Kids Programs and Other Stuff

This week marks the beginning of our second set of English classes. We had a really nice December break from teaching and I think we're ready to get started again. We tried to start yesterday, but it was raining and not one student showed up!

We've been getting better acquainted with Bill and Elaine Bailey, a couple from Wisconsin who are now living next door. They are great, and it's been really fun talking with them and being part of their adjustment time, which we remember very well from just a few months ago! We also rearranged our house a little and are hoping it will give us the fresh start we need for these next four months. A little change is always nice. :) On Friday, we had the privilege of eating lunch with our Creole teacher, David, his wife and two daughters. (Dane and Lovenji) It was so nice. Their hospitality was amazing, and we felt so blessed by it! We ate pumpkin soup, since it was their Independence Day and this is their tradition, with casava bread and beef. We tried to impress David by talking in Creole with his family and are hoping we didn't embarrass him by not making sense, haha! But we were so happy to be in a Haitian home and getting to know them a little more. The next day, Madam David came to our house and brought a pan of baked pasta, a jar of homemade peanut butter, and three coconuts. Wow, we still can't believe their generosity. We are passing our Creole lessons on to the Baileys since we don't have any free evenings with English class, so we won't have David to our house twice a week anymore. But we are hoping to keep our friendship with him and his family. (and no, not just because they bring us food! :)
David also showed us his office which is right next to the Compassion school. He works for Compassion as the communications director. He and I are sitting in his office in the picture to the right. They are amazingly organized for not having a computer. Every kid has a file which includes their grades from years past and current, a picture, list of gifts they have received from their sponsors, what their goals are, and more. It was really cool to see a close up of what Compassion is really doing after seeing representatives speak in chapel at IWU and hearing about the program back in the States. We also got to see the under 5 Survival Program building. This is the most successful program of it's kind in the north of Haiti. When I walked into this room, I was taken aback. It was like stepping into a preschool room you would see in the US. There are toys everywhere, Christmas decorations, and carpets laid on the floor, which is a very rare site in Haiti. It was so exciting to see that something like this is available for pregnant mothers and moms with 1, 2, and 3 year olds.
On Sunday we went to a program for kids in the area put on by Jean Pierre (one of the men who lives on the compound and is very involved in the community), a few church members and a teacher from the school. It was great. The kids got to sing a bit, earn prizes by singing for the group or saying a verse, play a few games, and watch Home Alone 3 in French while munching on popcorn, crackers, and candy. While the group was too noisy to actually hear the movie, I have never heard such loud and crazy laughter from a group of kids! They erupted in laughs and shouts every time someone would fall or get hurt, which if you've seen Home Alone you know it's most of the movie! It was fun being in the midst of such chaos and to know that the kids were having fun and getting to do something out of the ordinary for them. There is something really cool about witnessing that.
Today, Chris is off in the garden with Cory somewhere, and we are going to spend the afternoon getting ready for class. Thanks for reading!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year...and Happy Independence Day to Haiti. :) We caught the ball dropping last night just in time, although the internet cut out the last 5 seconds of the countdown. (It went 10..9..8..7..6.....happy new year! oh well..) We spent the night playing games and hanging out with the Thede's and with a new couple that just came for the next three months, the Bailey's. We made pretzels and played with sparklers that Cory had gotten at the market for Eli and Anna. It was a good night! We were all (except maybe Miss Anna) very tired by the time we walked back home. The moon was full and made our little neck of the woods look simply beautiful. The sound of late night church services still singing in Creole and the outline of palm trees and mountains against the dark blue was awesome.

