Story Time

There are many times in a month when we hear stories that cause us to wonder. We usually need to just play along, hear the story through to completion, then get away and psst psst psst about it. There are times when we're dying to say "WHAT!?!!?" a donkey changed into a man and back into a donkey??? But the stories are told with such a certainty and we don't want to be disrespectful, so we listen quietly.

A lot of times it is just the cultural things that we'll never get -- or, as Tipap says, "Haitian system." Other times there are things that are profoundly sad - things that help us to better understand some of what goes on in the lives of our neighbors.

This morning we were chatting with Jeronne. We've grown to love her and are so impressed with and blessed by her work ethic and her sweet, loving spirit. We want to try to find ways to impact her life far beyond the time that we're here. We're praying about what that might look like.

As we chatted we asked her if she had any interest in learning the Rosetta Stone English program, that if she wanted we would teach her how to use the computer and get started. We have told her we want our kids to improve their Creole from talking with her, and if she is interested she could learn some basic English to communicate with them that way as well.

Her face was serious and she told us this story ...

When Jeronne was little, about 3rd grade, her book bag was taken. Whoever took it brought it up to Desarmes, a mountain village many hours from LaDigue. When the book bag returned it had money in it. Her Grandma made her throw the money away along with her school books and bag because her Grandma said a curse had been put on that money. Jeronne went on to tell us that she could never learn after that. She said that she quit going to school after fourth grade and never again could she learn, due to the curse. She said she does not think she is smart or able to learn. This story was stated as fact.

The stories of the damage that superstition can cause are heartbreaking. Jeronne is 36 years old and she has believed she cannot learn for the majority of her life. There is no truth to it. The woman is capable. She is smart. She is hardworking. If she sees me do something once, the next day she has done it before I can get there to do it. She has the ability to learn.

Troy told her that maybe - like her Grandma said - there was something bad about the money placed in her bag (trying not to dismiss the story) but that he believed in her and knows she CAN learn and that we would help her if she wanted to try.

This is the stuff that breaks our hearts. People walking around believing total nonsense about themselves due to superstition. If it is the last thing we do, we will convince Jeronne that she is capable and smart and CAN learn.

Shipping Discount

25 books sold! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Warning: We're about to annoy you now.

We were made aware by a friend in MN that there is a shipping discount available until July 31st. When checking-out, enter this promotional code istockphoto2008 - to receive a significant shipping discount. (Along with a guaranteed warm fuzzy feeling.)

For those of you who bought already ... we're really sorry we did not know this sooner - but thanks for keeping UPS in business. They're grateful too no doubt.

Quick Run Down

• Bullet points are excellent for sharing many unrelated items. Here we go:
• Please, buy a book. The guy behind the book is a total babe. (End of shameless promotion.)
  
• Pastor Rony tapped on the gate at 2:45am the other night, he and his wife are about to have their 7th baby. We're waiting on news now. She is in St.Marc waiting to deliver. Keep them in your prayers, they are expecting a girl any time now.
  
• The new missionary couple arrives with a team in a week to begin settling in and training - we're attempting to get their house ready and fill the refrigerator for them.
• Today we went to meet up with the Borlase Family - it was a super-cool thing to meet them and spend about an hour with them. They brought in some treats (strawberries consumed by boys within one hour) for us, picked up their son and headed back to the airport. I have a cute photo but I am not sure I should be sharing *their* moment. I will wait for them to do that. Congratulations to their entire family!
• We went to the grocery store, Zach was there too. When it came time to head to the diet pop aisle I was prepared for things to come to fisticuffs but as it turned out I did not need to take big Z. down, there was not a can of diet pop to be found today. :( Lucky for Zach.
• The medical clinic has been open for almost three weeks. Things are going pretty well, all things considered.
• We took the four oldest kids to swim on Sunday. It turned out to be some of the best people watching of all time. There was a lady who seemed to be attempting to entertain the entire crowd. Paige was laughing so hard she had to bend down and hide. The lady had on a very tiny swimsuit and she kept getting out and running and jumping in over and over and over. The way she jumped was the most interesting part. Maybe Troy will do a reenactment video for you. :) She did this without adjusting coverage. It was incredibly odd & totally impossible to ignore.
• Isaac's random questions of late: Where is Antarctica? Okay where is Pennsylvania? Okay do they have bats there? (Do you?) What is your favorite meat-eating dinosaur? Okay what about your favorite plant-eating dinosaur? Alright then tell me again how you found me and about adopting me. When I grow up can I live in America? (Yes, as long as you have a very nice extended stay suite for your aging and tired parents.)
  
