Weekend at Grandma's

The girls and I went to Grandma's right after school on Friday.  They had a great time!  They slept in the bed together, went to bed late and then.. 45 mins after we tucked them in.. major noise!  Auddy yells "Islande boom!"  -- what's that?  Boom is fart in Kreyole.. so they both had do get out of bed and were running around all excited.  While we were getting them both settled back into bed, the two cats got in their room and when the lights went out, the two cats crawled under the covers in bed with them.  They didn't get much sleep Friday night.  Saturday morning at 6:53am , they were both awake and woke me up too... so goes the morning.  Grandma even got them to take a nap on Saturday afternoon! That was another first!

Catchup! - I haven't posted in forever...

 I keep posting to Facebook but not here... Let's catchup! 

April 19th -- Our good friend, Leila, lost her brother-in-law today.  We went to her house with food and had a chance to talk about death again.  They are always so curious. 

April 18th - Sunday -- We went to the Konsvinger church today to give a presentation to the kids about Haiti.  The girls did good and were given a blanket by the Sunday School classes.  They each ate 6 cookies at snack time, food is always such an issue. They both love tomatoes and hot sauce. I think Taco Johns has to refill all their salsa dispensers after we leave.  


April 15th -- Everyday we have another funny story.. Everyone tells me that I should write them down and I haven't.. but I promise to try more....Last night I took both girls to Walmart for the first time... by myself.   Thank you Lord that Walmart wasn't that busy.  I had them each push a cart so they were trying to keep up with me instead of me chasing them around.  We got two carts full of groceries... all the big stuff like paper towels, kleenex, etc .. especially Corn Flakes.  They eat one large box.. 18 servings - Every 4 days.  Just those two little girls.  They are always hungry.  We bought 8 boxes of Corn Flakes.  I hope that lasts a month. We also had pizza for supper before we shopped so that nobody was starving.
Wednesday -- they went to a swimming test and Islande was soooo excited because she made it down the slide by herself.  Both of the girls love to swim and love the water.  
 
April 13th -- I was awake in the middle of the night last night. started thinking how much my life has changed in the last 3 yrs/3 months... same house, same guy, same job .. same faith but just about everything else about it has changed..the song from Sunday keeps going thru my head. So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandond,...

April 8th --Auddy did Islande's hair last night and it looks great! Tonight, I parted her hair for her and then she cornrowed it and that looks great too.. we have solved the hair problems!

April 4th -- We had our first "non family" supper guests and the girls did well. .. It was fun to have  Amy and Doug and family over.

Easter:  Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross.. and thank you for Easter! What a fun holiday, we had a great day! Great church service, lots of wonderful food and so much fun and games... easter egg hunt, crockett, learning to play baseball and bat, hoola hoops etc

March 31st -- On Monday I was prying the snow pants out of Auddy's hands... tomorrow they both think they should be able to wear flip flops and shorts to school. Has the weather really changed that much? Or is it just because "everybody else in school is -- MOM!"

March 29th - I am exhausted! Is this what our "new normal" is going to be like... life is a rollercoaster ride. Glad God is in control, he has proven to me over and over again that I sure am not. 

Snowpants or Tennis shoes?

Wednesday:  Mrs Thompson and I are trying to convince the girls that they don't need to wear their snowboots and snowpants on the playground everyday.. this morning, Auddy was about in tears when I told her she could leave them home.. we will see how tomorrow morning goes! Tennis shoes or boots and snow pants .. what should we do? But it's cold MOM!

Tuesday:  Don got out the old little bike and the girls were thrilled.  They cleaned it up and got an extra "parent" handle on the back so we can help balance them and they are learning to ride!!

Monday: Finally figured out that a "reward" with a sucker in the morning works like a charm to get everybody ready and in the car by 7:45.

Sunday: Got to meet and visit with 3 different families from Willmar who have adopted kids from Haiti. Two of the families have even lived in Haiti at Children of the Promise orphanage so they could speak Kreyole too. Very fun and interesting! 

