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!

friends, graduation, and hard good-bye's

Grace Community high school team in Chambrun

I'm pretty sure I've said it over and over but I really love having friends come to visit and serve here at NVM.  This past week was a visit I had literally been counting down the days for.  Before moving to Haiti I volunteered at my church with the senior high students.  Serving at Grace is still something I miss, so having them here on campus was really good for my heart!  The team arrived in Haiti fully ready to jump right in and serve and love on each person they met.  They were truly the hands and feet of Christ and I loved watching as they processed and experienced each day here.  They started the day early with helping to run an English Camp on campus and would spend the afternoons sanding and painting in the hospital or new children's homes.  I thought they would be too tired to visit Chambrun in the afternoons, but they were unstoppable and would spend the late afternoon playing soccer, painting nails, and chasing around all the kiddos.  These high school students aren't just along for the ride and won't be the type that simply settle for the "American dream"---they are already changing the world and I can't imagine just what all God has in store for them in the years to come.   

Kindergarten graduating class!

Last Saturday was a HUGE day to celebrate on campus!!  Pastor said there are three reasons Haitians really go all out and celebrate (some parents even sell land, animals, etc in order to purchase the needed items for the event): weddings, funerals, and kindergarten graduation.  On Saturday the church was packed as everyone gathered to watch the graduation of the kindergarten class.  The students recited scripture, sang songs, performed skits, danced, and overall just looked completely adorable as they went through the program.  I loved watching the looks of pride and happiness on different family members faces as their students were recognized. The parents for each child chose to make sacrifices in order for the child to attend school.  They chose to place value on their child's education.  This is the next generation of teachers, doctors, nurses, policemen, and the list goes on and on.  I love that the accomplishment of graduating kindergarten is such a big deal. They are being propelled into the next several years of schooling with excitement and most of all a huge fan base of people that are cheering them on and praying for them.  

Mama Eunide (house mom for the children's home at NVM) with Widley and Martino

Widley and Martino (twins from the children's home at NVM) both graduated from Kindergarten and received an award for placing first and second in the entire class!  The NVM staff spent the evening celebrating at the children's home in Chambrun with a huge cake and lots and lots of coke and then of course some more music and dancing.  We went around the room and everyone said what they loved about Widley and Martino.  It was amazing to hear stories about how shy and quiet they were when they first came to the children's home a few years ago and to now see how God is shaping their lives.  I love watching as Mama Eunide cares for each of the children in the home.  She doesn't simply just "watch" them because it is her job, but rather she loves them like they are her own.  

They consumed plenty of sugar!  

Natacha and some of the food she prepared.

After graduation I was invited to my first Kindergarten graduation party!!  For weeks before the party I watched as Natacha prepared her home and heard all sorts of talk about what food she would prepare. She rearranged the table, chairs, and dish stand several times and by Saturday it was all spotless and beautiful.  We were fed some amazing food, along with bottles of coke, and of course there was music and dancing.  After we finished our meal at Natacha's, we were rushed off to another graduation party where we were again fed more delicious food.  The women in Chambrun are amazing cooks and I left the village beyond full!  The village was alive with excitement as everyone went from home to house and celebrated.  I felt completely honored to be invited to celebrate along with our friends and to be a part of this big day for their children.  

Aubree, E'tienne and I

I have been blessed to serve here in Haiti with Aubree and E'tienne.  We laugh because we live, work, eat, serve, and basically all breathe together.  There aren't too many moments that you won't find two out of the three of us together--and usually you will find all three of us together.  God truly blessed me with friends to process and grow with as I learn to live and work in Haiti.  Monday was a really hard day because Monday started the next phase for E'tienne.  As I watched her process and say countless goodbye's I was thankful that God has called me to be here longer.  I know that God has a plan for my friend and that no matter where she is He will use her to accomplish great things.  Campus really isn't the same without her here and we are already counting down the days until she comes back for a visit!

The last few weeks have been busy, but at the same time really good.  God is moving here and He is changing the lives of both the Haitians and volunteers that come to serve with NVM.  I feel blessed to have been called to live and serve here in Haiti.

"We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do.  God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work.  "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)."

