Jen, Tess and Paige on Sunday afternoon. Too much technology? No such thing. Tess's Dad was singing for them on a web-cam ... from Minnesota. :)
Find not too frequent updates from the Livesay family here
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Laptop Ladies
Jen, Tess and Paige on Sunday afternoon. Too much technology? No such thing. Tess's Dad was singing for them on a web-cam ... from Minnesota. :)
Home in Haiti and Welcome to Babyland
So much has happened that I don't even really know where to start. Mainly, it is good to be back here, I love my home here and I did not even know how much I had missed it until I walked in. Sleeping in my own bed again was wonderful ... There is a TON of sorting, organizing, and work to do in the next few days but I think it will be great once we're unpacked and have a plan for the three baby girls ... it is going to be a crazy ride.
First ... Even if Lydia goes on to live a life of crime, and never accomplishes anything at all ... She is a winner in my book. I hereby , this day, declare her the best traveling baby on the planet. She could have made yesterday impossible. So much went wrong that I really needed her to be my rock, she came through with flying colors. HURRAY LYDIA!!!!!!!!!!
The short version without much proofreading or punctuation is what I am offering -
...Church on Sunday was fun, we visited University Baptist Church, David Crowder does their worship --- and we dig his music - that was fun. Later that afternoon we left Waco. The tears were not as heavy as expected, but the goodbye was sad for both of us. Britt is right where she belongs and I really feel good about her being at Baylor. It feels safe, her roommate is nice, the people are nice ... it will be good. So, the dog, Lyd and I headed North to Dallas. By God's grace Lydia did not scream for the two hour ride. She hates her carseat and I was worrying about listening to two straight hours of crying without anyone there to help break the tension. Some moms listen to crying without getting nervy ... that is not me. She slept from Waco all the way to the hotel, she slept through me carrying 200 lbs of crap up to the room and sneaking the dog in --- it was all very out of character for her at that time of day.
I had booked my hotel on hotels.com. That means it was paid for already. I had purposely looked for a "dog-friendly" hotel. The guy who checked me in told me that Hotels.com had bad information and I could not have the dog there. I asked him if he could give me my money back. He said no and told me to sneak her in up the stairs and not let the dog out after 7pm when the owner would be there. Fine. Done and Done. I left the dog and stuff in the room and Lydie and I went and got rid of the rental car. We arranged for a shuttle to the airport at 4am the next morning. When I brought everything back down at 4am on Monday and went up last to grab Peanut the morning front-desk guy TOTALLY reamed me out. I love being treated like a small child first thing in the morning after 3 hours of sleep. We argued and raised our voices and finally he told me to get out and wait outside with the dog and baby until the van came to get us. A real dink. He actually said, "I don't care what your story is." Basically implying that I was lying about how I ended up at their hotel with my dog. If it were not for needing to reserve my energy for the task ahead I probably would have just taken him down to China town. The guy needed a beating.
The van ride was interesting. The poor two people who had to watch us load up all that stuff - I just kept telling them I was sorry. The dog sat on the seat the row behind them. The Kennel almost did not fit, one more inch and I am not really sure how we would have gotten to the airport.
At the airport a porter brought a huge flat bed cart and we loaded it up. I fought with all my might with the dog to get her to go into the kennel. The strangers in the van watched Lydia for me. Once the dog was secure in the kennel we headed for the AA ticket counter. If I could do it over again I would have immediately left Angela's line based on her first words to me. She did not greet me or say good-morning. Her first words to me, "ALL of that stuff is yours?"
I assured Angela that I came prepared to pay for both the extra bag and the beast. She hated me from the get go. She proceeded to be generally difficult and cantankerous through the initial check-in. She talked down to me like I was beneath her ... normally I might have said something to her right away -- but until that dog was on the plane I was not lipping off to anyone. She informed me that Lydie could not have a one way ticket to Haiti (even as a lap passenger) and that Americans cannot fly one way to Haiti. I found that to be VERY interesting since, Hope, Isaac, Noah, AND Paige all flew to Haiti on one-way tickets. I thought better of telling Angela that either SHE or HER CO-WORKERS were totally wrong. I just agreed to buying Lydia a ticket back to America ... regardless of how wrong Angela was. Then we got to the dog. My good buddy Angela asked for the dog's vet paperwork. Not a problem, I produced it. Angela read it, looked at her computer monitor and looked up at me and said, "You won't be flying with the dog today. This vet note is dated January 4th and it needs to be within 7 days of travel." I almost think she took joy in making that announcement.
I put my head on the counter and started crying. I asked her what I was supposed to do given my current situation? I explained it all. Angela sat expressionless and finally said, "It's policy Ma'am." Angela and I went back and forth for a good 20 minutes until I finally said, "Angela, you are joyless and you clearly don't care about me and are not listening to me, so get my your boss." Angela told me if I was going to talk to her that way (joyless is not something she likes to be called) that I better step away from the counter. I told Angela I was not stepping away and she ought to get her boss on the double.
Ten minutes passed as I waited for the boss. I called my Dad and told him to pray. I called my Mom and told her to try to get the Vet out of bed and see if she would fax us a new letter. I tried to stay calm ... with limited success.
The boss came and Angela tried to make it go her way by telling the story. I asked if I could interject. I told the boss-person that having lived in Haiti a couple years I could absolutely GUARANTEE that not one person would look at the date of that vet note and send me away. I told her if they took the dog from me in Haiti it would be my consequence and a gamble I would take. I told her that I literally had NO WHERE to go (and no vehicle to go in) with my huge dog, baby, luggage, car seat, stroller, carry ons ... etc etc.
