Quick Update-I have been speechless for a few days.

This is a bit of a bipolar post. Full of ups and downs. My life is sort of like that these days. Friends and family moving away. Job changes. Financial stuff. Decisions. Big decisions. Small decisions. I don't think I am losing it. Maybe I am. But if I was, I don't think I would be aware of it, do you? Hmmmm. I'm pretty aware that my emotions are all over the place right now. I think that I just have to laugh or cry. Sometimes, both at the same time. So read on, at your own risk. LOL


Last week, I got an email from USCIS that says they have made a "favorable determination" regarding our AOF application. What this means is that USCIS has reviewed documents submitted and at least initially found that the boys meet the legal definition of orphan, as is required for immigration to the United States. That is good news. It's one small step in a process full of big and small steps. I don't really think it means we are any closer or anything like that-it just means that one thing has been accomplished. The letter tells me to pursue the adoption abroad, and then submit those documents to USCIS for a final approval. And it gives a deadline of September 2009. THAT made me laugh out loud.

In reviewing the letter, I also saw something else, that was not good news.

It's strange, because it is not something that I did not know.

I mean, I did already know this, but there was something about seeing it in black and white that just sort of took my breath away. Part of the documents reviewed include the forms/paperwork that the birth family filled out when they relinquished the boys to the orphanage.

Now I KNEW how long my boys have lived there. I have seen the pictures and talked to people involved with the orphanage long before me. This was not new information to me, but seeing the date in black and white really did a number on me. It took my breath away. It broke my heart. It forced me to my knees and to cry out to God. I have cried for the last several days, off and on. Fine one moment, not fine the next. Better when I don't think about it. But it's pretty hard not to think about it.

They have been there too long. That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a good place. They are happy. They are loved. They are fed. They are cared for. They are learning. It is a good place and I'm HAPPY they are there, for the alternative could be so much worse. And yet, it saddens me deeply because children belong in families, not in orphanages. Period. end of story.

I pray for the children-these two boys especially, but for all the children living in group settings or worse, on the streets. Who will care for them? Who will do something?

I read a verse recently that said (my paraphrase) not to steal from orphans BECAUSE GOD IS THEIR DEFENDER..........and defend He will. I can't recall where the verse was exactly, I think it was in Proverbs. God is the defender of orphans. That's pretty powerful. I like the image.

I pray that God protects these children's hearts. I pray that He helps me deal with it-and I pray that people will step up and DO SOMETHING for these precious children.

Like Tara L.

See the side bar (back on the upper left hand side of this blog page) for this week's feature and read about what she is doing. Click on the before/after picture of the little boy and read about what Tara is doing. She's an American living in Haiti. Has been there for four+ years. Has bio and adopted children. Teaching women skills. Making a difference, and running a marathon to save the lives of Haiti's malnourished children-you can help, right there from the comfort of your own computer screen. Click on the link, read the stories and give if you feel led to give.

I pray that God's people will DO SOMETHING.

Some harsh reality for women in Haiti

Caution-this is a heart-rending post.

Not for suitable for children or the faint of heart.

Click here to read Two True Stories.

And another one:

Natasha

Project Christmas Angel

Hi all,

I am helping Cara at Three Angels with a new project. Project Christmas Angel.

You can read the details by clicking on that link. The plan is to get shoe box size packages together for the children living at the orphanage and attending the school onsite. The goal is 400 boxes.

All the details are on Cara's blog.

If I will see you in real life sometime soon, I have flyers with all the information on them, just let me know. Or you can print it out from Cara's blog-she has it all on there.

This is a great way to teach your kids about the real meaning of Christmas, and the importance of helping others.

Let's make Project Christmas Angel a HUGE success!

Thanks!

