Heading into Haiti

The night before we left for Haiti, we got news that a Dominican pastor who had returned from Haiti 8 days before, had just died of menigococcal. I knew for sure there is a vaccine for that, so we started investigating first thing in the morning. We went to the public health department, where we were blessed with an amazing contact who got us connected with the lab in Santiago where it is manufactured. So off we flew to Santiago, where we had just enough time to get 10 vaccines and make it to the bus stop on time.

I vaccinated the 2 on the trip that hadn't had the vaccine yet, and then our director, Jeff, vaccinated me! Yes, we also did that at the bus stop. When we couldn't find anyone who knew how to give a shot, Jeff offered (jokingly) that he might be able to do it because he had vaccinated lots of cattle before on the ranch. Well, that was about the best offer I could find, so I went for it. Thankfully it all worked out and we got on the bus ready and vaccinated...and I packed 7 more for the family in Haiti.

Wrapping up

We are in our final days here in Haiti and the momentum has not only continued, it has gotten stronger-if that is possible! These guys are working so heard and to see their hearts and souls into what they are doing is incredible. So far they have built platforms and raised 9 tents, almost finished bathroom plumbing and walls, dug the septic and walled it in, built cabinets for the kitchen, built an extension onto the building for more kids to be able to eat, and are now pouring the floor.

There are some projects that were hoped to be finished, but as the days have gone by, it seemed like they wouldn't be completely finished. Jeff, our director for Kids Alive, threw out the "opportunity" last night for those that were interested to stay on here in Haiti for a few more days. In the end, they decided to forgo their day of going out to lunch after church and then to the artisan market...so sorry to their wives and families, their gifts will probably come from the Atlanta airport. But that means we should have 25 bunkbeds ready to receive 50 kids!!! Dedication and heart, willingness to serve continually. It has been insipiring.

It is purely by the grace of God and my mom and Zeneida's teaching in the kitchen that I am able to keep this group fed. Somehow between loaves of bread for French toast and endless rice for lunch, they seem to be still be living. They are certainly encouraging and complimentary, although I still say a prayer each meal that it is well cooked and doesn't make anyone sick!

It has been interesing being surrounded by Creole, I feel so helpless in communication. I've certainly picked up words by need...but I am a long ways from communicating! The ladies that help around the house during the week are patient with me as I know it is hard for them too, to have this white girl trying to cook in what is normally their space! I'm going to try to be better now about studying Creole, as I'm sure this is the first of many trips across the border. As many of our kids in Caraballo are Haitian, my natural reaction is to just speak Spanish to them...but they look at me like I'm a crazy lady!

We are heading out on the one and only 8am bus to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday morning. I should be back in my home sweet home by the evening.

More to check out

You can follow some updates as well through the Kids Alive website as well as through one of the team member's blogs. If you'd like to give to the project at Kids Alive, you can do so through here

Still working in Haiti

Sorry for the lack of updates, I know people are thinking and praying for us, and I thank you for that!

It has been a busy few days, but all is going amazingly well. Helen and Tom, the directors for this site, had to head back to Canada suddenly for a family emergeny. It was amazing to see how things came together so perfectly in a way that only our God could have orchestrated. It "happened" that the mail plane was arriving in the late morning, and it had 2 seats open to take them back to Florida! After a failing internet to try and communicate the need for the home office to investigate a connecting flight to get them into Toronto, one of the team members offered the services of a private plane that he uses for work. Not only did it take them to Buffalo, NY, but he arranged for a car to then drive them to their daughter's house. We haven't heard from them yet this morning, but please keep the whole family in prayer, and little Leah who is fighting for her life.

God also brought all of us together to continue beautifully as a team. There are leaders who have taken over construction plans, I'm apparently head chef now, and all is going smoothly. The internet is up and running again and I was thankful for that to get a few of my favorite recipes for larger groups!!

The construction is going so quickly, we are excited, and these men are pouring their hearts and skills into their work. We are hoping to finish the 9 tents, bathrooms, and extending one building to make space for a cafeteria. They are also installing extra cabinets in the main house for all the additional supplies. We hope to be able to organize donations in one of the tents so that the house can return to being a home for the Froese family!!

Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers...we are doing well, thanks to your support and God's super-strength!

Haiti, Kids Alive

Well I am safe and sound in Haiti. We had a driving day yesterday, crossing the border for over an hour, getting into the country...I'm still trying to process it all. There are UN vehicles everywhere, along with so many other organizations-World Vision, Feed the Poor, Red Cross, etc. We went through the town of Cap Hatian and were covered by dust and people, I have never seen so much of the two of those together in one place at the same time.

Today the team starts building. They will hopefully get 9 semi-permanent tents, a cafeteria, bathrooms, and organizing done in the week. It is a big task ahead, but they have energy and desire which is overflowing.

I'm off to help where I can, there is a lot to be done!

Into Haiti

Over the weekend it was decided that it'd be best if I was to go along with a Kids Alive group to Haiti. A team is coming in today from the States and I will meet up with them tomorrow in Santiago. A few Kids Alive DR staff will also be in on the trip to help lead and guide the team. We will head through Dajabon, the northern Haitian/DR border to go across to the city of Cap Hatian, in Haiti.

