Passover

Last night was passover. I joined some friends for a passover meal. One of the 4 cups of wine is the cup of sorrow or blessing. The Jewish people remove a drop of wine for each of the plagues that the Lord sent upon the Egyptians before the Exodus. They do this because it is a sad thing, and not a thing to be celebrated when justice requires suffering from the hand of God. We celebrate that He has been glorified and is victor, but not that any have been harmed. As we removed drop by drop for disease, boils, infestations....tears burned in my eyes. For once I can actually imagine what it may have looked like, just a little glimpse, because of what I have seen in Haiti. I do not stop praying for Haiti!

For my friends and I at dinner we were also remembering the night as it was the last meal and act that Jesus took part in before His death on the cross. The very last cup that is taken in is the cup of glory/celebration. The Jewish people will say, "This year in Jerusalem, next year in the New Jerusalem." We of course said, "This year in KC, next year in the New Jerusalem."

Thinking of the Lord's last supper, I am also thinking of my last evening with the children and their families in Haiti. Our last day together was full of teaching so that the caretakers would know how to care for their children once I was no longer there to care for them. I went around giving gifts and notes that I had written. We said goodbye to two of our families who were ready to leave that day. Then we all just played and waited for those who had gone off to the hospital that day for pin/cast removals.

When the van finally returned there was a slight dissapointment to see two of the girls still with pins and cast. As I watched them pile out I also noticed that Louise was not on the van. They had kept her in hospital! This was painful for me because not only was she left there all alone, but I would not get to say goodbye to her! I was holding Jean in my arms and I began to cry. I went inside and tried to pull myself together, but when I looked down at Jean I just cried more. But I knew I had to stop because we had been waiting all day to have our last Bible Study and now was the time before it got dark.

We met under the mango tree. As we began to sing the same 3 songs we always sing, I looked around at all the kids doing the motions and singing out. I lost it then again. I couldn't sing or stop the tears. I kept trying to laugh it off. Thankfully Reghi(my interpretor) knew all the songs and kept on for me. I managed to quietly get the words out and continue.

Our topic that night was Heaven. I read promises from scripture about Heaven, the mansions being prepared for us and how Jesus wouldn't lie about it. I read that there will be no more sorrow, tears or death. I told them I know they had all just been through so much death and sorrow and goodbyes and that now we have to say another goodbye, but that in Heaven there will be no more. We read that this is for those who chose Christ. And then we daydreamed about the fun that it will entail. I told them that in Heaven I will play soccer with Francellot. Right now on earth I am very bad at soccer, but in Heaven I will be really good! One day I may recall that I have not seen Nancy for 500 years, so I will go and spend 300 with her. We all laughed at these ideas. We talked about the great celebration when we will all be together.

The night before a couple others on my team and I muddled through making a batch of brownies in a Haitian kitchen (a whole nother story!). So after our Bible study I passed out brownies and gave each person a whole coke. Though it was quite a treat, I told them it was still the teensiest portion of what will be our feast in Heaven. Before passing out the treats, it was time to close in prayer. Nancy's uncle shouted out (as is his habit in our times together-and I am glad) saying that since it is my last night they should pray for me. All of them prayed at once, of course I cried again!

It was a sweet last night. So full of joy! A few of the girls stayed up with me until almost 10 pm, which was soo late for all of us! I will always treasure that night and look forward to the New Jerusalem with my new family!

Life in Port au Prince

Hello anyone still following :)

It has been nearly two weeks now since saying goodbye to Haiti and its children. It has not been the easiest two weeks, but Jesus is so good in His caring for me. I would not trade the heart ache for never having gone and loved those darlings! Now my joy is to pray for them as I also pray about the next step the Lord has for me to take on this walk with Him. I trust that I have not for a moment stepped off the path he has prepared and planned for me.

I just found a short clip from NPR depicting life in PAP. All of a sudden I was there again. They really did well to paint an accurate picture of how Haiti is getting back to "business." Hope you enjoy! (Also check out the sight because there is a full showing of PAP online or on air PBS Tuesday March 30th.

