"1..2..3..4..5!" -by Savanna

The first words I got from my baby sister were, "Alo. Alo. 1-2-3-4-5!" Obviously they have been teaching her to speak some English, because she was very excited about being able to count to the number 5. Immediatly after hearing her voice tears began streaming down my cheeks. I am so happy that my dad is there with her this week, and I can't wait to speak with them both later! She may never learn how to say bye though, because after multiple times of trying to say orevoir (bye) she would say "ok, ok" then 2 seconds later she would say "Alo! Alo!" It's great to speak with her for the first time.
Bondeye Bon Tout Tan!

The Most Exciting Phone Call Ever!!-By Emma

On March 23, 2011 I got a phone call from my dad who was in Haiti, but I was really suprised when the phone call was from my little sister Berline. Most of what she said I couldn't understand, but what I could understand was "Alo, Alo" (Hello, Hello) and "Orevoir, Orevoir" (Goodbye, Goodbye). Savanna however was torn apart by the sound of her words. She actually started crying. Her voice to me was soft, sweet, and warming. I don't know if I'll last 2 more months till I see her. I had to call and tell my aunt immediately because I definietly needed to tell someone about this exciting phone call. This was definietly the most exciting phone call ever.!.!.!.!

-BONDYE BON TOUT TAN!!!!!!!

"She's tiny and confused... But so wonderful." - by Christy

I dropped Rob off at airport this morning at 4:30. I got a couple of text that they had landed in Miami and then that they were about to fly out. By 1:00 I had gotten a text that they had arrived in Port Au Prince and they were headed up the mountain. The text that will live forever in my heart came at 3:46 it said "She's tiny and confused." That text was immediately followed by "But so wonderful." Tears just started rolling down my cheeks.

Rob called about 6:15 tonight. He said she already rummaged through his food bag. He said she knew she was now a part of the elite group because she was invited upstairs for the first time. When he called, she got the phone and kept saying "Bonjour" and "Alo". She sounded so happy. I would guess this was the first time she had ever talked on a telephone.

I am so happy Rob is there with her. I can't wait to hear from him again.

Awaiting my younger sister..again.- Savanna

I don't remember what it was like when I was awaiting Emma's birth, because I was only 3 at the time.  Waiting on Berline, and not knowing what the next day will bring is an incredible journey, and will forever be unforgettable.  At times though, it can be very stressful.  I often find myself trailing off from my train of thought to think about this little girl 1,600 miles away.  I can't wait to meet her, and I can't wait for her to be here with us! Learning about the hard things she has to go through, and about her lifestyle makes me realize just how little my life is, and how fortunate I am to live where I do and to live with the people I live with. I am very excited to be a big sister... again.
I love you Berline. I can not wait for you to be with us!

Are We CRAZY? Part 2 by Rob

Berline the Cheeto Face!

Let's get rolling on part 2 of this adventure.  I was excited for Christy when she went to Haiti on New Year's Day.  I know she was being obedient to the will of God and I knew it would be a blessing for her.  Before she left I jokingly said, "Go down and find our daughter".  What I didn't realize at the time that was exactly what was going to happen. 

From what I understand Haiti is an incredible place.  It is filled with poverty and desperation but the people are so loving and beautiful.  They have so little but have such big hearts.  Christy has stated on many occasions that you can really hear God in Haiti.  There are so few distractions that your heart is at peace and you can just listen.  I am excited about experiencing that but back to the story!

Christy called me the second night she was there and simply said start the paperwork.  It was a decision that I was 100% in line with and I couldn't believe that she was willing to take that step after two days.  I waited until she got home just to double check that she felt that way.  She told me that she couldn't imagine not feeling that way now that she had met the girls in Camatin.  We talked about it with Emma and Vanna and they both said let's move on it.  Then the question became who do we adopt. 