• Phoebe has all of her words jumbled in her head. If you hand her something she says, "welcome" if she wants up or down she says "out" - if she means yes, she says "no" - but no also means no in some cases. Troy is "Mama."
• Noah wants to be brown. He told us this last week. There are so many odd reversals with our kids. Noah loves rice and beans and prefers Haiti. Isaac is kind of luke warm on all things Haiti, and loves America ... has no plan of living his life out in his birth country.
• The photo above is old. But it always makes me laugh. Poor boy - just wants to blend in.
  
• The house we thought we rented. Uh. No. Apparently we did not. TIH. There must be something else out there for us.
  
• The ten-day "business travel" forecast for PAP : 97 to 99 degrees each day, with a "feels like" temp of 104 to 109.
  
• Jeronne is so awesome to have around. She is mellow and helpful and great with the kids. Annie and Lydia both love her. She is the nanny that doubles as a body-guard. (Check out those pipes.)

Two Years of Work Complete

In "Rocks in the Sun" you'll find Troy's best photos from the last two and a half years in Haiti complied in a photo book he has been working on for many months.

The book has over 250 beautiful, colorful photos, along with some of our favorite Haitian Proverbs. We're hopeful that you'll preview it. (You can look at the front cover, the back cover and the first 15 of the 120 page book.) Blurb offers a price break for volume orders.

We've priced it well, hoping you'll consider buying a couple of copies. There are three versions available at different prices. We make approximately $28 per book sold. All proceeds from the book will be used toward our start-up costs as we move into a new phase of ministry.

We appreciate your help getting the word out!

Thanks for checking it out!

with love,
tara & troy & kids

Guest Blogger, Beth McHoul

Today was one of those days when the women's program did its job. It worked. I don't know how the end result will turn out but I saw women surrounding one of their own and coming to her aid with what they have learned. In our program we have two groups. Prenatal; and then Child Development after the baby is born. A young girl Chelor (pronounced She-Love) has been coming on and off since she was pregnant. She lives in a hostile situation where she is clearly not welcome, neither is her baby. Her breast feeding efforts have not been going well and they claim her baby is cursed. She wants to go back to the village because she has no where else to go.Chelor is just a young girl who does not know how to be a mom and does not do well processing the information we give her. Her baby, Love Kendy, has gained little weight since his birth three months ago and he is failing to thrive. Everyone is frustrated. We try encouraging her, showing her how to hold the baby and so on. She is not getting it and he is not getting the milk he needs to thrive.

Today was heartbreaking. She would put him to the breast for just seconds, he would fuss, she would be agitated, he would cry. They just weren't a team - weren't working together for the milk to flow.Several experienced breast feeding moms gathered around Chelor and helped her position the baby. It wasn't working. Another mom took the baby, put him to her breast and fed him. For a long time. It may be the only real meal the child has received. Ever. Wet-nursing mom showed Chelor how effortless and stress free this should be. All moms were giving opinion, encouragement and we gathered around Chelor to pray God's protection around her.

This young girl is steeped in superstition, believes in curses, is too stressed out to feed her baby who is also stressed and pulling away from her. It is a dire situation. I hope and pray we helped her today. I cried because of how bad Chelor's situation is and I also cried because I saw women gather around her and function as a women's group - all helping another hurting woman. That's how this program is supposed to function. Women learn valuable information and life skills and pass it on to other women.