Sorry, for now you'll just have to cut and paste this website because I don't know how to put links on this thing!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/haiti/view/economy_tent_city.html

A Little Bit of Life Captured

Oh man! I miss these kids immensely! I dream of them, I think of them, I ache for them. Here are some pics so you can put faces with names of those you've prayed for and learned about!










From top to bottom:
Dev and her Dad: The most amazing father in the world caring for his 2 year old girl as they wait for their miracle. Pray a hospital takes her for her surgery, or that even better, the Lord miraculously heal her heart!
Shikira and her family: She is 3 with an amputated lower leg. Her mom dedicated both her babies to the Lord on the day she was discharged from our ward!
Jenni and Windgi: Jenni broke her leg and had pins to hold the bone together. Her brother was not hurt, but came with the package:) They are both darling! Windgie lights up everyones day! Jenni now has her pins out and is pushing others around in their wheelchairs! I was also told that last night she was dancing!
Marie: She is now out of her cast. I think at one point I may have mentioned she was orphaned, but her aunt and uncle and baby cousin have since come to us. They are very loving and she already calls her aunti "mama", and her cousin "sissi." She is out of her cast now, but still gaurding her arm like it's her infant!
Daniette: Being held by our dear Sarah who's now back in Arizona. Daniette and her mom left with tarps and a bag of food (and a box of lysol cleaning supplies that her mom mysteriously aquired and I imagine will sell.HA! I am glad for her) Daniette is a cutie! She will mimic all that she sees. If you stroke her back, she'll stroke yours. If you dance in worship, she dances too! She came along way at our little post-op.
Rudy is 4 years old. His left leg is broken out of his hip socket. He walks with a limp. Continuing to pray that the Lord perfectly mend his broken bones and make him to walk straight!
Carlandia is 7. She is a spunky delight! She went "home" two weeks ago with her parents and older sister. They will live in a tent city. They were all bright lights in our ward! Continuing to pray that her leg grow to match the same length as the other.
Louise: 11 years(?)-She is a darling with the best smile and cute big dimple! She has been through too much suffering! But the Lord has given her great joy in life! I don't want to see her growing up an orphan! I pray that she always know the Father's love in a very close and personal way!
The BOYS! Jean is smiling and Keven is sleeping in this photo. They are little buddies! Jean is 5 months old and Keven 3 months. Both are bigger now than when this pic was taken.
Francellot: The brightest little 6 year old boy I know! He has a great personality and is very artistic. He wants to be an orthopedic doc when he grows up! I have no doubts he'll do it!

20 Tulips

I am home tonight after a long hard day of goodbyes and traveling to find 20 brilliant pink potted tulips and a card that says, "Peace begins with a smile." -Mother Theresa

My mom might not have known it, but my Beloved King&Husband Jesus knew....20 tulips for my 20 bed post-op ward in Port Au Prince, Haiti

Thank you to my mommy for the thoughtful gift. Thank you to my Jesus for holding me while I wept in front of it.

Last Days......

Oh my, I am so tired tonight! I have one more full day left ahead, please pray for my heart and the hearts of the kids and their caretakers!

Lastnight was awesome! I cannot even believe it was just lastnight because today was so full in itself. I went again yesterday afternoon with YWAM to the largest tent city in PAP. It was strange the way everything surrounding it was so dismal and flat, and that even though it was a beautiful sunny day, the sky seemed hazy and dull. We walked in with the heart to tell the people that the Lord is among them, to find out their stories and to encourage them in Jesus.

My team of 4 walked along and were soon surrounded by a handful of children. We weren't sure where to go, but I knew a helpful phrase. I asked one girl, "Quiquote la quaiyu?" (Where is your house?). She took us to her tent where her mother stood outside. She invited us in to pray for her. It was so cool how all of what we prayed and shared with her all tied together. From there we moved with ease from one tent to the next, maybe because everyone could here us pray through the sheets and so they would pull us their way as soon as we stepped out of one!

