Dear Family and Friends,
It's quiet today....too quiet. No horns, no loud buses, no shouts from the village below our house, no magnified church worship drifting up the hill, no hubbub of humanity. It's election day and all private cars have been ordered off the streets. The UN is out in full force to keep the peace; I heard four helicopters yesterday close to Cayes. So far, so good.
My week started with a bang. On Monday morning, bright and early, I headed up to Child Care and happened to be the first one there, not terribly shocking as I still operate on Western time schedule, which involves being on time for work. As usual, I had to unlock the two padlocks and the regular door. The padlocks are protected by metal covers, so I have to reach up into them, find the key hole at the bottom of the padlock, and twist it correctly to open the lock - without being able to see anything. No problem - most of the time. The bottom padlock opened just fine, but I have to shove it up to the top of the metal cover in order for it to unlatch from the door. (Check out the pictures and this will make much more sense.) Monday, that lock would not shove up. So, with great gusto, I smacked it up hard and guess what fell out with my padlock? That's right - a huge tarantula! It's shocking that I didn't get bit. Here I was with my hand up in the metal cover, jabbing at it with the padlock, and squishing it further and further up into the metal cover. It's a wonder it didn't go for me, but maybe it just didn't have enough room to get its fangs to my hand. It was that big. I'll admit it - I shrieked like a little girl when that tarantula fell out (slightly injured) and danced around for a while. Yucko! Like two seconds later, Cresnel (the killer of Bob, Jr. and our yard man) arrived at Child Care and I said, "Touye li, souple! Mesi." Kill it, please. Thank you. Not 20 seconds later, I walked into the office to find a lizard resting comfortably on my printer. I see lizards all day long, and I have never had an issue with them, but seriously! I feel like I'm working in a friggin' zoo.
It's been the week of tarantulas. I opened a drawer in my bedroom a little later in the week, only to find a nice sized one in there. This is a rarity. I've only ever seen one in the house (a little one in a kitchen cupboard), but this was in my bedroom! Alisha came and sprayed it with Baygon, the equivalent of Hot Shot in the States, my old friend for wolf spiders. It was quite the commotion. I watched it shrivel up and felt a great deal of pleasure. I would never kill one outside, but this one was so bold as to infringe upon my only safe spot. It had to die.
Aside from the exceptional number of animal encounters this week, the Pfisters arrived safe and sound in Haiti. They hit the ground running! I've been fortunate to spend some time with them and their children this past week. Katelyn, Will, Seth, Kendra and Silas are sweet kids and very fond of 4-wheeler rides. On Thursday, we jumped on the trampoline, took a ride on the quad, played with Legos, and checked out the construction on their house. It seems like they are adjusting well to Haiti.
Friday marked the end of an era. In a three hour ceremony, Luise Schuerer officially retired from the Cite Lumiere Domestic Center, her life's work and passion. Olga Thissen will be the new administrator. The ceremony was marked with prayers and praises. The ladies of the Domestic Center served everyone a delicious supper complete with Gutwein popcorn. Johannes and Luise will be leaving Haiti in May for seven months, spending time in Germany and traveling and speaking to many of their supporting churches and congregations. They are such a fixture in this small community. We will certainly miss them!
Saturday, the Gutweins graciously let me join them for some beach time. On the way to Rainbow Beach, we stopped at the remains of a French fort. It's amazing to me how the history of Haiti has lain untouched for nearly 300 years. We walked right up the stone stairs of the old fort, touched the abandoned cannons, and wondered at the view the French must have had in defending this outpost near Zanglais. In the States, this kind of history would have been roped off to the public; we would be charged admission and shuttled through a gift shop afterwards. In any case, it was beautiful. The beach was great, as always. We got rained out around three and headed home. I spent a little time with the Gutweins that night, watching them play Rook. You know, each family has their own rules for Rook. The Gutweins don't use the 1's, put counters in the nest, and whoever wins the last trick gets to claim it. Weird. Joan Gutwein, Jan's sister, is here for a few weeks, and it's been great getting to know her face-to-face. She's funny, quick, and absolutely loves her nieces and nephews - and I got some of the Easter candy she brought, so thanks Joan!
Today has been relaxing. I listened to Bluffton services in the morning with Sheila. At lunch, we all gathered at the Gutweins and ate together - the Pfisters, Bob and Ann Meyer, Al and Becky Pfister, Shane Shaw, Bill Rager, the Reinhards, Sheila, and I, and all the Gutweins. I don't have any big plans for tonight, which is nice. I'm working on a baby blanket for Joe and Heidi, need to plant some new starts for my flower pots in the house, and prepare for next week.
Maybe this week will be spider free. One can always hope...
