Haiti Debrief

For all of you that are local and have followed my blog...I'm going to do a talk at my church about my Haiti trip, on June 7th, which is a Monday, at 7pm that is open to anyone who wants to come.  It will be at the Cross Timbers Community Church, Denton campus, in "The Garage".  I know that you think I put EVERYTHING on my blog...but believe me, there is WAY more so come and listen!  I'm going to share my adventure, mixed in with a little of my testimony and why I even went to Haiti in the first place so it should be interesting...or at least I THINK it will be!  There should be some snacks...I heard rumors of popcorn so how cool would that be?

Hope some of you will come...but even if you can't, thanks for the support and prayer coverage in the past month.  It has been felt for sure!

Blessings!
JOY

Remember my name...

Well it's been a week I think since I posted anything so some updates are in order!  First off, I'm finally feeling much better with my GI issues.  Mom came in and took care of me so that was quite the blessing to not have to worry about what to eat or take care of anything at the house, so all I had to do was to just rest and concentrate on getting well.  I tried to pay her to stay full time and cook, clean and be my assistant but I guess I don't pay enough!  Thanks for the prayers and support in the last several weeks...they have been felt and needed.

Sometime last week, Pastor Rick Warren posted this quote on his Facebook page:

Acts19:15 The demon said "I know Jesus & I know Paul...but who are you?" Are you so RADICAL in love & faith that Satan knows YOUR name?

That quote really got me thinking...and I have to admit, I have been through some trials and suffering since I have been back from Haiti and as one friend of mine said, I have stared satan right in the face and let me tell you, it is not pretty and it is not fun to be under spiritual persecution.  But here's the thing...through some rough stuff, I have been able to pick myself up off the ground from the depths of despair and stand on the Rock.  Wasn't easy and I had some pivotal decisions to make on who was I going to follow and if I still had fight in me but I'm still here and I'm still standing.  Job 13:15 says it best "Though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him".  I have seen the evil of the enemy, not just in Haiti, but here in the US and I'm on to him and he doesn't like it when we see through his smoke and mirrors.  But, his time is limited, he is desperate and it will get uglier for me.  But every stinkin' time he does something to torment me...in the midst of it, God turns it for good.  EVERY!TIME!  You think that would make it easier when you are in the valley but it doesn't and I'm not going to lie.  Walking through pain, trials and fire is rough stuff.  The refining process is not fun but there is beauty from ashes and I think sometimes you have to go to the depths of hell to appreciate the mountain tops and cherish them.

I just hope I can live my life where at the mention of my name, the enemy will tremble because of what they know I'm doing for the Kingdom.  I may have been down, but I most certainly am not beaten.

Still here on the Rock,
JOY

Pics in Haiti

For all those asking, here is a link to my FB page with several pics of the Haiti trip in case you are not on FB.  I hope you can access the link!  I have probably 500+ pics so these are just a representative few of the trip but gives you a good idea.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2039862&id=1402787592&l=bdea5f9017


And thanks all for the prayers and well wishes...I'm FINALLY feeling better today and have some strength and energy.  I can eat, but just have to be very careful what I ingest as my stomach is pretty sensitive.  But for the first day since I have been back, I feel like ME again.  Praise the Lord!  Thanks for all the support!

Aren't moms great?

Well appears I brought back a piece of haiti that I didn't intend to...giardia (protozoal parasite in contaminated water/food).  I know Karen, Jess and I all have it and are miserable.  Horrible gastrointestinal problems and just weak, weak, weak.  Alicia is Iron Woman and probably is sailing right on through...guess being a vegetarian is smart!

I'm so weak that I finally had to say "mercy" and call in reinforcements...good ole Mom.  I haven't eaten since Monday night and all I can do is lay in bed and just feel miserable.  My poor horse...I didn't even feed her last night as I just couldn't muster up the strength to get out of bed so you know it is bad.  Mom is almost here and I'm leaving work and heading to bed.  Please keep me and the other girls in your prayers for a speedy recovery and purge this from our system. 

At least I'm in the good ole USA with a/c and a comfy bed to weather this storm.  So glad for Mom coming up as well.  She's the best nurse and it will be nice to be waited on hand and foot and not have to worry about anything but coming to work and limping through my day.  I need a vacation from my vacation!

Love you Mom!
JOY

PUSH!

