I made it home as the end of my headache medicine and Theraflu approached. Tired and happy to be useful again I organized and reassessed my supplies. I will need some refills soon. Any one wanna come visit?!

a Few Pictures

After we made it home Sunday Daddy still somehow
 had enough energy to help the babes "fly!"

Isaiah goes the highest!

Wish I could add the giggles!

Dawee does NOT like to fly. He prefers
to laugh and watch.

Even Adam is not too big-yet!

The concrete pics I promised.

Loading the mixer

Test video. Hope it works!!!!

With that...have a great night!

Mental Pictures

Tomorrow will mark day 50 in Haiti! And I have the nastiest cold. Sigh. I've felt it coming on for a couple of days and today I have officially turned into the swamp monster. Dripping, whining, grouchy, tired, "make one more bounce on this bed and I'll make YOUR head fall off with mine" type of awfulness.
Yesterday we arose on time, got dressed, fed, SonSon and Davidson came over to accompany us to church...and then-we waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Needless to say despite dozens of phone calls we never actually got to see our driver.
Around noon SonSon mentioned taking the tap tap to his mother's house-she had been planning on us sharing dinner with her after church. As the time for church service had come and gone, we smoothed out our wrinkles, rebrushed our hair, reapplied our shoes (Yes, my boys STILL take them off every chance they get) and headed out the door.
If I had a Christmas wish it would be a camera. There was so much beauty to capture on our adventure! If I had pictures this is what they would have been of...
~Carolanne snuggled into Davidson as he carried "my baby" EVERYWHERE. His over 6 foot frame and long strong arms made it that much sweeter.
~Isaiah pulling his IJoe monkey everywhere with him-and sharing it with a stranger on one of the 6 tap taps we shuttled on.
~The smile of aforementioned stranger who looked like she was having a REALLY bad day.
~Thaddaeus's big blue eyes as he unabashedly said hello to everyone in EVERY tap tap.
~The contrasting enormous soft brown eyes of the beautiful baby boy I was able to hold as we bumped down the streets in a very crowded, hot tap tap.
~Adam's endless energy as we walked, rode, bumped, hiked, climbed, and slid through the wet muddy hillside of Port Au Prince.
~The long, wet, winding, narrow alley cracks and crannies we marched through endlessly while attempting to reach SonSon's family's home.
~The naked local children smiling and cool from a rousing water fight amongst the goats and pigs in the trash piles.
~Tents being rebuilt out of tarps, wood and scrap metal by smiling, singing men and women.
~Bright colors that were on every wall of the home that was opened to us.
~Kisses and hugs and play time that were shared with the 3 children living in the small one bedroom dwelling.
~SonSon's mother's smile as she filled our bellies.
...I could go on forever. With the power being off due to the storm we were not able to charge the cell phone I use for my pictures. The next time we go, for I dearly hope for a next time, we shall try for a day with power and charged phones. It was a wonderful day. <3

Concrete and Hurricanes

I know I have not been posting as I should. I PROMISE it is not due to me tiring of writing to you all. I wish it was because I am as wonderfully busy as I used to be. I've just honestly been in a bit of an Eeyore mood and writing to you in that state is never a good idea...

We have been awaiting the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac all day. The latest word is that it will turn into a hurricane before it hits us. While living in Missouri and Tennessee I have seen a few tornadoes, this will be my first experience with a hurricane. I have the feeling it will not be my last. :-/

 Abe went to work for a bit but ended early. We were able to pick him up and then head out to Penye to see how ready our little houses ISN'T. Another week perhaps. Who knows. sigh. Patience has never been my strong point and it is clear God has been giving me chances to exercise that muscle.

While picking Abe up for work we got to see a Haitian concrete delivery. I am quite impressed. Two rows of men lined up on the ground, up the ladders and onto the roof where they were pouring the concrete. They handed bucket after bucket rapidly along the line like they were trying to put out a fire. Positioned at the beginning of the line was an old mixer and men shoveling concrete mix, crushed rock and water into it. Quite the efficient system. Of course, I took pictures. I will post them once the camera charges up again!


