Second school collapse in Haiti.
I have heard that this second school is closer to the U.N. office buildings and about 20 minutes from Three Angels.
Read about the first school collapse here
This school is located in the Petionville area of Port-au-Prince, near Three Angels.
And don't forget, Haiti is still dealing with the aftermath of 4 storms. Read one story here.
Please pray for Haiti.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Random musings about life in AZ
I love this time of year. We are enjoying amazing weather here, I have been thinking about how Arizona is so different from the midwest, where I grew up. I've lived in Arizona for more than 10 years now, so this is not new to me, and yet for some reason, this year, it is standing out more than usual.
For example, in the midwest, I was sad to see summer come to an end. Even though I love the fall season-changing leaves, crisp days, the colors and smells, when summer ended, it meant winter was coming. And winter in the midwest is harsh. Cold. Really cold. It meant shoveling snow, scraping ice, warming up the car, sealing up the house and staying indoors as much as possible. It meant gray days, and early darkness. It meant damp and bone-chilling cold days. Painfully cold wind chills and negative numbers for temperature readings. I don't miss that!
In this part of Arizona, we seal up our houses for the summer months to survive the desert heat. We go grocery shopping in the evening, if at all possible. We stay inside alot. Unless you're going swimming. I've only shut off my air conditioner in the past 2 weeks. Maybe the first week of October. October. We had triple digit temperatures over the course of the past week, or maybe it was last week. But it's not so bad now that it's cooling down overnight. I think we probably turned the a/c on in April. So it's nice to open up the house and enjoy the cool, crisp morning air. And to feel a breeze that doesn't take your breath away because it is so hot-like a blast furnace.
I can remember when I first moved here calling a friend back home to tell her on a sunny, warm, Arizona day in FEBRUARY that I was having to use my air conditioning in the car, due to the sun. Yeah, I was being a brat and bragging about the weather. Sorry, Maria (and anyone else I did that too in the early years). LOL.
Anyway.....
So while I am enjoying every moment of this amazing Arizona weather (which is what I believe the weather will be like in heaven, if we have weather there) I am struck by the opposite-ness of it all. I am opening windows and airing out the house. I am feeling such a sense of relief "thank God we survived another desert summer". While folks back east are 'hunkering down' for the upcoming winter. Closing up pools. Closing doors. Turning on the furnace. Having fires. Bundling up. It's just interesting. Different. Opposite. Backwards. Weird.
And then, there's this.
We bought a few trees-this is a new house for us and the yard was not landscaped when we bought it. So we've been working on it in stages. And this week, we found a really good deal on 2 beautiful shade trees, so we grabbed them.
There is the issue of planting things, digging holes in this Arizona 'dirt'. In this image, you see a decent size hole, and the hole is filled with water. The interesting part of this is that the water has been there for 2 days. That is how hard the ground is. There is nothing but 'dirt' and water in this hole. There is almost no seeping. Bob says that water will evaporate before it seeps into the ground. He used the water to soften the dirt enough to get the hole to this stage, which is actually pretty good. He has been successful at digging holes for smaller trees/plants this way in the past. However, these are bigger trees with larger roots. Therefore, I am insisting that he go rent some power tool to finish the job. Maybe a jackhammer would do the trick? We most definitely do not need him to end up in traction! Hopefully we'll (oh who am I kidding?!?) HE'll be able to get the new trees planted this weekend. Here's a pic of one of the new trees.
When it grows and matures-in a few years-it's a fast growing tree, it will look more like this:
This is what I have come to call a 'real tree' as many of the trees that grow in the desert seem scraggly and thin to me. Often, you can see right through them. And many of them have killer thorns too! This looks like a 'real tree' with a nice canopy and some real shade. These trees will provide some nice shade for us and the east side of the house, as well as adding to the privacy and ambiance of our yard.
I don't remember needing a jackhammer or other heavy equipment in the garden back home. Of course, we lived on a tree lined street in a mature neighborhood, so we didn't plant too many trees. And I was a child-so I played in the yard more than I worked in it....But still.....even the dirt and gardening is different in the desert.
At any rate, those are just some of my random musings and things that I've noticed and observed recently. I am blessed and grateful to live in such an interesting place. To have lived in 2 completely different states. Blessed and grateful.
Be blessed!
For example, in the midwest, I was sad to see summer come to an end. Even though I love the fall season-changing leaves, crisp days, the colors and smells, when summer ended, it meant winter was coming. And winter in the midwest is harsh. Cold. Really cold. It meant shoveling snow, scraping ice, warming up the car, sealing up the house and staying indoors as much as possible. It meant gray days, and early darkness. It meant damp and bone-chilling cold days. Painfully cold wind chills and negative numbers for temperature readings. I don't miss that!