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/April20093?feat=directlink
Much love,
Abby
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Illavach and Easter
Dear Family and Friends,
It's been a very lovely week! Justin Reinhard and Ted Habegger were here until Saturday, and it was great to spend time with them in the evenings. They were installing the Pfister's kitchen and helping Tim and Joan with some closet work. Everything looks amazing!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Sheila, Deb Blunier (visiting for a week), Tess, and Alisha, and I, had a holiday on Illavach, the island of the coast of Cayes. The sun was out, the water was perfectly clear, the food was terrific, and the company couldn't be beat! Check out the pictures because the water there was such an amazing color. In addition, the Abaka Bay resort has 900 American TV channels, air conditioning, lobster, leather couches, the most wonderful beach you've ever seen, and great service. It was truly an island getaway!
Good Friday, I tried to keep the kids entertained during the day, and Sheila and I hosted Justin and Ted for supper. Saturday was a getting-my-life-back-in-order day. Sunday morning, I attended an Easter Sunrise Service at the MEBSH gazebo. It was a beautiful morning and remembering the Resurrection was uplifting. After the service, I went to Renault with the Wrays.
It was a special Sunday at Renault. First, the children were shown a portion of the Jesus film in Creole. I was amazed that when Jesus was baptized in the film, the children cheered and clapped. When he was nailed to the cross, some of them gasped. They were really paying attention. In addition to the film, each child was given a bag of rice to take home. The Wrays kept it very orderly for dealing with 900 children. After Renault, Sheila and I ate Easter lunch with the Reinhards. It was delicious!
April seems to be going really fast because on Tuesday, the Pfisters arrive in Haiti! I'm so excited to see them again. I'll be praying for your safe arrival and adjustments in the first few weeks.
Well, I'm off to collect Easter leftovers from the Gutweins. I'm truly thankful that I live next door to a bunch of excellent cooks. They feed me all the time! Thanks, Gutweins.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/April20092?feat=directlink
Much love,
Abby
It's been a very lovely week! Justin Reinhard and Ted Habegger were here until Saturday, and it was great to spend time with them in the evenings. They were installing the Pfister's kitchen and helping Tim and Joan with some closet work. Everything looks amazing!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Sheila, Deb Blunier (visiting for a week), Tess, and Alisha, and I, had a holiday on Illavach, the island of the coast of Cayes. The sun was out, the water was perfectly clear, the food was terrific, and the company couldn't be beat! Check out the pictures because the water there was such an amazing color. In addition, the Abaka Bay resort has 900 American TV channels, air conditioning, lobster, leather couches, the most wonderful beach you've ever seen, and great service. It was truly an island getaway!
Good Friday, I tried to keep the kids entertained during the day, and Sheila and I hosted Justin and Ted for supper. Saturday was a getting-my-life-back-in-order day. Sunday morning, I attended an Easter Sunrise Service at the MEBSH gazebo. It was a beautiful morning and remembering the Resurrection was uplifting. After the service, I went to Renault with the Wrays.
It was a special Sunday at Renault. First, the children were shown a portion of the Jesus film in Creole. I was amazed that when Jesus was baptized in the film, the children cheered and clapped. When he was nailed to the cross, some of them gasped. They were really paying attention. In addition to the film, each child was given a bag of rice to take home. The Wrays kept it very orderly for dealing with 900 children. After Renault, Sheila and I ate Easter lunch with the Reinhards. It was delicious!
April seems to be going really fast because on Tuesday, the Pfisters arrive in Haiti! I'm so excited to see them again. I'll be praying for your safe arrival and adjustments in the first few weeks.
Well, I'm off to collect Easter leftovers from the Gutweins. I'm truly thankful that I live next door to a bunch of excellent cooks. They feed me all the time! Thanks, Gutweins.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/April20092?feat=directlink
Much love,
Abby
Monday, April 6, 2009
Bob, Jr.
Dear Friends and Family,
I think I've mentioned Bob, the resident tarantula of Child Care. Well, today I met his son, Bob, Jr. Unfortunately, Bob, Jr. didn't make it through the day. Cresnel, our yard man, took a size 10 boot to him. Bye-bye, Bob, Jr.
I'm a little late this week. Those Haitian time schedules (or lack thereof) must be rubbing off on me. In any case, it's been a good week, and I'm looking forward to another good one. It's considered a holy week here. We only work a half day on Thursday and we're off for Good Friday. The Martins are planning a sunrise service on Easter Sunday, I'm going on an excursion for two days, and Uncle Ted and Justin Reinhard are here for the week. It should be fun!
Enjoy the photos. There are a couple graphic ones for those who have weaker stomachs - an infected eye and a cleft lip and palate.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/April20091?feat=directlink
I think I've mentioned Bob, the resident tarantula of Child Care. Well, today I met his son, Bob, Jr. Unfortunately, Bob, Jr. didn't make it through the day. Cresnel, our yard man, took a size 10 boot to him. Bye-bye, Bob, Jr.