Women in Haiti are often denied basic learning and growing opportunities. They are stuck in superstition and misinformation. Often babies die because a mom is missing basic care-giving skills. We are seeking to change this woman by woman week by week. Pray for Chelor and Love Kendy!

-Beth McHoul

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beth and her husband John have lived and served in Haiti for 20 years. They are currently experiencing huge growth in their Womens program.

Many possible captions ...

Summer 1995 Britt & Paige
Summer 2008 Hope & Phoebe

Caption Options:

a.) Sisters

b.) WHAT???? You saved those dresses for 13 years? (Why yes, I did. Thank-you for noticing.)

c.) You know you're frugal (Dutch) when ...

d.) Girls clothing lasts!

Other ideas?

random pics

We have a winner! (2 actually)

Our quest for Corporate Sponsorship has come to an end. We're contacting VIP's at both companies to discern who can offer us a better package. We'll either be promoting Depends adult diapers -- or MasterCard. Whether that means walking around with our diapers exposed or painting our vehicle with the MC logo - we're game... Just show us the money. ;)

Representing the West Coast, Kristen Howerton and proud to be representing the East coast, Bryan Fox ... They have both won Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory Boyd.
Congratulations!

WINNER ONE- Kristen Howerton
Was inspired by the story about Aaron Ivey's ill-fated walk, as well as her own recent adventure with “Haitian Happiness”.

check out her winning entry at:
http://www.missionsyoucandependon.blogspot.com/

WINNER TWO- Bryan Fox
Was inspired by his first hand experiences in Haiti. His Entry:

• 9 airline tickets to Haiti = US$5,000
• 1 Mitsubishi L200(slightly used) = US$18,000
• 1 Block house with missing doors, windows and plumbing.Occasionally has current = US$300.00/month
• Enough food to feed the Livesays for one year = US$10,000.00
• 52 boxes of tissues for drying tears when you miss friends and family= US$79.00
• Petty cash to pay off out of control motorcycle riders that decide to use your truck bumper as crash pad = US$100.00 (likely to happen multiple times a year)
• Serving God and growing to love the people of Haiti = Priceless

There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's Mastercard.

www. Brokebutblessed . com (proposed web address)

About the winners:
Kristen is the mom of two (soon to be three) beautiful children and lives in California. She and her husband Mark are currently adopting a little boy from Haiti. Kristen is a professional counselor, and obviously, very creative. She also enjoys the Internet more than laundry. We were excited to meet her and get a peek at her cute family when they visited Haiti last month.

Bryan is a busy father and husband. He currently resides in Georgia and is a Missions Pastor at a church outside of Atlanta. He and his wife Kelly are raising four rambunctious little boys. Bryan was the full-time missionary here in LaDigue for two and a half years. We were able to meet his family in September of 2005. He has a deep love for the people of Haiti.

A special thank-you to Marcia Erickson, queen of the hook-up and Greg Boyd, Prince of book writing, for the prize donation.

Our blog attempts to both- keep it real and keep it light - a tough combination at times.

Everybody who blogs knows there are topics you just don't write about. We've tried not to be the person stuck in hardship and complaining about it non-stop. We just don't ever want to be "that guy." We're Minnesotans. We buck up. When the going gets tough. The tough get going. Right?

The last 10 months have been some of the most challenging months of our lives, they have been filled with letting go; and sometimes letting go is really hard. We let go of everything from a kid, to a house, to a job, to personal belongings, to relationships and expectations.

Some of the letting go felt like failure.

We faced harsh personal attack from someone we thought should love us. We hurt, we cried, we felt angry. We grieved over decisions, we felt defeated and at times alone. The stress of it all weighed on us heavily.

About two weeks ago, I had it out with God. I cried until I was unrecognizable to my own children;I cried about everything and anything that I stuffed these past months. I admitted that I was hurt and bitter and angry. I admitted that my expectations (reasonable, or not) had not been met by people or God. I recognized that on some level I had also let others down.