The boss person with a heart looked at her watch and saw that the flight was leaving in 45 minutes. She said, "I think it is okay, send them through." Angela never looked at me again. She was very ticked that I got to take the dog on the plane. A guy took me and the dog to a special area to check her. They made sure she had no bombs in her intestines and I was free to go clear security. It was a VERY tense 40 minutes because had they not let me on the plane, I really had no real ability to get anywhere with all the stuff I had and no hotel van ... and Mutton-Chops at the hotel was not letting me back in there!
Angela hates people with a lot of bags/stuff to check. If you're ever at DFW just avoid her line. She also HATES being called joyless. Make a note of that as well.
Meeting up with Tina and Hope in Miami went off without a hitch. Hope said a cute thing to Tina. All along she has heard MUCH about Miami. We almost always fly through there rather than Ft. Lauderdale. When Tina and Hope landed Hope said to Tina, "Is this YOURami?" HA! Tina just smiled and said, "Yep, this is Miami/MYami."
Our flight out of MIA was late -- but we've come to expect that. Once in Haiti the 7 bags, stroller and carseat all appeared on the luggage belt ... and Peanut too. Seeing her come along the conveyor belt made us laugh. She was not freaked out at all, just thirsty. We almost got stuck because of the dog on the Haiti side but I just played dumb American and got out of it. They were totally fine with the Vet paperwork, but I knew they were asking me for an entrance tax ... but I just kept saying "M' pa pale Creole - m' pa comprend." So, no tax - they tired of my routine quickly and let me go. I don't know what the amount was but I had no money by that point - the amount was irrelevant.
Troy and Jen were waiting for us outside. We went to visit John and Beth and to get Annie ... we headed home in the darkness. Jess and Tina are photographed below. Jess has taken care of Annie day and night for 7 weeks. We're indebted to her. Thank you Jess for giving Annie a great start and for loving her.
Tess and Paige are a great team and getting to be good friends too. I am excited to get on a schedule and try to have some order to our lives.... We are days away from attempting that but it feels good to know that because of Tess it might be possible. Below, photos of Tina meeting Annie ... and Tess and Lydie a bit earlier today.
Mom, Mom Livesay, Matt ... everybody else ... I hate to disappoint you --- but I MUST prioritize these babies and get stuff sorted ... Troy tells me he will try to blog, but I doubt you'll hear from me for a few days. Love to all - and many thanks for your prayers. ~ Tara
First ... Even if Lydia goes on to live a life of crime, and never accomplishes anything at all ... She is a winner in my book. I hereby , this day, declare her the best traveling baby on the planet. She could have made yesterday impossible. So much went wrong that I really needed her to be my rock, she came through with flying colors. HURRAY LYDIA!!!!!!!!!!
The short version without much proofreading or punctuation is what I am offering -
...Church on Sunday was fun, we visited University Baptist Church, David Crowder does their worship --- and we dig his music - that was fun. Later that afternoon we left Waco. The tears were not as heavy as expected, but the goodbye was sad for both of us. Britt is right where she belongs and I really feel good about her being at Baylor. It feels safe, her roommate is nice, the people are nice ... it will be good. So, the dog, Lyd and I headed North to Dallas. By God's grace Lydia did not scream for the two hour ride. She hates her carseat and I was worrying about listening to two straight hours of crying without anyone there to help break the tension. Some moms listen to crying without getting nervy ... that is not me. She slept from Waco all the way to the hotel, she slept through me carrying 200 lbs of crap up to the room and sneaking the dog in --- it was all very out of character for her at that time of day.
I had booked my hotel on hotels.com. That means it was paid for already. I had purposely looked for a "dog-friendly" hotel. The guy who checked me in told me that Hotels.com had bad information and I could not have the dog there. I asked him if he could give me my money back. He said no and told me to sneak her in up the stairs and not let the dog out after 7pm when the owner would be there. Fine. Done and Done. I left the dog and stuff in the room and Lydie and I went and got rid of the rental car. We arranged for a shuttle to the airport at 4am the next morning. When I brought everything back down at 4am on Monday and went up last to grab Peanut the morning front-desk guy TOTALLY reamed me out. I love being treated like a small child first thing in the morning after 3 hours of sleep. We argued and raised our voices and finally he told me to get out and wait outside with the dog and baby until the van came to get us. A real dink. He actually said, "I don't care what your story is." Basically implying that I was lying about how I ended up at their hotel with my dog. If it were not for needing to reserve my energy for the task ahead I probably would have just taken him down to China town. The guy needed a beating.
The van ride was interesting. The poor two people who had to watch us load up all that stuff - I just kept telling them I was sorry. The dog sat on the seat the row behind them. The Kennel almost did not fit, one more inch and I am not really sure how we would have gotten to the airport.
At the airport a porter brought a huge flat bed cart and we loaded it up. I fought with all my might with the dog to get her to go into the kennel. The strangers in the van watched Lydia for me. Once the dog was secure in the kennel we headed for the AA ticket counter. If I could do it over again I would have immediately left Angela's line based on her first words to me. She did not greet me or say good-morning. Her first words to me, "ALL of that stuff is yours?"
I assured Angela that I came prepared to pay for both the extra bag and the beast. She hated me from the get go. She proceeded to be generally difficult and cantankerous through the initial check-in. She talked down to me like I was beneath her ... normally I might have said something to her right away -- but until that dog was on the plane I was not lipping off to anyone. She informed me that Lydie could not have a one way ticket to Haiti (even as a lap passenger) and that Americans cannot fly one way to Haiti. I found that to be VERY interesting since, Hope, Isaac, Noah, AND Paige all flew to Haiti on one-way tickets. I thought better of telling Angela that either SHE or HER CO-WORKERS were totally wrong. I just agreed to buying Lydia a ticket back to America ... regardless of how wrong Angela was. Then we got to the dog. My good buddy Angela asked for the dog's vet paperwork. Not a problem, I produced it. Angela read it, looked at her computer monitor and looked up at me and said, "You won't be flying with the dog today. This vet note is dated January 4th and it needs to be within 7 days of travel." I almost think she took joy in making that announcement.
