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!

family

Haitian proverb:

"Se lanmou ki pou geri lanmou"

Love must heal love

When I first moved to Haiti I had a pretty long list of things I missed from home.  Each month came and went and many things such as not having television, limited food options, and the freedom to just go and do something started to feel less difficult to cope with.  The one thing that has remained really hard and emotionally painful is being away from my family and friends.  There is something about family that is just right.  Living in Haiti has always  left me feeling like I was being pulled in two different directions or like my heart is being asked to live in two separate worlds.  I love being with my family and in the same breath I love being in Haiti.  This past week my "worlds" finally came together when my mom, two of my sisters (Mila and Yarley), and a family friend, Cindy, came to visit.  Their visit wasn't about building something or starting a project, but rather they came to see my life here and to meet the people who have become family and friends to me.  As soon as they landed in Haiti the adventure began with making it through the airport and then through traffic out to campus.  I was worried they would be worn out from traveling all day, but Mila and Yarley instantly wanted to know when we would be able to head down to the village so they could meet Natamara, Davidson, Kris, and the list went on and on.  In that moment, I realized my worlds were already connected in so many ways because they too were in love with my little friends even though they had never actually even met.  They were gracious and spent each day following me along and truly loved and served each person they met.  We spent time working in the clinic, helped a team with VBS in a IDP (internally displaced persons) camp, played in the village with all my buddies, and even went to the beach for a day of fun.  It was more difficult than I could have ever dreamed to watch them all leave and yet at the same time I knew that they finally understood.  I am blessed to have a family that loves and supports me and so thankful that they were willing to step out of their comfort zones to come and join me in serving and simply living life in Haiti.  

Cindy painting lots of little toes during VBS

Mila and Yarley had no problem making lots of friends!

Mom knew how to overcome the language barrier right away!

Introducing my family to all my friends in Chambrun

Oh the fun of riding in the back of trucks!

bonne fete maman!

Mothers standing in church to be recognized--SO many moms!

Haitian Proverb:

"Pitit se riches malere-- Children are the wealth of the poor"

~One's hope and riches lie in the future of one's children~

Bonne fete Maman (Happy Mother's day)!  Today is Mother's day in Haiti and it is for sure a day to be celebrated.  During church all the moms were asked to stand in order to be recognized and it struck me--they are the mothers of the future generation of Haiti.  They are raising up the next generation of leaders, teachers, health care providers, mothers, and so much more.  With tears in my eyes I watched as a flower was pinned on each woman standing.  The mothers were so proud.  The children sang a song honoring all their mothers and it was beyond cute.  There was also a moment where the mother with the most children was recognized-- yes, one momma was the proud mother of 19.  The next woman had 16 children.  And then three women were tied at 11 children each.  Moms all around the world work incredibly hard to raise their children to be the best each of them can be--watching each woman in church stand with pride was a priceless moment for me.

Children singing to their mom's.  

For more pictures click on the links below:

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

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150461677395831.422201.529825830&type=3&l=a6b4e88fb3

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150374500225831.405560.529825830&type=3&l=885a6310be

"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

I read this quote a few weeks ago and haven't been able to quit thinking about it since.  It's something I believe 100% with my heart and yet have to really focus on practicing it each and every day.  It has been easy to get lost in the "busy" of the past few weeks but when I really stop to think about it I have met and served countless people that truly needed someone to hear them.  I was blessed to be able to serve with another amazing Mercy Ships team this past week.  During the week of providing care in the IDP (internally displaced persons) camps there was one moment that stood out the most to me.  The medical camp was in full swing and as I looked out over the tent I noticed that four out of the five nurses and providers, sitting in separate places, were all bowing their heads in prayer with each of their patients and translators.  This wasn't an "official" moment or time of the day that we were all supposed to be praying-- this was a moment that each individual felt called to pray for the person in front of him or her.  I had tears in my eyes as I sat and watched lives being changed right in front of me.  God isn't calling me to simply make it through the day or each task-- He is calling me to live each day in full devotion to what He has planned.  