And by just laying it out there, something changed.

It's been a hard year;my disappointment and hurt have been like a ball and chain in my life. I know that through all of this character is being built. The next few months won't be without tears and more healing as we close this chapter of our lives .... but for today; it feels good to be starting the climb out.


boomp3.com

Less Like Scars

by Sara Groves

It's been a hard year • But I'm climbing out of the rubble • These lessons are hard • Healing changes are subtle • But every day it's... • Less like tearing more like building • Less like captive more like willing • Less like breakdown more like surrender • Less like haunting more like remember • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars and more like character • • Less like a prison a prison more like my room • Less like a casket more like a womb • Less like dying more like transcending • Less like fear, less like an ending • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • Just a little while ago • I couldn't feel the power or the hope • I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing • Just a little while back • I was desperate, broken, laid out • Hoping you would come • • And I need you • And I want you here • And I feel you... • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And more like character •

Extreme Mission Trip

A few have written and asked about our new ministry and if we would still be hosting mission teams.

We are still deciding some of that. Heartline also has teams now and again. We won't be able to host teams in the exact way we did here in LaDigue. Right now we're figuring out what might work well.

One thing we would like to do is offer a different type of trip for the adventurous. We're thinking maybe one or two times a year to take a group hiking back in to the mountains - maybe a four night, five day trip with one night in Port added onto each side. Below is a video from a trip Troy did in 2006. If something like this might interest you, let us know. It will be helpful to know if there are people interested.

Kennedy Installment Nine (or close to it)

This Kennedy amuses me greatly. His shirt says kick %$& - he is standing in front of an ass. What could be better!?! This Kennedy comes to us compliments of Nick and Gwenn Mangine - they are Haiti bound in May of '09 - Thanks guys!


Background for new readers:
Back in the 1960’s, President Kennedy sponsored a program that sent machine oil, among other things, to Haiti. The Haitians tried to use the oil for other purposes, such as cooking, and concluded that the gift was of inferior quality. Ever since then, the president’s name has been synonymous here with secondhand and/or shoddy goods.

As you go through the marketplaces you see vendor after vendor selling both used and new clothing. If you buy a used t-shirt, it is usually something that came from the USA, it has been broken in for you. A Kennedy if you will.

A few faves from the past-

Kennedy Installment One
Kennedy Installment Two
Kennedy Installment Four
Kennedy Installment Six

"Skeptical"

• We talked with Tipap and he informed us we need to add "fil fe American"to the house we rented. We thought we were hearing him wrong, but he kept repeating fil fe American – or American iron wire … apparently one type is just fil fe (regular barbed wire) and one is "fil fe American." It is considered American because it is more expensive and used by Americans down here. Are you all using razor wire around your houses now? A product has been named as if you are
  
• Watermelon season is in full swing. We're consuming at a rate of one melon per day - Pastor Rony is our dealer and is doing a great job of assuring that supply meets demand
  
• Yesterday a substitute worker showed up to replace his brother as a intake person in the medical clinic. This is something that happens frequently in this culture, if you cannot work you simply send the replacement of your choice. Try that at your job and let us know how it goes for you. ;) The word came that the replacement worker had informed the head cook (Aline) that he was working until 5pm and would require a meal, but did not like the cornmeal being prepared in the feeding program, therefore she would need to prepare an alternative meal for him. Aline came to Troy for some backing ... replacement employee was set straight in a jiffy
  
• Paige and Asline and Kerline sometimes hang with another girl named Magene. Magene goes to school in Port and lives with family there during much of the year. She has returned for the summer and this fourth person really throws a wrench into the working relationship the three girls have built. Paige said yesterday, "You know the drama is going to start right away and I am just going to stand back and watch and not be involved. It is so easy to see that Magene has been Port-au-Princeized." HA! I thought that was quite a funny statement, I'm uncertain of what it actually means though. Us village-folk remain un-port-au-princeized for now. ;)
  
