I figured it was time to give my Haitian doggy Fibi her own post. Last week I got to reunite with her at Sarah's orphanage, and while the week was packed and I saw several friends, Fibi had my attention most of the time. For one, I was so excited to get to see her again! And for two, she needed some veterinary services. 

I got Fibi when she was a puppy on January 28th when Sarah brought her over to the guest house. She had gone to pick up some food from an organization called Love a Child. They had found four puppies scavenging around a burned trash pile. They took care of them while looking for good homes. One of them didn't make it, one they gave to a nearby home, and two Sarah ended up bringing back with her. She gave one to me and one to our friend Diddi. I told Sarah it was a good strategy in trying to get me to stay in Haiti forever because I knew I'd get attached! Thankfully, as Sarah handed the puppy over to me she said that when I leave she would care for the pup at her orphanage. If that wouldn't have been part of the deal, I wouldn't have taken her. I know full well how difficult it is to find a home for stray dogs in the States. It's nearly impossible in a country like Haiti. I'd already had to go through that when I left Frodo and Sam in Namibia.

In trying to come up with a name for my new puppy, I observed her. She was a clumsy little thing, as I suppose most puppies are. I would just smile as she'd stumbled up and down the steps and try to keep her footing on the slick tile floor. I asked what the Creole word was for clumsy and the closest word given to me was "febless". That would have been a cute name on its own, but I decided to shorten it to Fibi. So my little Fibi she became. Within a week I had her potty trained, well #1 anyways! She slept with me every night, sometimes jumping down to her bed (a towel) on the floor, sometimes snuggling up by my head. I can still remember how she'd whine to get up and down from the bed because she was too small. I made a step for her out of my suitcase. Sometimes she'd just suffice to nap there instead of making the next jump up to the bed. She has brought me a lot of joy in a place that can sometimes be overwhelmingly heartbreaking. 

Some of you may think that I talk too much about Fibi or the other pets I've temporarily housed. I can admit I probably take an excessive amount of photos. I love animals. I always have. I remember taking in strays when I was a little girl. So Mom, always remember that it's your fault I bring all these animals home! I learned it all from you! :) But to be honest and a bit transparent for the moment, let me say this... Yes, I'm a missionary. And some people put me on this completely undeserved pedestal that I go off and do all of these great things and make all these sacrifices and so forth. But I am no different than anyone else. I'm just a girl who has taken God's Word for what it is, a commandment to go and be salt and light in a dying and dark world. I can't NOT go, because God's greatest commandment is to love and I've seen the need for love in some difficult places and it's to those places I feel called to go and serve. We all have a purpose and a calling on our lives to love others and to tell others about the wonderful love and sacrifice of God through His Son Jesus Christ. So please don't put me on a pedestal. But sacrifices, yes. I do make them. Being away from the ones I love most in this world is difficult. Though when I think of the sacrifice Jesus made for me, how can I focus on my own comforts and happiness? Well, bringing it back... what does all this have to do with Fibi?? Just because I go out to live and serve in places like Africa and Haiti, and love it, and write about all the blessings therein, doesn't mean that there's not a part of me that desires the same thing many of you have or desire. A home. A family. A pet. Stability. Roots. I do war with these desires though I've tried to be willing to lay down my own rights and desires to seek after God's perfect will for my life. But I do still feel some of those sacrifices. It's frustrating that I can't even have something as simple as a dog because I don't have a home and I'm never in a place long enough to make that 10 year commitment. 

But Fibi came into my life this year and I've tried to love her as much as I can as long as I'm able. I wish I could bring her to Leogane, but we don't have a yard here, just 10 feet of concrete in front of the house and crazy dogs on the other side of the gate. And if I had a home in the States I could try to send her there, but who would care for her? So here she stays. She seems to be happy there. She's pretty good with the kids, though she's still a puppy and has to be disciplined for playing too rough sometimes. She's got Sarah's dog Gracie who's about the same age. I think they're good friends though they're mostly wrestling buddies! I took them both to the vet to get spayed. I've seen too many pathetic mama dogs walking around Haiti and I don't want that for Fibi. Much less having to give Sarah any more mouths to feed! She also had an ear infection I got cleared up. And she was too skinny, so I took the liberty of buying some extra food and fattening her up. She's always been a picky eater but she's getting better now. 

