Carsen headed to Michigan early today. I miss her already!! She was such a huge help while she was here.
I also find a house today that I like. It is more expensive then the one we are in now but it also has a pool and is on a half acre. And has a stove and 2 refrigerator's!! No more cooler!!!!
I wont be online very often for awhile. When Carsen left she took her power cord with her leaving me without one. Shane's broke right before we moved so I gave mine to Jody to use (he has Shane's laptop). It was only going to be a few days until Jody got here so I figured we could go without until he got here. But now, it will be late March. I'm going to order a cord tomorrow online and hope to have it brought down to me by someone coming to Haiti in the next few weeks! Anyone available????
I need to go deal with grumpy kids now!
Thanks, friends. For praying for us. If you ever find yourself in Port au Prince and need a place to stay please let us know!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Quick update
It’s hard to believe we have only been here for 6 days. Things are a little crazy but it feels so good to be “home”.
The house we are renting does not have a stove or a refrigerator so we are living out of a cooler and were cooking outside with charcoal until Saturday when I bought a two-burner electric stove. A stove and frig were going to be our first purchase but not any more. We found out this week that the owner of the house has a buyer for it and since we do not have a contract (our request, we wanted to do monthly until we knew for sure that Jody would be stationed in PAP) we have to move. I will start looking for a place tomorrow. I’ve already heard of a few places that are available so hopefully we will find something soon.
Jody made it safely to Virginia Friday night. He sounded good on the phone and seemed to be excited about getting this phase of his life started. He was able to work out his leave for most of the year. There is still a 3 month period that isn’t covered (long story) but we are confident that God will provide a way. He always does!! He was told however that his deployment date has been moved to Mar. 31, 2008. He will go back to California after training is complete and work until his deployment date. He is planning on coming here at the end of Feb. to visit.
The kids seem to be adjusting to the move. Isaiah seemed the happiest as soon as we landed; he got in the warm weather and was giddy! It was really cute to see him respond to Jimmy. We could tell he knew who he was and missed him.
Sutton has been her usually self. It was quite an experience when we arrived at the orphanage though. The Nanny’s heard she was there and 3 very excited, screaming, jumping women met me half way up the stairs. They grabbed Sutton out of my arms and nearly knocked me down the stairs in the process. Poor Sutton had no idea what was happening to her, all these women yelling and crying, kissing her and taking her from me. She was a trooper though, and went with it. No tears, just this look on her face like “Mom, what are these crazy women doing to me?”
Landon had it a little easier. He was behind me and they didn’t see him until most of the commotion died down. He was smothered in kisses and hugs but seemed to love it. He is also adjusting to the move.
Dylan and Kynsley both loved meeting up with their friends at the “O”. Steven and Dylan were playing the piano together within a few minutes of our arrival. Kynsley immediately went to Belle and Mia and did not want to leave the “O”. She has asked repeatedly if they can come spend the night. I’ll have to talk to the board of directors and the adoptive families to see if it’s OK. It would be so fun for all of them to have a big slumber party at our house.
Shane is doing great. He has taken on the role of “safety guy”. He makes sure everything is locked up tight at night and always answers the gate. He has colored coded all the major keys (there are at least 30 different keys to this place, does Haiti not re-key locks???). He also has been getting the fire started for dinner every night. He has been such a huge help.
Having Carsen here has defiantly made it easier!! Her Creole is way better then she gives herself credit for. Without her I’m not sure I could have done it! She has been helping me unpack, translating, helping with the kids and doing college through on-line classes!! I know she is more then ready to start the next chapter of her life but I sure do appreciate her being here.
I’ve been able to hire a Nanny for the kids, a housekeeper and someone to do the laundry. I’ve never had a “Staff” before so this will be quite an experience.
Well… kids are having a meltdown and I really need to shower!! I’ll try to post more soon. We still don’t have internet so it may be awhile between posts.
Thanks for all your prayers. God is good…all the time!!!
The house we are renting does not have a stove or a refrigerator so we are living out of a cooler and were cooking outside with charcoal until Saturday when I bought a two-burner electric stove. A stove and frig were going to be our first purchase but not any more. We found out this week that the owner of the house has a buyer for it and since we do not have a contract (our request, we wanted to do monthly until we knew for sure that Jody would be stationed in PAP) we have to move. I will start looking for a place tomorrow. I’ve already heard of a few places that are available so hopefully we will find something soon.
