tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84169888014049444292024-03-14T01:14:11.109-05:00My Journey To Haiti~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-15838359858866133652011-02-21T08:33:00.006-06:002011-03-02T03:38:01.815-06:00Order tickets now!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2m5e--ZE6wI/TWJ4EwmgyTI/AAAAAAAAAbY/RcnNdSvmqfE/s1600/web-button-sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576151311799339314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2m5e--ZE6wI/TWJ4EwmgyTI/AAAAAAAAAbY/RcnNdSvmqfE/s400/web-button-sm.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;">Order TICKETS NOW by calling North Country Inn and Suites at : 1-888-300-2196 All major credit cards accepted! Take advantage of purchasing your ticket(s) early and you will qualify for our great give-aways: 1) Four Dinner Tickets to the Chanhassen Theater, 2) Four Passes to Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, 3) Four Moose Mountain Tickets for Mall of America, AND 4) One two-night stay at White Bear Inn, White Bear Lake. Sponsored by Wild 102!<br /><br />Please Join us for great, new music by Ashlee Hewitt and her Nashville Band on March 5th! Both concerts will be held at the Roseau School, Roseau, MN.<br /><br />Tickets:<br /><br />7 p.m. concert $25<br /><br />2 pm. concert (recently added) $10<br /><br /></span></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-22558819892122178252011-01-31T08:58:00.008-06:002011-03-02T03:39:18.372-06:00Building Project at Ruuska VillageThis is what the building will look like that YOU are building just by attending the Haiti Benefit Concert Featuring <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ashleehewitt">Ashlee Hewitt</a>!!! A special thanks to those who are making this event possible: Roseau School Students of the National Honor Society, Roseau School Student Council, Badger School Students of the National Honor Society, Greenbush-Middle River Honor Society,Warroad School Students of the National Honor Society, Lancaster Covenant Youth Group, Impact Student Ministries, North Country Inn and Suites, Border State Bank, Central Boiler, Polaris, Mattracks, Wild 102, and KQ92!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUbOgXnoU9I/AAAAAAAAAZo/uwoB3vbeRS8/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568365044781568978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUbOgXnoU9I/AAAAAAAAAZo/uwoB3vbeRS8/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUbOgJErj0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/jjquPNV4zgQ/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568365040876883778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUbOgJErj0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/jjquPNV4zgQ/s400/IMG_0016.JPG" /></a><span jsid="text">Call this number to donate by credit or debit card. 1-888-300-2196.<br />If you would like to send a check, send to:<br />"Haiti Benefit Concert"<br />Border State Bank<br />PO Box 40<br />Roseau, MN 56751 </span></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="'{"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></h6>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-38754276871968559882011-01-12T20:49:00.014-06:002011-02-21T00:21:28.724-06:00Haiti Benefit Concert<div align="left">I’m excited to say that we have a confirmed date for a Haiti Benefit Concert which will be held at the school gym in Roseau, MN on Saturday, March 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> at 7 pm and an additional concert will be held at 2 pm. Please join us for a night of great music by my sister, Ashlee Hewitt, and her Nashville Band! One hundred percent of ticket sales and donations will be used to rebuild a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ruuska</span></span> Village orphanage building, which was destroyed during the devastating, January 12, 2010 Haiti earthquake. We are also excited to have my dear friend, Barbara Walker, who is the owner of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ruuska</span></span> Village and adoption facilitator as a guest speaker. You may feel like you already know her, if you have been following my blog! :) If you are interested in making a donation or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">purchasing</span> tickets please call the North Country Inn and Suites: 1-888-300-2196. Cost of General Seating is $10 and Reserved Seating is $25. Our goal is to raise $14,000, which will completely cover the cost to rebuild a two-story building that will be used to house children and orphans waiting to be placed in forever families!<br /><br />I’m happy to announce that through Barbara’s hard work and dedication, 84 children were placed in permanent homes in 2010! I am planning to return to Haiti this April along with two of my sisters, Ashlee and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mallori</span> Hewitt</span>, and our friend, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">JoyAnn</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pankratz</span></span>! It is so hard to believe exactly one year has gone by since the Haiti earthquake - it seems like just yesterday. As the thoughts of the earthquake flood my memory, I can hear cries of children, the roar of the earthquake, and I can still feel the tremors. It has been a day filled with overwhelming emotion for me. Going to Haiti was an experience I will never forget, and I am still in awe of the fact that God chose to protect me and all the children and workers within <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ruuska</span></span> Village.<br /><br />People have said to me on several occasions, “You know, Lacey, it takes a special person to do what you did over there. I could never do that!” But, I don’t look at it like that. I am just an ordinary person whom God chose to use for something special. I had fears, reservations, and anxiety, just like anyone else would have experienced. In fact, doctors, missionaries, and humanitarian workers, have been volunteering in third world countries for years and years. It depends on how you look at it; I spent six months living in Haiti - that is a far cry from living 30 years in Haiti, such as Barbara Walker has! My stay was definitely challenging at times, but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">would not</span> trade that experience for anything in the world! It changed my life, opened my cultural eyes to both the diversities and commonalities between peoples, and it enabled me to stop thinking only about myself. I truly believe that when we put others first, it allows us to experience true happiness, thus it is not a “selfless” kind of love. To see an infant that has literally given up on life smile for the first time in days, develop an appetite, or feel love for the first time because both his physical and emotional needs are being met, is an amazing and very overwhelming experience, which I cannot begin to explain. Please mark your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">calenders</span> for an event that will make a lasting difference for the children at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ruuska</span> Village. I hope to see you there!