We will be there for a week and in that time be setting up semi-permanant tents, building a cafeteria, bathrooms, etc. to be able to receive "separated" kids. I say separated because it it still unclear the scope of actual orphans in the country. Kids are being registered and photographed still and put in the hands of creditable institutions to care for. The hope and prayer is that it is truly a separation and that their families will come and find them. If the kids are truly orphans, Kids Alive Haiti is preparing for that. They will in the following months, build permanant homes and find capable staff to be house parents and care for these children. It is a big process if you can imagine.

I, of course, will not be laying block and packing concrete...it's just not my thing! I'll be working alongside the one other missionary woman that is with Kids Alive there and we're going to work on organizing, preparing meals for all the hefty men, and if there's time, I'll fit in some medical checks for the kids that are already in their current program. No, it's not changing gauze and healing wounds at a clinic...but it is where I am needed.

I have learned so much in this about setting aside my desires in wait for our God's perfect timing. I could have rushed into Haiti and started changing dressings and helping medically, but it just wasn't ever right for me. Some may wonder why I didn't, with so much need and devastation, but I truly felt that I wasn't mean to ever go with the teams that went. I am working on listening to what God really wants me to do, and I feel that that involves just waiting for the path to be clear, to not doubt the steps that you are taking, to know and feel that He has prepared the way. I feel that now there is a clear path for me to head into Haiti and be used in the way He has for me, even though it is different that what I thought I would do in all this. I am thankful to go, to be doing something physically, to be used in another way by God.

The church trip to Haiti is still on! They are making final plans with the truck and van and people that will go, but it has been so amazing to see the donations come in. We started yesterday by buying 225 cans of tuna that we knew were on sale. The rest will be bought later today at the market, we went there yesterday to get prices and make an actual list...we're so organized! They will make the delivery to the church probably by tomorrow! If you are still interested in donating to send supplies on this trip, you can! I love seeing all those that have come together to make this a reality!

Thank you.

More help for Haiti

We are in full swing of planning for the next trip to Haiti. A group will be going again from the church, planning to leave in 2-3 weeks (date to be settled tonight).

We learned a lot from the last trip, and are more organized and well-prepared for this round of gathering supplies and send-off to Haiti. The group continues to tell story after story of their trip in, about seeing the needs and hurts of the Haitian people. They are all baffled as to why the food they saw on all trucks they were passing and seeing on the news has not arrived to the people. I don't know if it's for security reasons or unsure of where to distribute the items, but the resounding voice from the people they gave food bags to was, "We are hungry". If only there were more groups willing to just head in and feed the people. My heart is heavy to do something, to continue doing something.

If you still have momentum to donate, now that the news shows less and less of Haiti and it strays further from our minds, please know that their hunger and suffering is still very present and real. Although we know we can't feed all of Haiti, we are hoping to reach as many as the money provides for. Just as an example, with $10 U.S. we can buy 22 cans of tuna, or with $55 U.S. we can get 125 pounds of rice. The money goes a long way here and we are excited to plan out the next food buy. Our hope is to fill at least 200 food bags to give out this time around. Last time (about 150 bags) they ended up opening the bags to give out the items individually because there were just so many people in need.

As the donations come in, we will continue to gather items to put in the bags. Thank you for all that continue to pray for Haiti...we can't forget them, it's just been 2 weeks. Thank you for being a part of this. It is incredible.

Just in case

The photos are all in collages, you can click on any collage to see the photos larger. Also, I put them in order, but you have to scroll down and read up to see the trip in order. Okay, go read.

Gracias

I don't know how to even begin to say how my heart is filled and overwhelmed by all that has happened in these weeks. By simply offering to be a way to get supplies to Haiti, donations have come in that directly went into the Haitians' hands. I didn't expect such an outpouring of help, but am encouraged greatly by each dollar that has come in. The pastor of our church said to Ariel the other day that he is praying for each person that has donated. We also thank God for you, for your donations that have blessed the Haitians...and us. It has been such an experience to be used in this way. May all the glory be to our amazing God, for using His people to give back to His people. It unites us all in a special way.

The trips will continue. If you still want to donate money, you can do so by:
-donating through Paypal through this blog
-sending a check to my parents house, which they will deposit to my account. Checks made to Jessi Dixon Veras, sent to:
25142 SE Rugg Rd
Damascus OR 97089

Remember that it is not tax-deductible, as it is going directly through me, but my promise still stands that 100% of the money is going to getting supplies to the Haitians.

Thank you seems like such a small thing to say, it's just that I don't know how to express it in any other way. So...Thank you.

Last stop, the hospital

The final stop was made at one of the many hospitals. They gave water to everyone there, patients, nurses and doctors, helpers, family...everyone. The towels, sheets, mosquito nets, and medicines were given to those in the hospital. You can imagine with so many patients and little resources, there are not enough towels and sheets to go around. It was a special gift to get the towels and sheets and be able to lie on something besides a matress...that many others have been on.

The group was able to pray with many of the patients...as that is the best support that one can give. Continue to pray, pray for each of these patients, for each and every life that has been touched by this.

Second distribution, Port au Prince

Once the group arrived in Port au Prince, they were then able to help another refugee camp. Lines were formed again and food bags distributed in order.

This little man might be one of my favorite photos yet! I like that his shirt says "Grandma and Grandpa's Little Angel". Of course he is.

They said that the food hasn't actually been getting to them and they were so happy to receive these bags. It seems that many people are now heading out of Port au Prince to the country where perhaps they can find some relatives and some relief.

