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Posted by Kathi on Monday, May 14, 2012Many days in Haiti I feel like we take 1 step forward while also taking 3 steps backwards. There are always a few positive things that happen each day and of course the children’s smile and the love we share keep me moving forward. Because I know that this is God’s plan and his love for these kids is the reason He keeps me here. But honestly, there are a few weeks where I begin to doubt if I am strong enough for this – but I pray and reflect and realize that I can only withstand it through the support and prayers of my friends and God’s strength.
This week has been personally very challenging and it feels like I am under attack. Not only was it difficult to be away from my family for Mother’s Day, but I was also barraged with a series of personal challenges. One day at the construction site I dropped a bucket of cement which then flew into my eye. If you have ever had a bucket of cement lodged in your eye – you know it isn’t too pleasant. That very same day I was carrying a tub of boiling water (for a hot shower to wash the cement out of my hair) and I tripped and the boiling water drenched my face. In some ways, I was fortunate that nothing worse happened, but it was very painful (not to mention that now both my eyes are almost swollen shut). But I was blessed to have 2 of my dearest friends staying at the Guesthouse with me and they along with a nurse from Rome’s team, made sure that I was taken care of. Putting ice on my burns was actually humorous, because since we don’t have consistent power, ice cubes are a rare commodity. So at one point my face was covered with frozen bread, frozen chicken and a frozen vodka bottle!! I am healing, but it will be a few weeks before my face gets back to normal.
But there has been positive news too. We admitted a new baby into our adoption program and this week we should be able to admit 2 more children who have been living in a long term orphanage with no hope for a future. Now they will have them along with a loving family. That is what makes up for the bad things. In addition, we are making great progress with the Children’s home now that we have the tile. We are hoping to get additional funding in the next month to complete the project and start to get the children moved. We also have had large teams off volunteers working on the community center – one day we had 26 Christian athletes from University of Washington helping us. Another day we had all of the women in the Jewelry program volunteer! Most days we now have at least 15 volunteers (both American and Haitian), so that is allowing Rome to make great progress. And speaking of Rome, each day my respect, admiration and love for her dedication and passion grows. To say she is amazing, would be an understatement. The exterior should be complete before her deadline of May 23rd. In addition we will have the entire water system installed and the water filtration system running by the end of the month. The chicken coop and playground are also on the To Do list for this month. We are winning the battle!
Through all the ups and downs, I try to focus only on the kids. Their smiles through adversity and challenges give me my inspiration. I am grateful to each of you for your support. And I am looking forward to conquering the negative influences!
Comments (2)
Posted by Terri on 05/18 at 08:48 PM
Omigosh Kathi! I can’t believe all you have been through! You are so amazing! Thinking of you and praying for you to heal! Love keeping up with you in Haiti..you are doing great work! My cousin is incredible!! xoxo
Posted by josie on 05/22 at 12:43 PM
kathi~ we hold you up to the Lord God Almighty and pray that you will b strengthened thru these tough times. YOU REALLY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! we cling to everything you are all doing while you are there! you bring so much hope to us who are waiting for every new blog. to us who are waiting to be joined with the our children who are you blessing. PRAISING THE LORD THAT YOU ARE FOCUSED ON THE ETERNAL! thank you for being his hands and feet where He has called you! He is FAITHFUL. and thank you for your testimony that there is so much hope and joy even though it is not always easy. BLESSINGS~~~
