"Do you know how your babies are doing?"

When I got this text message from my beloved cousin today, I started to laugh...was she trying to tell me I'm expecting twins??? I started to reply asking her this very question, when it hit me what she was really asking...

She was asking if I knew how my HAITIAN babies are...remember them, Ti Pot and Jinette? I immediately dropped to my knees, giving thanks to the Lord!

While I have been crying over the devastation in Haiti for the last two days, grateful to hear that there were no lives lost at the orphanage I visited 2-1/2 years ago, I had not stopped to rejoice that "my babies" aren't even in Haiti!

Back in October...October 12th to be specific...I was getting ready to head to bed when I thought "Maybe I'll just check email one more time..." and as clear as I've ever heard the Lord I heard Him say "Not tonight". And, off to bed I went.

The next morning I had a positive home pregnancy test...followed by a trip to David's office to share the news...followed by a trip to the doctor's office to have a blood test, which confirmed that I was (and still am) pregnant. Great rejoicing!

It wasn't until I got back home after lunch that I looked at my email...and lo and behold, the night before, I had received an email from my friend, Marlaine, who runs the orphanage in Haiti telling me that Ti Pot and Jinette had been adopted that day (10/12) and were leaving Haiti in the morning (10/13).

What amazing kindness the Lord showed me! If I had read that email the night before, I would have cried the night away...BUT, in His perfect timing I didn't read it until after I found out that I'm having a baby of my own. I had total peace that Ti Pot and Jinette were where they need to be (wherever that is, I don't know) and that I am now having the baby He has designed for me.

Isn't He SO good?

Today as I realized what my cousin's text meant, I was again floored by God's kindness and mercy...wherever my Haitian babies are, they are not in Haiti. They are safe. They may be crying over the news of Haiti...but they have a mom and a dad to comfort them and hold them and to teach them that God SURELY has a plan for their lives...He rescued them from that disaster before it ever happened. Oh how I wish I could watch their lives unfold! But, I guess I'll just have to wait until eternity to hear the whole story!

And, while we're talking about Haiti...please do pray for those who are still there. While I was most attached to Ti Pot and Jinette, there are MANY Haitian babies that I carry in my heart, and hope to see again on this earth. They are scared to pieces right now...may God comfort them through this time of trial.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOZAFFA!

Today is Jozaffa's 6th birthday...that's right, he was born on the infamous 9/11 of 2001. I am so in awe of God's greatness when I think about the fact that while death and destruction was going on in one part of the world that this gorgeous, smart, amazing child was being born in another.

In God's kindness He allowed me to send Jozaffa a couple of little birthday presents. It turned out Pastor Daniel and his wife, Marlaine, were both flying to Haiti this week, and they said they would be happy to take the gifts along. Of course I also sent Jinette her belated birthday gifts too. I made them each a little photo album of pictures from our trip there in June, and then sent them each a bag of smarties, some matchbox cars and a bag of balloons for Jozaffa, a My Little Pony and some hair clips for Jinette, along with as much love as I could stuff in the package.

Last night on the way to ship the package Brianna was praying for the kids. (She is so precious!) What a heart she has for these children that she has never met. She was pleading with God to let both she and I go see them, and to "get them" soon. What an excited big sister she would be if God's plan is really for us to adopt them.

I continue to learn about God through the Haitians. Brianna and I were discussing the prospect of sending presents to J & J, and how the rest of the children would feel that they did not get anything. I asked about this when I was in Haiti. I was told the children rejoice with those who are rejoicing. They do not get jealous or begrudge each other, they understand that God gives as He pleases. Wow. What an amazing living example of Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Brianna and I were both challenged by this example, and by God's Word. How selfish we are to grumble and complain at what we do not have as if God owes us anything! Lord, thank You for Your kindness to use the Haitians to convict us of our sins. Father, please continue to show us our sin that we may continue to kill it and become more like Christ.

If you're reading this today, please take a moment to pray for the birthday boy. I am praying that he will know God's love for him, as well as God's pleasure in creating him, and that he will know Jesus as his Lord and Savior from this day on.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

It has been over 2 months since I went to Haiti. My week in Jacmel was one I can't imagine ever forgetting.

Thank you to all of you who supported me on this trip, practically, prayerfully and financially. Your investment in the Gospel is very real!

I am still asked (regularly) "How was Haiti?" And each time I hear that question I am overcome with the realization that God's faithfulness was constant. He didn't just get me there, but He sustained me there. He didn't just let me go there, He used me there for His purposes. He didn't just let me survive Haiti, He let me flourish there.

Oh, how amazing my God is!

There is so much I want to capture about the trip, and what God has done through it and since it. Here is a picture that evidences one of my favorite parts...This is Jinette. We were sitting in the midst of a painting crew, watching the construction crew go back and forth past us, with kids running and playing all around. Somehow Jinette fell asleep in my lap in the midst of it all.

One of the funniest things is that her brother, Jozaffa, had done the very same thing that morning. (I'm still trying to track down the picture with him sleeping in my lap.)

One of the most serious things is that I fell in love with these two children, and would love to adopt them.

But, I get ahead of myself. =D

Prior to going to Haiti I envisioned myself going to love on the kids of the orphanage we would be serving. As the time drew closer to actually go I was given information that our team had been making plans to go into the community and reach out to the locals.

I had a real heart struggle at that point. I didn't want to leave the orphanage, I just wanted to hug and kiss and tickle the orphans. BUT, I reeled myself back in and committed to do WHATEVER God had for me to do there. I would haul rocks, take vital signs, and YES, even go out into the community.

God really blessed my decision to do HIS will above my own. Most of what He had me to do in Haiti was to hug and kiss and tickle the orphans. Isn't He so good to me?

He gave me the desire of my heart! Completely. He placed the desire there, and then He fulfilled it as only He can! HE IS SO FAITHFUL!!!!

I'm going to take time over the coming weeks to document the trip, this is just the beginning. =D

Thank you for the part you play in God's will for my life!