• Noah woke me up at 1:20 attempting to vomit on my feet. He redirected just in time and spent the night in our room with a tummy ache. For now he remains down for the count and quarantined.
• Last night at supper we learned that Noah wants 8 kids, Isaac wants 6 and Hope wants 5. Isaac has informed us that his children are named already, and his three sons will be called - Moseph, Joseph, Zechias, (a wee little man was he) -- and 3 girls- Melissa, Alissa, and Kayson. And, for the record he will live in either the country of America or the country of Texas - he is still thinking it over for now. Hope only knows that her first daughter will be Sarah because she loves that name. Noah only knows that his wife needs to look like Tess. Isaac has clearly put the most thought into all of this.
• If you live in the Twin Cities area or a reasonable distance from there and you have any need or interest in a 6 piece (Armoire, long Dresser w/mirror, nightstand, headboard/footboard/frame) King size bedroom set, in perfect condition (photo shows similar set - not actual set) - please email us. Proceeds will go toward purchase of fil fe American and numerous other start-up costs.
• We found out that the court papers that were served by the former school director amounted to a silly practice in this culture that says -- even though you have settled your case -- you have six months to decide that you don't like how it settled and go back and re-sue the person you settled with. We're unsure of what it will amount to, probably just another few hundred dollars and some inconvenience. TIH.
• Ten years ago today, Troy and I got legally hitched. Our families were unaware of this, but my friend Lisa (the elderly pregnant one) was our witness, so she knows the story. We had our wedding on the calendar for Nov 14 - we had Uncle Rick lined up to officiate. We had all the traditional wedding plans made.... But we were faced with a little health insurance dilemma and being married would help all four of us get really great health insurance. Without much thought we headed over to the J of the P and asked him to marry us. It was spur of the moment, late in the afternoon. The guy was about 108 years old and not as sharp as he had probably once been. He actually married two people by the names of "Tracey and Tara LivERsay". He never called Troy by the right name - not once. We giggled our way through it -- signed up for our killer-good insurance and pretended that it had not happened - waiting for the real day to come. November is our true anniversary, but today stirs up memories of old retired Judge Swenson ...and his sweet little wife Nella, who served as the second witness. I love you Tracey - Happy fake Anniversary!
  

Round Table Discussion

Topic:
Multi-cultural potty training in the post-modern world:
Finding our role in sustainable training practices,
reducing diaper consumption, and how it relates to the third world economy

In attendance:
Hope, Isaac, Annie, Lydie, Noah

Absent due to conflict in schedule:
Phoebe
(She was attending the forum for the development of teething toddler's rights. )

Paige & Her Friends

Paige somehow managed to blend into the Haitian culture better than any of us ... our Haitian-born children included. We're totally entertained by her and think she defines the "Third Culture Kid" pretty well.

We get a kick out of all of the ways Paige has embraced this culture. The other day she came home from the market and when I asked what she had purchased she said, "I am going to start washing my clothes by hand like the Haitians do - I got some stuff for that."

She actually is gardening with her friends too. They swim in the dam, they dance, they giggle and gossip, they share clothes and shop together ... although, don't be picturing a mall - picture an insane open-air market place, heated up to about 108 degrees with bodies smashed up against each other. Now add in some body-odor, some raw meat and some flies ... She LOVES it.

She will sit and chat at the gate every.single.night. for hours.

In this video she introduces her two best friends, Kerline and Asline .

We found a place to live today! We won't move until late August. We're crazy excited and nervous at the same time -- but mostly excited at the moment. :) More later ... raining hard, going to drop Internet ... also must go break up a fight.
t&t

Contest

This photo has entertained us for a long time.

As we attempt to raise money for our move we're not ashamed to just put it out there ... we can be bought. Corporate Sponsorship - no problem here.

