![Livesay [Haiti] Weblog](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WImkelA85fQ/T774B_tbjMI/AAAAAAAANjM/Zup5rYTxdWs/s810/blog%2Bheader%2BTRL2011-07-07_%2B%25281%2529.jpeg)
1. Jen has updated her blog here and is listing a need for tomorrow to travel to Haiti on Thursday. We are doing great on medical supplies now. Thanks!
2. Paige (our 15 year old) is coming back into Haiti later this week. We are excited to give her a chance to love on the people of the country she considers home. She was given ten minutes notice when she left for the Embassy and she did not get to take anything or say many goodbyes - pray her time here will be healing and good. Troy and I thought and prayed on it and both felt like she should be given time to grieve and leave on her own terms.
3. We drove down to a hospital today to drop a patient for surgery. It is the hospital our Lydia was in when she had Bacterial Meningitis in early 2008. The links to that story are here. The hospital is doing their best in a difficult situation (heard that before?) and they agreed to take a little 7 year old girl for us. They called a few hours later and said they would not do the surgery and we needed to pick her back up. :( Driving through the city is totally and completely devastating. I think by staying focused in our area and mainly going to and from the clinic/hospital - some of us have sort of insulated ourselves against the reality of the destruction. Looking at it photo to photo and one thing at a time is so different than looking at it driving down the road and seeing the unending stretches of total ruins and tent city after tent city of displaced people. It is grievous to think of all the people trapped and entombed under the cement rubble.
4. We're aware that our problems are so small in comparison to the beautiful people of Haiti - and we are the lucky ones ... but even so, we're asking God for clear direction on our future here. We want to be obedient and we want to be open. This has been our home for four years and we're grieving the loss of our normal. We're uncertain of how to raise kids in this Haiti. Please pray with us that we would find the time and the space to process and pray and HEAR from Him on all of it. And please, hear me again when I say that we know we are the blessed ones with options and choices ... unlike so many of our friends here. The unfairness of that is not lost on us.
5. We have been touched by the outpouring of kind words, prayers, love and support. Thank you for holding our family and the people we work with in your hearts. It means more to us than you can possibly imagine.
36 comments:
Praying for all of your list...with some kind of special extra stuff for #4.
I had not really considered the difficulty of moving forward as a family...as parents...in the midst of all you have going on. I know I usually covet time to sit and think and pray and then make a decision. Obviously, you don't have that luxury. But...I'll be praying for clarity of heart and mind!
Tara...so happy that Paige can go back for a while. What a blessing she will be to all of you.
Praying always for Haiti and for your family...
Love you
I'm praying for a wide open space where you can find respite.
You have so much on your plates right now. We just feel very burdened to pray for you guys as this continues to unfold.
Not that my opinion matters ;) but I think you are absolutely doing the right thing by Paige. God bless that girl. Her heart is in Haiti and I have no doubt that God is going to use her in a mighty way again there. I am humbled by that girl. Truly humbled.
You guys too. Keep hanging on. Praying for the big decisions you're facing.
A dear friend grew up as an mk in Philipines and as a teen was pulled out suddenly due to unrest, and didn't get to go back for over a decade. She wrestled with guilt, etc. for a long time - leaving her friends and home in the midst of chaos. Her experience leads me to believe you've made a wise choice for Paige. I know it cannot have been easy. I pray God strengthens, encourages and comforts each of you! Also for wisdom and peace in your continued decision making!! Lisa
My heart hurts for you! Hurts for Haiti! Just hurts! Prayers and more Prayers and working on getting donations together.
I think of this hymn often with you in mind....May He keep you safe in the palm of his hand while this storm passes by.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euii0Z6BU_0
I'm glad Paige is able to return so soon... Her love for Haiti has always been sooooo evident on your blog, combine that with her language and medical skills... wow, what an incredible 15 year old!
I will be praying for her, as well as the long-term decisions that you and Troy need to make for your family and your ministry. Thank you, again, for everything you are doing in the name of Jesus and the many sacrifices that each member of your family is making in order to shine His light. Praying God's blessing and guidance on each of you as you follow Him.
