Happy 12th Birthday today to our sweet daughter Jesula.
I wish I was with her in Haiti!!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Happy 14th Birthday Redjina!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Adoption News - Glory to God!!
Through a series of legalizations and hearings the Haitian courts approve the adoption and issue the final adoption decree, The Acte d' Adoption.
Well our Acte d' Adoption has been approved, signed, and we have received a copy. Which means that the girls are now legally ours in Haiti, and have been given the name Cunningham. Let me officially introduce:
Jesula Desir Cunningham
Redjina Jean Simon Cunningham
The next and final step for Haiti is applying for and getting the girls Haitian Passports. Then it is on to the U.S. Embassy for U.S. Approval and obtaining Travel Visas. Then we bring them Home!!!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men
on whom His favor rests. Luke 2:14
Well our Acte d' Adoption has been approved, signed, and we have received a copy. Which means that the girls are now legally ours in Haiti, and have been given the name Cunningham. Let me officially introduce:
Praising God for His Favor. Praising God for two more Cunningham's!!
The next and final step for Haiti is applying for and getting the girls Haitian Passports. Then it is on to the U.S. Embassy for U.S. Approval and obtaining Travel Visas. Then we bring them Home!!!
on whom His favor rests. Luke 2:14
A Few Pictures With My Girls
I was able to spend the first week of April in Haiti with my girls. It was a very special time. Here are a few pictures!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Presidential Dispensation Complete
Got a follow up email from our attorney in Haiti this morning. Attached was a copy of the Port-au-Prince newspaper (Le Moniteur) published March 15, 2012 that shows our girls' Presidential Dispensation is complete. Also included a copy of the actual decree with the President's and Minister of Justice's signatures.
Glory to God!!
Glory to God!!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Adoption News - God is Great!
It has been 18 months since we started the adoption process in September 2010. It has been 13 months since we submitted our Dossier in Haiti in February 2011. We learned in September of 2011 that our file had been approved by IBESR (Haitian Social Services). We have been praying continually since that time that we would receive Presidential Dispensation.
Presidential Dispensation is a big step, perhaps the biggest step in the process. The office of the President of Haiti must sign a waiver approving our adoption and allowing it to be finalized.
Today we learned that God has answered our prayer.
We have received Presidential Dispensation.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!!
Thank you to all of you that have prayed specifically for this day.
We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our file now moves to the next steps:
* Parquet - court approvals (this is where the girls become legally ours in Haiti)
* Application for the girls Haitian Passports - starts at Ministry of Interior (MOI)
* Final file submission, review and approval by the US Embassy
* Visa application filed - schedule appointment in Haiti to receive travel visas
* Time to bring the girls home
It has been a long 18 months. But during that time, God has grown and blessed our family in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I believe that His perfect timing is drawing close and that one day soon I'll step off a plane in America with my girls.
I ask for your continued prayers. Pray that that our file moves into and through Parquet and Passports very quickly. Pray that we don't experience any delays, that the adoption process is completed, and that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
Praise the Lord and pray in His name. Tell everyone what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8
Presidential Dispensation is a big step, perhaps the biggest step in the process. The office of the President of Haiti must sign a waiver approving our adoption and allowing it to be finalized.
We have received Presidential Dispensation.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!!
Thank you to all of you that have prayed specifically for this day.
We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our file now moves to the next steps:
* Parquet - court approvals (this is where the girls become legally ours in Haiti)
* Application for the girls Haitian Passports - starts at Ministry of Interior (MOI)
* Final file submission, review and approval by the US Embassy
* Visa application filed - schedule appointment in Haiti to receive travel visas
* Time to bring the girls home
It has been a long 18 months. But during that time, God has grown and blessed our family in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I believe that His perfect timing is drawing close and that one day soon I'll step off a plane in America with my girls.
I ask for your continued prayers. Pray that that our file moves into and through Parquet and Passports very quickly. Pray that we don't experience any delays, that the adoption process is completed, and that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
1 Chronicles 16:8
Friday, March 2, 2012
Kisses in the Wind
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are, what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin,
Because tonight just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you again.
I promise you my darling, I'm doing everything I can.
Very soon you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
~ Author Unknown
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are, what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin,
Because tonight just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you again.
I promise you my darling, I'm doing everything I can.
Very soon you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
~ Author Unknown
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Waiting is the Hardest Part
With our two biological children, it was nine months from the time God placed them in our hearts until they were here. I remember thinking nine months was a long time. We prepared a nursery, bought baby clothes, obsessed about names, read child-rearing books, all the usual stuff. We were ready just about the time they appeared. The waiting came after we arrived at the hospital for a couple of hours before they were born.
With our two adoptive children, it is all about waiting. We started the adoption process seventeen months ago today. All the required paperwork and tasks for the adoption process have long since been completed. The girls’ rooms have long since been completed and are waiting. The girls’ clothes that have been given to us by many generous people have long since been folded and placed in drawers or on hangers and are waiting. Their beautiful names, Jesula and Redjina have long since become a part of our everyday thoughts and vocabulary. We’ve read books and countless blogs about child adoption, Haiti, and the Haitian culture.
I use every day of my allotted time off from work for trips to Haiti to be with the girls. That amounts to about one week every three months. My wife has only been able to go twice in 12 months. It is unfathomable how much they grow and change in the time between our trips to visit. It doesn’t get easier leaving them there each trip. It gets harder. I can’t explain why, but home feels like a void, and Haiti feels like home.
All these months, weeks, days, hours, minutes later the end is still not in sight. Most people no longer ask us when the girls are coming or if we have news. I have quit asking for updates as the result is either no response, or no news. I pray throughout each day that we will receive news that the next step of the process has been completed. Every time my phone rings I anxiously look to see if it is someone who may have adoption news. Every time my phone vibrates with a new email I look in hope that it will be from our attorney in Haiti. There are many sleepless nights, times of self-doubt, of fading faith, of hope buried so deep I honestly fear it will never again see the light of day. Somewhere along the way we let go of thinking they will make it here for Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or their next birthday, or for the new school year. We try to suppress any and all sense of anticipation.
There is one amazing commonality with all four of our kids, biological and adoptive. Whether through God’s miracle of birth or through God’s divine appointment, I loved each one of them forever, the moment I first laid eyes on them. As soon as I held each one, I knew two things with absolute certainty, this is my child, and I am their father.
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
With our two adoptive children, it is all about waiting. We started the adoption process seventeen months ago today. All the required paperwork and tasks for the adoption process have long since been completed. The girls’ rooms have long since been completed and are waiting. The girls’ clothes that have been given to us by many generous people have long since been folded and placed in drawers or on hangers and are waiting. Their beautiful names, Jesula and Redjina have long since become a part of our everyday thoughts and vocabulary. We’ve read books and countless blogs about child adoption, Haiti, and the Haitian culture.
I use every day of my allotted time off from work for trips to Haiti to be with the girls. That amounts to about one week every three months. My wife has only been able to go twice in 12 months. It is unfathomable how much they grow and change in the time between our trips to visit. It doesn’t get easier leaving them there each trip. It gets harder. I can’t explain why, but home feels like a void, and Haiti feels like home.
All these months, weeks, days, hours, minutes later the end is still not in sight. Most people no longer ask us when the girls are coming or if we have news. I have quit asking for updates as the result is either no response, or no news. I pray throughout each day that we will receive news that the next step of the process has been completed. Every time my phone rings I anxiously look to see if it is someone who may have adoption news. Every time my phone vibrates with a new email I look in hope that it will be from our attorney in Haiti. There are many sleepless nights, times of self-doubt, of fading faith, of hope buried so deep I honestly fear it will never again see the light of day. Somewhere along the way we let go of thinking they will make it here for Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or their next birthday, or for the new school year. We try to suppress any and all sense of anticipation.