 

Mom and Ed are Married!

Mom and Ed got married on Saturday! Everybody had a new dress, new shoes and sweater.  They were so excited about the clothes. Ed and Grandma were married in the United Meth Church in Jamestown. The reception was at the Buffalo Grill.  The girls had to look twice at the buffalo head on the wall then they asked if there were any of those buffalo in MN.  They had a very nice wedding and everything went wonderfully except for one thing... Auddy. It was too much for her and we had a rough time with her.

Call to Haiti....

Islande talked with her family in Haiti last night. She wanted to find out if they got the tent that the Nuests brought to Haiti for them. They got the tent, they were very thankful, their first house ever...She was sooo excited! Imagine what they have been going thru... they sent their daughter to live in another country and they just want to know if she is ok. On Friday, Don's cell phone had 5 calls from Haiti, the only number they have of ours is his cell phone. She got to talk to several family members but her 5 yr old brother wasn't there, he was out walking around.. the mother didn't know where he was.. very telling about the discipline that Islande had when she lived in Haiti.

Nobody wanted to go to school today.. what a struggle... just didn't feel like it. Needless to say, they went anyway. Then went to bed a half hour early tonight (7:30) so they wouldn't be so tired tomorrow morning. It's 7:45 and they are both singing from their beds, (Islande at the top of her lungs) to let us know they weren't happy about the earlier bed time.

Kids say the darndest things...

last week...
Islande says "In Haiti, Don say MN cold! but I no cold MN" (she didn't believe him) Now she says -- "Don right !! MN Cold! Snow gone then I sleep in green (grass) with Molly (the dog) and kitty (the cat)!" -- haha

The girls were soo excited today to see grass!! Even if it is dead grass from last year. The snow melted next to the school so they saw grass, Islande even got down on her hands and knees to feel it and smell it.. then she just smiled and laughed.. there really is grass in MN!

On the way to school on Thursday ...
driving to school this morning -- all three of us singing away to "He Reigns!" -- a squirrel runs across the road... Auddy yells BIG RAT -- like hit it! Islande screams don't get it .. they are both instantly screaming and trying to figure out if I hit it or not. -- 2 seconds later.. back to singing! Our life is a roller coaster ride...

English, English, English!

Wow... I never thought communicating could be so difficult or learning a new language could be soooo hard.... and I am not the one trying to learn the language. I wish we would have tried to learn a little more before the girls got here. We have some obstacles in our way right now. Both of the girls are in school now every day. They are both getting lots of help and catching on .. which is just great!! However, school is getting them so worn out that they just can't function when the day is drawing to a close, especially Auddy. We need to rethink everything... She is so tired that she can't communicate and she is hungry and just needs to veg for a while. I have been so bent on teaching them English with flashcards, labels, games, you name it... (maybe it's that type A personality in me)so that we can communicate and maybe I just need to chill and be happy with making it thru the day without a crisis or a melt down. We are expecting them to function like our bio kids and it's just not going to happen right now... shifting down a few gears.

Buy a house for $85 for a family in Haiti

The rainy season has started in Haiti and tents are badly needed. The Coleman company is providing tents to JIHM at a reduced cost.

The owner of Country Market in Alexandria has donated the use of his airplane to fly tents to Tom. Dennis Conn will be flying the tents to Tom between February 25th and March 5th.