Lena

Ike's Floods Add Insult to Haiti's Misery

Article & Images about Hurricane Gustav

This news story can be found here

An estimated 6,300 Haitians, mostly city-dwellers from Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Leogane, were forced from their homes by Hurricane Gustav as torrential rains pounded the deforested southern peninsula of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"The population of Haiti is already suffering from extreme poverty, and soaring food prices are aggravating the situation," says Annamaria Laurini, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. "Whenever a natural disaster such as Gustav hits the region, the consequences of its impact are amplified."With nearly 45 per cent of the country's population under the age of 18, children are among those most affected by the grinding poverty, high food prices and now a substantial natural disaster striking the country.

UNICEF, WFP and their partners are working with the government to ascertain the extent of the damage and to determine what actions are required to assist those affected. While humanitarian access to most of the disaster areas has improved as weather conditions have slowly begun to return to normal, damaged roads and insecurity still impede rapid assessment to some areas.

Of special concern to Laurini is the impact the hurricane may have on schools. Only 51 per cent of girls and 48 per cent of boys of primary school age attend school in Haiti, and in a country faced with such immense challenges, education represents a key source of hope for the future.

Too many Haitian families are already being faced, this year, with a decision no family should ever have to make: to feed their children, or to send them to school. While a UNICEF initiative aims to help get children back into school in Haiti as the new school year begins, the effects of the hurricane may be disruptive.

"If schools are seriously damaged or used as temporary shelter, this could seriously delay children's return to school, which is due in about a week," says Laurini. UNICEF

I found the video that follows posted on this blog




Please join me in praying for all the people already impacted by this storm, and for the people that remain in the storm's path in the U.S.

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To have to decide between feeding your children or sending them to school?!?!

Go back and read the article again-this is what it says, word for word.


"Too many Haitian families are already being faced, this year, with a decision no family should ever have to make: to feed their children, or to send them to school. "

Let.
That.
Sink.
In.

"Too many Haitian families are already being faced, this year, with a decision no family should ever have to make: to feed their children, or to send them to school."


Did it hit you, like it hits me?!? I read quickly, and the first time I skimmed the article, I almost missed it. (and I have been to Haiti and seen the poverty first hand.)

Then it HIT ME like a ton of bricks.

Like.
A.
Ton.
Of.
Bricks.


I can't even fathom how a family deals with a situation like this. Choosing between food and education?!?! And it upsets me greatly, that only 500 miles from America, this is a decision that needs to be made. It is unacceptable.

We have to do something, anything. Is God calling you to adopt? Is God calling you to become a missionary? Or support one? Maybe God is calling you to go on a short term mission trip? Or maybe God is doing something else in you. Or........?

I'm not saying everyone has to do what I am doing, but I am saying that everyone has to do SOMETHING. Especially if we call ourselves Christians. How can we claim to follow Christ who said If we don't, how will it ever change? How will these children ever come to know the love of our great God? It is one thing to tell them God loves them. But who will show them?

The easiest thing I can think of is to sponsor a student at Three Angels Christian Academy by going here. $27 a month can make a difference in a child's life-and in the future. And make a difference in the populations of heaven and hell.

$27.00. A month. That is less than $1.00/day. I KNOW that all of us can find a way to come up with $1.00 a day. Three Angels is a good organization, run by good people, trying to make a difference. The money goes to the children, not to the administration. I have seen it.

Children are precious gifts from God and we ought to make the world a place where choosing between food, education, and medical care are not decisions parent have to make. Children are our future-and nutrition and education of children is the only way that things are ever going to change in such poverty stricken places as Haiti.

My Bible says "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

and

"I have cried until the tears no longer come. My heart is broken, my spirit poured out, as I see what has happened to my people. Little children and tiny babies are fainting and dying in the streets. "Mama, we want food," they cry, and then collapse in their mothers' arms. Their lives ebb away like the life of a warrior wounded in battle. " Lamentations 2:11-12

and


One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." Luke 18:16-17


I want my faith to be alive, a living thing, that can be seen by what I do, not by what I say. How is your faith? Is it time for more action and less talk? Or maybe you are already doing exactly what God has called you to do. I don't know-but I want to implore you to talk to God about it-and more important-LISTEN to God. Then take action. Do something.