I wanted to share the below as I can draw a lot of parallels from my life to the point of the message.  Sometimes, God asks us to do things...like going to Haiti...and we really don't have the foggiest idea of why BUT we do it.  And God blesses that.  In time, He reveals to us the whys and what nexts, but only when we are ready.  If He unfolded His entire plan for our lives before us all at once, we probably would pass out...it would be mind boggling...so He handles us with kid gloves and makes sure we are ready every step of the way.

Isn't He just awesome?  I'm glad His ways aren't my ways.  Because His ways are SO much better!

Read on...

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to Push against the rock with all his might.


So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: (He will do it every time!)

'You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved.' Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, 'Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.' That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of Prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord,' he said, 'I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.

"Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed.

"But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.

"Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be Obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the Faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the Mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong -- Just P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down -- Just P.U.S.H.

When people don't do as you think they should -- Just P.U.SH.

When your money is 'gone' and the bills are due -- Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don't understand you -- Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray

U = Until

S = Something

H = Happens

Keep PUSHing!

JOY

Back to the grind...day 1

Did I ever really leave?  It almost seems as if the last 10 days were just a figment of my imagination...

It really does seem a bit surreal that a few days ago, I was in Haiti...and now today, I'm back to work, business as usual.  The world didn't stop because I was gone...Maybe the Haiti trip was just a dream?  Wait...check bug bites...nope, definitely didn't get these suckers here in Texas!  So, no need to pinch myself...I have the bug bites to prove I was indeed gone the past 10 days.

And in typical post-vacation trip fashion (can I really call this trip a vacay?), the real world came crashing back down around me today.  It is nice sometimes to leave and escape the problems of this life, isn't it?  Even if that means a third world country...it sure is nice to think about someone else's problems vs your own for a change.  But, that's not reality, now is it?  If we leave our problems...they are just waiting for us when we come back.  Hello, old friend, good to see you again.  NOT!

Does it seem like I am asking a lot of rhetorical questions today?  If you are saying that to yourself and wondering if I'm delirious from dengue fever or malaria the answer is, no, unfortunately I'm about as normal as it gets (minus this haitian cold that I'm trying to kick!)...which isn't very normal!  But, after this trip, I'm honestly asking MYSELF a lot of questions...ones that I don't have the foggiest idea on how to answer but I know God does and in time, I'm hoping He will let me in on those answers.

Whenever you're ready God...I'm waiting...but in the meantime, can I at least buy a vowel?  Or just a clue? 

Oh well, it was worth a try!

JOY

Give a Kid to a Kid Haiti

This is a video of the "Give a kid to a kid" goat project in haiti that we were helping out on while there. This explains it better than I can but a great project! Little Pharangia hounded us when we were there as well. This is Dr. Kelly Crowdis, who was our fearless leader as well while we were in country! Great job Kelly!

Back in the U S of A...Priceless

As I type this tonight, I am sitting in my house FREEZING...I can't put the air past 75 degrees without shivering!  My body is so used to the dire heat it doesn't know what to do here with the AC but it is a good problem to have, let me assure you.  Also, I sit here, trying to type and I have to stop and ITCH every 3 seconds...I am literally covered my bug bites.  The mosquitoes there are fierce and they loved me and could not be deterred by any bug repellant I could find, even the army stuff I got while there.  However, Alicia, did not get hardly a bite!  I really think we should do a study on her---she is the bionic woman and whatever her skin secretes, I want to bottle and use on myself!  I also have a "haitian cold" that got me down these last 2 days that I'm coughing and spitting but as I sit here with my Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic, Life is just SO GOOD!  thanks so much for all the prayers and for all of you who kept up with my ramblings on my blog (and they were all sent by texts while I was bumping along in the back of a truck so I apologize for typos or disjointed thoughts!) and who prayed for me---I never felt scared or weighed down by the spiritual oppression there and I know that is because I was well covered in prayer.  So if all I have to complain about is some sniffles and bug bites, I am blessed!

