Too Hot to Blog

Dear New Joy Support Team - especially Dorothy B. and Bev V. ... you people are the good kind of CRAZY!!!!

Thank you so much for packing all of our house stuff and helping the team get it down here -- I did not expect it all to make it, but you went above and beyond. Thank you for the diapers, treats, more treats and various man-things that Troy is thankful for, while I remain indifferent but happy for him ... and for the office supplies and multiple other items. I do however have a question for the person who packed that little number from Victoria's Secret ... did you not read the post about heat - you know, too hot to touch kind of heat???? I laughed when I saw it ... and said, hum ... Bev? Dorothy? Write me and fess up.

I cannot speak for the group as a whole -- but we're tired. It is crazy hot and crazy humid and we've had a full day. I think we're headed to bed soon.

Team News

After flat tires and delayed flights the New Joy Church team is here and headed to bed. We'll try to keep you posted on things as best we can in the coming days. For those of you in MN if you need to reach them in the coming week you can call a MN telephone number and leave a message ... we will call you back.

It is 763-515-2943.

Thanks. Sleep tight.

Progress

Notice in Hope's drawing below that Britt is surrounded by happy little butterfly creatures on her wedding day.

I thought this drawing was pretty good for a six year old, last year at this time she drew this, I think she has improved quite a bit!

Our team comes in late today, we hope you have a great day!

Heat forbids cuddling ... and sleeping

I went to bed four hours ago... But it is too hot to sleep. The dramatic me wants to claim that in addition, it is also too hot to sit, stand, breathe - or even exist.

Troy and I laid choking to death from heat discussing whether or not we should take the owner of the new house up on his offer to let us use a King-sized bed frame he has there. We think we should get two twin-sized mattresses and use the frame. It will be a wonderful thing! More space to sweat!

"But when will we cuddle, when will be spoon? This will wreck everything." FALSE.

This country strictly forbids cuddling. Let us examine the evidence:
There is just no way. The closest thing to cuddling you'll ever find is two pinkies intertwined in a bold act of rebellion against the heat and humidity. That is it though. It ends there.



So ... there is hardly anything going on. We were like ... soooo bored. "What should we do, life is just hum drum every day the same thing - nothing going on."

"Why not plan a wedding!!" we said.

gah.

This is an official call out to both ladies and gents alike. We are looking for your best tips, time saving advice, money saving schemes, discounts, freebies and unique ideas. We have a wedding to plan.

Pertinent info:
January 2009, location: South Florida

If your tip or idea is used we will send you a fabulous prize hope that you feel the deep satisfaction of knowing you've helped someone.
Bring your A game only please.

This guy lost one of two dangling-by-the-thread-of-his-gums teeth today. Next one due to rot fall out any moment.

Written By Paige

When I am older I would really like to start a mission of my own here in Haiti. My dream of a mission to start would be a home for developmentally disabled people.

I think that there is a huge need for this in Haiti. I know that handicapped people here are not taken care of the way they should be. They don't have anyone and sometimes they are thrown-away by their family.

There was one main thing that first started me thinking about this. I was sitting at the market waiting for my friends to finish their shopping when I saw an adult woman who was obviously not fully functioning. Another lady was taking a hat and throwing water on her and teasing her. Seeing this made me very sad because I knew that the only thing that this poor woman could do was scream at the girl that was taunting her. It got me thinking about this group of people in Haiti and how poorly (or not at all) that they are cared for.

I don't exactly know when I would like to start this project, I think that I should go to college in the States first and then come back here. I was thinking maybe to just start small with only a few people and hopefully after time it would grow. I think it would be cool to find and hire very loving and trustworthy Haitian staff that could run it and eventually take it over.

It makes me sad to think of the mentally ill and the forgotten people and I hope someday I can do something more to help them.

Nou gen yon kay! (We have a house!)