<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561712779630720914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8sTkyjt5I/AAAAAAAAAU4/wGcgLTYHmsM/s400/LJHAITI.jpg" /> <p align="center">Marie Grace (now with her family in Argentina!) and Me<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8sTYG-79I/AAAAAAAAAUw/CxlE05tdXJY/s1600/NewPlayground1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561712776226729938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8sTYG-79I/AAAAAAAAAUw/CxlE05tdXJY/s400/NewPlayground1.jpg" /></a> Emanuel, Justus, and Jennika <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8rdffwU-I/AAAAAAAAAUo/P_fxWMApII0/s1600/building.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561711850496742370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8rdffwU-I/AAAAAAAAAUo/P_fxWMApII0/s400/building.jpg" /></a>Tearing down a building at Ruuska Village after the earthquake.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8rRqRwjPI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zcZXZHlN9Ls/s1600/LaceyRuuskaVillage2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561711647232396530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TS8rRqRwjPI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zcZXZHlN9Ls/s400/LaceyRuuskaVillage2.jpg" /></a> Ruuska Village before the earthquake. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TTPhJG4W88I/AAAAAAAAAYY/0waDbUjwhtQ/s1600/villagesm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563037511314764738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TTPhJG4W88I/AAAAAAAAAYY/0waDbUjwhtQ/s400/villagesm.jpg" /></a> Barb and the MN crew.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TTPhIxhAZzI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/ACGk0zzYBY4/s1600/NannniesSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563037505579673394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TTPhIxhAZzI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/ACGk0zzYBY4/s400/NannniesSM.jpg" /></a>Nannies of Ruuska Village<br /></p>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-44071520095019854802010-06-06T11:10:00.015-05:002011-02-03T19:46:23.244-06:00Life is a Blessing<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUtX2SfCsSI/AAAAAAAAAag/62_uoAjc1CI/s1600/Typical_Homes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569641954360340770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUtX2SfCsSI/AAAAAAAAAag/62_uoAjc1CI/s400/Typical_Homes.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="left">After spending some time in Port-au-Prince Haiti, I have a new appreciation for my life. On August 12th, 2009, I stepped off the plane. The scorching hot Caribbean sun hit my face, and I could hear the resonance of drums beating in the distance. It was not a regular airport with shopping outlets every 20 feet, Starbucks, and several different restaurants to pick from. There was no one in sight to guide the traffic, and I had more luggage than any of my traveling counterparts.<br /><br />Trying not to look like an obvious minority, I walked judiciously in the direction of the flow of traffic. In the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman walking next to me. I could tell the baby in her arms was getting heavier; she was tired. When the woman stopped for a break, I offered my help and without hesitation, she dropped her baby in my arms. From the looks of the woman, she was dehydrated and so was her lethargic baby. I remember feeling so strong and healthy next to her. With my 50 pound back pack and book bag in tote, I carried the child to our mile long destination. I helped the woman through immigration, we parted ways, and I never saw her again. Right then, I realized this was just the beginning of my experience in what seemed to be another world.<br /><br />People filled the parking lot and grabbed at my bags in hopes of a tip from the American Girl. "Thank God," I thought, as I heard someone calling my name. A commotion was coming from outside. Amidst the people reaching through the bars, was a man who knew my name. He said, “Lacey, Lacey, I’m with Barbara Walker! Do you want to talk to her?” I said, “Sure!” and he handed the phone to me through the gate. It was Barbara Walker; I was so excited to hear her voice. She said, “Lacey, load your things and get in the truck, Lucian will take you to the village.” I loaded my luggage, and as we traveled through the streets of Port-au-Prince, I found myself speechless.<br /><br />Watching the homeless people everywhere was a humbling experience. Some of them walked along-side the vehicle tapping and looking through the glass. I remember seeing a child come out of a culvert, as if he lived there. To be honest, between the filth, garbage, and smells I didn’t know how long I could stay in this unbelievable abject poverty.<br /><br />As we arrived at the orphanage, I noticed the old cement buildings lacked room for the children to run and play. The ventilation was poor, and the low lighting didn’t help the sadness I saw in the eyes of the children. Although it still amazes me how a simple kiss on the cheek would bring a smile in a split second, a painted image of sad faces still lingers in my memory. I believe every child longs to feel loved and wanted, but how is that possible in a place with not enough care-givers? It was not long until I realized that the children in the orphanage had it pretty good compared to the children coming in from the streets. By helping these women and children, I felt needed; I became a happier person. Soon, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months.<br /><br />How do all of these children end up here?<br /><br />She screamed all through the night, after many hours of sweat running down her face. With the desert heat and dust intensifying her discomfort, the pain was inescapable. She clenched her fists as tight as she could and pushed one more time – with a sigh of relief, the new mother cried out uncontrollably because the baby she watched growing inside of her frail body was finally here and alive. As the tears continued to blur her eyes, she examined little toes, fingers, and every small detail of her beautiful baby girl. She was perfect. With nowhere to go and not even a quarter to her name for clean water, she knew it was time to let go.