Jody made it safely to Virginia Friday night. He sounded good on the phone and seemed to be excited about getting this phase of his life started. He was able to work out his leave for most of the year. There is still a 3 month period that isn’t covered (long story) but we are confident that God will provide a way. He always does!! He was told however that his deployment date has been moved to Mar. 31, 2008. He will go back to California after training is complete and work until his deployment date. He is planning on coming here at the end of Feb. to visit.
The kids seem to be adjusting to the move. Isaiah seemed the happiest as soon as we landed; he got in the warm weather and was giddy! It was really cute to see him respond to Jimmy. We could tell he knew who he was and missed him.
Sutton has been her usually self. It was quite an experience when we arrived at the orphanage though. The Nanny’s heard she was there and 3 very excited, screaming, jumping women met me half way up the stairs. They grabbed Sutton out of my arms and nearly knocked me down the stairs in the process. Poor Sutton had no idea what was happening to her, all these women yelling and crying, kissing her and taking her from me. She was a trooper though, and went with it. No tears, just this look on her face like “Mom, what are these crazy women doing to me?”
Landon had it a little easier. He was behind me and they didn’t see him until most of the commotion died down. He was smothered in kisses and hugs but seemed to love it. He is also adjusting to the move.
Dylan and Kynsley both loved meeting up with their friends at the “O”. Steven and Dylan were playing the piano together within a few minutes of our arrival. Kynsley immediately went to Belle and Mia and did not want to leave the “O”. She has asked repeatedly if they can come spend the night. I’ll have to talk to the board of directors and the adoptive families to see if it’s OK. It would be so fun for all of them to have a big slumber party at our house.
Shane is doing great. He has taken on the role of “safety guy”. He makes sure everything is locked up tight at night and always answers the gate. He has colored coded all the major keys (there are at least 30 different keys to this place, does Haiti not re-key locks???). He also has been getting the fire started for dinner every night. He has been such a huge help.
Having Carsen here has defiantly made it easier!! Her Creole is way better then she gives herself credit for. Without her I’m not sure I could have done it! She has been helping me unpack, translating, helping with the kids and doing college through on-line classes!! I know she is more then ready to start the next chapter of her life but I sure do appreciate her being here.
I’ve been able to hire a Nanny for the kids, a housekeeper and someone to do the laundry. I’ve never had a “Staff” before so this will be quite an experience.
Well… kids are having a meltdown and I really need to shower!! I’ll try to post more soon. We still don’t have internet so it may be awhile between posts.
Thanks for all your prayers. God is good…all the time!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Nou La
We're here. And yes we're all still alive.
Everyone at the O looks great.
We've started unpacking and are doing pretty well.
I've become the family translator. I have a feeling that Dylan and Kynsley will take on that role very soon.
Well, I've got to go, a pile of homework is calling my name.
Again, thanks for the prayers!
Everyone at the O looks great.
We've started unpacking and are doing pretty well.
I've become the family translator. I have a feeling that Dylan and Kynsley will take on that role very soon.
Well, I've got to go, a pile of homework is calling my name.
Again, thanks for the prayers!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
We're in Florida
We sleep here tonight and then fly out tomorrow morning.
No one is dead.
That's about all I can think of.
We're all alive and almost there. Those of you who have ever traveled internationally with loads of children and baggage know that this is an accomplishment.
P.S. I got to speak in three different languages today. That was cool.
No one is dead.
That's about all I can think of.
We're all alive and almost there. Those of you who have ever traveled internationally with loads of children and baggage know that this is an accomplishment.
P.S. I got to speak in three different languages today. That was cool.
Monday, January 21, 2008
It's Official
Carsen here. I'm updating for Mom as she runs around frantically trying to pack the rest of the stuff. Dad is on the computer setting up his UN stuff. Yep, that's right, he got the job! My mom, myself, and all the kids are flying out to Haiti tomorrow. Dad leaves to go to his 10 day training in Virginia on Friday. (Next week, I fly to Michigan.)
It's been crazy around here! However, ear infections are all cleared up, tubs are packed, and all furniture is in storage. We have to leave our house at 3 am tomorrow to make our 7 am flight in Sacramento. We have no beds, so it should be interesting. Pray that the children turn into quiet, attentive, little angels overnight and that all of our patience levels grow exponentially.
I just want to say that none of this would be possible without viewers like you...
oh wait.
None of this would be possible without the Lord! Praise Him for he is good and His love endures forever!