So that's my Fibi. My sweet little Haitian mutt! :) And of course... here are some photos!


Fibi seemed very happy to resume her position in bed with me! I let her start to sleep with me the first night, but then figured it was best to just keep her out like she's used to now. 
She always loved lying on whatever was on the ground. If she found a towel anywhere, it became her bed. I searched for a dog bed, but didn't find one I thought would be appropriate for Haiti or that could fit easily in my suitcase. I ended up getting this comfy bathmat. She knew what to do. :) And I thought if I could get something random like this, as opposed to using a towel, the kids would recognize it as the dog's bed and leave it alone... 

Wrong! Regina and Ashley decided it was their new play mat. They started crawling around and growling like dogs. About 2 minutes after I snapped this photo and went inside, Regina came crying. Ashley had bitten her on the butt. Guess she was playing her role a tad too seriously!
Recovering from her operation. She still had the bandage on from the catheter.

Fibi and Gracie chilling out after their surgery. I was told that they needed to keep calm for one week. Easier said than done!
She even does tricks! NeNe was proud to show me how she can catch food in her mouth. She's really good!

One of the toys I brought her
I had seen them play tug-o-war with toys before, so I knew this would be a perfect toy for them.
Reminiscing about the teeny little gal the day I got her! I thought I had some photos of her and her sister together but I can't find them. But I was able to see her sister "Tig" last week for the first time since the day Sarah picked them up.
They look similar but Tig's a little smaller.
And she's got some crazy ears! Anyone remember the TV show "The Flying Nun"?!
Last week I had the opportunity to hang out up in Gonaives, Haiti with an organization called Much Ministries. I met Ben Rustin at the airport a few weeks ago. He had stayed at the Georgia House last year and knew several of the Baptists 4 Haiti staff I was with in the taptap. We were introduced and he told me I could come up anytime to check out what all they had going on. I took the opportunity last Tuesday to catch a ride and spent the evening and most the day Wednesday learning about and seeing firsthand some of the ministries going on there. I could not begin to tell you everything they're doing there, so I encourage you to visit their website (linked above). Meanwhile, I've got nearly two dozen photos posted here for you to get a little bit of an idea of what I was blessed to see during my short visit.


Much Ministries has been loving Haiti in many ways since 2003. Some of their projects include a trade school offering English classes and medical training, a general clinic and prenatal program, housing development, clean water efforts, and a primary school. They are always looking for individuals or teams interested in serving in Haiti, so if you've been thinking about serving short or long-term in a third-world country, Much Ministries might be a wonderful organization for you. They've even got a handy brochure you can view here or on their website.


Since I'm posting so many photos, maybe narrating via photo captions is the easiest way to tell more about my time there...


It's a beautiful drive to get to Gonaives from Port-au-Prince. It can take 3-4 hours (or more) depending on traffic, but for a lot of the way you've got mountains on one side and ocean on the other. We stopped for a bit and some of us took a quick dip.

Grace's rottweiler puppy, Tug, had his first swim in the ocean. He wasn't quite sure what to think about it. The waves were a little big for him. He rode in the console the rest of the way home. Crazy to think how big he'll get one day, but fit so perfectly here for now!


I sat in on April's preschool class Wednesday morning. April was interested in federal law enforcement before coming to Haiti. Now she's got a class full of little learners. Funny how God has other plans for us sometimes! Though I'm excited to hear that she has a passion for justice when it comes to child slavery and human trafficking. God has big plans for her!

 Me with some of April's kids


 The first floor cement section is part of the clinic. The second story is a missionary's home with her adopted Haitian son (incredible story there!). The yellow section is part daily feeding program, part preschool classroom, and probably part clinic waiting area if I had to guess. 

The main area where Much Ministries works is in Jubilee. It's the poorest area of Gonaives and sits on very unfertile land. Cross International and Omaha Rapid Response have teamed up to help provide these homes for some of the residents. Many lost their homes during the 2004 and 2008 floods.

 I met this sweet lady Nicole who lives in the house below. She was so proud to uncover and show me the sewing machine she was given recently. She had a stack of fabric and was ready to get to work. I'm always encouraged to hear of men and women who are trying to use the talents God has given them to help earn a living and care for their families.

