Haiti Day Two

The first day in Haiti was frustrating. As missionaries who lived in the country for 2 years, we were itching to get out and find and help the people, but no one would let us leave without a plan and a security escort. We understood their reasons, but coming back here, just felt like coming home.

On day 2, we split up in groups and we headed out with 4 EMTs as a traveling medic team. We checked on an orphanage where everyone was okay, we fixed everything from coughs and colds to massive infected holes in legs and arms. We translated for the EMTs and spoke with the people trying to find out where help was needed. It’s sad here because some people will get the initial help they need, then end up dying from an infected would or a bandage that was never changed.

Once the members catch wind that old missionaries are in town, everyone comes down. It’s been good. They’ve helped us find transportation and find people to help cook. We are burning through our money quickly. Everyone came down with a few hundred dollars, but everything is so expensive here right now and there are so many needs, it’s just like everywhere else, you need money to get things done.

I gave everything I brought down to Bishop Marty. He is an incredible man. Here is his story:

Bishop Marty is indescribable. He is the man we helped build the orphanage for seven years ago. When the Haitian people found out that he was kind, loving and had a job, people would drop unwanted babies and children off on his door. At one point, he had 50 children living in his tiny house. Then, an orphanage was built and he was better able to care for the children. He ended up running 2 orphanages with 50 to 100 kids in each. He showed up at the airport happy as can be, smiling, joking and laughing. He had us all in tears, how can a man who can gone through what he has gone through smile?

Two weeks before the earthquake, his youngest child was kidnapped right out of church by people who thought he had money. What people don’t understand is that if you loose a kid in Haiti, they are gone forever. He was at the airport saying good bye to his 2 daughters…he was sending them to the United States to be with family because he didn’t feel Haiti was safe for them anymore. His mom and sister died during the earthquake and he thought he lost his wife too. He dug her out of the rubble with his bare hands. Now, it’s just him and his wife and their orphanages. It’s a miracle, but they didn’t loose any of their orphan children in the earthquake. Buildings all around it tumbled down, but the orphanage just leaned and settled back into its foundation.

He won’t leave Haiti. He has too much to do here and too many people to help. He is in the mission presidency and is the caregiver to hundreds of children without anyone else to love them. And he still smiles. Oh, I wish we had the resilience and perspective he has.

Each night we meet together and form a game plan. I love working with the Haitian people. They are so easy and happy. All you have to do is be a white guy, speaking Haitian Creole and smile at them or say hi and it makes all the difference to them. They love to joke, tease and be sarcastic. I’m glad we can give them jobs and work for a little while…it lifts their spirits. I’m glad I lived here before. What the media says is true, it is a sad, sad place, but I was here before and it’s still Haiti. There is more death and more rubble, but other than that, Welcome to Haiti…they live differently than we do, with much much less, but they have always smiled, joked and loved even living in so much deprivation.

I love being here….

Haiti Day One

Mike arrived last night in Haiti safely. I will update my blog as often as I hear from him, hopefully everyday. It was a tough good-bye for all of us. Mike gave us priesthood blessings before he left and Jace, Mike and I sobbed together. It was an unforgettable moment for our little family.

The night Mike left (Wednesday), Jace said a prayer and in it said, "We're grateful for the people in Haiti. Please bless my dad to be safe, and if he dies, please help someone to bring his body home. I'm grateful that my mom is here and won't leave us." I had no idea how nervous he was. Those little 6 year old ears pick up everything. We are doing okay...2 rough nights, strep throat and an ear infection, but all medicated now, so hopefully things will be looking up. Mike's parents come into town today and we can't wait!!

My mom attended the meeting with Mike and the airport with him too (hence the pictures, like Mike would ever take pictures of himself!) I am SO grateful to her. She is so kind and supportive. PLEASE read the story she relates in here about Haiti...it's one you will want hear.

Dear Brooke,

I know that we have visited several times about all of this but I wanted to jot down some of my thoughts as I watched Mike prepare to leave for Haiti.

I went with Mike to the mandatory meeting being held by the Utah Hospital Task Force on Wednesday evening before their departure on Thursday. I just wanted to know what was happening, how it was happening and what they knew of their plans for when they arrived in Haiti.

