Thank you for your service

I want to thank Clark for the service he does for our country. It is because of great guys like you that we are able to go to Haiti to find our kids that belong to our enternal family and for them to be able to become US Citizens. We are so proud of you and we are Proud of Carrie for suppoting you while you where away. we love you guys.

This is why we all need to help

This one of Daves favorite story that the lady tells in this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqTLu_ZKXm0

Carnival in Haiti

Today is a big day in Haiti. we where in Haiti at the start of Carnival they had a big parade that went on forever. I was very impressed how happy they all seemed when here their  country is struggling with poverty and political unrest but they put it all aside and celebrate what they do have. Nerlande loved the music and the excitement,Yonelson did not care for it so Dave was in the room with him most of the night watching the Superbowl. Well only a few more months and we will be back in Haiti.Who would have ever thought we would be so excited to go to a third world country. but we love it there to be able to see and take care of those beautiful kids,and to give much needed help to the orphanage.

Mwen Renmen Ou

We hope you have a great day with the ones you love, And hopefully next year most of the kids will be home to celebrate with us.

Watching the kids

We just finished watching our videos from the trip and it was so fun to watch the kids run around and play again. I am struck by the attitude of the kids we met and the joy for life they have. I realize that this was a fun and exciting time for them but I think it is deeper than that. These kids haven't gotten caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the world our other kids live in and seem more able to just be in the moment. While the challenges they face are far more difficult than those we face here there is an innocence in their smiles that makes you immediately fall in love with each and every one. Earlier I mentioned how amazing it is how quickly we fell in love with Nerlande and Yonelson but as time goes by I find myself remembering the way Nathan stuck to Brent and would cry the very second he set him down. Luckily there was a very quick answer of simply picking him back up and the crying would instantly stop, wish I was that popular. :)

I also loved watching the huge smiles and obvious excitement as Abigaelle and Febrice (sp?) ran and jumped into the pool. Even the times when they were just sitting back and relaxing was nice. So while I love Nerlande and Yo, I also find my heart going out to all the kids and families we spent time with. I am amazed at the strength, love and compassion the group showed and felt releived to have Aaron and Chareyl and the experienced parents to show us the ropes.

We can't wait to see everyone again.

Update on Yo!

We heard from Chareyl today and Harry has reported that Yonelson is doing much better and he feels like he will be okay. He also told us not to worry so we will do our best to follow his council. We were so relieved to hear the news and will sleep much better tonight.

Thanks for the update Chareyl

Such Sweet kids

We cant wait to get back. I know Dave cant wait for those beautiful eyes of nerlange telling him what she is thinking and I know me and Dave will be able to sleep a little bit better when we can see Yonelson. Well our prayers are with all the people over in Haiti and all the kids in the orphange
that they can stay healthy and strong tell their parents are with them.

Sleepless

While being back home has been wonderful in so many ways I have to admit that I have not been sleeping much since leaving Nerlande and Yonelson. Its amazing how quickly two kids can become part of your heart and soul and I desperatly want to see them again already. I spend a lot of time worrying about Yonelson and pray that he is finding the determination to fight and grow strong. I am somewhat haunted by the vision of the truck driving away with the kids in the back and praying that it was not the last time I would see him.

As for our sweet Nerlande I miss here but feel more confident in her ability to thrive and take care of herself. She has a very strong will and I keep seeing that sweet smile that she would quickly hide from me and turn into a blink to let me know she saw me watching. I am also amazed by the families we traveled with, what an absolutely amazing group of people. Their love for all of the children not just their own was so abundantly clear and I know that we were directed to the right people to make this journey with.

I am eager to have any update on Yonelson and Nerlande but expect it to be some time before we do. Until then all the children will remain in our prayers with a little extra for YO.