Abe is in the kitchen cooking up the pancake batter I made. I had a slight melt down that involved Melinda, money, food, and bugs. Once again working that patience muscle. Abe took over making the pancakes so I would not find it necessary to activate a different muscle towards something that might be living. I love my Abe. I think the hormone cream I have been using might be working a bit too well...

We were able to skype our dear family in Missouri this evening. It was a rather crazy, crowded call with everyone (including Dawee) trying to talk at once and fill the camera space. It was so nice to see their faces and connect with them. Even got to see Grandpa Ueland and Uncle Steve. :-)

The wind is starting to pick up now. My friend in the Dominican Republic just informed me that their power is out as they feel the effects of the storms outskirts. hmmmm. Freaky. There went our power.  I am glad we have this back up system.

Adam has arrived with my pancakes. I am off to love on my kids, kiss up the hubs and wait out this storm. Wind is really picking up now. Love to you all!

Grandma Dorcas

I wish I could say I have been silent this passed week out of busy-ness. But it was the declining health and eventual passing of a dear sweet woman of God that quieted my heart and slowed my fingers. May I take a moment to remember and give thanks for the wonderful role model, encouraging mother figure, and strong godly woman that was our adopted Grandma, Dorcas Ueland. 

When Abe and I explained to our babes that she had gone to Heaven, Adam grew very somber and thoughtful. Carolanne started crying. Thaddaeus looked confused... but Isaiah's reaction was priceless. He took a moment of thought then his eyes grew so big and the brightest look of hope I have ever seen came over his little face. 

"Mommy, Grandma Dorcas DIED?!" he exclaimed.

"Yes she did, Sweety." I sniffled.

"Then she is in Heaven! With Aunt Jemima's little tiny baby!" He then did the sweetest victory dance that stopped almost as soon as it started. His brow wrinkled with concern.

"But she won't be with baby Cherry anymore." I could see his four year old mind working hard. "I have to love baby Cherry while she's gone in Heaven." 

I assured him that Aunt Jemima, Grandma Dorcas' daughter, would give all the loving sufficient for her second daughter, Cherry. As soon as the care of the babies were sorted out Isaiah was content. 

What a sweet reminder that we are to focus our attention not only on the one who left this world, but most importantly to those left behind to grieve. Those who are waiting to see her again. My prayers and love go to Grandma Dorcas' ten children, husband, and brother Jimmy who will continue on here while eagerly looking forward to embracing her again-whole and well, in a place where cancer has no home. 

Mommies and Prayer

This morning I lost it. And so I did what any little girl does when she needs comfort and guidance. I called my Mommy. I told her all that I am going to share on here, and a lot more that I just can't. I laughed with her as we discussed the similarities of my husband with hers (yes, I married a man JUST like my Daddy) and I "laid my head on her shoulder" and cried HARD over things I feel powerless to change. After detailing all the heartaches and troubles and impossible things to do, her final response was... "Go to it! And PRAY before you go at it!" I am so blessed to have a mother who kisses my boo-boos from so far away and ALWAYS encourages me to give it my all. I LOVE YOU, MOM!

<3 My Mom<3

Well. Ahem. Anyways. The past few days have been eventful. :-D

Thursday I took my babes out to see our little house in Penye. I was discouraged at the lack of progress that has been made, but Josue (the project manager) seems dead set that it will be ready for us next week. I am setting my sights for next month so I don't get disappointed. The kitchen cabinets WERE mostly built. It was fun to watch as the carpenter planed and sanded each piece by hand with NO power tools.  See the wonderful red colored walls in the kitchen??? LOVE IT!

Three houses along the Right side are all the same. Concrete with little slat windows- good for hurricane season!!!

This one is actually our house. The 1/2 white wall will soon be bright yellow
:-)

Everywhere we go my kids have guardians. ESPECIALLY whenever they try to touch the floor with their skin. Even with their barefeet skin. If one of my babes drops food on an inside floor and reaches to pick it up-even if it is inside the house, EVERY adult hand reaches out to slap their hands away. At first I thought it was rudely overprotective. Then reality slapped me a bit. Shoes walk on the floors. Shoes have been outside on the streets. People poop and pee on the streets. DUH. We carry hand sanitizer everywhere we go now and my babes are learning that the 3 second rule is VOID!!! Even a toy on the floor is quickly scooped up and washed. NOTHING goes on the floor. Melinda is constantly running after my babes and trying to put their shoes BACK on them. She is fighting a battle... but I am now on her side too.