There is one amazing commonality with all four of our kids, biological and adoptive. Whether through God’s miracle of birth or through God’s divine appointment, I loved each one of them forever, the moment I first laid eyes on them. As soon as I held each one, I knew two things with absolute certainty, this is my child, and I am their father.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Another New Year in Haiti
I traveled to Haiti again this past week, January 3-10, 2012 to serve and spend time with my beautiful girls. My 16 year old son Matthew and my wife Shawna also made the trip. I had not seen the girls for over 5 months, and Shawna had not seen the girls for 11 months. Our mission team consisted of 21 people. We had an awesome group of young adults with pure servant's hearts which made for an awesome experience. Only God's hands could have assembled this group of people to conduct the Kingdom work that was planned!
We departed Knoxville on Tuesday morning on time after checking 22 bags of supplies. Our flight into Miami went smooth. Then we had our one and only snag for the entire trip. About an hour before we were to board in Miami for the flight to Port-au-Prince, the airline announced our scheduled plane was being placed out of service due to maintenance issues. Eventually the airline was able to divert another plane to cover our flight. We finally departed Miami over 3 hours behind schedule. From there things could not have gone more perfect. We arrived in Port-au-Prince and the airport was basically empty. We breezed right through immigrations. Our 22 check bags were all stacked neatly in a big pile in the baggage claim area. We walked straight through customs without a single bag being inspected. It was dark when we walked out to the transport truck but the parking lot was basically empty. We were able to load our bags on the truck and get on the road within about 15 minutes.
The drive through Port-au-Prince was eerily quiet. All I could think about the entire drive was holding my beautiful girls. Images of Jesula and Redjina flashed through my mind. As always, the last few miles seemed to be never ending. But there was absolutely no traffic or delays and we made the drive to Camatin in about 2 hours. When we arrived at the orphanage about 10:00 PM we assumed the girls would be asleep. But they were awake and waiting to greet us!
My two girls were not on the porch this time. They were upstairs in our guest room. I think they were hiding to surprise us when we came looking for them. Once I found them I got the hugs I had been dreaming of for so long. Jesula and Redjina were very happy. Once again I heard that sweet sound of being called "Popi". The girls were thrilled to see mommy. Jesula was immediately all about Matthew as she was the last trip. With a little flip of God’s light switch everything was perfect again in our world. We stayed up late talking, laughing, hugging, opening presents, and trying on new clothes. Over the last year and half, Jesula and Redjina have both grown into beautiful young ladies. They are both beautiful inside and out!
Mekredi (Wednesday)
Wednesday morning we spent quality time with all 28 of the orphanage girls. We then split into two teams to prepare for the week's village walks. One group built 30 clean drinking water filtration systems and the other group divided food (rice, spaghetti, cooking oil, and fish) into bags. We sorted out baby supplies (formula, bottles, and diapers), 280 pair of sandals, 125 creole bibles, and many other items for children including soccer balls and toys. We staged all these items so that before each village walk each team member could load their back packs with supplies to distribute.
Wednesday afternoon we headed out to the village of Beloc. We walked through the entire village and blessed many families. We treated a few cuts and one bad burn. We prayed over several families. We handed out creole bibles. We distributed water filtration systems. I got to spend some time with Mikanna, a sweet 17 year old Haitian girl that calls me "Popi". We blessed her and her mother with food as well. We fed and clothed several babies. The highlight in Beloc was the naming of a one day old baby. We entered a house to deliver baby formula and food for a mother that had nothing to provide for her new baby boy. The mother was so overwhelmed that she asked Allyson, who was on a mission to bless babies all week, to name her child. Allyson chose the name "Nathanial Joshua". Her husband Nathan was with us as well. It was an amazing God Moment and we prayed over baby Nate!
Jedi (Thursday)
Thursday we walked to the village of Tiapo. This is a very physically demanding hike. The road passes over a couple of mountain ranges and is very rocky and dusty. It is approximately 2.5 miles each way and took us 1.5 hours each way to complete.
The Jericho road has nothing on the Tiapo road. And we certainly traveled that day in the spirit of the Good Samaritan. Along the way, going and returning, we met and served many people. We distributed food and water filtration systems, treated medical needs, and handed out sandals to people with nothing on their feet. We met, provided food and supplies for, loved on, and prayed for one sweet little girl with cerebral palsy. She seemed very happy and I will never forget her face.
When we finally arrived, the Church in Tiapo was packed. It seemed the entire village was there waiting on us. After greetings, the Pastor Anfadre Joseph spoke, the church sang and prayed. The we distributed creole bibles, food, water filtration buckets, baby supplies, and toys for the children. It was an amazing event. After that our entire team walked down to the Pastor's house where we were seated and treated to coffee and freshly cut coconuts.
The walk to Tiapo and the experience of the day left us with the feeling we had walked a day in the life of Jesus!
Vandredi (Friday)
Friday we visited the village of Coq Chante. Coq Chante is the home of the PCAP Church and orphanage that collapsed during the January 12, 2010 earthquake. It was awesome to return there two years later and see the newly constructed Church and school. We met with Pastor Amour and many of his Church members in the Church. We sang and distributed creole bibles, food, and other supplies.
After that we set out to walk in the village of Coq Chante. Little did I know that at that the culmination of this walk would be a God Moment that would be the highlight of our entire week in Haiti. We started hiking down the beautiful mountain side to Jesula's grandmother's house. Jesula does not have known or living parents, but her grandmother, who helped raise her, lives in Coq Chante. I have met her grandmother twice before, but in my six previous Haiti trips I had not had the opportunity to go to her house. A good ways down the mountain we stopped for a rest and to ask for directions. We learned it was still "a very long way". I was worried after hiking to Tiapo the previous day that I was asking too much of the team to make another long hike. I explained the situation to the team and recommended turning back. But the overwhelming response was "it's what we're here for" and "let's go". So that's what we did. After approximately 45 minutes of hiking straight down the side of the mountain on a narrow, rocky path, we finally arrived. Jesula was very happy to see her grandmother and her grandmother was very surprised and thrilled to see Jesula and us. Shawna, Jesula, Matt and I made pictures with grandmother inside her tiny shack.
She has aged very much since I saw her 9 months ago and is in failing health. It is hard to imagine that she is still able to walk up and down this mountain to get water and food. After a long visit I announced it was time to go. But, Shawna looked at me and said she didn't feel like she could leave yet. Shawna said she "needed more time" and felt like there was "something she had to do". With grandmother still sitting in a chair outside her house, Shawna sat down on the ground at grandmother's feet. Then with emotional support from Beverly and Allyson, Shawna prayed and slowly washed grandmother's aged and weathered feet. It was a surreal, emotional, beautiful, biblical scene. Grandmother's face glowed with the comfort of feeling completely surrounded by love. We closed out that amazing God Moment in prayer.
Samdi (Saturday)
Saturday was beach day. The girls absolutely love going to the beach. We loaded up 28 orphans, about 10 Haitian workers, and our 21 team members and drove 2o miles down the mountain to the beach in Jacmel. The weather was perfect. The girls played in the sand and water for several hours. We ate local prepared fish, conk, lobster, and pork. The grilled goat/veggies on a stick is wonderful and is the food highlight of the trip. Everyone bought some neat souvenirs from beach vendors. For the first time, we had a local band appear and perform a mini concert. They were very entertaining. It was a special day!
Dimanch (Sunday)
Sunday morning we attended Church on the hill above the orphanage in Camatin. The service was beautiful and these people certainly know how to worship. I went up and spoke to the church and read scripture, Revelations 21:1-7. The response made it all worthwhile. Hearing the Haitian people sing during worship is always an amazing sight and sound. They truly, truly worship God.