The bags didn't last for everyone that was in line...but they were a blessing to those that were able to receive them.

Entering Port au Prince

After the first stop in the country, the group then made their way to Port au Prince. They said it was the biggest traffic jam they have ever seen in their lives. The destruction is real and massive. Buildings down and destroyed on all sides. They saw lots of UN workers and groups from all over the world.

First distribution in Haiti

The first stop inside Haiti was in a small town along the way. There were many people living in a make-shift camp of tarps and tents. They are people that have fled from the city to be away from the destruction and danger. Even in this town houses were destroyed and cracked. The people were asked to form lines and stay in order for the distribution of the food bags. The mommas with babies went to another side where they received an additional bag of diapers, formula, and a bottle.

Getting into Haiti

The line of traffic to get into Haiti was massive. It took 3 hours to get through one line of traffic! The took a lot of breaks outside the truck to wait it out

Loading, on their way to Haiti

The team packed up so many bags from all the food and supplies that were bought by the donations. There were so many bags that they lost count of how many, but trust me, there were a lot. The other items, like diapers and bottles of oil, were packed aside to distribute individually to those that needed them, and not in every bag.The group left about 11:30 p.m. on Friday night from Montellano and drove through the night. It was about a 9 hour trip to get to the border, so there were a few stops to get coffee and stretch the legs along the way...they had a big job ahead of them!

Back from Haiti

I'm happy to report that the church group has just crossed the Haitian border and are on their way home! From a quick phone call, it appears to have been a total success. They said that not only were the Haitians blessed, but the group as well for having had the opportunity to do this.

I'm sure that the trips will continue to Haiti. I know this has been both a challenge and a way for all of us to be involved. They told me they took a lot of pictures to share with you, so hopefully tomorrow I can do that.

Off to help Haiti

After arriving in at 11:00 pm from Santo Domingo, Ariel and I passed by the church on our way home. The team was just closing the doors of the loaded truck on their way to Haiti. It is an 8-9 hour trip to the border, so they wanted to do that part at night, to be ready to enter Haiti early in the morning. From there it is another few hours to arrive into Port au Prince. The group is formed of Dominican and Haitian men who have a deep desire to serve and come alongside the Haitians in this process. We know this will be the first of many trips into Haiti, as the whole church is excited about being involved and reconstruction. The food bags were all loaded along with all other supplies that were purchased for donation. Thank you again, with all my heart, for the donations that you have sent. We prayed for protection and guidance right before the group headed out. There is also a van following the truck in with Haitians that are looking for family members. We hope there are happy reunions.

As for future donations, we know there will be more trips, so you can still feel free to donate through the blog (not tax-deductible though) for direct relief to the Haitains. It has been heart-warming to see the outpouring of support that has come in. Thank you.

Kids Alive update

Yesterday I got up and headed to La Vega to meet with a group from Kids Alive that was headed to the capitol to pick up the Haitian kids from the hospital. Things didn't work out that way. Along the way, Vic, our director, learned that the hospital wasn't ready to release the 26 kids to Kids Alive. So we went to the office that manages child protection (kind of like CPS) to have a meeting. Our directors went into the meeting, along with the heads from World Vision and UNICEF...and the meeting lasted about 3 hours. In the meantime, we hung out on the bus and in the parking lot talking about the kids we'd be receiving. In the end, we had to leave with no kids and little hope of receiving kids in this way.

For whatever reason, it appears that the hospital has more control of who the kids go to, and they would like to give the kids to a group of nuns who are also helping out. The problem appears to now be that few refugee children have made it into the Dominican Republic, so there are few to take in. We know without a fact though, that there are many orhpaned children wandering the streets in Haiti. The problem lies in bringing the children into the country. Kids Alive's goal was to house the children temporarily while houses were built for them to return to, under Kids Alive care still, in Haiti.

Kids Alive is still willing and ready to receive 50-60 kids, and the contacts made during this meeting were very important. In the days ahead, conversations will continue as to the best way to move forward. Pray for wisdom and courage to handle these decisions correctly.

Happy Birthday Ariel

In all the busy-ness of getting things together, we managed to return to a bit of normal for a bit to celebrate Ariel's bday. He went to bed after me the night before, and I knew he'd be up before me, so I had to get up at 4am to leave a surprise of the apt all decorated for him to wake up to. It was worth it, his face was perfect when he saw it! We had friends over in the evening and Ariel cooked up a LOT of meat for them all (even if it was 10 pm before it was ready!) We then had some Bday cake and fell into bed to sleep. Many are doing the same as we are in their help for Haiti, but in different areas. Some friends are headed to help some friends that are starting an orphanage get set up for their first few days. It is worth it, all the running around and lack of sleep, it is worth it!! Happy Birthday Ariel!!

Last big buy before Haiti trip

Our last shopping trip was Thursday afternoon when we bought mosquito nets, sandals, towels, and sheets. This is the latest list of things we've heard that people are needing. It was all left in the church where a group worked to divide up the food items into individual bags for easier distribution. It was so incredible to see all the supplies together and know it was headed into the hands of the Haitians who really need it.

The donations had the "loaves and fishes" effect where each time I went to pay, I got a little nervous that I had spent too much. But, amazingly, it was always under what I had to spend at that time! What a blessing this will be to them that receive it!

