When the Tears Fall -- Tim Hughes
I've had questions, without answers
I've known sorrow, i have known pain
but theres one thing, that i'll cling to
you are faithful, Jesus your true
when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour
when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer
when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart
in the lone hour, of my sorrow
through the darkest night of my soul
you surround me, and sustain me
my defender, forever more
when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour
when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer
when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart
I will praise you, i will praise you
when the tears fall, still i will sing to you
i will praise you, Jesus praise you
Through the suffereing still i will sing
when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour
when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer
when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart
I've had questions, without answers
I've known sorrow, i have known pain
but theres one thing, that i'll cling to
you are faithful, Jesus your true
when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour
when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer
when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart
I will praise you, i will praise you
when the tears fall, still i will sing to you
i will praise you, Jesus praise you
Through the suffereing still i will sing X2
when hope is lost, i'll call you saviour
when pain surrounds, i'll call you healer
when silence falls, you'll be the song within my heart
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Update from Norma
I am sad to say that Madam Marange (the marinade lady) passed away in the night last night. Here is a detailed account of the day from Norma:
...yesterday, - there was an accident that has caused untold grief and heartache. In a perfectly routine event, - the diesel truck came to unload fuel, - and it was actually in the process of unloading, - John had gone to get a tool, the driver was either behind the truck or across the street (unclear to me at this point in time) when the hose popped out of the big tank, spraying diesel fuel outside the wall, covering the women who cook food. This is a local fast food place where they daily cook rice and beans, marinade, sell candy, hotdogs etc. - Instantly the tentlike covering, the oil, the wooden tables AND THE WOMEN were on fire. I heard people screaming, get Mme Roger, - John says go to the Preschool, which is of course just 'next door' to the fire. As I was running, I could see the smoke, but of course had no idea what was happening. I ran into the preschool room escorted by Mme Emmanuel who had met me, - to be met by two women unbelievably burned. Their clothes were torn from them in the street as they burned. We put them in the shower to wash the diesel off of them, and slathered them with silvadine, - wrapped them in sheets, and took them to LaPointe. We were met by a team of workers and a crowd of people. They took them into the ER - which if you haven't been there, it does not resemble an emergency room as you would know it. The one lady, Mme Morange, was burned the worst, - between 50 and 60% of her body, skin all peeled off, -
They immediately put them on serum (IV's) with valium and perhaps something else. We had just bought a supply of silvadine, which is not available for purchase in Haiti, and had some burn bandages that had been donated when we had a little girl, Sabina, one of our students was badly burned. We had taken the Silvadine and the bandages with us. - Carmen and I worked alongside the doctor and nurses to get them cleaned - and again put Silvadine on them, as most of it was on the sheets, and bandage them. - Carmen determined she did NOT want to be a nurse! - me neither. I want to be a doctor! : ) They finished bandaging them and took them to rooms and we came home to get sheets for the beds, and fans, etc. The hospital supplies very basic needs which does not include sheets, food, nor constant care. The doctor assured us that they were stable, although it was very serious, - but at 6:15 this morning, her nephew came to tell us that she (Mme Morange) died.
John and Carmen and some of the family went today to pick up the body and take it to the morgue. In our devotion time before school this morning we all prayed for the family and everyone determined to surround this family with Christian love, - perhaps they will put their voodoo beliefs aside and let the Lord wash away their sin and grief. I am convinced God does not have a 'plan' for such a tragedy, but can use it, and as people see HIM (or us) holding out hands both giving and praying hands, perhaps they will become his disciples.
