Pancake Breakfast

We are having a Pancake Breakfast to help with the adoption cost. Please help us bring our girls home!!!


Tickets - $5 minimum contribution - Please contact us today to pre-purchase tickets. Then if you can, come let us serve you breakfast.

You can make a contribution by clicking the yellow "Donate" button on the right side of this page. If you would prefer to mail a contribution please email us at: jesula10@gmail.com to make arrangements.

All mission work is a partnership. There are people God equips to serve, adopt, and there are people He equips to help with finances and prayers. We greatly appreciate your support!!!

Happy Birthday Mommie!

Happy Birthday Shawna - June 20, 2011!!!

Jeff and Ashley's Wedding Day

Here are a few photos from Jeff and Ashley's Wedding on June 5, 2011 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Spread Your Wings and Fly

Like the wind the years go by. It seems like just yesterday that my little princess Ashley Marie was born. That was July 10, 1991. She hurried right into this crazy world and she hasn't slowed down since. In what seems like the blink of an eye, almost 20 years later she has grown into a beautiful young lady inside and out. She loves Jesus and she is mature beyond her years. She knows where she wants to go in life and she is on her way. Precious butterfly, spread your wings and fly.

This Sunday, June 5, 2011 my little princess will be married. Jeff is the perfect partner for her and I am thankful God brought them together. I pray they will keep God first in their life, and with that they will have a lifetime of happiness together!



Butterfly Kisses ~ Bob Carlisle

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's
daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her
hair; "Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must
have done something right to deserve a hug
every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.

But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking
little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you
don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done
something right to deserve her love every morning
and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not
sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have
done something right.
To deserve your love every morning and butterfly
kisses-I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together. Matthew 19:6

Meeting Redjina - God's Majesty!

During my recent visit to Haiti I spent a lot of time talking with Redjina. Her English continues to improve and we are able to talk more in length. During our conversations we will write some words down on paper to help clarify when we don’t understand the others pronunciations. And we sometimes need to look up words to translate meanings. But all in all we are able to communicate very effectively.

That said, I want to share something that God revealed during this past trip. This story is so amazing to me that it is obvious that only God could have orchestrated it, and for which only He deserves the glory!

I arrived in Tabarre around mid-day on Wednesday, May 4th. Jesula had not yet arrived from Camatin and Redjina was still in school. So, I spent some time with Ricot discussing the status of the adoption process for both girls. With regards to Redjina, Ricot said the only outstanding item he needed was to obtain a Death Certificate for her deceased father. Although I had never discussed Redjina’s father with her, I understood he had died when she was very young. Anyway, Ricot said he hoped to have the Death Certificate within a week and at that point everything needed would be in the attorney’s hands.

On Thursday evening Redjina and I were alone talking. During the conversation and to my surprise Redjina said, “Popi I miss my father”. For some time I have been hoping the opportunity would arise for Redjina and I to discuss her family and childhood. Well, here was my chance to learn more. I asked her, “Jina why do you miss your father?” to which she replied, “because he die.” I told her about my mother dying when I was young and how I still miss her 30 years later. Then I asked the question to which God revealed his majesty. I simply asked, “baby, when did your father die?” She thought for a minute, like she does when she is trying to figure out how to answer in English and in a manner I will understand. Then she said, “Popi, do you remember when you brought mommi to meet Jesula for the first time, and I met you?” I said “yes baby, that was last October...”

Looking back, Shawna and I met Redjina by chance when we travelled to Haiti last October for the sole purpose of Shawna meeting Jesula for the first time. We spent only a day, October 29th, in Tabarre where Redjina lives, before going onto Camatin with Jesula. During those few hours in Tabarre on October 29th Redjina made a very profound impression on us. God placed her so heavily on our hearts that day, that after we left her there, Shawna and I could not get her out of our thoughts. Within a couple of weeks, following a lot of prayer and discussion, we knew God was leading us through a chance meeting to adopt her, and that we did!

Anyway, back to my conversation with Redjina. So, I had asked Redjina the question, “when did your father die?” To which she replied, “Popi, do you remember when you brought mommi to meet Jesula for the first time, and I met you?” To which I said, “yes baby, that was last October, it was October 29th”. Then, in a shaky voice Redjina said, “my father die that day I met you.” I was stunned. In my mind I questioned if that was possible. I thought maybe she was confused. I questioned her again and she appeared sure about that being the day. We talked a little longer and soon decided it was time to sleep. Needless to say I had a hard time sleeping that night.