I know that right now, I can't even grasp everything that I came into contact with while over there.  It will take weeks or months to process as it was a lot to experience, but I will say, that it is so surreal coming home where everything is just...easy.  I want to call someone---I just pick up my cell phone or home phone or get on my computer and bam, it is done.  I don't have to worry about whether there is electricity or not due to the generator being out of gas or the inverted not working properly--I just flip a switch and there are lights...all night long.  I get hungry--I just pull in to Sonic and grab a bite, while I'm riding in a car on a nice paved road with orderly traffic and clear signs and directions!  I come home to a nice spacious house, fat and sassy animals and clean sheets and running water--even HOT water--and I didn't have to fill any tanks or check first to see if there would be water.  I didn't even have to work up a sweat unloading my bags and doing somethings outside.  I mean, life is a BREEZE here and I hope I never take that for granted again, but I am sure I will.  I think right now, that is a big thing I came home with---life is so hard for the Haitians (and other 3rd world countries)...there are literally no jobs and right now, not even homes.  NOTHING in their lives is easy...and I mean nothing.  Everything has to be worked for or thought through and it takes effort.  I know I sound like a broken record and people are saying, yeah, yeah, everyone says that when they come back from a place like that...but until you experience and live it, it really is hard to explain.  I am grateful that I got a chance to live it, even if just for 10 days, because my eyes are open in a new way to that part of the world and how everything we do, whether trying to help or as the US, has a direct impact over there.  Sometimes helping can hurt...but that is a topic for another day!

So, by God's grace, I am home safe and sound in my comfy house and in a way, I am a little sad and guilty because I just have so much and God has blessed me so much, although I am no better or more deserving than the Haitians with smiles on their faces although they have so little.  I was told re-entry would be hard and I see why...it is just a stark contrast to where I have been and it is tough.  I can't help but think right now of the people who don't have a bed to sleep on tonight, but sleep in the roads; those that are hungry and starving and dehydrated because they have had no food or water all day in the blazing heat; those who are literally dying of malaria, dengue fever, AIDS, respiratory infections, parasitic diseases, many which are treatable, but they just can't find help; and the fear of those who every time there is an aftershock/tremor are paralyzed in fear and think of all those that they lost 4 short months ago.  As one man said, "I am so blessed because I only lost 3 family members in the quake"...wow...puts it all in perspective, huh?

And to our team:  Dr. Kelly and Dr. "Keif"--thanks for showing us what real vets do on a day-to-day basis and by blessing us by letting us walk in your shoes for awhile; Jan--thanks for the WONDERFUL homecooked meals, sweet smile and being our "mother" while we were hot, tired and worn out; Alicia and Jess--you girls reminded me of how I felt when I was in vet school and brought back alot of good memories, plus your sweet spirits and excitement were contagious; Karen--what can we say?  From photographer, eye ball rubber, patellar tendon massager, physical therapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, pharmacist...where would we have been without you?  Your humor kept us going and thanks for documenting every step of the journey; Magda, Menusca, Acky, Rose, Judelyn, Nancy, Yonki, Benjamin--thanks for accepting us "blancs" and helping us out as we bumbled your language and blindly plunged ahead trying to stay afloat--you guys are proof that there is real hope for Haiti and the future lies in your hands.  Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart and will always be recalled fondly when I think of Haiti.  And Karen, Jess and Alicia--I'm coming to visit so just get ready!

Thanks again for the love, support and prayers...I will post some pictures tomorrow as I have time but for now, I just wanted everyone to know I am safe and home back in Texas.  And for all of you that wrote support letters for me....what can I say?  I cried every time I looked at the packet, much less read the letters!  I was so touched by your kind words, although I didn't feel that deserving of them, but thanks anyway.  I will keep them and cherish them FOREVER!  They already are stained with sweat, tears and the ever present dust of Haiti!  Thanks again for believing in me even though many of you were not real confident in letting me out of your sights.  Now I can say...see I told you so!  God had me in His hand the whole time!

Love to all!
JOY

But as americans we are so full of pride, we just call these idols "the american way" and justify it. Everyone gets divorced...no big deal. Don't have time for church, Making a living for the family. Have to work late a lot...kids will understand and hey they need braces, ipod, wii, college, etc. Need bigger house, more money but of course hang on to it tightly and don't help others. Me, me, me...that's the american chant and it is most definitely an idol that we are sacrificing and slaving to and that 'stuff' gets in the way of our time and relationship with God. So we can look down on haiti and say, wow, we would Never do that...but don't we in our own 'acceptable' american way? Things to ponder...deep thoughts by joy with way more to come soon! Gotta go prop up my huge swollen cankles...this heat makes you swell like crazy!

