My Journey To Haiti

Order tickets now!

2011-02-21T08:33:00.006-06:00

Order TICKETS NOW by calling North Country Inn and Suites at : 1-888-300-2196 All major credit cards accepted! Take advantage of purchasing your ticket(s) early and you will qualify for our great give-aways: 1) Four Dinner Tickets to the Chanhassen Theater, 2) Four Passes to Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, 3) Four Moose Mountain Tickets for Mall of America, AND 4) One two-night stay at White Bear Inn, White Bear Lake. Sponsored by Wild 102!

Please Join us for great, new music by Ashlee Hewitt and her Nashville Band on March 5th! Both concerts will be held at the Roseau School, Roseau, MN.

Tickets:

7 p.m. concert $25

2 pm. concert (recently added) $10

Building Project at Ruuska Village

2011-01-31T08:58:00.008-06:00

This is what the building will look like that YOU are building just by attending the Haiti Benefit Concert Featuring Ashlee Hewitt!!! A special thanks to those who are making this event possible: Roseau School Students of the National Honor Society, Roseau School Student Council, Badger School Students of the National Honor Society, Greenbush-Middle River Honor Society,Warroad School Students of the National Honor Society, Lancaster Covenant Youth Group, Impact Student Ministries, North Country Inn and Suites, Border State Bank, Central Boiler, Polaris, Mattracks, Wild 102, and KQ92!

Call this number to donate by credit or debit card. 1-888-300-2196.
If you would like to send a check, send to:
"Haiti Benefit Concert"
Border State Bank
PO Box 40
Roseau, MN 56751

Haiti Benefit Concert

2011-01-12T20:49:00.014-06:00

I’m excited to say that we have a confirmed date for a Haiti Benefit Concert which will be held at the school gym in Roseau, MN on Saturday, March 5th at 7 pm and an additional concert will be held at 2 pm. Please join us for a night of great music by my sister, Ashlee Hewitt, and her Nashville Band! One hundred percent of ticket sales and donations will be used to rebuild a Ruuska Village orphanage building, which was destroyed during the devastating, January 12, 2010 Haiti earthquake. We are also excited to have my dear friend, Barbara Walker, who is the owner of Ruuska Village and adoption facilitator as a guest speaker. You may feel like you already know her, if you have been following my blog! :) If you are interested in making a donation or purchasing tickets please call the North Country Inn and Suites: 1-888-300-2196. Cost of General Seating is $10 and Reserved Seating is $25. Our goal is to raise $14,000, which will completely cover the cost to rebuild a two-story building that will be used to house children and orphans waiting to be placed in forever families!

I’m happy to announce that through Barbara’s hard work and dedication, 84 children were placed in permanent homes in 2010! I am planning to return to Haiti this April along with two of my sisters, Ashlee and Mallori Hewitt, and our friend, JoyAnn Pankratz! It is so hard to believe exactly one year has gone by since the Haiti earthquake - it seems like just yesterday. As the thoughts of the earthquake flood my memory, I can hear cries of children, the roar of the earthquake, and I can still feel the tremors. It has been a day filled with overwhelming emotion for me. Going to Haiti was an experience I will never forget, and I am still in awe of the fact that God chose to protect me and all the children and workers within Ruuska Village.

People have said to me on several occasions, “You know, Lacey, it takes a special person to do what you did over there. I could never do that!” But, I don’t look at it like that. I am just an ordinary person whom God chose to use for something special. I had fears, reservations, and anxiety, just like anyone else would have experienced. In fact, doctors, missionaries, and humanitarian workers, have been volunteering in third world countries for years and years. It depends on how you look at it; I spent six months living in Haiti - that is a far cry from living 30 years in Haiti, such as Barbara Walker has! My stay was definitely challenging at times, but I would not trade that experience for anything in the world! It changed my life, opened my cultural eyes to both the diversities and commonalities between peoples, and it enabled me to stop thinking only about myself. I truly believe that when we put others first, it allows us to experience true happiness, thus it is not a “selfless” kind of love. To see an infant that has literally given up on life smile for the first time in days, develop an appetite, or feel love for the first time because both his physical and emotional needs are being met, is an amazing and very overwhelming experience, which I cannot begin to explain. Please mark your calenders for an event that will make a lasting difference for the children at Ruuska Village. I hope to see you there!