...yesterday, - there was an accident that has caused untold grief and heartache. In a perfectly routine event, - the diesel truck came to unload fuel, - and it was actually in the process of unloading, - John had gone to get a tool, the driver was either behind the truck or across the street (unclear to me at this point in time) when the hose popped out of the big tank, spraying diesel fuel outside the wall, covering the women who cook food. This is a local fast food place where they daily cook rice and beans, marinade, sell candy, hotdogs etc. - Instantly the tentlike covering, the oil, the wooden tables AND THE WOMEN were on fire. I heard people screaming, get Mme Roger, - John says go to the Preschool, which is of course just 'next door' to the fire. As I was running, I could see the smoke, but of course had no idea what was happening. I ran into the preschool room escorted by Mme Emmanuel who had met me, - to be met by two women unbelievably burned. Their clothes were torn from them in the street as they burned. We put them in the shower to wash the diesel off of them, and slathered them with silvadine, - wrapped them in sheets, and took them to LaPointe. We were met by a team of workers and a crowd of people. They took them into the ER - which if you haven't been there, it does not resemble an emergency room as you would know it. The one lady, Mme Morange, was burned the worst, - between 50 and 60% of her body, skin all peeled off, -
They immediately put them on serum (IV's) with valium and perhaps something else. We had just bought a supply of silvadine, which is not available for purchase in Haiti, and had some burn bandages that had been donated when we had a little girl, Sabina, one of our students was badly burned. We had taken the Silvadine and the bandages with us. - Carmen and I worked alongside the doctor and nurses to get them cleaned - and again put Silvadine on them, as most of it was on the sheets, and bandage them. - Carmen determined she did NOT want to be a nurse! - me neither. I want to be a doctor! : ) They finished bandaging them and took them to rooms and we came home to get sheets for the beds, and fans, etc. The hospital supplies very basic needs which does not include sheets, food, nor constant care. The doctor assured us that they were stable, although it was very serious, - but at 6:15 this morning, her nephew came to tell us that she (Mme Morange) died.
John and Carmen and some of the family went today to pick up the body and take it to the morgue. In our devotion time before school this morning we all prayed for the family and everyone determined to surround this family with Christian love, - perhaps they will put their voodoo beliefs aside and let the Lord wash away their sin and grief. I am convinced God does not have a 'plan' for such a tragedy, but can use it, and as people see HIM (or us) holding out hands both giving and praying hands, perhaps they will become his disciples.
Monday, May 19, 2008
A Heavy Heart
hey y'all. i know you are probably surprised to see me at 11:00 on a week night! this is a late night for a haitian!!! haha! i just wanted to send an e-mail to tell a little bit about my day today and ask you to pray for haiti.
today some men were filling the generator with diesel (not sonlight men, the men from the diesel place) and the line broke (we think). diesel went everywhere and got on a lady who sits by our generator every day selling food. she cooks marinad, fried plantain, and other fried foods and sells them right outside the school gates. apparently, the diesel mixed with her cooking oil and fire and caused an explosion. the lady was right in the middle of it all and she caught on fire. it was horrible.
the noise was so loud that there were easily 100 or 200 people in the street about 60 seconds after it happend. everyone nearby was rushing to see what was going on. norma rushed up and began caring for the woman. her entire body was burned and she was in terrible pain. the only thing she could do was sign hymns at the top of her lungs to keep her mind off the pain.
norma and carmen took her (and another lady who had a few minor burns) to the hospital in la pointe (the next town over) where she could be treated more properly. we found out this afternoon that she is going to be fine, but her body is still in pain.
i don't know her name...neither do most the haitians there today. they just called her "marinad madam"(the marinad lady). even so, god knows her name, so please pray for her and her recovery.
also, after school today, kala, ashley, and i went to visit some students, sherlande and levenson (a brother and sister in 4th and 1st grade at sonlight) that haven't been coming to school. they live with their mother who is crazy. the mom won't wash their clothes, won't let them go to school, and won't feed them. it broke my heart to see two of the sweetest children literally starving right before my eyes. they have both lost so much weight in the past few months. both kids say they want to come to school, but their mom doesn't want them to. their dad has moved to port-au-prince to take a higher paying job. i'm praying not to be so angry at him for leaving them with a woman he knew couldn't take care of them. but more than that, i'm praying for protection for sherlande and levenson and praying that god will restore their mother's mind so she can care for them and their 2-year-old sister.
my heart is so burdened for both of these families tonight. please pray with me for them (the marinad lady and sherlande and levenson). even though haiti is in such poor condition and i have seen a lot of things i never thought existed, very few things have caused me to cry over this past year, but tonight i can't stop the tears. my heart is breaking for these families...especially these children. please pray with me for them.
today some men were filling the generator with diesel (not sonlight men, the men from the diesel place) and the line broke (we think). diesel went everywhere and got on a lady who sits by our generator every day selling food. she cooks marinad, fried plantain, and other fried foods and sells them right outside the school gates. apparently, the diesel mixed with her cooking oil and fire and caused an explosion. the lady was right in the middle of it all and she caught on fire. it was horrible.