As you may know already, my grandpa passed away earlier this week. My parents and sister were able to spend the last day and a half with him and with the rest of the family, which we're so glad for. It's been very hard not being able to jump in the car or on a plane to be with them. We have been able to talk on the phone a bit and email which is good. I know this is part of being overseas and we will grow from it but it is not my favorite part that's for sure! I can't wait to visit my Grandma when we get home and give her a big hug. Please pray for her as she's going to try living on her own to start. Last year at this time Chris and I were just dreaming about all that 2009 was going to hold for us! We had just gotten engaged and had just been approved to go to Haiti together, and we were about to begin our last semester at IWU. It was a crazy year full of change. We've been married for 6 months now, 4 of which have been spent in Haiti. It's amazing to think back over all that we have been through. One thing we know from all of it is that God is faithful. We knew that was true and I'm sure said it and sang it, but now we know it so much more deeply.So there won't be any wedding magazines in my life this year (Chris is thankful for that one) but we are anticipating how we will experience God's goodness again, even when things are hard and we can't control our circumstances or surroundings. Bon Ane!!

Update

Thank you so much for your prayers. My dad was able to get up to Minnesota by early afternoon yesterday to see his dad, which everyone was really grateful for. My mom and Krista were going to drive up yesterday and hoped to get there by nighttime. We're so glad they were able to get home and see my Grandpa, who is still hanging on, and be with the family. We wanted to jump on the plane with them! It's definitely tough being away when things are going on in our families that we want to be there for. But it's definitely cool to experience the closeness we can have with God when things are hard. His comfort is unlike anything else. These are a few more pictures from their visit. My dad is standing with his translator, Misye Osias, who gave the sermon in Creole on Sunday as my dad preached in English. It was really neat seeing my dad preach in our church and have it translated so everyone could understand. We have a video clip of it, but it's too big too upload so we will have to show you when we are home! The street picture shows a view of Cap Haitian from the roof of a house of a friend on the rainy day my parents arrived. It was a sea of people and umbrellas. Below is a picture Chris tried to sneakily take during church! And the last picture below is Chris helping Anna with the pinata she made for her friends for Christmas! Thanks again for praying and reading. Have a great week.

Visitors! and a prayer request.

My mom and dad arrived on Tuesday and have officially spent a Christmas in Haiti. It has been wonderful having them here. They have certainly had an interesting introduction to Haiti, however. On Tuesday after getting to the airport in Cap Haitian we were immediately met with one of the most persistent groups of kids I've seen here. They were relentless in asking us for money, for food, for anything. It was rainy and very muddy as we drove through the city, and as we've mentioned before the sites, sounds, and smells of Cap are overwhelming. My parents had so much to take in, and we were reminded of what it was like when we first arrived. While it was fun to show them places that are now familiar to us, it was like having our eyes opened again to the poverty and struggle that they were seeing for the first time. When we stopped at a store to pick something up, we encountered another man who was very persistent in asking for money. He even put his body under the car as we were attempting to back out. He laid on the hood, and yelled while Haitians along the sides of the road just laughed...we waited a couple minutes and he finally stopped .The ride home was something my parents have said they won't forget, and we won't either! It is hard to believe they are really in Haiti. When we got back to the compound around 5, we realized the three big bags of rice for the hospital and a stove top were missing out the back of the truck. They must have been swiped while we were sitting in traffic in Cap. We were so thankful that none of the luggage or anything else was taken, though this did give us all a sinking feeling.

Needless to say, the intro was hard, but real. So many questions and feelings come up when you are placed in the middle of a completely different culture. We have been here for four months and have learned so much, even gotten used to the experience in many ways, but having visitors has brought up a lot of good discussion and challenged us as well as them.
We have had a great week so far. Wednesday it was rainy again, but we went to the bakery so Dad could meet his translator for Sunday (one of our students, and the owner of the bakery). We then walked to the market and showed them around our "grocery store." We decided to walk back to Fauche which was so good...they got to see the road and the people as we went along. My mom quickly learned that many Haitian will be stone-faced as you walk past, until you offer a simple, "Bonjou!" and then they usually crack a big smile and greet you! It was fun showing them around. We had lunch with Pastor Emmanuel, his wife, daughter, and their grandson. It was a really nice time and we were happy to introduce them and spend more time with them. We have also gotten to spend time with the Thedes, enjoying Christmas and fellowship. And we have also gotten to introduce them to some of the kids we know well, and visited their house yesterday to deliver some cookies.
While the trip has been a blessing, it's been difficult because about one day into the trip we learned that my Grandpa has taken a turn for the worse. He is battling cancer, as many of you know, and is not expected to live much longer. We knew that he was not doing well at the time my parents left, but the nurses and family members assured them that they should still take the trip to Haiti and that Grandpa was stable enough for them to feel fine doing that. Since being here, we have been talking with them and keeping up to date as things have been changing. We have been praying that my parents will make it back and travel to Minnesota and be able to see him again. We just learned that they will be able to leave tomorrow, instead of Tuesday, and get to Minnesota by Monday night. This is another example of God opening a door--it is hard to get in and out of here and he has made a way for them. (though we are sad!) Please pray that they are able to see him, for their traveling, and for my grandpa and grandma as they are going through this. It is hard being so far away, and weird not being able to get home. We're all being reminded how we aren't the ones in control, it's really God. Please pray for my grandparents and Mom and Dad, and Dad's brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Lianna, Bill and Cathy who are there now taking care of them. For peace and comfort..and strength for the days ahead. Thank you.

