I always enjoy being out and about but there is something great about returning “home.”  This trip I feel that Heartline is home and it is a good feeling when I return.  As much as I love to be in Haiti, there is always something comforting about returning to my home.

Karen and I had a great time together and enjoyed being out and about in the city.  We went up to Pationville to the new 3 story, beautiful grocery store.  As we took the elevator to the 3^rd floor I found myself starting to panic just a bit.  (The previous multi-level grocery store collapsed in the quake.) I held it together pretty well but I certainly got my shopping done as quick as I could.  I was relieved to be out of the building.  I am finding myself thinking about the quake more and more each day and feeling a little on edge.   I keep telling myself that it isn’t going to happen again but then I think we had no idea it was going to happen when it did.  I know that I am not to live in fear and I wouldn’t say that I am but a little on edge would be the best way to describe me for now.

Thursday was a wonderful day.  Just two days before, we decided we would have a reunion for all of our patients that we were with us long term that we cared for after the quake.  We told a few people to spread the word and before we knew it over 60 people showed up for the party.  It was incredible to see so many people looking so healthy, happy and moving on with life.  There were lots of hugs, smiles, laughs, worshiping, music and food. It was so fun to be part of this great event.  I sat back and remembered the moment we sat in a meeting with John just 3 days after the quake as he asked us if we thought we should do a trauma center/field hospital.  We all agreed and knew that it would be a huge leap of faith but it was the biggest need at that time.  This party was solid proof that lives were saved and healed because of the incredible work and dedication by so many caring and passionate people.  Heartline, thank you for answering God’s call.

Smiles!

Adorable!

Food!

Paige, Beth and I, hugs!

Worship!

Tonight as I get into bed I am going to give a mosquito net a try.  I don’t quite have a place to hang it but I am going to make it work.  Lydia, Jen and I all look like we have a serious case of the chicken pox.  I thought mosquitoes were bad in MN.  They have nothing on Haiti.

It is Tuesday morning as I write and I am sitting on the porch waiting for my friends Gertrude and Rachel to come and pick me up to go out for lunch. I am having a great time as I am getting some quality time with Phoebe. She is the second youngest of the Livesay kids.  Every since I met Phoebe last year, she has a very special place in my heart.  She is so adorable and I have seen her really come out of her shell and have a beautiful spirit this past year.  She is such a joy.

As I sit here the roosters are making themselves known in the neighborhood.  I was just thinking, I wonder if they get sore throats?

It is another beautiful day in Haiti despite getting very little sleep last night.  It was totally worth it.  About 8:30pm as we were winding down for the night I got a call from Beth.  Another mom had come to the maternity center in labor.  Beth, Sarah D and Sarah O hadn’t slept since they did a birth last night so they asked me to come and help out for the night.  Laura and Theresa are two nurses that I met at Heartline after the quake.  They are both from Minneapolis and it has been fun getting to know them over the past few months. They are here for a few days and staying at the Heartline guesthouse.  So I called to see if they could be interested in coming to work the night shift with me.  They were thrilled and even Theresa’s husband came along to join the party.  We got to the birthcenter and let the other girls go to bed.  It was a little interesting working with a patient when none of us spoke her language and she didn’t speak our’s.  We did pretty well I have to admit.  We did resort to using Google translator online a couple of times.  Isn’t technology amazing?  As I sat through the night with this mom I couldn’t help but compare my two worlds.  This is what I do for a living.  Work nights with laboring women.  This just seemed so different.  This beautiful, married woman labored alone, quietly with people she didn’t know but certainly didn’t seem to mind. She had no options for pain management.  She didn’t even know the difference.  She knew that the only way this was going to be done is for her to get through it on her own.  She NEVER complained, she only thanked us for helping her between contractions.  A beautiful baby boy was born at 4am!

Then the adrenaline kicks in. There is a new beautiful life.  What a miracle.  No matter how many births I am part of, it always takes my breath away just for a moment in awe of how God makes it all possible.  The whole life process is such a miracle.  No matter if the baby is born in the States at my nice, comfortable hospital or at a birthcenter in Haiti, they are all children of God.  We are all born under the same canopy of stars.  What an amazing thought.