The next day on Friday, Ricot came to me and said he had gotten Redjina’s father’s Death Certificate and handed it to me. The first thing I saw when I looked at it was, ‘Date of Death: October 29, 2010’. I asked Ricot about her father. Ricot said her father was injured in the earthquake, January 12, 2010, and had indeed died shortly after Shawna and I left Tabarre on October 29, 2010.

How Great is our God? I am just in awe to see myself placed in the middle of God’s eternal plan. To realize that God’s plan included what I thought was a chance meeting with Redjina, only to find out many months later that her father died on the same day that I met her and that God placed her in my heart. I have no doubt that my family is Living a Part in God’s Story!


I will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Psalm 145:5

Dreaming of Our Sweet Girls

I travelled to Haiti this past week, May 4-9, 2011. The purpose of my trip was two-fold with the obvious reason being to spend time with my two beautiful girls, Jesula and Redjina. But I also went at the invitation of my dear friend Mona Louis Juste to attend her 50th Birthday Party.

I had a wonderful time with Jesula and Redjina. We shared a lot of special moments, laughs, and tears. I had some really special conversations with Redjina, about her mother and father who are deceased, and her childhood. I visited where Redjina lived with her guardian sweet Saintela, in Savanne Pistache. I will share an amazing story soon about how God brought Redjina and I together in a way only He could orchestrate.






I had a great time with Ricot. We worked on adoption paperwork, took Redjina to the doctor, met with our attorney, and also found time to get out and have some fun. Ricot is a hard working man that truly loves the girls in the orphanage. I am honored to call him my friend.











My sweet friend Mona had a wonderful birthday party. There must have been 75 people in attendance. And even though I perhaps looked out of place, I felt so at home with people that I have become so very close too. Thank you Mona for having me to be a part of your special day. It was an honor.





I'm home now and as always I miss Jesula and Redjina more than anyone could imagine or understand. I can't kiss them goodnight. I can't see them when I wake up. I can't hear Jesula singing and giggling. I can’t hear Redjina say “wow” or “I love you popi”. I miss them terribly, so much it hurts. Sometimes when I lay in bed at night and close my eyes, I can smell their hair. I remember what it feels like when they hold my hand. When I am able to sleep I dream about them. I dream about what it will be like the day they travel home with me. I dream about things we will do as a family one day. I dream about the things God has planned for us!


I'm praying for God to do amazing things to bring them home. So amazing and fast that only He can have the glory!

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13

Happy 11th Birthday Jesula!

Today is our precious little Jesula's 11th birthday!

She is such a precious child!

She is also full of life!

We miss you and we love you.
We can't wait for the day we will always be with you!
See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10

Happy 13th Birthday Redjina!

Today is our sweet angel Redjina's 13th birthday!

This is the sweetest child on the planet!

She truly is an Angel!

We miss you and we love you.
We can't wait for the day we will always be with you!
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matthew 24:36

Happy 16th Birthday Matt!

Happy 16th birthday today Matt. The last 16 years have been a joy, but they have gone by so fast!

Matt being Matt in Haiti - Haiti is Matt's passion!

Matt in the market in Beloc, Haiti - His favorite place on the planet!

Matt playing high school baseball - Baseball is Matt's other passion!

Matt almost home after a Homerun!


Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of His generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Psalms 127:3-4

Easter - Jesus is Risen!

Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James went to put burial spices on Jesus’ body. On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. But when they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone – a very large one – had already been rolled aside. So they entered the tomb, and there on the right sat a young man clothed in a white robe. The women were startled, but the angel said, “Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body. Now go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died!” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk.

It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw Him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and found the disciples, who were grieving and weeping. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they didn’t believe her.

Afterward He appeared to two who were walking from Jerusalem into the country, but they didn’t recognize Him at first because He had changed His appearance. When they realized who He was, they rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them. Later He appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their unbelief – their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And then Jesus told them,

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone,
everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.
But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”
When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Happy Easter!!!

Easter photos of four of our family of six!