Following the service we served lunch to the local church members. The church was packed. We served the usual rice, beans, slaw, and an added treat of pork. These people are always so appreciative of us. They think we are blessing them. I always try to explain to them that they are blessing us.
Sunday evening we returned to the Church in Camatin. Chad Becker, one of our team members, brought a laptop, DVD and projector. We played a 2 hour movie, The Life of Jesus, and served them popcorn. It was standing room only, but as the crucifixion scene approached you could have heard a pin drop. It was a great ending to an incredible day.
Lendi (Monday)
Monday morning we walked through the village of Camatin. This walk was really special for two reasons. One being that Ricot walked with us. This is the first time I have ever walked through a village with Ricot. He is usually busy working, but not today. He was an excellent guide and enjoyed interacting with everyone. The main reason for the walk was to visit Neica's family. Sweet little Neica is just recently being adopted by our friends Patrick and Emily Fiveash. It was a good 45 minute hike to her grandparents' house. We had a glorious time with them and prayed with them before leaving. We made several stops on the hike distributing food, baby supplies, soccer balls, and so on.
We spent Monday afternoon with the girls at the orphanage. We used street chalk and wrote on the outside walls of the orphanage. Each girl painted a pillow case and made a tie-dye sheet for their bunk beds. The girls all painted their names on a large sheet that was hung like a banner in the hallway. The girls sang "You are My Sunshine" and “Worthy is the Lamb” in English. The girls love to sing and it was an amazing scene. We had a party with donuts, cheese puffs, and kool-aid. We closed out the evening with them watching the movie (in French) "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". They oohed, and awed, and laughed so hard. It was a perfect day with the girls!
Madi (Tuesday)
And just like that it was Tuesday morning and time to depart. Before leaving we prayed over and for Ricot, the orphanage staff, and the orphanage. These people need our unselfish support and our prayers more than ever. I encourage everyone involved to humble themselves, serve them, and pray for them.
We made a few pictures with the girls. Mainly we just sat with our girls and hugged and cried long and hard. Letting go of those two precious girls and leaving is harder than anyone could possibly imagine.
As always, God really “wowed” me on this trip. We experienced God Moment after God Moment after God Moment all week long. It was a perfect God given week for which I am very thankful. Our team was so amazing. It was a joy to serve with each person on our team. Each showed the love of Jesus and served humbly just as Jesus served. I love each of you and look forward to serving with you in the future.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:3-8
We departed Knoxville on Tuesday morning on time after checking 22 bags of supplies. Our flight into Miami went smooth. Then we had our one and only snag for the entire trip. About an hour before we were to board in Miami for the flight to Port-au-Prince, the airline announced our scheduled plane was being placed out of service due to maintenance issues. Eventually the airline was able to divert another plane to cover our flight. We finally departed Miami over 3 hours behind schedule. From there things could not have gone more perfect. We arrived in Port-au-Prince and the airport was basically empty. We breezed right through immigrations. Our 22 check bags were all stacked neatly in a big pile in the baggage claim area. We walked straight through customs without a single bag being inspected. It was dark when we walked out to the transport truck but the parking lot was basically empty. We were able to load our bags on the truck and get on the road within about 15 minutes.
The drive through Port-au-Prince was eerily quiet. All I could think about the entire drive was holding my beautiful girls. Images of Jesula and Redjina flashed through my mind. As always, the last few miles seemed to be never ending. But there was absolutely no traffic or delays and we made the drive to Camatin in about 2 hours. When we arrived at the orphanage about 10:00 PM we assumed the girls would be asleep. But they were awake and waiting to greet us!
My two girls were not on the porch this time. They were upstairs in our guest room. I think they were hiding to surprise us when we came looking for them. Once I found them I got the hugs I had been dreaming of for so long. Jesula and Redjina were very happy. Once again I heard that sweet sound of being called "Popi". The girls were thrilled to see mommy. Jesula was immediately all about Matthew as she was the last trip. With a little flip of God’s light switch everything was perfect again in our world. We stayed up late talking, laughing, hugging, opening presents, and trying on new clothes. Over the last year and half, Jesula and Redjina have both grown into beautiful young ladies. They are both beautiful inside and out!
Mekredi (Wednesday)
Wednesday morning we spent quality time with all 28 of the orphanage girls. We then split into two teams to prepare for the week's village walks. One group built 30 clean drinking water filtration systems and the other group divided food (rice, spaghetti, cooking oil, and fish) into bags. We sorted out baby supplies (formula, bottles, and diapers), 280 pair of sandals, 125 creole bibles, and many other items for children including soccer balls and toys. We staged all these items so that before each village walk each team member could load their back packs with supplies to distribute.
Wednesday afternoon we headed out to the village of Beloc. We walked through the entire village and blessed many families. We treated a few cuts and one bad burn. We prayed over several families. We handed out creole bibles. We distributed water filtration systems. I got to spend some time with Mikanna, a sweet 17 year old Haitian girl that calls me "Popi". We blessed her and her mother with food as well. We fed and clothed several babies. The highlight in Beloc was the naming of a one day old baby. We entered a house to deliver baby formula and food for a mother that had nothing to provide for her new baby boy. The mother was so overwhelmed that she asked Allyson, who was on a mission to bless babies all week, to name her child. Allyson chose the name "Nathanial Joshua". Her husband Nathan was with us as well. It was an amazing God Moment and we prayed over baby Nate!
Jedi (Thursday)
Thursday we walked to the village of Tiapo. This is a very physically demanding hike. The road passes over a couple of mountain ranges and is very rocky and dusty. It is approximately 2.5 miles each way and took us 1.5 hours each way to complete.
The Jericho road has nothing on the Tiapo road. And we certainly traveled that day in the spirit of the Good Samaritan. Along the way, going and returning, we met and served many people. We distributed food and water filtration systems, treated medical needs, and handed out sandals to people with nothing on their feet. We met, provided food and supplies for, loved on, and prayed for one sweet little girl with cerebral palsy. She seemed very happy and I will never forget her face.
When we finally arrived, the Church in Tiapo was packed. It seemed the entire village was there waiting on us. After greetings, the Pastor Anfadre Joseph spoke, the church sang and prayed. The we distributed creole bibles, food, water filtration buckets, baby supplies, and toys for the children. It was an amazing event. After that our entire team walked down to the Pastor's house where we were seated and treated to coffee and freshly cut coconuts.
Vandredi (Friday)
Friday we visited the village of Coq Chante. Coq Chante is the home of the PCAP Church and orphanage that collapsed during the January 12, 2010 earthquake. It was awesome to return there two years later and see the newly constructed Church and school. We met with Pastor Amour and many of his Church members in the Church. We sang and distributed creole bibles, food, and other supplies.
After that we set out to walk in the village of Coq Chante. Little did I know that at that the culmination of this walk would be a God Moment that would be the highlight of our entire week in Haiti. We started hiking down the beautiful mountain side to Jesula's grandmother's house. Jesula does not have known or living parents, but her grandmother, who helped raise her, lives in Coq Chante. I have met her grandmother twice before, but in my six previous Haiti trips I had not had the opportunity to go to her house. A good ways down the mountain we stopped for a rest and to ask for directions. We learned it was still "a very long way". I was worried after hiking to Tiapo the previous day that I was asking too much of the team to make another long hike. I explained the situation to the team and recommended turning back. But the overwhelming response was "it's what we're here for" and "let's go". So that's what we did. After approximately 45 minutes of hiking straight down the side of the mountain on a narrow, rocky path, we finally arrived. Jesula was very happy to see her grandmother and her grandmother was very surprised and thrilled to see Jesula and us. Shawna, Jesula, Matt and I made pictures with grandmother inside her tiny shack.