As you entered the room it was hard to describe the feeling--excitement for sure, anxiousness, a hint of relief (as people connected with others they knew), confusion, a little chaos--but a definite electricity. The buzz in the room was interspersed with outbursts of Creole and slaps on the back. Joyous reunions were being held in little pockets all over the room between men who had at one time served together saving the spiritual souls of the people of Haiti now returning to serve the physical needs of the people they grew to love so well. I lost count of the times that I heard between these men "I knew you would be here!"

As the meeting began, I was overwhelmed. How often have I watched or read about a Humanitarian group leaving to aid in a disaster somewhere in the world and thought how wonderful? Never have I truly considered how that really comes to pass. Don't people just get on a plane with the needed supplies while the receiving country opens their arms and coordinates everything on the other end? Maybe in some places but not in Haiti and I am assuming not anywhere!

The red tape, the logistics, the detailed manifests and documents, the calculations of weight, the gathering of supplies, clearing of runways, securing a plane and needed fuel, planning for food and water for 150 people, etc., etc., etc. Then the people organizing needing to be flexible and resourceful as everything changes in a matter of minutes--and continues to change every few minutes. I sat in awe as I tried to comprehend what had happened in the last week to make this humanitarian trip possible. I was humbled by the efforts of the men and women who had used their time and resources and connections to follow the example of the Savior and allow others the opportunity to minister as He would. The words of the Savior in Matthew just kept repeating in my head: “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto ONE of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Steve Studdart, the organizer of the Utah Hospital Task Force, shared a story on Wednesday night that reinforced for me why this trip was so important.

Steve answered his phone at 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A woman was on the other end. She and her husband were in the process of adopting a child from Haiti. When the earthquake hit her husband felt a strong need to go to Haiti and get their child from the orphanage. He could not get in to Port-au-prince so made his way to Santo Domingo. He arrived at the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti to chaos. Finding no transportation he began a 16 mile walk to the orphanage--not knowing what he would find. When he arrived he found 22 children with no adult supervision. His phone call back to his wife was something like this. . ."I don't know when I will be home. I am spending my days trying to find water and stealing food for these children. There is no one to care for them." The woman pleaded with Steve to send help when they arrived. Of course, he promised he would. . .as he did to another woman with connections to an orphanage with 60 girls and only one surviving "old woman" to care for them and bury the dead. Steve said, "If we can save one life it will be a worthwhile trip."

A cheer went up. I wish that I knew Creole.

Before sending Mike off to bed Mitch took the opportunity to give Mike a father's blessing. It was beautiful and comforting. I am not sure that Mike slept much Wednesday night. His gear had been packed and repacked. Weight restrictions caused a light pack to become even lighter. The biggest regret was only being able to take one deflated soccer ball instead of 10.

As we arrived at the gathering spot for the 120 (30 people had to be cut because of weight restrictions and the need for critical supplies to be on board the aircraft) people leaving for Haiti I felt the same electricity and excitement. This time, however, I realized another very distinct feeling. This was a group of people armed with power of the Priesthood and a desire to do good. The spirit of the Holy Ghost was resting upon them and those being left behind--calming fears, giving courage and testifying that this is the right place for these men and women to be. I pray the Lord will bless them and protect them as they go forth and serve their fellow man.

Mike, thank you for your example of unselfish service. Brooke, Jace, Parker and James you, too, are examples of unselfish service. We are lucky to have you in our family. I love you and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers every minute of the time that Mike is away.