Those are the faces of girls who have a home. :) Well, one of the faces had a home but wanted her family to have a home. We rented the house shown in a photo in this post. We feel relieved to have the decision done and hopeful that we made the best choice given all the mind-numbing variables. We brought the three oldest girls to see it yesterday and even dropped off a load of stuff.

Right now the owner is redoing some of the windows because the house did not have screens. We are all too familiar with Malaria and Dengue and we assured him that screens were kind of a "must have" item for us. The way the windows were set did not allow for screens so they are fixing that this week. There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a nice sized kitchen. I love having a nice kitchen to make my kids their gourmet meals (read: cereal and popcorn) for dinner.

We're trying to get the Internet provider heading that direction in hopes of having Internet soon after we move in ... these things take time ... TIH. Today we'll try to make decisions about appliances. Can a family of 9 live without a washing machine? I say no. Not even for a week. :) Most everyone in this entire land could prove me wrong though.

After showing the girls the house we grabbed dinner in Port together. Troy met up with a friend from high school who happened to be in Haiti this week for business. He works for a company that does micro-loans. It was very interesting to hear about his life and catch up.Thirteen people from our home church arrive on Wednesday. Our Pastor is leading the team down here. We are so excited to see them and know that we can be as raw and as real as we want and still be loved ... there is no pressure to be anything that we're not or fake anything at all. It is good that they are coming during this odd transition time. We have plans to take them up the mountain for an overnight and all sorts of other exciting projects and things. They sent down this amazing mobile projector with a traveling generator that we can take into the mountains. Britt will use the opportunity of having them here to be baptized - it should be a really great week.

So ... in the next 11 days: A team coming, packing, going to school for the first time in Haiti for 3 kids, a kid leaving us and returning to college, a physical move to a new house and new work...

Hang on; it is about to get crazy.

working hard ... hardly working

All of these photos were taken at the dam last week.
LaDigue means "the dam."

Noah

Our kids have all been acting out a bit. We know why... they are feeling the stress and doing the normal kid thing. When things feel tense, heck ... why not create MORE tension??? Because that makes so much sense.

We are feeling the stress and operating on shorter fuses. It stinks, we're trying hard - but failing often.

Last night Noah decided he did not want his rice. He pushed his bowl off the counter and let it fall to the ground, then claimed it was an accident. I grabbed him by the arm and escorted him to the shower to get ready for bed. He was mad about that. I gave him the short tempered, "yeah, well too bad!" response.

I added Lydia to the shower and turned away for a second. The next thing I heard was Lydia screaming. I turned to come back into the bathroom to see Noah had dumped a bottle of shampoo on her head and she was kind of choking because so much had gone in her mouth and nose.

Mad does not begin to describe how I felt in that moment.

I got Lyd settled down and handed her to Britt. Then Noah got in trouble. After I had calmed down and he had calmed down we talked it out and discussed the fact that being mad at your Mom does not mean doing something mean to your baby sister. (Lord help us!) We prayed about it together and moved on with the evening. He seemed very remorseful.

About an hour later I was putting Lydie to bed and Noah asked to come with me. I laid her down and prayed quickly for her. I looked to see Noah had his hand through the rails and was rubbing her leg. I said, "Do you want to pray for Lyd?" He said "sure" or actually "sho" - because he does not pronounce the letter "r" well - then he said this:

"Deaw Wydia-
I am very sowwy that I pouwed shampoo in your head and eyes. I don't know if you know this but Mom put a vewy big beat down on me after that - so we don't want that to happen evew again. Amen"

Photo Credit: Marcia Erickson

Birthday Babies - We love you!

One bummer about being so far from family is that we miss out on watching our niece and nephews grow up. This week we missed two birthdays. :(

Happy 2nd Birthday to Porter Troy Cleary (the ornery guy on the right side of the top photo).
Happy 1st Birthday to Stella Rose Livesay (the adorable red-head on the bottom photo).

We love and miss you all!

(Troy and Tara both have one sibling - these are their families.)

Real Estate & Ron Burgandy

While struggling with what house to rent, we're constantly aware that most people here are figuring out how to build the house pictured above. Our problems are a very small thing.