She has aged very much since I saw her 9 months ago and is in failing health. It is hard to imagine that she is still able to walk up and down this mountain to get water and food. After a long visit I announced it was time to go. But, Shawna looked at me and said she didn't feel like she could leave yet. Shawna said she "needed more time" and felt like there was "something she had to do". With grandmother still sitting in a chair outside her house, Shawna sat down on the ground at grandmother's feet. Then with emotional support from Beverly and Allyson, Shawna prayed and slowly washed grandmother's aged and weathered feet. It was a surreal, emotional, beautiful, biblical scene. Grandmother's face glowed with the comfort of feeling completely surrounded by love. We closed out that amazing God Moment in prayer.
Samdi (Saturday)
Saturday was beach day. The girls absolutely love going to the beach. We loaded up 28 orphans, about 10 Haitian workers, and our 21 team members and drove 2o miles down the mountain to the beach in Jacmel. The weather was perfect. The girls played in the sand and water for several hours. We ate local prepared fish, conk, lobster, and pork. The grilled goat/veggies on a stick is wonderful and is the food highlight of the trip. Everyone bought some neat souvenirs from beach vendors. For the first time, we had a local band appear and perform a mini concert. They were very entertaining. It was a special day!
Dimanch (Sunday)
Sunday morning we attended Church on the hill above the orphanage in Camatin. The service was beautiful and these people certainly know how to worship. I went up and spoke to the church and read scripture, Revelations 21:1-7. The response made it all worthwhile. Hearing the Haitian people sing during worship is always an amazing sight and sound. They truly, truly worship God.
Following the service we served lunch to the local church members. The church was packed. We served the usual rice, beans, slaw, and an added treat of pork. These people are always so appreciative of us. They think we are blessing them. I always try to explain to them that they are blessing us.
Sunday evening we returned to the Church in Camatin. Chad Becker, one of our team members, brought a laptop, DVD and projector. We played a 2 hour movie, The Life of Jesus, and served them popcorn. It was standing room only, but as the crucifixion scene approached you could have heard a pin drop. It was a great ending to an incredible day.
Lendi (Monday)
Monday morning we walked through the village of Camatin. This walk was really special for two reasons. One being that Ricot walked with us. This is the first time I have ever walked through a village with Ricot. He is usually busy working, but not today. He was an excellent guide and enjoyed interacting with everyone. The main reason for the walk was to visit Neica's family. Sweet little Neica is just recently being adopted by our friends Patrick and Emily Fiveash. It was a good 45 minute hike to her grandparents' house. We had a glorious time with them and prayed with them before leaving. We made several stops on the hike distributing food, baby supplies, soccer balls, and so on.
We spent Monday afternoon with the girls at the orphanage. We used street chalk and wrote on the outside walls of the orphanage. Each girl painted a pillow case and made a tie-dye sheet for their bunk beds. The girls all painted their names on a large sheet that was hung like a banner in the hallway. The girls sang "You are My Sunshine" and “Worthy is the Lamb” in English. The girls love to sing and it was an amazing scene. We had a party with donuts, cheese puffs, and kool-aid. We closed out the evening with them watching the movie (in French) "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". They oohed, and awed, and laughed so hard. It was a perfect day with the girls!
Madi (Tuesday)
And just like that it was Tuesday morning and time to depart. Before leaving we prayed over and for Ricot, the orphanage staff, and the orphanage. These people need our unselfish support and our prayers more than ever. I encourage everyone involved to humble themselves, serve them, and pray for them.
We made a few pictures with the girls. Mainly we just sat with our girls and hugged and cried long and hard. Letting go of those two precious girls and leaving is harder than anyone could possibly imagine.
As always, God really “wowed” me on this trip. We experienced God Moment after God Moment after God Moment all week long. It was a perfect God given week for which I am very thankful. Our team was so amazing. It was a joy to serve with each person on our team. Each showed the love of Jesus and served humbly just as Jesus served. I love each of you and look forward to serving with you in the future.
Philippians 2:3-8
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Why Must We Suffer?
Most of us, at some point in our life has asked: God, why must I suffer? God, why do you allow your children to suffer? We have all experienced suffering in our life. It might be personal illness, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job. For others it may be a devastating earthquake or trying to provide food and water each day for their family. God provides us with answers to these questions in the Bible.
The Bible has many verses that teach us why God’s children endure trials and suffering. No single verse can answer every question. But let's look at a verse that tells us something that we all need to know. This scripture provides important knowledge for seeing the hand of God at work in the worst times of our life.
So truly rejoice. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold, though your faith is far more precious than gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7
Notice two important words in this scripture.
The first word is “trials”. The word “trials” appears often in the New Testament. It means “tests”. When we take tests in school, we either pass or fail. The same is true of the tests of life. Many of these tests are at the hands of Satan. How we respond to these tests reveals what is in our heart for all to see. For example, when trouble comes our way:
We may turn to God in prayer, or we may become angry.
We may become quiet in thought, or we may talk with a wicked tongue.
We may become full of love, or we may become full of hate.
We may learn new trust in God, or we may rebel against Him.
We may take courage, or we may give in to fear.
We may draw close to God, or we may turn away from Him.
When tested we must choose how to respond. When we fail we give Satan a foothold. But when we respond to these tests with acts of Faith, non-believers will be drawn to the Glory of God. Our response to these tests reveals if we have the Holy Spirit living in our hearts.
The second word comes from the phrase, “truly rejoice.” The word “rejoice” comes from the word “joy”. Joy comes from God. Joy comes from satisfaction with God. When we are satisfied with God, we will have joy even in the hardest moments of life. Joy is the ability to face the tests of suffering in our life.
Let’s look at the heart of Peter’s message. The scripture says we face trials so that our Faith, of greater worth than gold, may be purified and tested. God gives us trials for two reasons: One is to prove our faith in God is real. Two is to purify our Faith. As our Faith grows pure, and strong, we grow closer to the one who suffered death on a cross, Jesus.
The verse closes by saying: when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
We all face difficult trials and suffering. But our suffering pales in comparison to the suffering Jesus endured for our sake, death on a cross. God wants us to know that our suffering is meant to purify and strengthen our Faith in Him, and that our suffering will not last forever. The day is near that our suffering will end, and we will inherit all of His blessings!
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, no more suffering, no more pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new! What I tell you is trustworthy and true. It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” ~ Revelations 21:1-7
The Bible has many verses that teach us why God’s children endure trials and suffering. No single verse can answer every question. But let's look at a verse that tells us something that we all need to know. This scripture provides important knowledge for seeing the hand of God at work in the worst times of our life.
So truly rejoice. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold, though your faith is far more precious than gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7
Notice two important words in this scripture.
The first word is “trials”. The word “trials” appears often in the New Testament. It means “tests”. When we take tests in school, we either pass or fail. The same is true of the tests of life. Many of these tests are at the hands of Satan. How we respond to these tests reveals what is in our heart for all to see. For example, when trouble comes our way:
We may turn to God in prayer, or we may become angry.
We may become quiet in thought, or we may talk with a wicked tongue.
We may become full of love, or we may become full of hate.
We may learn new trust in God, or we may rebel against Him.
We may take courage, or we may give in to fear.
We may draw close to God, or we may turn away from Him.
When tested we must choose how to respond. When we fail we give Satan a foothold. But when we respond to these tests with acts of Faith, non-believers will be drawn to the Glory of God. Our response to these tests reveals if we have the Holy Spirit living in our hearts.
The second word comes from the phrase, “truly rejoice.” The word “rejoice” comes from the word “joy”. Joy comes from God. Joy comes from satisfaction with God. When we are satisfied with God, we will have joy even in the hardest moments of life. Joy is the ability to face the tests of suffering in our life.
Let’s look at the heart of Peter’s message. The scripture says we face trials so that our Faith, of greater worth than gold, may be purified and tested. God gives us trials for two reasons: One is to prove our faith in God is real. Two is to purify our Faith. As our Faith grows pure, and strong, we grow closer to the one who suffered death on a cross, Jesus.