Thank you all for your prayers. :)
It's been crazy around here! However, ear infections are all cleared up, tubs are packed, and all furniture is in storage. We have to leave our house at 3 am tomorrow to make our 7 am flight in Sacramento. We have no beds, so it should be interesting. Pray that the children turn into quiet, attentive, little angels overnight and that all of our patience levels grow exponentially.
I just want to say that none of this would be possible without viewers like you...
oh wait.
None of this would be possible without the Lord! Praise Him for he is good and His love endures forever!
Thank you all for your prayers. :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Another update...sort of!!
Well...
Jody got the phone call for his interview. He's not sure how it went. The guy asked him a few questions and that was it. He was told he should know something by Monday or Tuesday.
I'm going to be really honest here. I have some real fear in my life that I can not let go of!! Fear that at times seems to want to take control. I feel strongly that Jody will get the call from the State Department on Monday and his leave of absence will be granted. But, there are times my mind (ie. Satan) plays tricks on me and starts to say What if...
What if Jody isn't offered the job??
or if he does get offered the job...
What if he isn't granted his leave of absence?
It scares me....Really, really scares me!! I DO NOT want to spend 6-12 months away from my best friend, my support, my husband. I was asked today at church if I was afraid to be in Haiti and the answer is no, it's not Haiti. It's being without Jody that scares me. I'm a better mother, a better friend and a better person over-all when I'm with him. My stress level is always manageable when I know he will be home soon. I need him. PERIOD!! The kids need him.
BUT, I'm trying to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father, I know that God has called us to this. I'm not sure what He will teach us being separated but I know without a doubt that He is the one asking us to go. If Jody doesn't go, there has to be a reason. And God will get us through it, no matter what we want or think or do as long as we stay focused on Him! He is in control and not me. I'm trying really hard to stay strong in my faith but it's not easy.
We had a great sermon on faith today and one thing pastor said really stood out to me. He said,
"Faith is the statement your life makes about God." I want my life to speak clearly that I trust God, that I love God and that I follow Him even when it hurts!! Being separated from Jody will hurt, hurt really bad. And during the dark times, during my weak moments, times that Satan loves to get a hold of me, I have real fear! Fear that makes me question, "Is my faith strong enough". I pray the answer is YES!
Jody got the phone call for his interview. He's not sure how it went. The guy asked him a few questions and that was it. He was told he should know something by Monday or Tuesday.
I'm going to be really honest here. I have some real fear in my life that I can not let go of!! Fear that at times seems to want to take control. I feel strongly that Jody will get the call from the State Department on Monday and his leave of absence will be granted. But, there are times my mind (ie. Satan) plays tricks on me and starts to say What if...
What if Jody isn't offered the job??
or if he does get offered the job...
What if he isn't granted his leave of absence?
It scares me....Really, really scares me!! I DO NOT want to spend 6-12 months away from my best friend, my support, my husband. I was asked today at church if I was afraid to be in Haiti and the answer is no, it's not Haiti. It's being without Jody that scares me. I'm a better mother, a better friend and a better person over-all when I'm with him. My stress level is always manageable when I know he will be home soon. I need him. PERIOD!! The kids need him.
BUT, I'm trying to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father, I know that God has called us to this. I'm not sure what He will teach us being separated but I know without a doubt that He is the one asking us to go. If Jody doesn't go, there has to be a reason. And God will get us through it, no matter what we want or think or do as long as we stay focused on Him! He is in control and not me. I'm trying really hard to stay strong in my faith but it's not easy.
We had a great sermon on faith today and one thing pastor said really stood out to me. He said,
"Faith is the statement your life makes about God." I want my life to speak clearly that I trust God, that I love God and that I follow Him even when it hurts!! Being separated from Jody will hurt, hurt really bad. And during the dark times, during my weak moments, times that Satan loves to get a hold of me, I have real fear! Fear that makes me question, "Is my faith strong enough". I pray the answer is YES!
Friday, January 11, 2008
An update... sort of
The last few days have been quite stressful around the Gray house. As you can see from our countdown there isn't much time left until the kids and I leave for Haiti. As of right now, we still do not know if and when Jody will be deployed.
Jody did receive word today that he will be contacted sometime in the next 48 hours for a phone interview to determine if he is a suitable match for the next training and deployment (training starts Jan 25th). At least we know he is still being considered! BUT, it is going to be an interesting 48 hours as we wait for that call. Please, continue to pray for us. We really need it right now! Thanks!