Praying that God gives you answers that are loud and clear in order to help you make some decisions.
here is yet another story about the pregnant lady with a broken pelvis... http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-01-27-1Acomfort27_CV_N.htm?csp=34
Troy and Tara, just wanting to let you know that I, also, am praying for you. I *so* appreciate your thoughtful and honest posts here. Praying for wisdom, for strength and perseverance, for His peace which passes all understanding. As a mom I find my heart hurting for you.. for the necessary separation of your family and for the pain of the people you love there in Haiti. I am just one of many, but wanted you to know that I am praying....
YEA, so happy for PAIGE!!! :)
Thanks for sharing so beautifully -- your blog helps me be more aware of what so many Haitians are facing, and also of God's work thru your community. You're right; you can't ever go back to pre-Jan.12. In New Orleans after Katrina & levee breaks, we finally are able to speak of a "new normal" -- so many things very different; thankfully, many things have slowly but surely improved as God has worked through the circumstances. I'll be praying for your family situation -- I went thru a similar situation when I returned to our home here, with sons and husband remaining in TX for another semester -- God gives grace and wisdom and strength. -- Jeannette, New Orleans
Praying for you and all your family. Especially as you are separated.
Praying Paige safely back to your arms.
Praying you will be blessed with the knowledge of what God wants you to do.
~Carol
I must say that what I have seen in going down to Haiti is heart wrenching. We have been flying down there taking supplies and seeing the utter devistation this quake has caused. However; I must say that I am touched by the many nurses, doctors press and organizations that have pulled together to help the Haitian people. I must say Troy and Tara, I am very glad that this site is up and we can all share what has been going on in Haiti here. Here is a link to another blog that might help people share information among the world so we can help the people of Haiti. Information is power.
www.haitirebuild.blogspot.com
Thinking about you.
It seems that communication is a mess and I'm not sure if you know that there is a clinic with surgeons, anesthesiologists and pediatricians in the old police barracks near the palace. Sounds like they have become a drop zone for supplies and are sharing. Our prayers are with you and all the people of Haiti.
You are doing a great job, I admire your strength.
As for your decision: Whatever you FEEL right will be right.
(I'd say the priority should be your own kids, even though it may sound very selfish at this point...)
Thinking of you
juana in mallorca
Praying for you, God rocks my world through you guys so often and it is beautiful and for His Glory.
Troy and Tara-
I am continuing to pray for you, and I know this will be a hard time of decision-making and second-guessing. I just wanted to commend the both of you on creating such a great family that your eldest daughter would take in her siblings like that. What an awesome responsibility for the both of them, and they stepped up to the plate. Way to go, Brittany and Chris! And the fact that Paige WANTS to return to Haiti instead of saying, "Phew, I'm glad I'm outta there!" also speaks volumes about her character. The Lord and YOU have given them sweet, giving hearts, and you can be mighty proud and thankful.
Hang in there (only in His strength)-
Casey Houseworth
Tara,
I ask the Lord of peace and the God of comfort to ease your mind and your grief. You have taken so much in through your eyes and your heart...I ask him to help you to make sense of it all. He knows the plans He has for you, your family and the precious people of Haiti, plans to give you hope and a future. I ask Him to make that way very clear to you and Troy. I will keep praying and checking your blog for prayer requests.
In His love,
Heather B.
PS--I found the link to your blog on Angela's "Make Fun Of Your Day."
Praying that you will hear God clearly amid all the noise of your thoughts! So glad Paige will get to come home too! Her heart is for the people of Haiti and I'm sure it was very difficult being away.!
don't be sad
I continue to pray for you... and will pray for God's loving guidance to be heard and felt as you ponder some hard decisions.
Thank you for your continued, faithful labor even in the midst of daunting challenges. It had been a few days since I've read your blog postings, but they always touch my heart. I always post a link to your blog on my Facebook page so others can also read of your stories. Good to hear that your daughter is able to come back. Blessings!