After entering only 4 tents our time ended so that we could have a worship service that all in the city were invited to. Wow! We worshipped the dust out of that place! Seriously, it choked me sometimes. And I couldnt help but think of all those kids so much shorter than me breathing in all that junk. Oh, and the babies! A woman from Brazil shared a message that was so powerful, lives must've been touched-I was sure in tears! Lastnight it rained so hard, I wonder if my prayers for those 4 tents were answered of them being kept miraculously dry among all the others....

I woke up this morning from a dream of a new physical therapy exercises in step by step picture form in front of my face. So funny! As I was waking up I was also trying out the exercise(it's one done while lying flat). I actually taught it to Founa today because she has the hardest time of all with bending her knee.

Tomorrow we will have a party after Bible Study as a farewell to the kids (and for them a farewell to me). I made brownies! And we are going to buy them each a coke. Wow! They are gonna be energy balls!

Love you all! See you soon.

Light Rising

Lastnight was so amazing! Yesterday just before dark we went to a tent city of 450. We walked into their main "alley way" and began to worshp in Creole. The crowds came! The first thing that caught my eye was a woman and her baby. I picked him up right away, forgetting that he'd be diaperless-hehe.

It got dark pretty quickly and I could barely make out faces, several small girls flocked to me and we started dancing in the crowd. I never knew my hands could hold so many hands at once! I must've had 3 in each hand and a couple around my waist! It was beautiful to sense the light of Christ rising up in this dark place. It was mind blowing to think of what was being changed in other realms that we do not see!

Afterwards we went to the police station across from the palace for another session of worship. In this crowd there was a dear boy named Kelye. He is 10. He lives with his mother and sister. He has missed 2 years of school because one year he was sick with an abscess in his face and another year his mother could not send him. (His father died when he was a baby.) His few english words were when he pointed to the sky and said, "I love you Jesus" with his shy grin. When he said "no papa" and I pointed again to the sky saying, "papa" and pointed to his heart. He said, "wee" and procceeded to point to the sky and to each person around saying, "Papa, papa, papa." I pulled an interpretor over to ask him more details and then we had to go. I told him Jesus is taking good care of him. He said anytime we have worship here he will be here! So cool!

Today has been pleasant at the clinic. My Bible Study went strangely as I began with the story of Moses, but forgot just how neverending that story is. Yikes! My whole point was how He knows them from birth. I had read part of Psalm 139 beforehand and explained about His seeing us in our mom's tummy and knowing all our days to come.

Oh Jackie! Other than needing a physical therapist to take over when I leave, could you send any craft supplies you can think of? WaterColors, tissue paper/celephane,
colorful puff balls, cotton balls, mini paperplates,markers, crayons, ribbon, elmer's glue, popscicle sticks, yarn, funky sciccors, regular kid scissors, glitter, googly eyes. Cross stitch for the girls. Oh, could really use beachballs and other inflatable balls for physical therapy. I won't be hear for Easter, but the nurse who is staying longer is requesting Easter supplies: Plastic easter eggs, jelly beans, and Ressurection related crafts too so it can be both fun and about the King :) Another thought: Worship CD's that are catchy and fun to dance to, but not just for kids since we all end up listening to it all day long(we have one cd that is way overplayed!). The projector broke and we have all been missing our nightly worship sessions!

Goodnight sweet loves!

Just a Little Bit

Hey again! Thank you to all of you who have been leaving me notes on here! It is trully encouraging! Alyson and Sondra, you were here in my dreams the other night ;D

So I haven't headed out to the tent city yet, I worked at the clinic until now and am having a little break before we head out for the evening. I thought I'd give a few more updates on kids as some have been asking...and because I am so proud of them!

Lovensky started putting weight on his leg while walking with the walker. His pins have been out for a few days now, but he had been very scared to use his leg.

Nancy is learning some stretches to loosen up the tendons in her ankle that are locked. I just started thinking and these certain exercises came to mind. She told me it hurt so I asked the doc about it who said it is just tight and that those will help. Hooray Jesus for the good ideas!

