Celissa

     I guess you could say I am not the best blogger. I think I average out to about one blog per month. Writing is clearly my weakness, but I am trying to get better (:

     Anyway, Celissa is a young women, 25, from a nearby village, Montrouis. She is gorgeous, intelligent, and has been a wonderful friend. She agreed to live with me at the house until she goes back to school. She has been living here for about a month. Celissa is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English. She is going to school to become a nurse. I couldn't have asked for a better roommate.

      Her life story brings tears to my eyes every time she shares it. With other children to care for, Celissa's mother had to make the difficult decision of sending Celissa away to live with another family when Celissa was only ten years old. Here she was abused emotionally and physically. She was treated like a slave, given little to no food to live on. Celissa knew an education was her only opportunity, so she worked day and night to earn the money to go. She would brake rocks to create cement or carry 100 pound bags on her back, only making 50 cents a day.  She tells me there were times in her life when she was so desperate for food that she would eat dog food and poop. Though Celissa lived in extreme conditions she admits proudly that she never allowed herself to resort to prostitution to gets money; which is often the fate of many girls who go through the hardships Celissa did.

Despite these struggles, her love and compassion for others continues to grow. Celissa is constantly looking for opportunities to learn. Whether it be a new language, cars, or playing a guitar; she wants to learn how to do it. She also is a great teacher; constantly answering my questions and encouraging me as I attempt to learn Creole (which is not coming easy...). She patiently explains to me the culture whenever I'm offended by someone or confused by the way something was done. Her testimony and unwavering faith is inspiring. She is an incredible role model.

Please keep Celissa, Jean Fritz, and me in your prayers. Pray for Celissa as she finishes out school. Pray that she will be able to accomplish her dream of starting a medical clinic here in Haiti. Pray that Jean Fritz will stay strong and healthy. Also, pray that he will we have a successful future. And please pray that I can be the best temporary mother I can be for the little guy. Pray for wisdom and patience on those long days with a two year old who is too cute for his own good (:

I'm Still Alive

Once again, I’m sorry it’s taking me this long to post. Now that I am starting to get the swing of things, I’ll have more time to keep everyone updated.

 The second week I was here Donald (Lifeline’s President) came down and introduced to me a more specific list of my roles here in Arcahaie, Haiti. Unexpectedly, I am the only permanent missionary here. So I am responsible for a lot more than I anticipated. For now, I keep accountability of the money used at the mission. I am a host for groups that come down; making sure they’re fed and get the full experience of Haiti. I help Robenson (our translator) with updates for our sponsored kids, which is about 3,000. And lastly, I am caring for a two year old boy named Jean Fritz. He is an orphan that was found in April. The previous missionaries were taking care of him. He was severely malnourished and was nearly starved to death. But now he is healthy, happy and quite a handful. He definitely keeps me on the move.

Right now, we have a team of nurses with us. We have been going to schools and orphanages providing medical care. We have mainly been providing the kids “worm” medicine and treating different skin infections and fungus. Tomorrow we will go to some tent cities. Tent cities are the people who’s houses were destroyed by the earthquake January 2010 and are still living in tattered and torn tents. We have a long day ahead of us, as we attempt to provide for the basic medical needs of these people.

Please pray for energy and strength as the team and I face each day. Also pray for wisdom and discernment as we tend to these people’s needs.

I Made It!!

     Sorry everyone for the delay in posting! I've been very busy and kept procrastinating the need to sit down to write. However, I am very excited to let everyone know how I am doing and what's been going on here in Haiti! (:
     Thank you all for your prayers. I got here safely and had little trouble traveling. But due to some technical difficulties on the plane, I had a very tight connection in Miami, leaving me only 15 minutes to get on the plane to Port au Prince, Haiti. So I sprinted halfway through the airport, knocking down whoever was in my path. I got to my gate in 5 minutes. It was impressive and I made the flight. My luggage did not though. Leaving me with the same clothes and underwear for three days. It was rough. Even the Haitians thought I smelled bad. But my luggage got in last night! I have never felt so relieved in my life.
     I spent Friday night here at Lifeline with Donald (the head of the mission) and his family. They left early Saturday morning, leaving me the only American in the village. The Haitians that work for the mission helped me out a lot. They do all chores I have without even being asked. I was constantly kept company and always got my questions answered. Marck (one of Haitian that works with the mission) even found me a clean toothbrush (still didn't have my luggage at this point).
     Saturday night I stayed in another town about 45 minutes away, with an American family. They were absolutely wonderful. They had five boys, incredibly behaved, all under ten. They provided me dinner and breakfast, helped me get acquainted with Haiti, and gave me tips on how to learn Creole.They gave me numbers to all the missionaries closest to me, in case I ever needed help, and told me about several medical clinics who need assistance. I felt so encouraged when I left them. I hope to see them again soon.
     Sunday, I went to Port au Prince with Osmy (Haitian director of the Lifeline) to pick up Anthony and Tammy Dipenti, who will be here til Friday. I am thrilled see them. They have been so helpful and it's great to see familiar faces. Tammy is doing a conference with the teachers this week and Anthony is assisting with needs in the village, like doors for houses and working on the orphanage. While I get settled in, I am helping both of them with their projects and spending lots of time with the kids and people of the village.
     I am having an incredible time here! The people here are beautiful. Today I was able to go through the villages and reunite with the kids I met in November. The kids would run up to me saying "A'drin! A'drin!" and sing "I'm a banana! I'm a banana!", a song and dance I taught them in November, reciting every line and performing every dance move.  It was so uplifting to know that not only do they remember me by name, but they remembered exactly what I taught them eight months ago. I can't wait to serve and love these wonderful people through the year.
     I also wanted to thank everyone for supporting me. I received $4,750 and my goal was $5,000. This is amazing and truly an answered prayer. I cannot thank you all enough! I will be sharing with you all of my experiences as I embark on this incredible journey.

Preparing to Leave for Haiti on July 8th