Today's the day

Today is a big day! I'm leaving this morning (although it feels like the middle of the night still!) to meet those coming down from Jarabacoa so we can all go together to Santo Domingo. We will be headed to one of the biggest hospitals in Santo Domingo and getting 26 kids that the government has ready for us. There were to be 27, but thankfully a relative was found so we'll have one less! Not sure what to expect with these guys, we've been told they've all been receiving IV fluids, so I'm assuming they've been dehydrated and needing it! Apparently all the kids were found wandering the streets with no relative to be found. We are ready to help meet their needs and start this journey with them.

The supplies that you all donated for are headed to Haiti today! It has been so incredible to see the amount that has come in, Thank you!! I'll keep you updated and send pictures of the whole trip they're taking as soon as I can.

Pray for today. I feel at my limits emotionally and physically, and we are all feeling that. I'm looking for a little of God's super strength today. The days have been long but I feel blessed to have been a part of it. It'll be nice to have a few nights of good sleep when I come back on Sunday. I'm not sure if I'll head back to Jarabacoa again, we'll see how the progress goes. At the moment, we won't be receiving kids in Caraballo, that should come later in the week as more kids are identified and registered and then sent along to Kids Alive.

And lastly pray for the transitions of this day, for getting the kids, for their reactions, for peace and safety to reign over all the trips that are happening. Thes kids have been through so much, they need a rest and a safe place. It's exciting to be able to provide that. www.kidsalive.org/haiti-relief/

Movement

The magical word for these days is movement. We've been doing a lot of that! We went shopping again after work today and are excited about how much will be sent over to Haiti this week. Today we focused more on diapers, salami, and pasta, and tuna. Trying to look for more than just the rice, but putting protein items in like the meats and beans. We threw in some extras like cereal and dried milk along the way too! We did happen to get another 250 pounds of rice and 125 pounds of sugar!

Tomorrow (Thursday) is a holiday (AND Ariel's birthday!!!) and the church does an annual reunion to discuss the past year. So between meetings we'll head back to the city to fill up on water and juices.

On another note, we did feel the earthquake this morning, but just a little. They have said to expect many earthquakes more over the next month or two as the earth is moving a lot under us. It's kind of a helpless feeling, but life has to continue.

With Kids Alive, I got a great phone call this evening that the kids are now at the border, have been photo's and registered and are headed to Santo Domingo tomorrow to the hospital for an exam. If released, they could be with us as soon as tomorrow, otherwise Friday! It sounds like we will be slowly receiving sets of kids as they are processed and sent on to us. They will first head to the mountains in Jarabacoa and Constanza, then head to us as more come in. They are kids that officials have found wandering the streets with no adult attached to them or that they could find. The government will still try to find any living relatives, but it may be that we have a whole set of true orphans...and I'm afraid that we're seeing just a tip of the big iceburg of orphans that Haiti will now encounter. If you are interested in donating to Kids Alive, you can do so through www.kidsalive.com/haiti-relief/.

Update to last post

Just to update some new information we got tonight. The group will be going through the South border and Ariel, thanks to working for the government, has set up to have 4 Dominican military guards will meet them at the border and ride with them (on the outside of the truck) into Port au Prince where the goods will be unloaded and then head back to the border. We are excited for this trip and thankful that we can help in whatever way we can. Thank you!!!

Also, from what I understand, Kids Alive says that the kids are being registered and photo'd at the border and will hopefully be to us in the next day or two. www.kidsalive.org/haiti-relief/ for more info or to donate to Kids Alive and the kids that are coming. In Haiti, Kids Alive is also housing 50 new kids on site and doing their best to meet the needs of these kids!

Help is on its way

The shopping continued today!! This afternoon we got 40 salamis (how do you pluralize salami anyhow??), diapers, milk, formula, bottles, and pads. We're getting lists of things that the Haitians are really needing right now and are thankful to be able to fill the needs immediately!

The pile of supplies being sent just keeps growing, thanks to your donations!! Can't wait to put it on the truck on Thursday to send it into the hands of the Haitians! It's going in a closed truck through the Northern border, being driven by Haitians and Dominicans from the church. They'll be going to a site that has been reported as safe for delivering goods, so we pray against looting and violence. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Day by day

My heart aches more as each day passes. I don't know how to handle all the death, all the amputations, the hurting, the infection, the lack of everything. To see photos of people fighting over a can of air freshener. Really, air freshener?

I want to do more, I want to be there, to help with my hands. But I haven't felt yet that it's been clear for me to go. We are expecting the arrival of 50 Haitian children (10-15 for our site) sometime this week and I want to be here to welcome them, to love them, to just sit and cuddle. I need to be here right now, so I am. I don't know what to expect from them, what state they will be in. I expect they will be broken, both physically and emotionally. I pray for wisdom in my interactions with them, that I can pour out love all over their brokenness. I am grateful that we are able to take in 50 kids from refugee camps or wandering the streets, even just for a little while. The idea is that we will care for them for 6 months, the time of their visa and the time it will take to build houses and find staff to care for them back in Haiti. You can follow the progress or donate to the help on the Kids Alive website

I am humbled how so many people have come together to donate such a huge amount for the goods we have purchased to be delivered to Haiti. The first trip going out from our church will be on Thursday. Thank you for continuing to love the Haitians in this way.