Louise bends her knee with pins the best of all the kids. Poor dear, wish she could get up and moving. I guess her casted leg is such a bad break that it will be quite a while before her cast comes off.

Elson is all on his own with walking. He whines when we do his physical therapy, but he's so cute about it!

Elson, Wingie, Patterson and Marie got to go to the beach with the orphanage kids today! Those lucky ducks are probably having the time of their lives!

The kids who stayed behind are having a good time too. The military came by and blew up a bunch of balloon swords. Then a Haitian American group is passing through who seem very sweet with the kids and are praying with power too! Awesome!

I was up much of the night praying for the kids. I have 1 John in my heart constantly. All that love that I long for the kids to have. The passion wells inside of me for them to know His love. If His Spirit doesn't move into their hearts, nothing will help!

I wasn't able to talk to any parents today really, I am not sure where they all were...perhaps they are taking a much needed rest while they can.


Keep praying for Dev, not sure what in the world is going on with that proccess! Was in charge of her meds today because Becc who usually does it is also at the beach. I was checking what meds I was to give her and I was appalled that a doc who passed through had written a prophylactic dose for her of amoxicillin for a larger amount than even an adult should have!!! No one had noticed or questioned it. RRRRRRrrrrrr! I am glad I caught it now, though it's been that way for probably a week and a half or 2!

Oh yeah, did I tell you Jean rolled over from his tummy to his back! And he's eating like a champ today! He took 6 ounces this morning and 4 ounces 3 hours later! Wahoo!

We Will Dance on the Streets that Are Golden!

Hello my dears! It's Thursday night and I am soo tired! I am honestly also feeling a bit lonely. I am thinking about these kids and how I will leave them soon. It makes me so sad, and I don't really have anyone here to process with...so I think that's why I fell lonely. Though I am asking Papa to bring the revelation to my heart that I have been wanting for the kids as I have taught them that He is our everything.

These kids are so great! So fun and get me laughing all the time! In the morning we had physical therapy as usual, Marie did so well! She was tossing a huge pilates size ball back and forth with me while fully giggling-I think it was one of those scared giggles because she wasn't sure her arms would really do the job(she is very hesitant to move her arm since the cast came off)!

Just before lunch we had our Bible story time because I knew I wouldn't be around in the afternoon. When I asked the kids what we talked about yesterday, I was the one giggling when one child said, "God is your friend, your father and your boyfriend!
Hehe!

This afternoon we took 4 kids to the field hospital. We took Francellot because in the last 24 hours he has complained of pain in his pins, and today I learned that he hadn't slept all night for pain! We took Jenny-who will get her pins out on Satuday! And Francellot will as well! We took Misheka, who know has a boot instead of a cast so she can start weight bearing. And we took Nancy because the wound highest up on her leg seems to be getting deeper. The wound care nurse was awesome and she will also go back on Saturday for follow up. Rhegi and I were praising God when we got there to learn that this wonderful retired woman psychologist was able to meet with Nancy! A big answer to prayers! She gave her some relaxation exercises that are specially for kids with PTSD. I think I will just teach all the kids!!!

So, on the way to the hospital we had to ride in a non-airconditioned, non window rolling down van! Sooo stinking hot! All of us dripping with sweat! At first we sang every song we all knew, and I tried to learn Jesus Loves Me in Creole. Jenny kept drying my arms,neck and face with her tshirt that she had ripped off in no time ;D
And by the end I had Jenny on my lap blowing on me, and I was blowing on Misheka who was in turn blowing on Jenny. We had our own personal fans for each other!

Tomorrow will be another short day at the clinic for me because at 1ish I will be going with the YWAM team to a tent city. I am imagining that it will be somewhat like the townships in South Africa last year. And all I wanna do is tell them the kingdom of God is near and that He is hear.

Oh yeah, I had that song in my head this evening on the way home from the airport because there is a section of the road that is laid with small bricks and the sun was shining on it so that instead of the dirty dingy road that it was, it looked like streets of Gold. And the sky was hazy red. I thought Jesus could have plucked us up right then!


