Thanksgiving

I didn't think it was a big deal, having no Thanksgiving plans and treating the day as a normal day. Last year we took the day off... had guests and even a pretty traditional meal. It was great!
We've had a busy last weekend and we are anticipating some long awaited company on Friday. We will spend the day preparing and getting one more day of school in.

As I look at my friends decorating their beautiful tables, carving turkey, and counting their blessings,  I need to focus. I may not be with family,  and we won't be eating turkey, but we CAN count blessings!!!

We've been given another year to live here in Haiti.

We have a healthy happy almost 12 month old baby girl who has brought us SO MUCH JOY  this past year.

We have learned more Creole and are able to communicate better than we ever have.

We are loving our home school days....

The sun dried our laundry today. Huge blessing!!!!

We are not forgotten. Not by our family. Not by our God. He is our Faithful Loving Father and we are honored to see how He has brought us to where we are. And where He will lead us.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'all. Let's be full of thanks every single day.

A peek into our schoolday…

We are beginning to get a rhythm to our days, and  they sure are rolling along! This week i figured out if we keep it up, we will finish school the first week of March. Ahhhh, i believe i can relax abit. As a first time homeschool mom with 4 grades, plus a preschooler and babe to care for, I think I felt like if we didn’t keep the ship super tight we would quickly fall overboard, esp with visitors and so many unexpected things that can come up here. So, I am thankful. Its always easier to let out some slack than to have to pull it in.

We aim to be in class by 8:00. If we are all working together, we can have a hot breakfast together and the house tidy before we head downstairs. Jess does a great job with helping to see this happens. (I married UP!) Sometimes, tho, he has hospital runs to I didn’t get up when i should have, and we scramble.

We are using CLE for Math, Language Arts, Bible and Reading. History is Living Threads, and Science is a BJU dvd course.

I set the childrens goals a week ( or sometimes several weeks) ahead of time. They each know what is expected of their day,and it helps motivate them to be able to check off each subject as they finish it, and double check it when it is corrected.

Jess is great at meeting with them for recess. Right now “high water, low water” is the game of choice. We are getting some pretty good jumpers around here!

                                                                         

We try to be finished with our main subjects by noon. We often get our rice and beans, or whatever is on the menu, from the school canteen. Around 12:15 we meet on the porch to get some Vitamin B and to continue our journey around the world, in History.

Chores happen from 1pm –2 pm, after which the children have some free time til Science class at 4.  I’m still learning so much, and I am thankful for the coaches that give me imput. I am grateful.

Some things I didn’t know before we began this journey are:

I didn’t know I had time.

I didn’t know I would ever enjoy it so much; i didn’t think i was a teacher.

I didn’t know I would be so excited to teach a first grader to read. Its incredible!

I didn’t know how much teachers put into a classroom.

But I am seeing so clearly that when God wants to show us His power, He will. When  we feel like we can’t do something, He will enable us by His grace and HIS strength todo that hard thing. Not only does He enable us todo it, HE gives us JOY in it all. I embrace this season with gratitude. He again, has proven FAITHFUL.

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                                            

I started to write about furlough, til I realized I had never posted more pictures from my trip in August. It was truly a gift to spend a few days with my mom and sisters, and now that we can look back, we realize God had that time away planned perfectly. Little did I know I would come back and do something I thought I could never do; homeschool!!  So the break was perfect. Leaving my mom and sisters was probably one of THE HARDEST things in moving here. Hats off to my friend Rhonda for letting Zoey spend time with her and her girls, and for Jess, for being Dad and mom to the rest while I was gone. Thank you Becca, for what you did too!

My Mama.....One of the dearest and most generous people I know.

Uncle Ave and Aunt Mimi.... and my "sister" Ericca

                                        

The beauty of stillness, with fresh clean air and this amazing garden did my soul a lot of good.

                                       

Of course we bugged around in Bentley!!!!

                                              

                                              

We sure surprised Grandma! She had no idea we were coming. FUN FUN!

                                                                          

Mum... and ice cream. Its a wonderful world.....      

                                        

Thanks Aunt Ida, for having us over and giving us opportunity to see Grandma. Treasured moments...

                    

                                                             

Jorden watching Pa from the window, and later, getting a ride. I LOVE the smiles on this pic. These two in their element!

