Class of '08

Last night was Alyssa's (my younger sister) graduation. It was weird sitting in the stands watching and realizing three years had already passed since I graduated. Sitting in those seats waiting to get my diploma, I definitely wasn't thinking I would spend 9+ months in Haiti and take 2 years off of school!
Tomorrow is Alyssa's grad party which is perfect timing for me to be able to see a bunch of people after being gone!
Alyssa and Holly Knobloch. Holly and Alyssa are a couple of months apart in age and Mandy (Holly's older sister) and I are 9 days apart. We all grew up together and our families have been close for forever.

me, mom, Alyssa, dad

Also, continue to pray for the women in our women's program in Haiti. Estaphanie is still not doing well and, from the sounds of it, getting worse. Zeus is now in Heaven and no longer living in that horrible hospital. While we were all sad to hear the news I love knowing that he is no longer HIV+ and is as healthy as can be.

Another lady who has been in the program for a long time has a 12 or 13 year old daughter who was raped this past week. Pray for her and especially her daughter.

From what I hear things have been pretty crazy the past week or so. John has been in the states and, in typical Haiti fashion, things are beaking left and right (literally!).

Pray for the McHouls, Lynchs, Tluceks, and Hojaras as they live in Haiti.

Letters from Haiti

Beth sent me this email today with the picture:

I want to do a letter to Jessica, Jessica I love you so much,

I miss you so much, I love you very much. That's it. From Jenny

Dear Jess, I miss you and I love you soooooooooo much.

And I want you to come to see me.

I want to send a picture to you from me. From Kesline

Uuuummmmm, I love you so much.

I want to do a letter for Jessica. I love you so much Jessica. from Ali

Jessica, I want you to come back. From Jenny and I love you so much

Hey Jess:We are up in the apartment. I am attempting to study chemistry for my midwifery course and the girls are doing "crafts". We all miss you and love you very much. Love you much, Beth

I miss them! and was so happy to get that email!

For Molly and Joyce!

I've had this video since my trip to MI in February but haven't been able to get it to post. Adeline and Lovely arrived in MI just before Christmas and live about 20 minutes from me. Before I went to Haiti I babysat for their 4 other siblings, Conner, Elly, Jonah, and Ivy. Adeline and Lovely are doing amazing with their family. Their english has improved a lot and it's so great to be able to see them here!

This video is for Molly and Joyce who work at the Toddler House at GLA. Adeline and Lovely ask me about them whenever I see them.

Molly and Joyce-Sorry it took me so long to get this posted! I hope you enjoy it!

Soccer, Soccer, Soccer

This past weekend I went to the Detroit area for my cousins' soccer tournament. Thankfully we had warm weather during the day. Mid 70's and sunny! I even got pretty toasted on Sunday from being at the fields most of the day. Guess I don't need to be at the beach in Haiti to get some sun :)

Maren Jae

I don't know what to write about since life in Michigan isn't nearly as exciting or different as life in Haiti so....here are some photos :) This is my cousin, Maren. She'll be 2 at the end of this month.

A bit of Haiti in Michigan

all of the kids

Peterson and I

Kaylana, Kendra, and I

Culture Shock?

I thought that I was going to get hit pretty hard with culture shock when I came home but it hasn't seemed to bother me yet. A friend told me to give it a couple of weeks...she thinks I'll be a mess.
I've been surprised at how easy this transition was. I still miss everyone in Haiti like crazy but I'm not near as emotional as last time.
As I was driving to the Haitian Gathering today it was the first time since leaving that I was emotional. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see all of these Haitian kids running around without having "my" kids there. It made me wish I was seeing everyone in Haiti. The day turned out to be great and I loved spending time with all of the kids and getting to talk with many of the families.
It's amazing to see how much the kids have grown and changed since leaving Haiti. They are all doing amazing.

I moved into my grandparents basement today which is where I'll be living while working and going to school. I'm so tired of moving and I'm glad this will be the last move for awhile. I also went to my cousin's soccer game and froze sitting outside but it was good to see some more of my family.
Tomorrow is church then back to Allegan for my sister's Baccalaureate. Lots of driving but at least it's a little less stressful than driving in Haiti! ;) My friend made a comment about how horrible the roads are here and that we have so many potholes....HA, if she only knew....