Parts of the song I could remember:

"Sing a song of celebration. Lift up a shout of praise. For the Bridegroom will come, the glorious one. And ohhhhh we will look to His face. We'll go to a much better place. And we will dance on the streets that are golden, the glrious bride and the great Son of man. And every toungue and tribe will bow down and praise the glorious lamb."

Happy Kids and Happy Me!

Today was really great! We pressed into physical therapy...the kids were more willing and I just took it nice and slow...but still pushing them to work hard at the same time. They are so amazing!

I had a great conversation with Elson's grandmother. She told me that a woman named Stephanie came before me and that we are just the same person. I told her it is because even though Stephanie and I do not know each other, we have the same Jesus inside of us. She said that Stephanie had led her to the Lord, but that because she is a woman who carries grudges in her heart, that she could not be a Christian. I talked to her of the God who created all the people of the earth, and how when a single one of them sins, it is against the Lord himself. Now, if all those people sin and he were to hold all of those sins in his heart, wouldn't He want to crush all the people? But instead, He himself died for us so that we wouldn't have to. Now, if our God is so strong to do that, wouldn't he inside of her be able to take away those grudges she holds? She was speechless. And I was so blown away by the beauty of Jesus in the form of that explanation. I had never thought of it just that way. He was teaching Madam Joseph and me at the same time!

I also told my testimony to the kids today, though I told it in such a way that they didn't know it was me until the end when I told them, "this is a true story, because... this story is me!" The parents and kids were all in awe and laughed and like it. I again was thinking of Nancy the whole time, as well as Darlene and the mothers.

Jenny and Wingie's mom came back today! She had a big smile and kissed everyone on the cheeck. I suspect she is now on anti-depressants as well as maybe an anti-siezure meds. Though I am not sure because I also know she was pregnant. I am curious to know if she still has the baby...

Some of the kids got to get out of the clinic today and go to the field hospital's AIRCONDITIONED tent made just for kids to play with toys and things. I wish I could have gone. I am glad they got to have fun. One of the girls, Marie, said, "Are we going to go to that place where we had fun again?" I hope so, and maybe I can go too!

I love you all bunches. Keep pressing into prayer for me in this last week! I want to see more mama's coming to Jesus! And their kids too! I have seen Anderson's mother smiling alot recently....I want to ask her if Jesus has come into her heart too!

Love, Amanda

Giggles are Good Medicine!

Hello dear friends! It has been a strange day around here. All the kids seemed to be having a grumpy day. My patience was tried and so at times I felt a bit grumpy too. I had to be the "mean" nurse, getting my kids to do their physical therapy as they whined and whimpered (and some dramatic ones did some screaming for good measure). At the end of the day I laughed when I looked down and saw how filthy my scrubs were. The makings of a true nurse right? Hehe!

Bible study hour was a blast! We were talking about how the Father who loves us so tremendously doesn't just rejoice once he has us in his arms, but also wants to give us a new heart-His heart! So we put on this rediculously funny skit. Even the parents were fully into it. The whole time, I had Nancy on my mind. I hope to talk to her about her thoughts on that skit tomorrow. Pray for us!

Please pray for a change in the atmosphere and attitudes for tomorrow. The parents all seem quite content, it's just the kids-which is a funny switch on things! Please pray that all the kids will be enthusiastic about physical therapy for their recovery!

Lots of love!

Quick Prayer Requests

Hi friends! Is so late for me here, but really wanting to ask for specific prayers!

Things went really well today in the clinic. So smooth in fact! Bible study time was great. Got all my physical therapy done early. I sent home Daniette. She is such a cutie! I wrote her a letter and she kept holding it saying, "Moi mem?" ("for me?"). Of course she cannot read and so she was so confused!

This is my big request:

NANCY!!!!!!! She is depressed. She won't eat or drink. Though we have convinced her that she must drink ensure because it is vital for her wounds to heal. She does take in 3 a day. But really, she just sits in one spot all day and barely smiles. I gave her cards and we played today, but it was just motions without much enthusiasm. I pray a counselor comes! But as I was reminded, we do have One great Counselor in Christ.