NO SHOES!!!!!

We went to see Daddy's progress on the school. He is doing so well managing the crews. I am super proud of him. Son Son bought us dishes of fruit from the Lari (street) nearby. Yummy!

Handsome Thaddaeus

The Boss

Making progress!

After our stops we went to Epi'Dor. The restuarant which is quickly becoming our favorite. We ordered a large, yummy pizza for just around $7. This time I was prepared for the throng of little boys and had bills folded up just so for easy grabbing. I handed the first group a bill each, and then one particularly greedy little one started to grab out of another boy's hand. I scolded him and moved his hand away when I saw my mistake. I had given him 10 less than the others. I took it back gave him the right amount. The second wave hit and we headed out soon after. I only had so much. The only English word the boys say when asking for money is "Mommy." Talk about a heart gripper. Little boys holding up one finger, eyes pleading, begging, "Mommy, money?! Mommy?!" The icing on the cake came as were nearly back at the house. We stopped at a traffic light and I looked to my right. A little boy, so tiny and skinny with holes in his shirt, a dirty face, and men's flip flops on his little feet looked my way, held up his finger and said, "Mommy!" I couldn't not. Resisting the ever present urge to grab him up and take him away forever I opened my wallet. I didn't have any more small bills, and don't get me wrong- while what I gave him was twice what I had handed each of the Epi'Dor boys, it still is not a lot. Enough for four sodas, or a hot meal with chicken. I handed him the money. My driver's laughter made me look out at the boy again. The biggest grin I have ever seen had erupted from his little face. He was glowing. I watched as he walked down the street smiling and pulling at his clothes. He finally settled on stuffing the money into a hole in the sole of his flip flop. The driver explained to me that grown men often beat up little orphans and steal their money. He was hiding it from them. This made my heart weep. I told the driver how much I wanted to take all the boys home and feed them every day and love them. He looked at me seriously and said, "Then you start an orphanage." Simple as that. Just do it. 

Today I awoke coughing in a haze of smoke. I bolted out of bed expecting that the haphazard wiring in the house had finally ignited. One glance out the window showed I was, thankfully, wrong. A building down the street was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke was billowing upwards. About ten minutes later I heard the sirens and saw the firetrucks. There is no such thing as a fast response for ANYTHING here. I called Abe and he said that an hour prior he saw the corner power pole sparking. It had caught the nearby building on fire. Thankfully it seemed that everyone in and nearby were unharmed. I am so anxious for Penye and new, although still Haitian, wiring. 

Adam felt sick this morning as did Carolanne. I noted it was day four of no running water to clean with. The toilets had been overflowing, baths had not been given. Living like a local with an outhouse behind the house would have been a welcome relief to the stench and nastiness. The water pump has been broken for four days now and everytime I confront Melinda about it she says that someone is coming to fix it. Still nothing. I got breakfast for the kids and came back upstairs to make my bed. That's when Carol came running in to say Adam had a potty accident.

Now, I will spare you the details that I am sure you can imagine. Just add to that NO WATER to clean up an embarrassed, sick 7 year old. I used freezing cold drinking water that I tried to warm with my hand. Freshly fueled by this and Carol saying her tummy hurt and NOT liking the idea of her puking over a full toilet, I picked up the phone, made arrangements and prepared to leave a piece of my mind with the lady in charge of our housing. Water or hotel. I tucked my sickies in bed with a movie and left them in Melinda's capable hands. I heeded Mom's advice and prayed as I waited for the driver. 

I made it to the office, marched passed the guard, up the stairs and sat down at the desk. 

"I need to have a solution to the water issue at the guest house. And if it can not be resolved now then I need a hotel room for my children and I immediately." 

She looked at me. "I do not know of the situation or how to fix it."