the noise was so loud that there were easily 100 or 200 people in the street about 60 seconds after it happend. everyone nearby was rushing to see what was going on. norma rushed up and began caring for the woman. her entire body was burned and she was in terrible pain. the only thing she could do was sign hymns at the top of her lungs to keep her mind off the pain.
norma and carmen took her (and another lady who had a few minor burns) to the hospital in la pointe (the next town over) where she could be treated more properly. we found out this afternoon that she is going to be fine, but her body is still in pain.
i don't know her name...neither do most the haitians there today. they just called her "marinad madam"(the marinad lady). even so, god knows her name, so please pray for her and her recovery.
also, after school today, kala, ashley, and i went to visit some students, sherlande and levenson (a brother and sister in 4th and 1st grade at sonlight) that haven't been coming to school. they live with their mother who is crazy. the mom won't wash their clothes, won't let them go to school, and won't feed them. it broke my heart to see two of the sweetest children literally starving right before my eyes. they have both lost so much weight in the past few months. both kids say they want to come to school, but their mom doesn't want them to. their dad has moved to port-au-prince to take a higher paying job. i'm praying not to be so angry at him for leaving them with a woman he knew couldn't take care of them. but more than that, i'm praying for protection for sherlande and levenson and praying that god will restore their mother's mind so she can care for them and their 2-year-old sister.
my heart is so burdened for both of these families tonight. please pray with me for them (the marinad lady and sherlande and levenson). even though haiti is in such poor condition and i have seen a lot of things i never thought existed, very few things have caused me to cry over this past year, but tonight i can't stop the tears. my heart is breaking for these families...especially these children. please pray with me for them.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
We Fly High...Ballin'
I went to my first Haitian basketball game Saturday night. It was quite an experience! First of all, we rarely go out after dark, and if we do, it's only around the corner to Norma's house. So being out at night in PdP was an experience all in itself.
Ashley, Kala, Josh, Lorraine and myself all loaded up on taxis and headed down to the school where the game was being held. When we got off our taxis, I honestly felt like I was in a scene from 8 Mile (you know, mine and Alan's favorite scene when Eminem is ready to battle). Seriously, there were people lined up outside and a ton of people being "bouncers" at the door. We paid our money to get in, and had to fight through a crowd just to get through the door. Once inside, we were greeted by several of our high school students. I wondered if they were embarrassed by all the "whities" that showed up to see them play (Almot swears it's not embarrassing, but I am not sure I believe her!).
I will let you read Ashley's blog (post coming soon!) about all the drama that ensued and us being "cared for" by Mama Maurasse (the sweetest lady in PdP!).
Because of our poor internet connection, I can't add photos to this, so if you would like to see a few of the pictures from our evening, click here. I only added a few pictures and most of them were taken by a 7-year old, so no promises on the quality!!!
Ashley, Kala, Josh, Lorraine and myself all loaded up on taxis and headed down to the school where the game was being held. When we got off our taxis, I honestly felt like I was in a scene from 8 Mile (you know, mine and Alan's favorite scene when Eminem is ready to battle). Seriously, there were people lined up outside and a ton of people being "bouncers" at the door. We paid our money to get in, and had to fight through a crowd just to get through the door. Once inside, we were greeted by several of our high school students. I wondered if they were embarrassed by all the "whities" that showed up to see them play (Almot swears it's not embarrassing, but I am not sure I believe her!).
I will let you read Ashley's blog (post coming soon!) about all the drama that ensued and us being "cared for" by Mama Maurasse (the sweetest lady in PdP!).
Because of our poor internet connection, I can't add photos to this, so if you would like to see a few of the pictures from our evening, click here. I only added a few pictures and most of them were taken by a 7-year old, so no promises on the quality!!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What a glorious day!!!
It's always a fun surprise when the boat gets here...but it's even better when you forget what you order. For dinner tonight, I had Pizza Rolls, Mountain Dew, Cool Whip, and Chocolate Chips. I figured I should get myself prepared for my re-entry into America in a few weeks...Haha!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
April Newsletter
I remember back in August when school started, I constantly thought, "There is NO WAY I will ever love these kids as much as I loved my little kiddos in the United States. I don't speak Creole, so I can't really talk to them very much...they don't speak English, so they can't really talk to me. How will I ever get to know these kids?" And yet, as the year comes to a close, the only thing I can think is "How in the world will I EVER love my kids next year as much as I love these kids I have now??!!" I have grown to love my sweet little babies in ways I NEVER imagined!