Marie Grace (now with her family in Argentina!) and Me Emanuel, Justus, and Jennika Tearing down a building at Ruuska Village after the earthquake. Ruuska Village before the earthquake. Barb and the MN crew.
Nannies of Ruuska Village

Life is a Blessing

2010-06-06T11:10:00.015-05:00

After spending some time in Port-au-Prince Haiti, I have a new appreciation for my life. On August 12th, 2009, I stepped off the plane. The scorching hot Caribbean sun hit my face, and I could hear the resonance of drums beating in the distance. It was not a regular airport with shopping outlets every 20 feet, Starbucks, and several different restaurants to pick from. There was no one in sight to guide the traffic, and I had more luggage than any of my traveling counterparts.

Trying not to look like an obvious minority, I walked judiciously in the direction of the flow of traffic. In the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman walking next to me. I could tell the baby in her arms was getting heavier; she was tired. When the woman stopped for a break, I offered my help and without hesitation, she dropped her baby in my arms. From the looks of the woman, she was dehydrated and so was her lethargic baby. I remember feeling so strong and healthy next to her. With my 50 pound back pack and book bag in tote, I carried the child to our mile long destination. I helped the woman through immigration, we parted ways, and I never saw her again. Right then, I realized this was just the beginning of my experience in what seemed to be another world.

People filled the parking lot and grabbed at my bags in hopes of a tip from the American Girl. "Thank God," I thought, as I heard someone calling my name. A commotion was coming from outside. Amidst the people reaching through the bars, was a man who knew my name. He said, “Lacey, Lacey, I’m with Barbara Walker! Do you want to talk to her?” I said, “Sure!” and he handed the phone to me through the gate. It was Barbara Walker; I was so excited to hear her voice. She said, “Lacey, load your things and get in the truck, Lucian will take you to the village.” I loaded my luggage, and as we traveled through the streets of Port-au-Prince, I found myself speechless.

Watching the homeless people everywhere was a humbling experience. Some of them walked along-side the vehicle tapping and looking through the glass. I remember seeing a child come out of a culvert, as if he lived there. To be honest, between the filth, garbage, and smells I didn’t know how long I could stay in this unbelievable abject poverty.

As we arrived at the orphanage, I noticed the old cement buildings lacked room for the children to run and play. The ventilation was poor, and the low lighting didn’t help the sadness I saw in the eyes of the children. Although it still amazes me how a simple kiss on the cheek would bring a smile in a split second, a painted image of sad faces still lingers in my memory. I believe every child longs to feel loved and wanted, but how is that possible in a place with not enough care-givers? It was not long until I realized that the children in the orphanage had it pretty good compared to the children coming in from the streets. By helping these women and children, I felt needed; I became a happier person. Soon, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months.

How do all of these children end up here?

She screamed all through the night, after many hours of sweat running down her face. With the desert heat and dust intensifying her discomfort, the pain was inescapable. She clenched her fists as tight as she could and pushed one more time – with a sigh of relief, the new mother cried out uncontrollably because the baby she watched growing inside of her frail body was finally here and alive. As the tears continued to blur her eyes, she examined little toes, fingers, and every small detail of her beautiful baby girl. She was perfect. With nowhere to go and not even a quarter to her name for clean water, she knew it was time to let go.

Barbara Walker facilitates adoptions for orphans and children whose mothers cannot afford to care for them. Hungry, skinny, and exhausted, new mothers come from miles in search of better lives for their children. I still cannot imagine being faced with that kind of a decision. To give up my own child due to money issues, health care, or anything for that matter, would certainly feel like a death. The thought of never seeing my child again would be unbearable. I often wondered to myself, “How could they?” While living in Haiti for six months, I watched several women give up their babies. Surprisingly, I could clearly see the happiness, joy, and relief in their hearts. Now, I realize it is only out of pure love that they give up their children for adoption.

Due to a lack of education, many of the nannies I worked with in Haiti did not understand the importance of nutrition and good hygiene. This made it very difficult for us to prevent the spreading of parasites, scabies, giardia, and other diseases. Seven percent of children die before the age of five in Haiti(UNICEF).

Although visiting Haiti proved to be a culture shock and very overwhelming for me, I will never forget the genuine friendships I made there. The Haitian women taught me some valuable lessons: love without ceasing, forgive quickly, never give up, work hard, and most importantly - there is more joy in giving than receiving. I have a new appreciation for my life, my family, and my God. Every day, I thank God for our freedoms in America, but that’s another story.

UNICEF, 2009. At a Glance: Haiti. 31 May 2010. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_2014.html

Children loved their daily vitamin juice!

