Whew... it's so hard to remember everything. I think it'll be easier once I can get pics uploaded, but for now - today's quick recap was that we went to the clinic to help distribute anti-parasite medication, take care of the sick, and give vitamins and just help. We have a nurse and a PA here this trip so it was great.
Also, Gabby was sooo sweet. He brought me a coconut that he cut out of a tree and then opened for me with a machete. I shoulda got a picture, but he sent it into the clinic with someone else, and they said "Kesa, gift from Gabby"...lol They all call me Kesa, which means "what" or "why" in Creole. It's funny... because they always ask what is my name... and I say "Kisha" and then they say... what is your name again...lol thinking that I am asking them "what".... lol
Anyway laptop is dying and it's almost dinner time, So I'll be back soon! :)
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Haiti day 2/3
Just a quick update because my laptop is dead and I need to grab a shower before the tap/tap comes to take us back to the church for dinner. There's a wedding at the hotel tonight so I might not be able to be in the lobby/common area for the wi-fi access later....
Today we distributed the remaining Sponsor gifts, and then to the kids who aren't sponsored. Currently, Restore haiti/restoration ministries is feeding over 400 children daily, of which only approx 300 are sponsored. The rest are sponsored by the church until individual/family sponsors are found. After those 100 or so kids on the priority list, there's an additional 150 kids on the 'waiting' list... and then... *sigh* there are dozens, and dozens, and simply dozens of kids who aren't even on the waiting list yet. Sooo much need!
I was really inspired today, walking back to the church with one of the other team members, who is a lot younger than I am, says she sponsors (5) kids! Five! Wow... that just blew me away. Another girl, age 18, has a sponsor child her same age, they are practically in 'college' together!
After the gifts we had feeding program. Two batches of kids, over 200 in each shift. It was huge. Sooo much organized chaos. Can't wait to get to a better internet connection to load up the pics. We had the most amazing rice, and chicken legs... soooo good!
Anyway - laptop is dying, I need a shower, and I will update more as I can!
Love to all!
Kisha
Today we distributed the remaining Sponsor gifts, and then to the kids who aren't sponsored. Currently, Restore haiti/restoration ministries is feeding over 400 children daily, of which only approx 300 are sponsored. The rest are sponsored by the church until individual/family sponsors are found. After those 100 or so kids on the priority list, there's an additional 150 kids on the 'waiting' list... and then... *sigh* there are dozens, and dozens, and simply dozens of kids who aren't even on the waiting list yet. Sooo much need!
I was really inspired today, walking back to the church with one of the other team members, who is a lot younger than I am, says she sponsors (5) kids! Five! Wow... that just blew me away. Another girl, age 18, has a sponsor child her same age, they are practically in 'college' together!
After the gifts we had feeding program. Two batches of kids, over 200 in each shift. It was huge. Sooo much organized chaos. Can't wait to get to a better internet connection to load up the pics. We had the most amazing rice, and chicken legs... soooo good!
Anyway - laptop is dying, I need a shower, and I will update more as I can!
Love to all!
Kisha
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Haiti - day 1
We're here! Wow that was quite the trip. Up at 3am, off to the airport by 3:45, checked in by 4:30.. thru security no problems. Except for Juli's toxic candle which had to go thru the scanner twice... oh and my mini pat down because my belt is actually attached to my pants and i couldn't take it off.
We landed in Newark no problems, had about an hour layover and then off to PAP (Port au Prince). We landed in PAP around 1:30, and ran into a few minor hiccups. Of course, Customs is always nuts. So many people, so hot, no air conditioning, and barely enough carts. Then once you get thru, get your bags and get outside, it's so hard to figure out who works at the airlines, and who might try to take off with your bags. Juli has a friend "Wilber" who hangs around the airport helping the Blanc's (whites) get their bags into the right cars, and into the right hands. He knows all the staff at Restoration Ministries, and our vans/tap taps, so he stayed with us because Jean Mary (Marie) was late to pick us up... but after about an hour or so he comes sauntering along looking like the Old spice guy (and sounds like him too!). The other thing was that we (3) from NY were to wait at the airport for the rest of the team flying in from Nashville, which were late, and delayed. So we hung out at the PAP airport until 6pm. Then we could finally pack all of our things, and all of the toys and gifts for the kids into the vans and head (3) hrs over the mountains to the Hotel. After a quick stop, we ran up to the church for dinner, and then back to the hotel. We are staying at LeVya Hotel in Jacmel. It's much bigger, more modern and very pretty compared to the loving light, but water, electricity, and internet are not nearly as reliable... so it's kind of a "get it while you can" situation. Seems like we "have" it right now! LOL
Well I won't give you a complete play by play, and since pictures tell a better story than words, here are a few pics from the day - which was incredible. Up at 6, out by 7:30 for breakfast, and then sorting and distributing Sponsored kids toys. We did that till about 1:30, broke for lunch, and now back at the hotel for a few hours of rest... and then back to the church for a concert they have prepared for us. Great great day.