Pray for Dev. She has 4 half way answers, as in 4 hospitals say, "yes we want her!" But none have succeeded in getting her there!

Okay, goodnight! love, Amanda

All the kids are Healing!

I must update all of you who have been praying-THANK YOU!

It seems that the day I had Friday was necessary for the breakthrough that is following....my voice was heard and the docs and team realized where things had gone wrong. Yesterday was very productive:

I had a good conversation with Shakira's mom...and did send them home. Mom dedicated both her babies through a prayer I prayed and Rhegi interpreted. She loved the prayer so much that she had us write it so she can keep it beside her bed! We talked about how in Haiti someone may be looked down upon with one leg, but how God's kingdom is different. In His Kingdom, Shikira is among the greatest! I will definately keep praying for mama and fam. She is stubborn and chose the whealchair over the stroller which I fear is detrimental in Shakira's rehab. BUT, as always, Jesus is trully in charge!

I feel like a pilates instructor for a mom and me class! I held two classes teaching Carlandia and Elson with their mom's how to do rehab on their own kids. I then had a class for Daniette and Anderson who both got their casts off yesterday! Daniette will go home tomorrow!

Our Bible Study went so well! The Brazillian's rocked again! We told of the prodigal son, and of our wonderful Papa.

Prayers now: Nancy has cellulitis and is now on IV antibiotics.



As for today, I had a wonderful day off! The Lord restored me fully I do believe. I told him I wanted to know He was persuing me as well. He found me a sweet spot on a beach to journal(went with the YWAM team for the day!). And, one of the Brazillians taught me dance moves! Man it was like zumba all hyped up!

Love to you all!

Stand Firm. Stand Firm. Stand Firm. Stand Firm.

Hello dear ones,

Had my first headache from being here. Was in my tent when I heard women yelling. It was two mother's duking it out over a baby walker. Writing down actually makes me want to giggle a little. But at the time it was quite heart breaking. It was between Shakira's mom and Daniette's mom. I know Shakira's mom is wanting to make right choices to follow Jesus, and of course it was no surprise that in the spirit realm things are in an upheavel due to that...there was all this talk about Shakira's mom being kicked out of here and all of a sudden she is called the "bad one." I speak against those lies in Jesus name!!!

That all started my day hard anyways, but then all the staff except me was missing! (I learned later that Rebecca was given the day off). All the others were in a meeting and had decided to discharge 4 kids of which only 1 did I approve of! I was so frustrated that they didn't even ask me who is the only one who's been here and actually knows the kids and what they are capable of. I had a break down, but my voice was heard and the docs did realze the mistake of not communicating.

The docs didn't just dissapear for this meeting, but they took the medical charts with them and were gone until 10 am! I didn't know who should get what medicince and was stunted on beginning some of my more difficult physical therapy.

As for therapy, it was not communicated to me that some of the kids are getting heavier meds still and being manipulated more intensely. (This angered me because that means I was doing double duty on some of the poor kids and realized this is why they have swollen joints!)

Ok, I am done venting and want you to know that the Bible study was the highlight. Some Brazillian YWAMers came and shared along with our lesson on not worrying, but trusting Jesus as he also clothes the lilies and feeds the birds. They did an awesome job and all were captivated.

So who went home today?

In the end it was Michelanda who in my opinion was ready days ago. She had a foot wound and is walking and doing just fine. She is sweet, but a handful around here.

The other is Carlandia. I wouldn't have had it so. Not just because she is so cute and such a joy, but she trully wasn't ready with the limp. AND I was unable to do teaching with mom because she was gone for the day and an aunt came for her. So bizaare. We told them to come tomorrow so I could do teaching. Praying they make it!

The other 2 did not go home because I just wouldn't have it so. It was just not right on many levels.

So in the end I am saying again, Jesus is the ultimate advocate and he is doing his job! And yes, standing firm, having done all I will stand firm!

Love, amanda

The Sweetest Kind of Crazy!