For days the girls and I listened to Christy's stories of Haiti and her time there.  We looked at pictures and spoke about the personalities of each of the girls Christy had contact with.  We prayed and discussed - discussed and prayed. Each of us kept coming back to three little girls - Gelralda, Berline, & Benia.  Christy said that she had spent time with each one and they were all wonderful.  Gelralda & Benia were about 8 years old while Berline was the baby at 5.  We continued to talk and pray - each day I was pushed a little more toward Berline.  She was a spunky, ball of energy that posed for every picture like it was a fashion show.  It was a no brainer for me -- She was the one.  Part of it may have been for selfish reasons, I loved t-ball, I remember carrying my girls on my shoulders, digging in the sand at the beach, riding bikes, etc but I also know I was drawn to her for some specific purpose. I am sure that I will discover it someday.

It is awesome to say that I am now the father of a 5 year old Haitian girl.  I am anxiously awaiting March 23 when I step off of that tap-tap at the orphanage and I get to see her for the first time in real life.   What a joy that will be!

BTW:  No we aren't crazy, just called for a higher purpose!

Romans 8:28 

 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Bondye Bon!



Spreading the News...By Emma

Just recently I asked my mom and she told me I could tell my BFFEAE (best friends forever and ever) Ellie. So, I went over to her house and told her and her parents together. She was sooooo shocked and I really don't think she saw it coming when I told her I needed to tell her something. She had a very confused look on her face or the rest of the day. She came over to my house and that was all we could talk about. We talk to each other in Creole a little bit from time to time at school. I'm really glad I decided to tell her.

One I went into school early urgent to tell my teacher, Mrs. Parmly, the good news. My mom came with me. As I told her I thought I could see tears coming from her eyes. She was extremely shocked. She said I could
 talk to her when ever I needed.

I told my neighbors next. Mrs. Ashley and Mrs. Shanon. They were probably the most suprised of anyone. They asked all the details, and wanted to know everything about her. They loved the idea of having a little black neighbor though. I was really suprised at how much they were concerned and wanted to know.

I'll never forget the awesome feelings I had spreading the news about the adoption.

Badda Bing Badda Boom...by Rob

Yesterday was a big day in the world of international adoption.  Christy and I finished our Psych Eval (yes I did pass) and we got our Power of Attorney from Oregon.  All we have left is the Home Study.  I really hope those of you reading this will say a prayer that Carolyn's schedule opens up so that she can finish it by March 4.  If that happens I will be able to take the Dossier down when I go to Haiti in March.  Right now it feels like we are gaining momentum and the process will move smoothly.  Other times it feels like we are stuck in the mud and can't move forward.   Also yesterday I added a PayPal button for donations to the "Bring Berline Home" fund.  It is on the right side - Wink, Wink, Wink!

Today however I can report that we finished the last item (g-28) that we have to get notarized.  All we have left is the Home Study and the Psych Eval.  Christy went to the Knox County Clerk and got all of the Knox County documents certified.  I am going Monday and getting the ones from Campbell County certified. 

Also I plan on meeting Kevin next week to ship the POA to Haiti along with a bunch of money to Nathalie so the process can start on the Haitian Legal Front.  Slowly but surely we keep gaining momentum.

Bondye Bon Tout Tan!

Arrrrrrrrrg! - by Rob

This week has been eventful to say the least.  With every international adoption you always have glitches.  No matter how perfect the paperwork is something happens that requires you to submit something else or have something redone....blah....blah....blah!  BUT it is not supposed to happen the first time. 

We sent our Power of Attorney to the Haitian Consulate in Chicago on the 16th of February.  The POA is one of the most important documents initially.  It gives your lawyer the right to act on your behalf in the Haitian Court System.  We were anxiously awaiting the return looking for that white truck with FedEx on the outside and it came on Monday, Feb. 21. 