In this part of Arizona, we seal up our houses for the summer months to survive the desert heat. We go grocery shopping in the evening, if at all possible. We stay inside alot. Unless you're going swimming. I've only shut off my air conditioner in the past 2 weeks. Maybe the first week of October. October. We had triple digit temperatures over the course of the past week, or maybe it was last week. But it's not so bad now that it's cooling down overnight. I think we probably turned the a/c on in April. So it's nice to open up the house and enjoy the cool, crisp morning air. And to feel a breeze that doesn't take your breath away because it is so hot-like a blast furnace.
I can remember when I first moved here calling a friend back home to tell her on a sunny, warm, Arizona day in FEBRUARY that I was having to use my air conditioning in the car, due to the sun. Yeah, I was being a brat and bragging about the weather. Sorry, Maria (and anyone else I did that too in the early years). LOL.
Anyway.....
So while I am enjoying every moment of this amazing Arizona weather (which is what I believe the weather will be like in heaven, if we have weather there) I am struck by the opposite-ness of it all. I am opening windows and airing out the house. I am feeling such a sense of relief "thank God we survived another desert summer". While folks back east are 'hunkering down' for the upcoming winter. Closing up pools. Closing doors. Turning on the furnace. Having fires. Bundling up. It's just interesting. Different. Opposite. Backwards. Weird.
And then, there's this.
We bought a few trees-this is a new house for us and the yard was not landscaped when we bought it. So we've been working on it in stages. And this week, we found a really good deal on 2 beautiful shade trees, so we grabbed them.
There is the issue of planting things, digging holes in this Arizona 'dirt'. In this image, you see a decent size hole, and the hole is filled with water. The interesting part of this is that the water has been there for 2 days. That is how hard the ground is. There is nothing but 'dirt' and water in this hole. There is almost no seeping. Bob says that water will evaporate before it seeps into the ground. He used the water to soften the dirt enough to get the hole to this stage, which is actually pretty good. He has been successful at digging holes for smaller trees/plants this way in the past. However, these are bigger trees with larger roots. Therefore, I am insisting that he go rent some power tool to finish the job. Maybe a jackhammer would do the trick? We most definitely do not need him to end up in traction! Hopefully we'll (oh who am I kidding?!?) HE'll be able to get the new trees planted this weekend. Here's a pic of one of the new trees.
When it grows and matures-in a few years-it's a fast growing tree, it will look more like this:
This is what I have come to call a 'real tree' as many of the trees that grow in the desert seem scraggly and thin to me. Often, you can see right through them. And many of them have killer thorns too! This looks like a 'real tree' with a nice canopy and some real shade. These trees will provide some nice shade for us and the east side of the house, as well as adding to the privacy and ambiance of our yard.
I don't remember needing a jackhammer or other heavy equipment in the garden back home. Of course, we lived on a tree lined street in a mature neighborhood, so we didn't plant too many trees. And I was a child-so I played in the yard more than I worked in it....But still.....even the dirt and gardening is different in the desert.
At any rate, those are just some of my random musings and things that I've noticed and observed recently. I am blessed and grateful to live in such an interesting place. To have lived in 2 completely different states. Blessed and grateful.
Be blessed!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
On a positive note....
Because I believe that 'what we look for, we will find....' I looked for AND found three positive news articles about the situation in Haiti.
The first one can be read here.....
Matt Damon, Wyclef Jean help Haitian storm victims
Number 2:
Western Union Foundation Donates $25,000 to CARE
And the third positive article:
Hungry, homeless Haitians fed through Florida Baptists’ efforts
********************************************************************
To quote part of Natalie Grant's song "Held"
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
**********************************************************************
Jesus said (in John 16:33)
<<"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." >>
Jesus has overcome the world...so we can take heart!
All is not lost.
There is still hope.
God is great.
Regardless of our circumstances, God is still God and is still on His throne. No matter what we are going through, God does not change.
I was reading Psalms 46-I found it to be quite comforting.
Especially verse 10-which reminds me to 'Be still and know that I am God'
I'm off to practice that instruction.
The first one can be read here.....
Matt Damon, Wyclef Jean help Haitian storm victims
Number 2:
Western Union Foundation Donates $25,000 to CARE
And the third positive article:
Hungry, homeless Haitians fed through Florida Baptists’ efforts
********************************************************************
To quote part of Natalie Grant's song "Held"
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
**********************************************************************
Jesus said (in John 16:33)
<<"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." >>
Jesus has overcome the world...so we can take heart!