Ugh. My "Holy Discontent" strikes again. :-)

God is great.

Tropical storm Gustav kills nearly 60 in Haiti

Tropical storm Gustav kills nearly 60 in Haiti
(to see the website this story came from click here)

16:47, August 29, 2008

Tropical storm Gustav has killed at least 59 people and injured 22 others in Haiti, Haitian authorities said Thursday. Seven people were missing since the storm pounded the Caribbean nation Tuesday, civil protection director Alta Jean-Baptiste told a news conference, according to reports from Port-au-Prince.

Flooding caused by heavy rains inundated farmland, houses and highways, she said, adding that most of the victims were killed in floods and mudslides.

In the neighboring Dominican Republic, local authorities said Gustav claimed eight lives, including six children.

At midday Thursday, Gustav's center was located some 20 km to the east of Punta Morante, at the eastern tip of Jamaica and 275 km southeast of Cabo Cruz in the Cuban province of Granma.

Meanwhile, the eighth tropical storm Hanna, located some 490 km northeast of the West Indies, is moving to the east-northwest at 19 km per hour with sustained maximum winds of 65 km per hour.

Source:Xinhua

The boys and the orphanage are okay-wet & wind blown, but okay.

Back To School Harvest!

This is taken from the Three Angels Children's Relief website (http://www.threeangelshaiti.org/)

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Haiti is a Caribbean country occupying the western third of Hispaniola, sharing the island with the Dominican Republic. It is about the size of the state of Maryland, 50 miles from Cuba, and 600 miles from Florida. It is only an hour and a half flight from Florida yet is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Haiti has historically been poverty stricken due to a variety of reasons including historical factors such as war and war debt, occupations and dictatorships, isolation and racism that are still impacting Haiti today along with current economic and environmental factors such as international aid sanctions, internal political conflict, deforestation that leads to soil erosion and flooding, hurricanes, etc.

The average Haitian earns less than $1 a day, and there have been estimates that 1 percent of the country's 8.1 million people controls nearly half its wealth (Mozingo). More than half of Haitians eight million people lack access to clean water or sanitation. Fifty percent of the population is undernourished, with one in five children underweight or under-height for their age. Twelve percent of Haitian children die before their first birthday, and one third do not make it to their 5th birthday (globalsecurity.org).

According to a 2004 U.N. report, Haiti ranks with Afghanistan and Somalia as one of three countries of the world with the worst daily caloric deficit per person with 2.4 million Haitians unable to afford the minimum 2,240 daily calories recommended by the World Health Organization. In addition, only 1 in every 10,000 Haitians has access to a physician (globalsecurity.org). A 2005 report declares Haiti the second worst place in the world to live (Moyes). Haiti is the fifth most corrupt nation in the world for 2005, according to Transparency International, a global watchdog group who publish an annual list of corruption levels in 159 nations. Haiti was tied for the most corrupt country in 2004.

************************************************************************************

The Bible tells us: "These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest, and ask him to send out more workers for his fields. " (Luke 10:2)

I'm writing to let you know about a SIMPLE way that you can help. Maybe you can't adopt a child. Maybe you can't travel to Haiti to work on construction projects. But there is something you CAN do...read on for more info.....

Visit here to help today! Please consider sponsoring a student.

http://www.threeangelshaiti.org/sponsorship.htm

Three Angels Children's Relief opened Three Angels Christian Academy (TACA) aka Institution Mixte Chretienne de Petion-Ville in 2005. TACA serves nearly 400 students in a 2 room building on the Three Angels Campus. There is a huge need for inexpensive, quality schools in Haiti. Well over half of the adult population is illiterate. Most of the children currently attending would not have the opportunity to attend a school without TACA opening and granting scholarships. Without an education there is no way out of the cycle of poverty.

