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!

Kiara says..

Hi everyone!!! I am doing a guest post on Mommy's blog today! I am 10 weeks old now and getting chubby. Mommy tells people I'm like playing doll. She thinks I'm so sweet and cute and I hardly ever cry. Unless she puts me down. I don't like that! Sometimes when she picks me up I like to make her feel like I'm really miffed by sniffing a bit before I'm quiet. Mommy thinks that's cute too!

I get to be in mommy's moby when we go away. I like it there, all tucked in and close to mommy. I feel safe and secure.

Right now Uncle Mark and Aunt Lois are here visiting us. It's been grand!! Aunt Lois is spoiling me rotten with all her holding  me. 

Almost everyone thinks I look like Kayte, or my daday. Mommy is proud about that. She thinks my daddy is very handsome. 

I often settle into sleep around 7 or soon after, and only wake up about one time, around 3 or 4. Mommy thinks I'm awesome about that. 

My life is full of sunshine, siblings clamering to hold me, lots of kisses from mommy and sometimes a bumpy trip to Port.  I'm happy you stopped by to see how I've grown and a little bit about my life.