Natacha and her momma (Feb. 2013)

Haitian Proverb:

"Kreyon Bondye pa gen gom--God's pencil has no eraser."

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person that loves to witness a moment that was an answer to prayer.  Last March I blogged about a little baby, Natacha, that I met in the clinic.  From the moment I met this little girl I knew she was special.  There was something about this momma and her baby girl.  Maybe it was the fact that her mother was young and seemed to have all the odds against her.  Maybe it was simply because the little girl had a cleft lip and palate and the mom looked afraid and hopeless.  A few days after meeting Natacha I read a post on facebook about another organization that was letting people know they would have a surgeon in Haiti to repair cleft lips and palates.  I knew it was an answer to prayer to have just met Natacha and then days later see this posting- I also knew the chances of meeting this little girl again were slim.  Natacha returned to the clinic the next week though and our physician was able to talk with her momma about how important it was to take Natacha to this hospital and how this was a place that would take excellent care of her daughter.  The last time I saw Natacha and her mother I felt so overwhelmed at all the obstacles that stood in between them getting to this hospital for the surgery.  This little girl has been on my heart for almost a year now and I have prayed for her daily.  On Monday I was completely surprised when I saw Natacha in the clinic!  I quickly gave her mom a hug and then of course asked her all sorts of questions about how they were doing.  I found out that her mother took her to the hospital we told them about and that they were able to do the surgery.  Her mother said they had no problems with the surgery and that Natacha was doing great.  Natacha was full of smiles and even let me hold her for a minute- she's a momma's girl!  I love that I was able to see them again and that I was able to see this prayer answered.  

Natacha Feb. 2013

Natacha and her mom- March 2012

Natacha- March 2012

To read the first blog entry about Natacha click below:

http://brookesmalley.blogspot.com/2012/03/letting-go.html

little miracles

Bedtchina, Bedjine, and Benardia with mom and dad.

"People see God everyday, they just don't recognize Him."

~Pearl Bailey

One of my favorite parts about working in the clinic is getting to talk with the mothers and their little kiddos.  I love how proud most of the mothers are and how much pride they take in their children.  A few weeks ago I was talking to one of the mothers and at some point in the story she shared that she had three little girls that were all one year old.  This mother was older than most of the mommas with little babes so I was sure that I either misunderstood her or that she worked in a children's home.  I asked her over and over how old the other two children were in her home--and each time she answered that they were all born on the same day.  I asked her if they were her grandchildren because then it would be possible to have three the same age- but the answer was no. I could not come up with the word for triplets so I finally said you were pregnant for twins but really had three?  She laughed and said yes, she had triplet girls at the age of 39.  Her other children are older and when she found out she was pregnant she had an ultrasound that revealed she was pregnant for twins.  It wasn't until she delivered the "twins" that she realized she was actually pregnant for triplets.  And the best part- she delivered the girls in her home up in the mountain.  For the rest of the day in the clinic I couldn't stop thinking about just how much of a miracle this birth was.  The fact that all three girls survived the pregnancy and delivery is a miracle--but they also made it to their first birthday.  Love the testimony this mother has and the story the girls will be able to share one day- I have a feeling God has some pretty big things in store for them!

twister!

This is one of the more successful attempts at Twister!

Aubree and I are always trying to keep the kiddos entertained with creative new games and activities.  Typically we have the children all running races while acting like goats, cows, and chickens or doing all sorts of exercises that end with all of us laughing hysterically.  Today was a special treat when the kids noticed that Aubree had a bag with an actual game in it!  While Aubree was home for Christmas her mom gave us an old Twister mat and board.  It was complete chaos the first few rounds but after awhile the kids finally got the hang of how to actually play Twister.  To shake it up a bit we even tossed in putting your nose, head, and bottoms on certain colors--we had the kids literally in knots!  I think the pictures show just how much fun we all had!

The younger kids turn--which turned into a giant pile!

Even Natamara joined in on the fun!

Notice the beautifully colored wall!

While sitting in Chambrun the other day I had to just laugh.  Natacha's mud home had been colored with some red and blue crayons.  I guess it doesn't matter if you live in Haiti or Indiana--kids typically prefer walls to paper!  

Natamara, Rose, and Kris--they look pretty innocent.

When together I think they could be trouble=)

back in Haiti!

After a crazy busy few weeks in Indiana I'm happy to say I'm back in Haiti!  I'm always amazed at how quickly the weeks go while I'm in Indiana spending time with my family and friends.  There never seems to be enough days in the week or hours in each day to see each person I want, go to the places I need to, and eat all the food I miss while I'm in Haiti.  I love everything about Christmas and loved getting to spend the holiday with my family.  My nieces, Madison and Caitlin, were quick to catch me up on all the details about their Elf that magically moved around the house, the count down until Santa, and everything else they thought I had missed out on.  My youngest niece Ava now loves to smile and laugh which had this Aunt wrapped right around her little chubby fingers.  I was blessed to have a lot of time just "being" with my family.  I find the moments that I value the most aren't when we are rushing from one thing to the next but rather just staying home and spending time with each other.  At the end of my trip, the good-bye's are never easy and the reality of missing out on a lot of fun family moments is just hard.  And yet, I feel blessed to be back in Haiti.  I was welcomed back home with lots of loving hugs and kisses and everyone (literally) wanted to know how my family and friends were.  I was greeted by all of my little friends with hugs and of course the fight over the space on my lap began immediately=)  To say that I feel blessed is a complete understatement.  I love that God has called me here and that He has blessed me with an amazing family both here in Haiti and in the States. 

Loved getting lots of cuddle time with little Ava!

Caitlin and Madison were all about anything Christmas!

Sure doesn't look like Haiti!  Not going to lie...I will not miss the cold or snow!

My youngest sister Yarley is a cheerleader (she is being lifted on the right).
Don't worry--after watching them toss her around I let her know she wasn't allowed
to do this ever again...to which I'm sure she rolled her eyes=)

Jordyn (my friend Sara's little girl) Madison, and Caitlin.
Loved getting to be at Caitlin's 5th birthday party!

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