Roseberly, Lovely (such a good little helper:), Baby Ian, and Justus!

Home for a week...

2010-03-12T22:02:00.011-06:00

... and it's going pretty good! The children are adjusting fine. They are so very happy and enjoying such simple little things like running water, lights, and pretty clothes in their dresser, which the girls love to fold and rearrange. They also love to change their clothes several times a day, and I don't have the heart to stop them. It's just too much fun. I think popcorn is their favorite American food so far. Ice cream is not a big hit. But it's okay, we don't eat much of it anyway! I normally don't let the children jump on beds, but when Katyna, Walker and Carley were having so much fun jumping on and off into a pile of pillows, I just enjoyed the moment listening to their squeals of delight. I think Katina said, "MOM, I FELL!" with her cute little accent and beaming smile about 20 times. They started referring to me as Mom a few days before they actually started calling me Mom. Another delight to my soul. Sam and Jennika go out every morning to help feed the horses. Sam particularly, has taken a liking to the snow. The weather has been great and nice enough for him to wear off some of his bottled up energy outside. ;-) The older boys are having great fun with their two new brothers. I think the girls are still having a hard time believing the children are actually home, and here to stay. ~Kelli

Cousins Hudson (2), Gracie (1), and Katina (4)Cousins Aliyah and Hudson
Jessica, Katina, and Hudson, a.k.a. Tom-Tom Whitney, Katina, and Hudson Whitney and Hudson Hudson, Whitney, and Jess Easton a.k.a. Sam (4)

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-02T22:33:00.009-06:00

Sisters Lacey and Jennika Ann Mom and Katina Marie
Hudson Thomas

Lacey, Easton, and Dad

Mom, Katina, and Hudson

A slight set-back

2010-02-22T23:43:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, Jim, Barb, Lacey, and the children waited for eight hours at the embassy to get on their flight, only to find out it had been canceled. We are hoping they will fly out toward the end of the week. We have to remember, nothing is ever for sure in Haiti until it's history! Commercial flights are running, but they are booked up way in advance.

I met up with Cheryl Ankenbauer and family from Michigan. They are adopting Rosena (13) below, and Jim and Lacey will be escorting Rosena to Florida as well. The Ankenbauers invited me to stay with them at their parents' home at Marco Island. It's beautiful here. I now have two new nieces: Kate and Beth! (and they have 17 new cousins! ha ha) The girls are so excited to meet their new sister, Rosena! It has been such a blessing to be with them while waiting! The Lord is so good. I will be sure to let you all know about any updates as soon as possible.

Can you believe how happy they are, even after such a disappointing day?

One of the happiest days of my life

2010-02-20T07:40:00.007-06:00

I am sitting at the Miami International Airport thinking about what a grand day this is going to be. We didn't have to wait nearly as long as most other adoptive parents, and I almost feel guilty. I cannot even count the miracles that brought us to this place. Praise the Lord!

So many lives were lost in this tragedy, and Haiti will be suffering for a long time. There are countless survivors who lost loved ones; and over and over again, I hear how strong and resilient they are. They are thankful to be alive, and continue to praise the Lord and count their blessings. My prayer is that we will not forget Haiti and it's beautiful people: that Haiti will be in our hearts forever.

Jim helped Anderson make a pen for his laying hen.
Jim and Tommy getting some one-on-one. A trip up town with the Wilsons.Tearing down damaged buildings. Army troops brought in food and supplies.

New Crew at Ruuska Village

2010-02-13T22:14:00.010-06:00

The gals have been cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. The guys and Kathy tore down a building all by hand, in order to start a new one. It was a long and tiring day!

Greg and Sandy Wilson

Kathy & Justline-we knew she would love this job!

Lacey & baby Mora
Kathy Johnson & baby Mora

Kathy and Heather with Ruth, Justline, Jennyka, Stephen & Roseline.
Justin Heppner and Greg

Kathy, Heather, Sandy, and Greg before boarding the plane in Florida

UNICEF

2010-02-12T22:04:00.002-06:00

Special Field Report: Haiti's Orphans Held Hostage from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

Jim spent two days at the American Embassy and found out that our paperwork has been delayed because of the snow in Washington. We're really hoping next week will be the week! It's an opportunity to grow in patience and trust in God!! Greg, Sandy, Heather, and Kathy arrived safely at the village yesterday and dug right in! I wouldn't have expected anything less. They are going to be such a great help to the village.