Children in Haiti are starving. The students that attend TACA are hungry too-and you can help! Many of them do not get regular meals at home. At this time, TACA provides 1 meal of bread and peanut butter. For many, this is the only meal they get in a day. The goal is to get sponsorships for all the students, so that a full meal of beans, rice and milk can be provided. The only way that this goal can be reached is via the student sponsorship program. For less than $1.00 per day, you can change the life of a child, and change the world. What better way to change things that to feed and educate a student. For $27 a month you can help end the cycle of poverty.

To learn more about this program (it's very simple to do) visit http://www.threeangelshaiti.org/sponsorship.htm

$27.00 a month

Imagine the difference that $1.00 can make in the life of these students! It would not be hard to figure out a way to give up something that costs less than a dollar a day to help.

Matthew 6:19-21 says:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God's calling-the harvest is great and the workers are few. Will you answer?

Visit http://www.threeangelshaiti.org/sponsorship.htm

to make a difference TODAY!

We are the body....

Yesterday, I was reflecting on my recent trip to Haiti during some quiet time. Actually, I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep and not succeeding because too much was going on in my head.

I remember being so overwhelmed at first. The sites, the sounds, the smells, there was just so much to take in. People have asked me if it was as bad as I expected. I'm unsure how to answer that question because this was my first mission trip I didn't really know what to expect. The reality of Haiti was worse, so much worse than I expected. And, at the same time, it was also so much better than I expected. The poverty, the despair, the pain, the suffering, the need...everywhere I looked I saw someone who was in need. Real people. Real need-not just for comfort but for survivial. And at the same time, I saw people praising and worshipping God with their whole hearts. I saw people praying and reading their Bibles. I saw laughter and joy in their eyes. I saw beauty. I saw love. I saw hope.

During the first day or two, I remember having a conversation with God about my feelings of being overwhelmed and thinking about what I am doing here-feeling doubtful and inadequate. How could I, in one week make any sort of impact on the huge need in this poverty stricken place? Where people don't have enough to eat, don't have clean water to drink and where most are barely surviving. People are sick, children are dying. The need is so great-it is truly overwhelming and hard to comprehend, let alone explain. Words are inadequate.

I felt overwhelmed and like I was kidding myself into thinking that I could make a difference on this trip or change/save the world. I'd like to tell you that I had some awesome insight or that God spoke to me clearly and explained everything. But that is not what happened. As is more often the case, for me, anyway, God revealed Himself to me bit by bit. And somewhat after the fact. Maybe I'm just a slow learner.

Looking back, I recall some of the American's we met. There was the group that stayed at the guest house with us. They were working on a project to get solar (free energy) cookstoves to the women of Haiti. There is a lot of cancer in Haiti, in part because they cook over open flames and spend hours each day tending a fire. There's also concern about what the cutting down of so many trees for fuel to burn is doing to the environment and concern about food poisoning from improper cooking/handling techniques.

Then there was the lady we met at church and at the airport, who was there to work with pregnant and nursing women and newborns to teach them about breastfeeding. Apparently there is some stigma and superstition associated with breastfeeding among Haitian women. I learned that the rich women in Haiti use formula, and the poor women use flour and water, because it looks like formula, and their babies get sick and die. Ugh.

We met a family at church that were taking their adopted children home from another orphanage. We had one adoptive mom, and an adoptive big sister as part of our group-each adopting two children from Three Angels. Do you know that almost all of the 30+ children currently living at Three Angels have forever families? They are just waiting to go home, while their adoptive families wade through the paperwork and process.

There were the pastors at the church we attended. There were the young Haitian teens who came to the orphanage and led a church service, complete with praise & worship music for the children on Saturday. There was also another large group at the airport when we arrived-all wearing blue tee shirts that said something about God being the God of justice and had images of the island printed on them. There was another group of short term missionaries from the east coast that overlapped with our visit to Mother Theresa's hospital. They visited with the children there, and were on their way to another city to help with the problem of sanitizing the drinking water. There were brochures and information on child sponsorship from a couple of different organizations at the guest house.