"Well, I have all day. I will wait." I crossed my legs and stared at her amicably. She met my *hopefully* fierce blue eyes with her brown ones. Saw my determination. Picked up the phone and FIXED THAT WATER! Among several other issues that have been hanging in the air undone. I left feeling satisfied and didn't even have to yell or shoot anyone. We now have running water and the secretary doesn't hate me. WIN!

After the office visit I went to pick up Abe and rode home with him. A good breather for us both. On the way I was able to snap a few shots of the market for you to enjoy :-)

Fresh...did I say FRESH chicken?
Yes, they are alive with their legs tied together.
The roosters are blindfolded.
 Poor little buggars.
The are awfully tasty though...

Look to the left at the shoe store. TONS of black shoes laid
out neatly on the street.

The walking pharmacy. The leaning tower of Pillsa.
Any over the counter remedy and vitamin.

 And now my friends, good bye for now. Always Remember:

We miss you *this* tall...

Love you *this* much...

Wish you *this* much happiness...

And  joy!!!!

GOOD NIGHT!

Window Friends, SweeTea, and Dawee.

Just when we start to feel down and lousy, God shows us that there are still a few delights in life that are afforded to us-we just sometimes have to work a little harder to get them...

 Here, in the bottom of a  hidden basket in the Haitian Market, I found a package of Luzianne Tea bags.

And through the bars in the window, across the deep ditch, and over the razor wire fence, the babes made a new friend who speaks English.

Romancing the neighbor boy took all four of them approximately ten minutes before he was begging to come over and play. A small, black seven year old who, for reasons still unknown to me, is being raised in New York City, has come home for a visit to his mother and baby brother who just happen to live next door. The last two days have been filled with running, laughter, games and IMMENSE chattering.
Dawee (Melinda the Maid's seven year old son) has decided that speaking English is the way to go now and has been studiously pointing and asking names of EVERYTHING. He can count to five and is sooo proud of it. Too cute. He and Adam explore new ways to build machines out of legos and scrap metal, Carolanne employs him to play house and climb the walls, (yes, literally) Thaddaeus stays out of his wild play for the most part, and Isaiah chases him around the house constantly. Dawee is becoming a Barlow Babe. ;-)
Tonight it is storming quite heavily. The sun set everything on fire as it set, and the clouds took it upon themselves to cool everything down. I am grateful for the downfall. It makes everything so much cooler. The sweat baths we get prior to rain are rather intense.
So, tonight, after a rousing game of tag in the living area with our new friend, we had cheese and bread sandwiches for dinner... with SweeTea! (for it IS one word, you know.) And Dawee (who has been in the habit of eating our meals with us) approved gulp for gulp.

Sunday Blessings and the Monday Blues

Isaiah comes whimpering into my room where I am still lounging on my bed. After asking him what  is wrong he cries, "Carol hurt my feelings!" After which the most cutely pathetic wail emerges from his little mouth. "How did she hurt them?" I ask as I wrap him in my arms. He still fits so perfectly. "She told me she doesn't love me anymore!" After a lot of kisses and reasoning he smiles again and then commences to rubbing my back with his little hand while singing about IJoe (his monkey) and ICutie (his robot) and ILovey(his baby doll) and ILightning McQueen (his car). I inquired once as to why all of his toys' names started with I and he said, "Because MY name starts with an I and my name is the Best!"

I have spent the morning in activities as random as the beginning of this blog. My mind doesn't seem capable of settling. My heart is far from Haiti as I message friends and family. Pray for those preparing to say goodbye to a loved one, rejoice with others gearing up for a wedding, share tips with other who are expecting new additions to their families...

I drug myself out of bed long enough to get breakfast together, then trudged back up the stairs and have been lolling on my bed in my jammies, enjoying the wind and sporadic rain left over from last night's storm. 

I've mapped out a shopping plan involving flying to Florida that seems just as ridiculous as the inability to get fresh milk here. I miss baby wipes and sunscreen and cheese. Adam's birthday is coming up and Christmas is around the corner. 

A thousand different decorating options enter and leave my brain for our new little house. They fly through so quickly, I have decided, because it is such a small house.

All of that aside, yesterday was a very good day. :-) Those of you who have been following my notes here know that we have had a terrible time successfully getting to church since we have been here. Well, yesterday we made it!