They are sweet and funny and all so incredibly smart! It is so encouraging to see these kids who knew nothing in August be able to spout off so many things to me in English. I sure do love my babies.
An Update about Haiti
Rioting and what-not has calmed down in Haiti (we never really saw much action up in our "hillbilly town" of Port-de-Paix, but things in other part of the country were pretty dangerous. I am not exactly sure what is happening with the price of food and fuel, but I do know that the government is supposedly working on something. Please pray for safety for the people of this country as well as enough food for nourishment, especially for our students.
The House of Hope
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Haiti is to hop on a Tap-Tap (or in the back of the Sonlight truck if there is a group here) and head out to La Pointe (the next town over) and go to the House of Hope Children's Hospital. I absolutely love to go chase all the little fellas around the hospital, hold all the precious babies, and just love on some of the most precious little children in the world!
One of the little boys that is ALWAYS at the hospital is sweet little Jean-Baptiste. I met him on my first visit to the House of Hope when I came to visit Haiti in March. I specifically remembered his GREAT BIG eyes and sweet smile. Now, every time I go to the House of Hope, he's the first little guy I look for. I love to chase him and I love to hear his little giggle! He is such a sweet boy!
For more about my most recent adventure in Haiti, check out the post below this one. We were fortunate enough to take a trip to La Tortue (The Pirate Island) and you can check out my pictures from that trip by clicking here.
Prayer Requests-
That I would be able to see Jesus in everyone in Haiti (my kids, my roommates, my co-workers)
That I would be Jesus to everyone in Haiti
We need several new elementary teachers for next year (no experience required!), so please pray for our staff as we "re-assemble" for a new year and a new dynamic.
They are sweet and funny and all so incredibly smart! It is so encouraging to see these kids who knew nothing in August be able to spout off so many things to me in English. I sure do love my babies.
An Update about Haiti
Rioting and what-not has calmed down in Haiti (we never really saw much action up in our "hillbilly town" of Port-de-Paix, but things in other part of the country were pretty dangerous. I am not exactly sure what is happening with the price of food and fuel, but I do know that the government is supposedly working on something. Please pray for safety for the people of this country as well as enough food for nourishment, especially for our students.
The House of Hope
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Haiti is to hop on a Tap-Tap (or in the back of the Sonlight truck if there is a group here) and head out to La Pointe (the next town over) and go to the House of Hope Children's Hospital. I absolutely love to go chase all the little fellas around the hospital, hold all the precious babies, and just love on some of the most precious little children in the world!
One of the little boys that is ALWAYS at the hospital is sweet little Jean-Baptiste. I met him on my first visit to the House of Hope when I came to visit Haiti in March. I specifically remembered his GREAT BIG eyes and sweet smile. Now, every time I go to the House of Hope, he's the first little guy I look for. I love to chase him and I love to hear his little giggle! He is such a sweet boy!
For more about my most recent adventure in Haiti, check out the post below this one. We were fortunate enough to take a trip to La Tortue (The Pirate Island) and you can check out my pictures from that trip by clicking here.
Prayer Requests-
That I would be able to see Jesus in everyone in Haiti (my kids, my roommates, my co-workers)
That I would be Jesus to everyone in Haiti
We need several new elementary teachers for next year (no experience required!), so please pray for our staff as we "re-assemble" for a new year and a new dynamic.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
La Tortue
I have always loved the ocean. Always! I credit it to my parents for taking me on so many wonderful vacations to the beach, starting when I was too young to remember it and continuing to this day. I love everything about the ocean! The water, the sun, the relaxation, the sound of the waves crashing, I'm even ok with sand creeping into my bathing suit! So when I first heard the details about the western coast of La Tortue (the island that is off the coast of Port-de-Paix) and how there were beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water, I knew I MUST visit this island! Even President Preval has been there! It has to be beautiful!