Nicole's house

Some of the MUCH folks built this house and a couple of the guys live in it full-time. I got a tour and couldn't even begin to tell you all of the information about it. But it was pretty incredible and has been a great learning process for the guys who try as best as they can to impact the community while doing things in an environmentally-friendly way.


Driving around in Jubilee...






 In 2004 and 2008 there was severe flooding due to tropical storms, hurricanes, etc. The road has been redone to act as a dam. At least if there is flooding again in the future, access to Gonaives will hopefully not be cutoff like it has been in the past. Google "flooding in Gonaives, Haiti" to learn more about and see photos of what this town has suffered through during the last decade.

I always love coming across local artists receiving a sustainable income by making unique items and jewelry. MUCH has a trade school where over 100 men and women receive income through making jewelry, baskets, journals, and more. This is a little shop beside the guest house. I made a few purchases. :) A lot of the items are made from recycled materials, which makes me love them even more! These items will soon be available for purchase online through 2nd Story Goods.


The guest house was such a neat place. They had three teams in while I was there. It was nice being around so many people from the States, especially so many who have committed to living in Haiti indefinitely. I enjoyed swapping stories and learning more about how many were called to Haiti and their unique role here. The house itself had a neat setup, cute dogs, and I loved the artwork that was hanging everywhere you looked. Here are some of my favorites...





A great reminder, and I love how the clock is in the center... To me it said, "Give thanks... every minute, every hour."
I always bring as many goodies as I can fit in my suitcase for my friends in Haiti. Having been here now several times, I've learned what some of the best and most needed items are to pack. I'm also inspired sometimes with unique ideas for what to bring. Sometimes my friends will specifically ask me to bring them something, like my friend Miracle who crochets and asked me to bring her some yarn. Others ideas come to me through observation.


While in Haiti earlier this year, I went to a nail salon down from the God's Planet guest house run by a lady named Velly. She gives great pedicures for only $2.50! I got a couple much needed ones during my two and a half months in Croix des Bouquets.


Here's a photo of Velly and my soon to be well pedicured foot...



I put out the word back home that I wanted to take her some nail polishes and pedicure supplies. Some of you offered to help and I was able to get a nice little bag filled with items to take her. Unfortunately, Velly was out of town when I was visiting Croix des Bouquets, but her friends were running her shop in her absence and were happy to take them on her behalf. I had built a friendship was Velly and had been looking forward to seeing her and giving her the items in person, but I know it will still be a blessing to her and her shop. Thank you to those of you who gave! I love giving gifts. But I also love empowering those who are trying to earn a living by helping and rewarding them for their business endeavors. I love being able to donate yarn to Miracle and salon supplies to Velly. They are two women of many who are trying to make a way for their families by the work of their own hands. It's commendable and significant, especially in a country where 78% of Haitians live on less than $2 a day, and the unemployment rate is over 40%.

If you'd like to know how you can help those like Miracle and Velly, send me an email and I'll be happy to give you more information.

An outside view of Velly's salon

 Some of the items I brought to give to her
In previous trips to Haiti I had seen little girls in these adorable pillowcase dresses. They are so perfect for the hot climate here. During my last trip back home I got the word out to anyone who might be interested in making these dresses for me to bring down and give out. A lady named Maria from New Orleans got busy and mailed me 12 dresses! I teared up when I opened the box, knowing how special these dresses would be as gifts for some precious little girls in Haiti. She even made a matching hair bow for each dress. I've never even met Maria but we have mutual friends from the seminary there. Thank you SO much for using your talent to bless some children in Haiti!

Some others of you expressed interest in making the dresses as well. Please do! They can always be used and I can take them with me on upcoming trips. 

The photos below are mostly of Maria's dresses. The last volunteer team brought down a few dresses as well, so a couple of the girls are wearing some of those.

I excitedly pulled out all of the dresses when I received them to admire each one! 


Each of the girls at Living Water Haiti Orphanage received a brand new dress. They loved them! And don't they just look adorable!? They wore them the night Mama Sarah got back from a 20-day trip to the States.

Little Ashley is just too cute! This was one of the dresses the volunteer team brought down. I went ahead and gave her a hair bow too because I didn't want her to be left out! Even at her young age, trust me, she'd notice!

Gerlanda is just cute as a button!

Mirlandia and her trademark model pose! :)

I just LOVE the hair bows!