Good Friday - Jesus is Crucified!

So Pilate ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip then turned Him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify Him. They dressed Him in a purple robe and made a crown of long, sharp thorns and put it on His head. Then they saluted, yelling, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they beat Him on the head with a stick, spit on Him and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him again.

Then they led Him away to be crucified. A man named Simon was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). They nailed Him to the cross. They gambled for His clothes, throwing dice to decide who would get them.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when the crucifixion took place. A signboard was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against Him. It read: “The King of the Jews.” Two criminals were crucified with Him, their crosses on either side of His. And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. ”Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at Him. “You can destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, can you? Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but He can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe Him!”

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then, at that time Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought He was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to Him on a stick so he could drink. Another said, ”leave Him alone, let’s see whether Elijah will come and take Him down!” Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last breath. When the Roman officer who stood facing Him saw how He had died, he exclaimed, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for Him while He was in Galilee. They and many other women had come with Jesus to Jerusalem.

As evening approached, an honored member of the high council, Joseph gathered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth, and taking Jesus’ body down from the cross, he wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then Pilate had his men stand guard and roll a stone in front of the entrance of Jesus' tomb.
to be continued...

Our Sweet Angels See the Doctor

On Tuesday evening, April 13, 2011 Jesula and six of her sweet orphanage friends, that are also in the process of being adopted, were brought down to Port au Prince. Over the next three days the girls went for Psychological Examinations, Medical Examinations and Blood Tests. This is all part of the medical requirement for the adoption process.

Redjina and Jesula with the other girls, Chilove, Maeva, Onise, Eldie, Cadonia, and Berline before Psychological Exams on Thursday

Jesula having blood drawn on Friday

Redjina having blood drawn on Friday

Jesula and Redjina both handled all of these exams very well. They are such strong, brave children. They have experienced more challenges in their short lives than most people in this world could even imagine.

I want to add a special thank you to Ricot Louis Juste for the work he is doing for my girls and all of these girls. Ricot oversees Poor Children's Assistance Project (PCAP). He has a tremendous amount of responsibility and is involved with many churches, schools and orphanages in Haiti. Anyone that is able to help PCAP financially or otherwise, please let me know and I will get you in contact with Ricot. He is truly a wonderful Christian man.

Ricot with the nurse on Friday

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:14-18

Imitating Christ’s Humility

I am personally convinced that submission, dying to self, crucifying of pride, is crucial to feeling joy. We think of denying our self as somber, grim-faced business, when it is in truth a prelude to happiness. If you want power, learn to be assertive. If you want joy, learn to be submissive. We find joy in the absence of serving self because we experience love in serving others. Only when we die to self can we fully love another.

Self is a devilish creature, demanding all of our energy, wanting our constant attention, reaching even into our pocketbooks for favors. How can we ever hope to be attuned to another’s spirit when self is making so much noise? How can we ever hope to love another when self screams for our constant care? When self is alive and well, it offers us an all-or-nothing proposition.


We either pacify self, or we crucify it. ~Judson Edwards~
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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 death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:1-8

Spring Time in Haiti

Shawna and I travelled to Haiti this past week, March 23-28, 2011 to serve and spend time with our beautiful girls. Our mission team consisted of 17 people. This was a special trip because 15 of the team members are in the process of adopting 11 of the girls from the orphanage in Camatin. Needless to say it was a blessed and emotional time.

This picture is of families from Grace Baptist Church that are currently adopting. There is one family from our church that is adopting that was not on this trip, and our Redjina is not in the picture!


We flew into Port au Prince around mid-day on Wednesday, March 23rd. We jumped in the transport truck and headed straight to the mountains. Three hours later we were at the orphanage in Camatin. Redjina, who is currently staying in Port au Prince, had final exams in school, so we would not get to see her until Friday, which was really tough. But that did allow us some special time with Jesula for the first couple of days.




Thursday
We worked on various projects around the orphanage including repairing chairs in the dining room, some minor electrical and plumbing repairs, and building benches for a new sewing room.


Thursday afternoon we loaded up in the transport truck and went to serve in the mountain village of Beloc. We saw the new house that has been provided for by our friends Jon and Amy Knowles. Matt and I delivered and carried the materials for this house back in January. It was awesome to see what God has done for this family in Beloc!