Then there's Kaitlyn, a college aged woman who is spending her summer living at Three Angels and ministering to the children, playing with them, holding them.. She's not there because she has to be, but because she wants to be. And Sandy, the orphanage/house manager who also lives at Three Angels and keeps things moving-working with the nannies, and all the staff, organizing the supplies, entertaining the children, teaching the children and so much more. And there are all of the Three Angels board members and volunteers in the United States doing so much for the children through the Orphanage, Three Angels Christian Academy and the Halos Medical Mission.

There were the 23 of us. A painter, a nurse, college students, high school students, postal workers, hair stylists, salesmen, business owners, a counselor and so much more. People with very different careers. People from all walks of life. People from different churches. People from different states. Very different people all united by Jesus Christ. Brought together by God to do His work. To play a part in His plan.

As I was reflecting on the trip and all of these people, God revealed several things to me. First, IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. Clearly, I am inadequate for the task at hand, but God is more than enough, more than capable. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Phillipians 4:13) And He cares-He cares deeply for all who are lost and all who suffer. (Matthew 25:40; Matthew 25:45) I have a part to play in God's adventure and I must do what I can. Jesus said if you love me, obey me.

Second, the Bible tells us that we are the body, Christ is the head (Romans 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Ephesians 4:4; Colasians 2:19). We all have a part to play-and that was clearly demonstrated in the variety of missionaries I met and the variety of projects that are being worked on to improve life in Haiti. What a cool thing, to be able to see the Bible in action-a real life demonstration through a diverse group of people united by their desire to serve Christ by helping and loving others.

And lastly, God brought to mind that story about 2 friends walking along the beach that was just covered in starfish. Every so often, one friend would stop to pick up a starfish and throw it back into the ocean. The other friend was incredulous and asked why are you bothering with that, there are so many, you'll never make a difference. And the friend who was throwing the starfish said simply "It makes a difference to this one" as he tossed another one back.

So during the trip, I took action. I changed one diaper at a time. I held one (sometimes two or three) child(ren) at a time. I gave one a drink of water or one snack. I picked up one crying child at a time. I rocked one child to sleep. One at a time, one need at a time. One bit of obedience at a time. All for God's glory. Did I change the world? Probably not. But maybe, just maybe, I changed the life of a child. Maybe some day that child will change the life of another person and therefore change the world.

I want the children to know that Jesus loves them. No matter what happens that is one thing that is True and cannot be changed. (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). I'm grateful to have had this opportunity. And I'm grateful that someone else obeyed and served, and shared this Good News, this Truth with me. And so now, I do my part and serve willingly, joyfully, gladly. (2 Timothy 1:8)

God willing, (Proverbs 27:1) I will return to Haiti soon to play my part. In the meantime, I will find ways to serve and play my part at home.

Pics-Street Scenes-hard to convey the poverty and the conditions.....

This is the view from Three Angels nursery/second floor. And this is the 'well to do' area of town, not the poorest part. Note the contrast, between colorful and drab. See the palm trees and mountains and clouds?

Another street scene. Very pretty landscape-rolling hills, lush, green. I'm not exactly sure where this was, but it was out of town a bit on the day we went to the ocean.

A street scene. People everywhere. There is no work for them. See the truck? That's called a 'tap-tap' and it's a primary mode of transportation in Haiti. There is a tall cap/cover on the back of the pick up, and people sit back there. It's sort of a Haitian bus. All of the 'tap-taps' are beautifully painted and most have some sort of Bible verse or reference to God. They are really very pretty with vibrant colors and awesome artwork.

See the people milling around everywhere? Some children were being bathed in the rain water puddles as we drove through this area. Again, notice the mountains and palm trees.

The trash, oh my, the trash. This is some sort of canal/water way, and it had more trash in it than water. Being somewhat of a 'hippie' or at least not a litterbug (I think the current term is 'green') this breaks my heart so much to see. In the city, there were a few dumpsters, but the gov't doesn't really seem to keep up on it. And out of the city, there were no dumpsters, and so I am sure, no service whatsoever. There are a lot of trash fires in Haiti-we saw and smelled them burning. I can honestly say I've never seen or smelled anything quite like it.