I put my head on the counter and started crying. I asked her what I was supposed to do given my current situation? I explained it all. Angela sat expressionless and finally said, "It's policy Ma'am." Angela and I went back and forth for a good 20 minutes until I finally said, "Angela, you are joyless and you clearly don't care about me and are not listening to me, so get my your boss." Angela told me if I was going to talk to her that way (joyless is not something she likes to be called) that I better step away from the counter. I told Angela I was not stepping away and she ought to get her boss on the double.
Ten minutes passed as I waited for the boss. I called my Dad and told him to pray. I called my Mom and told her to try to get the Vet out of bed and see if she would fax us a new letter. I tried to stay calm ... with limited success.
The boss came and Angela tried to make it go her way by telling the story. I asked if I could interject. I told the boss-person that having lived in Haiti a couple years I could absolutely GUARANTEE that not one person would look at the date of that vet note and send me away. I told her if they took the dog from me in Haiti it would be my consequence and a gamble I would take. I told her that I literally had NO WHERE to go (and no vehicle to go in) with my huge dog, baby, luggage, car seat, stroller, carry ons ... etc etc.
The boss person with a heart looked at her watch and saw that the flight was leaving in 45 minutes. She said, "I think it is okay, send them through." Angela never looked at me again. She was very ticked that I got to take the dog on the plane. A guy took me and the dog to a special area to check her. They made sure she had no bombs in her intestines and I was free to go clear security. It was a VERY tense 40 minutes because had they not let me on the plane, I really had no real ability to get anywhere with all the stuff I had and no hotel van ... and Mutton-Chops at the hotel was not letting me back in there!
Angela hates people with a lot of bags/stuff to check. If you're ever at DFW just avoid her line. She also HATES being called joyless. Make a note of that as well.
Meeting up with Tina and Hope in Miami went off without a hitch. Hope said a cute thing to Tina. All along she has heard MUCH about Miami. We almost always fly through there rather than Ft. Lauderdale. When Tina and Hope landed Hope said to Tina, "Is this YOURami?" HA! Tina just smiled and said, "Yep, this is Miami/MYami."
Our flight out of MIA was late -- but we've come to expect that. Once in Haiti the 7 bags, stroller and carseat all appeared on the luggage belt ... and Peanut too. Seeing her come along the conveyor belt made us laugh. She was not freaked out at all, just thirsty. We almost got stuck because of the dog on the Haiti side but I just played dumb American and got out of it. They were totally fine with the Vet paperwork, but I knew they were asking me for an entrance tax ... but I just kept saying "M' pa pale Creole - m' pa comprend." So, no tax - they tired of my routine quickly and let me go. I don't know what the amount was but I had no money by that point - the amount was irrelevant.
Troy and Jen were waiting for us outside. We went to visit John and Beth and to get Annie ... we headed home in the darkness. Jess and Tina are photographed below. Jess has taken care of Annie day and night for 7 weeks. We're indebted to her. Thank you Jess for giving Annie a great start and for loving her.
Tess and Paige are a great team and getting to be good friends too. I am excited to get on a schedule and try to have some order to our lives.... We are days away from attempting that but it feels good to know that because of Tess it might be possible. Below, photos of Tina meeting Annie ... and Tess and Lydie a bit earlier today.
Mom, Mom Livesay, Matt ... everybody else ... I hate to disappoint you --- but I MUST prioritize these babies and get stuff sorted ... Troy tells me he will try to blog, but I doubt you'll hear from me for a few days. Love to all - and many thanks for your prayers. ~ Tara
Monday, January 14, 2008
Home ... but just barely
Holy Cow. What a day. It started off horribly but in the end everyone, including the four-legged creature, made it to Haiti.
We're too pooped to tell you about all the drama and arguing and how much Angela with American Airlines at the Dallas Ft. Worth airport needs to take customer service and conflict resolution classes. From here on out it is my policy not to try to reason with airline people.
Tina met Annie. More on all of this and the Haiti update after we rest and try to find our underwear. Sorry to disappoint the Grandmas of Annie, but I want to sleep - I will put photos of the meeting of Mom and baby tomorrow.
We're too pooped to tell you about all the drama and arguing and how much Angela with American Airlines at the Dallas Ft. Worth airport needs to take customer service and conflict resolution classes. From here on out it is my policy not to try to reason with airline people.
Tina met Annie. More on all of this and the Haiti update after we rest and try to find our underwear. Sorry to disappoint the Grandmas of Annie, but I want to sleep - I will put photos of the meeting of Mom and baby tomorrow.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Baby Bear
By Britt:
The Baylor Bears were victorious over the Iowa State Cyclones this evening. Above, an avid fan cheers on her team - taking in her first sporting event ever at the Ferrel Center. Below, the same young lass displays her fright at the arena's volume after each (numerous) BU 3 pointer.
My mom will be traveling tomorrow to Dallas and Monday to Haiti. Please pray for her -- Lydia's expression above also adequately portrays how my mom feels about traveling alone with L AND a very large canine whom I adore.
Posting from the greatest state in the union,
~B
The Baylor Bears were victorious over the Iowa State Cyclones this evening. Above, an avid fan cheers on her team - taking in her first sporting event ever at the Ferrel Center. Below, the same young lass displays her fright at the arena's volume after each (numerous) BU 3 pointer.