Basically, there are two houses. Long story how there ended up being two ... but Troy and Tara have disagreed and gone round and round and even switched sides and argued against our own original arguments. We're not fighting or anything ... we're just *that* confused. The peace we're looking for on one or the other has not come yet. There are multiple varying opinions - we're trying to hear God through all of those.

Isaac suggested negotiating for an $8 per month rent. Noah thought $58 was more fair. Their economy does not exactly mirror that of the Haitian real estate economy.

We've done the whole thing my mom taught me -- making the written list of pros and cons - but they almost exactly cancel each other out on each house. We feel a little bit crazy. Each of the two owners have been kind of flaky ... TIH after all. Today (Friday) and tomorrow we are hoping to really push each owner on the bottom line and we're hoping that somehow God reveals the answer of which house to us very soon.

We really need to get this nailed down so we can focus all of our thoughts and energies on the team coming next Wednesday and on finishing up the training of the new people here at Lifeline.  


One of the really maddening things for us these last couple of years is the realization that many ministries are not networking and helping one another ... there is some sort of competition to be the best, the biggest, the lone ranger. There is a real Ron Burgandy, "I'm kind of a big deal" feel to a lot of it. We think there is something to learn from crude Ron.
Apart from God - none of us are a big deal.

We have always enjoyed seeing what other people are doing and introducing their work. We don't believe that telling you about Real Hope for Haiti or Canaan (or countless other projects and good ministries) will cut into our own bottom line. God is bigger than that. He operates above the bottom line. We've seen that with our own eyes.

Our vision is to bring people together and work in cooperation (hear the kumbaya in the background?) with many ministries. We see ourselves as independent contractors of missions. If there is something Troy and Tara can do to help you in a pinch, we'll try! Heartline has helped launch and support countless missionaries over the years here. Many have benefited from their willingness to set aside their own agenda and help when needed. We love answering questions and helping both short and long term missionaries as they explore what God is asking of them in Haiti or elsewhere.

Why would we not want to help someone out if our talents, time and resources allow it? We all have a common goal.

Yes, we are different and we serve varying needs, and use multiple approaches - and yes, we all have our opinions about what approach is best -- but ultimately the goal is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone we meet.

If that means running out to do payroll for a missionary that cannot get to Haiti to do it, or helping gather facts for a US based ministry, or loaning out a piece of unused equipment that someone needs, or driving to another part of the island to check on a project -- great -- those are all important things. We should help each other at every turn.The trouble starts when ministries begin to build their own kingdoms, not focusing on the people they are here to serve but rather the people they can impress in the USA or the numbers and fund raising opportunities. At that point ministry becomes business and it is a competition to have the nicest place and claim the biggest numbers.

Jesus (a rather cool guy - and TRULY a big deal) stopped to help the ONE in a crowd of many. He was never impressed by numbers or showiness. Every ministry focusing on one or one thousand people can benefit from supporting other people in ministry and trying to set aside the differences and just help each other.

We have some plans and partnerships in the works to tangibly bring this idea of working together for the common good to reality. It will take time and effort and prayers. But we believe that we would all be better examples of Christ if we worked together rather than competing against one another. That is easier said than done. We're human. We're fallen. We're a lot like Ron Burgandy. We tend to be kind of sucky. Setting aside our suckiness, our pride ... who knows, we might just show people who Jesus is!?!?!!!

Nou La

Today Peter, Troy and I (along with three little people) headed to town hoping to accomplish many things ... We railed at injustice, got mad at annoying people and things, vented as we drove and got things done - and then did not make a deal on any house. TIH.

Two weeks from today we move. We move somewhere that the Lord - in His divinely unexplainable and twisted sense of humor - has not yet revealed to us ... good times, good times.