Jody did receive word today that he will be contacted sometime in the next 48 hours for a phone interview to determine if he is a suitable match for the next training and deployment (training starts Jan 25th). At least we know he is still being considered! BUT, it is going to be an interesting 48 hours as we wait for that call. Please, continue to pray for us. We really need it right now! Thanks!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Scary Early morning wake-up
So the headlines on MSN read, "Winter storm hits California" and boy they weren't kidding!! Friday morning I woke up to the sound of a freight train coming through my house!! Only, it wasn't a freight train but the wind! I have never heard wind like that before, I seriously thought our bedroom window was going to break in on us. The wind, rain and thunder also woke Isaiah, Dylan and Landon up. It was around 5:45 am. I got up with the boys and turned on some cartoons, but unfortunately the power went out about 5 minutes later. As the boys and I sat in the dark I glanced out my back window and noticed a flickering light. At the same time the power came back on so I didn't think anything about it. UNTIL, I went into our bedroom to get a sweatshirt and smelled smoke. I went back out to the family room and looked in the yard again. I did see what looked like a reflection off the back of my neighbors jeep that looked like light flickering. I opened the back door and realized I DID smell smoke. I put some shoes on and went out front. My neighbor was standing in the middle of the street watching a fire that was burning on the side of his house. OH MY GOSH!! I made sure he was OK and that the neighbor on the other side of him was also out of the house and safe. As I headed back into my house to wake Jody I saw embers landing on our roof!
I woke Jody up, then went to get Carsen and Shane up to help get shoes and jackets on the little kids in case we needed to evacuate. Within minutes the fire department arrived and the fire was put out. It appears that a tree between the 2 houses was hit by lightening and caught fire right next to a gas line. When the tree collapsed it caught the gas line on fire as well. Praise God that the fire department was quick to respond and the fire was put out as fast as it was. And that it was raining as hard as it was, which kept our roof from being ignited!! It could have been a horrible situation!
About an hour later, we lost power again and it was out for 3 hours. It was a long, cold morning with not enough sleep! But, we were protected and are now safe and sound!
I woke Jody up, then went to get Carsen and Shane up to help get shoes and jackets on the little kids in case we needed to evacuate. Within minutes the fire department arrived and the fire was put out. It appears that a tree between the 2 houses was hit by lightening and caught fire right next to a gas line. When the tree collapsed it caught the gas line on fire as well. Praise God that the fire department was quick to respond and the fire was put out as fast as it was. And that it was raining as hard as it was, which kept our roof from being ignited!! It could have been a horrible situation!
About an hour later, we lost power again and it was out for 3 hours. It was a long, cold morning with not enough sleep! But, we were protected and are now safe and sound!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
I truly DO NOT like people who whine, so if you are anything like me you may want to skip this post. I plan on whining quite a bit.
First, a question... who thought it was a good idea to have 2 full weeks off of school in the middle of winter, when it is raining (and even snowing), when it is too cold to spend the day outside??? It could not have been a mother of 7 who is trying to pack 20 years of married "stuff". Especially one who is trying to put everything into 3 categories, 1) storage, 2) Charity and 3) 16- 50 lb. tubs to take to Haiti.
The charity part is pretty easy for me, we have wanted to purge for years. It's the tubs and storage that are causing all the problems. A lot of the stuff I need to take or put in storage we still need to live for the next 3 weeks. Things like our beds, couches, the TV, the dressers which all need to go in storage and sheets, towels, kitchen stuff, which all need to be packed for Haiti. Then I have to decide what do I take?? What can I buy there?? What can I live without?? How do you move a family of 9 to a third world country with only 16 tubs??? When I start whining about it, I feel a little guilty. I know there are missionary's all over the world who would LOVE to have 16 tubs of their own belongings. I know I'm being very "American" in my thinking, people live with way less then we can take with us all the time. I KNOW!!!! But, it doesn't seem to stop the war being waged in my head!
On top of it all, the kids are home from school, several have colds (me included), Isaiah has double ear infections and when we leave Carsen will be heading to live in a state I've never been, going to school somewhere I've never seen and I will only see her when she has the time. The next 3 weeks are probably the last 3 she will ever live with us. I'm profoundly sad about this fact. I mean, I know it's what we are meant to do. Raise them up right so they can go out and do the things God is calling them to do. But, it still stings a bit! She is my firstborn; she is my "baby". It was actually easier for me to send her to Haiti for 7 months. I knew she would be coming home, I knew I would see her regularly. But, this isn't just a new chapter in our lives; this is a whole new book!! Her book, not ours. This is the time in every mother’s life that we work so hard to get to yet dread it when it happens.