2010-02-09T16:38:00.005-06:00

Sam
Tommy
Samantha- what a cutie!
Happy Nannies!
More happy people!
Heather Hanson is leaving tomorrow with her parents, Greg and Sandy Wilson, and Cathy Johnson! I know they are going to be a great help to Ruuska Village!

Helping Hands for Haiti...

2010-02-08T23:01:00.010-06:00

The LIGHT homeschool group from Kittson County

boxed up 20 boxes of supplies for Ruuska Village!

Thanks guys!

Mallori, Kerri Drees, Jessica, Katrice at the Reach Out to Haiti Benefit Concert in Grand Forks, ND.

Kerri and Jessica! Kerri headed up the milk project
in Grand Forks, ND. She is the morning show host at 97KYCK!

Counting down the days.......

2010-02-06T11:10:00.003-06:00

Till these sweet little girls are in our arms.

Katyna (4), Jennyka (6) and their little friend, Ruth (7).

Wednesday Update

2010-02-03T21:11:00.017-06:00

The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind. I received a call from US Citizenship and Immigration Services Monday morning informing me to go to Fargo and get my fingerprints done. I asked if Jim was able to get this done in Haiti and they thought so, but could not tell me for sure. I called Jim right away to tell him this and suggested that he go to the consulate as soon as possible to see if they could take his fingerprints. He said Barb was planning to go in the morning anyway, so he would ride along. Since the benefit was scheduled for Monday night, it didn't work for me to go to Fargo that day. Believe me, I would have jumped into the car in a heart beat otherwise! Joe, Jess, Isaiah and I spent the night with my nephew, Cole, after the concert and left the next morning. To my surprise, one of Jim's best friend's wife worked at the immigration office. Jim and Fred graduated from Border Patrol Academy together 26 years ago. Little did we know they are living in Fargo.

After my appointment, I felt completely blessed and overwhelmed with God's grace. I thought to myself, "What a wonderful country we live in!"..... I was surrounded by immigrants waiting to take their naturalization test and as we visited, I could sense their excitement about becoming a citizen of the United States. A young man told me how he could not wait to become a citizen, so he could join the Army. I told him that was very admirable. I also told him about my son-in-law, Sean (Sheila's husband) who had just graduated from basic training in the Army last fall, and has recently graduated from AIT with achievement and leadership awards. As I told them the story of Jim and Lacey in Haiti, hoping to bring our children home soon, tears streamed down the young girl's face. We exchanged contact information and agreed to keep in touch. His wife (or girlfriend) was taking the naturalization test that day.

After I left USCIS, I tried to call Jim to let him know he was free to go up to the consulate in Haiti (if he had not done so already) and get his fingerprints done. They had called Washington to double check on that while I was there and said they would send an email to Haiti letting them know Jim would be coming in to do this. I couldn't get in touch with Jim. I tried again once I got to Grand Forks and he picked up the phone in Barb's office. I told him how I ran into Fred Ewalt's wife, and he couldn't believe it. He said he had just gotten back from getting his fingerprints done and it was like they were expecting him. I told him they were! He asked what time I was in Fargo at USCIS, and I said about 12:00 noon. Jim arrived at the consulate about 1:00 our time, so they had received the email and processed him as soon as he got there; Barb said in the past 20 years she has never seen anything go so smoothly and quickly. It's so amazing to see God work all this out because we could not have planned it better. After all the miracles God has already done in my life, I am still in awe of him.

Lacey, Sam, and Katyna

The Building Crew

Terry and his little friends

Dean, Sam, and Katyna

Benefit Concert for Reach Out to Haiti

2010-02-02T22:02:00.017-06:00

A benefit concert was held February 1st at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks, ND. Six bands contributed to a very inspirational and successful evening. The bands included T.J. Porter from Karlstad, Minn., who played a variety of original inspirational songs and is Lacey Hewitt's uncle. Also playing were the WoodPicks, a bluegrass combo from Thief River Falls; Peat Moss and Bones, aka Greg Norman and Lee Barnum from Grand Forks; Tim West & Friends from Beltrami, Minn.; the Diers family band of Grand Forks; and John Haugen & Friends, which was a version of Little Bobby Houle and his local blues band.

