BRESMA Orphanage Rescue

The CBS clip from Pittsburgh

A tribute to their birthmothers

Mother's Day had that bittersweetness to it this year. All week I could not stop thinking about the kids' birthmothers. I will forever be in awe of the depth of their love for these kids ~ that they knew their only hope for a future would be in another family so far away. With the kids' improving English, they have been able to share cute stories and memories of their early years with their families. We get a better sense of their history and of their little personalities as they do that. Ange-Laurette told a story of a mean babysitter who her mom "fired" after Ange-Laurette tattled on her. Pierre told how he and his dad had bought his mom a special ceramic plate for a "Mother's Day" one year. The plate would be used only for special visitors to their home.

So, we tried to think of a way to honor these women on Mother's Day in a way that could become a tradition for years to come. After church, we took the kids to the florist. They each wrote a note to their birthmothers on a small card and rolled it up. They chose a helium balloon in their mom's favorite color and put the note inside. (Nate wanted to do the same for his great-grandma that has died.) Then, we went to the park....prayed thanks and praise over these women...and released the balloons. Unfortunately, the strong South Dakota winds immediatly carried them in the direction of Alaska...but that is ok!

That seemed to make the day all that it should be. I was able to enjoy them and their handmade gifts better after that. I cannot believe my fortune in being able to share their lives and be their new "Mom."

Road trips will never be the same :)

We traveled to Minneapolis to visit our oldest son and his wife. He works for a professional lacrosse team's sales department and had gotten us tickets to a game at the Excel Center. The first 90 minutes of our trip we had stopped all three small towns along the highway: one car sick child, two bathroom stops for upset stomachs, and one dime store stop for cortisone cream for some mosquito bite drama. It took us over 5 hours! BUT, no pouting, no fighting, no begging....just a regular traveling medical clinic. :)

We never get enough time with extended family in Pierre and Ange-Laurette's minds. We can tell what a significant role extended family played for the kids in Haitian culture. They expect them to be nearby and part of all of our activities. They ask about them and pray for each one at night...grandparents, especially. So much has changed in American families, with siblings and grandparents living so far apart. The relationships are just different. Even with all the technology to stay in touch, it just isn't the same as gathering together for meals and celebrations on a weekly basis. So, if you are one of the lucky ones who has your grandkids and extended family nearby...cherish that!

Third Grade Wax Museum

As part of their social studies unit, Pierre and Ange-Laurette had to pick an important person from history to depict. They wrote and memorized 6-7 facts on their person to share at a special night at the Redlin Art Museum. Pierre was my grandma's all-time favorite, Kirby Puckett. Ange-Laurette chose Mother Teresa, the name our older son calls me to be funny! It was fun to watch the faces of other parents as they pushed the kids' "buttons" to hear their lines. I think both kids impressed everyone with their improving English and poise. :)

First visit to Gma and Gpa's farm

We pointed out the white fence along the highway and then turned down the drive to Bruce's parents farm. We explained that their Grandpa Royal, who died just two years ago, had made that fence and loved this farm so much. Pierre and Ange-Laurette just kept looking past the white fence on both sides of the road as we crossed the bridge over a small creek. They said, "This is theirs? On both sides?" It was one of those 65 degree sunny days with hardly a breeze. They were beaming all day! They loved the tire swing, the playhouse, the 4-wheeler wagon ride, and searching the field for golfballs from the course across the highway. I so wished I could have been inside their minds for the day.

FUTBOL!!

18 months ago, Pierre was interviewed as he awaited a forever family in Haiti. Our adoption coordinator asked him what he wanted in a family. He answered that he wanted a family who would let him go to school, who would let him play soccer, and who would cook meat. So, last night was a dream come true for Pierre. He had his first soccer game. Pierre is a great ball handler but has never seen a game or learned the rules or positions. His coaches and teammates just let him go and treated him like any other player. At one point when Pierre was on defense but running the whole field, a teammate nicely called out, "Hey Pierre. Maybe try to stay behind the white line, ok?" Pierre played his heart out, kept his hands down, and made his very first goal! It was like watching his first steps.