<br /><br />Barbara Walker facilitates adoptions for orphans and children whose mothers cannot afford to care for them. Hungry, skinny, and exhausted, new mothers come from miles in search of better lives for their children. I still cannot imagine being faced with that kind of a decision. To give up my own child due to money issues, health care, or anything for that matter, would certainly feel like a death. The thought of never seeing my child again would be unbearable. I often wondered to myself, “How could they?” While living in Haiti for six months, I watched several women give up their babies. Surprisingly, I could clearly see the happiness, joy, and relief in their hearts. Now, I realize it is only out of pure love that they give up their children for adoption.<br /><br />Due to a lack of education, many of the nannies I worked with in Haiti did not understand the importance of nutrition and good hygiene. This made it very difficult for us to prevent the spreading of parasites, scabies, giardia, and other diseases. Seven percent of children die before the age of five in Haiti(UNICEF).<br /><br />Although visiting Haiti proved to be a culture shock and very overwhelming for me, I will never forget the genuine friendships I made there. The Haitian women taught me some valuable lessons: love without ceasing, forgive quickly, never give up, work hard, and most importantly - there is more joy in giving than receiving. I have a new appreciation for my life, my family, and my God. Every day, I thank God for our freedoms in America, but that’s another story.<br /><br />UNICEF, 2009. At a Glance: Haiti. 31 May 2010. <a href="http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_2014.html">http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_2014.html<sp></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568949434826292546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUjiAWLu_UI/AAAAAAAAAaA/aKd0DYqzjK0/s400/LaceyHaiti.jpg" /><span style="color:#666666;">Children loved their daily vitamin juice!<br /></span><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUjiAPvZOYI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/d0LISzgrhA0/s1600/ReachOutToHaiti.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568949433096812930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUjiAPvZOYI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/d0LISzgrhA0/s400/ReachOutToHaiti.bmp" /></a> <span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><span style="color:#666666;">Roseberly, Lovely (such a good little helper:), Baby Ian, and Justus!<br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/TUjh_-zc3UI/AAAAAAAAAZw/Ol4xQzixEE8/s1600/Haiti%2BHouses.jpg"></a></div></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-83958535902399829712010-03-12T22:02:00.011-06:002011-01-20T01:21:52.134-06:00Home for a week...<div align="left">... and it's going pretty good! The children are adjusting fine. They are so very happy and enjoying such simple little things like running water, lights, and pretty clothes in their dresser, which the girls love to fold and rearrange. They also love to change their clothes several times a day, and I don't have the heart to stop them. It's just too much fun. I think popcorn is their favorite American food so far. Ice cream is not a big hit. But it's okay, we don't eat much of it anyway! I normally don't let the children jump on beds, but when Katyna, Walker and Carley were having so much fun jumping on and off into a pile of pillows, I just enjoyed the moment listening to their squeals of delight. I think Katina said, "MOM, I FELL!" with her cute little accent and beaming smile about 20 times. They started referring to me as Mom a few days before they actually started calling me Mom. Another delight to my soul. Sam and Jennika go out every morning to help feed the horses. Sam particularly, has taken a liking to the snow. The weather has been great and nice enough for him to wear off some of his bottled up energy outside. ;-) The older boys are having great fun with their two new brothers. I think the girls are still having a hard time believing the children are actually home, and here to stay. ~Kelli </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447971639204592882" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sVV10xPPI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Diiy38hDi64/s400/KatynaTomGracieSM.jpg" /> <p align="center">Cousins Hudson (2), Gracie (1), and Katina (4)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sVVgWuLkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Y2_5G7s1n3U/s1600-h/TomAlijahSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447971633441418818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sVVgWuLkI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Y2_5G7s1n3U/s400/TomAlijahSM.jpg" /></a>Cousins Aliyah and Hudson<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTk2ZhvMI/AAAAAAAAATs/GujrejQSQk0/s1600-h/JessSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447969698033548482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTk2ZhvMI/AAAAAAAAATs/GujrejQSQk0/s400/JessSM.jpg" /> </a>Jessica, Katina, and Hudson, a.k.a. Tom-Tom<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTknmvQJI/AAAAAAAAATk/rQgCJTOyKo0/s1600-h/WhitSibsSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447969694062428306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTknmvQJI/AAAAAAAAATk/rQgCJTOyKo0/s400/WhitSibsSM.jpg" /></a> Whitney, Katina, and Hudson<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTkbwZGTI/AAAAAAAAATc/6HUbuN5ufbU/s1600-h/WhitTomSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447969690881694002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTkbwZGTI/AAAAAAAAATc/6HUbuN5ufbU/s400/WhitTomSM.jpg" /></a> Whitney and Hudson<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTjySIETI/AAAAAAAAATU/8nJhAdhkokw/s1600-h/WhitJessTomSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447969679748895026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTjySIETI/AAAAAAAAATU/8nJhAdhkokw/s400/WhitJessTomSM.jpg" /></a> Hudson, Whitney, and Jess<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTjn3WDsI/AAAAAAAAATM/jyYV2lS5OVg/s1600-h/SamCropped.