TJ Porter

TJ Porter, Cole Porter, Ellie Porter, Katrice Housker

The WoodPicks

Tim West & Friends

The Diers Family Band

John Haugen and Friends

Peat Moss & Bones

Sunday at the village

2010-01-31T19:17:00.008-06:00

Jim called about 7:30 p.m. and said they had an awesome church service today. He said it is so amazing how the Haitian people can suffer such adversity and still have the ability to sing praises to the Lord with such gratefulness and joy. It was just the inspiration he needed. I wasn't able to talk to him for very long because so many people were waiting in line to use the phone. Understandable! So we will post more stories as we get them! I received another call from Homeland Security pertaining to our adoption and forwarded the documents onto the visa inquiry office. Hopefully, we will hear good news within a few days.

Jim, Jennyka (6), Tommy (2), Lacey, Sam (4), Katyna (4)

The crew

2010-01-30T11:14:00.003-06:00

Here is the crew at Ruuska Village, Bon Repos, Haiti. Yesterday they set up a clinic in a tent city and worked all day long. I don't have any stories yet, except Jim said it was very hard to see children with such horrific injuries.

From left to right: Dean Johnson, Terry Anderson,

Logan Randal, James Lamb, Brenna Kerr,

Steve Grosz, Celeste Engen, Faye Potrament,

Troy Erickson, Jim Hewitt

Busy days at the village

2010-01-29T10:09:00.007-06:00

I spoke with Jim via yahoo messenger last night for about a half an hour. They are trying to get the women and children situated back at the Creche, which is down the road a block or two. Yesterday the medical crew had a clinic at the village and tended to 80 patients. Today they are traveling to a tent city. James, Troy and the other construction worker (not sure of his name) are stuck in Cap Haitien with no transporatation. Would you all please keep them in your prayers as they would really like to get to the village. Thank you.

Jessica & Josiah (15 yr.twins), and Isaiah (14)

Lacey's siblings adopted into our family 14 years ago.

At the beach (pre-earthquake) with Jennika, Sam, and Katyna.

Ruuska Village

2010-01-27T21:09:00.004-06:00

Another day...

2010-01-26T06:45:00.005-06:00

As most of you know, the Reach Out to Haiti Benefit concert was canceled yesterday due to a storm in northern Minnesota and North Dakota. It has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 1st, at 6:00 p.m at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks.

Jim called again and said things were going real well. Yesterday he worked on rebuilding the roof of the building which houses the village water purifier. He says the mosquitos were bad, but didn't compare to the Minnesota breed here in the summertime.

The team from our area had some delays and were planning to split when they got word of five seats available on Rotary International last night. Early this morning, I received an email from Faye saying plans had been changed as they miraculously got a flight into Haiti on a private jet. God is so good. They should be arriving today.

Jim and Lacey reunited

2010-01-24T12:28:00.009-06:00

Jim arrived at the village Friday afternoon and had a happy reunion with Lacey and our new kids! I asked him how he liked the kids and he said, "Kelli, they are sooooo nice!" Very sweet! Katyna was shy at first, but warmed up quickly and gave him a big hug. He said Tommy likes everyone, so there is no problem there! lol Jim cleaned out the food and clothing depots the first day and started tearing down the walls in the village yesterday. He brought gloves and tool aprons for the teen boys, and you can see Anderson here helping to break up the cement so they can haul it away. Lacey said Dad is working way too hard, and she was worried about him. But I said he's got a limited amount of time, so I'm sure he would like to make good use of it. Below are some pics Jim sent last night.

Today Jim is flying!

2010-01-22T07:35:00.000-06:00

Jim is on his way to Port au Prince! Got a flight this morning!

Flight tomorrow .....

2010-01-21T23:00:00.003-06:00

I spoke with Jim and he said there were people at Ft. Pierce who had been waiting for a flight for two days. He was happy to stay and help load freight because they were so busy it was unbelievable. What a nice crew they were, he said. I also spoke with Lacey today and things are going well. She can't wait till her dad gets there and was kind of disappointed that he didn't arrive today. Hopefully Jim will catch a flight in the morning. They continue to work on documents to get the children out of the country.

Jim departs

2010-01-21T13:00:00.006-06:00

1-21-10 9:15 a.m.

Jim arrived in Ft. Pierce last night; he slept for a couple hours in the car. He awoke early this morning and is helping out at Missionary Flights International. Jim said they are wonderful people. There are a couple extra donated planes and so things look hopeful that he will get on soon. There are many medics waiting to board with TONS of supplies. PTL If you know of anyone willing to donate flights into Haiti with this organization, please contact Mr. Snook at 772-462-2395. http://www.missionaryflights.org/

Another quake

2010-01-20T07:42:00.000-06:00

Lacey called this morning and said there was another earthquake, 6.1 in magnitude. They are all okay but shook up and back outside again. Jim is on his way to Florida this afternoon and will catch a flight early tomorrow morning to PAP with Missionary Flights International.