I'm a little late this week. Those Haitian time schedules (or lack thereof) must be rubbing off on me. In any case, it's been a good week, and I'm looking forward to another good one. It's considered a holy week here. We only work a half day on Thursday and we're off for Good Friday. The Martins are planning a sunrise service on Easter Sunday, I'm going on an excursion for two days, and Uncle Ted and Justin Reinhard are here for the week. It should be fun!
Enjoy the photos. There are a couple graphic ones for those who have weaker stomachs - an infected eye and a cleft lip and palate.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/April20091?feat=directlink
Happy Birthday, Molly!!!
Much love,
Abby
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A Little Place Called Denial
Dear Family and Friends,
I think it’s a sign. I saw this straw container today at the same instant that I heard her exact cell phone ring tone in the Nami. I had barely finished saying, “Awww...that’s my sister’s cell phone ring. That makes me so sad,” when I saw her name in blue and white right in front of my eyes. So, here’s a virtual shout out to my sister, Molly. Molly and Anthony very graciously allowed me stay in their home while I was back in the States. She let me drive her car, go to all the places I wanted to eat, and keep her daughter out of school periodically. Molly has always been a fantastic hostess! It’s one of her many and varied gifts. This just reminded me how much I love and miss her and all my family. I'm going to take this as a sign that I'm supposed to visit her again shortly, like July :) As is turns out, that's exactly what I'm doing anyway. Nicely played, Fate. Nicely played.
It hasn’t been a bad transition. The only time I really lost it is when my plane touched down in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday morning. I was sitting pretty comfortably in this little place called Denial. (It’s one of my favorite destination vacations. I often visit there and stay until a Reality plane comes and flies me out.) In any case, my travels went well. I flew to Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday evening and “slept” in the airport. It didn’t take long for the automated update lady to drive me nuts. “The TSA warning code is orange. Please blah, blah, blah.” She must be the annoying cousin of Julie, the automated Amtrak lady. Anyway, the flights were fine, and thankfully, I was able to board the noon Tortug’ flight to Les Cayes. I went to church on Wednesday night and spent a little time with the Roanoke team. Thursday, I jumped right back into work. I have a little catching up to do but not so much that I feel overwhelmed.
Saturday, Sheila hosted a group of women that were here assisting the Domestic Center. She made a truly terrific broccoli and beef stir-fry with rice. She had mango, abricot, and pineapple for dessert. Ed and Jeni Schwartz are here for the week, and I took Jeni into town earlier (on my 4-wheeler!) to get a few items for different households. We bought the aforementioned pineapple together outside the market.
It’s been such a nice day today! I tagged along with Jon Zeller’s second work team to Torbeck church. We visited the LSM group home, ate at the Nami, made our way to Welch were LSM is assisting a group home for HIV positive children, and toured the beachfront there. Then, it was back to the Torbeck home for pictures and Frisbee and a quick trip home. I decided to stay home and get organized, but the rest of the team headed out to visit some old French plantation ruins.
I want to send out a sincere thank you to all of you praying saints that lift up missionaries around the globe. A quick story: Wednesday evening, Jan Gutwein was driving into his front yard to load up some materials in his truck. He noticed Joel, his almost two-year-old son playing in the front yard with a piece of hose. He didn’t think much of it and went inside to grab a set of keys from the house. He loaded his supplies in the truck, started the engine, and had just began to inch forward when he noticed a little piece of hose bobbing directly in front of his truck’s bumper as little Joel scrambled to get out of his way. Brothers and sisters, keep praying. But for the grace of God and the prayers of the saints, Jan would have run over his son. You are bridging the gap, calling down miracles and guardian angels, warring against the darkness, glorifying Jesus, and keeping us safe here in Haiti, even if by just a little piece of hose.
Thank you.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/March20092?feat=directlink
Abby
I think it’s a sign. I saw this straw container today at the same instant that I heard her exact cell phone ring tone in the Nami. I had barely finished saying, “Awww...that’s my sister’s cell phone ring. That makes me so sad,” when I saw her name in blue and white right in front of my eyes. So, here’s a virtual shout out to my sister, Molly. Molly and Anthony very graciously allowed me stay in their home while I was back in the States. She let me drive her car, go to all the places I wanted to eat, and keep her daughter out of school periodically. Molly has always been a fantastic hostess! It’s one of her many and varied gifts. This just reminded me how much I love and miss her and all my family. I'm going to take this as a sign that I'm supposed to visit her again shortly, like July :) As is turns out, that's exactly what I'm doing anyway. Nicely played, Fate. Nicely played.