I am hopeful that one of these times, it will be right for me to go. I like to go. But I will wait for the right time, when I know that that is what I am supposed to do. I am hopeful for the things that are ahead, for the Haitians to have a chance to start over, to heal, to be beyond the rubble.

Rice and Sugar for Haiti

We went to the market today and got 250 lbs of rice and 125 lbs of sugar! This is amazing. We then broke the sacks down into 5 lb bags for easy distribution. It was then taken to the church to wait with what was purchased yesterday, for the trip on Thursday! Tomorrow we're off to the local pharmacies to see what we can bargain for medical supplies! Thank you for the donations that continue to come in, both through this blog and for Kids Alive at www.kidsalive.org!

Preparing for Haiti, thanks to YOU

Ariel and I were able to do a great big supply buy today, thanks to all the donations coming in. We first went to Santiago to PriceSmart, which is similar to Costco, where we stocked up on bulk supplies. Then we went to a local supermarket in Puerto Plata where we bought smaller sized items.

The total list of items bought today includes: baby formula, baby bottles, powdered milk, canned corn, canned tuna, oil, soap, beans, salt, tomato paste, more beans, little canned sausages, more beans, more pasta, corn powder, liquid seasoning, bouillon, soup, crackers, dry beans, saltines, milk in boxes, oatmeal, juices (boxes and plastic bottles), matches, toilet paper, bleach, disposable plates, sanitary pads, baby food, spoons, and LOTS and LOTS of water.

Tomorrow we are going to the market where we will buy a massive sack of both rice and sugar and then break them down into smaller bags (it goes further buying in bulk). We are hoping to be able to buy medicines in the coming days as well.

All we can say is that we are so blessed by each one of you that has given and continues to give. It is a privilage to be able to be the "in-betweeners". We have already taken the items to church and continue to help with the plans for Thursday's trip into Haiti. If you are still interested in donating, by all means keep it coming. Don't forget that donations made this way can't be tax-deductible. As money comes in, we will continue to buy items to send. See the previous post for ways to donate.

Remember also about Kids Alive is still gathering donations which will be used to help Kids Alive, Haiti, as well as help bring in and maintain the Haitian kids in the coming week. You can donate, (Kids Alive is tax-deductible), to Kids Alive at http://www.kidsalive.org/ .

May God continue to pour out His blessings on each of you, we are honored to be trusted with this task.

Supplies to Haiti

We got it figured out! So here's what to do if you would like to donate to supplies that we'll buy here in the DR and that will go out at various times over the coming days. The next planned trip is leaving on Thursday from our church heading into Port-au-Prince. There will be other local groups leaving consistantly, but that is the first reliable group planned at the moment.



-You can easily donate through Paypal on the right

-Send a check written to Jessi Dixon Veras to:

25142 SE Rugg Rd

Damascus OR 97089

-Take money directly to my parents' house at the address listed above.



However the money arrives, I will let you know that I have received it (please leave an email address). Again, this is not through Kids Alive, this is solely for the purpose of putting goods quickly into the hands of the Haitians via local Haitian/Dominican groups that are headed to Haiti.



We'll be buying supplies that have been requested like: water, canned food (beans, corn, etc.), rice, hygiene supplies (soap, pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes), medical supplies (antibiotics, gauze, pain reliever, etc).

Progress

Once things start moving, they move quickly! It has been a busy day.

I want to first update about donations that people are wanting to make to buy supplies that are going over immediately to Haiti. We are still working with the bank, but I have now recieved and EIN number which allows this to be more like a non-profit so I don't get in a mess with financial records...important! We are waiting for confirmation from the bank about opening an account and then I will have all the details. This should be done today as we want to provide water and food and supplies right now. As soon as I know, you will know. Thank you. Thank you for your overwhelming support of the Haitian community and for speaking so quickly.

I was so nearly ready to head out with a group to the Haitian border where there is a small hospital receiving Haitian victims. Something in my gut told me to wait a minute, so I turned down the trip. Within minutes, I found out that Kids Alive just got approved by the government to bring in 50 Haitian kids to the DR!! Again, it is moving fast, but plans are coming together to divide the kids between a few of the DR sites, so we will take in about 15 kids. We will have them for approx 180 days (the length of their visa) and will provide total care for them. At the moment, it is still coming together about where they will stay and who will take care of them, but we are close to having a plan. These kids will be from 3-8 years old, some may have parents, some will be total orphans, speaking probably only Creole...and need lots of love. I can only imagine what they have lived through and seen in these days. I am struck by the photos, they have seen it with their own little eyes. So my gut (i.e. God) was right in me staying behind and helping work out the logistics of bringing in these little guys. I'll update as often as I can, with as much info as I get!

Keep praying, our God is moving greatly and to Him be the glory for it all.

Haiti Help

I know everyone wants to help, we want to do something, so I want to offer yet another way to help. I want to say that this will not be through Kids Alive, will not be tax-deductible, but I promise that every penny will be given to the purpose. This is something that came into my path, into my heart, and I want to offer it to others as well.

There are multiple groups of Haitians and Dominicans from local churches and organizations that are headed into Haiti with relief supplies. Ariel and I did a small supply buy tonight and were able to get a lot of things that will be in Haitian hands on Saturday. As we were checking out I thought how great it would be to be able to continue sending food/water/hygiene items with these groups that are heading across the border. We are hearing right now that water in Haiti is worth more than money itself. If anyone is interested in donating money, we can purchase items locally that can be delivered quickly by groups that are heading there in the coming days.