                                           

Uncle Nate knows just what to do to make little boys laugh.

                                                                            

What do I say about this, but WOW. They came in on the train, all the way from Ohio just to see me. I felt very very honored.

You can see. My life is full, blessed, and I am very very grateful. So many people who pour into our lives, and we treasure you!

I know God planned this trip for me, cause when I got back God took us into a whole new journey we didn't know was coming...

but that's next post. :)

Of plants and swings… porches and things…

In the spaces of time, where I  need to think and ponder and exhale some creativity, I often wander

to the soil, and get my hands on something green and living. Often that includes some fabric or paint

somehow (just how does that happen?!) and soon I feel rejuvenated and my porch or whatever space i

am in has been refreshed too.

                                                                                                                                                                       

My latest love… succulents! My sister has had them

for awhile, and while i enjoyed seeing hers i was kinda…. meh.

But aren’t they the cutest little guys?!

Lemon Grass  is great for spikes,

and it smells amazing too! I have made tea once,

but it tasted like i was drinking a household cleaner.

I’ll have to see about working on that one

See that little Caladium hiding in there? My mom sent me some

bulbs and i am LOVING them!

The picture on the right shows coleaus from my Mom –in –laws garden…. as well

as some from my Moms pots.

So special!

Another time, another post….

my little secret garden.

Food and Friends

While ya'll talk about hitting the next coffee joint for a little time away, I smile and be happy for you, because that simply isn't an option for me. (Ok. Sometimes I swallow a little jealousy too)

So on Friday evening I just felt like I needed to get away abit. Alone. A week of teaching school, keeping house, and Jess was quite busy this week. So I decided to look up a friend and visit a bit. Its always good for my language skills.

Well, I was in for a surprise. She was deep into food preparation for a late night meal. On the menu? Fish, Lobster, Banan and Pikle'  and a yummy salad too.   I really enjoyed joining in on Kreyol conversation, food prep and laughter as we worked together. Meeting a new friend from near Paris, France was really special.

Fish for supper!

Saturday morning goat butchering. Sometimes its better if I don't see

my food being prepared.. for sure not this stage of it!:)

Saturday morning breakfast;

Pancakes (made by Josh)  Cinnamon Rolls, Eggs with peppers and onions

Papaya and Avocado

It was a beautiful Saturday morning.

My friends from Atalnta Ga. and Paris France

A New School Year.....

----School-----

2016-2017

The children enjoyed their school year, and their teacher,

Miss Maria Landis. Thank you, so much, Miss Maria,

for all the time and energy you put into school.

You will be missed!

------School----

Summer 2017

Lynita Kauffman came and spent about 7 weeks here with us.

She did school about 3 mornings a week, and started

our first books for the new year (a GREAT idea from Miss Maria)

The first books are actually a review, so it was perfect for summer AND for propelling us

into the new year.

After spending a lot of the summer praying and asking  for wisdom, Miss Maria

decided that God was asking her to stay home this year.

We never thought we would homeschool, but we stepped out in faith, and

here we are, into week 7 of our new year. 

I am enjoying it more than I ever thought possible.

HE IS FAITHFUL!

This time in our lives is proving to be good for us as we work even closer as a

family. The children are learning to do chores and work together, even more than before.

----SCHOOL----

2017-2018

Jess did a super good job of helping me prep the classroom. We made the desks into

more "office" type, and did some painting.

I am looking forward to getting some wall décor up

some day soon.

Kayte is in first grade, but we are taking her slowly. First grade is a really foundational

grade, and I want to make sure she gets it well. Jorden enjoys coloring at the little corner,

and listening in to Kaytes classes. For now, Kiara spends the mornings at her Haitian

Aunts house. For her, its fun AND creole class:)

I am excited about this season. His grace is sufficient, and His strength very real.

Anyone that knows me well knows this is not me. Its God.

"......For I know whate're befalls me Jesus doeth all things well"

Succulents and coffee

How is it that such simple beauty can quiet the mind and give such a slice of joy to a perfectly normal hour of the day?? I don't know exactly,  but I cannot deny the    treasure they are for my day. Right here in the normal, mundane.

Sisters

Popping by to share one of my top favorite pictures from my surprise visit home to see my family...

This one speaks so many words.