Yay for Christmas and Family

It is only four days till Christmas! When we look out our window we don't exactly see snow, but it has cooled off some. Two days this week we had mornings that were right around 63 degrees! The rest were well into the 70's, but those two days were really nice. They warranted long pants and a light sweatshirt with ourcups of coffee in the morning. The morning and nights seem the most festive because it is cooler and our Christmas lights show up better. It is good to have to remember what Christmas is really about without all the snow, decorations, and cold. I have never sung Christmas carols while Hibiscus (like the one in the picture) are thriving right outside of my house. But we have truly enjoyed our time here this Dec. and Christmas season.

We are fortunate enough to have Jon and Beth (Kath's parents) come visit tomorrow for a week. It will be very exciting to see familiar faces and hang
out with them. We both wish that our whole families could come, but I guess that is true for any married couple that has to alternate family holidays! It is rough having two amazing families and having to share ourselves! I think that the Sloan's and Moody's should just form a union and have a big celebration together to make it easier on us :) It is a good problem to have. We have been given the amazing gift of loving families and friends. We can't tell you how much we appreciate all the emails and comments that you have sent telling us that you are reading our blog and keeping us

in your prayers. That is a true blessing to us, especially during this time of year. (Left: Picture of our Living Room with some awesome paper snowflakes and Christmas Lights)
The last week Kathleen and I have been struggling with sickness. It is really funny that we didn' t have one stomach problem before we visited Port-au-Prince in October. After that point we have had some sort of stomach ache ("vant femal" in Kreyol) or something every few days between the two of us. I guess God just knew that we couldn't handle being sick and adjusting, but now that we are adjusted we are ready to get sick. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I buy food

made by street vendors or buy strange spicy pickled beans, carrots, and these little orange and green hot peppers that make my tongue burn and my eyes water! But I just love the Haitian food! I keep eating it whether I get a little ill or not... it is so good! haha I don't know why it is so good, but I just enjoy the experience. Kath and I are both feeling good right now and we hope that it will continue that way.

(Left: These two kids came by yesterday to show us their coloring pictures. I think they asked us whose was better since they are brothers. "Tampico" is a ketchup...not sure why they drew and colored it?!?!)

We have been hanging out with the Thede kids a bit lately. I am helping Eli build some Christmas presents for everyone using paper and Elmer's glue. It is a great time. It is always fun to build stuff and hang out with him. Kath has had a number of "Girls Only Tea Parties" with Anna. I was allowed to intrude once to provide entertainment, but I have declined further invitations. In most ways it is life as normal here. The Haitians don't really get into "Noel" as it is called here as much as in the states. So we are trying to carry the Christmas Spirit on for everyone. Well I have babbled on long enough. We will be thinking of you all over the next few days. We have been given an amazing gift from you to be on this adventure and all for the purpose of a greater gift... Christ coming to earth as a little baby because he loves you and me more than we can ever imagine.
(Pic is the busy market that we go to every couple of Wednesday to pick up our Cornflakes and fresh veggies)


Have a Merry Christmas!!

