the best of 2012

I've been trying to think of the perfect way to capture 2012 and decided that sharing some of my favorite pictures would be fun.  I love looking back through all my pictures and these are the photos that truly sum up so many memories for me.  I've included some captions so you also know what makes these my favorites=)  I can't help but feel completely blessed to have had all these moments in 2012 and can't wait to see just what all is in store for 2013!  

This young lady has a very special place in my heart.
Love that she is always ready to greet me with a hug!  

Love that my lap is never empty!

Blessed to have had my mom and sister's come to visit in June!
I loved showing them off to all my friends and family here!

Love that there is a community of people in the States that are praying
and supporting me as I live here.  Love that Cindy even went as far as to
come and visit me!  Sort of puts some pressure on the rest of you...=)

Davidson lives with his grandmother.  I have truly grown to love this family.
There are moments when I see Gran's eyes just sparkle and Davidson is  in love with her too.

This photo captured how I feel most days.  I'm always tripping over
kiddos and never have enough arms to contain them all!

After a long day in the clinic this is the perfect place to rest!  

I can always count on Davidson wanting to cuddle.  Favorite moment each day.
Love him.  

We made a salon in Chambrun!  What girl doesn't love to be pampered?!

When I think of Kris--this is the smile I see.  Love her and her contagious little laugh.

I can't think of one memory that doesn't involve either Aubree or
E'tienne.  I am blessed to have such amazing friends that truly
have a heart for Haiti.  

One of my new favorite things to do--buy fruit from the street markets!
The fruit here is amazing and bargaining on the street is fun too!

My love for this little man is really no secret but his love for me..well,
this face just tells all.  He isn't always thrilled with my kisses=)

To most school aged kids multiplication cards are boring--to my friends
it is a great way to spend the afternoon.  These cards can be turned into
all sorts of fun games!  

Daniella is one of my favorite little kiddos.  She is full of personality
and can always be heard yelling "look Brooke, look, watch me!"

I love this photo for so many reasons.  First, Davidson hates bathes. and yet
when I came to his home to visit I found him literally giggling...I rushed to grab
my camera to capture the moment.  Secondly, I can hear Gran's laughter and
see the smile that is on her face just by seeing her cheek bones.  And thirdly, I always laugh
when looking at this photo because only Davidson would have a shirt on to bathe but otherwise always be naked=)

Nothing better than a nap in Chambrun with all the kiddos!  

The little girls are truly growing into young ladies and now love to
cook and play market.  Luckily, I'm their friend so I get all the best prices=)

I wouldn't trade moments like these for all the fancy things in the world.  

 There are moments when I watch my little friends play and be all crazy that I wouldn't trade for anything.  One of those moments happened over the weekend.  I ended up going to Chambrun earlier than normal and the kids were all fresh out of bed.  They were excited to fill me in on all the details I had missed out on since I left the village the evening before=) While I was sitting there I watched one of the little girls walk over with a little cheese puff (a favorite snack the kids love here) in her hand.  She had one cheese puff in her hand and she didn't just toss it in her mouth.  I watched as she broke the cheese puff in half and handed it to one of the little kids sitting by me.  And then she took the half in her hand and broke it again and gave it to another child.  She shared this one cheese puff with five different little friends before she ate the last crumb.  Her bite was literally a crumb.  The first child she shared with got a much larger piece than all the other children and yet not one child complained.  They were so excited to get just a piece of her snack.  I sort of expected the little girl to be disappointed when she realized that her "piece" was basically nothing and yet her smile stretched from one side of her face to the other.  This little four year old girl was Jesus to me.  There is so much crazy going on in the world and yet in that moment I saw so much hope.

saturday mornings

I love Saturday mornings.  On Saturday's the children don't have school and most of the women are off buying/selling things at market.  This means it's typically just me and the kiddos--and they are always full of energy.  It's during theses hours of the morning that their imaginations run wild and we have so much fun.  They come up with all sorts of games, songs, dances, and activities.  Currently, they are really into playing "market" and as soon as I walk into Chambrun they come running up to me and stuff my pockets full of little scrap pieces of paper or trash.  These pieces of paper quickly become my "money" as the children begin to run around with buckets filled with rocks, dirt, and anything else they can find to sell.  They always give me a great deal on anything I want to buy and let me tell you there is always plenty to purchase!  I typically end up buying mangoes, water, little candies, plantains, and of course some flour and rice.  They are also really into making food and decided last Saturday that they needed to cook some food for me.  It took them quite awhile to prepare the meal and they were really careful to make all my favorites.  I loved watching them as they ran all around looking for bottle caps, containers, scraps of material, and all sorts of other things to put the food in.  These little moments of watching the children simply be children are priceless.  There are no toy boxes (or rooms) overflowing with toys and honestly most of the kids have no toys at all.  And yet they are able to create anything and I'm constantly amazed at what they come up with.  Love that I have this special time with my little friends!