My mom will be traveling tomorrow to Dallas and Monday to Haiti. Please pray for her -- Lydia's expression above also adequately portrays how my mom feels about traveling alone with L AND a very large canine whom I adore.
Posting from the greatest state in the union,
~B
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bear Country Update
Today at a luncheon for new students I sat with a kid coming to Baylor from India. I asked him how he was doing adjusting to the culture. The poor kid looked exhausted and scared. He told me he had been in America for three days. He has to start classes on Monday. I would hate to be him. I figured he had been in America a few weeks or months, no ... He just got the visa to come on Monday.
The other kid we sat with talked super soft and I was straining to hear him over my own breathing - very odd. I gave up on polite conversation because he was frustrating me with his little voice.
The man who prayed for lunch was interesting. And when I say interesting, I mean boring. He is some sort of Dean of something. He was NOT going to be excited. No sir. Doesn't it seem like that is true of lots of educated Dean type people? If you are a Dean of anything you cannot move quickly, speak with enthusiasm or smile too much. I am generalizing as I am apt to do, but really ... I want to see that guy dance ... or just laugh. When he prayed some of the words he was using made me want to cry, especially the part where he prayed for God's providence in the lives of each young person seated in the room. He was reading the prayer, so that made it less emotional for me. Rather than let the words get to me I decided to focus in on how monotone his prayer sounded. Focusing on the wrong things helped me keep the eyeliner where it belongs.
Britt is needing to use every bit of her moxie to get things done here. She made me laugh yesterday when she asked me to wait in the car while she ran in to talk to financial aid. I said, "Okay, sure but why?" She said that when I am around she does not feel like being assertive, but if I am gone she can do it. I was entertained by that. She is using her skills today. She's on her way to meet with the people in her department right now. Lydie slows us down so we decided I better just let Britt take care of business.
The involuntary tears still surprise me here and there. Last night Britt slept in the dorm. She came to love on her dog at about 10pm and asked me if I was okay. I was totally okay, and I have been except for this weird thing where all of a sudden tears are coming down my face but I don't know what started them. When we were at Target yesterday she ran off to grab stuff she needed and I was browsing and all at once there were tears running down my face. No explanation whatsoever. I don't get it. There was no trigger. It's all very surreal, I don't even feel like this is my life. The story goes like this:
Once upon a time a young woman gave birth to a baby girl. The young mom took her baby home from the hospital on a cold and blustery March morning. The mom blinked her eyes once, maybe twice, and it was time to move her baby girl to college. The End.
Tonight we go to some dinner thing where we hope to be seated with people that talk loud and tomorrow we go to a Baylor vs. Iowa State Men's Basketball game. Look for us on ESPN, spotting us should not be difficult. We will be the only ones in the stadium with a baby. :)
Troy? What's the lowdown in Haiti? I am bored with me and this ... throw something fresh at us, would you? Any new photos from around the village to share? Give it over already.
-Tara
The other kid we sat with talked super soft and I was straining to hear him over my own breathing - very odd. I gave up on polite conversation because he was frustrating me with his little voice.
The man who prayed for lunch was interesting. And when I say interesting, I mean boring. He is some sort of Dean of something. He was NOT going to be excited. No sir. Doesn't it seem like that is true of lots of educated Dean type people? If you are a Dean of anything you cannot move quickly, speak with enthusiasm or smile too much. I am generalizing as I am apt to do, but really ... I want to see that guy dance ... or just laugh. When he prayed some of the words he was using made me want to cry, especially the part where he prayed for God's providence in the lives of each young person seated in the room. He was reading the prayer, so that made it less emotional for me. Rather than let the words get to me I decided to focus in on how monotone his prayer sounded. Focusing on the wrong things helped me keep the eyeliner where it belongs.
Britt is needing to use every bit of her moxie to get things done here. She made me laugh yesterday when she asked me to wait in the car while she ran in to talk to financial aid. I said, "Okay, sure but why?" She said that when I am around she does not feel like being assertive, but if I am gone she can do it. I was entertained by that. She is using her skills today. She's on her way to meet with the people in her department right now. Lydie slows us down so we decided I better just let Britt take care of business.
The involuntary tears still surprise me here and there. Last night Britt slept in the dorm. She came to love on her dog at about 10pm and asked me if I was okay. I was totally okay, and I have been except for this weird thing where all of a sudden tears are coming down my face but I don't know what started them. When we were at Target yesterday she ran off to grab stuff she needed and I was browsing and all at once there were tears running down my face. No explanation whatsoever. I don't get it. There was no trigger. It's all very surreal, I don't even feel like this is my life. The story goes like this:
Once upon a time a young woman gave birth to a baby girl. The young mom took her baby home from the hospital on a cold and blustery March morning. The mom blinked her eyes once, maybe twice, and it was time to move her baby girl to college. The End.
Tonight we go to some dinner thing where we hope to be seated with people that talk loud and tomorrow we go to a Baylor vs. Iowa State Men's Basketball game. Look for us on ESPN, spotting us should not be difficult. We will be the only ones in the stadium with a baby. :)
Troy? What's the lowdown in Haiti? I am bored with me and this ... throw something fresh at us, would you? Any new photos from around the village to share? Give it over already.
-Tara
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Connections
With an entire night of rest complete, I feel like a new woman. Britt loved her roommate and is pumped about life. Dad is currently dragging her things up to the third floor while I sit with a napping Lydie and pray about a handful of things. 2008 is going to be so interesting, I can tell.
My older girls will tell me that I am apt to "over share." If you've read this blog for very long you probably know I am not a private person, never have been. That does not mean I share everything; I don't. Certain things are unbloggable (this word will one day be in a dictionary) and should remain that way.