Check out the link on the JIHM website if you would like to send a tent to a family in Haiti. The $85 will cover the cost of the tent and operating cost for the airplane.

www.jesusinhaiti.org/default.asp?contentid=68

Unic of Minn International Adoption Clinc

UM Intl Adoption Clinic has been great! So informative.. we have learned so much about the the girls, their health and what to expect with the trama that they have been thru. Wow have we got our work cut out for us! Auddy's recent growth spurt has put her in the top percent for her age and she isn't thru yet. No wonder she is so hungry.. they are both hungry much of the time but they are still very fussy about what they will eat.. that presents a challenge. Auddy loves spaghetti and Islande says she loves fish but she seems to love just about everything if she is willing to try it. They both are very concerned about Haiti and the people they have left behind in Haiti. They will defend it to the end, they are very proud of their culture and country. We had the same excellent translator today. He speaks fluent Kreyole, he was sooo helpful. He took the time after the appointment to talk to the girls about what they understood about this adoption. Auddy is much more accepting of the new circumstances. Islande is struggling with identity and therefore, rebelling and trying to figure out where she fits in this world. Her parents were not honest with her about what was going to happen. They didn't tell her straight up that they were relinquishing parenting rights. They made it sound like a vacation to Disney with no rules or consequences. She is disappointed that things aren't what she expected. She is survivor with a very strong personality and bright so she should make it. Auddy's favorite word is WOW and that explains what she is feeling and experiencing now. She is overwhelmed! School is so new to her and she is very far behind and everything is foreign and strange to her. She is more reserved and needs to get used to it all. If I would to put myself in her shoes.. at 11, getting moved to a different culture, a different language, different family, and different expectations and everything new to me, I am sure I would be overwhelmed too. I remember going to Haiti for the first time. We spent 9 days there and I was so happy to be home. We were adults with a wide range of experiences and we knew we were coming home soon and yet I just couldn't wait to have familiar foods, familiar smells and to be home. Praying, praying, praying.

Our first week with both girls..

One full week with both girls at home! We really had no idea how this would all work... They talk Creole with each other non stop. Islande's english understanding has really gotten much better but I believe that her english took a step back this week because now that there is two, they aren't so eager to learn english. Auddy knew and understood quite a bit of english before she got here or should I say with body language and pointing, it amazing how much she could figure out. She is still afraid to speak tho. They both need to work on their nouns and vocab. They both seem to understand the basics of what we are saying but doesn't have the confidence or words to express themselves. Islande is talking for her a lot because Islande just simply talks so much more. Islande is such a social butterfly! She wants to go some place every chance she gets. She is not used to be home with just our family because her family never had a home. If they were in a home, it was someone elses. They each have their own room but they really want to be in the room together. In the first week, we have had many firsts and now on Tuesday will be another first... Auddy starts school. Islande loves school so we hope Auddy will too. Mrs. Thompson and all of the kids will be ready for her! The french kids from the university will continue to help with the language barrier. They are great!! With Adam and Rachel, I used to have a pretty good idea of how they would react to certain things and situations.. with these two, I am wrong most of the time. I just can't predict reactions. Everything is so new... it's a very humbling experience most of the time!

Auddy's first week at the Sperrs

Auddy arrived from Haiti to Miami on Monday night at about 8:30 -- I was able to come into customs to finish up the process at about 10:30 on Monday night. We ended up processing her customs ppw in the main terminal in Miami instead of in the private plane terminal like we did with Islande. The customs' workers were very helpful and even gave Auddy a little bag with some food in it. It was another "God" thing that she was even on that plane and that they allowed Paul, Barbara's son-in-law, to bring her thru customs... you see, Auddy got Barbara's spot on the plane! Barbara was the one listed as the official escort and Paul was not listed on any of the docs. By the grace of God, they allowed Auddy and Paul to come into the US without the proper authorization. Paul has been helping Barbara bring in kids but never had done it by himself. God worked many miracles that day! (plus Auddy's ppw from the prime minister of Haiti was not signed until Monday morning!) Auddy and I got to Minnesota and home by Tuesday night about 10:30.

Wednesday, we stayed home during the day and let Auddy and Islande get to know each other better. They have talked Creole none stop ever since. Wednesday night, we had the shower! Wow! It was wonderful to see everyone and see all of our church and family support! The gifts were unbelievable! Everything was just perfect! The girls are already enjoying their new goods... they are both very worried about what it THEIRS and what is OURS. We are working on the organization of our house and our lives... I have to say this week was overwelming!