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447969676952211138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S5sTjn3WDsI/AAAAAAAAATM/jyYV2lS5OVg/s400/SamCropped.jpg" /></a> Easton a.k.a. Sam (4) </p>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-28234333886382340732010-03-02T22:33:00.009-06:002011-01-17T01:01:22.760-06:00Home Sweet Home<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43tOYVrkgI/AAAAAAAAAS0/pTvkTlo2YWA/s1600-h/LaceyJennyka1sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444268355868135938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43tOYVrkgI/AAAAAAAAAS0/pTvkTlo2YWA/s400/LaceyJennyka1sm.jpg" /></a> Sisters Lacey and Jennika Ann <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oMO0swyI/AAAAAAAAASc/OHmyGtrNEwQ/s1600-h/Katyna4sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444262821396005666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oMO0swyI/AAAAAAAAASc/OHmyGtrNEwQ/s400/Katyna4sm.jpg" /></a> Mom and Katina Marie<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oLzQNHfI/AAAAAAAAASU/EmziteUnhNM/s1600-h/Tommy1sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444262813995179506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oLzQNHfI/AAAAAAAAASU/EmziteUnhNM/s400/Tommy1sm.jpg" /></a> Hudson Thomas<br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oLRydy3I/AAAAAAAAASE/4VLOyd2Vqcw/s1600-h/Sam1sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444262805012073330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43oLRydy3I/AAAAAAAAASE/4VLOyd2Vqcw/s400/Sam1sm.jpg" /></a> Lacey, Easton, and Dad<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S4_tEFc9KfI/AAAAAAAAATE/PT56kp-nhsM/s1600-h/MomKids2SM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444831128953104882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S4_tEFc9KfI/AAAAAAAAATE/PT56kp-nhsM/s400/MomKids2SM.jpg" /></a> Mom, Katina, and Hudson<br /><br /></div></div></div></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-62536751625962914762010-02-22T23:43:00.003-06:002010-02-23T00:00:41.469-06:00A slight set-backOn Saturday, Jim, Barb, Lacey, and the children waited for eight hours at the embassy to get on their flight, only to find out it had been canceled. We are hoping they will fly out toward the end of the week. We have to remember, nothing is ever for sure in Haiti until it's history! Commercial flights are running, but they are booked up way in advance.<br /><br />I met up with Cheryl Ankenbauer and family from Michigan. They are adopting Rosena (13) below, and Jim and Lacey will be escorting Rosena to Florida as well. The Ankenbauers invited me to stay with them at their parents' home at Marco Island. It's beautiful here. I now have two new nieces: Kate and Beth! (and they have 17 new cousins! ha ha) The girls are so excited to meet their new sister, Rosena! It has been such a blessing to be with them while waiting! The Lord is so good. I will be sure to let you all know about any updates as soon as possible.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S4NrVErTkaI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kSdPDwa0C7w/s1600-h/26846_488890800102_636820102_11345328_2184099_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441310784570495394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S4NrVErTkaI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kSdPDwa0C7w/s400/26846_488890800102_636820102_11345328_2184099_n.jpg" /></a> Can you believe how happy they are, even after such a disappointing day?<br /></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-36623014750388779842010-02-20T07:40:00.007-06:002010-03-02T22:59:52.624-06:00One of the happiest days of my life<div>I am sitting at the Miami International Airport thinking about what a grand day this is going to be. We didn't have to wait nearly as long as most other adoptive parents, and I almost feel guilty. I cannot even count the miracles that brought us to this place. Praise the Lord!<br /><br />So many lives were lost in this tragedy, and Haiti will be suffering for a long time. There are countless survivors who lost loved ones; and over and over again, I hear how strong and resilient they are. They are thankful to be alive, and continue to praise the Lord and count their blessings. My prayer is that we will not forget Haiti and it's beautiful people: that Haiti will be in our hearts forever.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_sl1gjGmI/AAAAAAAAARc/HsHfZNouBcU/s1600-h/20973_1374663174806_1478610442_1817137_2885703_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440327009649760866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_sl1gjGmI/AAAAAAAAARc/HsHfZNouBcU/s400/20973_1374663174806_1478610442_1817137_2885703_n.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">Jim helped Anderson make a pen for his laying hen.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43sVyXDV6I/AAAAAAAAASs/jz9jRA6Wvrk/s1600-h/JimTomTom2SM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444267383600666530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S43sVyXDV6I/AAAAAAAAASs/jz9jRA6Wvrk/s400/JimTomTom2SM.jpg" /></a> Jim and Tommy getting some one-on-one.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_slWqcBuI/AAAAAAAAARM/gioWwmb3z6E/s1600-h/20973_1374663334810_1478610442_1817141_3780489_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440327001369741026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_slWqcBuI/AAAAAAAAARM/gioWwmb3z6E/s400/20973_1374663334810_1478610442_1817141_3780489_n.jpg" /></a> A trip up town with the Wilsons.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_slIV3T4I/AAAAAAAAARE/RQPdfyHaGRU/s1600-h/20973_1374663294809_1478610442_1817140_1364315_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440326997525352322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_slIV3T4I/AAAAAAAAARE/RQPdfyHaGRU/s400/20973_1374663294809_1478610442_1817140_1364315_n.jpg" /></a>Tearing down damaged buildings. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_sk03jXDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-hSsR57Jnxs/s1600-h/20973_1374663214807_1478610442_1817138_6882154_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440326992297942066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_sk03jXDI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-hSsR57Jnxs/s400/20973_1374663214807_1478610442_1817138_6882154_n.jpg" /></a>Army troops brought in food and supplies.</p></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-45684886536454344802010-02-13T22:14:00.010-06:002010-02-14T00:22:23.337-06:00New Crew at Ruuska Village<div align="left"><a>The gals have been cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. The guys and Kathy tore down a building all by hand, in order to start a new one. It was a long and tiring day!<br /><br /></div><a><div align="center"></a></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437962451460475474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGCb02ylI/AAAAAAAAAQk/TjAGg6FKqBI/s400/Haiti+093.jpg" /> <p align="center">Greg and Sandy Wilson<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437962443134007346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGB8zq-DI/AAAAAAAAAQU/okUjqAcZJnY/s400/Haiti+090.jpg" /> <p align="center">Kathy & Justline-we knew she would love this job!