The verse closes by saying: when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
We all face difficult trials and suffering. But our suffering pales in comparison to the suffering Jesus endured for our sake, death on a cross. God wants us to know that our suffering is meant to purify and strengthen our Faith in Him, and that our suffering will not last forever. The day is near that our suffering will end, and we will inherit all of His blessings!
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, no more suffering, no more pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new! What I tell you is trustworthy and true. It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” ~ Revelations 21:1-7
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Empty Chairs at the Holiday Table
I am blessed to be a part of a large family. I have wonderful parents who are all about their children and grandchildren. I have two brothers and two sisters, each having children. There are 25 of us in all.
For Thanksgiving we rent a huge cabin in the mountains. We spend five days as a family, playing games, hiking, talking, chasing kids, and of course have a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For Christmas we all come together on Christmas Eve at my parents' home. We talk, share gifts, watch the kids laugh and play with new things, and enjoy a special Christmas meal together. These holidays bring our family together from different cities and states. These holidays are the highlight of the year for our family. These holidays are truly joyous times. These holidays provide a sense that all is right with the world when our family is together.
But as these holidays, and the time for my family to sit down around the table for holiday meals approaches, I have a reality that I have to face. For me there will be an elephant in the room. In my mind there will be two chairs at each of these family meals that will be empty. Chairs that I long to see occupied. Chairs that as long as they are empty, so too will be empty a portion of my heart.
That said, I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. I am thankful to be a part of a large, loving family, and for each one of them. I am thankful for my wife and especially for my children. I am even thankful for those two empty chairs, knowing that one day they will be filled by two little angels that are truly gifts from God!
Every good and perfect gift is from Heaven above, cascading down like rivers of light from the Father. James 1:17
For Thanksgiving we rent a huge cabin in the mountains. We spend five days as a family, playing games, hiking, talking, chasing kids, and of course have a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For Christmas we all come together on Christmas Eve at my parents' home. We talk, share gifts, watch the kids laugh and play with new things, and enjoy a special Christmas meal together. These holidays bring our family together from different cities and states. These holidays are the highlight of the year for our family. These holidays are truly joyous times. These holidays provide a sense that all is right with the world when our family is together.
But as these holidays, and the time for my family to sit down around the table for holiday meals approaches, I have a reality that I have to face. For me there will be an elephant in the room. In my mind there will be two chairs at each of these family meals that will be empty. Chairs that I long to see occupied. Chairs that as long as they are empty, so too will be empty a portion of my heart.
That said, I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. I am thankful to be a part of a large, loving family, and for each one of them. I am thankful for my wife and especially for my children. I am even thankful for those two empty chairs, knowing that one day they will be filled by two little angels that are truly gifts from God!
Monday, October 31, 2011
So Far to Find You
by the Casting Crowns
You were broken, abandoned
And crying all alone
We were waiting and praying
And longing to bring you home
And then we saw your face
In a moment you were wrapped up in our hearts
We took a step of faith
And now here we are
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
From a world away, I journeyed
Just to hold your hand
You will never be alone again
I’ve come so far to find you
So far to find you
You were fighting and fearful
You were hiding your heart away
But I was trying so hard to show you
‘Cause there were no words that I could say
If you could see my heart
You would know that all I want to do
Is care for you
Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Presidential Dispensation Prayer
Our family would appreciate everyone praying this specific prayer, starting now until this is done.
"Father God, please have Haiti's President or one of his administrators sign the Cunningham family's Presidential Dispensation today."
We have been praying this prayer daily since September 13th, when we learned we had been approved by IBESR.
Presidential Dispensation is a big step, perhaps the biggest step in the process. Put simply, we need the office of the President of Haiti to sign a waiver that allows our adoption to be finalized. Once this is done, we will only need a couple of parquet court signatures and the girls will be considered ours in the eyes of the Haitian government.
Thank you for the prayers!
Have faith in God, Jesus answered. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24
We have been praying this prayer daily since September 13th, when we learned we had been approved by IBESR.
Presidential Dispensation is a big step, perhaps the biggest step in the process. Put simply, we need the office of the President of Haiti to sign a waiver that allows our adoption to be finalized. Once this is done, we will only need a couple of parquet court signatures and the girls will be considered ours in the eyes of the Haitian government.
Thank you for the prayers!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Three of God's Angels Come Home
Today three of God's angels make the long anticipated trip from Haiti to Tennessee. It is simply amazing to see God's plan for these girls revealed. To God be the Glory!
Gladys Rudd
Kevin & Gina Rudd
Yollande Keck
Greg & Jill Keck
Marie Michelle Keck
Greg & Jill Keck
Having known these two families for many years has made this day extra special for me. They are all such wonderful people and so deserving of the blessings of this day. Their three beautiful girls come from the same orphanage as my two girls. And their coming home gives me renewed faith that one day my girls will come home too!
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor God's righteous cause. Let them say continually, Great is the Lord, who delights in the prosperity of His servants. Psalms 35:27
Kevin & Gina Rudd
Greg & Jill Keck
Greg & Jill Keck
Having known these two families for many years has made this day extra special for me. They are all such wonderful people and so deserving of the blessings of this day. Their three beautiful girls come from the same orphanage as my two girls. And their coming home gives me renewed faith that one day my girls will come home too!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Dancing with the Devil
One thing is certain, Satan is smart. It has become so clear over the last year that he doesn't attack all Christians equally. Think about it. If you were the devil, who would you spend your time attacking? Would you waste a lot of time on Christians who are discouraged by troubles or defeated by sin? Or would you focus your efforts on those who were living radical lives for God? The answer is obvious. If you are attacking Satan's kingdom, Satan is going to attack you. His primary goal is to block God's work in our lives.
Take a look in the book of Job and you will see Satan in action. Job was a man of God. He lived a life that honored the Lord and was making a difference with his life. He helped others. He served others. He shared God's truth and God's love with those he encountered. Job was doing damage to Satan’s evil kingdom. As a result, Satan unleashed his full arsenal against Job.
What does this mean in our daily lives? If you are living a life of sin and compromise, you probably don't have to worry much about spiritual warfare. Why would Satan waste his time and efforts on you. But if you are living a life that impacts others and honors God, watch out. Satan has you in his crosshairs.
The devil is clever, sneaky, tricky, deceptive, and works in all sorts of ways. He knows our weaknesses and focuses his attack on that particular area of our lives. One of his favorite tricks is to fill our minds with sinful thoughts, assumptions and lies in order to pit us against our own Christian friends, family, and even our spouses. In this sneaky approach he attacks many Christians at once and quickly gets them doing his evil work for him.
So what can we do to resist the devil?
• We must stay close to God and ask Him to help us recognize and overcome the devil’s attacks. God knows the evil one hates us and He has given us the ability to resist.
• We must regularly fill our minds with the truth of God's Word, and meet every temptation with prayer. If we resist the devil in accordance with the bible’s instruction, he won’t have a chance with us. He will flee away from us in terror.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8
Right now, the devil and his demons are loose on the earth. God expects us to resist every time they lash out at us. We don’t need to fear the devil. We must prepare ourselves by knowing our own weaknesses and by being cognizant of the devil’s schemes. We must stand against him face to face and resist him. We must fight the good fight of faith like good soldiers of Christ.
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
Take a look in the book of Job and you will see Satan in action. Job was a man of God. He lived a life that honored the Lord and was making a difference with his life. He helped others. He served others. He shared God's truth and God's love with those he encountered. Job was doing damage to Satan’s evil kingdom. As a result, Satan unleashed his full arsenal against Job.