We picked up our truck yesterday. The kids love the Hyundai Terracan so much, (a/c in the car is the most heavenly treat) they are not against just living in the truck. They may get their wish. ;)

We know content is currently quite light on this here blog. None of us know how to juggle, but there are multiple balls in the air - despite the lack of juggling talent. We openly admit we are not able to process all that is going on and get it to this medium right now ... we'll bank the info and share it when brain cells, patience, prudence, and energy levels allow.

Peace out-
t & t

"Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation."
- Susan B. Anthony -

Quoting

"I think that Christianity has two emphases. One is a social emphasis to impart the values of the kingdom of God in society - to relieve the sufferings of the poor, to stand up for the oppressed, to be a voice for those who have no voice.

The other emphasis is to bring people into a personal, transforming relationship with Christ, where they feel the joy and the love of God in their lives. That they manifest what the fifth chapter of Galatians calls 'the fruit of the Spirit'.

Fundamentalism has emphasized the latter, mainline churches have emphasized the former.

We cannot neglect one for the other."

-Tony Campolo

Wrap up the day ...

Britt, Chris and Paige took Noah, Hope and Isaac to the beach today. They are all very tired after a day in the sun and sand. (Can you tell Isaac is a former model - nice pose!)

Isaac is about to lose his front teeth. The drama level is high as we discuss all the ways in which we COULD remove them. So far, he has not allowed anyone to really yank. There are plenty of us willing to help him out.

Troy and I used the opportunity of the less chaotic household (what world must you live in when three baby girls under two means an easy day?) to catch up on a ton of terribly BO- RING administrative things.

Then we packed more boxes late in the afternoon and filled out school paperwork for the three school-bound kiddos. We also began to focus on the next team (our last one with Lifeline) and make plans for that.

The medical clinic had a sad case today. A little guy that appears to be Autistic. This is not a good place for those sorts of challenges ... lets just say that the "programs" for such things - don't exist - the options are nil. Sometime I need to get Paige to share/blog her big idea for future ministry with you all ... it knocked my socks off when she told me.

Now the rain is here ... and the Internet will drop ... so publishing this while I can.
Goodnight!

the most random post of all time

Things have been nutty around here. I cannot process or organize my feelings, thoughts, ideas ... or anything at all really. I guess I am going to try, I just don't know that it will land well. Play along if you'd like.Troy took me to that crazy spa place. I need to clarify right off the bat that these are my issues, so don't bother thinking I am judging anyone else. I am not.

The place was crazy nice. I have been to that kind of place one other time in MN and this was nicer. It is inside the new hotel in Petionville called Karibe - the hotel has only been open since the end of February. (It beats The Montana any day.) I have never had a pedicure before or a facial, I got to have both on Thursday. I know it is because of my ODSOJ (over-developed sense of justice) that I felt so crazy in there. I was trying to focus on just having fun, being treated like some sort of queen/royalty person ... I kept reminding myself that Troy wanted me to have fun, planned the birthday gift, etc, ... but the ODSOJ kept dragging me back to thinking of the ladies carrying water on their heads in the heat outside and of Jeronne and the other ladies out here in LaDigue and all over Haiti (and the world).

I am pretty sure they would die if they saw that you can pay someone money to wash your face for you and scrub your toes. Seriously. Some people get pedicures and some people wonder where the will find the money to buy a cup of rice to feed their skinny orange haired kid. It makes my tummy hurt I tell you. I was telling Troy all of these crazy thoughts after he picked me up -- and I just cried it out. He was not offended at the tears and seemed to get why I thought it was an irreconcilable thing. Troy said I should bring Jeronne there sometime -- but I really wonder if she would even believe it was real??? Air conditioning, music, robes, aromatherapy, a billion choices of products ... I don't know. I would think it risky to take her there... but the weirdest part is ... I don't give a darn if wealthy women choose to go there once a week or every day -- does not bother me at all --- I don't care if you get to go, do it up! - I only care if *I* get to go -- but most others do not. I guess I am a socialist now or something. It just bugs me.