Please email me at: JNicole228@yahoo.com if you are interested and want details.

Please know that you can also donate to Kids Alive Haiti who is on the ground as well in Haiti, tax-deductible, through www.kidsalive.org. Thank you for caring, thank you for giving, thank you for praying.

DR Hospitals

I've finally been in touch with the 2 hospitals here in the Dominican Republic that are receiving patients from Haiti. Both said that at the moment, they are not in need of extra nurses as the amount of patients arriving has not been overwhelming yet. They have taken my number and I will continue to call as the days ahead reveal more people needing attention and more need.

Haiti

My desire still burns to do something, to be involved, but for now, I wait. By all reports, Haiti is dangerous right now. It's dangerous in the best of times in Port-au-Prince, so you can imagine how it would be now when times have somehow become more desperate. I have called a few hospitals and sent emails to try and go help if I can where they are receiving wounded people from the earthquake in the capitol here. So far, nothing. So I wait and pray and trust that if it's what I'm supposed to do, I'll know it and the right doors will be open. I don't want to just into something just because I feel like it, but to know that God has paved the path for me to be there. Many small groups are trying to get across to Haiti, mostly groups with Haitians/Dominicans which is safest for the moment. Continue to join me in praying for them all. We hope to be back in school tomorrow, I'm anxious to take attendance. Will keep you posted.

Earthquake update

What a night. As you all know, the island was rocked by an earthquake yesterday afternoon. I was waiting for Ariel in the car when it hit and was so unsure of what was really happening. I thought it was strong wind or someone making the car move...but then I saw Ariel run out to signal me to stay put. So I did. We drove home directly and began searching the internet (don't have TV or radio unfortunately). At that point all the tsunami warnings were rushing in, including specific times the waves would hit for each area, Puerto Plata included. We live about 1/2 mile from the ocean so it was a real concern to us. We thought about heading to the mountains if it was necessary, but thanks to lots of people Stateside who we were talking with, and just waiting it out, we eventually found that the warning had been lifted. Scary stuff. I just kept imagining Indonesia and the tsunami that hit there.

We thank God for the safety of those here in the DR, but are struck deeply by the devastation in Haiti. School was cancelled for the country today, so we are unable to get a better idea of what is happening for families of our Haitian kids. Many of the kids went to Haiti to be with family over the Christmas break, and I am left with nothing more than my ablities to pray and trust in our God. He is sovereign. He sits enthroned as King and has a purpose in all things. Even when I don't understand. No, ESPECIALLY when I don't understand.

My immediate reaction is that I want to do something. I'm so close to the border to be able to help, but I will wait until I hear more about any groups or organizations I might be able to go with. It is hard to be so close and do nothing. I want to go find our kids, as impossible as that is. I want to be back in school to take attendance and see exactly how many are gone.

So there are no solid answers yet. We must wait. We must pray. We must see the glory of our Lord even when it seems He has turned His back. He is here, He is in Haiti, He loves each one of those people. Praise Him, for He knows what is happening.

I will keep you posted of new developments that aren't general news knowledge. Thank you for your emails and concerns and prayers.

Friends.

Friends. I am so thankful for them. They help me think better, to live better, to be better.

It's time to post something on my blog again, but as school is just getting back in and vacation has been restful at home, there has been little in the way of blog material.

I just was organizing my photo albums and came across all the grade school and high school photos and was reminded again of the importance of friendship. Things haven't changed for me either. It's surprising how busy I can get myself and forget to take time out, but I'm so thankful that I have once we have gotten together. Lately it's been movie nights with the girls, which is so fun. Making cake and popcorn just because, and being together, is so special. It's nice, too, to have a "couple" friend, like when we were in Jarabacoa, we got to spend some good time with Leona and Anyelo...who we share a lot in common with. It's nice to have friends, to share with, to grow with.

Jarabacoa Getaway

Ariel and I are in Jarabacoa to take care of the Trautwein house while they're away for a few days. For those that haven't been here, Jarabacoa is up in the mountains and it is lovely and cold. Minutes after we pulled in it started raining to welcome us in. This morning it started raining again and we are now in sweaters and slippers and using full blankets...it's like visiting winter for awhile.

We had the best dinner last night when we went to a restaurant we've never been to before called Aroma de la Montana. It is literally straight up the mountain and so worth the fear of falling off the side! The view was incredible and we got there just for sunset (although it was behind clouds) and then watched the city sparkle. The chef is American and had those portable heaters and we actually used it! It was so beautiful and we talked so much about having our families there and how much everyone would love it...cause we sure did!!

Meet Yuriel

The baby is here!!! Ruben and Yubi are offical parents of a little boy named Yuriel. Sorry it's taken so long to get photos up, but finally! He was born on Monday, Dec 21st around 3pm. He was about a week late so they did a c-section, but all went well. He weighed 7 pounds and is healthy and hungry. Ruben and Yubi are adjusting well to their new little man and getting used to sleeping less! Congratulations!!!

And so this is DR Christmas!

So today is Christmas Eve. Traditionally a cold, maybe snowy day where we all get together and have a Dixon dinner and then listen to the kids beg my parents to open presents until they give in and we spend the night in gifts. But today I woke up to full sun and 70 degrees at 7:30 am. We will have a family dinner, but it will include roasted pork and moro (rice with beans). I'm making mashed potatoes and stuffing and apple pie because, well, I'm American and it's okay to want those things.