Last night when keith was back, we all sat around the table just listening to his stories and boy does he have a lot after 2+ decades here. Life isn't easy here but boy it can be entertaining! Our field of vet med is always interesting and here, the public health side is so important due to all the zoonotic diseases that are present here...anthrax, rabies, tb, cistocercosis, giardia to name the biggies. But even more than that, it is amazing to hear the stories and just see the Lord's hand in so many things...the impossible becomes the possible. Yes, there may be a lot of voodoo and demonic things going on BUT the Lord's presence and guidance is here in very tangible ways and can't be denied. We serve an awesome and mighty God and HE cannot be put in a box! Even though every night you can hear the drums, smell the incense and know these rituals are going on very near to the spirits, it hasn't scared me...

As far as sickness, I've got the cold, jess has montezumas revenge, kelly is recovering from malaria, and nancy (haitian woman who lives here recovering from fractured leg from quake) is sick,too. Jan is running a hospital! I think karen and alicia have so far been unscathed. I'm glad if I had to get sick, it's at the end and not the beginning. But being sick in this heat with no ac makes matters worse. You just get so weak. Makes me feel bad for those on the street who have no fan even to lie under when they are sick. Tomorrow, I leave at noon out of here to head back to the states. I will miss haiti and I'm always going to look back on this trip with great memories and I think it will be a turning point in my life when I look back one day. I've made great friends and I'm already planning a trip to st kitts before the girls are out of school and then one to niagara falls NY to visit karen!

One thing I've left out of the blog is the haitian traffic and roads...in a word, chaos! NYC cabbies have nothing on these guys! The roads are rock and either steep or full of huge holes or now rubble to drive around. There are no traffic laws really...someone might be headed straight at you driving on the wrong side of the road. There's a lot of passing, swerving, and honking and a lot of traffic jams as sometimes, people just leave their cars in the middle of the road to do something! Horrible back ups. Worst was yesterday with keith and we sat still for 30 mins due to some moron changing his tire in the middle of the road...and was horizontal to traffic and it was a dump truck! We've literally played chicken with a semi and when keith says "that was close" you can bet your life it was! He's been here 25 yrs so he's part haitian by now! Kelly is quite aggressive too and holds her own. Adventure!

Today I woke up and my haitian cold really started to get to me and I'm zapped of energy. And of course, the heat makes it worse. We worked this am helping kelly clean out her storage bldg with supplies and delivered some to a hospital. There was a giant rat in her stuff...I hate rats! And no, the cat has not crawled out yet from his latrine hidey hole. We headed out and had "fast food" at epi'dors which was a big treat...ham and cheese crepe, cole and french fries...wow! Ourse it took about 30 mins to get the order but it was yummy and in the ac! At that point, we came back to jan's and I had to lie down. I was wiped out. I ended up staying in bed while they went out to merger to the goat project. I just couldn't get up...I slept 4 hrs and feel better but just really congested. So I feel bad for not going out but I know they can handle it!Hate to not say good bye to the kiddos,but I've got good memories

With all that being said, I'm ready to be home with my family and friends. I miss you guys! And I'm ready to be in my practice with my clients/patients as well. My bed, running water and ac will be the best ever! And although the food here has been awesome...jan has spoiled us with 3 homecooked meals a day...I want some mexican food! And I can't wait to be in my church sunday and praise the lord for this trip and what He is doing all around the world! So, you guys need not worry...I'm coming back! My hats are off to keith, jan and kelly...to live here full time is hard work and tough and I'm sure many time feels like running in jello but the Lord is using them in mighty ways and I know He will bless them doubly and take care of them!

Well the surgery on jan's cat was a success! Alicia and jess each neutered one side perfectly under my watchful eye and there were no calamities and our patient is doing fine. They said I was an excellent teacher so they are my new favorite students! Then, we examined the sick goat and figured out despite many dewormings she has a heavy resistant parasite burden...haemonchus contortus...that can make them super anemic so supportive care is in order at this time and aggressive deworming vs surgery. So our resident parasitologist ie vet students were quite excited! So we got several things accomplished, which on haiti time is quite successful. My trip here is coming to a close and I'm so thankful of the wonderful people I've met and the things I've seen and learned...my eyes have been opened not just for haiti but for others who have needs as well. Lots to reflect on and think about in the days to come.