We visited Port Au Prince Fellowship, where, before the service, I was unimpressed. The majority of the 40+ people there were white. Shocking, I know. But they were all quiet, shy, and seemed either ill at ease or like they felt far above everything around them. I soon figured it was the first. All but three white families were missionary groups in Haiti for a couple of days/weeks. AFTER service went much better when we met the double Erics, two men with several children, happy wives, and ministries set up in Port Au Prince. One Eric has lived here for 7 years while the other is in at just over 1. One runs an organization called Three Angels which has a medical clinic, orphanage, and job training for widows and abandoned mothers. BOTH families home-school and I had a wonderful time visiting with other moms.- Noting how much we miss Wal-mart, how lobstery our children become in the sun, and how blessed we feel to be called to service in Haiti. The children kept running back to me shouting, "MOM, this kid speaks ENGLISH!"  I am elated and hoping to meet up with them again soon, see their ministries, and lend a hand where ever I can.

While introducing ourselves at church yesterday, Abe and I noted how different people were classified. For THEM it was, "Hi, my name is ______. I am with _______ ministries." For us, as soon as Abe said the words, "I moved here for work." A gasp escapes the missionaries lips and they exclaim, "You are WORKING in Haiti?!" Then they ALL felt the need to clarify with, "You mean you are actually getting PAID?!" Funny. Nice to know we are the minority again. 

Day 31

Yesterday we loaded up and went to Penye. It was so exciting to see our new house PAINTED!! Bright green, deep red and a sunshiny yellow. Despite how the color pallet might sound to the American designer, it actually was very tasteful! The bedrooms are completely finished and the kitchen cupboards are being built. There doesn't appear to be a place for a stove/oven. Abe is going to ask about that today.
After we toured our tiny house we went to the only restaurant that offers "fast food." After ordering and waiting about 20 minutes you can have Cheeseburgers made on freshly baked rolls, an attempt at chicken nuggets, and yummy pizza with french fries. We were too late for ice cream as that section had closed but just going out was enough for the babes!
There are groups of Haitian boys that station themselves at different places around town- restaurants and gas stations... Some have rags that they try to wash off your car with for a few gdes, others just ask for money. On our way out Abe held a plate of leftovers the kids wanted to have for later. The boys flocked over asking for the food. The leftover food... bitten rolls, pizza crusts, half empty bottles of Tampico. They were just hungry. I contemplated squishing all of them into the truck and taking them home with me for warm baths, hot food and the rest of their lives in love. Reaching in to my purse I pulled out all the small bills and coins I had and passed them out. The guard tried to push me into the truck. I held on a split second longer to one boy who could only have been seven. Adam's age. His eyes met mine, but neither of us smiled.
I have read a lot of people's point of view on child hunger, third world countries' needs, why people are where they are. The only thought that stuck in my heart as we drove away was, no one is above another. That could be Adam but for a simple change in God's plan. I held Isaiah closely as we headed home, praying a hedge of protection over my babes, and begging God to show me where best to give.

A few pictures to celebrate our first month in Haiti

 I'm so grateful the class distinction was thrown away while we were in Jacmel. At first, when my babes would walk right into the kitchen and wash area and start rattling on and giving hugs, the ladies would throw concerned glances my way- waiting for me to scold and hustle them away. Then, upon seeing my consent, the cooks, maids and waitresses started grabbing them up every morning to tickle and kiss them and drag them all around like little puppies. We didn't know their names and they couldnt understand when we asked so the babes came up with labels like, "The Gramma Lady. Isaiah's Lady. The Washer Lady. The Cook Lady. And, I'm sorry to say- The Really Old Lady."

Isaiah and "the girl that I loooove" 

He NEVER gets attached like he did to her,

A very fun and rowdy game of Tigers commenced as soon as we were back at the guest house in Port Au Prince. Roosevelt (Dawee) missed us greatly and has been in the thick of play jabbering his Creole just as loudly as my babes chatter in English. (Which, if any of you know us personally, you know that can be VERY loud.) It is soooo adorable to hear him call "Adam" with his accent.

Isaiah being threatening...

Ruthless tigers-best friends

Carolanne had little patience for the tigers.