Thursday, Grandma went to school to see it all and help with the classroom planning. Auddy got to see the school for the first time and everybody went to bed early!

Friday, More firsts... the first valentine's party for both girls... first 4-wheeler ride, first snowmobile ride, first tractor ride and sled ride for Auddy.

We are on our way to the basketball game tonight. Islande LOVES basketball and has been asking about going to the game since she woke up this morning!

Auddy's first day and the shower!

Wow, wow, wow -- this has been a week to remember and now today was just so much fun... Thank you to everyone who came to the shower! Thank you to all of you who gave so generously! The girls will be the two best dressed little haitian girls in the states! plus all the cool girl and school stuff... We made it thru the 1st full day with both of them at home.. we are overwelmed! Praise the Lord.. glad HE is in control.

How do I say thank you to a mom and dad that loved thier daughter enough to give her more than they could offer? We have spent 17 days with this amazing, bright and beautiful young lady, she is full of spunk and is tanatious enough to survive in this new environment. She gave Don a run for his money while I was gone. I can see just what they gave up,and my heart aches for them. Islande misses them too. I pray that we are up to the responsibility placed upon us.

Auddy has been here less than 24 hours. She is still overwelmed and in shock. How can we help this little girl find her place in this world? She has a heart of gold and I just found out that Altimay led her to the Lord before she left Haiti. Thank you Altimay and thank you Tom for showing her what a loving home looks like. She just smiles about so many things. Although, today she cried because her hands were cold in the snow. We will have to work on getting the gloves on good and tight.

Auddy is home!

Call about Auddy -- Calling all prayer warriors!

HI everyone,

Thank you for all your prayers these last few weeks... we have been thru what someone else termed "a game changer"!

Update: Islande has been here for almost 2 weeks. She is healthy and doing well adjusting to school and the cold. She misses Haiti and has had alot of hard/bad memories from the earth quake but she is adjusting. Praying for her to "accept" her new family and new surroundings and adjust to so many different things and new people and traditions.

Wow the last two weeks have been a whirl wind but nothing tops today...Sunday!


At 2pm, Talked with Cherrie (the one who arranges flights out of Haiti)-- They hope Auddy will fly out this week but nothing for Monday,

At 3pm, we got a call from our congressman's rep saying we are at the top of the pile to be signed by the prime minister in Haiti but don't get your hopes up because it probably won't happen so that we could have Auddy the beginning of the week.

Rachel went back to St Paul. I was going to ride with her if I could fly on out Monday but no luck.

At 6pm, we got an email from Cherrie -- asking if we could be in Miami by Monday afternoon.. Auddy MAY be on the flight..or may not be on Monday's flight. If we can't be there, there is a chance she would still come but then the gov't would put her into protective custody at Miami social services. Last time it took a week to get the child out when the parents weren't there on time.
If she is not on the flight on Monday, there is a good chance that she would be there on Wednesday's flight. We will know for sure if she will be on the plane on MOnday by noon tomorrow. Next step: arrange a flight. Don will stay home with Islande. I can't wait until after noon and still get to Miami by 5pm. I need to leave by 10am so I booked a flight! We will either get Auddy Monday or I will be stuck in Miami until at least Wednesday.

Please pray that she come tomorrow!!!

I don't want to be stuck in Miami for 3 days. --- Ann, I will be coming to visit you if that's the case!!


Many Blessings,
Tamela

A good day! Drums and Basketball

Today was a good day! Islande got to see Adam and Michelle's house and even played Adam's drums. He taught her how and she loved it.

Islande also loved the basketball game! When we told her we were going to a game, she thought we were going out to shop to shoot baskets. Then she found out we were going in the TAPTAP to see a game and she was jumping up and down. She watched every shot and was so excited!!