So now back to keith and jabs after getting diesel for the generator to run the electric. At best, you might have electric one hour a day. So generators and inverters are used for night time to have lights and fans. Back at keiths, we are hopefully going to neuter their cat and then tend to the sick goat. If we can't get it patched up, then an exploratory surgery is in order. So that's the plan for the rest of the afternoon. We are getting a real feel for what it is like to live here and be a missionary here...tough. Keith gave us a great history lesson today and ther US involvement here and how they have helped and hurt. he's been here 25 years so he's seen it all! Fascinating to hear of it all and how he has been involved then and now. It truly stands alone as a country like no other and you must know how things operate here to be able to help and not make the problems worse.

Kelly is much improved today after 3 doses of chloroquininine but she's still weak. We headed to her house and were going to neuter her cat (let alicia and jess practice while we instructed). Well...the cat was a bit wild and when they found him, he ran into the outdoor haitian toliet (aka outhouse with a 20 ft drop below). At first he was on a ledge and I was going to sedate him in the rear...well he got wind of that and jumped down. Yep, 20 ft straight down! Uh oh...due to the area around it, we couldn't get a long enough board/stick down there so we tore up a tarp, tied it together and hung it down there. Now it's up to the cat to decide to live and crawl out but he did escape the neuter for another day. As kelly said, in haiti, if you have a list of to dos and one thing gets accomplished, it's a good day and that really it true. Things are just so complicated and you must have huge amounts of patience

Dr keith stopped in at one of the makeshift hospitals to visit a dr. That was there from iowa state he knew. It took awhile to find him but we were successful. He gave us all COLD cokes, so we instantly liked him! While they visited, we gathered a crowd in the tent community where we were...they wanted to know what was in the back of the truck...we said cabrit and they said no, monster! LOL...they had never seen a billy goat that big because they eat them when they get just a little size on them. We were astonished they really didn't know it was a goat! We learned that as an american in the back of a truck with a large goat...that is basically a dowry and you get a lot of marriage proposals going down the street! No joke! Karen says she's gonna try that back in NY! Like the naked cowboy but the goat girl instead! After coming back to PAP and unloading goats, we had a great lunch and checked in on kelly.

Well another interesting day in haiti! Went out at 6 to south and west of PAP to lemonge which is where the epicenter was estimated to be (about 2 hrs out of PAP). 80 percent of homes collapsed and I would say that number is low. EVERY home was flattened I saw but by the miracle of only God's hand, no lives were lost. It was in the country and happened slow enogh where people escaped. Amazing! We switched out our buck at the goat project there for another and brought back a sick goat for treatment. Before coming back, dr. Keith stopped in at one of the h

After lunch, we went and picked up some tarps from USAID to distribute and got to see the NGO warehouse which was huge and under heavy guard. Saw where there is a helicopter strip between US embassy and UN and that's where michelle obama landed...said she had 7 limos. How on earth did they get that here???? Sure that cost us a few mil...but that's for another day! After unloading them, we are headed out to pick up a breeding buck (goat) and strap it in the back of the truck...pics to come of that! Hopefully kelly will feel better after malarial drugs hit...she's miserable and we can't imagine being sick and having a fever in this heat. Talk about awful. So far my malaria meds are working but I do have a sore throat and drainage today...probably after working with the kids and all those snotty noses! Taking some arbonne so hope to kick it. Even though the day wasn't what we planned, God made a new one!

Today has been a little strange..started off with kelly getting sick first thing...pretty sure she has malaria so she's in bed. After breakfast, we did a bible study with us girls and jan that was great. Then another missionary loaded us 4 girls up and dropped us off at pax villa, where we have played with the kids. We took crafts and were on our own! We got there and were like how do we let the kids know? Well within 2 mins of being there...they flocked to us! We made cross necklaces with beads and even big kids/adults participated. Then we used play dough, blew bubbles, and then colored which was a hit! Probably 30 kids? They all wanted to give us their pics to keep after they were finished. Alicia taught a ballet class and that was a hoot! I think all of us got offers of marriage or just to have babies with the haitian single guys as well! We were there 2 1/2 hrs and it was fun. Then we got picked up

Many of theses tent communities are starting churches and they say many are coming to know Christ. Also schools are forming in the tent areas...can you imagine going to school in 95 degree weather under a tent in the blazing sun with no desks? Those poor teachers, too! They let them out early a lot because conditions are not conducive to learning. Can you imagine kids in the US with those conditions? That is a dedication to learning and they seem to know, some of them, that it is important to have some education. You see some of the kids, in uniforms, walking long ways in the heat to other better schools. Grade school is in the am, and high school is in the afternoon so only half days. And many kids that do finish school may be 22 to 24 because they don't go every year due to money or a family member is sick, etc. They may miss several years in between grades due to hard times.