This is another street scene, outside of the city. It had rained in the last day or so, thus the puddle. The term 'shack' is not quite right to describe the structure that the people are standing under/in front of. It's more like what our kids would consider a 'fort'. Really just some corrugated metal and sticks, tied together for shelter.

Haiti is an amazing country. Colorful, beautiful, poor, devastated, happy, full of praise and love, noisy, full of people, varied......The contrasts are hard to miss as are the blessings and conveniences we take for granted every day. How often have I grumbled or complained about not wanting to go to work? Or about someone taking too long at a four way stop sign? ugh!

Father, forgive us for our whining and totally lack of understanding of how the rest of the world lives. Help us to have more compassion and mercy toward your children, worldwide. Thank you!

Things I no longer take for granted

While in Haiti, I recognized that I take a LOT of things for granted. So, while there, I started a list in my journal. I like to write things like that down, because I forget so often....my memory fades as life goes on. Here are some of the things on my list.

• Ice cubes



• Cold water/Cold drinks



• Safe/clean water that tastes good-tap water!



• Electricity without multiple power outages a day



• Having a variety of food-fresh fruits and veggies, having enough food, having extra food-getting a snack whenever I want



• Flushing the toilet every time I use it



• Being able to flush toilet paper



• Air conditioning (the only places that had a/c were the airport and the market)



• Fans and ceiling fans (relates to electricity that stays on)



• Safe travel and driving-stop signs, traffic laws/rules, four way stop signs



• Jobs, a way to earn a living and provide/pay bills



• Showers-long, warm, coming out feeling clean and refreshed



• Curbside trash pick up and recycling at my home



• Freeways, paved roads, crosswalks



• Sandy beaches



• Seat belts



• Toilet paper



• My health, and access to quality medical care whenever I need it.



• My home-which is way bigger than the orphanage housing nearly 40 kids



• My family, imperfect as it is, they are my people.



• Relaxing on the couch

Thank you Jesus. I am grateful for each and everything on this list. I am grateful for your great love demonstrated through your sacrifice for me. I really don't have the words to convey my gratitude and thankfulness. I am so blessed-beyond measure-and I realize it. Every day is a gift, every person in my life is a gift. Each day is filled with a gazillion opportunities to share Christ's love with other people. I'm so thankful. Lord, please help me to make the most of all the opportunities you have for me. I love you and am forever yours. Amen.

Time Warp!

Well, this is our last evening in Haiti. Wow. Hard to believe. Seems like we just got here, and seems like we have always been here. Both are true at the same time....strange.

Today was the saddest day-saying good bye to the children at Three Angels. There were tears all around. We are blessed to have an adoptive mom and a young adult adoptive sibling as part of our group. They added an extra depth to our group. Also, 3 and sometimes 4 of the children that are being adopted into these two families were with us at the guest house. Very cool.

We did get to spend most of the day at Three Angels, which was nice. That is my favorite part of this trip. We gave the nannies some of our things-clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. It was fun to watch-kinda like Christmas. They were so excited. And generous with each other-they did not fight over stuff but shared it very willingly and openly. Truly a lesson in receiving.

It is hotter and more humid today-everything was more challenging due to the weather. Please say a prayer for our chaperone from Three Angels-Cara, she is not feeling well, probably dehydrated. We need to lift her up as we are all getting onto an airplane in the morning. No fun to travel when you're not feeling well. I pray that she will wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and healthy-better than ever.

I have so much more I want to say, but it will have to wait. I'm still having trouble finding words to describe all of this. It's been an incredible experience, in so many ways. God is great.

G'nite.

The Gift of Another Day!

Today is Sunday, and in Haiti, they take the day of rest seriously. So we did too. We went to church and arrived early in order to get a seat on a hard wooden pew. If you don't get there early, you sit or stand outside. It was a long service, filled with worship-lots of singing. It was in English too. Met some interesting people.