Mom and baby rested for a few hours and will be on their way home after lunch.  What an amazing gift that Heartline Ministries gave to Kethia and so many other beautiful women life her.

My afternoon was spent with my dear friends Rachel and Gertrude.  We went to Visa Lodge a hotel in Port au Prince for pizza and a beer.  What a treat.  We spent time catching up and also talking about all the projects that are in place at the orphanage.  What are the current needs and what steps do we take next.  As I have shared many times before, everything takes so long in Haiti to accomplish.  It requires LOTS of patience.

After lunch, my friend Randy picked me up and I went to their home for the night.  It was great to see Karen and Maia and get to meet the new little baby Levi.  Karen and Randy are such gracious hosts and it is always fun to see them.

Early to bed tonight.  Tomorrow I am sure will be fun-filled as I will spend it will Karen and the kids till I meet Troy at the school when he picks up the school kids and we will all head home together.

It always feels so great to land in Haiti.  I know that it is right for me when each time I get here I have the same amazing feeling.

This was a trip I never want to forget.  It was so fun and challenging all at the same time.

I flew to Dallas TX on New Year’s Eve.  I rented an SUV and drove to Waco to meet up with the Livesay Tribe.  Their day had finally come to move back home and I had offered to help in any way I could.  Since they were returning with 5 kids and one teenager they thought that an extra pair of hands could be helpful.  Once to Waco, we packed up the 2 SUV’s with the 18 pieces of luggage, all our carry ons, all the kids and we were on our way back to Dallas to sleep the night.

New Years day we continued the voyage back to Haiti.  We had a great day of travel.  The kids did such a great job and people notice them. They have such vibrant personalities and gigantic smiles that they get people’s attention.  They enjoyed telling people they were moving home to Haiti.

We arrived in Haiti on time and Dr. Jen and Gerrone met us with open arms at the airport.  It was so great to see them.  The weather, although it was 4pm, was beautiful.   I think it is going to be another great trip.

We arrived back at the Livesay’s home.  The kids screamed for joy as they were met at the gate by their dog, Peanut.  It was fun being able to watch how each of the kids reacted to coming back to their Haiti home.

Beth and my friends Sarah Obermeyer and Sarah Dornbos had just finished a birth at the Women’s Maternity Center. What a great way to bring in the New Year.  It was great to see them. I am looking forward to so much more time with each of them.

It was early to bed.  We had no electricity so it was a good excuse to go to bed.

I woke up after a great night sleep looking as though I have a slight case of the chicken pox.  No not the case, just mosquito bites.  It is one of the things you deal with to be in the great place.

We went to church this morning at Port au Prince Fellowship.  I think I have shared in earlier posts that this is one of my favorite places in the world.  It just feels so good.  As I stood there this morning worshipping I couldn’t help but to want to capture that moment forever.  It was an overwhelming feeling so be beside so many people I call my dear friends, worshipping in a place I love, in a country that means so much to me, and most of all giving all the glory to our great God. Starting out the New Year couldn’t have been better.

It was fun to see some of our patients from after the quake and reunite with them.  I did feel as I rode into church this morning that it doesn’t seem as “broken” to me.  I wonder how the Haitian people really feel.  Life is so challenging for them each day that I am in awe of how they live with so much hope.

So, another wonderful day in Haiti.  My “struggle” right now is trying to figure out how to fit everything in.  It is a good problem to have.  Lots to see and many people to hug.

I do need to comment that the weather is so beautiful.  I didn’t sweat at all today and I can say with confidence that is a first!

Happy New Year my dear friends!

Happy New Year from my family to yours.

Peter, Me, Mom, Dad and Preston

Words written by John McHoul that really have spoke deeply to my confused heart~

“I don’t see it as my job to change a nation but rather to be faithful to touch lives for the cause of Christ.  And so daily we busily go about the task of living and working here in Haiti for the sake of Christ and for the sake of others.”

As 2010 nears the end, I am not sure I can find the words that will justify all that this year has meant to me.  I think that the entire spectrum of feels have been part of my life this year.