Well I opened the package and the there was a stack of documents in the carrier.  Unfortunately none of the documents was ours.  The Haitians had sent us a Home Study / POA and other incredibly valuable documents for a lady in Oregon, Melissa Freels, who is adopting a boy from a town outside of PAP.  I immediately called her and left a message that we had her documents.  She called back within 5 minutes in a bit of a panic but I was able to assure her that I would send them out that night.  She was so thankful but we still had a problem where was our POA?  She owns a business in Oregon and told me that she was off on Monday.  She would check on Tuesday and see if our POA was in her envelope.  It was a long 24 hours but I am happy to say that Melissa  called me on Tuesday afternoon and told me that she was shipping out our POA and we should have it by the end of the week. 

I realize that there will be mistakes and glitches that will happen in the process but not with the first document. 

There is one positive I made a new friend and someone Christy and I can share our experiences with. 


Truly - Bondye Bon Tout Tan!

The Home Study - By Emma

Yesterday, President's Day, was the home study. We had all of our individual interviews too. Mine wasn't very hard at all. I am pretty sure the home study went well. Mom is really stressed. I don't exactly know why. I'm really excited about this whole thing.

Are we crazy? - By Rob

First let me thank Shannon Kelley of Shannon Kelley Photography for the incredible pictures of Haiti and of Berline. 

Where do you start?  To quote that lyrical poet that I am so fond of...

"Lookin' back at my background wondering how I ever got here,

somethings are still a mystery to me but others are much too clear"

We have all been subjected to different types of catastrophes through out our lives especially with the availability of news coverage.  I can remember all of the big events starting with 4th grade when President Reagan was shot, Desert Storm/Shield, the tsunami in Indonesia, September 11th, the second war in Iraq, and all the way up to last year's earthquake.  I am sure there are some that I have missed but it is safe to say that there have been some major calamities during my lifetime. Things that changed the world. 

Throughout our entire married life Christy has wanted to return to the Caribbean on a mission trip.  When we had just met back in the early 90's, she had gone to Trinidad on a mission and was stuck in country due to a Coup d'Etat. I remember the story of how she broke curfew and snuck out to get on a flight back to the U.S.  She always talked about wanting to go back and do some type of mission in the Caribbean.  I always believed that she should go - Hey if God calls then you should follow His will.  I will happily sit here in our nice house, take care of the kids, and support you fully.  That was the extent of my involvement in missions. Little did I know at the time what a joke that was. 

I had always been active in church during my life.  I was the good little Baptist.  I went to church on Sundays and Wednesdays.  I participated in all kids of youth activities.  I gave to missions.  I did it all or so I thought.  When Christy told me that she wanted to take Savanna to Haiti in February of 2010 I was very happy.  I knew it would be a great thing.  Savanna could go and see that the rest of the world was not like the United States and Christy could fill a need that she had to serve plus I could spend some time with Emma.  I didn't have to do anything except throw money at missions(my good Baptist upbringing) and everyone would be happy.  Then the earthquake hit in January and our world changed forever.

I remember getting a call from Christy telling me that Haiti had been rocked by a major earthquake.  The country was in chaos and there were possible hundreds of thousands of people dead.  At that time I did not realize the extent of the devastation but I began to watch the news reports and stories coming out of Haiti.  There have been many horrible earthquakes through out my life.  Iran, Turkey, and China have all suffered with thousands being killed. To me this was no different initially because it was a foreign country a long way off but then we heard that the orphanage at Coq Chante, the one that Whitestone supported, had been destroyed and know one really knew what had happened to the girls there.  We went to a prayer service the next night at Powell Church for the orphans.  This was really the turning point for me.  The connection that I witnessed that night between a group of believers and a tiny island country was incredible.  The genuine out pouring of love and support was unbelievable.  I realized at that point something had to be done, I had to get off the couch and do my part. 

Christy and I went to several meetings about the situation in Haiti and the orphanage at Coq Chante. We even threw our names into a pool of  applicants to host the girls in the event that they could get out of Haiti on Humanitarian Parole.  That for me was the key.  God helped me to realize at that point that I had a greater responsibility to do more than I was doing.  I knew at that point that if I was willing to open up my home and family to a stranger in need for a temporary time then why not go even further and change a life for ever.  Christy and I began discussion the possibility of adopting a child from Haiti. 

To be continued .....