The food is being created--I wasn't allowed to help=)

Happy little cooks!  

The finished product--it was delicious!  

Getting ready to take the first "bite"...

Natamara and Davidson are on my lap here--trying to keep them from eating the "food"..as you can see by the mud all over me it wasn't an easy task!

"Leave outcomes up to Me.  Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out.  Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion.  Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me.  When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help.  When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence.  Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.  You already know the ultimate destination of your journey:  your entrance into heaven.  So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me."

~Jesus Calling (devotional by Sarah Young)

I am so blessed to have friends that not only love and encourage me but that also care for me spiritually.  Last year for Christmas a friend gave me the devotional book Jesus Calling.  I was so excited because one of the items on my list was to find a new devotional so this meant I didn't have to tackle that task myself!  The daily devotionals always have a way of speaking to me and honestly, most days I feel like they were literally written just for me.  Tuesday's reading is one that has been on my heart for awhile.

Leave the outcomes up to Him and live in the moment--easier said than done.  I am a worrier and I love to have a plan.  I love to make lists, have a goal, and love to see progress.  Leaving it all up to Him and not worrying about the end result isn't so much me.  And yet, I'm realizing more and more each day that this is the only way.  Right now I'm in a really good place.  I feel like I'm in that resting place where I'm truly happy and I feel His presence.  And yet when I look around I start to worry.  I hear one of the little one's say or do something she shouldn't, something that isn't appropriate and my heart breaks because there really is no adult around that is going to teach her differently.  I roll a little ping-pong ball back and forth with a little toddler and I literally want to freeze this moment where he is barely 2 years old and so innocent.  Will he be a good kid, will he do well in school, heck will he have the opportunity to go to school, and my brain goes on and on.  I see a dad in the clinic with his seven day old baby girl and his face is priceless, he is proud.  So proud.  In the back of my mind though, I wonder if he will stick around and if he will truly love and encourage his baby girl even after the new-ness wears off.  And yet, I'm "simply" called to walk with Him and to live life in the now.  It's truly refreshing to be reminded that it isn't my job to come up with the plan.  I'm starting to realize that when I am present and living in the moment, I let my guard down and it's easier to laugh, conversation is deeper, and hope is abundant.

thankful

"Sometimes the little things in life mean the most."

~Ellen Hopkins

Currently there is a trend on facebook where people each day are writing what they are thankful for.  It has been fun to read and I almost joined in on the fun--until I remembered I have a hard enough time keeping up with everything else in life=) As I was sitting in Chambrun today I thought about what I would post--what would I be truly thankful for?  My thoughts went from my relationship with Christ to my family and friends...then all the way to running water and coke.  The list was long and after awhile I realized that it was simply the little things that add up each day that I'm truly thankful for.  I'm thankful that on my walk to Chambrun I have just a few minutes alone to think.  I'm thankful that as soon as I turn into the village I'm greeted by my favorite kiddos who are all racing to get the very first hug and kiss.  I'm thankful that when one of my little friends gets hurt he or she comes and curls up in my lap.  I'm thankful that something as simple as paper flash cards can make learning multiplication facts into a game and something fun.  It makes my heart so happy to see the children sitting with their school books open while they work on homework--thankful that NVM has a school filled with teachers who love the students.  More than anything, I'm truly thankful that I get to live in Haiti.  

Cutest smile ever!  

Natamara was hard at work sweeping!

For more photos click on the link below.  You do not need to have Facebook to see the pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150963439915831.477242.529825830&type=3&l=f56fa81158

i'm back!