There is so much that I am grateful for and topping the list is the love and support that each and everyone of you showed me so unconditionally this year.

I am going to start 2011 back in Haiti.  I am excited as well as anxious to return to the place I dearly love.  I have the privilage of helping Tara and Troy Livesay move their family back to Haiti.  As some of you remember if you were following me right after the quake, I was welcomed with open arms into the Livesay’s home after my house had collapsed.  When I needed to feel safe and loved the most, Tara and Troy were there for me.  All of the year’s events have allowed our friendship to grow into something that would normally taken several years.  On Feb 3rd, I left Haiti with Tara, Troy and their amazing daughter Paige.  We had mixed feelings about leaving when there was so much left to do.  We knew that we were all at a place that we needed  to remove ourselves for even a little bit.  All of us have returned to Haiti at different times during this year but on Jan 1st we will ALL return together. There is something so special to me about this reunion.

I will share my daily thoughts, joys, struggles and prayers with you right here.

As the anniversary of the quake is quickly approaching, I am filled with emotions that I am having a hard time understanding myself. I will write what I can and I am so thankful that you let me write from my heart and never judge me.  I am so grateful for each email that I get.  I know that I don’t always get to respond in a timely manner but they don’t go unnoticed.

I pray that this New Year you will strive to Live a Life of Love.  This is a motto that my dear friend Alyn Shannon taught me out of her faith and actions this year.  Alyn will always hold a very special place in my heart.  She lost her battle with cancer this winter.  Her passion for serving ALL God’s people will live on forever.

Shirts with a Mission

“Don’t Forget Haiti” shirts are on sale now!

Click here to order yours today

We are so blessed with an overwhelming response, and we have placed a second order. These are fun shirts that help us remind ourselves and others that we can’t forget about Haiti even though they are out of the news spotlight.

Haiti Mission Project and Heartline Ministries are partnering in this fundraiser and are excited to say that the money raised with be used for orphan care ministry, the Heartline Hospital/maternity center and teen mom home!

As I sit in my house today and watch the snow fall, it is hard to believe that one year ago I was living my life in Haiti and really had no idea what the weeks ahead would have in store for me.  One of my most vivid memories was sitting in church, singing Christmas carols and sweat dripping down my back.  It was a pretty crazy feeling but I loved it.

Life has been much of a roller coaster this year and I am so blessed to have so many amazing people that have been along on this ride with me.  I had good intentions of writing closer to Thanksgiving but didn’t seem to find the time.  This year, the Thanksgiving season really gave me a chance to reflect and be so grateful for all the blessings in my life.  When you are faced with death it quickly and easily helps you appreciate each day more than I ever knew was possible.

Life in Haiti still continues to be very challenging.  At this time, I can say that all the kids at the orphanage and my friends in country are all safe.  With Cholera, continued poor living conditions and now the unrest in the streets due to the Presidential election daily life continues to be challenging for many.

My plans are to return to Haiti on New Years Eve and I am really looking forward to see many friends, former patients and of course the kids at the orphanage.  As of now, my plan is to help my dear friends Tara and Troy Livesay move their family back to Haiti after being evacuated after the quake.  They are returning with 6 of their children and we thought an extra set of adult hands could be helpful.

I wanted to share a cool story with all of you. This is just one of many creative ways that people raise money and donate to a cause I am passionate about.  This past month my friend Izzy had her 8th birthday.  In her invitation she asked her friends not to bring her a gift but to bring a non-battery operated flashlight or money to donate to our friends in Haiti.  Izzy’s party was a huge success.  She said her friends had so much fun and they cheered and were so excited when each “gift” was opened.  Izzy’s birthday party ended up with 6 flashlights and $150 for those in Haiti.  More than all of that, it made a group of 8 year old girls aware that there are others that have much less than they could ever image.  It warmed my

heart to think that Izzy would want to do this for others.  Izzy’s cousin also did this for her birthday this year as well. Thanks girls!  You are making a huge difference in this world.

Watch for a post soon about a fundraiser for Heartline Minsitries and Haiti Mission Project.  We will be selling cool t-shirts this holiday season that say “don’t forget Haiti” in both english and kreyol.  It is a fun reminder that even though the quake was just about 1 year ago, Haiti needs us to not forget them.  Pray, Pray , Pray!