                                     

Nearly every day, Thaddaeus comes to me with a new bargain
and a suitcase packed with his special things.
"Mom, I will stay in Haiti for three more days, then you take
me back to Utah so I can be with my class."
He is the only one who asks to go home. I am anxious
to get him in some classes here and find good English
speaking friends to settle his heart.

Splatting into the glass door always
produces giggles!

self portrait

Pretty Girlie!!!

Carol has a neighbor friend who comes over nearly every day and plays dollies, house, and beauty parlor with her. I will capture a picture soon.

Abe looking-way too serious. He has taken his role as a business man to a whole new level. Shaving every morning. (Keeping the Goatee) Emailing all hours of the night. Answering phone calls constantly. Wearing his "I mean serious business face." Its funny to watch him try to be a grown up and I must confess to occasional little pranks and rowdy tickle fights JUST to remind him how much a kid he really is. ;-)

Fresh faced after an aforementioned water fight. He tolerates me so well. ;-)

And finally- this one again.

 Because it is sooooooo cute!!!

Love to you all! 

Cheers to month #2 in Haiti!!!!!

Tearful honesty-Rolling out of the pity party

Tomorrow marks four weeks in Haiti. SonSon asks me nearly everyday if I love Haiti yet. I smile and tell him the same answer- I am learning to love it.
The first thought that jumps to my head to describe my first month in Haiti is- unproductive. Slow. My first inclination is to feel as if I have done no good here and might as well be home. The gap between myself and those around me seems to grow daily into an insurmountable divide.
Then I take a deep breath.
I roll out of my bed of occasional pity and really look around me.
What have I done?
I think of the many times I have run the ambulance to a call and carried a sick, dying old woman to the closest hospital with compassion, speed and medicines... Here, on the way to the market, there was the old, bent over woman on the side of the road patting her stomach and pleading at me with her brown eyes. I only had 50 gourdes to give her and couldn't even ask her name.
In the states I taught music to children of all ages. I laughed and reveled with them in their accomplishments as I became a part of their journey of life... Here I gave a little boy a pair of shoes to protect him from the hot roads and slime on the streets. We were passing and I had an extra pair of Thaddaues'. I couldn't laugh with him or talk to him about his school. Just gave him a used pair of shoes.
I have been up for over 48 hours working endlessly on the ambulance rigs and in Dispatch. Assisting in life saving procedures and daring rescues over and over.  Here I gave one man some antibiotics for his infection. Just one man in four weeks.
I took my kids to parks, museums, on road trips to zoos and nature preserves. Here I keep them safe inside and come up with yet another game to pass the hours.
It IS different here. I have not been able to anything I grew accustomed to in the states. But perhaps that is a good thing. It is hard to be proud when everything is so foreign, even washing your clothes leaves you feeling inept and inadequate.
I remember all the bustling around and constant activities I was engaged in and miss so much back home. And then it's like God whispers to my heart, "Hey, Ellie. Be still. I love you and you are doing My will now. Not yours. You did wonderful with everything back in the States. But that was then and this is now. Grow where you are. Be happy with my blessings. Continue on with My work, one small step at a time and you will see it grow."
Deep breaths.
Smile.
I will be super busy again, no doubt. Running around all of Haiti doing very important things. But for now, my importance is here. In this little house. In what little, sporadic, guard protected interaction I can get with the people of Haiti. I am here. And this is my now.

Jacmel Till Saturday

We have enjoyed staying in Jacmel-during the day. The babes play amongst the trees and in the wading pool while the ocean breeze wafts from the sea and refreshes our bodies. One day it rained...sheets and sheets of rain that left us feeling cold and damp even while we were safe inside. I revelled in how cool it was and was able to snuggle up against Abe without sweating. The next day felt just as wet-only the sun bore fiercely down on us. We were in an enormous green house and I am sad to say, ALL of us received quite the sunburn. Poor Thad somehow got the worst of it. His little upper arms have small patches of blisters. Not to be discouraged, the kids were right back in the sun and the pool the next day. I have nearly run out of sunscreen. It seems the local stuff is NO GOOD (Thad was consistently slathered in it the day he was so badly burned) I shall have to go to the expensive supermarket and purchase Neutaogoina or Aveeno. I am slightly glad that, at the moment, we do not live in a place with a pool or the ocean. Indoor games during the heat of the day suffice for the babes back in Port Au Prince.