We were so grateful to hear from Mike last night. Can't you feel of his love and goodness?
Yesterday when I left my three cute boys and beautiful wife at the airport it was the hardest thing I've had to do to date. My oldest couldn't stop crying and telling me he didn't want me to go. Brooke was trying to be strong but couldn't fight back the tears once opened the flood gates. Parky and James were content with sucking ice cubes and giving me a kiss goodbye.
I tried to stay strong partly for Brooke and the boys and partly because I didn't want to look like a boob in the airport. I had already cried plenty while giving everyone blessings in the airport cell phone lot.
The meeting with all the volunteers last night made clear the complexity of the mission we were all embarking on. Unfortunately we had to reduce our party by 20 volunteers due to plane weight restrictions, but everyone was willing to sacrifice for a greater cause. We have lives to save and orphans to get to the US.
This morning the final traveling squad wasn't chosen until hours before we were to meet at the airport. I learned at the same time that I needed an additional prescription to prevent my death from malaria. Kim was kind enough to call in a favor so I could get the medicine before my departure. After removing a quarter of the items in my bag to meet our reduced weight limit and accepting the fact that I would not be taking my second bag with all the presents for the kids, I was ready to go.
When we arrived at the airport wives and kids were saying their goodbyes, couples were hugging and volunteers were getting us our final meals and blankets. Kim was kind enough to drop me off and make sure I wasn't alone until she needed to head to work.
With a blessing from Mitch the night before and support from my parents on both sides and the faith of 132 volunteers we were off to Haiti at 1 pm.
We just left Orlando and will be in Haiti in less than three hours. I've been speaking Creole in the plane now for the past 9 hours. Its amazing how quickly the language returns. We've also been needing up our medical language skills so that we effectively assist the doctors. I know I'm not prepared for the destruction and devastation I'm about to see but I also know that we have to be strong for the Haitian people and work as hard as humanly possible for the duration of our stay. This morning while I was brushing my teeth I read a poem on the bathroom wall and thought it was so appropriate. We all need angels at points in our lives to help us through difficult times. Bless me Lord that I can be an angel for my Haitian brothers and sisters. My second country. My home away from home. The country I've never forgotten and cannot wait to return to tonight.
Ayiti mwen renmen ou.
(Haiti I love you)

This is his quick note this morning:
We are currently negotiating with the Haitian government for the release of 120 orphans. We are visiting three churches and two orphanages and waiting for our orders from the UN and USAID.Love you all.

Haiti Here He Comes

My husband is a good man, no, I mean a really good man. For the last 10 years, his hopes and dreams always include, in some respect, saving the world. He served a mission 13 years ago in Port au Prince, Haiti. He has always loved that place, like only someone who gave his soul to it could. He went back 7 years to help again by building an orphanage, and kept wanting to return and help more, so you can only imagine his devastation as such a tremendous earthquake rocked an already teetering country. He spent a week with a pit in his stomach, reconnecting with people he hadn't seen in years, texting, emailing, calling, checking on his friends and their families. There was good news and bad news, tears and celebrations, but he was like a caged animal, wanting to take a running leap and try and put back together what had been destroyed.
Then, this opportunity arose: http://www.meridianmagazine.com/humanitarian/100121haiti.html

Mike was ready and willing, as he always is, and I was nervous, selfish and scared as I always am. There is a definite reason he was meant for me. He is faithful, brave and selfless and I could use more of that in my personality and character. He asked if he could go, I cried, thought and worried, then that day, Friday, I read a verse in the Book of Mormon about sacrifice, I flipped on a random recorded Oprah and it was the Haiti special, I felt a peaceful feeling when I asked God if it was an okay decision; I told him to go ahead and apply.
We waited all day on Saturday to see if he had been chosen. In many ways, I was hoping they didn't need him, but I knew he needed to go. They needed Haitian Creole speakers to help translate for everything they were doing and there just aren't that many fluent creole speakers. We got the email on Saturday that he was chosen to go on the first flight...Wednesday morning with 150 others.

For the entire weekend, I've leached on to him and not let him go. I even let him keep his arms around me for most of the night, and usually I can't sleep like that. On Saturday night, we sat on the couch, and I had to tell him how I felt about him...that he is my absolute everything, that because of him marriage is better than I ever imagined it could be, that he is the most selfless and kind man I've ever known, and that I don't know what I would ever do without his love for me. It's constant and infinite and more than I can even grasp. Plainly and simply, he is the best.