All in all, I will say that I look at least 3.2378 years younger after that facial, and my heels have less callous-type material on them now too. Below is the fancy restaurant at the hotel. Their food was killer good. The entire experience was alternate reality.
We claimed we would decide something about a house ... some house - by last Friday ... but we lied. Instead we kissed and spoke to one another without yelling over children - and we did so, at great length. Plus, the owner would not deal on it with us on our time schedule - it is almost like we are foreigners in a foreign land or something! We are meeting with the owner of the house pictured below on THURSDAY.That is the house we think we want. He says he wants us to have it and that he will "negotiate" with us on price. We hope that is truly what goes down come Thursday. It has four bedrooms and some funny Haiti quirks - but is incredibly clean and nice. Again, with the ODSOJ -- this seems wrong ... but you know -- I don't think we would last in a mud hut either. Props to real missionaries that do. We did some appliance shopping. Thanks to some of you (and a shout out to you - you know who you are) for helping us with those up-front costs. As it turns out, appliance shopping in Haiti can be somewhat ... how shall we say ... frustrating !!

Troy called the people in the know and they directed him to the same two places - at one place you walk up to a refrigerator and say, "How much for this one?" The salesperson will either calculate the price based on some mythical formula unbeknownst to the customer OR the salesperson will say, "It should have a price on it. But it is not available yet." Um. Okay. Not priced or not available. Work with me on that. So, like ... it is free? Out of stock? Or? "No, we did not price it yet so you cannot buy it yet." OH-- OH, I see. Well that makes PERFECT sense. I bet you really move a ton of stock out of here with that approach.

We only priced, no buying ... but we've gathered as many facts as Haiti will allow for the time being.

Speaking of TIH ... below you'll find proof that things are officially getting nutty here now too. In a country where politics (elections) and democracy have floundered -- we're promoting an election/candidate in another country. Did you put Preval '06 stickers on your car two years ago? I sure hope so. ;)

Below, Britt and Chris (formerly known on this blog as Baywatch) - since we're slowly adjusting to the fact that we will become the dreaded in-laws -- we thought we better post a photo of the boy. These two love-birds will both be at Baylor beginning fall semester. We are old. Very old. Troy told me so right after my facial too. :( Here they are in a tap-tap headed to the market on Saturday.More TIH. Marvel at and enjoy this marketing genius - a display at the local grocery store. Who does not love a bag of totally smashed Tostitos?? - laid flat for emphasis on the smashedness. (We eat our chips off of a spoon - spoon full of chips, spoon full of salsa. Voila!)

Sunday we went to the prayer rock for "family church" which is mainly just Troy and his guitar, a couple songs, prayer time and me yelling at Noah and Isaac to sit still and listen. Noah can make a sport out of interrupting prayer time ... throwing rocks at goats, looking for bugs ... poking at Isaac - whatever ... all of that is far more interesting than THE LORD to him. His Dad needs to work with him a bit. ;)

After that we spent the day trying to catch up on office work and started packing some boxes. That feels odd. Most of you have probably had the great fortune of moving at least once or twice in your life. We have done our fair share of moving too. (Thanks for all the free-backs Mom and Dad!) This time around should prove to be a bit different. We have never moved with seven kids in the developing world in the hottest month of the year near the equator. At least we're keeping up our track record of worst-case-weather-scenarios - We moved out of our MN house for the renter on December 21, 2005. Then we lost the renter and had to move out to sell it once and for all in December of 2007.
So, if your name is Livesay and you are going to move --- you have choices:
A. Minnesota in late December
or
B. Haiti in late August
or
C. Both in the period of 9 months because you are that stupid.

Lydia 10 mo. ~ Noah 4 ~ Phoebe 21 mo.

"The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it."
~Author Unknown

Have a Happy Weekend!

Above, new Family photo. (thanks Luke) Below, a photo from our crazy date yesterday. 32 hours without kids ... we spoke at length, it was insane.
I have a long newsy and TIH type post written in my head, I just don't have time to write it here now. We'll find you soon.