Nothing better than being an Aunt!  Caitlin, myself, Madison, and Ava

After a great few weeks in Indiana it feels wonderful to be back home in Haiti! I was blessed to arrive in Indianapolis just hours after my newest niece made her grand appearance into the world!  Little Ava Eileen is pretty perfect and already has everyone wrapped right around her little fingers!  I loved simply living life with my family.  I was able to go to pre-school with my niece Caitlin, joined my niece Madison for lunch at her school, went to volleyball games, baked, enjoyed lots of apple cider, and the list goes on and on.  I was also blessed to be home during the last few weeks of my grandmothers life.  It was because of her prayers and encouragement years ago that I went on my first missions trip...and from there the rest is obviously history=)  My grandma was an amazing woman of God and I am blessed to have had her as not only my role-model but friend.  I was also able to see so many people that are praying and following along as I'm living life here in Haiti.  I love sharing stories and talking about my life in Haiti.  I am humbled by the sacrifice that so many people make in order to support me as I'm living here.  As wonderful as it was to be with my family and friends--I am so excited to be back in Haiti.  I missed my little friends here and love that for now this is where I feel God has called me.  

Sister Brandi, myself, and little Ava

My sisters Mila and Yarley, niece Ava, and my mom Deb 

Could Ava simply be any cuter?!

Mila, Yarley, myself, Madison, Caitlin, and my mom

broken

Generally speaking when I pray and talk to God I truly desire for Him to answer my prayers.  Of course there are those times when my prayers aren't answered and after some time--I'm typically thankful that God knows the big picture and that I'm not ultimately in control (ok, who am I kidding--not in control at all!).  Today was different though, today God answered a prayer that has been on my heart since May 28th, 2012.  A prayer that I have prayed every day since May 28th.  And for a moment when I realized that my prayer was answered--I was completely broken.  

I met Nathalie and her two little boys in the clinic on May 28th.  I remember E'tienne quickly finding me and saying there was a family that she met last February (2011), while serving on a short term medical trip with NVM.  E'tienne introduced me to Nathalie, Jonathan, and Josue and from the moment I met them I knew this family was special.  It wasn't an "accident" or "coincidence" that this family came to our clinic over a year later, while E'tienne was serving in the clinic, all the while Nathalie was in need of severe medical treatment. 

That day, I began learning about Nathalie's life. Nathalie's husband was killed in the earthquake and she was left widowed, pregnant, and solely responsible for caring for her toddler aged son. She was literally left alone with no family around, in a very family oriented culture. Before the earthquake Nathalie was receiving treatment at a hospital for TB, but she was unable to afford the treatment after the death of her husband and her pregnancy also complicated things.  So after many months of not receiving medical treatment Nathalie's health deteriorated to the point that when she first entered the clinic she weighed 57 pounds at the age of 23.  Her boys were both malnourished and it was completely obvious that something needed to be done to help this family.  Nathalie was faithful with follow-up appointments in the clinic but unfortunately after time and multiple exams it was determined that she needed more help than we could provide.  Aubree talked to Pastor Pierre and explained the situation--he agreed to meet with her and discuss options.

We came up with the decision to place the boys in our children's home so that Nathalie could go back to the hospital and get the care she needs. Nathalie knows that death is likely the outcome of her story, but knows she has been desperately hanging on and fighting for her boys. While talking to her she said that it is her obligation to care for her children and to know that they will be cared for if she dies.  

Today, I watched Nathalie make the hardest and most selfless decision ever.  She chose to place her children in the children's home--knowing that they would receive love, education, care, and most of all a consistent home regardless of her health. I watched as Nathalie sat stoically in the chair, she remained strong as she went through the paperwork. As I watched Nathalie hold her boys I was broken.  Broken because this isn't a decision a mother who loves her children should ever have to make. Broken because  Nathalie chose to give her boys the best, even though it did not feel right at them time. 

Tonight, I am also rejoicing because I also saw a glimpse of hope in her eyes--she knows her boys will be loved. Nathalie hugged both Aubree and I before she left campus and thanked us for giving her a chance to live.  

one year

"We are called to serve.  This life, your life, belongs to God and your strength is His strength." 