Friday
We loaded up and left Camatin at 5:30 AM and drove to Port au Prince. We dropped off two families at the United States Embassy to work on adoption business and then drove to Tabarre. After a short wait in Tabarre we went to pick up Redjina from school. She walks three miles each way on a gravel road to school each day. The schools there are nothing like schools here. Her school is just a one level block building with dirt floors and very basic furnishings. I'll never forget that moment when I saw her at school. She looked so beautiful in her school uniform.

From there we headed to the Courthouse to take care of adoption business. Shawna and I were scheduled to meet with our attorney and make a Court appearance. This was the main purpose for this trip. Well, this was interesting to say the least. The Courthouse, a small block building, is located on a busy street lined with people, trash, and rubble. We parked in an alley behind the Courthouse. We were lead through a crowd and inside a very small room, perhaps 10 feet by 10 feet. We met briefly with our attorney. Shawna and I presented our passports to a Court representative who made some notations. Then Shawna and I were each instructed to sign a blank piece of paper. Yes, that's right, a blank piece of paper. We were there perhaps 15 minutes and then we left. How is that for a Court appearance? Only in Haiti!





After Court, we took the girls to dinner in Petitionville, which is where the upper class live in Port au Prince. This area is still not nice in American terms. But I must say, the restaurant was really good. We had pizza that would rival most any place in Knoxville. The girls had never been to a restaurant before so it was big fun.


After dinner, we stopped at a nice market (grocery store) in Petitionville. The girls had never been to a market before. We walked up and down each isle and the girls were amazed by all the food. I told the girls to pick something out. They were hesitant at first, but before long each had several items and big smiles on their faces. Jesula's first choice was chips, and Redjina's was Oreos!

There was an elevator in the market. The girls had never seen an elevator before, much less been in one. Jesula was really hesitant about getting into the elevator and had really big eyes when there door closed and it started moving. Redjina just smiled and said "wow"!



When we left the market we made the three hour drive back up to Camatin. We got to the orphanage about 11:00 PM. Needless to say, it was a very long, emotional, interesting, exciting, fun day in Haiti!

Saturday
Saturday was beach day. The orphanage is located on the side of a mountain and there is not really a place for the girls to play outside. They spend the majority of their time inside. So, the beach trip is something the girls always look forward to and is great fun for everyone.



Sunday
On Sunday morning we attended church in Camatin. The church sits just up the hill from the orphanage. After church we served lunch to the church members and locals which is always a treat.




The church currently meets under a tarp, but will soon be moving into a new building provided by the efforts of the Hope Alliance. Kym Meehan, who is a very special lady, heads up the Hope Alliance. It was such a blessing to meet, serve with, and get to know Kym on this trip. She has done many wonderful things for the orphanage and the church in Camatin.


Sunday afternoon we loaded up in the transport truck and went to serve in the mountain village of Coq Chante. We walked several miles up and down the mountain side. Redjina hiked the steep, narrow, rocky trails barefoot. It was an amazing sight. We delivered food such as beans, rice, and cooking oil to the area people and prayed over them. They are always so thankful!




Late that afternoon, while were still in Coq Chante, we received a phone call notifying us there would be riots Monday in Port au Prince. The decision was made to go back to the orphanage, pack up our things, and leave that evening, instead of the next morning. They wanted to get us through PAP that evening before the riots started the next morning. So we hurried back, packed, had dinner, and spent a few more minutes with our girls. Jesula was sad to see us go, but was in good spirits and was sweeter than ever those last few minutes. We said tearful goodbyes and loaded up and left.


We safely arrived at the mission house in Tabarre around 10 PM. This is where Redjina lives during the school year. So she came too and we were able to spend that last night with her. We had a great evening with Redjina just talking about "one day".




Monday
We were up and ready to leave for the airport by 9 AM. We said goodbye to our dear Haitian friends. And as we had the night before with Jesula, we shared a tearful goodbye with our angel Redjina.

We made it to the airport without any issues. At the airport we were informed the riots had started. Thankfully our trip home was uneventful, but just like that it was over.

We love our girls beyond explanation. As a result, our trips to see them take painfully forever to come, and then go by so painfully fast!

Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is not proud or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of being wronged. It rejoices in the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:47