All is not lost.
There is still hope.
God is great.
Regardless of our circumstances, God is still God and is still on His throne. No matter what we are going through, God does not change.
I was reading Psalms 46-I found it to be quite comforting.
Especially verse 10-which reminds me to 'Be still and know that I am God'
I'm off to practice that instruction.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Help Help Help!
Hi,
First, our boys are safe and they have food and shelter and caretakers/nannies providing good care.......but........
This is a heartfelt and somewhat desperate plea from us, as waiting adoptive parents thousands of miles away from our children who still live in Haiti......
We're feeling pretty worried and concerned.......At this time, our boys are safe from the storms, but it's the after effects we are praying about and feel we must DO SOMETHING.
Watch this heartbreaking video called Haiti's Human Wreckage.
And this news report:
Please pray for Haiti. our kids are safe, but the impact from these storms is only just beginning. It is such a poverty stricken place. The storms have wiped out what little crops there were. the supply and demand for food and clean/safe drinking water causes increases in prices, shortages, and sometimes, riots and violence. There were riots and a coup in April of this year...over the increasing prices. These storms are only making bad things worse.
I got an email from the Orphanage today, and they are seeking to stock up on food (rice & beans, mostly) to help them get thru the coming months. The volunteer/administrator is worried and shared her specific concerns and needs of the orphanage with us as adoptive parents.
Please consider making a donation to the orphanage where our kids (Steeve and Jean Baptiste) are at. They live in Port au Prince at Three Angels Children's Relief.
You can make a one time donation....of ANY amount by visiting Three Angels Children's Relief
Or you can sponsor a student at Three Angels Christian Academy for only $27/month by going to the student sponsorship page
School was supposed to start this week-Sept. 8th. But with the storms, the Haitian gov't moved the start of school to the first week in October. The entire country is impacted by the devastation of these storms.
Or
mail your tax deductible donation to:
Three Angels Children's Relief
82 Rivertrail Drive
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Please pray for Haiti. the boys are safe, but the impact from these storms is only just beginning. It is such a poverty stricken place. The storms have wiped out what little crops there were. the supply and demand for food and clean/safe drinking water causes increases in prices, shortages, and sometimes, riots and violence.
I got an email from the Orphanage today, and they are seeking to stock up on food (rice & beans, mostly) to help them get thru the coming months. There is much uncertainty in Haiti.
I have been to the orphanage and met some of the people involved/in charge. You can trust that this is a nonprofit in Haiti is actually helping the children...they take good care of the kids, and they do ALOT with very little resources. your gift will make a difference!
For another simple way to help, check out my fellow adoptive mom, Cara's post called Rice and Beans Night
This is a GREAT and SIMPLE idea we are going to implement right away. Check it out. Talk to your kids about poverty and living conditions. Teach them all that we all have to be thankful for. Teach them about helping those less fortunate than we are......
Thanks for your time and consideration, prayers and ACTION.
Perhaps your church or school or workplace could collect some loose change.....it really can make a huge difference.....I'm putting a milk jug at my office......or maybe hold a raffle or sell some unused stuff around your house....100% of what is donated goes directly to the children-the administration takes no pay-they are all volunteers.
Please pass this along/forward to anyone you think may help.
We are not asking you to do anything we aren't willing to do. If you normally buy us birthday or Christmas gifts, DON'T! Do this instead. Seriously. Nothing would make us happier....and isn't that what gifts are supposed to be about, anyway? Making the recipient happy?
EVERY penny helps!!
Sincerely and prayerfully,
Lena & Bob
First, our boys are safe and they have food and shelter and caretakers/nannies providing good care.......but........
This is a heartfelt and somewhat desperate plea from us, as waiting adoptive parents thousands of miles away from our children who still live in Haiti......
We're feeling pretty worried and concerned.......At this time, our boys are safe from the storms, but it's the after effects we are praying about and feel we must DO SOMETHING.
Watch this heartbreaking video called Haiti's Human Wreckage.
And this news report:
Please pray for Haiti. our kids are safe, but the impact from these storms is only just beginning. It is such a poverty stricken place. The storms have wiped out what little crops there were. the supply and demand for food and clean/safe drinking water causes increases in prices, shortages, and sometimes, riots and violence. There were riots and a coup in April of this year...over the increasing prices. These storms are only making bad things worse.
I got an email from the Orphanage today, and they are seeking to stock up on food (rice & beans, mostly) to help them get thru the coming months. The volunteer/administrator is worried and shared her specific concerns and needs of the orphanage with us as adoptive parents.
Please consider making a donation to the orphanage where our kids (Steeve and Jean Baptiste) are at. They live in Port au Prince at Three Angels Children's Relief.