~Oswald Chambers

Around 10 months ago I left for Haiti on what I thought was going to be a year long journey of stepping out in my faith to serve where God was calling me.  Little did I know that this "journey" was just the start of something so much more.  In the beginning I struggled with leaving behind everything "normal" and the reality of having so very many new things to learn.  Adjusting to life in a new country while learning a new language and having everything that was the "comfort of home" removed was quite interesting.  Once I got over the hump of being overwhelmed at the reality of my new life I found that each and every day I started to fall more and more in love with life here.  The things I missed from home started to dwindle (ok, everything but family and friends..that part is still difficult) and instead I realized that I actually couldn't imagine life away from Haiti.

Life here is hard and yet it has so much purpose.  Most days are emotionally overwhelming when I list out the facts of each situation in my head and yet when I step back and let God take over and truly place my trust in Him I am amazed at just how possible each and everything is.  I love that God has put me in a position to meet countless women who are pregnant and others who have a line of children already.  I love that I have the ability to tease and rub on the pregnant tummies and that I get to see that mother month after month in the IDP (internally displaced persons) camp.  After she has had that little baby she comes searching for me, at the next camp, to show him or her off and to also let me know if my prediction of a boy or girl was right.  I feel blessed that God has given me the boldness to look a mother in the eye and say that I know this pregnancy wasn't planned, but that God has a plan for this child, this child is a gift, He will provide, and that I will pray for her and her family.

My favorite moment of each day is when I walk into the village and hear the children yelling my name while they race to see who gets the first hugs and kisses.  My little friends have a way of making me feel like I am the most cherished and special person they have ever met and it melts my heart each and every time.  The women greet me with kisses and are always quick to pull out a stool or chair so I can sit and visit at their homes while the children jump on and off my lap.  I cherish each afternoon I have in the village simply "being" with my friends.  Most importantly, I feel blessed because God has given me a heart for each person He has placed in my path.

For all these stories and so many more I've decided after much prayer that my time in Haiti won't be up in September as originally planned.  I have committed to serving here with Nehemiah Vision Ministries for another year (ending September 2013) or until I am called to serve elsewhere.  As overwhelmed as I am with the reality of living in Haiti longer, I am completely confident that this is where God has called me for now.  In order for me to live and serve here I need your support through prayer and financial assistance.  Below are specific areas where you can help.

*Prayer:  I truly believe God has called me to serve here and that the prayers from you are what not only keep me safe and encouraged but are also making a huge impact on the people I serve.  Please pray for wisdom that through each situation I will step back and allow God's plan to reign.

*Financial support:  I need your financial support in order to live and serve here.
-One-time gift.  Please write all checks to: Nehemiah Vision Ministries (tax deductible).  In the memo line write Intern 3 (my name can NOT be anywhere on the check) and mail to: Debra Smalley 7014 W. Yant St, Silver Lake, IN.  46982.  To make a one time gift online, please read below (monthly support) and follow the directions but instead of selecting monthly you will have the option of selecting one time gift.

*Monthly support:  I am committed to serving here with NVM for the next year, but also know that I will remain wherever God calls me until he redirects my path.  If you are interested in supporting me financially on a monthly basis please go to the following website http://www.nehemiahvisionministries.org/donationtype.aspx?t=missionaries and follow the steps.  Or you can go to http://www.nehemiahvisionministries.org and click (top left of screen) "donate now" and then select "missionary support" from here you will be able to select my name and fill in the remainder of the information.  If you have any questions please let me know.

*How to stay involved:
-Stories and pictures: Through my blog brookesmalley.blogspot.com or Facebook (Brooke Smalley).
-I am also planning to send a newsletter with updates every 3-4 months to keep those of you who aren't able to follow the blog up to date and involved in the work that God is doing through your prayer and financial support.
-In order to personally remain spiritually and emotionally fueled I plan to come home to Indiana every 3 months for a short break.  Serving here is hard on different levels and I feel that taking time to step back and be refueled myself will hopefully help me be better able to serve in the long run..and I have some amazing family and friends that I miss like crazy!  This all being said, I will have time to come and speak with your small group, church, women's group etc. if you are interested.  Please contact me at (brookes_00@yahoo.com) for more information.

I cannot thank you enough for joining me on this journey.  Your support through prayer and finances is what makes it possible for me to serve.  I love that God is using you to further His kingdom here in Haiti!