Day Six in Haiti - Reunited

Day six (Thursday)

This morning Phoebe and I went to the houses and started the process of getting the kids new shoes. I also helped paint the kitchen, which looks amazing (no longer yellow!!) and got all the cockroaches and mold out, preparing for a new kitchen!!
I haven't gotten to see Mackenson yet, but this afternoon Gwenn will meet us with Schneider at Tina's cove. I can't wait to see him. He's so big, and it's just unreal to me.

Lunch, then Ciesta :) avek Mackenson

At tinas cove, we went up and had sodas and I was very anxious. Then Adam looked at me and said, "brittaney, he's here" and the tears came. I couldn't get down get down the stairs fast enough, but I couldn't see :/

It was so good to see him, to hold him and know that he was alive and that God has protected him. It was like physically holding onto the promise God kept. We played in the sand, he ate sand, and I just held him. It was beautiful. And I had such a peace. It was hard saying goodbye, but I know he's safe.

Then we came home and it was Macky time for me :) I found my sponsor kid. Thank you Jesus and timoun!

I helped Carrie make cake, and hung out with her and her kiddos, it was so fun, seeing their faces covered in blue frosting was adorable!!

We also had worship night and it was beautiful. Beautiful voices beautiful children, singing in English and Creole. Having fun, loving Jesus!

Then we had some adult prayer and worship time, much needed. Phoebe and I talked about our days, and how God has shaped our lives, it was great getting to know her story.

Sleep will be bittersweet, it's our last night in Jacmel, tomorrow GG!!

Day Five - Wednesday

Breakfast, pancakes with peanut butter and sugar. Then I helped Ryan outside build the cabinets which was awesome, getting to use the saw, and the (some name special name Cameron said) nail gun. We put on some Lecrae, then didn't stop until lunch. I felt really helpful :) Like when I helped Mark do the cabinets for the kids kitchen the day Glenn was gone, And how I helped Drex repair the toilets and put the doors back in.

For lunch we had chicken and dumplings and rice, which Zac said was his favorite. I had rice with sauce with Annie :)

After lunch I sitting in the car outside of the Texico waiting for Michelle and Phoebe, they were cashing a check at Joel's. Mackenson was sleeping on me after about 15 minutes, best feeling ever! Annnnndddd I got to meet Joel :) soo cool! He and his family are one of THE seven families in Haiti. Ivorians believe he came outside so I could meet him. And his English was so good. We talked about how he'd just been in California.

Today Stephen came up to me and it gave me knots in my stomach, you could tell something was wrong. He told me that Natalie, a girl a few of us knew with CP (left) died on the Saturday we got there and Rebekah, Michelle, and some nannies went to her funeral. She died of the mumps... That was really hard, being so angry and upset, because that is so curable with some antibiotics!! I couldn't believe how much I broke down. I was just so angry, crying was the only way I could get it out.

Later that afternoon we also caught a rat while ripping out the kitchen and Zac killed it with a machete - talk about an adrenaline rush! That was good.

And I had the best moment with
Merci Dieu, just being upset and needing to hug him, know that he was safe, and in our care. He was so sweet, and hugged me so tight I couldn't breathe, kids are the best.

Then I went upstairs with Phoebe as she drew pictures of the little girls, Mirlande, and Esther, and myself. She's so insightful, and has amazing gifts!

We also went to dinner, Ryan almost fell about of the truck on the way up the hill (Cameron driving), I almost got hit by a banana tree, I had goat, and mango ice cream, then we saw an interesting scene in a police car on the way home. On the way Rebekah and I saw bats that were flying over us, then a banana leaf flew into us off the cab of the truck, and Jay couldn't stop laughing at how much we freaked out!

We got home and had our group time, then played farkle and told stories with Annie, Bek, Carrie, Stephen, and myself. It was great seeing what they're all about and the vision for our Family Village <3 And some HILARIOUS stories :) It's been a roller coaster of a day for sure though. So many emotions.

One thing I hold onto from this day, is that Natalie is running around with Jesus now, with out the limitations that this world gave her. She's free.

Day Four Tuesday

Day four

I woke up and walked to the kitchen, a short five steps away, and Phoebe came up to me and asked where I snuck to last night, confused, i told her "ya know spent a night on the town" when she didn't reply I asked for clarifications. I guess the girls were wondering where I spent the night. I went to Bekah's room because one of the girls was snoring and I knew I wouldn't be able to get to sleep. I got some good sleep in Bekah's room though (didn't hear the dogs or the kids)!! -- I heard later that Susana saw a person on the top bunk of Annie's bed (me) assumed it was Rebekah and reached to the bunk above her, where Rebekah usually slept, to steal a pillow, Rebekah freaked out, because someone hit her face, and Susana had no idea who I was... Next time I'll write a note :/

Had oatmeal for breakfast!! It was so good, and refreshing. Then Phoebe and I took the clothes to the houses and filled the orders for the houses, then took them out too. It was a pretty uneventful (cough) day but its been great so far. I helped Cameron fill his orders so we got it done faster, and I spent some time with Mackinson and Beckington, and I still don't know who God is leading me to sponsor, time will tell.

At lunch rebekah and I talked about GG and I still have knots in my stomach from remembering what these kids have been through. It makes me sick, and I want to cry, and just hug them, and let them know how much they're loved..

After lunch we went to see some property that HaF might be interesting in, and were going to get some spicy goat sticks, that Rebekah raves about, but the guy wasn't there today :/ and on the way back home, Camerons Dad rolled/broke(possibly) his ankle... Never say uneventful in Haiti!