What does this mean in our daily lives? If you are living a life of sin and compromise, you probably don't have to worry much about spiritual warfare. Why would Satan waste his time and efforts on you. But if you are living a life that impacts others and honors God, watch out. Satan has you in his crosshairs.
The devil is clever, sneaky, tricky, deceptive, and works in all sorts of ways. He knows our weaknesses and focuses his attack on that particular area of our lives. One of his favorite tricks is to fill our minds with sinful thoughts, assumptions and lies in order to pit us against our own Christian friends, family, and even our spouses. In this sneaky approach he attacks many Christians at once and quickly gets them doing his evil work for him.
So what can we do to resist the devil?
• We must stay close to God and ask Him to help us recognize and overcome the devil’s attacks. God knows the evil one hates us and He has given us the ability to resist.
• We must regularly fill our minds with the truth of God's Word, and meet every temptation with prayer. If we resist the devil in accordance with the bible’s instruction, he won’t have a chance with us. He will flee away from us in terror.
Right now, the devil and his demons are loose on the earth. God expects us to resist every time they lash out at us. We don’t need to fear the devil. We must prepare ourselves by knowing our own weaknesses and by being cognizant of the devil’s schemes. We must stand against him face to face and resist him. We must fight the good fight of faith like good soldiers of Christ.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Adoption News - God is Good!
It has been 12 months since we started the adoption process on September 1, 2010.
We received news this morning that our adoption file has been reviewed and approved by IBESR. Our file entered IBESR around June 5, 2011. When our file entered IBESR we were told the IBESR process would take 2-10 months. Ours took about 3 months.
IBESR is Haitian Social Services. They have social workers that study adoption files (dossier) to determine if the prospective parents meet their requirements to adopt. They also judge if the proposed child(ren) are a good match for the adoptive family. Once the social workers approve the file, IBESR issues a Certificate of Authorization telling the courts that they have approved the adoption. Approval by IBESR is the first big step in the approval process and is typically the most time consuming. Our file should now move to the next steps, which include:
* Presidential Dispensation in which Haiti's President approves our file
* Parquet - court approvals (this is where the girls become ours legally in Haiti)
* Application for child's Haitian Passport - starts at Ministry of Interior (MOI)
* Final file submission, review and approval by the US Embassy
* Visa application filed - schedule appointment in Haiti to receive visa
* Time to bring the girls home
I ask for your continued prayers. Pray that Haiti's President, Mickey Martelly signs our Dispensation today. Pray that our file moves into and through Parquet very quickly. Pray that we don't experience any delays, that the adoption process is completed, and that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
Praise the Lord our God. Bow before Him, for He is holy! Psalm 99:5
We received news this morning that our adoption file has been reviewed and approved by IBESR. Our file entered IBESR around June 5, 2011. When our file entered IBESR we were told the IBESR process would take 2-10 months. Ours took about 3 months.
IBESR is Haitian Social Services. They have social workers that study adoption files (dossier) to determine if the prospective parents meet their requirements to adopt. They also judge if the proposed child(ren) are a good match for the adoptive family. Once the social workers approve the file, IBESR issues a Certificate of Authorization telling the courts that they have approved the adoption. Approval by IBESR is the first big step in the approval process and is typically the most time consuming. Our file should now move to the next steps, which include:
* Presidential Dispensation in which Haiti's President approves our file
* Parquet - court approvals (this is where the girls become ours legally in Haiti)
* Application for child's Haitian Passport - starts at Ministry of Interior (MOI)
* Final file submission, review and approval by the US Embassy
* Visa application filed - schedule appointment in Haiti to receive visa
* Time to bring the girls home
I ask for your continued prayers. Pray that Haiti's President, Mickey Martelly signs our Dispensation today. Pray that our file moves into and through Parquet very quickly. Pray that we don't experience any delays, that the adoption process is completed, and that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Walk Down Jericho Road
Jericho Road is a seventeen mile road that connects Jerusalem to Jericho. The road drops 3600 feet in those seventeen miles. It is a steep, winding, descending, remote road that for centuries has been a place of robberies and sufferings. Evil lurks along this path. It is a symbol of suffering in the world and everyday life.
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10: 25-37 is one of my favorite bible stories. As the story goes a lawyer stands up and asks Jesus, “What can I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, being the ultimate counselor, asked him a question: “What do you think?” The man answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself.” To which Jesus said, "You do this, and you will live eternally.” The man then asks “Who is my neighbor? Jesus responds, “Let me tell you a story. There once was a man walking down the Jericho Road.”
Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us to understand that on our walk down the road of life on earth we will encounter suffering, just like the man walking down the Jericho Road. But also that He expects us to be Good Samaritans and get involved with those who are suffering. God desperately wants us to get involved with those in need that we meet along the road of life.
Why are we not obedient to God's calling to help those in need? The devil wants us to believe that it is not safe, it will cost to much, or that we don't have time. What sufferings are you experiencing on your Jericho Road? Do you recognize and reach out to help those in need along the way? Sometimes I think we fail to reach out and help others because we are so focused on our own challenges along the road.
For the last year my Jericho Road has been the adoption process. Sometimes, on days like today, I have to step back and realize that my sufferings pale in comparison to the lifelong sufferings of the two children that I am desperately reaching out to with love. I am also asking God to help me always recognize those in need on my walk down Jericho Road.
We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8: 17-18
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10: 25-37 is one of my favorite bible stories. As the story goes a lawyer stands up and asks Jesus, “What can I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, being the ultimate counselor, asked him a question: “What do you think?” The man answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself.” To which Jesus said, "You do this, and you will live eternally.” The man then asks “Who is my neighbor? Jesus responds, “Let me tell you a story. There once was a man walking down the Jericho Road.”
Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us to understand that on our walk down the road of life on earth we will encounter suffering, just like the man walking down the Jericho Road. But also that He expects us to be Good Samaritans and get involved with those who are suffering. God desperately wants us to get involved with those in need that we meet along the road of life.
Why are we not obedient to God's calling to help those in need? The devil wants us to believe that it is not safe, it will cost to much, or that we don't have time. What sufferings are you experiencing on your Jericho Road? Do you recognize and reach out to help those in need along the way? Sometimes I think we fail to reach out and help others because we are so focused on our own challenges along the road.
For the last year my Jericho Road has been the adoption process. Sometimes, on days like today, I have to step back and realize that my sufferings pale in comparison to the lifelong sufferings of the two children that I am desperately reaching out to with love. I am also asking God to help me always recognize those in need on my walk down Jericho Road.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Life After Spiritual Defibrillation
In the spring of 2000, the year Jesula was born into poverty, I signed up for a mission trip to Haiti with the church I attended at the time. I had no idea why I signed up, I just did. I had never been interested in international mission work. I was the prototypical Americanized Christian. More about me and my family, accumulating material treasures, with a dash of church and God added in for flavor. As it turned out, the trip fell through. I don't remember being disappointed. God knew I wasn't ready.
Fast forward 10 years to 2010. Through God's mercy I had experienced significant spiritual growth. I was certainly not perfect, but on the right track and picking up steam. The blinders were off. The material things had been exposed for what they are, distractions. I was eagerly searching for God's will in my life. God knew I was ready, even though I didn't know what He had planned.
In the spring of 2010, for the second time in my life, I signed up for a mission trip to Haiti late that summer. Just like the first time, I didn't really plan to sign up, I just did. I seldom watched the news about Haiti following the earthquake. I was heavily involved in local ministries at the time and was even planning to start a new ministry project locally. But, I developed a curiosity with Haiti that I couldn't quite put my finger on. So, I signed up to go without knowing why, not knowing what to expect, having no real purpose in mind. I just had this strange feeling deep inside that I was supposed to go to Haiti.