It hasn’t been a bad transition. The only time I really lost it is when my plane touched down in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday morning. I was sitting pretty comfortably in this little place called Denial. (It’s one of my favorite destination vacations. I often visit there and stay until a Reality plane comes and flies me out.) In any case, my travels went well. I flew to Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday evening and “slept” in the airport. It didn’t take long for the automated update lady to drive me nuts. “The TSA warning code is orange. Please blah, blah, blah.” She must be the annoying cousin of Julie, the automated Amtrak lady. Anyway, the flights were fine, and thankfully, I was able to board the noon Tortug’ flight to Les Cayes. I went to church on Wednesday night and spent a little time with the Roanoke team. Thursday, I jumped right back into work. I have a little catching up to do but not so much that I feel overwhelmed.
Saturday, Sheila hosted a group of women that were here assisting the Domestic Center. She made a truly terrific broccoli and beef stir-fry with rice. She had mango, abricot, and pineapple for dessert. Ed and Jeni Schwartz are here for the week, and I took Jeni into town earlier (on my 4-wheeler!) to get a few items for different households. We bought the aforementioned pineapple together outside the market.
It’s been such a nice day today! I tagged along with Jon Zeller’s second work team to Torbeck church. We visited the LSM group home, ate at the Nami, made our way to Welch were LSM is assisting a group home for HIV positive children, and toured the beachfront there. Then, it was back to the Torbeck home for pictures and Frisbee and a quick trip home. I decided to stay home and get organized, but the rest of the team headed out to visit some old French plantation ruins.
I want to send out a sincere thank you to all of you praying saints that lift up missionaries around the globe. A quick story: Wednesday evening, Jan Gutwein was driving into his front yard to load up some materials in his truck. He noticed Joel, his almost two-year-old son playing in the front yard with a piece of hose. He didn’t think much of it and went inside to grab a set of keys from the house. He loaded his supplies in the truck, started the engine, and had just began to inch forward when he noticed a little piece of hose bobbing directly in front of his truck’s bumper as little Joel scrambled to get out of his way. Brothers and sisters, keep praying. But for the grace of God and the prayers of the saints, Jan would have run over his son. You are bridging the gap, calling down miracles and guardian angels, warring against the darkness, glorifying Jesus, and keeping us safe here in Haiti, even if by just a little piece of hose.
Thank you.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/March20092?feat=directlink
Abby
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Hello...Goodbye.
Well, I’m officially a bad blogger. I leave for Haiti tomorrow and this is my first and only update from the States. It’s hard to blog when you’re busy living.
I’ll let my pictures tell the tales of the past four weeks. Here is a general event guideline:
Home on Feb. 18, off to Champaign to serve lunch with Joe and Heidi and check out the growing bump, Pokagon for three days (swimming, snacking, and games), Sophie turns 3 with a big party, presents, cakes, and family, play date with Habegger cousins, food packing for tornado victims at the BDC, day sewing with Grandma Gerber, chatting with friends at the Stoller’s house, family supper and picture, an evening with Grandma and Grandpa Habegger, Grace’s play at Kingdom Academy, watching Joe’s presentation on prayer at St. Luke’s, breakfast at the Snug, reunion with the cousins at Bekah’s house, St. Patty’s Day at J.K. O’Donnell’s, supper with the Pfisters, reminiscing with the Bluffton 2008 December work team, croquet at Grandma Gerber’s, buying tuna, quart sized bags, and canned cherries, packing and flying out March 24.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/March2009Home?feat=directlink
Whew!
Thanks for the great time, everyone. I’ll see you all again in July. Now, off to pack.
Much love,
Abby
I’ll let my pictures tell the tales of the past four weeks. Here is a general event guideline:
Home on Feb. 18, off to Champaign to serve lunch with Joe and Heidi and check out the growing bump, Pokagon for three days (swimming, snacking, and games), Sophie turns 3 with a big party, presents, cakes, and family, play date with Habegger cousins, food packing for tornado victims at the BDC, day sewing with Grandma Gerber, chatting with friends at the Stoller’s house, family supper and picture, an evening with Grandma and Grandpa Habegger, Grace’s play at Kingdom Academy, watching Joe’s presentation on prayer at St. Luke’s, breakfast at the Snug, reunion with the cousins at Bekah’s house, St. Patty’s Day at J.K. O’Donnell’s, supper with the Pfisters, reminiscing with the Bluffton 2008 December work team, croquet at Grandma Gerber’s, buying tuna, quart sized bags, and canned cherries, packing and flying out March 24.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/March2009Home?feat=directlink
Whew!
Thanks for the great time, everyone. I’ll see you all again in July. Now, off to pack.
Much love,
Abby
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Homeward Bound in 3 Days
That’s right – 3 more days and I’ll be home! I hate to say it, but I’m betting I’ll be totally worthless at the Child Care office Monday and Tuesday. I’m mentally making lists, packing, cleaning, watering, and planning. My head is so full of home that I’m fairly sure it won’t be willing to reconcile or correspond to anything. We’ll see...