I have asked several people all year long, Americans and Haitians, how I could get there to see it. Everyone gave me very elusive answers that proved no results for my search. Of course when my friends Lenny and Allison mentioned that one of his students was paying for a boat to go out there and I was welcome to tag along, I jumped on the boat (literally)!!!
Here is La Tortue from Port-de-Paix:
We left this morning at around 9:30 on a motor/sailboat. It was a sailboat with a motor on the back. It took us about an hour and a half to make the trek to the island. The ride over was absolutely beautiful! The water in the middle of the ocean had such a dark, rich blue, that was stil so clear. It was gorgeous! And we saw "flying fish!" Seriously! I know everyone has seen fish jump out of the water before, but these fish did MUCH more than jump! They were flying above the water! They even had little tiny wings that they were flapping! I have NEVER in my life seen anything like it!
Here is our boat (I couldn't get a better picture while we were on it, because I was too busy trying not to fall off!):
After about an hour and half, we finally made it to our destination! And it was even more beautiful than I ever imagined! The water was the most beautiful shade of teal and the sand was whiter than I have ever seen before. When we were swimming, I was in water about as deep as my shoulders and it was so clear that I could see straight down to my feet! A big difference from the shores of South Carolina that I am used to going to!!
These pictures don't do it justice at all, but you can look anyway!
The ride back was much more entertaining! I don't know if we were going against the wind and current or what, but the boat was tipping to one side for 95% of the ride. We got splashed from hitting the waves at this angle and where I was sitting, I ended up getting most of the water on me! Every time the water came "on deck" it ran off right beside me (or under me is more like it!). I ended up absolutely soaked! And for a split second, I thought we were going to lose Allison over the side! Luckily, thanks to Lenny and a board nailed to the floor of the boat that caught her before she slid any farther, she didn't go in!
The Crew (L to R) -- Kala, Josh, Allison, Lenny, Me, Ashley, Jen
Today is definitely going in my book of "The greatest days of my life!" It was fun to have one final "hurrah!" before the end of the year here. And it gets me excited about coming back next year and all the adventures we will take!
And yes, Lenny was right. As I am snuggled in my bed, I still feel the world around me rocking like a boat.
I have asked several people all year long, Americans and Haitians, how I could get there to see it. Everyone gave me very elusive answers that proved no results for my search. Of course when my friends Lenny and Allison mentioned that one of his students was paying for a boat to go out there and I was welcome to tag along, I jumped on the boat (literally)!!!
Here is La Tortue from Port-de-Paix:
We left this morning at around 9:30 on a motor/sailboat. It was a sailboat with a motor on the back. It took us about an hour and a half to make the trek to the island. The ride over was absolutely beautiful! The water in the middle of the ocean had such a dark, rich blue, that was stil so clear. It was gorgeous! And we saw "flying fish!" Seriously! I know everyone has seen fish jump out of the water before, but these fish did MUCH more than jump! They were flying above the water! They even had little tiny wings that they were flapping! I have NEVER in my life seen anything like it!
Here is our boat (I couldn't get a better picture while we were on it, because I was too busy trying not to fall off!):
After about an hour and half, we finally made it to our destination! And it was even more beautiful than I ever imagined! The water was the most beautiful shade of teal and the sand was whiter than I have ever seen before. When we were swimming, I was in water about as deep as my shoulders and it was so clear that I could see straight down to my feet! A big difference from the shores of South Carolina that I am used to going to!!
These pictures don't do it justice at all, but you can look anyway!
The ride back was much more entertaining! I don't know if we were going against the wind and current or what, but the boat was tipping to one side for 95% of the ride. We got splashed from hitting the waves at this angle and where I was sitting, I ended up getting most of the water on me! Every time the water came "on deck" it ran off right beside me (or under me is more like it!). I ended up absolutely soaked! And for a split second, I thought we were going to lose Allison over the side! Luckily, thanks to Lenny and a board nailed to the floor of the boat that caught her before she slid any farther, she didn't go in!
The Crew (L to R) -- Kala, Josh, Allison, Lenny, Me, Ashley, Jen
Today is definitely going in my book of "The greatest days of my life!" It was fun to have one final "hurrah!" before the end of the year here. And it gets me excited about coming back next year and all the adventures we will take!
And yes, Lenny was right. As I am snuggled in my bed, I still feel the world around me rocking like a boat.
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