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places 

where other people see nothing."

~Camille Pissarro

I love that I get to watch and listen as people come and serve on short term mission trips.  It's fascinating to see how they process what God is teaching them and showing them in Haiti.  One team member told me that she had challenged herself personally to look for hope and that as each day passed she struggled because she couldn't see it.  She saw people living in tents, lack of electricity or running water, mud homes, and so forth.  It wasn't until the last day that God opened her eyes.  She was looking for hope defined by the world's standards and real hope has nothing to do with the world.  Our hope is in Jesus.  He will provide.  He is what we need and He has everything we need and more.  When I choose to look at the world through Christ's eyes it is amazing just how much hope there truly is.  All of a sudden the impossible has no boundaries and hope is never-ending.

bitter-sweet

Sara working in the clinic

Today started out on a sad note-- I have loved having my friend Sara here for a week and today she left for home.  I loved getting to show her off to all my friends and for her to experience my life here.  I feel beyond blessed to have had two friends chose to leave home, family, work, and just life in general to come and visit me here in Haiti.  Sara had perfect timing for when I was in need of "home" and just time with my friend.

Eliana, me, Natacha, and Aubree all getting ready to cook!

Rainy season has jumped into full force this past week and because of this our clinic was slower than normal.  We all enjoyed a nap and then decided it would be fun to make some Haitian food!  I love Haitian food and really love learning to make it.  I've been learning to make Haitian sauce for rice and beans so I was super excited to add more food to the list of things I can make!  Natacha and the girls who work in the kitchen taught Aubree, Katie, and I how to make fried plantains and pikliz (like cole slaw only at least a thousand times better!).  We had a great afternoon simply being together in the kitchen.  We all laughed a lot and of course eating the delicious food was the perfect ending to our cooking adventure!

Fried plantains and Pikliz...SO good!

After cooking Aubree and I decided to make a quick trip to Chambrun.  We were greeted by all our little friends who were beyond excited to have us stop in when they weren't expecting a visit.  My little friend Landia found me immediately and pulled me down to her level so she could whisper in my ear "Brooke, I saw E'tienne today and I asked her where you were."  My heart literally broke and as I scooped her up I asked her if she knew just how much I loved her. 

Kris and Landia

 On the walk back to campus I thanked God for this very bitter-sweet day.  I am blessed to have a friend that would travel lots of miles and leave her own family to spend time with me.  It hurt watching her leave but it also felt right knowing that God is using her at home too.  God in complete faithfulness provided for me and gave me a great afternoon of fellowship in the kitchen and a very sweet ending to the day with the most sincere words that melted my heart and truly reminded me of why God has called me here.

dinner with friends

Haitian Proverb:

"Moun ki pa manje pou ko l' pa janm grangou- those who don't eat alone are never hungry."

Those who share will receive

Most days I spend my afternoons in the village playing, bathing babies, and just having fun being with my friends. Each and every day I'm humbled by how gracious my friends are to me and by their limitless love and generosity. Today, I was once again reminded just how blessed I am to be living in Haiti and in this community. E'tienne and I were asked to stay and join our friends for supper. On many different levels a meal here is a big deal. First, there is no electricity or running water, so imagine how easy it is to just "whip" up a meal that will take hours of preparation and time.

Natacha preparing supper.

Not only that, but most of our friends have barely enough food to meet the needs of their own family let alone guests. And let's be honest, we are guests that have food...plenty of food. It always makes my heart cringe to eat food that I know other people need more than me and yet, there is nothing more that Natacha wants in that moment than to serve us. So tonight we ate supper in Natacha's home. We were served our food on the two best dishes she has and we were prepared a feast of food that included chicken, vegetables, and sauce.

We drew quite the crowd as we sat at Natacha's table and ate the meal prepared for us...I suppose it isn't everyday that our little friends have two white girls in their home eating Haitian food=) Today, I was given not only the best food my friend had to offer but love and service to me. As I walked home I felt that God was reminding me that this is the pattern He has for me. I am to offer my best and am called to serve the people He has brought into my life.