Monday morning, I went into the office early and put the finishing touches on the storage room. I wanted it to look fresh and clean for Marie Lucie and the pastors. I think it was a big success. When I get back, I’ll be tackling the old filing cabinets, outdated forms and procedures, and supply room where Pastor Joe used to work. In any case, it was nice to have this project finished! I can’t remember what I did on Monday night...I really can’t. It’s blank. Too much has already happened since then. Very often, I can’t remember what I’m wearing if I can’t see it. Whenever I would wear my winter coat in Indiana, I couldn’t recall what I had on underneath it unless I physically unzipped my coat and looked. So, it’s no big shocker that I have trouble recollecting my Monday when it’s Sunday.
Tuesday is blank, too. Sorry. Oh, wait. I remember now. Tuesday was tea at the Moses’ house and some of the S.E.E.D team came and joined us. Mary Honegger and I chatted about sea containers. It’s all coming back to me now. Bob and Mary were having supper that night at Johannes and Lusie’s house, so Doris invited Sheila and I to join them at the Nami for supper. It was a lovely night. I got to talk with Ricot, Mandy, and Micha, which was a lot of fun, and meet some more of the team. It was such a nice treat! On the way home, it started to rain and I noticed that someone left a light on a Child Care. I got plenty wet getting to the door. Then, since I was wet anyway, I decided to play in the rain. As it turns out, I have a kindred spirit in Sarah Reinhard. I met her at the swings in the pouring rain. After a charming, soaking bout of swinging, we decided to play chess at my place. Sarah and Bethany brought Dominos and taught me how to play while we drank cappuccino. It was a great way to spend a rainy night.
Wednesday, Bible study was packed! I’ve never seen it that full. Val and I ended up sitting in the very back of the classroom on top of a desk. Art Mueller gave us a history lesson about missions and the need for senders and goers. I spent a good hour after the service with Larry Kaufmann discussing Child Care, Haiti, and missions in general. Thursday, Bob and Mary came to Child Care to say hello and Regan met her little boy, as well. Thursday afternoon, I tagged along with Regan, Alisha, and Tess to the LSM home in Fond Frede. It was super fun watching the little girls color pictures. I traced their hands on their papers and they decorated them beautifully! We went into town after that and bought snacks and supplies for the weekend. That night, the girls came over for movies and popcorn.
Friday after work, I cleaned out my closet and made lists for the supplies I need to stock up on when I get home. I said goodbye to Mme. Marie and Mme. Emilio. I won’t be seeing them again for a month. I spend some quality time with Regan on Friday night. It’s been so nice to have her here this week!
Saturday was a beach day! Sun, lobster, surf, books, sleep, snacks. Yes.
Sunday, Regan and I went to Renault. The new permanent building is beautiful! They just put the roof on this week. The team was super fun! We had the most peaceful exit I’ve ever seen. Dwayne, from the Wray’s team, did an amazing job working the gate with me. He’s big, intimidating, and quick – a perfect combination for a Renault gate worker. In any case, I think Regan had a good experience and I loved being there for my last Sunday in Haiti for a while. After Renault, we went directly to the LSM home at Torbeck to take pictures of the girls in their Sunday best. After many hugs from the girls, I took Regan to Tet Simon. We soaked our feet in the spring and just relaxed for a few minutes. After working through Renault, being smothered in little girls and covered in road dust, it felt amazing to take a shower this afternoon and sit for a while. The girls are coming over in a minute to watch a movie, and then I’m going to call it a night. I have a couple of busy days planned for next week!
I’m going to keep blogging this next month. I think it’s good to record my thoughts and activities before all the days go totally blank....were was I? Oh, yeah – blogging. Maybe some of you readers will show up in my pictures these next four weeks!
Please pray for traveling mercies on Wednesday. I have some tight connections. Thanks! Homeward bound...
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/Feb20093?feat=directlink
Abby
Monday morning, I went into the office early and put the finishing touches on the storage room. I wanted it to look fresh and clean for Marie Lucie and the pastors. I think it was a big success. When I get back, I’ll be tackling the old filing cabinets, outdated forms and procedures, and supply room where Pastor Joe used to work. In any case, it was nice to have this project finished! I can’t remember what I did on Monday night...I really can’t. It’s blank. Too much has already happened since then. Very often, I can’t remember what I’m wearing if I can’t see it. Whenever I would wear my winter coat in Indiana, I couldn’t recall what I had on underneath it unless I physically unzipped my coat and looked. So, it’s no big shocker that I have trouble recollecting my Monday when it’s Sunday.