<br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGB8D6ntI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Em0hKzkKveo/s1600-h/Haiti+215.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437962442933706450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGB8D6ntI/AAAAAAAAAQM/Em0hKzkKveo/s400/Haiti+215.jpg" /></a> Lacey & baby Mora<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGCG962xI/AAAAAAAAAQc/IqdDlsEiy2w/s1600-h/Haiti+216.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437962445861346066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eGCG962xI/AAAAAAAAAQc/IqdDlsEiy2w/s400/Haiti+216.jpg" /></a> Kathy Johnson & baby Mora<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD831D1rI/AAAAAAAAAQE/A_hSZGTsj-U/s1600-h/Haiti+099.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437960156875052722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD831D1rI/AAAAAAAAAQE/A_hSZGTsj-U/s400/Haiti+099.jpg" /></a> Kathy and Heather with Ruth, Justline, Jennyka, Stephen & Roseline.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD8JjQPHI/AAAAAAAAAPs/9j1YRAMn9gY/s1600-h/Haiti+129.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437960144452336754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD8JjQPHI/AAAAAAAAAPs/9j1YRAMn9gY/s400/Haiti+129.jpg" /></a> Justin Heppner and Greg <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437968587458237794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eLnmMuVWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/poWwxwSnBj4/s400/Haiti+189.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eLnBh_9WI/AAAAAAAAAQs/EPr26-aUVQ4/s1600-h/Haiti+139.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437968577615361378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eLnBh_9WI/AAAAAAAAAQs/EPr26-aUVQ4/s400/Haiti+139.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD7_r_0WI/AAAAAAAAAPk/BY6wiKTVZg4/s1600-h/Haiti+014.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437960141804654946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3eD7_r_0WI/AAAAAAAAAPk/BY6wiKTVZg4/s400/Haiti+014.jpg" /></a>Kathy, Heather, Sandy, and Greg before boarding the plane in Florida </div></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-82368033225562099062010-02-12T22:04:00.002-06:002010-02-13T09:14:14.553-06:00UNICEF<object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9372340&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9372340&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9372340">Special Field Report: Haiti's Orphans Held Hostage</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1904003">Douglas Phillips</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />Jim spent two days at the American Embassy and found out that our paperwork has been delayed because of the snow in Washington. We're really hoping next week will be the week! It's an opportunity to grow in patience and trust in God!! Greg, Sandy, Heather, and Kathy arrived safely at the village yesterday and dug right in! I wouldn't have expected anything less. They are going to be such a great help to the village.~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-57799119950496326652010-02-09T16:38:00.005-06:002010-02-10T17:46:23.370-06:00<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HmpI3CozI/AAAAAAAAAPc/1kVDZwU_uSE/s1600-h/Reaching-Out-to-Haiti-HEADING.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436379819640267570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HmpI3CozI/AAAAAAAAAPc/1kVDZwU_uSE/s400/Reaching-Out-to-Haiti-HEADING.JPG" /></a> Sam<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkyqb6voI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Abfg2lO6C9M/s1600-h/TommySM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436377784248876674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkyqb6voI/AAAAAAAAAPU/Abfg2lO6C9M/s400/TommySM.jpg" /></a>Tommy<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HkyIHwaZI/AAAAAAAAAPM/vgxgdra7DFs/s1600-h/BabySM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436377775037507986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HkyIHwaZI/AAAAAAAAAPM/vgxgdra7DFs/s400/BabySM.jpg" /></a>Samantha- what a cutie!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkx7hXUiI/AAAAAAAAAPE/s1RgUXV8CIo/s1600-h/NanniesSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436377771655254562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkx7hXUiI/AAAAAAAAAPE/s1RgUXV8CIo/s400/NanniesSM.jpg" /></a>Happy Nannies!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkxl3p60I/AAAAAAAAAO8/4EJ7lBIQElk/s1600-h/2sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436377765843168066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3Hkxl3p60I/AAAAAAAAAO8/4EJ7lBIQElk/s400/2sm.jpg" /></a> More happy people!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HkxVgwiTI/AAAAAAAAAO0/oEzYpV4b3DM/s1600-h/8824_313340895440_811710440_9446818_7546772_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436377761452165426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3HkxVgwiTI/AAAAAAAAAO0/oEzYpV4b3DM/s400/8824_313340895440_811710440_9446818_7546772_n.jpg" /></a>Heather Hanson is leaving tomorrow with her parents, Greg and Sandy Wilson, and Cathy Johnson! I know they are going to be a great help to Ruuska Village!<br /></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-26409652406784390062010-02-08T23:01:00.010-06:002010-02-08T23:27:26.824-06:00Helping Hands for Haiti...<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DuNDglT4I/AAAAAAAAAOs/jOcMbtdKqss/s1600-h/IMG_1699.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436106658283868034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DuNDglT4I/AAAAAAAAAOs/jOcMbtdKqss/s400/IMG_1699.JPG" /></a> The LIGHT homeschool group from Kittson County<br /><div align="center">boxed up 20 boxes of supplies for Ruuska Village!</div><div align="center">Thanks guys! </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DtmzBQfOI/AAAAAAAAAOc/mQ5fng5SeGI/s1600-h/Mel+me+Jessica+Katrise+Hewitt.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436106001022483682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DtmzBQfOI/AAAAAAAAAOc/mQ5fng5SeGI/s400/Mel+me+Jessica+Katrise+Hewitt.jpg" /></a>Mallori, Kerri Drees, Jessica, Katrice at the Reach Out to Haiti Benefit Concert in Grand Forks, ND. </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DtmnPeO0I/AAAAAAAAAOU/p3Q2qOfNCR8/s1600-h/DSC01785.