Of course I had to give one to little Crystelle who lives near NeNe's niece. 

 She's such a beautiful and joyful little girl! It was so good to spend some time with her and bless her with this special gift.

This past week has been very exciting! Our last volunteer team with Baptists 4 Haiti left Saturday the 19th, and we don't have another team coming in until this Saturday the 2nd. We had a full two weeks with an empty house and I knew exactly how I wanted to spend some of that time. I got a ride to Croix des Bouquets, where I served with God's Planet. It's weird being back in Haiti but so far from some of my most precious friends here. Even though Croix des Bouquets is only about 50 miles away from Leogane, it can take as long as 3 hours to get there due to traffic. Driving through Port-au-Prince can be a  seemingly never-ending nightmare. I was so excited for the trip though, and would have been fine if it had taken 10 hours to get there! Though my driver may not have agreed!


My friend Sarah, who runs Living Water Haiti Orphanage, said I could stay at her orphanage even though she was out on a visit to the States. This was the first place I stayed when I came with God's Planet last November. Sarah's kids (only 5 at the time) stole my heart from the beginning. Now she has 8 and they are all so special to me. Sarah's house is also where my friend NeNe works and where my sweet dog Fibi lives.


During the week I also had the opportunity to go to Gonaives and visit Much Ministries and their work in Jubilee. I also spent some time with Diddi Washington and her ministry Mission Haiti Helping Kids.


It was a fabulous week and I have many stories and photos to share so stay tuned!!

A map of Haiti showing Leogane and Croix des Bouquets. Gonaives is north of where this map ends.


It's been a wonderful week in Leogane, Haiti. I hosted my first group with Baptists 4 Haiti from Armstrong and Coastal College in Savannah and Brunswick, GA. We took them to the airport yesterday for their flight home and I'm missing them already! They were such a great group! The leaders did a great job organizing the trip, and the students had so much energy and love to pour into Haiti. The house seems quite empty without them, but I know I've made some lasting friendships and I'm thankful to God for each of them! They each brought unique personalities and talents to the team. Each played a vital role in ministering to the children and communities here in Haiti.

Here are some photos from the week:

I mentioned in one of my last posts the church at the top of the mountain. It was an intense climb each day for the team to go do the VBS. At the end of the afternoons, the children would climb down the mountain with the team, often you'd have a child holding both hands... making it even more difficult to keep steady on the loose rocks. Here's a shot to give you an idea what it was like.

One of the homes as you're climbing up the mountain

One day, some of us went around to the homes at the top of the mountain to encourage and pray with the families there. I took this photo as we were heading back to the church. The church is the main building you see. They had a soccer game going to the right of it. And you can see the beautiful ocean view in the background. If nothing else, the view is well worth the strenuous climb!

By Day 2 of the VBS on the mountain, there were well over 100 children in attendance!

Both teams had great opportunities to minister to families in the neighborhoods where we served this week. They were able to pray for specific needs and requests they had, pray for their children, and for those struggling with illnesses and hardships. I have been so blessed to see how these teams have served and loved Haiti so well.


Here's the team and many of the Haitian staff during our walk around town Friday morning.

 
Friday also happened to be Haitian Flag Day, when Haitians all around the world celebrate their independence from French rule. There were several parades and many from Leogane came out to watch them and join in the celebrations.



 We stopped in front of the palace Saturday on the way to the airport so the team could take some photos. The main reason the palace is still standing in such disarray is because most people here believe there are evil spirits inside the damaged building from all of the Voodoo practices that happened inside throughout the years. They believe that if the building is torn down, those spirits will be released.

My friends told me this was a hotel that collapsed during the earthquake before construction was finished. 

Though there were many incredible moments this week, the greatest event by far was the salvation of my sweet friend and new sister in Christ Katie! Katie came down with the team to volunteer and shared with all of us that she'd been wrestling with God for two years. By the end of the week she finally gave up on her search for logical answers and surrendered in faith to believe that God loves her, has relentlessly pursued her, and wants her to be His child and disciple. I can't wait to hear how God will use this incredible young lady for His Kingdom purposes!!
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About Me

About Me
In 2005 God asked me to surrender my life to His plans and purpose. Everything changed. From Mexico to New Orleans to Namibia to Haiti it's been one incredible adventure with the Lord after another. This blog is a piece of that journey.

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