Tuesday is blank, too. Sorry. Oh, wait. I remember now. Tuesday was tea at the Moses’ house and some of the S.E.E.D team came and joined us. Mary Honegger and I chatted about sea containers. It’s all coming back to me now. Bob and Mary were having supper that night at Johannes and Lusie’s house, so Doris invited Sheila and I to join them at the Nami for supper. It was a lovely night. I got to talk with Ricot, Mandy, and Micha, which was a lot of fun, and meet some more of the team. It was such a nice treat! On the way home, it started to rain and I noticed that someone left a light on a Child Care. I got plenty wet getting to the door. Then, since I was wet anyway, I decided to play in the rain. As it turns out, I have a kindred spirit in Sarah Reinhard. I met her at the swings in the pouring rain. After a charming, soaking bout of swinging, we decided to play chess at my place. Sarah and Bethany brought Dominos and taught me how to play while we drank cappuccino. It was a great way to spend a rainy night.
Wednesday, Bible study was packed! I’ve never seen it that full. Val and I ended up sitting in the very back of the classroom on top of a desk. Art Mueller gave us a history lesson about missions and the need for senders and goers. I spent a good hour after the service with Larry Kaufmann discussing Child Care, Haiti, and missions in general. Thursday, Bob and Mary came to Child Care to say hello and Regan met her little boy, as well. Thursday afternoon, I tagged along with Regan, Alisha, and Tess to the LSM home in Fond Frede. It was super fun watching the little girls color pictures. I traced their hands on their papers and they decorated them beautifully! We went into town after that and bought snacks and supplies for the weekend. That night, the girls came over for movies and popcorn.
Friday after work, I cleaned out my closet and made lists for the supplies I need to stock up on when I get home. I said goodbye to Mme. Marie and Mme. Emilio. I won’t be seeing them again for a month. I spend some quality time with Regan on Friday night. It’s been so nice to have her here this week!
Saturday was a beach day! Sun, lobster, surf, books, sleep, snacks. Yes.
Sunday, Regan and I went to Renault. The new permanent building is beautiful! They just put the roof on this week. The team was super fun! We had the most peaceful exit I’ve ever seen. Dwayne, from the Wray’s team, did an amazing job working the gate with me. He’s big, intimidating, and quick – a perfect combination for a Renault gate worker. In any case, I think Regan had a good experience and I loved being there for my last Sunday in Haiti for a while. After Renault, we went directly to the LSM home at Torbeck to take pictures of the girls in their Sunday best. After many hugs from the girls, I took Regan to Tet Simon. We soaked our feet in the spring and just relaxed for a few minutes. After working through Renault, being smothered in little girls and covered in road dust, it felt amazing to take a shower this afternoon and sit for a while. The girls are coming over in a minute to watch a movie, and then I’m going to call it a night. I have a couple of busy days planned for next week!
I’m going to keep blogging this next month. I think it’s good to record my thoughts and activities before all the days go totally blank....were was I? Oh, yeah – blogging. Maybe some of you readers will show up in my pictures these next four weeks!
Please pray for traveling mercies on Wednesday. I have some tight connections. Thanks! Homeward bound...
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/Feb20093?feat=directlink
Abby
Sunday, February 8, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
Dear Friends and Family,
Well, I thought I would be in an organizing frenzy this week like a piranha on a goat carcass, but life has a way of removing your desire to feed. Monday and Tuesday were just normal days of writing letters and data entry. Wednesday, I went to the beach with the Waibel team. The Waibel team consisted of Matt and Lisa Waibel and six of their children! We had a great time and made it back for Bible study that night. Thursday, I left work early, and Tess cut my hair. She really is a very talented girl. Then, we all went to supper at the Nami. All of a sudden, I realized that it was Friday, and I had yet to start my major revamp of the storage area. So, I stayed a little later that night and got the heavy stuff moved out. My plan was to plunge into my project early on Saturday morning, but Regan from LSM dropped by to say hello, and we ended up chatting all morning.
Thankfully, after lunch at the Gutwein’s house, Regan and Tess offered to help me deal with the mess I had made on Friday. I was so thankful! In a couple of hours, we had that place lookin’ good! Tonight, I’m going to head up there for a final cleaning. I want it to look fresh for Monday morning. Today, Regan, Sarah, Beth, and I went to Torbeck for Sunday School. Then, we listened to the Bluffton services and enjoyed cheesy mac and chicken for lunch. I spent the afternoon working on my update, playing chess with Sarah, and cleaning at Child Care. I'm heading back up there in a bit - I lost power and there are no lights attached to the batteries. I don't mind meeting Bob, the resident Child Care tarantula, when the lights are on, but in the dark...well, I decided to wait until we had power again before I continued.
I like to keep track of my friends using Facebook, and there has been an interesting application going around for a few weeks – 25 Random Things About Me. I enjoyed reading the lists from everyone else, and because I am certainly prone to peer pressure, I did one myself. I decided to share them with you – maybe you’ll learn something about me you wish you hadn’t, but I hope you enjoy the glimpse into my mind (and don’t come out too twisted).