Letter from Lacey

2010-01-19T09:19:00.001-06:00

Jan. 18, 2010 7:57 a.m.

Yesterday was a good day; we are finally getting things cleaned up, and I think I'm just doing better because I'm somewhat caught up on my sleep! The kids are doing GREAT. This morning I woke up to a few cribs with diarrhea and throw up - but we got it cleaned up quickly. I do believe the babies are just a little stressed with different living conditions, different milk, etc., and last night was the first night they actually slept in their own cribs. We moved everything from upstairs into the clinic. Joe Hurston decided to stay longer and his son-in-law, Kyle is here to help fix the village! He brought in approximately 100 pounds of tools. I also talked to Barbara's *Boss* Man Builder and he is excited! He asked me if my dad was a builder, and I said "YES!" We still need to clean out the depots, so even if we can't build right away we can stay busy!

Barbara is flying out with two kids today; she comes back and flies out again on the 25th with Sue, who is going to NY. I will be helping transport nine children to FLORIDA next week!

I am excited about the visas! Barbara continues to work late. Last night she started falling asleep while working on paperwork, so we decided 1:30 a.m. was late enough and went to bed!

I talked with Katyna's mother yesterday; she started crying when she was finally reunited with Thomas because she hasn't seen him for so long. She couldn't stop smiling! She stayed and held both of her babies until Katyna finally fell asleep in her arms. I gave her the card you sent and had Christopher translate for her. I also gave her Thomas and Katyna's Christmas pictures. She was so happy. She told me she lost three family members and her house was flat. I do not know and forgot to ask her where she is staying; she just asked for some clothing. Barbara was gone so I wasn't able to open the clothing depot without her permission. So I went through my clothes and gave her a skirt, caprees and four shirts. I gave her my favorite white blouse...maybe she can go to church. She looked very sickly. Katyna woke up and watched her mom leave, it was a very sad moment for both of us.

Katyna Marie (4)

Thomas James (2)

Flight Canceled

2010-01-19T07:06:00.000-06:00

Jim's flight was canceled yesterday. Apparently they have closed all commercial flights into Port au Prince, which I should have known, but was misinformed when I called the airline. It's a good thing we didn't travel all the way to Minneapolis. Praise the Lord! We are checking with American Flights International out of Florida. I am posting a picture of Lacey with several of the children at that village before the quake. Check back for a recent update with Lacey later this morning.

A new day in Haiti

2010-01-18T00:38:00.000-06:00

Great news last night: more children were written visas yesterday! Barbara is working non-stop on getting as many children ready to leave as possible and spends most of her days at the American Consulate. What an amazing woman. We have many THANKFUL and RELIEVED friends who have recently found out their children will be coming home soon. Lacey had a better night's sleep and sounded refreshed this morning.

I checked with Delta this afternoon and they said they were having no problem with the flights into Haiti. We were really wondering what was going on because when Brenna checked into flights about 11:00 am on Friday, there were none available until the 24th. I had just booked Jim's that same morning at 2:30 am and there were several seats available. So I was worried the flights had been canceled, but when I talked to Delta today they said, "No, the planes are completely booked into Port au Prince until the 24th." Brenna will be arriving at the village on the 25th.

Lacey sent a few new pics yesterday. The nannies and children are still sleeping outside. Lacey's room seemed safe, so she moved back in with the children in her care.

News from Ruuska Village

2010-01-16T13:41:00.000-06:00

Twelve children received visas yesterday! Praise the Lord! Lacey called me this morning and she sounded exhausted but was doing okay. They are caring for some people coming in with broken bones, cuts, burns, and head injuries. Jim is leaving Monday morning for Minneapolis, will have a layover in New York and is scheduled to leave for PAP around 10:30 am on Tuesday. We are really praying he gets into the country and the flight won't be canceled. Brenna Kerr, PA, from Drayton, N.D. is praying about joining Jim at the village on the 25th. She has a lot of experience working in third world countries and has been to Haiti before. Please also pray that things come together for her. What a blessing she has been to our family. She diagnosed our 14 year-old-daughter, Whitney, with Type I diabetes in November.

Here is a picture of a little boy who was brought in with burns from the waist down after the earthquake. Thank God the village had two nurses on staff at the time of the earthquake!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate it SO much!