Some thoughts on haiti: there are 8 million people in all of haiti, and 3 million live in PAP. Out of that 300k died in the quake estimated and most in PAP region since the epi center was here and 100k were injured/maimed. Now there are 1.5 million homeless again most in PAP. Try to wrap your mind around those numbers...the disaster teams and UN meetings have said this is the worst disaster ever because it was in a heavily densely populated area so the damage was immense due to that and the fact there is no infastructure to this country so it was/is sheer chaos. But, with the horror of all of that, it could have been so much worse and you hear stories of survival and flat out miracles...no other explanation so you can see God's hand even in the tragedy. We can't understand why He allowed this to happen, but already it is being worked for his good!

After coming back into PAP, we went back out to deliver supplies to the med clinic/school that we went to the first day in one of the tent cities. The kids were so excited to see us and just mobbed us. We played with them for an hour at least and then left after we were worn out! They have such good spirits and love us white folks! I forgot to add earlier that kelly took us shopping this am when downtown...great stuff and of course I managed to buy a lot and support the economy. Instead of plastic sacks to carry your stuff out, they had woven palm bags...for free! That was worth buying a lot for the handiwork! I'm all for stimilating the economy with US dollars! Their money is goudes...38 goudes to 1US, and everyone takes it. Things are so cheap here it is amazing...beautiful carved wooden salad bowls for 20US! Today was another great day and I think the Lord keeps breaking our hearts every day for haiti.

This afternoon we ment out to merger and did some work with the animal handlers for the kid for a kid project. These are the older people overseeing things so it was one on one educational. The area was very slum like and the kids just ran out greeting us with "hey you" over and over and the thumbs up sign, which I interrupted as gig 'em but others said no! This project takes 4th graders and they meet every sunday and learn all about taking care of a goat, then there is a test they must pass at the end of the course in order to have their own goat. 13 out of 30 passed. They keep it and care for it and as it has twins, they can sell them. They are trying to partner with a local hotel to get them to buy them. They are worth about 75US so there is big incentive. As we entered the little kids are all screaming they want a goat! Some have already had twins so that is cool for them. Great way of giving hope!

This afternoon we ment out to merger and did some work with the animal handlers for the kid for a kid project. These are the older people overseeing things so it was one on one educational. The area was very slum like and the kids just ran out greeting us with "hey you" over and over and the thumbs up sign, which I interrupted as gig 'em but others said no! This project takes 4th graders and they meet every sunday and learn all about taking care of a goat, then there is a test they must pass at the end of the course in order to have their own goat. 13 out of 30 passed. They keep it and care for it and as it has twins, they can sell them. They are trying to partner with a local hotel to get them to buy them. They are worth about 75US so there is big incentive. As we entered the little kids are all screaming they want a goat! Some have already had twins so that is cool for them. Great way of giving hope!

Education and employment are going to be huge. Handouts are great, nut the organizations doing the best are those not just focusing on the short term nut long term solution. Don't just come in and do it all for them, but come in and teach them skills and give them a job! That is where CVM is trying to make a difference...show them the value in ag and animals and taking care of them. A goat sells for 75US! That's a semester of school for a child so you can see the economic impact. Lots to think about. Just bought red beans and rice on the street...fast food haitian style. I took pics...amazing the resourcefulness they have here. Headed out to country this afternoon to work on goats for the kid for a kid project for 4th graders...really cool idea and more on that later.

Well this AM has been interesting. Started off going through a bunch of donated supplies at keith and jan's and organizing it all. Then headed downtown to see the destruction near the epicenter. It is crazy how buildings fell so randomly. The rubble to me tells the bigger story. Unfathomable and where do you start!? One bucket or wheel barrow load at a time. Most of the roofs were concrete so I see how they crushed people when they fell. They are saying new construction will be more tin roofs and probably no concrete tops. USAID is paying day workers to clean up rubble which is great. These people need jobs and something to do. Things that can help them rise up out of this mess. To live and have a meal a day and water, it costs about 500US a year. School costs around 75US a semester but that generally is uniforms and books too. So you can see with just a little income, that can mean big returns.

