I can't figure it out...

For whatever reason, I have not been supposed to post all week...and it is not for lack of trying! I have tried many times to start a post, get it completed and only to have it erased or the internet to shut down and I lose the whole thing...it is very frustrating! I am starting this post, and I don't know if it will ever get published or not...we will see!

This week has been wonderful and low-key...and great combination. We have seen and done some new things (seeing some new orphanages, going to different markets, bringing the kids back with us to Rodney and Cathy's, seen a funeral, and .... ready for this..... rode with LYDIA as she DROVE in Haiti... A STICK SHIFT!!!) It has been great.

The kids are the orphanage are doing incredible. They look healthy and happy...and well behaved! For any of you who have been on recent trips and thought the kids were good--you wouldn't believe it if you saw them now...it is craziness...and amazing all at the same time! I don't know how Madame and Pastor Aristild do it!

We have played some pretty fun games with the kids at the orphanage...but nothing was as nerve racking as "red rover"...for all of you who cannot remember this beloved child hood game, this is where you make 2 teams and link hands. You 'call' someone from the other team over to your side and that person has to run a full throttle and try to make it through you hands and break it. Well, we were not playing on cushy grass, no, no, we were on jagged rocks and half cement blocks!!!! Many a child ended up crying or bruised but they still wanted to keep playing...it was crazy the amount of "body checking" and "clotheslining" that was happening!

We also were able to pass out gifts and treats to the kids each day--they so so so so so so love that!

Madame and Pastor Aristild have started several businesses -- it is so amazing. They are doing t-shirt screen printing, selling purified water, have a cellphone business, as well as an internet cafe and printing business. They are doing their best to try to become more and more self sufficient. We stand in awe! Lydia, Kristin, and I are feeling that God might be calling us to help them with getting the word out about their "goods" here in the states....we think we could have been purchase things and then we can invest that money back into the orphanage...more about that to come at a later date when we have prayed, talked, and planned more.

Our babies are amazing! We have been able to bring them back to rodney and cathy's everyday to spend more time with them. I am just amazed at them and how uniquely different they are. Moises is my cuddler/baby of the group--and I love it! Judely is my grown up man who wants to help...but he still loves to be hugged. And Kentia--well, then there's Kentia....guys, I am not kidding, she is the most flighty girl I have ever met! She is always smiling and happy, and I truly believe that is because she is in her own world and clueless to everything else around her ;) I love it!

Heading back to church tomorrow and can't wait to see them all. Would post more, but I am not sure that this will make it so I will try this one now....

ssshhhhhh...it's a surprise!!!

After a long day of travel, we are finally here! Praise the Lord for smooth connections and perfect seats for the trip here--we were blessed!!! Made it to Port au Prince a little later than we wanted so we had to travel much of the way home in the dark...now THAT is an adventure!

Many vehicles here do not operate with lights--so you literally are taking your life in to your own hands if you choose to venture out after the sun sets. We did not want to travel after dark for safety's sake, but unfortunately, we had to. We almost took about some cows, dogs, 2 motorcycles, and an entire group of "rah-rahers"- (this is a group of people who get together to storm the streets dancing and practicing voodoo worship). We were a little nervous that the luggage would get stolen out of the back of the truck, but PRAISE THE LORD, it all made it!

We have all skyped back home and are getting ready to turn in for the night...just need to get some sleep in order to function properly!

We are excited & nervous at the same time because the kids don't know we are coming. The staff does, but not the kids! I am praying that it is a good surprise =] We are going to leave around 9am to head up to the orphanage for a day of loving on babies...my heart is so excited.

I praise the Lord, already, for allowing me to be here. I know that many people are praying for us--and we can see the Lord answering them. Thanks mom, dad, bri, sean, and drew for "holding down the fort" and loving on babies. Jan, I am going to ask God to do the same for me as your friend prayed for you, and that is to be "fully present here". I know that God will watch over my family, and I am praying that God just gives me a week of being fully engaged with our children here and to be aware of exactly what God wants to do in my heart while I am here.

Hope to post more this week...pray that tomorrow is good...good night!!!