You can make a one time donation....of ANY amount by visiting Three Angels Children's Relief
Or you can sponsor a student at Three Angels Christian Academy for only $27/month by going to the student sponsorship page
School was supposed to start this week-Sept. 8th. But with the storms, the Haitian gov't moved the start of school to the first week in October. The entire country is impacted by the devastation of these storms.
Or
mail your tax deductible donation to:
Three Angels Children's Relief
82 Rivertrail Drive
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Please pray for Haiti. the boys are safe, but the impact from these storms is only just beginning. It is such a poverty stricken place. The storms have wiped out what little crops there were. the supply and demand for food and clean/safe drinking water causes increases in prices, shortages, and sometimes, riots and violence.
I got an email from the Orphanage today, and they are seeking to stock up on food (rice & beans, mostly) to help them get thru the coming months. There is much uncertainty in Haiti.
I have been to the orphanage and met some of the people involved/in charge. You can trust that this is a nonprofit in Haiti is actually helping the children...they take good care of the kids, and they do ALOT with very little resources. your gift will make a difference!
For another simple way to help, check out my fellow adoptive mom, Cara's post called Rice and Beans Night
This is a GREAT and SIMPLE idea we are going to implement right away. Check it out. Talk to your kids about poverty and living conditions. Teach them all that we all have to be thankful for. Teach them about helping those less fortunate than we are......
Thanks for your time and consideration, prayers and ACTION.
Perhaps your church or school or workplace could collect some loose change.....it really can make a huge difference.....I'm putting a milk jug at my office......or maybe hold a raffle or sell some unused stuff around your house....100% of what is donated goes directly to the children-the administration takes no pay-they are all volunteers.
Please pass this along/forward to anyone you think may help.
We are not asking you to do anything we aren't willing to do. If you normally buy us birthday or Christmas gifts, DON'T! Do this instead. Seriously. Nothing would make us happier....and isn't that what gifts are supposed to be about, anyway? Making the recipient happy?
EVERY penny helps!!
Sincerely and prayerfully,
Lena & Bob
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tropical Storm Hanna
News article about Hanna-it is not good news. The third storm in three weeks....
Click here to read it.
I also saw a post from a gal who has contacts and works in Gonaives. Her contacts say that the situation is very bad in that town.
She wrote, in part:
"They are flooded from Hanna & Hanna seems to like
Haiti & is not moving. The last report we received was that this storm
is worse than Jeanne in 2004. The official count of the dead them was
3,000 the unofficial count was 13000-23000!
We were able to talk to one of our guys yesterday & the last report we
had was this:
the waters were 9 ft deep
people were on their roofs screaming for help
our children were ok but the water was at top foundation levels on the
dorms & one block wall on the fence was down
UN could not move around
There was no way to help because no way to move around.
When we were last there, the area still had not recovered from Jeanne
& this makes things 100 times worse.
Please pray for all of Haiti but specifically for those in the
Gonaives area."
The last report I rec'd from my contacts (which was yesterday) in Port au Prince was that they were wet and wind blown, but okay. The orphanage the boys are at is in the Petionville area of PaP and it's more inland and possibly higher elevation than Gonaives.
If you want to take a look at a map, click here.
Please pray. This will only make the conditions worse for the people of Haiti-as what food/crops they had have been damaged. And the flooding and loss of life.
Please pray. Thanks.
Click here to read it.
I also saw a post from a gal who has contacts and works in Gonaives. Her contacts say that the situation is very bad in that town.
She wrote, in part:
"They are flooded from Hanna & Hanna seems to like
Haiti & is not moving. The last report we received was that this storm
is worse than Jeanne in 2004. The official count of the dead them was
3,000 the unofficial count was 13000-23000!
We were able to talk to one of our guys yesterday & the last report we
had was this:
the waters were 9 ft deep
people were on their roofs screaming for help
our children were ok but the water was at top foundation levels on the
dorms & one block wall on the fence was down
UN could not move around
There was no way to help because no way to move around.
When we were last there, the area still had not recovered from Jeanne
& this makes things 100 times worse.
Please pray for all of Haiti but specifically for those in the
Gonaives area."
The last report I rec'd from my contacts (which was yesterday) in Port au Prince was that they were wet and wind blown, but okay. The orphanage the boys are at is in the Petionville area of PaP and it's more inland and possibly higher elevation than Gonaives.
If you want to take a look at a map, click here.
Please pray. This will only make the conditions worse for the people of Haiti-as what food/crops they had have been damaged. And the flooding and loss of life.
Please pray. Thanks.
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