Tomorrow we head down to the biggest of the quake damage to just look around and take pics. I can't imagine as I've seen horrible destruction already. Preparing myself for that...been talking about that day with those who want to talk and the stories will blow yopu away. God is so provisional and was just there, as we know, every step of the way. Makes me think about who we run to when times get hard...there will be lots of blogs spun off of this when I'm home next week so get ready! Off to do devotions with the girls. It gets dark at 630 and sun is up at 430am so we basically go with the sun! By 8pm we,re dead tired! As us texans know, the heat zaps you quick...but esoecially with no ac to run too!

Back in PAP and evidently while we were coming back from country there was an earthquake...4.0 they said. No destruction or damage, just knocked things off the wall and terrifies people. They say there is ab out one a week. Makes me wonder if God is trying to gentle remind them...had a great dinner back at the big house after a trip out to the army base to pick up supplies that they were dumping. That was an experience to see the set up there...a small town. Also went to a factory that is making small form houses and donating or selling them. About 2000US but much nicer than a tent. Supposed to make 10000 by jan! They break down so they can carry 9 houses by truck. Great idea and we saw the models set up...christian organization and what a fab idea to help people right where they are at. And huge news...I got a real shower!!! No hot water but still..it was heaven! thank you Jesus!!!

In response to mom, no I can't take a bath anytime. No electricity, no running water. But let me tell you I'm good at the bucket bath! We get a bucket for 2 of us a day but I've gotten good at it...even washed my hair. After 12 hours of heat, it's refreshing! Course by the next am, you've sweated all night but everyones in the same boat. The bugs are the worst for me...we are all using the same stuff yet I'm the one getting eaten alive! Thank goodness for cortisone cream that jess brought! Other than that, just a nuisance. I will be ready for a long shower when home!

Just finished 2 hours of vaccinating island horses, deworming and trimming feet. I was able to teach the vet students and the care takers how to do this so that was fun and rewarding. Bought a fruit basket from the locals made all out of plastic water bags they sell to drink out of. Trash is a huge problem here and there are zero trash cans. Everything is just thrown down...horrible. So I was glad to see a creative solution. Heading back to PAP now so back to the hustle and bustle of the city. The country here has been so nice and beautiful. Not much damage out here from the quake. Much different in the city. The tent cities and conditions these people are living in is just undescribeable. I will try to post a picture today if it will go through. Much more loss of hope and sadness in the city...and fear. the workers living with the missionaries I'm here with still won't stay inside but in tents outide.

It jusr reminds me that we are so very blessed to be in the US...what is easy for us is hard for them or non-existent. Counting my blessings! God is good and present in real ways here even with the demonic influences and some stiff necked people. Proof that He loves us all and never let's us go no matter how deceived and lost we may be. He's a loving God and works everything for good...even an earthquake. This nation has a 2nd chance like never before to rise up out of this and be better than ever before...we serve a God of 2nd chances for sure!

Today we are headed up into the mountains to vaccinate some horses and a dog. Then headed back down for a 2 hour rough ride down the mountail to PAP. Picking up some plywood that the army is supplying for them to have as supplies. Will be more time in the car today. Last night was cool and I got great sleep and didn't get terrorized by bugs so that was great. PTL! The food continues to be amazing...red beans and rice is a staple and then meat added of some form. Spaghetti for breakfast but a different sauce that is more cajun. Also had fried eggs with peppers yesterday and some seasoning that was delicious. Every meal has bread. Really only 2 meals a day but we had cheese and crackers, banannas, mangoes at night. Have to drink tons of water due to temps. That's a constant. The people continue to amaze me...they are so accepting of us and really want to teach us their ways but they want to speak english.

Well yesterday was quite interesting to say the least. In church, we witnessed a demon possession. Lady passed smooth out and had to be carried out and prayed over. Turns out she is a new convert and this spirit keeps taking her over..was happening at another church so she switched churches...course it followed her. Very sad but very real. When in PAP, we could hear the tantric drum beats all night summoning th spirits. Learned to speak on jesus and not God...they believe in God but a voodoo God. When coming down from petite riviere, we saw a huge crowd near the river...all poking at a dead body that had floated down. No one wanted to get him out because then you have to pay for the funeral. We prayed for him but very sad. Just a good reminder that the spirit world is alive and real in a tangible way here...not nearly as subtle as in the US. People are very receptive to the message of hope through Jesus!