My sisters and I have grown up.doing everything together: canning, sewing, babysitting for each other and not to mention the cups of coffee . ...

From July 2016-July 2017 we've all had a baby. But an ocean separated us. Jess gifted me with a trip home and wow. What a fun fun time!!!!

More pictures coming.....:)

INTERNET

The last five months have been full, fulfilling, busy, and honestly, without internet we probably did read, play games, as well as spend time standing at the window where there was just enough service to send WhatsApp messages. A voluntary fast is good, a forced one can leave you kicking at times, or, simply, feeling resigned to what was totally beyond our control.

After the hurricane in October, we lost cell service. In January, our satalite went out and we haven't had proper internet since. We had limped along using the schools WIFI for awhile, but it was very undependable and didn't have a lot of allowance. When that went out, well, life goes on and you adjust, almost:) Positioning your phone at the window, (or a few other select spots in the house) became a norm; I took for granted that I could chat with my mom, sisters,  and friends from the sofa, porch, or while I am sewing. Trust me, I wrote LOTS of blogs during the last few months, in my mind.:)


This week we got our internet back. So I will try to update you here, but it might take a few posts:)

Having sweet cousins visit is pretty special!

The winter was full of  friends and family, visiting. We felt so supported and loved by each one who took the time off work, energy, and put so much thought into blessing  and supporting us. We feel your love!!! Thank you to Joel & Mary Landis and family, Mark & Lois Myer, Devin, Annalise, and Alissa, Beryl Landis for supporting Maria and your visit, Daryl & Ivy Peachey and my niece and nephews!!! Grandpa and Grandma Myer, Aunt Ida and cousin Kristen, Jeff & Marj Hartzler and family. We made so many memories, and I know that you all showing up gave us energy and encouragement  to keep on in what God has called us to down here.

Of all the places this guy couldn't have stopped to pose, you

gotta say he's pretty concerned about color coordination!

Another highlight was Jess driving over the mountains and through the rivers to bring Rhonda, her 11 children, and Les and Ida here for a weekend. We had arranged it at Christmas, and we had such a fun time giving back some hospitality to those who have served us in their home many times! 

Having my Aunt Ida and cousin Kristen

here were a highlight. Ida treated the little

guy on the left for a badly burnt foot.

I enjoy helping with things like that, but

he took a lot of time, and many bandage

changes.

The children enjoyed their new ciriculam and their teacher, Miss Maria.  Jess and  I enjoyed joining them for their first break, and we got some Haitian students into jumping rope too. They beat us all in the high jump! School had started later, so when Miss Maria went home the end of May, we still had a few lessons to finish. We welcomed our friend, and "summer school" teacher, Lynita, the end of May as well, and she finished out the year, and continued with school three days a week. Lynita also helped with whatever needed done around the house, did ALOT of sewing for me. (school uniforms are almost finished for next year, thanks to her!) and we had fun doing market, a trip to Terrre Rouge, and beach outings together too.

After Lynita left on June 5, we became the sole "whites" here. I am continuing summer school, and thanks to God, its going better than I anticipated! We do about 3 mornings a week, enough to maintain and "drip" school so they don't fall into that slump students so often face during summer. I'm enjoying the time with them, and even Jorden and Kiara have adjusted to the schedule surprisingly well!

Jess and I have talked about how good summer is.... its QUIET. With the school here being out, ( and that means hundreds of students aren't here) the Dorcas Center being closed, it feels like a good time to do some odd projects, and do special things too. Jess and some of the garden workers did a beautiful garden in  the back of the compound that was basically brush and scrub. When the banans, moringa trees, eggplant, redbeets, cabbage, tomatoes, pineapple, papaya, beans, and coffee get bigger it'll look a lot different.

How could I have forgotten the Agriculutre Confrence that was held here in June? With about 100 attendees and 30 staff and teachers, the week was full and enriching to all who were here to learn more about donkey training, growing various fruits and veggies, trees, and many many other things.

Jess and the garden guys were busy preparing the garden inside the compound. They got a lot done, but I think it simply was a start, and that already there are plans and dreams for what it may look like next year. A garden is always a work in progress,no?

Getting pictures on here is a little feat I need to learn to master. Bear with me.. hopefully I'll get more soon...

Kiara... 3 months and 8 months. Such a joy to our family!