Then we went to the 'beach'. In Haiti the beaches are different than what we are used to. We made sandwiches and enjoyed the breeze and the water. Took a couple of kids with us, and they had never seen the ocean or even spent that much time outside, so that was pretty cool.

The ride to the beach was interesting. The poverty and street scene never really got better. Although, there were a few points that it seemed better, but not really. We passed the capital/president's home. That is where the most recent rioting that was in the news before we came took place. Things are still damaged-windows boarded up etc. Even up to about the 4th floor on some buildings. Amazing.

Another interesting thing I noticed today-in addition to stray dogs wandering the streets, there are chickens, roosters, goats and pigs. Wandering the streets. Not every day you see pigs and goats at the beach!

Tomorow is a visit to Mother Theresa's orphanage/hospital, then back to Three Angels...and before we know it we will be headed for home. Amazing. I have so much more to say-but I'll have to do that another time as people are waiting for the computer.

www.ThreeAngelsHaiti.org

What an Amazing Day!

Just a quick note to say hi while the power and internet are up....

We had an amazing day at Three Angels today. Played w/ the kids/babies, helped clean and organize a supply closet and storeroom, painted, cleaned up in the yard and did a Vacation Bible School lesson, among other things. The team is really kicking butt on getting the labor/work done-the paint crew, the concrete and misc. crews are really working hard and accomplishing a lot.

Haiti really is a country of contrasts. I'll write more about that later, when I return home. But over and over I am struck by the contrasts and differences I see. On Sunday we will go to church and Monday we'll visit Mother Theresa's orphanage. I anticipate that will be a spirit filled day.....


This really is an adventure and we really are doing God's work...it's overwhelming, exhausting and uplifting and energizing all at the same time!

God Bless!


Be sure to visit www.threeangelshaiti.org for info on the Orphanage, School and Medical Mission. You can do a little by simply giving up your lattes or some other unnecessary habit......even $5 or $10 can make a difference. Or maybe God's calling you to do something more, something bigger.....travel here? donate money? sponsor a student at the school? tell others about the work that Three Angels is doing? Pray for the kids? I don't know what you are to do, but I know we all (Americans) can do something! There are so many things we take for granted in the states....electricity, ice cubes/cold water, safe water, air conditioning, water-showers, safe roads to travel on....oh my, I could go on and on. Pray about what God would have you do to help....you can do something.....I know it!

Made it!

We made it to Haiti. Have had an exciting trip to get here-lots of trials/ups and downs and inconveniences....but none of that really matters. In fact, all it does is solidify the fact that we are supposed to be here...facing opposition and trials means that we're in fact doing God's work!

The guest house we're staying in is quite nice. The orphanage is great too- it is amazing what can be done with so little. The kids are great-I am definitely in love! LOL. Just had breakfast and are headed back to the orphanage-today begins the construction work and Vacation Bible School and of course, more holding & loving on babies and kids.

Haiti is an amazing country-very beautiful, very colorful. There many extremes here-seeing the hope and love and laughter in some faces, and the desperation and despair in others- it's quite a contrast.

Please continue to lift the team and the kids and nannies in prayer.

God Bless.

Update

Hi all,

Hope that you are doing well. Quick note to update you on the Haiti mission trip plans....

The trip is on for July. We'll leave Phx on the 8th, go thru Dallas to Miami and depart Miami for Haiti on the 9th. Our return is planned for July 16th.

We will be doing some cleaning and maintenance/building projects for the orphanage/school. And we will be hosting/running/planning a Vacation Bible School for the students while we are there. And of course, we'll be playing with, feeding, and changing the orphans that live on the Three Angels campus. (www.ThreeAngelsHaiti.org)

Praises:

I almost have enough funds to cover my travel expenses. Thank you to all who have donated, I am touched by your generous spirit.

We have been overwhelemed by the small i-groups at Parkway Christian Church (www.ParkwayChristianChurch.com) They have come thru in a big way with the donations of supplies for the orphanage. We will each (22-23 of us) have 2 fifty pound bags/suitcases of items to donate directly to the orphanage when we arrive. Praise God!