Fyi...no phone service as we are up in the mtns of arbonite valley so posting is hard and that's why they are all going through together and sending at the same time. Will be back down monday by noon. So we are traveling to see a historic fort and I grabbed some service to send out a message or 2 but that's it. Drinking a coke, bumping along on dirt roads...about to pour rain so it's cool. Life is good! Praise God!!!

From sat pm: Finally got a real bath...however it was a bucket bath but after the heat of today it was the best ever. Today we spent the whole day teaching youth..gi digestive system was the talk I did and then we euthanized a goat and necropsied it and I taught basic anatomy (by the way..that's lunch tomorrow). First time using an interpreter so that was interesting. 2 of the 15 year old boys are determined to teach me creole..I even have homework! I'm eaten alive by bugs even with precautions. Hope my anti-malarial drugs are working. The day was great and the kids are so friendly! I think they are shocked to see girls teaching all of this!

From sat pm: Finally got a real bath...however it was a bucket bath but after the heat of today it was the best ever. Today we spent the whole day teaching youth..gi digestive system was the talk I did and then we euthanized a goat and necropsied it and I taught basic anatomy (by the way..that's lunch tomorrow). First time using an interpreter so that was interesting. 2 of the 15 year old boys are determined to teach me creole..I even have homework! I'm eaten alive by bugs even with precautions. Hope my anti-malarial drugs are working. The day was great and the kids are so friendly! I think they are shocked to see girls teaching all of this!

Today was another great day of teaching and working with the kids. I taught about deworming and prevention and we taught them how to draw up and administer meds. And yes, today we ate the goats for lunch that we necropsied...I have to say, tasty! The food is amazing and HUGE portions. We had to tell them to give us less! It was bitter sweet leaving today as we made some friends but hopefully we gave them tools to better themselves. Also got to talk about jesus one on one to a few boys as they could speak english pretty good. Tired but a fufilliing day! Hope for better sleep and less bugbites tonight!

Today was another great day of teaching and working with the kids. I taught about deworming and prevention and we taught them how to draw up and administer meds. And yes, today we ate the goats for lunch that we necropsied...I have to say, tasty! The food is amazing and HUGE portions. We had to tell them to give us less! It was bitter sweet leaving today as we made some friends but hopefully we gave them tools to better themselves. Also got to talk about jesus one on one to a few boys as they could speak english pretty good. Tired but a fufilliing day! Hope for better sleep and less bugbites tonight!

Finally got a real bath...however it was a bucket bath but after the heat of today it was the best ever. Today we spent the whole day teaching youth..gi digestive system was the talk I did and then we euthanized a goat and necropsied it and I taught basic anatomy (by the way..that's lunch tomorrow). First time using an interpreter so that was interesting. 2 of the 15 year old boys are determined to teach me creole..I even have homework! I'm eaten alive by bugs even with precautions. Hope my anti-malarial drugs are working. The day was great and the kids are so friendly! I think they are shocked to see girls teaching all of this!

Finally got a real bath...however it was a bucket bath but after the heat of today it was the best ever. Today we spent the whole day teaching youth..gi digestive system was the talk I did and then we euthanized a goat and necropsied it and I taught basic anatomy (by the way..that's lunch tomorrow). First time using an interpreter so that was interesting. 2 of the 15 year old boys are determined to teach me creole..I even have homework! I'm eaten alive by bugs even with precautions. Hope my anti-malarial drugs are working. The day was great and the kids are so friendly! I think they are shocked to see girls teaching all of this!

Sun was up at 4:45am today and I was up at 5, outside on the balcony in the quiet of the day doing my bible study. Not much water last night so a spit bath was about it. Hopefully a full bath tonight! Sleep was a bit difficult as its so hot...no ac and sweating all night can make for a long night but I still got plenty of sleep and feel rested today. About to head to breakfast and then a 2 hour ride into the country to teach some lessons on animal handling, parasite prevention, and deworming. They are trying to show the locals that animals and agriculture can be a rewarding career as many want to abandon the country and live in the city...where it is congested, violent and AIDS and drugs are rampant. Education is key! Hotel tonight so maybe some good running water! Church in am...they say it is an event and the people dress to the 9s but think missionaries are the worst dressed...bot this tx girl!