I had a bonding moment with Renoldo today, he sat on my lap and we listened to Josue speak, and he was so happy, he wasnt being distracted, he just sat held my hand and listened. My heart was flying, Because normally he's a pretty hard kid. I love these kids so much.

Then I had Mackenson until bedtime and I love love love him! I could kiss this boy forever! Then I put him to bed and prayed for him, kissed all the babies and then we had our group time. Which was also so good.

One of my favorite parts was when we were up taking pictures of the stars/moon and having intern conversations.

I love how well Zac teaches it reminds me so much of my brother. It's great.

Good night!

Day Three - Monday

Today started out with work :) all of us had different jobs, some of us painted, some of us organized the depot, I helped Phoebe out with getting new clothes for the kids. Which meant we went to each house and got sized for each kid and whether they needed clothes for church (pou leglis) or for school (pou lekol) or for home (pou la kay).. I got to learn a lot of
Creole by listening to Phoebe and her then explaining what she said. Also... I got baby time with all the youngins who didn't go to school :) and that was awesome!

During our time in Kay Natasha, Mackenson came up to me and was playing with my face, during which he squished together my cheeks and kissed my lips. I could've died on the spot. It was adorable, and then I thought, "oh no, isn't he getting sick?! Good thing I don't get sick" Haha I love this boy, so much.

And then Beckington, as I was walking from Mackenson's house, he's on yhe porch of his house, looks at me and yells "bwitney!"<3 these beautiful children make my heart melt! And then it happened again when Beckington was done with church group with Josue. I said his name as he was walking past the porch to his kay, and he came running!! I love our kids so much, my little naked butt beautiful boy :) (because he almost NEVER has pants on and his onesies are always unbuttoned) And it was great talking to Phoebe about interning and just getting to know her more, she's so kind. Now I'm just watching Zac edit pictures And watching funny YouTube videos Pitch our tents F U David after dentist ..................... This is the Good Life

Haiti Journal day 2

Day two Sunday
Woke up, got up, got dressed for work, realized it was Sunday... Sunday at church, Zac, Annie, Myself, And Camerons parents, all started out with no kids, and by the end Zac and I shared three. Wawayne, Isaii, and Kirby.

Then we came home and got ready for lunch (my favorite lunch) and had three options, hike to the lake (strenuous hike), go to the cove, or the UN beach.
I chose the hike, even though I was pretty sure if I did, I was going to die.
So I tried to convince Ryan to carry me, but he gave me jerky instead. I carried Zacs backpack with was awesome. Heavy, but awesome. Wait back up, on the way to the lake (driving) we came upon a mini carnival road block. With men painted all different colors with cloth masks, it was interesting and frightening for the kids. But we got out and continued our long journey It was really spiritual seeing all the mountains I'd overcome physically and spiritually over this journey. And then we finally got to the lake (which at the time I didn't believe existed). Then he took his pack back on the way down, and he and I walked with Modlyne on the way down. Which made the walk a lot easier. And he took loads of pictures :) which I get to reap the benefit of.
When we got back, God healed my muscles and I haven't been sore. It was good.

Zac gave me a Tylenol PM that night, and I had the worst dreams. That I was running for my life. Then when I was caught, they put a rope around my throat and started choking me. I woke up gasping for air holding my throat and it was terrifying.

I'm a MOM

I am now the proud sponsor of Mackenson.

Watch this video to see his story - have a box of tissues

I had the blessing of seeing him when he was at Sisters of Charity, as heartbreaking as it was; and knowing his journey and his progress. And to think back then when we visited him, I had no idea I would be his sponsor today, I just picture God up there smiling and saying, "I know the plans I have for you, plans for a hope and a future" I get to be a part of that.


Now that you've seen the before video, take a look at a picture I took of Macky this week. =) Isn't he beautiful!

And the new directors Stephen and Carrie, implemented a ciesta until 1:30 after lunch at noon, at which time I would kidnap Macky and we'd sit on the porch and take a nap.. Mwen remnen li.

The Hands and Feet Project is giving these beautiful kids a hope and a future. Taking them out of their worldly circumstances "to raise a generation of orphaned children who will grow up to reach their God given potential."


You can be a part of that =) To find out how you can sponsor a child @ $30/month click HERE. Or if you'd like to take a trip to Jacmel, Haiti to see these beautiful chocolate babies click HERE =)


Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

Haiti Journal Day ONE

Day one we flew in and came to Jacmel, it was an interesting ride, with Cameron and his parents. His mom was freaking out over everything, like passing tap taps while trucks are headed towards us, and how people walk in front of the truck, and we don't slow down for them.... So after about4 hours we were finally home.

We got there and had some time with the kids before we went to UN beach for their Saturday fun =)
We had races, I made videos, and got to talk to Will McGinniss for a bit on the ride back (In the back of the truck - it's so much fun!)

We had our usual group time, shared our stories and expectations for the week, how we were surprised so far.. I shared about it was really weird being with Cameron's parents on the way there, how they were freaking out over everything and that I was feeling guilty about not being emotional over it, that it was just normal for me... We came to the conclusion on how that was a blessing, that God allows me the strength for those situations, and breaks my heart for others, that way I don't burn out.. blessing in disguise.

After that we stayed up late and played phase ten.... and it took me 4 phases to get to phase 2!! I wasn't a happy camper haha but it was a good relaxing night.