Best part? I'm rooming w/my previous room mate Sarah Ross. LOVE her, and MISSED her big time!
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| Wilber - the Blanc Helper! |
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| Jean Mary coming to pick us up :) |
We landed in Newark no problems, had about an hour layover and then off to PAP (Port au Prince). We landed in PAP around 1:30, and ran into a few minor hiccups. Of course, Customs is always nuts. So many people, so hot, no air conditioning, and barely enough carts. Then once you get thru, get your bags and get outside, it's so hard to figure out who works at the airlines, and who might try to take off with your bags. Juli has a friend "Wilber" who hangs around the airport helping the Blanc's (whites) get their bags into the right cars, and into the right hands. He knows all the staff at Restoration Ministries, and our vans/tap taps, so he stayed with us because Jean Mary (Marie) was late to pick us up... but after about an hour or so he comes sauntering along looking like the Old spice guy (and sounds like him too!). The other thing was that we (3) from NY were to wait at the airport for the rest of the team flying in from Nashville, which were late, and delayed. So we hung out at the PAP airport until 6pm. Then we could finally pack all of our things, and all of the toys and gifts for the kids into the vans and head (3) hrs over the mountains to the Hotel. After a quick stop, we ran up to the church for dinner, and then back to the hotel. We are staying at LeVya Hotel in Jacmel. It's much bigger, more modern and very pretty compared to the loving light, but water, electricity, and internet are not nearly as reliable... so it's kind of a "get it while you can" situation. Seems like we "have" it right now! LOL
Well I won't give you a complete play by play, and since pictures tell a better story than words, here are a few pics from the day - which was incredible. Up at 6, out by 7:30 for breakfast, and then sorting and distributing Sponsored kids toys. We did that till about 1:30, broke for lunch, and now back at the hotel for a few hours of rest... and then back to the church for a concert they have prepared for us. Great great day.
Best part? I'm rooming w/my previous room mate Sarah Ross. LOVE her, and MISSED her big time!
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| my favorite haitian boy - Gabby! |
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| Artie and his sister, opening their presents for Fete Noel :) |
Monday, December 26, 2011
Less than 12 hrs!
I can hardly believe that in less than 12 hours I will be on a plane bound for Haiti. Well... technically NJ first, then Haiti. I can hardly believe that in about 19 hrs i will be able to hug my dear friends from Nashville, and in 24 hrs I will be hugging on my dear friends from Jacmel! God is so incredibly good to me.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
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| Really thrilled with my new crock pot! |
Saturday, December 24, 2011
been waiting a whole week
to post this beautiful picture. And now that it's officially "Christmas Eve", I can! It says so much to me, since I'm such a Jesus freak, and a Santa fan :) No matter where you stand on the Christmas season, remember to celebrate the true reason for our parties, and gift giving, and spending time together. It's to celebrate the birth of our Christ, our Savior, our prince, Emmanuel - God with us. He is truly the most incredible, amazing gift we can ever receive. I'm so thankful.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ever heard that saying?
"One day you'll have kids, & I hope they turn out just like you!!"
Am I the only one on the planet who thinks this sounds more like a threat and a curse? Is that what's meant when you say this to your kids? Cause... I read it on FB the other day, and it got me thinking... I've got a son, who will be 20 next month. (Ain't he handsome?) And I was like, you know... I really DO hope he has kids who are just like him...and hopefully better!