Today it was just me and Becc (the Australian nurse from Rwanda that is here for 6 weeks), and while the atmosphere was lovely...we were not informed that we would be the only 2 and so it was a bit busy! But all in all, I am so thankful to Jesus for every moment of this day!

I do not think I mentioned before that we do not have running water in our clinic, and today we also had no electricity. I did not even realize it because most of what I do is under the mango tree and because we really do not use the lights. But when one of our kids went limp and needed a nebulizer it was sticky! He is doing better now, but still not quite himself(this is Daniel from the orphanage for those who were here). It was cute once it got dark. Little Wingie(3) was on my heels because I had my little pen light so that I could keep working.

We laid hands on Rudy today because his mom wanted to take him somewhere tomorrow to be prayed for(honestly am afraid it would have been possibly witchery), so I suggested we all pray for him here. She abliged.

Also prayed for a new guy Paterson who had a skull injury from the quake and came in yesterday. He is soo weak! We told the story in Bible Study time of the woman who was bleeding and the child who was dying. We talked about how God cares for our hearts and our bodies. When for our activity the kids drew a heart with a real bandaid stuck on it, he drew this: A heart with a bandaid, and beside it himself with the wound coming out of his head. He is the sweetest boy and we saw that he really got the message today!

Oh, and Dev is much better! I could tell there were prayers right away because she really perked up unexpectedly and smiled today much more than usual.

Had a wonderful conversation with Shikira's mom today. She was admiring my love for the kids and we talked for some time about our lives. She then told me that when Shikira was a baby, her mom wanted to dedicate her in a church, but had been sick and unable to get to one. I told her that among the families here we could dedicate her because I believe that Jesus brought all these families together for a reason. She agreed that this is a good idea so tomorrow before bible study we will have a baby dedication!!!!

I am going to have a broken heart when I leave here. I shouldn't think about it yet, but I have only 2 weeks left. Please continue to pray that the atmosphere would be more and more full of prayer and the love of Jesus. I see so much of it already!

Thank you for being with me in prayer! You are then so close! Kristen, thanks for praying today because it was 1pm my time and I was having to press on to get my morning jobs done before lunch! And I was able to persevere quite smoothly.

Blessings! -Amanda

A Happy Heart

A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Prov. 17:22

Today the kids learned about the 10 lepers who were healed and how only 1 praised Jesus for it. Jesus still healed all 10, but only 1 had Jesus as a friend all the days of his life! The kids all shouted out things they were thankful to Jesus for and were given a sweetie(candy). Then the kids drew pictures of what they were thankful for. (Carlandia's answer was the best: I am thankful that Jesus made me walk again.) Oh the heart of a chid, so precious!

As for the rest of things around here:

Lastnight Jenny's mom had something like a seizure, some of us are thinking it is more demonic. She is one of the 3 moms that do not have Jesus. She is at Miami Field Hospital right now.

Dev: She threw up 7 times today. I almost started an IV on her, but instead tried the po challenge after taking her to the field hospital and getting anti-nausea medicine. She is doing well. She is asking for milk now, but we are going to take it slowly.

Greg, the physical therapist, has taught me so much. It was hard to see him go. The kids all loved him so much. He could speak french with them and they all smiled while he did treatments with them. Praying I can carry on with all that he has taught me. I will be doing alot of work with the kids who have pins in their legs, helping them to bend their legs and do some partial weight walking.

Baby Kevin seems to be very colicky these past two days. Talked with a local pediatrician who says to try my idea of sitting him up 30 minutes after meals before changing formula.

Jean is the happiest little guy ever! He loves listening to conversations and joining in with his little coo's and smiles.

Shakira gets up to her walker on her own now. Go sister!

Elson, who just had his cast removed was waddling around with his walker today. He was so proud with a big smile as he called my name to show what he could do. His grandmother also does not know Jesus, but I have seen a change in her that shows more and more joy.