UM Intl Adoption Clinic did a great job- no word on Auddy yet

Islande had a Dr. appt at UM Intl Adoption Clinic... they drew 14 tubes of blood from her! She wasn't happy about that one. We had a creole translator for 3 hours! The appt took almost the full 3 hours. She was checked over good.

Barbara checked on Auddy's file today at the embassy. It's in there but not signed off on yet. The Prime Minister has to sign each one individually now... will know more either tomorrow morning or Friday afternoon.

Islande's 11th Birthday -- Today -- her first Bday in the US

Islande's 11th Bday tdday .. she loved all the birthday attention and the party with the cousins. The second day of school was good. She is amazing us with her english improvements and her memory. She has nice cursive writing and got some of the countries right on the test of the South American countries. She isn't always excited about having mom follow her around in school.. but too bad! haha. She also got to call her mother in Haiti today for her birthday. She loved to talk to her and her mother loved to talk to Islande. They chatted in Creole but we could tell some of the things she was telling her about. She has asked many times a day to call Haiti, we told her that it was part of her birthday present. Her aunt has also called us before to make sure she is OK. This kid is a survivor!

No word on how the appt for Auddy went...

Islande got to go to school today!

Islande's first day of school went well!! Syndey was her personal tour guide. Don and I tagged off and spent the day with her and 4 different french speaking students from the UMM spent time with her and translated. She even got to talk in front of all the kids during the reading rally. She told them her name and said "read to me please!" She actually can read english and got all her math addition problems correct. She was tired and hungry when the day was over!

Our first weekend at home

Sunday, Jan 31st

Islande's first time at church, Sunday School and Pizza Ranch! Then we watched HighSchool Musical II - her favorite movie and played in the shop. She wasn't too excited about the ball but did race us across the floor.

Saturday, Jan 30th

Islande stayed home all day and we got her room all ready. She slept in her own bedroom for the first time. Plus we had company for the afternoon and evening. She colored pictures for everybody and enjoyed playing.

Islande is HOME!!

Friday, Jan 29th -- Islande get to go to school for the first time and we get a tour. She will have Mrs. Thompson as her teacher and she will sit next to Sydney. She is excited. We bought all the school supplies and are ready to go. She also got to see Margie at PMA. Margie and Dr. Fred speak french. Islande smiled from ear to ear when they talked to her in French. We also got to meet a lot of people in town and had fun with the seat belt and all the CD controls in the car.

Thursday, Jan 28 -- Islande, Don, Adam and Michelle make a quick trip to Grandma Carolgene's. Islande gets to meet grandma and they pick up Islande's bed. Meanwhile, Patti, Shawn and I get started painting Islande's room (Adam's old room). Islande has been sleeping upstairs in Rachel's room next to us. When she heard me get up, she immediately came into the bathroom and climbed into the shower with me!! She is pretty much attached to my hip. This is going to take some getting used to.

Wednesday, Jan 27 -- We finally got home to Morris about 4pm. Stopped and bought Islande a coat at Columbia and a few other things. She likes hotdogs and french fries, not to excited about the bread. She LOVES Doritos and washing her face - 20 times a day and checks out every bathroom she sees.

Tuesday, Jan 26th -- spent the entire day in the Miami airport. Ended up on the runway in the Delta plane for over 2 hrs then waiting another 2 hours then switching our flight to American and sprinting thru the airport to go thru customs again, security and running to gate D46 from H15. Lost the haitian parole card at the last security check point... would have missed the plane completely if we would have waited to get it back... now what!? We got to MPLS to the hotel about 11. Rachel met us with a hotel room, supper and something for Islande to wear that was warmer than shorts.

Monday, Jan 25th - Waited and Waited for the plane to finally land. They had to stop in the bahamas for a refueling. 200 miles to Miami and we tracked the flight the entire way. They landed about 9:20 and we got the kids just after 10. 6 little ones on the plane with Barbara. Islande was the oldest, another one that was 6 and 4 little ones between 1 and 3. One had a really hard time with a new mama but the rest were excited!