~Pranitha Timothy

I have many memories from September 1, 2011.  The car ride to the airport was long as I fought back tears trying to remain as calm as possible and confident that I was making the right decision- that God was actually calling me to Haiti.  I remember pulling up to the curb at the Indianapolis airport with my mom and sister Brandi.  The three of us stood there in tears knowing that there was nothing left for me to do but actually turn and walk into the airport.  They had dropped me off at the airport countless times and yet this time was different because I didn't have a return ticket.  Brandi said over and over that I wouldn't be staying for just a year.  I'm pretty sure my mom was praying that it would be just a year--or maybe that I'd come home even earlier.  And I was confident it would be just a year.  I'm thankful we didn't place any bets on what the outcome would be!  Today I have officially lived in Haiti for a year and I am not even remotely ready for my time here to be over.  As I left Chambrun today I was thankful I could say "a demen--see you tomorrow."  Here is to another year of living, serving, and loving the life God has called me to in Haiti.  

For more photos click on the link below.  You do not need to have Facebook to see the pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150963439915831.477242.529825830&type=3&l=f56fa81158

oh happy day!

"We cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

~Mother Theresa

The time has finally arrived!!  After months and months of practice, coaxing, and lots and lots of bribery....Davidson is walking!!  It wasn't an easy task teaching him to walk because he was completely content being carried and most everyone knows that unless it is his idea...well, he is just a tad stubborn!  My favorite part of him learning to walk were the daily reports from his grandmother on how much he stood or walked the evening before.  She would say--last night he stood up, the next day she would tell me he stood and then took a step, and then finally it was Brooke he stood up, walked a little, sat down, and stood up again--her voice filled with pride.  I have a feeling his new acquired skill of walking is going to keep not only his grandmother on her toes but also the entire village!  Below are videos the other kiddos helped me capture of Davidson showing off his new skill!

family

Yarley (sister), Madison( niece), Grandpa Leon, Grandma Eileen,
Caitlin (niece), and Mila (sister) at Easter

I'm now back in Haiti after spending two weeks in Indiana with my family.  I loved getting to see them and simply just be with them.  My trip home wasn't a planned one-- I bought my ticket early Sunday morning and then flew out Monday morning.  I love that I serve with amazing friends who value not only me but my family and that were 100% supportive in my decision to return home to spend time with my family as we celebrated the life of my grandfather.  They never once questioned "if" I would return home for the funeral but rather they asked when I would leave.  My grandpa was an amazing man of God and truly lived a simple yet impactful life to those around him.  He was a man of very few words (I didn't get that trait from him!) and yet when he did talk he typically had all of us entertained with stories from long ago when he was a child or in the war.  My grandfather left a legacy for each of his grandchildren and their families in his relationship with Christ and in his example as a Godly husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  I can't imagine not having him as a part of my life here on earth and yet I am happy that he is now truly at home in heaven.

Looking for fish at the lake with my sisters and nieces--Love them!

Going back and forth from Indiana to Haiti is hard for me.  When I leave Haiti I'm sad to leave my friends here and yet in the same way when I leave Indiana I'm an emotional mess at the reality of being away from my family and friends there.  God has blessed me with friends on both sides that welcome me each and every time and that are even ok with me when I'm an emotional mess.  I am grateful that He provides for each of my needs and that even the smallest detail of having friends greet me with hugs at the airport is met.

"Today is Brooke last day at home.  She is going back to Haiti.  Some day she will come back home!"
My niece Madison's surprise note for me the day I left--She knows how to break this Aunt's heart!

As soon as my feet were back on the NVM campus I knew I needed to make a quick trip to Chambrun to see my little friends.  I know I was only gone for two weeks but I can't explain just how hard that is for my heart.  I love those little ones=)  My friends in Chambrun have a way of making me feel beyond special and loved and were quick to start the fight over who got held first as they all came running to greet me.  I love that as I was in Indiana going through really difficult things that these friends were praying for me and my family.  They wanted to know how my grandmother was doing, my mother, father, siblings and so on.  In just a moment my world became so very small.   Having two different "homes" is really difficult and yet when those world's collide, even if it is for just a few moments, it is the most amazing experience ever.  My Haitian family is praying for my American family and vice versa my American family is praying for my Haitian family.  God is good.  I am blessed and humbled by the support from each person that makes it possible for me to live and serve here in Haiti.  Your prayers and support are truly what make it possible for me to follow this call that Christ has placed on my heart.

The perfect ending to my first day back in Haiti!