Sometimes Britt has said she thinks blogs are weird. I do too, only I think they are a GOOD weird. I love the way they connect people with common interests. I have seen first hand the positive side of these connections. We have met lots of cool adoptive parents. We've prayed for them, they've prayed for us. A lady in Dallas helped me figure out a hotel, and answered airport questions. People all over Texas are in place to respond to Britt's needs should a problem occur.
We actually met Marcia and Greg Erickson two years ago through our blog;
(and there were super-cool God connections to them outside of the blog too - they adopted from the McHouls- our friends- and Marcia did the photography for our friends' wedding 9 years ago and they grew up in an area that has a deep connection to my youth -the Iowa lakes area and they have been "doing the Haiti thing" for years)
now their daughter is living with us! God does not do things the boring way ... He is all about creativity and His way of connecting people never ceases to amaze me... And I don't think I am easily amazed. :)
A while back the adoptive parents at this blog did an "open-book" type post. I really enjoyed it! They took questions and whenever possible answered them. With my over-sharing problem there may be not a single question ... But fire away if you're left with questions.
We get a lot of questions via email about adoption and also how we knew we should go to Haiti and how we confirmed it. We get questions about managing a large family ...And I cannot answer those because I would hardly call what we're doing management at this point. But, if you've got an unanswered question, ask away in the comment section, we'll answer as time allows in coming weeks. If the question falls into the "unbloggable" category we'll politely let you know.
I'm off to check out Britt's future home/living quarters and take her shopping ... have a wonderful day!
-Tara
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Traveling Jed Clampett Style
Since Monday at 8am we've slept a total of 8-9 hours each. That is about four hours two nights in a row. We're totally delirious.
Tomorrow Dad will help Britt move her stuff into her dorm room while I take care of Lyd and play spectator-cheerleader (spectaleader?) combined. Friday the orientation stuff starts.
Peanut arrived with all of Britt's things late this afternoon. She put in 7 plus hours on the road to get North to Waco ... locked in the cruise control at about 73 mph and made it without incident ...
Dad just sleeps in the passenger seat ... now we get why he was willing to take her down to South Padre in the first place!
Our morning had a very hillbilly, I ain't never dun traveled before, feel to it ... not some of our prouder or most organized moments ...
But - We made it. We're in Bear Country! We arrived here in Waco this afternoon. A shower and a 12 minute power nap and we're back in business. Britt even went over and met her roommate.
Below a few photos ...
Reunited .... and it feels so good (that song is terrible!)
Britt, Lydie B. and Dad at dinner tonight.
Yesterday after running around non-stop finishing everything I actually forgot I had Lydie with me and came into the house and collapsed on the floor ... as I laid there deciding what to do next, Brit said, "UH -- MOM? Excuse me? Where is Lyd?" Holy Hannah it is time to purge some of the stuff in my brain. ACK! It was only three minutes before Britt helped me out of my fuzzy place. Don't go calling Child Protection Services just yet. ;)
Reports from Haiti are mostly good. Noah gets nutty after a day of travel and not enough sleep so he was a little rough around the edges today ... or rougher I guess. Tess got the village tour. Paige sounded happy when I called. Troy sounded tired but was glad to have some of the tribe back --- slowly but surely it will all come together.
Must sleep now.
-tara
Tomorrow Dad will help Britt move her stuff into her dorm room while I take care of Lyd and play spectator-cheerleader (spectaleader?) combined. Friday the orientation stuff starts.
Peanut arrived with all of Britt's things late this afternoon. She put in 7 plus hours on the road to get North to Waco ... locked in the cruise control at about 73 mph and made it without incident ...
Dad just sleeps in the passenger seat ... now we get why he was willing to take her down to South Padre in the first place!Our morning had a very hillbilly, I ain't never dun traveled before, feel to it ... not some of our prouder or most organized moments ...
- 4:15 am - the time the alarm went off and we wanted to get up (also the time Britt turned it off)
- 5:00 am - the time Lisa yelled at us and asked if we were up (no being the answer)
- 5:15 am - the time we were supposed to leave
- 5:24 am - the time we did leave
- 5:25 am -the moment Declan asked what the deal was with not having gas in our truck (that truck that you want to buy)
- 5:28 am - stop for a little gas to get us by
- 6:00 am - arrive at airport - get in line - get stared at for looking so horrible and having so many HUGE bags and a baby and a guitar and bad hair
- 6:55 am - arrive at departure gate -huffing, puffing, ugly and appearing generally haggard
- 7:00 am - flight takes off
But - We made it. We're in Bear Country! We arrived here in Waco this afternoon. A shower and a 12 minute power nap and we're back in business. Britt even went over and met her roommate.
Below a few photos ...
Reunited .... and it feels so good (that song is terrible!)
Britt, Lydie B. and Dad at dinner tonight.
Yesterday after running around non-stop finishing everything I actually forgot I had Lydie with me and came into the house and collapsed on the floor ... as I laid there deciding what to do next, Brit said, "UH -- MOM? Excuse me? Where is Lyd?" Holy Hannah it is time to purge some of the stuff in my brain. ACK! It was only three minutes before Britt helped me out of my fuzzy place. Don't go calling Child Protection Services just yet. ;)Reports from Haiti are mostly good. Noah gets nutty after a day of travel and not enough sleep so he was a little rough around the edges today ... or rougher I guess. Tess got the village tour. Paige sounded happy when I called. Troy sounded tired but was glad to have some of the tribe back --- slowly but surely it will all come together.
Must sleep now.
-tara
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Wave Two Gone
Let's not discuss the temperature in MSP today. Let us never ever speak of it again. (That dog got a Texas vacation for NOTHING -- NOTHING!!!!!) Hrumph. This is exactly why we don't gamble. We just lost a safe bet. 32 degrees in January in Minnesota at 5am. Stop. We're not speaking of it.