And, it doesn’t help that Jody still has not received official word about the job. His stress level is pretty high, making mine even higher!!
OK, I think I’m done whining now. Sorry to inflict that on all of you. I actually feel a little better!! Now, it’s back to packing, UGH!
First, a question... who thought it was a good idea to have 2 full weeks off of school in the middle of winter, when it is raining (and even snowing), when it is too cold to spend the day outside??? It could not have been a mother of 7 who is trying to pack 20 years of married "stuff". Especially one who is trying to put everything into 3 categories, 1) storage, 2) Charity and 3) 16- 50 lb. tubs to take to Haiti.
The charity part is pretty easy for me, we have wanted to purge for years. It's the tubs and storage that are causing all the problems. A lot of the stuff I need to take or put in storage we still need to live for the next 3 weeks. Things like our beds, couches, the TV, the dressers which all need to go in storage and sheets, towels, kitchen stuff, which all need to be packed for Haiti. Then I have to decide what do I take?? What can I buy there?? What can I live without?? How do you move a family of 9 to a third world country with only 16 tubs??? When I start whining about it, I feel a little guilty. I know there are missionary's all over the world who would LOVE to have 16 tubs of their own belongings. I know I'm being very "American" in my thinking, people live with way less then we can take with us all the time. I KNOW!!!! But, it doesn't seem to stop the war being waged in my head!
On top of it all, the kids are home from school, several have colds (me included), Isaiah has double ear infections and when we leave Carsen will be heading to live in a state I've never been, going to school somewhere I've never seen and I will only see her when she has the time. The next 3 weeks are probably the last 3 she will ever live with us. I'm profoundly sad about this fact. I mean, I know it's what we are meant to do. Raise them up right so they can go out and do the things God is calling them to do. But, it still stings a bit! She is my firstborn; she is my "baby". It was actually easier for me to send her to Haiti for 7 months. I knew she would be coming home, I knew I would see her regularly. But, this isn't just a new chapter in our lives; this is a whole new book!! Her book, not ours. This is the time in every mother’s life that we work so hard to get to yet dread it when it happens.
And, it doesn’t help that Jody still has not received official word about the job. His stress level is pretty high, making mine even higher!!
OK, I think I’m done whining now. Sorry to inflict that on all of you. I actually feel a little better!! Now, it’s back to packing, UGH!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Exciting News
It is official.... we are moving to HAITI!!
Jody has not received "official" word when the training starts but has been told "not to make any plans after Jan 25, 2008" and "to be ready to go at that time". We feel confident from the conversations Jody has had with the people in charge of hiring and deployment that Jody will be in the next training and subsequent deployment. We took a Leap of Faith and are finalizing our move. Whether or not Jody is deployed immediately, Isaiah has to be back in Haiti by Feb. 13, 2008 when his medical visa expires which means we all have to be back. We agreed when we pursued the medical visa that even if the job fell through the kids and I would move to Haiti when Isaiah went back and stay there until his adoption is done. We feel strongly that it would not be fair to him to put him back in the orphanage after living with his family for 3 months.
Tickets are purchased for the kids and I (we leave on Jan 22, 2008), a house is rented (well, almost, we are working on finalizing it now) and the packing is in full swing.
Things are coming together but we still need prayer! We appreciate the prayer that has been offered for us, it is making a difference and we can feel it! All the prayer warriors in our life are keeping us afloat and we thank you!
Jody has not received "official" word when the training starts but has been told "not to make any plans after Jan 25, 2008" and "to be ready to go at that time". We feel confident from the conversations Jody has had with the people in charge of hiring and deployment that Jody will be in the next training and subsequent deployment. We took a Leap of Faith and are finalizing our move. Whether or not Jody is deployed immediately, Isaiah has to be back in Haiti by Feb. 13, 2008 when his medical visa expires which means we all have to be back. We agreed when we pursued the medical visa that even if the job fell through the kids and I would move to Haiti when Isaiah went back and stay there until his adoption is done. We feel strongly that it would not be fair to him to put him back in the orphanage after living with his family for 3 months.
Tickets are purchased for the kids and I (we leave on Jan 22, 2008), a house is rented (well, almost, we are working on finalizing it now) and the packing is in full swing.
Things are coming together but we still need prayer! We appreciate the prayer that has been offered for us, it is making a difference and we can feel it! All the prayer warriors in our life are keeping us afloat and we thank you!
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