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436105997860879170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3DtmnPeO0I/AAAAAAAAAOU/p3Q2qOfNCR8/s400/DSC01785.JPG" /></a> Kerri and Jessica! Kerri headed up the milk project<br />in Grand Forks, ND. She is the morning show host at 97KYCK! </div></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-86924114363162806372010-02-06T11:10:00.003-06:002010-02-06T11:14:55.761-06:00Counting down the days.......<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S22jGsnybXI/AAAAAAAAANk/kuca8B4svKA/s1600-h/ThreeGirlsSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435179660758642034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S22jGsnybXI/AAAAAAAAANk/kuca8B4svKA/s400/ThreeGirlsSM.jpg" /></a> Till these sweet little girls are in our arms. </div><div align="center">Katyna (4), Jennyka (6) and their little friend, Ruth (7).<br /><div align="center"></div></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-83155946522335092262010-02-03T21:11:00.017-06:002010-02-04T10:12:36.021-06:00Wednesday Update<div align="left">The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind. I received a call from US Citizenship and Immigration Services Monday morning informing me to go to Fargo and get my fingerprints done. I asked if Jim was able to get this done in Haiti and they thought so, but could not tell me for sure. I called Jim right away to tell him this and suggested that he go to the consulate as soon as possible to see if they could take his fingerprints. He said Barb was planning to go in the morning anyway, so he would ride along. Since the benefit was scheduled for Monday night, it didn't work for me to go to Fargo that day. Believe me, I would have jumped into the car in a heart beat otherwise! Joe, Jess, Isaiah and I spent the night with my nephew, Cole, after the concert and left the next morning. To my surprise, one of Jim's best friend's wife worked at the immigration office. Jim and Fred graduated from Border Patrol Academy together 26 years ago. Little did we know they are living in Fargo.<br /><br />After my appointment, I felt completely blessed and overwhelmed with God's grace. I thought to myself, "What a wonderful country we live in!"..... I was surrounded by immigrants waiting to take their naturalization test and as we visited, I could sense their excitement about becoming a citizen of the United States. A young man told me how he could not wait to become a citizen, so he could join the Army. I told him that was very admirable. I also told him about my son-in-law, Sean (Sheila's husband) who had just graduated from basic training in the Army last fall, and has recently graduated from AIT with achievement and leadership awards. As I told them the story of Jim and Lacey in Haiti, hoping to bring our children home soon, tears streamed down the young girl's face. We exchanged contact information and agreed to keep in touch. His wife (or girlfriend) was taking the naturalization test that day.<br /><br />After I left USCIS, I tried to call Jim to let him know he was free to go up to the consulate in Haiti (if he had not done so already) and get his fingerprints done. They had called Washington to double check on that while I was there and said they would send an email to Haiti letting them know Jim would be coming in to do this. I couldn't get in touch with Jim. I tried again once I got to Grand Forks and he picked up the phone in Barb's office. I told him how I ran into Fred Ewalt's wife, and he couldn't believe it. He said he had just gotten back from getting his fingerprints done and it was like they were expecting him. I told him they were! He asked what time I was in Fargo at USCIS, and I said about 12:00 noon. Jim arrived at the consulate about 1:00 our time, so they had received the email and processed him as soon as he got there; Barb said in the past 20 years she has never seen anything go so smoothly and quickly. It's so amazing to see God work all this out because we could not have planned it better. After all the miracles God has already done in my life, I am still in awe of him.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKG8XgATI/AAAAAAAAAMc/H8hhQGq_wKg/s1600-h/LaceySamKatynaSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434237383520289074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKG8XgATI/AAAAAAAAAMc/H8hhQGq_wKg/s400/LaceySamKatynaSM.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>Lacey, Sam, and Katyna<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHpAsrWI/AAAAAAAAAMs/tLr34LcDV4g/s1600-h/BuildingCrewSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434237395504246114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHpAsrWI/AAAAAAAAAMs/tLr34LcDV4g/s400/BuildingCrewSM.jpg" /></a> The Building Crew<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHGF6nHI/AAAAAAAAAMk/_KXjfE61D94/s1600-h/TerrySM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434237386130889842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHGF6nHI/AAAAAAAAAMk/_KXjfE61D94/s400/TerrySM.jpg" /></a> Terry and his little friends<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHykPBII/AAAAAAAAAM0/WzZBmJ8ALsc/s1600-h/DeanSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434237398069216386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2pKHykPBII/AAAAAAAAAM0/WzZBmJ8ALsc/s400/DeanSM.jpg" /></a>Dean, Sam, and Katyna<a><br /><br /></div></a><br /></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-38853108286143318312010-02-02T22:02:00.017-06:002010-02-08T16:51:12.697-06:00Benefit Concert for Reach Out to Haiti<div align="left">A benefit concert was held February 1st at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks, ND. Six bands contributed to a very inspirational and successful evening. The bands included T.J. Porter from Karlstad, Minn., who played a variety of original inspirational songs and is Lacey Hewitt's uncle. Also playing were the WoodPicks, a bluegrass combo from Thief River Falls; Peat Moss and Bones, aka Greg Norman and Lee Barnum from Grand Forks; Tim West & Friends from Beltrami, Minn.; the Diers family band of Grand Forks; and John Haugen & Friends, which was a version of Little Bobby Houle and his local blues band.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433890004435465890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2kOK0br9qI/AAAAAAAAAME/0tFM607r1HI/s400/IMG_1710.jpg" /> <p align="center">TJ Porter<br /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433863185387545954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2j1xvsY5WI/AAAAAAAAALs/epcVVHA_WZk/s400/IMG_1706.jpg" /> <p align="center">TJ Porter, Cole Porter, Ellie Porter, Katrice Housker<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2j1xaIt0GI/AAAAAAAAALk/5ZLcif14xJA/s1600-h/IMG_1702.