Check back in a couple days!!

I arrived back in Minnesota safely late Wednesday night with Dr. Jen.  We had good flights and it was nice to come home with someone. I jumped right back into the craziness of my life here.  I went right back to work on Thursday and Friday nights.  I know that most people do this without any question, but reentry has always been a struggle for me.  Fortunately, it has been so much better the past couple trips.  Knowing that I will be returning to Haiti in January possibly eases coming home.

I can say that this trip was a huge success.  I was apprehensive of doing nursing that wasn’t my normal labor and delivery.  I believe that it went great and I feel I was able to do nursing probably like Florence Nightingale did many years ago.  Real nursing….loving and caring for patients.  Not worrying about charting, policies, call lights.  It was so refreshing and a joy to be part of the Heartline Field Hospital staff.

I am very grateful for all the wonderful people that I got to work with.  It is easier at times for me to be in Haiti as I can relate more to the people on the mission field that I can to people in my everyday life.  It is a way of life.  It is a conscious decision to live each day to glorify God and serve His Kingdom.  Believe me, it doesn’t happen without challenges, struggles, and clumsy following of Jesus.  I am trying and now I hope to try to live this out each day in the mission field I am in right here at home.

What a gift! Nothing better than the giggle and smiles of a child.

Thanks again for taking this journey with me.  You are welcome to join me as I share more of my story:

Sunday October 10th 9:30am at the Why Church, Elk River YMCA

Sunday October 10th 6pm Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN

Sunday October 31st 9am at Hope Lutheran in Minneapolis (58th and Cedar)

Sunday December 19th at Calvary Lutheran church (time to be announced)

After getting a few hours of great sleep after our birth last night, I spent the day enjoying new and old friends at the hospital. This is more than a hospital, it is a family that is full of love, compassion and community.  It is so fun to be a part of this family.

About 3pm, one of the great women that works with us came to Jen and I to say that she thinks it is Rosemond’s birthday.  The only record of his birthday is a vaccination record.  We are certain that the year is off but we thought, what the heck, the kid deserves to be celebrated so October the 5th is going to be his special day.  We quickly made a phone call to Beth we worked her magic and baked enough cake for us to share with everyone.  This may sound crazy but many people in Haiti are uncertain of their birthday’s.  Also, in Rosemond’s case, he lost both his parents in the earthquake. He and his grandma now call Heartline their home.  Read more of Rosemond’s amazing story here.

After a fun day of joking around, playing cards, singing, taking pictures and just having a great time we gathered for dinner. Following dinner we made a grand entrance into the hospital with the cakes, a sign and singing of happy birthday.  This was the ultimate SURPRISE party.  Neither Rosemond or his grandma knew that it was his birthday. It was so fun. The smile on his face after the shock that it was actually his birthday was of pure joy.  What a gift he is to so many.

Happy Birthday Rosemond! We love you!

Rosemond got pretty excited when he realized that the baby that was born last night and he shared a birthday.  He was so cute cuddling him.

Birthday buddies!

We continued the evening just having fun.  Then the down pouring rain began.  It was coming down so hard.  We were all mostly protected as the majority of our patients that have been in tents all have gone home.  It just makes me sit in disbelief that people are really living in horrible conditions and then also have to fight with the elements of nature. They have no place to go, no way to make it better.  Once again, I can’t wrap my mind around it all.  Tonight I am grateful that I have a bed to sleep in that is dry, a sturdy roof over my head and a place I feel safe.  I will passionately pray for all those that have it really tough tonight.

On a lighter note, the rain did come in handy in that I showered in the driveway.  Standing (with cloths on) under the rain spout of the house is the best water pressure you will ever find in Haiti and possibly the warmest water too.  It felt so delightful.  I am pretty sure that Jen and Gerrone think I am crazy. I had to find some way to give thanks for this down pouring of rain.

As I crawl into bed tonight, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take this trip.  It has been so wonderful and I am finding myself not quite ready to return to my reality.  I am thankful for all the wonderful people that I got to work with each day, for the blessings of new life and above all a heart that desires to serve His kingdom!