I love my kiddo. He's smart, he's funny and makes me laugh all the time. He's attentive, and considerate. Thoughtful, friendly, sociable, kind, and caring. He is chivalrous, and generous. He's talented, creative and artistic. He is, exactly the sort of young man I hoped he would be when he was younger.
We've had our share of parent/child arguments, we've had our share of frustrations, on his part and on mine. But you know... having grown up in a non-peaceful home, the one thing I always said when he was young, and through his 'tween', and then his younger 'teenage' years was that "Our Home would NOT be a war zone, his teenage years will be the best of our lives together, we will have peace and harmony".
I have to believe that this is true, because of what I decreed over our lives for years, before we got there. I can personally testify to the fact that whenever people would 'warn' me about different seasons, and stages of our lives...Oh you know "oh you're in the terrible twos now, or oh you know those sneaky pre-teens, or those back talking teenagers" I'd just respond - these are the best days of our lives together! We will have peace and harmony!
And I have to say, as I reflect back on this year in particular, with all the changes and challenges that have come up, and with my kiddo leaving his teens, and entering into his more 'grown up' phase of life, I'm pretty darn proud.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Here's a yummy
No bake holiday treat! :)
They are called HayStacks, and are so easy to make and sooo incredibly yummy!
What you need is:
1/2 cup of peanut butter (smooth)
1 Cup of Butterscotch chips
2 Cups of potato stix (available at the Grocery store, in the chips aisle, near the chex mix)
So in a double boiler, (or if you don't have a double boiler, use a small pot and a large pyrex bowl), melt the peanut butter, add the chips and stir, melt until smooth and completely incorporated together. Stir in the potato stix and mix until covered as shown in the above picture.
Then drop by tiny spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Then, pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help aid the hardening process. These are super sweet and delish, so make them small, so that people can just pop them in their mouths. Enjoy!
*Update* Dug this one out of the 'old files' from Christmas 2011, because it's so appropriate for fall :) Linked up here!
They are called HayStacks, and are so easy to make and sooo incredibly yummy!
What you need is:
1/2 cup of peanut butter (smooth)
1 Cup of Butterscotch chips
2 Cups of potato stix (available at the Grocery store, in the chips aisle, near the chex mix)
So in a double boiler, (or if you don't have a double boiler, use a small pot and a large pyrex bowl), melt the peanut butter, add the chips and stir, melt until smooth and completely incorporated together. Stir in the potato stix and mix until covered as shown in the above picture.
Then drop by tiny spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Then, pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help aid the hardening process. These are super sweet and delish, so make them small, so that people can just pop them in their mouths. Enjoy!
*Update* Dug this one out of the 'old files' from Christmas 2011, because it's so appropriate for fall :) Linked up here!
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Sunday, December 18, 2011
Take (2)
Yeap, so the tree must have gotten jostled too much last night. I told Tye I thought it was leaning a bit further than looked safe, but he seemed to think it was ok. So as I'm sitting here watching TV, I get up to grab a tissue, and as I walk towards the tree... it starts falling. Right in front of me. It's one of those scary, slow motion, can't do a thing about it but yell "NO NO NO NO NO DON'T' as it falls!
Well the damage was done, I think we lost about 20 ornaments, but most weren't very important, we lost about (5) of our 'important' ones... and I estimate only (2) of those were really old, as in more than 10yrs old. I think they were about 15 yrs. I did loose one of my little crystal crosses, and two really pretty glass ones I got in NYC about 10 yrs ago.
Ah, sounds like a good excuse to go shopping for ornaments! anyway - I do like the way it looks better. I think it's better than the first time around anyway. Just sad I had to lose some of the ornaments. On a good note, some sweet friends of mine did bring me ornaments, and I do have (3) new ones! I'll take pics of those later... now it's time for bed! G'nite all!
I'm telling you if I had to
Get on the plane today... I don't know that physically I could do it. The past two weeks have been completely insane... and I'm seriously looking forward to my downtime. Today I have no plans other than a skype call later this evening. Tomorrow just a little volunteering and more cookies... tuesday - more cookies and getting together with friends. Wed I have (2) Christmas gatherings, but they are small and intimate so I'm looking forward to them. I do have some gifts to finish up, but other than that.. should be nice and relaxing.