Oranges Galore

Last week we had the opportunity to travel with Cory and four Haitian men to visit a bamboo farm a few hours away. This place was amazing! They not only had thick forests of bamboo which was neat to see, they had an orange juice factory! We got to witness the making of the juice and sample it...it is delicious! We have never seen so many oranges. The factory was unlike anything we've seen in Haiti so far. There was stainless steel everywhere and it looked brand new. I did feel for the workers who were sloshing through the juice on the floor in flip flops, but I'm sure they're used to it.
It's cool to see other parts of the country. This is a luxury for usthat many Haitians we live around do not have. On the way home, we stopped to eat on the side of the road, and had the usual rice with bean sauce. While we were eating in the car, we noticed this little girl standing nearby, shyly looking at us. I noticed the orange tint to her hair which shows she may be malnourished, and it felt so odd to be eating in front of her. I wanted to drive to a deserted part of the road and hide as we ate. Part of the difficulty is, she was one of many many kids walking or playing on the side of the road. What should we do? I think we've all had an experience like that where you see a need you can't meet, but at the same time, we could have given her our food. So many things run through our heads...guilt, compassion, helplessness, conviction...and we pray that God will show us how to respond and how to love even when we can't or don't physically give anything.

Life is a bit different without our English classes these last few weeks. We will start up again in January, but for now we are enjoying some free afternoons. Chris has been working more outside with Cory and talking with the group of boys who come by at least once every day. I am amazed at his patience with them and all the time he gives them. They can be a tiring bunch! In Creole class this week, we each had to write a letter to someone from home in Creole, talking about our experience here. Although this wasn't super hard, we still struggle to understand and hear when people are talking, especially at their normal pace! But we are still trucking away. It seems like we will have a good grasp on it, right before we are ready to leave. But as Anna likes to remind us, at least we will be able to talk in front of people without them knowing what we are saying! :) Have a good week, thanks for your prayer!

Christmas Time in the Tropics!

As you can see we put up our first Christmas tree, complete with 6 ornaments! We have done our best to decorate our house and get into the Christmas spirit...despite 90 degree days and no bright lights decorating our neighbors' houses! Chris and I took our second walk to the market today, which is in Port Margot, a couple miles down the road. This picture gives you a good idea of what the roads look like here. Notice the lush vegetation and palm trees hanging over the road, isn't it pretty? The roads are rocky, but walking isn't bad. It is fun because we often see our students along the way or meet someone walking the same way who will talk with us as we go. Today we walked with Matthew, a man about 30, who walked all the way with us, and was willing to talk Creole with us. Below is a picture of what we bought last time we ventured to the market. The large green things are breadfruit (kinda like potato), avacado, plantain, tiny potatoes, black beans, and Chris's new machete, that he is very excited about. Most Haitian gardeners carry around a machete so once Chris gets some dirt on his he will fit right in!
We and the Thede's were blessed to be invited over for lunch at Pastor Emmanuel's house last week. His family lives about a 20 second walk from us, and we have gotten to know him through our English class. It was such a neat experience. They had prepared a ton of food (which is typical when dining as guests in a Haitian home) and Pastor Emmanuel had actually written out a speech for us in English that he shared, thanking all of us for being here and encouraging us. It was such a unique thing...he has really shown us care and been a true encouragement to us. During lunch, the subject of coffee came up, and Chris and I's love for coffee was found out! We talked about the difference between coffee in the US (coffee shops with lots of choices and sweet coffee) and here...where the coffee is very strong and often drunk luke warm! Well, we have never tried Haitian coffee, and a few days later, Pastor Emmanuel's son Onyx delivered a pot of it to our house! Chris really liked it...but I could only drink a sip and then I was through. When you pour it out, it looks like motor oil it is so dark!
Thanks for praying for the clinic. We just said goodbye to Dr. Barbara, a family practice doc from Cap Haitian, who has experience in pediatrics, who was here for about a week. She came to stand in for the team from the US that was supposed to come. The number of people at the clinic is more than usual, which is good! Not overflowing with patients but still more than usual. Please continue to pray for the December deal, and for the doctors and patients. We are hopeful that God is at work more than we can see.