The photos below document a couple of hard goodbyes ... lots of tears .... AND some VERY CUTE people at the airport this morning. (Jen H. left, Tess E to the right.) They are already in Miami and doing well. :) Your prayers for Tess as she adjusts to her role as Nanny 911 to the Livesay family are SO appreciated. We love you Tess! We're so thankful for your help in these crazy days/months.
Britt and Lydie and I go to TX tomorrow. Tina and Matt will keep Hope until we all (Tina, Hope, Lydie. Me and Peanut) meet up in Miami next week. Much love and many thanks for the prayers until we next find time and internet access.
The photos below document a couple of hard goodbyes ... lots of tears .... AND some VERY CUTE people at the airport this morning. (Jen H. left, Tess E to the right.) They are already in Miami and doing well. :) Your prayers for Tess as she adjusts to her role as Nanny 911 to the Livesay family are SO appreciated. We love you Tess! We're so thankful for your help in these crazy days/months.
Britt and Lydie and I go to TX tomorrow. Tina and Matt will keep Hope until we all (Tina, Hope, Lydie. Me and Peanut) meet up in Miami next week. Much love and many thanks for the prayers until we next find time and internet access.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Rally time
Noah is doing a lot better. He does not pull on or complain about his ear anymore, we'll keep him on medicine 8 more days to be safe. Wonderful news for a spazzy Mom. Thank you Lord!
We're packing, weighing, unpacking, packing, weighing, arguing about what "needs" to go to Haiti, packing and weighing. Lots of dinosaurs NEED to go to Haiti. Both of the boys are dying to see their daddy and their "Haiti home." Paige is ready to lead the charge with Tess and Jen at her side and is already laying the ground rules regarding her expectations for their in-flight behavior. Paige is a machine when it comes to travel, she does not like it - but boy can she take command, put on a game face, and go.
We're also getting ready to go to Texas. We've got a few more details to figure out in Texas, but heck -- we've got like 42 hours still ... it's early! I realize now that I am kind of excited for all the things Britt and I will get to do at orientation weekend and just generally anxious to get back to Haiti ... the only thing I dread is the flying, driving, figuring out how to get pets/bags/people to their destination. Traveling is so UN-fun.
The project for later today and tomorrow once the three have gone is to deep clean the entire house and leave it in BEA - UTIFUL condition for showing. Yesterday in a moment of brief insanity I considered tearing off the dated wallpaper in the bathroom and painting it, just to make it look more 2008 and less 1999. I slapped myself across the face immediately.
We're packing, weighing, unpacking, packing, weighing, arguing about what "needs" to go to Haiti, packing and weighing. Lots of dinosaurs NEED to go to Haiti. Both of the boys are dying to see their daddy and their "Haiti home." Paige is ready to lead the charge with Tess and Jen at her side and is already laying the ground rules regarding her expectations for their in-flight behavior. Paige is a machine when it comes to travel, she does not like it - but boy can she take command, put on a game face, and go.
We're also getting ready to go to Texas. We've got a few more details to figure out in Texas, but heck -- we've got like 42 hours still ... it's early! I realize now that I am kind of excited for all the things Britt and I will get to do at orientation weekend and just generally anxious to get back to Haiti ... the only thing I dread is the flying, driving, figuring out how to get pets/bags/people to their destination. Traveling is so UN-fun.
The project for later today and tomorrow once the three have gone is to deep clean the entire house and leave it in BEA - UTIFUL condition for showing. Yesterday in a moment of brief insanity I considered tearing off the dated wallpaper in the bathroom and painting it, just to make it look more 2008 and less 1999. I slapped myself across the face immediately.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
An analogy that works...
Excerpt taken from Lysa TerKeurst's blog -
Yes, sometimes it is very scary to say we want to follow after God completely. For the minute we do this- little scenes of possibilities start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crises that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.
Satan says, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there is no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. None at all. Don't take this Jesus thing too seriously- lighten up.
Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is so completely consuming, I can only have your best interest in mind. Make me the the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."
It's kind of like a little seed in a seed packet. The little seed likes living in the seed packet. The seed packet is safe and relatively nice- a little plain but nice nonetheless.
Then one day the farmer comes and plucks the seed out of the seed packet. Suddenly, it is pushed down into the deep, dark messy place. The seed cries out, "Why have you done this? I like being a seed in a seed packet. I don't want to leave the other seeds in the seed packet. Why do they get to stay in the seed packet. This is not fair. This is horrible. My life is bad."
Then horror of all horrors, the farmer pours water over the deep, dark, messy place. So much so that the seed starts to break apart and life as he knew it slowly slips away. The seed cries out again and again but the farmer seems cruel and silent. "Why? Why me?" seems to be the only thing the seed can utter over and over again.
But then one day this green shoot burst forth from the ruins of the seed and pushes up through the deep, dark, messy place and into the glorious light. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.
Now, think about that farmer. Was he mean and cruel? Or was his love for that seed so consuming that he could only have the seed's best interest in mind?
Yes, sometimes it is very scary to say we want to follow after God completely. For the minute we do this- little scenes of possibilities start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crises that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.
Satan says, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there is no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. None at all. Don't take this Jesus thing too seriously- lighten up.
Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is so completely consuming, I can only have your best interest in mind. Make me the the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."
It's kind of like a little seed in a seed packet. The little seed likes living in the seed packet. The seed packet is safe and relatively nice- a little plain but nice nonetheless.
Then one day the farmer comes and plucks the seed out of the seed packet. Suddenly, it is pushed down into the deep, dark messy place. The seed cries out, "Why have you done this? I like being a seed in a seed packet. I don't want to leave the other seeds in the seed packet. Why do they get to stay in the seed packet. This is not fair. This is horrible. My life is bad."