I promise I didn't lick my bowl=)

letting go

Haitian Proverb:

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

There are just some patients that touch my heart a little deeper than others. Natacha is a little 3 month old that I met in the clinic early in February and she has a cleft lip and palate. The day after I met this little one and her momma I saw a posting on FaceBook that another organization in Haiti was going to have a surgeon in Haiti in May to fix cleft lips/palates. I wrote down the information and prayed that they would come to the clinic again, so we could somehow connect them to this organization for the surgery Natacha needs. Thursday I had the pleasant surprise of seeing her again in the clinic and our physician was able to talk to mom about the importance of Natacha having the surgery and the need for her to call and pursue this organization for the surgery. Mom left with a paper that had detailed instructions. While talking to a friend this week I was asked what is the hardest thing about living in Haiti--my answer was removing myself and allowing God to be God. I can't control each situation and in reality I don't want to. This mom is 17. The place for her to have this surgery is far from here. Does she have family that will support her and encourage her? Does she have the money or how will she get the money for transportation? And then I have to remind myself...let go and let God be God for this mom and her baby. He has a plan for her. He knows each and everything about Natacha.

It isn't uncommon to have tiny babies in the clinic. The part that is unique is each and every story that comes along with the little one and his/her mother. The little one below came into the clinic on Friday and weighed less than four pounds at 25 days old. He was literally all skin and bones. As I talked to his "mom" I realized that she was actually his mother's cousin. His mom died when he was only five days old. She is now raising him along with her 1 1/2 year old little boy and she is only 18. She didn't have enough milk to give him, so for the past 20 days each day he got 2 ounces of milk and the rest was supplemented with sugar water. She was doing what she thought was best. We were able to give her formula and taught her how to mix the milk and how often he needs to eat. This was another moment of reminding myself to let go and to simply let God be God. She was already fighting for him and choosing to step-up and care for him. God has a plan for not only the little baby but for his new momma too.

The little one on the left is 25 days old, on the right 26 days old.

She is one day older and double the size

So tiny and precious!

vaccinations!

Haitian proverb:

"piti piti na rive- little by little we will arrive"

I doubt I could find too many people that would argue with the fact that prevention is the key to good health. One key aspect to disease prevention is through vaccinations. Vaccinations help to reduce infection and prevent the possibility of death by working with the body's natural defenses to help develop immunity to a disease. Today was a very exciting day in the clinic-- today was the first day that we were able to administer vaccinations. Most children in our community have not been vaccinated and now we are spreading the word that our clinic has one day each week that parents can come to have their children vaccinated for free. The parents are excited. The clinic staff is excited. The kids...ok, not so much....but you get the idea=)

Some photos of the little kiddos waiting for their vaccines!

Not everyone left happy...

perfect sunday

Haitian proverb:

"Tout venn touche ke"

All veins touch the heart

Everyday in Haiti is just a little different for me. Some days are crazy busy and full of lots of "nurse-like" activities. Some days are even filled with moments where I really feel like I'm really making an impact and able to connect with a patient or friend. And then there are days like today when after church I walked to the village to visit my little buddies. Several weeks ago the girls asked me to paint their toes and today seemed like the day to have some fun with it. Each of the girls were super excited when I told them to hurry and wash their feet because I had a surprise in my purse. They quickly ran off to find water to rinse their feet and came back carrying chairs so we could gather under the tree in the shade. At first they were timid but it didn't take long before they were all gathered around waiting for their turn to have their toes painted. I loved listening to them giggle as each girl patiently awaited her turn. As each little one placed her foot in my lap I realized again just how special each of them are to me and how much they have impacted and changed my life. Some days here are filled with events that feel "life changing" and then there are days like today that are spent sitting in the village painting toenail after toenail that I feel the love and presence of Christ the most.

For more pictures, click on the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150461677395831.422201.529825830&type=3&l=a6b4e88fb3