So, he better be careful and come home, because I am literally nothing without him.
Perhaps I'm feeling dramatic, but Haiti is a scary place right now, even when traveling with police officers and military personnel. I don't know how women with husbands in the military do it all the time...it's impossible for me to say good-bye and he won't even be gone for too long. We'll be okay, though very lonely without him. What would I do without a loving family who is willing to keep us company and our spirits up while he is gone?

He leaves Tuesday night. I've already broken down multiple times today and cried hard tonight. He knows things will be okay. He has that quiet confidence that only a man so sure of himself, his duty, and his love can be. He knows he is doing the right thing...and so do I, though I'm still scared and emotional. We'll keep everyone posted as we find out more.

If you have money or medical supplies to donate, their group is still in need. They still have 450 other qualified people just waiting to go and Healing Hands for Haiti is an amazing organization that has been helping the Haitian people for years. Here is the place to donate and find out more http://www.healinghandsforhaiti.org/

Keep Haiti and Mike in your prayers...we know they'll need it.

***UPDATE: Looks like they are not cleared to leave for a few more days. We're being patient and enjoying the extra time to get Mike ready and us used to the idea. Seems I'm doing lots better today with the whole idea. Thanks for all your sweet and supportive comments.***

More Utah in December

Christmas Morning!
I'm pretty sure it gets more fun each year. The boys were thrilled with all their gifts and loved playing the day away. It was my first Christmas home since Jace was a baby, so I loved being with my family on such a fun morning. My parents always do too much, but it sure does make for a fun morning.

Brunch!

The traditional bruch at Grandma and Grandpa's. Good food and lots of fun new clothes to see.

Jammies for all!

One of my favorite things about Christmas Eve is getting new pajamas. The cool thing about going home for Christmas? Mom still gets them for the adults too!

Christmas Eve at Gummy's

Growing up, I often looked forward to Christmas Eve more than Christmas. It was so fun to gather at Gummy and Gumpy's for a Christmas program, great food and lots of presents. Now, it's even better. My uncle is a chef, so Kobe beef and lobster tail were on the menu, there are lots of little great-grandchildren who have infused new magic into the holiday especially since they got to get and give presents to each other from the store, and my mom did a terrific kid-friendly program. It was a great night.

A Slippery Santa

Every morning the kids woke up and went on a Santa hunt. It was a little wirey Santa that hid all over the house, then when they found him, Santa told grandma where to find a small present for them each day. Of course, they loved it!

Gotta Start Somewhere

We were lucky enough to visit Utah again for the wedding of my little bro, Beau, who is not so little anymore! We are thrilled that he chose to marry Sharee...they are darling and she is perfect! Lots of pics to come when I get a copy of them! My boys got to experience real snow and sledding! They loved every minute of it, and I was so glad Mike was there to show them how it's done!

Gummy did a little "store" for all the great-grandkids. They went to her house on Wednesday morning and played games where they earned "money" to buy gifts for their parents, brothers and sisters from all of the items Gummy has collected. It was SO much fun. The best part was seeing their little faces as they watched people open their gifts. Giving really is so much fun!

We also headed to This is the Place State Park for Candlelight Christmas. This was a new experience for us and it was as enjoyable for the adults as it was for the kids...even with the ridiculously freezing temperatures. We spent hours there and soaked up all they had to offer: crafts, dancing, Santa, puppet shows and historical homes! Fun Fun!

So I Don't Forget

That today I felt contentedly happy for so many reasons...
I ate really good pizza last night
Mike and I played (and I mean really played) at the park with our boys yesterday
I learned a new primary song today that flooded me with gratitude for my Savior and his love
I held 2 almost brand new babies and reflected on the miracle of life
I quieted an unruly child I didn't really know and he snuggled on my lap for the rest of primary
I watched extremely capapable women teach the gospel with ease and simplicity
My boys were only a hair away from perfect...just absolute polite, kind and loving angels
All 3 are in primary now and love it
I heard them belly laugh a million times this evening
Mike cleaned the kitchen while I was at meetings
He saw me folding a mountain of laundry and came to pitch in
A minute ago he looked at me and smiled like I was crazy beautiful, and when I just looked in the mirror I have mascara all over my eyes, horrid hair and a silk shirt on with pajama pants.
I love my life.