Tara,
I can't imagine how hard this has been on all of you and how hard it must be to find a second alone to even seek direction from God. The sacrifices you are making have not gone unnoticed by HIM. or by us. For so many of "us" you are haiti. we breathe it in through your words and your experiences somehow become part of ours. We understand, as much as we can from our shelteredness, that you need time to grieve and also time to put your family first. Those precious 7 children will need you first for a long time. Whereever and whatever you go and do from here, we will always love and support you! Prayers for Paige, you've got an awesome daughter there! please know we are all praying for you! hugs Amy
I can only imagine, as so many others can only imagine, how weary all of you must be right to your bones. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and certainly spiritually. I hope that one day soon you will be able to rest and re-group and come to a peaceful decision about your time in Haiti.
praying for clarity for your family...
Dear Livesay family,
My name is Leigh Roberson, and I live in South Carolina. You don't know me - I stumbled upon your blog just after the earthquake, as you were referenced in a major news site's article.
I read what you write every day, and pray for you, your family, and your team, along with the Haitian people. Thank you so much for everything you do. I am amazed by your strength! May God continue to be with all of you.
Peace+
Leigh
Thank you for everything you guys are doing in Haiti.
I want to help, I need to help.
I would like to contribute to the supply needs that Jen listed on her blog but I do not know where to send it to. I left a comment on her blog but wanted to get this to as many people as possible.
If you can e-mail me an address and I will start getting hygeine packs, snack packs and clothes together.
My contact is klgseaaggie75 (AT) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks again!
Kristin
The week of Christmas I thought that God was calling me to bring my family on a mission trip to Haiti. We go to Eagle Brook church in WBL so I emailed Jeff Gacek and was about to email the Mortensons when I heard about the earthquake........I have been following your blog since Christmas and I am amazed at the strength of your family!!!! For now I believe that God led me to your site to pray...unceasingly! I have been blessed to read of your faith, your humility and your honesty! I will be praying.....God bless you all!
i can't think of many people who would be more helpful to have in haiti than paige. And i'm very glad for her sake that she has this opportunity.
i hope we'll get to sit down soon and talk and pray and laugh and do something normal (whatever that word means). enjoy your creamer...
I just read the links to the story of Lydia's illness. I have to say that I was right with you when you got to the part about making deals with God, expecting him to oblige and feeling anger when things got iffy. I have a vivid memory of feeling complete bliss and then fear shortly after my 5th child was born. I thanked God for his blessings and asked him to protect my children. OK, done. God would take care of it. Well imagine my shock when we learned we weren't protected. Our youngest son, only 6 weeks old, just stopped breathing one evening when he was napping. He could not be saved. I later found out that many people (staff, patients & family of patients) in the ER that night had stopped what they were doing and they prayed for the baby that the doctors were working on. I was in shock and not able to pray but it kinda felt like a kick in the gut that many people were praying and yet God did not give us a miracle by saving our son.
That was 4.5 years ago. My faith was shaken to the core. It still hasn't recovered. I spent the first 2-3 years angry at God. The God I knew was loving and he answered prayers. Why didn't he hold up his end of our agreement? Not really a question that can be answered. Anyhow, I haven't totally given up my faith but I am just living on the edge, not really thanking God for the blessings he continues to provide..because I kinda feel that I can't trust him. I know that probably looks ridiculous to someone with strong faith. I have been so blessed in spite of our loss but I do feel a teeny bit broken without my steadfast faith.
Anyhow, I do feel something moving in my heart when I read about the work that you all are doing. My loss seems to be minute compared to the great suffering in Haiti. So many woman have lost children. I hope that they can find ways to deal with the loss.
Kerri-
I am so so very sorry for your loss. I totally understand being angry.
Prayers for healing ... I know it will always hurt though. Always. :(
Hello from Tennessee,
Like another commenter, I also stumbled on your blog when it was referenced in a major news article. I have been checking in regularly, and I can't ever read very far without crying. I'm praying for God's clear and unmistakable leading for your family. I'm so glad your daughter is returning for a season.
I've been struck by how God's timing and providence gave you a 19 year old in the U.S. in a position to take her siblings in. It seems to me that those who keep long term ties in Haiti during the years of rebuilding, particularly those with children, will have to make frequent trips out of there to de-stress. Otherwise, there will be burnout and illness among those trying to help. I am so sorry for all you have lost, your "normal," many friends, what you thought was your future, and I pray that what God gives you out of the rubble is good. Thank you for writing honestly from your hearts.
ReadMoreMom
Post a Comment