With that last one-I have been able to lower my financial goal that I originally set and as of yesterday I am $167 short of my new goal. I trust that God already has the finances on the way. God is never late and seldom early!

Prayer requests:
For the finances to come through
For God to prepare the way for our group-and use us to accomplish His purpose while we are there
For safe travels, no accidents, no illnesses
For the spirit of God to move

Thank you for your support-both prayerfully and financially. This could not happen with out you. I thank God for each of you!

With love,

Lena

PS if God puts it on your heart to make a donation you can make a check out to Parkway Christian Church and put "Lena Wright Haiti" in the memo box. You can mail it to me at PO Box 7328 Surprise AZ 85374

--
Lena Wright

Founder & President
ConnectionsWellnessCenter.com

Update

Hi all,

Just a quick note to send a huge THANK YOU to all of you who have sent notes, prayers, encouraging words and money to me in regard to my mission trip to Haiti. I'm so grateful for each and everyone of you. I continue to seek your prayer support as the date of this trip gets closer. Pray that God's will be done and that the team be used to make an impact for Christ. Hopefully that includes safety and time to reflect. I'm trusting God to carry out His plan and His will through us.

Another update-the team is doing good gathering donated supplies for the children. That's very exciting. I am a little short of my goal-dollar wise. I am getting close but haven't achieved it yet. I am confident God will meet the need.

Thank you again so much for your support, both financially and in prayer. I couldn't do this without you.

Much love,

Lena

Please Pray for Peace in Haiti

I got this email from our trip's organizer-who forwarded it from a board member of Three Angels in Haiti. It breaks my heart. Please pray for the people of Haiti.

Thanks.

Lena

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phl 4:6

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If the link below doesn't work here is the web address:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080408/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/haiti_food_protests;_ylt=ApL8e9p7PcuR1TQHlDckOWpvaA8F

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 09:04:52 -0700 (PDT)

Subject: Please pray!


Please pray for peace to return to Haiti. The following message has been posted with regards to the situation in Haiti. This could not only hinder adoptions but could cause devastation to the country.

This recent outbreak of violence has been caused by the rise in the cost of food, gas, etc.
Some basic examples of the increases that have been noticed here-

1 bag of rice (50kg) 1200gds ($31.37us) 2000gds ($52.28us)

1 bag or beans (50kg)2000gds ($52.28us) 3000gds ($78.43us)

1 bottle of cook oil 175gds ($4.57us) 300gds ($7.84us)

1gallon of gas 175gds ($4.57us) 230gds ($6.00us)

1 can of powder milk 1000gds ($26.14us) 1800gds ($47.05us)

As many of you know, Haiti is one of the world's poorest countries and even in peaceful times life is hard. So, please join us in praying for Haiti and for peace to return. Pray for wisdom for the government officials and pray for provision for the Haitian families.

For more information click here.....



Embassy Operations Suspended
WARDEN MESSAGE NO. 51
This Warden Message is being issued to alert American Citizens traveling to or living in Haiti that the U.S. Embassy has suspended operations effective Wednesday, April 9 due to demonstrations, looting, and violence in the capital, and continuing protests in the city of Les Cayes, located in the South Department of Haiti. All visa services and routine American citizens services will be temporarily unavailable during this period.


The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness. Americans residing in Port-au-Prince and its environs as well as Les Cayes are encouraged to remain indoors, monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy. Americans should avoid all crowds and demonstrations, and be sure to keep family and friends updated on their welfare and whereabouts. The Embassy will continue to evaluate the situation and will notify U.S. citizens of any changes to Embassy operations or any new security threats.



American citizens in need of emergency services can reach an Embassy officer by contacting the Embassy switchboard at (509) 222-13540 or (509) 222-98122. American citizens can also reach an Embassy Duty Officer at (509) 417-2399 or (509) 558-9099, or may call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at the Chancery at (509) 222-0200.


Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Citizens living and residing in Haiti are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Lena Wright
www. ConnectionsWellnessCenter.com