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433863179600777314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2j1xaIt0GI/AAAAAAAAALk/5ZLcif14xJA/s400/IMG_1702.jpg" /></a> The WoodPicks<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3CR8cFEWFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/TKUGxcxXw_4/s1600-h/First+band.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436005217751816274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3CR8cFEWFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/TKUGxcxXw_4/s400/First+band.jpg" /></a> Tim West & Friends<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2j1xLTNoLI/AAAAAAAAALc/CV0iMXiDJto/s1600-h/IMG_1704.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433863175618273458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2j1xLTNoLI/AAAAAAAAALc/CV0iMXiDJto/s400/IMG_1704.jpg" /></a>The Diers Family Band<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2kUf9tgMnI/AAAAAAAAAMM/S2jCHundmr4/s1600-h/IMG_1714.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433896964773130866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2kUf9tgMnI/AAAAAAAAAMM/S2jCHundmr4/s400/IMG_1714.jpg" /></a> John Haugen and Friends<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3CSEmartVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/X71VYbXn8GE/s1600-h/Second+band.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436005357965784402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3CSEmartVI/AAAAAAAAAOM/X71VYbXn8GE/s400/Second+band.jpg" /></a> <p></p><p align="center">Peat Moss & Bones</p></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-52226005132287911622010-01-31T19:17:00.008-06:002010-02-04T22:32:50.723-06:00Sunday at the village<div align="center">Jim called about 7:30 p.m. and said they had an awesome church service today. He said it is so amazing how the Haitian people can suffer such adversity and still have the ability to sing praises to the Lord with such gratefulness and joy. It was just the inspiration he needed. I wasn't able to talk to him for very long because so many people were waiting in line to use the phone. Understandable! So we will post more stories as we get them! I received another call from Homeland Security pertaining to our adoption and forwarded the documents onto the visa inquiry office. Hopefully, we will hear good news within a few days.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2Y6LDJnVEI/AAAAAAAAALU/lT1vFHtDCaE/s1600-h/JamesChildrenSM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433093961967686722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2Y6LDJnVEI/AAAAAAAAALU/lT1vFHtDCaE/s400/JamesChildrenSM.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">Jim, Jennyka (6), Tommy (2), Lacey, Sam (4), Katyna (4)</p>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-12678337761091139932010-01-30T11:14:00.003-06:002010-01-30T12:27:01.408-06:00The crew<div align="left">Here is the crew at Ruuska Village, Bon Repos, Haiti. Yesterday they set up a clinic in a tent city and worked all day long. I don't have any stories yet, except Jim said it was very hard to see children with such horrific injuries. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2RpV08hp8I/AAAAAAAAALM/Sz2hQrZqF58/s1600-h/17452_1309402089833_1074023971_30932426_2753509_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432582874226337730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2RpV08hp8I/AAAAAAAAALM/Sz2hQrZqF58/s400/17452_1309402089833_1074023971_30932426_2753509_n.jpg" /></a> From left to right: Dean Johnson, Terry Anderson, </div><div align="center">Logan Randal, James Lamb, Brenna Kerr,</div><div align="center"> Steve Grosz, Celeste Engen, Faye Potrament,</div><div align="center"> Troy Erickson, Jim Hewitt<br /></div><div align="center"></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-71292758529486417572010-01-29T10:09:00.007-06:002010-01-31T22:23:44.006-06:00Busy days at the village<div align="left">I spoke with Jim via yahoo messenger last night for about a half an hour. They are trying to get the women and children situated back at the Creche, which is down the road a block or two. Yesterday the medical crew had a clinic at the village and tended to 80 patients. Today they are traveling to a tent city. James, Troy and the other construction worker (not sure of his name) are stuck in Cap Haitien with no transporatation. Would you all please keep them in your prayers as they would really like to get to the village. Thank you.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MKqli_vdI/AAAAAAAAAKs/_R7E2vURbhE/s1600-h/SmlaceJim.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432197302288629202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MKqli_vdI/AAAAAAAAAKs/_R7E2vURbhE/s400/SmlaceJim.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MKqd1bZWI/AAAAAAAAAKk/JHGr2nAB_pI/s1600-h/ThreeKiddos5x7xm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432197300218455394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MKqd1bZWI/AAAAAAAAAKk/JHGr2nAB_pI/s400/ThreeKiddos5x7xm.jpg" /></a> Jessica & Josiah (15 yr.twins), and Isaiah (14)</div><div align="center">Lacey's siblings adopted into our family 14 years ago.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MN-y2YWnI/AAAAAAAAALE/gLBAA79PQhI/s1600-h/16134_317030000102_636820102_9828052_3882296_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432200947991861874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MN-y2YWnI/AAAAAAAAALE/gLBAA79PQhI/s400/16134_317030000102_636820102_9828052_3882296_n.jpg" /></a> At the beach (pre-earthquake) with Jennika, Sam, and Katyna.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S2MKrqqvMHI/AAAAAAAAAK8/b9Sd34it2xg/s1600-h/JennykaSM.jpg"></a></div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-24646501165208308122010-01-27T21:09:00.004-06:002010-01-27T21:52:06.192-06:00Ruuska Village<p align="center"><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uhz2XNjY484&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uhz2XNjY484&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></p>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-21223885494072934932010-01-26T06:45:00.005-06:002010-01-28T23:56:46.041-06:00Another day...<div align="left">As most of you know, the Reach Out to Haiti Benefit concert was canceled yesterday due to a storm in northern Minnesota and North Dakota. It has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 1st, at 6:00 p.m at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks.<br /><br />Jim called again and said things were going real well. Yesterday he worked on rebuilding the roof of the building which houses the village water purifier. He says the mosquitos were bad, but didn't compare to the Minnesota breed here in the summertime.