The two babies I got to help bring into this world this trip!

After working all night at the hospital, I crawled into bed at 0730 after taking a bucket shower since we had no water.  I put in my earplugs to muffle the roosters, put on my eye cover to eliminate some sunlight and took a Benedryl in hopes of getting a little sleep. As usual, I slept wonderful, so well that I slept through my alarm.  I quickly got ready and was met by my friends to take me out to see Gertrude and the kids at the orphanage.

It was so great to see all the kids. I was met by huge smiles and warm welcomes by the kids calling out my name and running to give me hugs.  They are so precious.  It is hard to think that this is their home.  This is the place that they receive love and feel safe. Although, it is a good place, it just doesn’t seem fair to me that a child lives without any parent.  I need to remind myself that these are all God’s children and He loves them just as much as he loves you and me.

When I got back from the orphanage, I got a call from Jonna that there was a woman in labor at the birth center.  I got the privilege of working with Jonna and Beth.  This amazing mom delivered a healthy baby boy at 1:20am.  It was a great experience.

Another great day in Haiti. Off to bed!

Saturday and Sunday were both filled with seeing great friends.  On Saturday, I worked at the hospital all day but had some visitors.  It is such a lively place that it was fun to share it with them. My friend Karen Lodder and her daughter Maia came to visit.  Karen and her husband Randy are Canadian missionaries that live here and are doing amazing things with a school and sponsorship program for kids. My friend Rachel Ehrhard also came out to spend the night at Heartline.  We had a great time catching up and exchanging the joys, hopes, dreams, struggles and concerns we all share for these people we love.

Maia, Karen and I

Rachel and I

Rachel stayed out at Heartline with me for the night.  It was so fun for her to get to see all that goes on at the hospital and to get to know all of the amazing people that I get to call my friends.  We got up Sunday morning and went to church at Port au Prince Fellowship.  This is one of my favorite places to be on any given Sunday morning.  Our friend TiJean met us at church, it is always so great to see him.

TiJean and I at church

TiJean is scheduled to start the 7th grade today.  We did hear today that school is going to be postponed for a week. I guess the one place that prints all the school books is behind schedule in getting the textbooks printed.  Seems a little unbelievable to me.  But really nothing here surprises me.

After church we get to spend the afternoon with my friend Miquette.  She took Rachel and I to the grocery store, to lunch and then showed us her new school that is going to be opening this week.  I must add, I did find ONE 12 pack of Cherry Coke at the grocery store.  It cost me $11US but it was so delicious and a great treat to bring back to the hospital staff.  Simple pleasures!

To some this might not be a big deal, but Cherry Coke in Haiti!!!! Love it!

We made our way to Miquette’s new school with TeacHaiti. It is so great and the kids are going to be so excited to have such a great place to go.  Miquette is such a blessing to so many people. She understands how it feels to be able to not afford to go to school.  She doesn’t want another child to have to feel that way.

Miquette and I at her new school.

Although I had such a great time the past couple days seeing my friends, it is still tough to see all the devastation.  Don’t kid yourselves that just because you don’t hear anything about Haiti on the news anymore that it is “all better.” I would have to say that from the areas that I have seen, very little has changed since I was here in June.  Some lots are cleared off, some of the big rubble is now broken into little pieces of rubble.  Not enough has changed for me to be thrilled to report.  There are still tent cities as far as the eye can see.  I can’t even begin to imagine what life is like in the midst of it all.

What I am thrilled to report about is that the organizations that I am in direct relationship with are doing AMAZING things.  They are changing and saving lives each day.  It is a blessing to be part of it always remembering that it is never about me and it is always about giving all the glory to God.  Heartline, TeacHaiti, Healing Haiti and Haiti Mission Project all have a common thread, first and foremost they do their mission to glorify God and love his Kingdom. Secondly, they love the people of Haiti right where they are.  Thanks to each and everyone of you who has supported theses ministries in prayer and resources.  It is because of you that the work we do is even possible.

Once again, I am abundantly blessed!