It's been a time of homesickness like crazy, but I guess that's to be expected. Ariel has been so good to me when it all hits and he takes me to the "big city" Santiago to see Christmas lights and go to the mall and eat Taco Bell and see New Moon. He is a good husband. So good. Yesterday we went to pick up the mail that arrives into Santiago by plane every two weeks. I truly now feel that Christmas is here!! Opening packages of wrapped presents just waiting until we can rip into them tomorrow. There isn't a tradition of gift-giving to grown-ups here, just for kids. Like I said, it's all different. Ariel and I will be having an "American" Christmas morning where we exchange presents and open all the excitement that we've received from the States. We're going to have pancakes and bacon and hash browns...now matter how weird it is to him!! And that'll be Christmas. A little, well, a lot different, but I'm happy to have stayed this year to see what it's like and mostly, to spend Christmas with Ariel. Now we just continue praying that we can be in Oregon for the next one...come on visa!!!

Happy Christmas everyone!

Central Park

The Central Park in Puerto Plata is very decorated and festive and definitely welcoming lots of visitors wanting a bit of Christmas spirit. We are frequent flyers to the park and love to just sit and talk and see the lights and decorations. We took the neices and nephews there the other day and had a lot of fun but also learned that we probably can't handle having 4 small kids! They're pretty great though, and it was such fun to go out with them!

Christmas Party at the Care Center

We had such a fun day at the Care Center for our last day of presentations and a Christmas feast! The kids loved all the food and were able to take some home to their families as well.

They did such a great job with their poems and skits and songs. It's always a lot of work for them, but they LOVE being in front of the whole group and presenting what they've memorized! We had 50 kids receive and award for perfect attendance, which is no small miracle in itself!!

Ready to Party

We filled Christmas bags and decorated the school in anticipation of the Christmas party tomorrow. The kids have been preparing songs and pantomimes (what's a party without a pantomime??!!) and skits for the big day. The kids will come to school around noon for a special lunch, then head back to their house to bring back a guest for the presentations. After it's all over, the guest gets a little gift (cake and an apple) and the kids get a big bag full of goodies. The bags are filled with treats that they most likely otherwise won't see, like apples and grapes and raisins (Christmas essentials in the DR). They also get a bag of sweets and 2 pairs of brand new undies! For many kids, this will be their Christmas. As money is often non-existent, Christmas gifts and presents just can't be bought. So we do our best to meet a need (Christmas is kind of a need) in their lives and love them by giving even the non-essentials.

It's a big day. I love it. I love the smiles on the kids face because they're getting something new. I love all the work they put into their presentations and how proud they are to bring someone with them to school to "show off" a little. Yah, it's a lot of work getting ready, but it's worth it for the little bits of joy!

Gua-guita

So we used to have the lovely, thin blue van. The same one that got stolen, was found in Haiti, and is now back serving in Constanza. In its place, we got a full size massive beast of a van that rarely sees me driving it (too big for me on the DR streets!). Well, it often breaks down and it just so happened that this week it did that again and was in the shop. So what did we get to school in? This little van. Mind you, the van has no back seat, one row for 2-3 people behind the drivers seats, should fit a max of 5 people, including the driver. So how many did we fit in?? 10!!! Incredible. It was a tight right but we made it in, even crossed the river which I didn't think was going to happen.

Jonathan visits!

One of the hardest things about living here is the constant coming and going of friends. It seems just when you are comfortable in a friendship, they are gone! It's just part of the lifestyle of living abroad though, as often people have contracts for 6 months, a year, 2 years, etc. Thankfully though, sometimes those friends come back! Jonathan was here with Kids Alive for over 2 years, but left to serve with KA in Africa 1.5 years ago. His best friend was Anyelo (see previous post) who was getting married to Leona, so he was able to be here for the wedding. After the wedding he stayed a night with us and visited Caraballo again, and we even found some time for carne salada, Yogen Fruz, and a trip to Puerto Plata.

Anyelo and Leona's wedding

On Saturday evening, we got to go the wedding of Anyelo and Leona. Leona has been here for years and works near Jarabacoa with Kids Alive in a Care Center called Palo Blanco. She and Anyelo are now in the club of Dominican-American marriages, and it's a great club to be in! There were lots of people there to celebrate and it was nice to be a part of their big day!

Thankful in Jarabacoa

On Friday afternoon we headed up to the mountains of Jarabacoa where it was amazingly cool! Ariel went crazy for sleeping with all the windows open and only a sheet, while I was bundled under 3 blankets! We had a nice time with all the Kids Alive folks and got to see many that we don't often see. After a huge dinner cooked by a team, there was singing and then the rain called the kids (and some adults) out to play on a make-shift slip and slide, then more singing and even a fire! It's always great to get away, to be with others, and feel the cold again!

Thankful in Puerto Plata

We had our first round of great Thanksgiving feasting with the Makarios group today in Puerto Plata. There were lots of people and even more food! I got to cuddle some more with Tasha which was probably my favorite part, besides Stove Top stuffing! We're off to Jarabacoa this weekend for Thanksgiving #2 (breaking Ariel in right!) and a friend's wedding on Saturday.

Help me while you shop!