Loise: (Sondra, we are taking care of her). She went to see an orthopedic surgeon yesterday and had her left leg manipulated to where it can bend because it was so stiff. She is doing well with therapy. I have been making sure she gets her bath each day and gets to a private spot to use the potty since her aunt still isn't here. Loise doesn't know where her aunt is.

Wingie: This is Jenny's brother who is perfectly healthy, perfectly sweet and perfectly cute! He charged into the clinic this morning and planted a kiss right on my cheek, smiled and went on with his busy little 3 year old life. I am smitten :D

Friends, please pray for me. I am like a protective mama of these 20+ kids and there are new volunteers who seem to think they know better or know more. It is causing risk for mistakes and also causing mistakes. It is surely an attitude of wanting to help, but it just may be mixed with a bit of something that isn't good. This thing of thinking they can cure all with one sweeping bit of brilliance or, I don't know. I do not want to be the judge, I just get nervous when they talk as if they have a certain kid all figured out when really what they are thinking is all wrong. (For example, giving little Rudy ativan because he cries that his mom won't give him the love he longs for and instead leaves him all alone.) I did put my foot down on this one. I am their advocate as their nurse. But I must must must remember that truly Jesus is their advocate as well as mine. HE IS IN CHARGE AND I CAN LAY ALL THESE CARES ON HIM!

Well friends, as always I am greatful for your prayers and finnishing another lovely day in Haiti.

Oh, and I have my translator still! The ministry I am serving with gave me the funds that would have been for my interpretor these last 2 weeks so we decided to give it to my interpretor so he could work with me. It is so necessary with all these extra tasks for the kids in physical therapy.

Love love love!

Zumba in Haiti!

Hi darlings! Thinking of you all and so glad to know I have your friendship and support while I am here in Haiti!

Tonight I experienced Haitian dancing! So fun! You know I love to dance, and Carlandia's sister is my personal instructor now! She is always dancing with me anyway, but tonight she pulled me aside and taught me these crazy moves that were so much like zumba! Thinking of my zumba girls and excited to teach you the moves when I get back!

What else is going on here? So much since I last updated!

My two pediatricians did leave...today a couple arrived from Kuai, a doctor and a nurse, both so sweet and wonderful! I am going to love having them! A nurse from Australia is also here with me too. She will be here 6 weeks and the doc and nurse for 1 month. At the moment there is another team for just one weeks (they have been the cause of much trial to my patience and grace due to bed side manners, ect). But all is well and I am trusting THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE!

Bible Studys have been a blast this week! I love the excitement from the kids and have seen some very captivated famiy members as well. Have had some great conversations with Nancy's uncle. Yesterday we taught the kids about persevering in prayer. I told the story of the man who when Jesus first touched him he saw men like trees, and so he laid hands on him again and then he was fully restored. So we had the kids do the same for each other once again.

Updates on kids:

Carlandia is starting to walk and stand on her own. I was moved to tears when during worship tonight she let go of my hands and started doing a little swaying dance! Her leg still needs to grow!

Hersen Joseph also got out of his cast and has one leg shorter than the other. I am learning that the docs sometimes do this on purspose because the thought is that as the leg heals it will also grow. I am praying to see this for them!

Rudy-docs at Miami Field Hospital think it's too late for him to have surgery. I cried when a doc said, "well he will probably always have a limp, but the question is will it be a painful limp." Rrrr! I do not accept that in Jesus name! I wanted to ask that doctor if he would like a painless limp all his life starting when he was 3.

Dev-Things are taking another turn in directions.....docs think she is actually much more serious than at first thought(which I have somehow known in my gut all along, but have prayed for healing, even today as I heald her during her nap I had my hand over her heart all the while). They are again trying to get her to the states. Yale? By the way, It's her 2 Birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVEE!

Please pray for 3 mothers who must've had a rough childhood as well. Jenny's mom, Daniette's mom and Rudy's mom. They are what you may call, "pot stirrers." They are very demanding and turn away to Bible Story time and church. But worse, they are very rough and harsh with their kids....I am trusting Jesus for their salvation!

Thank you for continuing to pray! I love you all soo much!

Bless you!