Leading up to the trip several people asked me, "why are you going to Haiti?" I responded, "I don't really know. I hope I'll find out". A few people asked me, "are you going to adopt?" I quickly responded with a heart-felt, "no, never, I assure you that is not for me". My wife and I had talked on more than one occasion about the fact our kids would soon be out of the house. The month before my trip to Haiti we vacationed in Hilton Head Island, SC. We have vacationed there for many years. We talked about retiring there one day. We even looked at property while we were there. Adopting was not even on our radar, it was for other people. Clear!
Then God hit me with His spiritual defibrillator. On August 20, 2010, I stepped off the plane in Port au Prince. I rode through the streets. Block after block, mile after mile, I witnessed the poverty. I saw the devastation. I smelled it. I met the people. I looked into empty eyes. I sensed the hopelessness. I was surrounded by hundreds of children at a school and church that meets under a tarp in the midst of a slum. They touched my arms believing they might be blessed. I served in a medical clinic treating hundreds of people that waited in line for hours for our help. I felt their suffering. They hurt for months and years with infections we cure with 2 pills a day for 7 days. They have no access to basic medical care and medicines. I was broken by the sight of people living in isolation and starving in mountain villages. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of embarrassment for how I live.
One year ago this very day, August 26, 2010, I walked onto the porch of an orphanage high in the mountains of Haiti and for the first time laid my eyes on beautiful little Jesula. I still vividly remember my first glimpse of her like it was yesterday. She was sitting alone in thought, watching the other girls play. I wondered what she might be thinking. I wondered what the experiences of her life might reveal. I wondered what her future might hold. Then I walked over and met her!
The more I have learned over the last year about Jesula's past, the more honored I am that God has entrusted me with her future. I know that God planned for Jesula to be my daughter long before I was ready.
This last year has been very long and hard. It seems like we are watching Jesula and Redjina grow up through cherished photographs that other travelers take between our trips every few months to visit them. They have both grown so much in the last year. They are both growing into beautiful young ladies. And with new found hope their personalities are blooming like wild flowers.
Over the past year, I've had plenty of time to think about just how radically our life has changed since that day, a year ago. While our arms are still empty, I can honestly say that our desire and love for our precious girls has intensified a thousand times over. I pray now with a new intensity and focus that our arms will soon be filled. And I remind God every day that I am ready!
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:15-16
Fast forward 10 years to 2010. Through God's mercy I had experienced significant spiritual growth. I was certainly not perfect, but on the right track and picking up steam. The blinders were off. The material things had been exposed for what they are, distractions. I was eagerly searching for God's will in my life. God knew I was ready, even though I didn't know what He had planned.
In the spring of 2010, for the second time in my life, I signed up for a mission trip to Haiti late that summer. Just like the first time, I didn't really plan to sign up, I just did. I seldom watched the news about Haiti following the earthquake. I was heavily involved in local ministries at the time and was even planning to start a new ministry project locally. But, I developed a curiosity with Haiti that I couldn't quite put my finger on. So, I signed up to go without knowing why, not knowing what to expect, having no real purpose in mind. I just had this strange feeling deep inside that I was supposed to go to Haiti.
Leading up to the trip several people asked me, "why are you going to Haiti?" I responded, "I don't really know. I hope I'll find out". A few people asked me, "are you going to adopt?" I quickly responded with a heart-felt, "no, never, I assure you that is not for me". My wife and I had talked on more than one occasion about the fact our kids would soon be out of the house. The month before my trip to Haiti we vacationed in Hilton Head Island, SC. We have vacationed there for many years. We talked about retiring there one day. We even looked at property while we were there. Adopting was not even on our radar, it was for other people. Clear!
Then God hit me with His spiritual defibrillator. On August 20, 2010, I stepped off the plane in Port au Prince. I rode through the streets. Block after block, mile after mile, I witnessed the poverty. I saw the devastation. I smelled it. I met the people. I looked into empty eyes. I sensed the hopelessness. I was surrounded by hundreds of children at a school and church that meets under a tarp in the midst of a slum. They touched my arms believing they might be blessed. I served in a medical clinic treating hundreds of people that waited in line for hours for our help. I felt their suffering. They hurt for months and years with infections we cure with 2 pills a day for 7 days. They have no access to basic medical care and medicines. I was broken by the sight of people living in isolation and starving in mountain villages. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of embarrassment for how I live.
One year ago this very day, August 26, 2010, I walked onto the porch of an orphanage high in the mountains of Haiti and for the first time laid my eyes on beautiful little Jesula. I still vividly remember my first glimpse of her like it was yesterday. She was sitting alone in thought, watching the other girls play. I wondered what she might be thinking. I wondered what the experiences of her life might reveal. I wondered what her future might hold. Then I walked over and met her!
The more I have learned over the last year about Jesula's past, the more honored I am that God has entrusted me with her future. I know that God planned for Jesula to be my daughter long before I was ready.
This last year has been very long and hard. It seems like we are watching Jesula and Redjina grow up through cherished photographs that other travelers take between our trips every few months to visit them. They have both grown so much in the last year. They are both growing into beautiful young ladies. And with new found hope their personalities are blooming like wild flowers.
Over the past year, I've had plenty of time to think about just how radically our life has changed since that day, a year ago. While our arms are still empty, I can honestly say that our desire and love for our precious girls has intensified a thousand times over. I pray now with a new intensity and focus that our arms will soon be filled. And I remind God every day that I am ready!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Adoption Update ~ Prayer Request
It has been 11 months since we started the adoption process on September 1, 2010. When we started we were told the average length of time for adoption in Haiti was 18 months, but that 10-12 months was possible.
There have been unfortunate delays along this journey. The minor delays with translation and legalization of our dossier last fall seem forever ago. In Haiti, unexpected delays are routine. Hurricane Tomas shut Haiti's government down for a couple of weeks last November. The Haiti Presidential Election brought Haiti's government, which at best operates in low gear, to a complete halt for the first several months of 2011. Haiti's government has recently blocked new President Micky Martelly's first and second choices for Prime Minister. It may be months before President Martelly has his cabinet in place. To my knowledge, President Martelly, who has been in office since May, has yet to sign a “Presidential Dispensation”. Dispensation is one of the crucial steps of adoption approval.
Our adoption file is in IBESR. Our file entered IBESR around June 5, 2011. Getting through IBESR is a big step. When our file went to IBESR we were told their process would take 2-10 months. Yes, 2-10 months. What kind of crazy range is that? Anyway, once we come out of IBESR, and have received Presidential Dispensation, we will somewhat be able to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
It has been almost a year, and we still have no idea when our girls might come home. I can tell you that all of this "not knowing" is really tough. Tougher than anyone could possibly imagine!
I ask for your prayers. Pray that IBESR will finish with our file today. Pray that Haiti's President, Mickey Martelly will sign our Dispensation today. Pray that we don’t experience any more delays with the adoption process, and that our girls come home in a blink. Pray that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
There have been unfortunate delays along this journey. The minor delays with translation and legalization of our dossier last fall seem forever ago. In Haiti, unexpected delays are routine. Hurricane Tomas shut Haiti's government down for a couple of weeks last November. The Haiti Presidential Election brought Haiti's government, which at best operates in low gear, to a complete halt for the first several months of 2011. Haiti's government has recently blocked new President Micky Martelly's first and second choices for Prime Minister. It may be months before President Martelly has his cabinet in place. To my knowledge, President Martelly, who has been in office since May, has yet to sign a “Presidential Dispensation”. Dispensation is one of the crucial steps of adoption approval.
Our adoption file is in IBESR. Our file entered IBESR around June 5, 2011. Getting through IBESR is a big step. When our file went to IBESR we were told their process would take 2-10 months. Yes, 2-10 months. What kind of crazy range is that? Anyway, once we come out of IBESR, and have received Presidential Dispensation, we will somewhat be able to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
It has been almost a year, and we still have no idea when our girls might come home. I can tell you that all of this "not knowing" is really tough. Tougher than anyone could possibly imagine!