Then horror of all horrors, the farmer pours water over the deep, dark, messy place. So much so that the seed starts to break apart and life as he knew it slowly slips away. The seed cries out again and again but the farmer seems cruel and silent. "Why? Why me?" seems to be the only thing the seed can utter over and over again.
But then one day this green shoot burst forth from the ruins of the seed and pushes up through the deep, dark, messy place and into the glorious light. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.
Now, think about that farmer. Was he mean and cruel? Or was his love for that seed so consuming that he could only have the seed's best interest in mind?
long long looooong ago i was kind of hip
where did the hipness go?
yet another reason to live in a country where i rarely leave the house
yet another reason to live in a country where i rarely leave the house
down with germs
Noah made a little trip to urgent care this morning... bulging ear infection and bronchitis. he needs to be well to fly on Tuesday, thanks for praying for the wild little man who is currently snoring as loud as his sleep-apnea grandpas on their worst night.
And, as long as you're praying ... Tess and Jen are flying to Haiti on Tuesday with three of our kids and could use prayers too I am sure.
And, as long as you're praying ... Tess and Jen are flying to Haiti on Tuesday with three of our kids and could use prayers too I am sure.
Friday, January 04, 2008
So Far So Good
Three days in country and so far no contact with Eddy. I call that success. I'm sure I'm missing out on all kinds of scams and other racketeering-type activities. I'll be keeping a low profile, and a fatter wallet because of it.
Maybe I should start one of those countdown tickers on the blog or something to see how long I make it.
All is well back here at the mission. Almost finished unpacking and settling in. The fridge is mostly scent-free after a second thorough cleaning. While checking on a propane gas problem on the second-floor ledge of the house a large rat scampered out from behind a pipe I was leaning on and ran across my foot. I almost fell off the edge. There is a fresh batch of Decon waiting for his next visit. I don't mind them much anymore if I know they're there, it's the surprises I don't like. This one was definitely a surprise.
Tomorrow's schedule includes a Pastor's Training seminar, visits to two children's Bible study clubs, and a trip to Clean Water for Haiti for some fellowship and to deliver the mysteriously disappearing Ipod.
The biggest news of today is that Pastor Rony sheepishly announced to me that his wife is pregnant, with number seven. He was embarrassed about it, but I assured him that I could relate. We discussed the need for some future family planning strategies - for both of us. Please pray for Mme. Rony and Saintillien baby number seven due in July.
Maybe I should start one of those countdown tickers on the blog or something to see how long I make it.
All is well back here at the mission. Almost finished unpacking and settling in. The fridge is mostly scent-free after a second thorough cleaning. While checking on a propane gas problem on the second-floor ledge of the house a large rat scampered out from behind a pipe I was leaning on and ran across my foot. I almost fell off the edge. There is a fresh batch of Decon waiting for his next visit. I don't mind them much anymore if I know they're there, it's the surprises I don't like. This one was definitely a surprise.
Tomorrow's schedule includes a Pastor's Training seminar, visits to two children's Bible study clubs, and a trip to Clean Water for Haiti for some fellowship and to deliver the mysteriously disappearing Ipod.
The biggest news of today is that Pastor Rony sheepishly announced to me that his wife is pregnant, with number seven. He was embarrassed about it, but I assured him that I could relate. We discussed the need for some future family planning strategies - for both of us. Please pray for Mme. Rony and Saintillien baby number seven due in July.
Boys will be Boys
I am watching them attempt to maim one another. There are many places they could go to hurt each other but they insist on doing it in the room where I have the packing stuff laid out all over the floor. I am just blogging for minute while I wait for the first one to bleed. My money is on Isaac.
Hope, Britt and Paige are gone today so it is just Lydie & I and the two energetic ones. I keep telling them it is a new year, new huge medical deductible -and they better not need emergency medical attention because we're not ready to spend money on them or their cracked open heads .... But they just stare blankly at me and continue to pummel each other. They must think I am kidding.
Lyd had her ears checked again this morning, all is well. I am SO grateful for that news!
Our conversation on the way home from meeting Lisa and Declan:
Isaac- "We are a family. We'll always be together."
Me- "Yes"
Isaac- "Thanks for adopting me Mom. I love you."
Me- "Isaac you don't need to thank me - God did it not me and I am the lucky one."
Isaac- "Okay Mom but thanks. I love my family and I love being adopted."
Me- "Good Isaac - I love you too buddy."
Noah- (whining and loud) - "Ooooohhhh. NO FAIR! I want to be adopted too."
So the question is, who wants him?
;-) (As fair warning before you stake your claim, you should know he still does not wipe his own buns ... just ask Declan.)
Quoting
"I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be."
-Douglas Adams
-Douglas Adams
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Returning
The excitement, wonder and anticipation I felt in 2005 is more like a constant state of vacillating thoughts and confusion this time. My stream of consciousness can occasionally look like this: What about Lydia, she is so little. I hate Malaria. Do I really want her in Haiti? Sometimes I hate it there. What about Isaac, he loves it in America. Can I really teach those little kids? Ugh. I'm scared. What if Britt needs me, how can I really be there for her from such a distance? What about the house? Will it sell? Are we making the right choice to leave it unresolved? Can we do this? Should we? What, When, Why, How?
In the very next frame of thought(s) I am thinking these things: I love how alive I feel in Haiti. It is so cool it is to see my husband in his element and feeling fulfilled. It is never boring. The people are so inspiring and resilient, I'm lucky to know them. I'm changed. Haiti is in my heart. It's awesome to be in a position to rely fully on God, and to work with others who know how to do it so much better than us. It's easier to keep God and family my priority. I love it there. We've sat in the front row and seen miracles happen. We've watched God work on a grander scale. We've been able to discern better where God wants to change our attitudes, make us new, help us refine our rough edges. We're learning new things. We're learning to love Him and love people. It feels good.