More Pictures of Ruuska Village

2010-01-15T00:33:00.000-06:00

Lacey's dad is flying to New York on Monday and will be at Ruuska Village Tuesday afternoon. Please pray that he would arrive safely with no delays.

There is a beautiful painting of Jesus with little children on the wall behind the playground equipment.

Earthquake

2010-01-14T15:43:00.000-06:00

Barb, Lawanna, Lacey, the children, and caretakers at Ruuska Village are all okay. Praise the Lord for His protection and mercy. The walls around the village have collapsed, as well as the food storage building. They are tending to several peoples' medical needs coming in from the streets. They are in need of supplies such as: medical, diesel, food, etc. If anyone would like to donate directly to Ruuska Village, you may send to: Reach Out to Haiti, 168 Gutbrodt Rd. Melrose, NY 12121 I am also posting a paypal donation link on this blog. All proceeds will go directly toward helping the most urgent needs at Ruuska Village. Haiti will always have a special place in our hearts. God has a plan, and we believe this may be a new beginning for the people of Haiti. Thank you and may the Lord bless you for being so willing to help.

2010-01-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

My New Home at Ruuska Village

2009-10-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

"The Sweet Brat Club"

I feel like a "mom" for the first time in my life; I love them all like my own! Samson and Jennyka moved into my house, along with Simon, Gracie, and Katyna. It makes me so happy to have these children confide in me about the most simple details in their lives. I know a person would naturally wonder, "How could there be enough love to go around?" Sometimes it's trying, but with God as our Father there is more than enough love! Furthermore, how can we measure or put a limit on God's love? Or our love? How can I question why I am here when every morning I wake up to Marie Grace's giggle coming from her crib, Simon's big eyes looking at me, and Katyna's beautiful dimpled smile? They need me, and I need them. Every day Gracie brings a smile to my face! And THEN there is Samson peeing in his toothbrush cup because he didn't want to wake me to unlock the door! ;-) He actually did that! ha ha

I pray for my babies' safety. I have FAITH God will meet their needs and trust He will direct me in the path of being a just and virtuous woman.

Another prayer for myself is to learn and apply Proverbs 12 to my life!

"Whosoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brutal beast, stupid, and indiscriminating. A good man obtains favor of the Lord, but a man of wicked devices he condemns. A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall never be moved." Proverbs 12:1-3

Another Day in the Village

2009-09-27T00:24:00.000-05:00

We accomplished a lot in the village today! It's so exciting! Justin and a friend of Vera's built some shelves in the clinic, so we cleaned all day and organized the medicine! We had to switch some rooms around and it was a pretty big job, but we're almost finished. It LOOKS SO NICE!

We went out for Chinese tonight! I couldn't believe there was such a nice restaurant in Haiti! It was fun, but I came home with a headache; I am guessing it might be from the giardia medication I'm taking.

Gracie had a terrible fever today. She hasn't been feeling good for the past two days. Her cry is different, a real sadness... not just her normal, "I want to be held by .... Lacey!" cry. ha ha Thank God her fever broke! Oh! and both my babies are getting over their diarrhea, I'm so thrilled!

The Woman In Blue

2009-09-07T03:05:00.000-05:00

Barbara Walker is a humble woman who has dedicated her whole heart and life to the unfortunate children of a desolate country called Haiti. Giving children a new hope and future for tomorrow, Walker (65), started facilitating adoptions 20 years ago and is still marching onward through the process today. Walker started building homes and churches in Brazil, until her boss felt ashamed because she was working harder than most of the men and told her to sit the next trip out. She called him a "female chauvinist pig" and quit on the spot! Within a week she received a phone call from a close friend and was invited to help start a business in a different country just 700 miles off the coast of Florida, Haiti. Little did Walker know her work as a construction worker would soon be over, and God would open another door to fulfill her life purpose, "Reach Out to Haiti". Living a selfless life in a selfish world is not easy for any human, yet Walker is known all over the world for her joy in helping anyone in need.

"Out of the most severe trial their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

Barbara Walker explains, "It wasn't by accident I was called to do a paint job at an orphanage where I found neglected, starving, worm-bellied children." Walker returned to the orphanage every day and noticed the pattern of a little baby's life in particular. He was fed one bottle of ceri-milk (which is baby cereal mixed with formula) in the morning and they gave him one diaper change and sat him in the corner. They didn't touch him until bedtime and then they gave him another bottle of ceri-milk and one more diaper change. Barbara decided she needed to find a way to get this child out... and FAST! This was the first of the many successful adoption stories, thanks be to God and the Woman in Blue!