Kentye, Davidson and Abe. Tired after lugging the Babes and I to the ocean and back. 

This is our view from the back porch of the house in Jacmel. While it was horrid to live without water and power while we were there, the views were amazing.

Carolanne had her baby dollies and Abe made three balloons from my stash of gloves before I could stop him. Turns out the gloves have MANY uses. If you pull the ring from the wrist part of them it makes an acceptable Hair tie. :-)

The building surrounding the house showed the destruction and devastation from that earthquake two years ago. the rubble has been mostly cleaned, but the buildings stand as skeletons to what they once were.

Abe and his littlest ones. They have been soooo happy to be with Daddy!

Adam has remained my right hand man and is SUCH a blessing to me!

I found it interesting that not only was there a servants' room and bathroom in the back yard, but there were also seperate entrances. The one on the right  set apart from the house by a long ugly hall. There is not backdoor on this house. In Port Au Prince, the house we stay at has back entrances and the servants and service men NEVER come through the front door.

I love the bright colors that you find in the houses here. I am hoping our little home in Penye will be as deliciously decorated!

Abe and his little man in the backyard.

Isaiah getting a drink of water. Remember-the drinking water that is sold on the streets is packaged in tiny bags. One must bite off the corner and suck the water out.

Carolanne showing you the water. I need to work on getting her to smile for pictures again!

CRAZY KIDS ;-)

Abe always makes his men laugh by saying he has FIVE children while patting me on the head. 

I usually reward him with a good sticking out of my tongue. 

Oh well. Who wants to be grown up anyway?!

I was attempting to capture the mosquito bites, but the array of knobby little knees was soooo endearing I am glad the little red bumps didn't show up. :-D

Breakfast at the hotel. We have finally ordered EVERYTHING on the menu. A rather rough way of learning the language, but we shall never again order the fish with eyeballs!!! (on the flip side, accidentally ordering the lobster was an EXCELLENT mishap!)

During a quest to find sunscreen we stumbled across a very nice man who took a list of what we needed from the pharmacy and said he had business to do up at the hotel so he would get the items and bring them to us. When he arrived with our goodies he brought with him a wide variety of paintings done by the 13 children he supports in his home. They were beautiful and several had intense meanings that he tried to explain to me in broken English. I purchased a few for our new home. 

The pool is really just a wading pool but the kids LOVE it-and the new friends they play with every day.

Abe's work. There is a story FAR to complex and long to get into all the frustrations he is dealing with. In short- half way through the work week his men stopped working all together. Turns out the owner of Kaytech was displease with the crews quality of work and decided to move them from contract pay to daily wages. The men felt this was out of a lack of disrespect and went on strike causing the owner to drive all the way to Jacmel to try to resolve the issue. There was a lot of yelling during the meeting and Matthias (the owner)'s body guard stepped rather close to him several times. After he left the men talked and debated and talked.  With all of the counseling and explaining Abe tried to do they still decided to quit this job. Abe is unsure if they will return and work for Kaytech in Port Au Prince or if this is really it. It saddens him for this is the crew he first trained and works so well with. He is hoping to plead their case and get them back to work soon. 

The bungalows Abe is now finished up while training a whole new crew-who do NOT speak any english...

With that aside our stay here HAS been nice. I am sad to leave here tomorrow. The kids have enchanted the staff here and Thad and Isaiah run each morning before breakfast to kiss the "Gramma Lady" who smiles and holds them gently. Isaiah informed me yesterday that he was in love. Yes. Little Isaiah. "Mommy, I am in loooove wif the girl in the purple shirt." He was referring to the waitress who plays with and tickles and teases him constantly. "I'm in looove with two people. Mommy and the girl." He continued to sing a song all afternoon about the girl in the purple shirt. 

I am hoping our stay in Port Au Prince will be short and soon we will be moving into Penye where we can make permanent friends and Isaiah will be free to fall in looooove with someone he can see longer than a week. :-)