With these opposing thoughts waging a battle in my muddled mind I end up certain of only one thing: My heart's desire is this ... I want for my family and myself exactly what God wants for us. Even if it is not always easy, even if it makes no sense, and even if it is not all revealed to me soon enough for my comfort. Now I just need to train my head to fall in line with my heart.
Hebrews 11:8-10 reads:
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
I'm not Abraham, Isaac or Jacob ... but I want to be faithful. By faith I want to make my home wherever God leads. As I wrap up everything that can possibly be "wrapped up" before heading back, and as I fight my own tendency to doubt God and His plans for me, I have been overwhelmed with the way God has brought people into our lives to partner with us in this ministry. Without you we cannot accomplish the things He puts before us. Without you we would not have gone in the first place. You've helped us through some storms. We're so grateful.
Please pray for wisdom to know how to best help when situations present themselves. Pray that we don't become hard to the needs because they are too many. Pray that we grow individually and as a family. Pray for discernment. Pray for patience. Pray that we're forgiving. Pray that we're obedient.
Come, and let us return to the Lord;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.
After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight.
Let us know,
Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.
His going forth is established as the morning;
He will come to us like the rain,
Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
Hos 6:1-3
Let us know,
Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.
His going forth is established as the morning;
He will come to us like the rain,
Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
Hos 6:1-3
(Photos taken by Troy)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Home Again Home Again
Troy here - Phoebers and I are safe and sound in La Digue.
I figured it would be quicker to post here than email everyone the news.
Phoebe was a trooper for the extended travel, I think she held up better than I did.
She's happily running around rediscovering her Elmo phone and stuffed animals.
She senses that this is home, and so do I. Even after the travel nightmares today, I couldn't help but smile when I stepped off the airplane in Port au Prince and once again felt like I was home. I almost cried when I saw the guys at the airport waiting for me (Alexi, Peter, Robenson, Tipap, and Pastor Rony were all on hand). I held it back, just like this morning when I said goodbye to my Britty. I'm due for a total meltdown soon, right after I get all the sheets washed and unpack and scrape off three months of dust and grime in the house and get the one generator running that isn't working and clean out the refrigerator stench and fix the water filter and then get back to work. :)
The good news to focus on is as follows:
-The power had been out in most of the mission for about a month, but it was an easy fix and we're up and going.
-Even though the refrigerator has an unbelievable stench emanating from it, the bottle of Toro that was left in it doesn't taste funny. Well, no worse than usual I guess.
-So far, NO RATS. That's right folks. I've found evidence of attempted breaches of the perimeter, but no trace of an invasion as of yet.
Love and blessings to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR from Haiti-
T
I figured it would be quicker to post here than email everyone the news.
Phoebe was a trooper for the extended travel, I think she held up better than I did.
She's happily running around rediscovering her Elmo phone and stuffed animals.
She senses that this is home, and so do I. Even after the travel nightmares today, I couldn't help but smile when I stepped off the airplane in Port au Prince and once again felt like I was home. I almost cried when I saw the guys at the airport waiting for me (Alexi, Peter, Robenson, Tipap, and Pastor Rony were all on hand). I held it back, just like this morning when I said goodbye to my Britty. I'm due for a total meltdown soon, right after I get all the sheets washed and unpack and scrape off three months of dust and grime in the house and get the one generator running that isn't working and clean out the refrigerator stench and fix the water filter and then get back to work. :)
The good news to focus on is as follows:
-The power had been out in most of the mission for about a month, but it was an easy fix and we're up and going.
-Even though the refrigerator has an unbelievable stench emanating from it, the bottle of Toro that was left in it doesn't taste funny. Well, no worse than usual I guess.
-So far, NO RATS. That's right folks. I've found evidence of attempted breaches of the perimeter, but no trace of an invasion as of yet.
Love and blessings to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR from Haiti-
T
Wave One Gone
Britt wants you to notice the dog on the guy's shoulder in line for the security check. If only Peanut was a shoulder-sized dog. It was 3 below when they got to the airport, meaning we chose wisely not to gamble on MN weather in January. Peanut would not have flown out today.
Things did not go wonderfully at the airport. There is an embargo until January 10, so Troy could not check an extra bag as we had hoped. His bags were over-weight so they had to jockey the items around and send Britt home with the extra bag. Then the flight was delayed 90 minutes. Troy and Phoebe will have to book-it if they are going to make the 2pm flight to Haiti ... we're praying for them because staying in Miami would be harder to pull off than just getting home this afternoon. Running through the concourse with a kid, a guitar and a carry on will be challenging at best.
Peanut is enjoying her time in southern Texas; sitting pool-side sipping on a lemonade and catching rays. She played 18 yesterday, beat Grandpa pretty badly. We all hate her right now.
Stay warm, wherever you are.
Tara
Ministry to Sick Kids
There are tons of ministries in Haiti doing good work. I love that each is called to do its own special brand of service and ministry. Each of the ministries on the link list are ministries we believe do great work and support with our prayers. ALL of them can use financial support in addition to prayers. When you get time please check them ALL out. Of course this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a list of good people doing good things for good reasons. (They love God and they love people.)
Today I would encourage you to take a look at the Angel Missions Blog at www.angelmissionshaiti.blogspot.com/
Maybe there is some way you can help?
Today I would encourage you to take a look at the Angel Missions Blog at www.angelmissionshaiti.blogspot.com/
Maybe there is some way you can help?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)