And in JUST a week, Christmas. Christ's morning. The morning we celebrate the Birth of the Baby, who would grow in just (33) short years to die, on a Cross, as the sacrifice for all man kind, if we'd simply... Believe. Such a merciful tale and I'm forever grateful.
and then... in JUST (1) short day after Christmas, I fly to Haiti. So excited to get there. (So glad it isn't today). Can't wait to see all my precious friends, and all the faces of those sweet kids :) But really.... looking forward to a nap more than anything else!
And in JUST a week, Christmas. Christ's morning. The morning we celebrate the Birth of the Baby, who would grow in just (33) short years to die, on a Cross, as the sacrifice for all man kind, if we'd simply... Believe. Such a merciful tale and I'm forever grateful.
and then... in JUST (1) short day after Christmas, I fly to Haiti. So excited to get there. (So glad it isn't today). Can't wait to see all my precious friends, and all the faces of those sweet kids :) But really.... looking forward to a nap more than anything else!
Friday, December 16, 2011
An overwhelming God
Do you know that we serve an overwhelming God? I mean do you know it? Do you believe it? Do you understand it? Can you see it? Can you feel it? Do you live, eat, breathe and understand that GOD is overwhelming and incredible? I mean, He REALLY is!
I just got finished wiping my tears after reading this article, and praising HIS name for the amazing things that he motivates people to do, and how He urges us forward. God is good. Do you look for Him? Because you WILL see Him if you know what you're looking for!
I just got finished wiping my tears after reading this article, and praising HIS name for the amazing things that he motivates people to do, and how He urges us forward. God is good. Do you look for Him? Because you WILL see Him if you know what you're looking for!
Decorating the tree...
Is not nearly as fun without company... I mean I can't complain. Tye sort of helped with the lights before he went to bed and he made me laugh a lot, but well... now I'm left to do the rest on my own and it is lonely. He had to go to bed too because he's got school in the morning. I, need to put a turkey in the oven! Ugh... so much work! LOL
Here I am at the mid-way point. Meaning... I just have the garland and lights on. I'm not sure I like the silver vertical stripes of Garland, but to take it down, would be more work, which I have no energy left for... No ornaments yet, we'll be getting to that shortly!
Here I am at the mid-way point. Meaning... I just have the garland and lights on. I'm not sure I like the silver vertical stripes of Garland, but to take it down, would be more work, which I have no energy left for... No ornaments yet, we'll be getting to that shortly!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I feel like there is something building in me.
I'm not sure what, but I know it has to do with this. If you can watch thru the commercials, you'll find the Illegal business of Gender Selection Abortions in India. This is serious. I feel like there is something growing in my belly, something to be done... but I don't know what. Definitely praying about it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
My "to do" List is INSANE!
So I woke up this morning feeling a bit overwhelmed, as my annual Christmas party is this weekend, and I'm no where near ready for it. Compared to other years, I'm so far behind the (8) ball that I don't even know how I'm going to pull this off. THANKFULLY it's a relatively small gathering compared to previous years and so while the food won't be nearly as much... the decorating (with no tree yet) hasn't even been started. Matter of fact, I'm still putting together Christmas gifts for friends that have been sitting here for about (2) weeks waiting to be finished! UGH...
So morning to do list looks something like this:
FINISH Christmas gifts
Clean up
Call mortgage company
Call Gas company
Defrost pork shoulder
make shopping list
go shopping
buy Christmas Tree
bring decorations up for Christmas tree
Mop floors, and bring tables in from Garage.
Put away all unnecessary paperwork, flyers, projects..etc...
See as a list, it doesn't look like that much. Maybe that's why I needed to list it all out so I can just check it off... who knows. either way - the best way to accomplish it is to get off this dang computer! LOL
oh yeah... and I haven't really Christmas shopped EITHER!
haha - and! oh AND! I leave for Haiti in 14 days! oh my gosh.... I'm not READY! lol
Happy Christmas everyone! <3
So morning to do list looks something like this:
FINISH Christmas gifts
Clean up
Call mortgage company
Call Gas company
Defrost pork shoulder
make shopping list
go shopping
buy Christmas Tree
bring decorations up for Christmas tree
Mop floors, and bring tables in from Garage.
