Hello from Wisconsin,

Well, we have been really busy since we came to the states, so I apologize for not getting on here sooner.  I have to tell you, when we return to Haiti, people ask "how was your vacation?"....that is not how it goes here.  There are so many people we want to see and so many things to do while we are here, that vacation doesn't fit in. We did get one jaunt that was fun though.  We'll share it all with you, but not sure if it will be in order or not.

First I want to share our first week in Wisconsin with you.  We were blessed to have a couple from church offer the use of a fantastic home... out in the woods, away from all activity and stress.  BUT... we stayed there only one night.  The next day we ended up in the emergency room with Don.  We had come out early for him to see the doctor about his hernia.  The day before his appointment, the pain was so severe, we headed in to the hospital.  The doctors debated between immediate surgery, or waiting for the next morning.  When the pain eased off, it was decided the next morning.  Then the really amazing thing came about.  After the surgery, the doctor sent Don back to our daughter's with pain meds.  He never even took an aspirin after the surgery.  He never had ANY pain and is totally recovered and doing great!!  The Lord surely walks before, with and around us!!!  

Now, on to the pictures I'd like to share.....

This first picture is something very special to me, that is why I wanted to put it here.  When we came out, our daughter gave this to me.  I thought it was depicting her and me.  Then she said, "Mom the bigger hand is yours.  The smaller one is all the Haitian babies you have taken in.  And the heart is because you have loved all of them." Needless to say I cried.  Being away from our kids is hard on me, as it would be for any mom.  But I never wanted them to think our "heart" (or Haitian) babies took their place, or the place of our grandkids or great-grandkids.  Most of our kids have always considered Vero and Abbie part of the family.  But I wasn't sure about our "heart babies" and how they were viewed.  So this necklace really means to world to me!!

One of the first things when we arrived in Wisconsin was the graduation of our grandson.  He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. He started school at age 3 and graduated at age 21.  He spent 18 years in school.  The graduation was awesome.  As normal, they asked everyone to please hold applause until all students were finished. I didn't count but there was somewhere near 300 graduates. (a lot more than I originally thought).  Donny was near the middle of the group.  The principle pushed him up the ramp, and Donny got on his walker.  When he was handed his diploma, applause started (and Christine, his mom, started crying) then when people stood up, she started bawling.  Donny simply smiled and looked out.  Then everyone sat down and the ceremony continued.  The principle said, "yes, EVERYONE knows Donny".  He is so outgoing and doesn't consider anyone a stranger.  Yup, proud grandpa and grandma!! 

At his graduation party, two of Christine's co-workers brought him a money shirt.  It was such a unique gift!  Donny was thrilled with it.  He looked at me and said, "Gramma, I can take you out to eat!"  Sweet, but that is not where it is going.  He is saving for a special bicycle.

We traveled to the next town south of us to go to a flea market.  This picture was taken in one of the buildings and there were a LOT of animals for Donny to check out.  Our son Dale takes him every other Saturday for shopping and a time out.  This time we all went together, including his brother, Chris, behind Dale.

 One of our blessings is being able to spend some time with family.  We enjoyed a good time with Don's sister, and with his niece and her husband.

 Our trip with Christine's family was a great day.  We went to Wisconsin Dells, but not for boat rides or sightseeing.  We spent a bit of time in the Outlet Mall.  Donny got a Build-A-Bear, actually he got Toothless, from "How to Train a Dragon".  He sure enjoyed doing that.  Then we went for lunch to a place called Buffalo Phil's.  Wow, that was really fantastic.  Here is the entrance.  And all through the place the chandlers were these same type things. 

 Then we were seated and what an experience.  A train delivered our food and drinks. We had a time getting Donny to eat.  The train passed our booth with every order that came out for everyone.  When there were no orders to deliver, the fellow manning the switches would send it out and slow WAY down by Donny.  They had Elmo and Minnie Mouse on some of the cars when.  Between the two sets of tracks (where it went around the end of the center part), was a village and it was so neat.  I know the picture is hard to see, but the sun was shining so bright it was hard to catch it all.

  The first couple of days when we first arrived from Haiti, we spent in Florida.  We were privileged to be a part of a celebration, of sorts.  Missionary Flights (MFI) was honoring our departing vice-president.  He was leaving to become the president of another mission.  It had been a long, hard decision.  We will ALL miss Harold so much, but he was following the Lord's leading in going on this new adventure.  This first photo is Joe and Wendy Karabensh.  He is our president and a good friend. (Has a beautiful wife, doesn't he?) 

 This is the Harold Martin family.  He, and his family, will be really missed at MFI.  They are a wonderful Christian family.  Prayerfully we won't lose touch with them as they journey on.  There were many wonderful reports from co-workers, and friends. Even some "roasting" took place, but all in fun and we sure were pleased and honored to be a part of this event.

 Here is Joe, with Harold and Larry.  Larry was the main "roaster" at the event.  He kept everyone, including Harold laughing.

 In case I haven't mentioned it before (or only a few times maybe?)...flying with MFI is an awesome experience.  Our 1940 era DC-3's are probably the best maintained aircraft in the air.  And we have the best pilots there are!!  Yup, I'm a bit prejudiced. But I would rather fly with them than any other aircraft.  And the views when you fly with them are the best there are!!

 We'll be leaving Wisconsin in a bit over a week, heading to Florida for a short stay then it will be back to Haiti.  I haven't even touched a corner of what we have done while stateside, but just wanted to share a quick (well not so quick) overview of some of the highlights.  

We do ask that you continue to pray for us.  For the Lord to work in us to do His will and to follow where He leads.  To be the willing servants He has asked us to be.  And above all, to be open to His leading and to sharing His Grace and Love with others.

When I saw the following picture, I thought of Savanah and the adoption process.  We still pray the Lord would bring it about soon, but this makes me think.... I should be willing to wait on His timing and just keep praying.

 

For now, I'll close and pray that you are in that place where you can simply pray, believing God will work all things out for your good, IN HIS TIME!!