Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Update on Haiti and Our Kids

Lee and I have had so many emails, phone calls and messages that you are all praying for our family and for Haiti and we appreciate that so much. We are just absolutely SICK about the devastation. It is always terrible to witness a catastrophe, but how different it is when you have traveled there, developed a love for a place and the people, and have CHILDREN there!

We have had confirmed information that the kids are ok (praise you, Lord!) -- there are some bumps and bruises but that is all. The kids slept outside last night as there were 28 aftershocks averaging 5.0, which are large earthquakes on their own. I don't know if they are still sleeping outside. We know there is some structural damage to the orphanage as a wall fell on one of the nannies. We don't know yet the extent of her injuries or the extent of the damage to the orphanage itself. Also, Papi Pierre, pictured with us here in February 2008, sustained an injury to his eye but we don't know how bad that is yet either. Kiki, an employee of the orphanage (he processes the paperwork) and Pierre's brother, has not been located. Please pray for his safety.

We have learned that a French couple in Haiti to bring home their child was killed at their hotel while they were having dinner. Their child was not with them yet and now is an orphan once again.

So many need prayer, I don't even know where to start. One thing I will add is that we are praying for a miracle that maybe somehow the governments can work together to expedite the kids who are matched with families OUT of Haiti. There are many more orphans now who will need the beds at the orphanages. Let these kids come home! From the president of the board of directors at our orphanage:

I know many of you would like some adoption news. All Haitian adoptions will be impacted by this disaster. I have received news that the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) and the U.S. State Department are discussing possible solutions. Please be in prayer about this.

I fear if we do not get some sort of aid from the government, it could be YEARS before they come home.

If you have not been in our shoes, perhaps you can't understand the deep love we have for these kids - that we had in our hearts even before we met them. They love us just as much, and we are so blessed. What a joy to hear "Mama" and "Papa" from their lips, with their cute little accents. What we love is how they call us different names at different times... if they are TELLING us they are doing something or trying to get our attention to show of f jumping in the pool or the like, it's "MOM!", "DAD!" and if they want something it's "Daddy?" and Mama and Papa for "regular" conversation :) We love them so much our hearts ache. And we already felt so much for this country before this happened that this is very hard to take this in. We can't believe how much our kids have survived in their young lives. The orphanage expects to have trouble getting meds for the kids with medical needs; they are concerned about drinking water and are concerned about the looming possibility of disease.

Typhoid could be an issue and they want to get meds for that in case. Also, many times, the biological parents come back to the orphanage for food so suppl ies could be thin. If you feel led to donate to our kids' orphanage or read more about it, click HERE. You will receive a tax donation receipt.

James 1:27 - Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 - Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 - though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

18 comments:

ts said...

Your family is in my thoughts-I really, truly hope they are able to work out a way to bring home all the pre-referred children...everyone needs to get their state representatives involved!!! We brought home our Haitian daughter 1.5 years ago and now are thinking endlessly of her family in Haiti.

Michelle Lacourciere said...

Know I am praying for you, and a rapid release of the children with parents waiting for them here... the time is right. Love you, Michelle

Tracy said...

Touching post, Dawn. Obviously, we are praying here too for all that you are. I fear that if we can't get a special visa, yes, it will be years before our kids come home. So heart breaking when most of us have already been waiting years...

Rachelle said...

We have been thinking of your family and praying for your children so many times over the last few days. Praying the government will do the right thing and release your children. Many , many prayers.

Susan Marks said...

Heartbreaking! We are praying for your family.

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

I am so sorry to hear about everyone else the French couple, the missing workers in the orphanage, the nannie, the director etc etc but OH you can not imagine just how happy I am to hear that the 2 P's are doing fine... all my fingers and toes are crossed tighter that the Haitian and American Immigration, Governments - anyone involved in the adoption process can hurry and get all these kids out and to their waiting parents... hugs to you all...

Denise said...

Praying for you ALL!

Vivian M said...

I am completely heartbroken about this situation and hope the governments will let the referred children leave Haiti to their waiting families. It makes no sense to keep them in Haiti!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers, and I have posted links on my FB page on the many ways people can help and donate.
I have a friend who is on his way this morning to Haiti for search and rescue work. And Canada has vowed to assist - our Governor General was born in Haiti.
I can only hope and pray the help gets there fast enough to save lives and ensure the safety of the survivors of this terrible tragedy.
Please keep us updated and let us know how else we can help.

Lena Just Lena said...

thank you for this. Praying. and crying. and praying some more.

Kelli said...

Oh I can't imagine how scary this must be for you! I'll be keeping your family and your little ones waiting in Haiti in my thoughts!

CG said...

I can hardly bear to read these stories, but the good news bits, the rescues, glimmers of hope and amazing strength of spirit the Haitian people are displaying as a whole have kept me glued to every blog, newscast and facebook post I can find. Praying my heart out that this tragedy will get your children, and so many others home soon.

frogglet said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family specifically and Haiti in general.

Jay and Kelly said...

Prayers for your children in Haiti and the people of Haiti. I hope that they will be able to expeditate the process to get these children that have families to their home. My heart goes out to you.

Mike and Rhonda said...

I have been thinking of you guys and praying for your kids safety. Yes, praise God they are OK.

Jen A said...

I am a friend of Ron & Beth Heutmaker's. Beth was kind enough to share this blog and I just want to you know that I am praying for a quick, safe homecoming for your two beautiful children!

Anonymous said...

prayers and tears for you five! praying specifically for the process to be expedited. love, the tamminga family

Unknown said...

I had to come over here and see how your children are. I am praying HARD that they are home in your arms soon and that they will get processed quickly along with the hundreds of other Haitian adoptions. I can't begin to imagine how you are feeling but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Shelton Family - so glad to hear the kids are safe. We are praying for you, and them, and all the other families needing to be reunited. Steph Christenson (Jen Woyke's sister)

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