THE WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE~

Manual labor is not a strange thing to the women at Ruuska Village. Washing clothes by hand, carrying water buckets, and cooking over an open fire are just a few of their daily tasks. The women who live there are employed nannies; Barbara gives them food, clothing, a wage, and a place to stay. Some women, who have educations or special talents such as sewing and teaching, are paid a higher salary.

Men are not allowed to stay at the village, but do come to visit or work. Trucks are filled with gravel by hand and mixed for cement to build the perimeter walls, fix potholes, and to add stories to the houses. Young boys also help with this task. They work fast and hard... all day, every day!

"A new command I give you: love one another.....as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34, 35

Barbara Walker

If you would like to contribute to the children and families at Ruuska Village please send gifts to: Barbara Walker, 168 Gutbrodt Rd., Melrose, NY 12121 Thank you!

The Babies!!!

2009-08-29T07:42:00.000-05:00

"Lo, Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward, happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them..." ~Psalm 127:3-5

"The Brothers" are going to Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Garcia Family in Chile.

"Ian"....

and "Alex"...

Every morning...

Alex tries to tell us how much better the food tastes,

on his head!

Alex and biological mom, "Mimose".

Baby Sarah's 'new' mom is Ma Cecilia Ba!!! Congratulations!!!!

Baby Bella...

First day in Haiti-Through God's Eyes

2009-08-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

I got on an over-night flight and arrived in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti on Aug. 13th. I grabbed my carry-on (which was a back-pack with all my clothes, my computer case and books) and stepped off the plane. Not knowing exactly where to go, I followed the flow of traffic toward the building across the runway. In front of me was a very exhausted woman; she was losing grip of her son and all her bags were hanging to the ground! She looked as if she couldn't take another step... I asked if she needed any help, and she quickly dropped her very lethargic baby into my arms. There I was walking with my over-sized back pack, computer case, books and ..... new baby boy! I was so happy that God was using me to bless this poor woman and child as soon as I stepped off the jet, that I couldn't stop smiling... I did my immigration one-handed, with a baby on my hip and then I said goodbye!

After I met up with Justin... we hugged, and gathered all four 50 lb. bags of supplies and food that came from my church and family!!! We walked to the pick-up area and there was a huge commotion outside. Security guards were everywhere, and hundreds of people were looking in, screaming, and putting their arms through the gates. Lucian, Barbara's driver, was holding up a sign with my name on it! He called Barbara and she said to me, "Load up your luggage and get in the the truck!" The ride to the village was very quiet, Justin and I hardly said a word.... I think we were both in shock and thinking, "Yes, this is definitely thee poorest country in the whole hemisphere!" There were a lot of people everywhere. I saw a boy crawling out of a culvert, it looked as if he lived there. Beggars tapped on our window, and the dogs looked like walking skeletons. It was so overwhelming to take in, I was literally speechless for the first time in my life.
Barbara said, "Lacey, listen carefully. Your main job is to treat and care for Marie Grace! She is YOUR baby while you're here. Gracie's Mom died, and she became very sick. She is now being treated for scabies and TB. We don't know for sure if the diagnosis is legit, but she has to be treated for TB just because she was at the hospital. I want you to feed her EVERY TEN MINUTES!!!" She asked me how long I decided to stay and I was honestly re-thinking as the words were coming out of my mouth. I said, " I...i... was thinking...three months!" She threw her hands up in the air and giggled, " YES! I can leave today then! I have to deliver two babies to the states and I'll be gone five days!" I quickly said a prayer, "Dear Lord help me make it through this! I know you called me here for a reason and I'm willing to stay as long as you want me to stay!! BUT, if you want to send me home early .......I'm totally down with that too! " :)

I walked into the house where I would be staying, and I met Marie Grace for the first time! Her tiny little body was lying motionless on the floor next to the bed which I would be sleeping. I had to check her pulse because I couldn't tell if she was breathing. I asked Barbara if I could wake her to see if she would eat, but I really just wanted to hold her! Barbara said, " NO... are you a Christian!?!?!" I said "YES!!!"....wondering why....and she said, "Well, don't you know the 11th commandment??? Thou shalt not wake a sleeping baby!!!" At this point I knew I was staying! My purpose for coming here was not to satisfy or gain any personal benefits or experiences, but merely to give! I realized at that moment, if I didn't do anything else in Haiti but care for this baby, my time would be well spent and of good value- through God's eyes!

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" ~Romans 8:35