25 Random Things About Me
1. I hoard books. I literally can’t stand to give/discard/lose a single one, even if I thought it was poorly written, cheesy, and/or twisted.
2. I wish I were naturally musical. I would love to play the violin and make people weep, but I’m too lazy to actually put the effort into practicing.
3. I sometimes dream about living on a little farm by myself. I would raise goats and chickens and knit by the fire while listening to old reruns of Paul Harvey and A Prairie Home Companion.
4. My iPod is filled with a very eclectic mix of music, everything from Dean Martin to Guns N’ Roses, Tupac to Elvis, ABBA to Amy Winehouse with a little R.E.M and New Bethel. Lots of variety.
5. I think the space program is a huge waste of money. Who cares if there is water on Mars? But, I love to look at pictures from the Hubble telescope. It gives me perspective.
6. Sometimes, I waste a lot of mental energy thinking about imaginary numbers. We have an infinity of real numbers. Why do we need imaginary ones?
7. In the third grade, I totally made up a book and turned in a fake book report on it. It had something to do with worms bouncing on a trampoline. I did not get caught nor have I confessed.
8. My dad loves his job. He says things like, “Thursday is my day off. They won’t let me work," and looks genuinely sad. I want that.
9. I’m always unsure how to answer the question, “How do you like Haiti?” The question, and the many possible answers, keep me up at night.
10. I hate feeling incompetent or unprepared. God has trapped me in my worst fears like Jonah in the belly of the whale. I’m looking forward to being vomited.
11. Children that I used to baby-sit are now married and having children of their own. That makes me feel old and a little sad.
12. I like to think I’m immune to peer pressure, but I recently jumped off a waterfall simply because I was taunted.
13. I would let my sisters pick out my husband and marry him sight unseen. That’s how well they know me and how much I trust them.
14. On that note, I miss my family dreadfully. I was blessed with an amazing family, all of whom I would choose for friends. Molly is my best friend (dearest seester), Joe is one of the wisest men I know, Will is wonderfully eccentric and hilarious, Carson is a musical vagabond, and Grace is incredibly smart and gorgeous, the whole package.
15. I want my future home to replicate the feeling of Grandma Gerber’s house. She always made you feel welcome and wanted. We played with her marble roller and toasted Shrinky Dinks in her little oven. I love playing Christmas BINGO and going there the first night of Street Fair for chili and potato soup.
16. I color pictures as therapy. I love the idea of using all the crayons in the box on a single picture or doing the whole page in shades of green.
17. I do not believe in soul mates.
18. If something takes me longer to cook than it does to consume, I consider it a waste of my time. But, I am secretly jealous of those people who truly enjoy cooking and do it well.
19. I handle Haitian tarantulas better than I handle Indiana wolf spiders. Figure that one out.
20. I’ve worked as a massage therapist, a secretary for a pulmonlogist and ENT doctor, a florist, an EKG/ECHO tech, a telecommunications operator, a health food store clerk, and a nanny. Now, I’m in a missionary field office working on accounting and correspondence, and I’ve never balanced my own checkbook.
21. I am constantly amazed at God’s sense of humor.
22. I love to dance. I’m no good and everything jiggles that isn’t supposed to, but I dance anyway.
23. Whenever I go to the dentist and get a healthy dose of nitrous oxide, I lay very still and soon it feels like my arms are twisting behind me and rotating at the shoulder. I love that feeling.
24. My financial goal in life is to never have to fill out anything more complicated than a 1040EZ form for my taxes.
25. I eat some form of peanut butter everyday. See #18.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/Feb20092?feat=directlink
These are some catch-up pictures and a few from this week. Sarah was kind enough to give me copies of my waterfall jump and some from past events - New Year's Eve and our island adventure. Enjoy!
Much love,
Abby
Well, I thought I would be in an organizing frenzy this week like a piranha on a goat carcass, but life has a way of removing your desire to feed. Monday and Tuesday were just normal days of writing letters and data entry. Wednesday, I went to the beach with the Waibel team. The Waibel team consisted of Matt and Lisa Waibel and six of their children! We had a great time and made it back for Bible study that night. Thursday, I left work early, and Tess cut my hair. She really is a very talented girl. Then, we all went to supper at the Nami. All of a sudden, I realized that it was Friday, and I had yet to start my major revamp of the storage area. So, I stayed a little later that night and got the heavy stuff moved out. My plan was to plunge into my project early on Saturday morning, but Regan from LSM dropped by to say hello, and we ended up chatting all morning.