I ask for your prayers. Pray that IBESR will finish with our file today. Pray that Haiti's President, Mickey Martelly will sign our Dispensation today. Pray that we don’t experience any more delays with the adoption process, and that our girls come home in a blink. Pray that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Daughters of the King!
I travelled to Haiti this past week, July 20-25, 2011 to serve and spend time with my beautiful girls. Our mission team consisted of 16 people. This was really a special group of people which made for an awesome experience. Only God's hands could have assembled this group of people to conduct the Kingdom work that was planned!
We were on the ground in Haiti around noon on Wednesday. We made the long trek up the mountain to Camatin and were at the orphanage about 4 PM. The girls were waiting. We spent the rest of the day Wednesday relaxing and loving on the girls!
Thursday morning early, Ricot drove me back down to Port au Prince to the U.S. Embassy. I had an appointment to file I-600 petitions for Jesula and Redjina. The I-600 classifies a foreign orphan who is being adopted by a U.S. citizen as an immediate relative of the U.S. citizen to allow the child to enter the United States when the time comes. The appointment took about three hours and included submitting the I-600 petitions, several supporting documents, and being sworn in and interviewed by the Consulate General. Mission accomplished. I would like to say a special thank you to my friend Ricot Louis Juste for all of his work with the girls in the orphanage and in assisting with the adoption process. It could not be done without him!
The team spent the entire day Thursday with the girls. The theme for this trip was "Daughters of the King" and included many activities. We made tie-dye shirts, made mirrors & talked about how man looks at outward appearance but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), gave each girl a photo album with pictures of themselves, made each girl a photo frame with her name on it and put their picture in it, and colored pictures of princesses. The grand finale was a "Daughters of the King Tea Party". In preparation for the tea party, all the girls had a bath, put on a dress, got their nails painted & makeup, and were given some bling to wear. We gave each girl a photo of themself that we made with an instant camera. We then conducted a bible class and taught them that they were daughters of the king. Each was given a Haitian Creole Bible. Finally each had a tiara placed on their head and it was off to the tea party!
That evening we hung and covered a banner while the girls were busy in the dining room. We brought them all in and had them sit in the floor in front of it. Ricot spoke to them about being Daughters of the King. When we uncovered the banner, their gasps, expressions, reactions, and chatter was priceless!
Friday the team travelled to the nearby villages of Beloc and Coq Chante.
Beloc - We went to Beloc to bless a 17 year old girl named Mikanna and her mother. My friend Cyndi Dodson and I met Mikanna on a mission trip last August and she grabbed our hearts. Cyndi helped me provide the funds to purchase food for them. The team walked through Beloc and to Mikanna and her mother's little one room shack. We prayed over them and blessed them with enough rice, beans, fish, cooking oil, etc. to eat for about a month!
Coq Chante - We walked a few miles around the village of Coq Chante. Along the way we blessed families with bags of rice. We also handed out dresses sewn by my aunt Anne and her friends that live in Florence, AL. There were little girls and elderly ladies with big smiles holding up new dresses!
We visited Atanie's grave. Atanie is the young orphan girl that died when the orphanage collapsed during the earthquake. We also went to where the orphanage once stood. Agathe, who was the orphanage director at the time of the earthquake, was with us. She graciously shared an emotional story about the events on the day of the earthquake. The group was very moved by her words!
Saturday we took the girls to the beach in Jacmel. Everybody had a great time splashing and singing in the Caribbean waters. We fed the girls a nice lunch with fish and plantains.
Sunday we walked up the hill to worship in the Church of the Redeemer in Camatin. It was a wonderful service with beautiful singing. After church we served over 250 local people a warm lunch and gave out gift bags of food to take with them. It was truly a wonderful day of worshiping and serving!
And just like that it was Monday morning and time to leave. I had a wonderful time, not only with my girls, but also with my Haitian friends such as Ricot, Marieflore, Agathe and her husband Roland. I always miss my girls and Haitian friends after leaving, but I am also really missing my friends that I travelled and served with in Haiti. Overall this trip was the most enjoyable yet, which also means it has been the most difficult to recover from emotionally.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion for you. Isaiah 54:10
We were on the ground in Haiti around noon on Wednesday. We made the long trek up the mountain to Camatin and were at the orphanage about 4 PM. The girls were waiting. We spent the rest of the day Wednesday relaxing and loving on the girls!
Thursday morning early, Ricot drove me back down to Port au Prince to the U.S. Embassy. I had an appointment to file I-600 petitions for Jesula and Redjina. The I-600 classifies a foreign orphan who is being adopted by a U.S. citizen as an immediate relative of the U.S. citizen to allow the child to enter the United States when the time comes. The appointment took about three hours and included submitting the I-600 petitions, several supporting documents, and being sworn in and interviewed by the Consulate General. Mission accomplished. I would like to say a special thank you to my friend Ricot Louis Juste for all of his work with the girls in the orphanage and in assisting with the adoption process. It could not be done without him!
The team spent the entire day Thursday with the girls. The theme for this trip was "Daughters of the King" and included many activities. We made tie-dye shirts, made mirrors & talked about how man looks at outward appearance but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), gave each girl a photo album with pictures of themselves, made each girl a photo frame with her name on it and put their picture in it, and colored pictures of princesses. The grand finale was a "Daughters of the King Tea Party". In preparation for the tea party, all the girls had a bath, put on a dress, got their nails painted & makeup, and were given some bling to wear. We gave each girl a photo of themself that we made with an instant camera. We then conducted a bible class and taught them that they were daughters of the king. Each was given a Haitian Creole Bible. Finally each had a tiara placed on their head and it was off to the tea party!
That evening we hung and covered a banner while the girls were busy in the dining room. We brought them all in and had them sit in the floor in front of it. Ricot spoke to them about being Daughters of the King. When we uncovered the banner, their gasps, expressions, reactions, and chatter was priceless!
Friday the team travelled to the nearby villages of Beloc and Coq Chante.
Beloc - We went to Beloc to bless a 17 year old girl named Mikanna and her mother. My friend Cyndi Dodson and I met Mikanna on a mission trip last August and she grabbed our hearts. Cyndi helped me provide the funds to purchase food for them. The team walked through Beloc and to Mikanna and her mother's little one room shack. We prayed over them and blessed them with enough rice, beans, fish, cooking oil, etc. to eat for about a month!
Coq Chante - We walked a few miles around the village of Coq Chante. Along the way we blessed families with bags of rice. We also handed out dresses sewn by my aunt Anne and her friends that live in Florence, AL. There were little girls and elderly ladies with big smiles holding up new dresses!
We visited Atanie's grave. Atanie is the young orphan girl that died when the orphanage collapsed during the earthquake. We also went to where the orphanage once stood. Agathe, who was the orphanage director at the time of the earthquake, was with us. She graciously shared an emotional story about the events on the day of the earthquake. The group was very moved by her words!
Saturday we took the girls to the beach in Jacmel. Everybody had a great time splashing and singing in the Caribbean waters. We fed the girls a nice lunch with fish and plantains.
Sunday we walked up the hill to worship in the Church of the Redeemer in Camatin. It was a wonderful service with beautiful singing. After church we served over 250 local people a warm lunch and gave out gift bags of food to take with them. It was truly a wonderful day of worshiping and serving!
And just like that it was Monday morning and time to leave. I had a wonderful time, not only with my girls, but also with my Haitian friends such as Ricot, Marieflore, Agathe and her husband Roland. I always miss my girls and Haitian friends after leaving, but I am also really missing my friends that I travelled and served with in Haiti. Overall this trip was the most enjoyable yet, which also means it has been the most difficult to recover from emotionally.
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