So I've been connected to Upromise for a long time and it helps me, in small ways, to pay back student loans simply by connecting through them before purchasing anything online. So as you are all shopping for Chrismtas presents online, just click on the link below and it'll give me credit for your purchases! You don't have to open an account or anything, it has all my info already in the link so you just shop like normal after that. There's also some coupons if you're into that sort of thing too. Thanks guys!!! :)

Upromise Guest Shopping for Jessi

Laugh for the evening

So I bought one of those fancy tablets for the toilet that turns the water blue. I don't know if they really make it cleaner, but it gives the overall feeling that it's cleaner (and the blue covers it up if it's not anyways!). So I had nothing better to do I guess and was reading the back detalis about the "Bowl Fresh" toilet cleaner. This was my favorite:

"Safe to use around pets and children, although it is not recommended that either be permitted to drink from toilet".

It's not recommended? Really?

Growing pains

These last few days have been hard for me. I've been brought back to the realities of poverty and the needs of these kids. The needs. Oh, how the needs overwhelm me. I started doing teeth cleanings on the kindergarteners and am now up to 2nd grade and each grade gets progressively worse with the amount of damage and decay in their mouths. It's not surprising, I knew it and I expected it. But to actually open the mouth of a 5-year old and see teeth half-rotten, others missing, and him telling me how much it hurts...I feel, well, helpless.

That's been the biggest feeling apart from just an achey heart for each one of these guys. I'm still trying to wrap my head around a little girl being sent to school with a black eye last week, supposedly fell on a rock. She's 6. It's the same as the tooth decay...I know it exists but to actually have a little girl right in front of me who can barely open her eye and who is telling me lies that she's been told to pass on from someone who beat her. Achey heart. Helpless. I guess that's what poverty, injustice does. I just wish I could do something about it.

Cleaning some teeth

Well I officially started cleaning teeth. We start with a revealer tablet which sticks to the plaque and then I'm teaching them how to brush better. Then I move on to doing a basic cleaning and mouth check, then flouride for at least a minute. It's been fun to help the kids like this, a very tangible measure that we're really making a difference. The kids love the attention and the stickers too!

Good morning!

I've had this plant (hibiscus?) for a long time and when we got it, it had a few of these lovely flowers. Since then, it has done nothing but grow leaves and be boring. This morning I was in the living room and heard Ariel shouting, "Jessi, come look!!!" and went to see the first beautiful flower in months! It literally sprouted and bloomed overnight and, well, I'm pretty excited about that.

Jazz Festival

We went to the Dominican Jazz Festival last night in Cabarete. It was a fun time to be with friends and talk and listen to some jazz music. We had a great spot on the beach with blankets and the whole set-up, but then the rain came so everyone packed under the tent. Little by little we got chairs and ended up getting to sit together. The bands were excellent and pretty creative!

Some tailoring

So I have some clothes that don't fit so well but haven't ever been able to get rid of them. Ariel said we'd just take them to the tailor and have them fixed. I first pulled out a few skirts and then he suggested I take some dresses that aren't too fitted either. I was hesitant because it's never a priority when money isn't abounding and I'm okay to wear something else. I share this because in the end, this is what we're fixing:

2 skirts
3 dresses
1 polo shirt
1 men's shirt
2 men's dress pants.

All for the low price of 370 pesos...10 little dollars! Can you believe it??!! Why didn't I do this before. And it's not just a little seam, we're talking tapering skirts and removing zippers to do some tucks, etc. Amazing. This country is amazing.

Experiences

When Candace went back to Canada in February, she accidently left her book My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. Although I've meant to send it to her a few times, I just can't seem to let it go! I love to read it every morning because this is the kind of quality reading I get:



"If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others. Because of this process, you will never be surprised by what comes your way."



How great is that?! How often I find myself being self-centered and thinking the problems and ups and downs in life are simply to teach me something. But what if it is for others, what if I get to do great things because of the hard and difficult times that I've gone through? How much better I understand others' struggles now because of my own personal struggles in life. How much more I feel I can relate when someone faces an obstacle, a hard decision, a hurt or pain. So I thank God for the hard times and continue to pray that I will be used, that He will use the experience I've had so that I may be more useful to Him.



And thanks, Candace, for forgetting your book! I'm just going to have to get you a new one though.

Christmastime is...near.

It's that time of the year already...sponsorship Christmas cards! We've been working with the kids this week to get the Christmas cards ready to be sent to the Kids Alive office where they'll then be sent off to their waiting sponsors! It's a fun time, really, as the kids get excited about not only getting out of class but coloring and writing to their sponsor. It's amazing seeing what they come up with to decorate their Christmas tree...from dots to bright pink. At first I wanted make them do it in green but, well they're kids and if they want to have a pink tree, let it be!

Counting down

Yubi continues well and is counting down the days to her baby boy. She's due in just over a month and is more than ready to meet this little man. Her belly is getting so big for her little body and I got to feel him kicking and moving yesterday. She's started having some contractions but nothing more than warming-up for the big day! Can't wait!

Bouncing bunnies

Remember these gross things???!!!




They are now these lovely little fluffy bunnies! I was hoping that they would get better, and just like they promised, about a week later they opened their eyes and grew some hair. They're now amazing and soft and cuddly. I might even pick them up every now and then because they're kind of irresitible to touch! The runty white one died but the other three are going strong and eating lettuce already! I'm glad they changed from their ugly first few days...they were pretty gross!