Thankfully, after lunch at the Gutwein’s house, Regan and Tess offered to help me deal with the mess I had made on Friday. I was so thankful! In a couple of hours, we had that place lookin’ good! Tonight, I’m going to head up there for a final cleaning. I want it to look fresh for Monday morning. Today, Regan, Sarah, Beth, and I went to Torbeck for Sunday School. Then, we listened to the Bluffton services and enjoyed cheesy mac and chicken for lunch. I spent the afternoon working on my update, playing chess with Sarah, and cleaning at Child Care. I'm heading back up there in a bit - I lost power and there are no lights attached to the batteries. I don't mind meeting Bob, the resident Child Care tarantula, when the lights are on, but in the dark...well, I decided to wait until we had power again before I continued.
I like to keep track of my friends using Facebook, and there has been an interesting application going around for a few weeks – 25 Random Things About Me. I enjoyed reading the lists from everyone else, and because I am certainly prone to peer pressure, I did one myself. I decided to share them with you – maybe you’ll learn something about me you wish you hadn’t, but I hope you enjoy the glimpse into my mind (and don’t come out too twisted).
25 Random Things About Me
1. I hoard books. I literally can’t stand to give/discard/lose a single one, even if I thought it was poorly written, cheesy, and/or twisted.
2. I wish I were naturally musical. I would love to play the violin and make people weep, but I’m too lazy to actually put the effort into practicing.
3. I sometimes dream about living on a little farm by myself. I would raise goats and chickens and knit by the fire while listening to old reruns of Paul Harvey and A Prairie Home Companion.
4. My iPod is filled with a very eclectic mix of music, everything from Dean Martin to Guns N’ Roses, Tupac to Elvis, ABBA to Amy Winehouse with a little R.E.M and New Bethel. Lots of variety.
5. I think the space program is a huge waste of money. Who cares if there is water on Mars? But, I love to look at pictures from the Hubble telescope. It gives me perspective.
6. Sometimes, I waste a lot of mental energy thinking about imaginary numbers. We have an infinity of real numbers. Why do we need imaginary ones?
7. In the third grade, I totally made up a book and turned in a fake book report on it. It had something to do with worms bouncing on a trampoline. I did not get caught nor have I confessed.
8. My dad loves his job. He says things like, “Thursday is my day off. They won’t let me work," and looks genuinely sad. I want that.
9. I’m always unsure how to answer the question, “How do you like Haiti?” The question, and the many possible answers, keep me up at night.
10. I hate feeling incompetent or unprepared. God has trapped me in my worst fears like Jonah in the belly of the whale. I’m looking forward to being vomited.
11. Children that I used to baby-sit are now married and having children of their own. That makes me feel old and a little sad.
12. I like to think I’m immune to peer pressure, but I recently jumped off a waterfall simply because I was taunted.
13. I would let my sisters pick out my husband and marry him sight unseen. That’s how well they know me and how much I trust them.
14. On that note, I miss my family dreadfully. I was blessed with an amazing family, all of whom I would choose for friends. Molly is my best friend (dearest seester), Joe is one of the wisest men I know, Will is wonderfully eccentric and hilarious, Carson is a musical vagabond, and Grace is incredibly smart and gorgeous, the whole package.
15. I want my future home to replicate the feeling of Grandma Gerber’s house. She always made you feel welcome and wanted. We played with her marble roller and toasted Shrinky Dinks in her little oven. I love playing Christmas BINGO and going there the first night of Street Fair for chili and potato soup.
16. I color pictures as therapy. I love the idea of using all the crayons in the box on a single picture or doing the whole page in shades of green.
17. I do not believe in soul mates.
18. If something takes me longer to cook than it does to consume, I consider it a waste of my time. But, I am secretly jealous of those people who truly enjoy cooking and do it well.
19. I handle Haitian tarantulas better than I handle Indiana wolf spiders. Figure that one out.
20. I’ve worked as a massage therapist, a secretary for a pulmonlogist and ENT doctor, a florist, an EKG/ECHO tech, a telecommunications operator, a health food store clerk, and a nanny. Now, I’m in a missionary field office working on accounting and correspondence, and I’ve never balanced my own checkbook.
21. I am constantly amazed at God’s sense of humor.
22. I love to dance. I’m no good and everything jiggles that isn’t supposed to, but I dance anyway.
23. Whenever I go to the dentist and get a healthy dose of nitrous oxide, I lay very still and soon it feels like my arms are twisting behind me and rotating at the shoulder. I love that feeling.
24. My financial goal in life is to never have to fill out anything more complicated than a 1040EZ form for my taxes.
25. I eat some form of peanut butter everyday. See #18.
http://picasaweb.google.com/aheartforhaiti/Feb20092?feat=directlink
These are some catch-up pictures and a few from this week. Sarah was kind enough to give me copies of my waterfall jump and some from past events - New Year's Eve and our island adventure. Enjoy!
Much love,
Abby
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