<br /><br />The team from our area had some delays and were planning to split when they got word of five seats available on Rotary International last night. Early this morning, I received an email from Faye saying plans had been changed as they miraculously got a flight into Haiti on a private jet. God is so good. They should be arriving today.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S17mNPD4feI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0FG4-vgaL0E/s1600-h/dadsm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431031315710901730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S17mNPD4feI/AAAAAAAAAKc/0FG4-vgaL0E/s400/dadsm.jpg" /></a>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-43272197962342291892010-01-24T12:28:00.009-06:002010-01-24T13:07:11.272-06:00Jim and Lacey reunitedJim arrived at the village Friday afternoon and had a happy reunion with Lacey and our new kids! I asked him how he liked the kids and he said, "Kelli, they are sooooo nice!" Very sweet! Katyna was shy at first, but warmed up quickly and gave him a big hug. He said Tommy likes everyone, so there is no problem there! lol Jim cleaned out the food and clothing depots the first day and started tearing down the walls in the village yesterday. He brought gloves and tool aprons for the teen boys, and you can see Anderson here helping to break up the cement so they can haul it away. Lacey said Dad is working way too hard, and she was worried about him. But I said he's got a limited amount of time, so I'm sure he would like to make good use of it. Below are some pics Jim sent last night. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yYcCSuj2I/AAAAAAAAAKU/HLPF6OXwaUQ/s1600-h/BabyMomSM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yYcCSuj2I/AAAAAAAAAKU/HLPF6OXwaUQ/s400/BabyMomSM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430382858121154402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yX5cbKC2I/AAAAAAAAAKM/RbF_ExPvALc/s1600-h/AndersonSM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yX5cbKC2I/AAAAAAAAAKM/RbF_ExPvALc/s400/AndersonSM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430382263840410466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yXNcMK2xI/AAAAAAAAAKE/wv29vnCai1o/s1600-h/freight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yXNcMK2xI/AAAAAAAAAKE/wv29vnCai1o/s400/freight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430381507863304978" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yVUAxdjlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/p8JgYTxZTkY/s1600-h/planeSM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yVUAxdjlI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/p8JgYTxZTkY/s400/planeSM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430379421739355730" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yU2jIodEI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Wdz4g5NsRW4/s1600-h/Wreckage2SM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yU2jIodEI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Wdz4g5NsRW4/s400/Wreckage2SM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430378915567268930" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yUWgOD98I/AAAAAAAAAJs/FNX_en8iOwE/s1600-h/WreckageSM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1yUWgOD98I/AAAAAAAAAJs/FNX_en8iOwE/s400/WreckageSM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430378365028923330" /></a>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-33032969612367312742010-01-22T07:35:00.000-06:002010-01-22T07:36:16.429-06:00Today Jim is flying!Jim is on his way to Port au Prince! Got a flight this morning!~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-85824544682047301872010-01-21T23:00:00.003-06:002010-01-21T23:28:47.917-06:00Flight tomorrow .....I spoke with Jim and he said there were people at Ft. Pierce who had been waiting for a flight for two days. He was happy to stay and help load freight because they were so busy it was unbelievable. What a nice crew they were, he said. I also spoke with Lacey today and things are going well. She can't wait till her dad gets there and was kind of disappointed that he didn't arrive today. Hopefully Jim will catch a flight in the morning. They continue to work on documents to get the children out of the country. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1k3I6eReNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/5_0_u4IKOyM/s1600-h/17541_106584789358332_100000204332860_171389_6840788_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S1k3I6eReNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/5_0_u4IKOyM/s400/17541_106584789358332_100000204332860_171389_6840788_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429431452046555346" /></a>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-78482169074505941402010-01-21T13:00:00.006-06:002010-02-20T08:49:57.407-06:00Jim departs<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator">1-21-10 9:15 a.m. </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Jim arrived in Ft. Pierce last night; he slept for a couple hours in the car. He awoke early this morning and is helping out at Missionary Flights International. Jim said they are wonderful people. There are a couple extra donated planes and so things look hopeful that he will get on soon. There are many medics waiting to board with TONS of supplies. PTL If you know of anyone willing to donate flights into Haiti with this organization, please contact Mr. Snook at 772-462-2395. <a href="http://www.missionaryflights.org/">http://www.missionaryflights.org/</a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /> </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_1hyFUDVI/AAAAAAAAARs/zYT_u9E0g-k/s1600-h/031.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440336835615395154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_1hyFUDVI/AAAAAAAAARs/zYT_u9E0g-k/s400/031.jpg" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_z278LZaI/AAAAAAAAARk/qzJnc1_8BCA/s1600-h/n1478610442_922314_9691.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 376px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440335000015431074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_htHRjKmk6O8/S3_z278LZaI/AAAAAAAAARk/qzJnc1_8BCA/s400/n1478610442_922314_9691.jpg" /></a> </div>~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416988801404944429.post-77320332064330105552010-01-20T07:42:00.000-06:002010-01-20T07:42:35.901-06:00Another quakeLacey called this morning and said there was another earthquake, 6.1 in magnitude. They are all okay but shook up and back outside again. Jim is on his way to Florida this afternoon and will catch a flight early tomorrow morning to PAP with Missionary Flights International.~Lacey Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11085112705880583658noreply@blogger.com3