Maybe you're a heavy hitter for an up and coming product line ... maybe you need some advertising. We're here for you. We'll change our names, our blog title, anything that needs to be done ... we could name our ministry just about anything ... Cool Ranch Doritos Livesay Family does not have a great ring to it ... Serving in Haiti for the Lord and Captain Crunch - hmmmm??? Maybe not.

We need your help! ;)

Contest:
Re-name us with a corporate sponsor name. Entries received until midnight Friday, June 27th. Winner will be announced one week from now on Saturday. Two prizes will be awarded. Prizes will go to the most creative, ridiculous, ingenious entries. The independent Accounting firm of Livesay, Livesay, Porter, and Livesay will be choosing the winner. Contest rules below.

PRIZE:
Each of the two winners will receive a SIGNED copy of Letters from a Skeptic, by author Greg Boyd.Prizes will be mailed no later than July 15, 2008.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete the entry form in the comments section of this blog. To be eligible, entries must be completed and received on or by the closing date. Incomplete entries could be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of the Livesay Family. The family is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries. Entries received by telephone, fax, courier or personal delivery will not be accepted.

1. The contest is open to all citizens of all countries, as well as anyone currently without a home country, but a mailing address. Identification must be produced on request. Affiliates of the Livesay Family, its contest prize sponsor, advertising and promotional agencies and their respective affiliates and associates and such employees' immediate family members and persons with whom such employees are domiciled are excluded from this contest. (That is you Britt.)
   
2. The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded.
   
3. Decisions of the contest judges are final - no substitutions will be available.
   
4. By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice/photograph and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the Internet and picture date storage) which the Livesays may deem appropriate.
   
5. One entry per person. One entry per comment form. Must be 14 or older to play.

GOOD LUCK!

Anticipation

In a few minutes I will be driving south 35 miles to pick up my man. Four days is not a long time - but this morning when I woke up, four days felt like an eternity.

I am strongly considering wearing the heels.

Anything could happen. ;)

Sad News

I don't know this family, I only know they serve in Haiti - therefore I feel a connection to them. They could use prayers tonight. They buried their son today. He was three years old.

May they feel loved, cared for and upheld as they grieve this terrible loss.

Shaken

Not that long ago I wrote about the changes Haiti has caused (in us) and how the changes sometimes make us sort of uncomfortable in our own skin.

It is so odd to have thought one thing for your entire life - and then suddenly find yourself thinking about things differently. There are times when we actually say, "What is happening to us?" The changes effect our faith, our politics, the way we relate to people, our entire worldview is being totally harassed and shaken by this place.

We were once as sure of ourselves as the Family Ties character, Alex P. Keaton . What a great character.... that guy was SURE of himself. Now we find ourselves looking closer at multiple topics and questioning some of the things we once held dear. Rather than trying to know everything about everything, we kind of feel like we are in this place of stepping back from knowing so much and just sort of taking time to sort through it and trying to BE. It might sound like apathy, but it is not -- not at all.

We're being convicted that our bonds in Christ actually free us to disagree. (even with ourselves lately) Because, we can agree that His blood was shed for the healing of the world - and the world needs healing.

After that last post a former missionary family wrote to me and said that it would be more weird if we were not changing. They said living as an expatriate anywhere would cause that - but especially living in a culture with poverty and multiple challenges everywhere you turn. They said their faith was rocked because they saw so much devastation and hurt that it was hard to reconcile it with the way they related to and thought about their faith, views, etc.

We just hope that we're able to use these experiences to grow closer to one another and to God. We hope that rather than feeling misunderstood or alone - that we might search for and find a deeper understanding of what it really means to live in (and offer to others) His healing mercy and grace.

~tara

My darling husband dislikes this drawing-out-the-reader blog technique - he is quirky that way... but I am curious so I am ignoring him.
Q. What event in your life made the greatest impact and challenged your worldview?

Worship Music Isaac style

I am making eggs for the kids ... Isaac is singing praise songs ...
he just sang -

"Blessed be the Lord God on my team"

(Blessed be the Lord God Almighty)