Put away all unnecessary paperwork, flyers, projects..etc...
See as a list, it doesn't look like that much. Maybe that's why I needed to list it all out so I can just check it off... who knows. either way - the best way to accomplish it is to get off this dang computer! LOL
oh yeah... and I haven't really Christmas shopped EITHER!
haha - and! oh AND! I leave for Haiti in 14 days! oh my gosh.... I'm not READY! lol
Happy Christmas everyone! <3
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
First Worship Experience
That's God for you. When He puts a desire inside of you, he'll make it happen and He'll give you the strength, grit, determination and overwhelming desire to step out in faith and try ANYTHING.
I gotta tell you though, it was amazing. While my harmonies aren't that great, because I often sing melody, several people after the service came up and complimented how much 'fun' it was to watch me sing, because they could see that I really enjoyed worshiping God, and it made them want to sing and lift their hands and praise God also! (WoW!) Well, the word says that God inhabits the praises of his people soooo if you wanna see God's presence manifested in your life - get to praising! <3
Saturday, December 10, 2011
I thought of you today...
Psalm 139:23
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
I surrender my heart to you God. Make your plans known to me, for I am anxious. I know not where to turn, and what to do. You guide me, and lead me, and show me your plan. I wait patiently for you to reveal to me what I need to know.
So grateful that you hear my prayers and you answer me. I'm confident in this, I say I believe. I boldly come, knowing it will be done. Please don't delay and make me wait even one more day for my heart is heavy and that which I hope for has made me sick. Fulfill my longing Lord, that I might be a tree of Life...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
I surrender my heart to you God. Make your plans known to me, for I am anxious. I know not where to turn, and what to do. You guide me, and lead me, and show me your plan. I wait patiently for you to reveal to me what I need to know.
So grateful that you hear my prayers and you answer me. I'm confident in this, I say I believe. I boldly come, knowing it will be done. Please don't delay and make me wait even one more day for my heart is heavy and that which I hope for has made me sick. Fulfill my longing Lord, that I might be a tree of Life...
Thursday, December 08, 2011
:) Happy
ok So those who follow my blog, know that for 10 years I was in one particular church, and that I absolutely loved my pastors, Joel & Amy Siegel. Well a few months back, they really felt that God had called them out of the WNY area, and on towards Tulsa, OK. They made the leap of faith, and have been in Tulsa ever since. In a similar fashion, I've very much felt that same call on my life, and know it's time to GO. My heart is ripe for a move of God and to follow him expectantly and obediently is my hearts desire.
Well... Pastor Joel is in town for the week tying up some loose ends with the house, and packing and taking everything (including sweet bella) back to Tulsa after the weekend. I've spent the last couple of days helping him wherever I can and it's been great to visit and chat with him, get my head clear on many things, and really just sit under my 'pastor'... even if he's a pastor no longer. Can I call him my dad? LOL He's only like 6 or 7 yrs older than me... hahaha
Anyway - today Ms Leslie and I spent the day helping to sort, pack and get the stuff ready for the move. Can I say I'm really grateful I'm unemployed right now? I'm so thankful to be able to help and serve... to be available as needed. Best day of my life today :)
<3
Kisha
Well... Pastor Joel is in town for the week tying up some loose ends with the house, and packing and taking everything (including sweet bella) back to Tulsa after the weekend. I've spent the last couple of days helping him wherever I can and it's been great to visit and chat with him, get my head clear on many things, and really just sit under my 'pastor'... even if he's a pastor no longer. Can I call him my dad? LOL He's only like 6 or 7 yrs older than me... hahaha
Anyway - today Ms Leslie and I spent the day helping to sort, pack and get the stuff ready for the move. Can I say I'm really grateful I'm unemployed right now? I'm so thankful to be able to help and serve... to be available as needed. Best day of my life today :)
<3
Kisha
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
And tonight's viewing pleasure...
Dominic the Donkey! HAAHHA Oh my gosh I heard this in the car today on the way to church, and it had me CRACKING up! Sooo funny! ok it's really terrible but I love it!
Kisha
Kisha
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
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