Bible Story Songs In Kreyòl...

I was searching the Southern Baptist's International Mission Board website for missionaries in Haiti because I really want to get a group together for a short term mission trip. Anyway, I happened upon something really fun for those of us adopting from Haiti. These songs sound really cute for kids!

On the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, "tap-tap" drivers entice passengers with the sounds of traditional Haitian-Creole music. From the seats of these Haitian taxis to the fields of rural Haiti, traditional rhythms ring out.

Recognizing the essential role of music in Haitian culture, Goodwin and her colleagues are using traditional rhythms to teach chronological Bible stories. Since 2003, IMB missionaries and national believers have worked together to record a series of 40 Bible songs...

One way to spread the Gospel even farther than missionaries can take it is to give it to Christian drivers who will play the cassettes in their vehicles, explains Mark Rutledge, IMB missionary. "The music sounds very much like music they're familiar with," Rutledge said, "but the words are God's Word."

Here are three that were on the website - click to play:

Jesus' Birth

Jonah and the Whale

Satan is Conquered

Pouty Face...

We received our monthly report today. I'm a little sad because we didn't get an update on where we are in the process. We've assumed we made it into IBESR based on the last report but haven't gotten confirmation on that. He's been healthy and plays really well with the other toddlers. It also said that he always has a smile (except for the instant they snapped this picture, I guess) and that he eats, drinks and sleeps well. He rarely cries (the kids here at home could learn a thing or two from Asa) and he is starting to talk more!

I can't wait to see him!!!!

An Album For Asa

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

We Give You Glory

He alone is worthy!

Some News...

What does this...

have in common with this?

Way down there in a post dated April 23rd, I mentioned the first inklings I had that we should adopt two children. Jim was a bit more hesitant since, as the sole bread-winner, he tends to think in more... practical terms. We continued to talk about it a lot, though. Okay.... I'd talk and he'd (somewhat sceptically) listen and nod at appropriate times. We eventually left it at this: if a little girl around age four or five came into the orphanage, we would prayerfully consider it and see if we could maybe swing the cost of another adoption.

Things have changed a bit. And I'm not going to tell Jim's story but he has a pretty amazing testimony - maybe (if I can convince him) he'll share it here one day.

Once we decided we could and should add another daughter to our family, we found out that if we were to do so from Asa's orphanage... it could set his adoption back by a few months. We definitely don't want that. We want him home as soon as possible. BUT, our really sweet adoption coordinator had another idea. We have immigration approval for two children from Haiti and she said it was possible to transfer one of those to another country. And that we could do two adoptions simultaneously. YIKES. So we discussed it. The idea was appealing at first because it would cut down on some of the leg work and cost - she said we could have a dossier together in a week or two. But it could also mean two children coming home within a few months of each other (Asa would not necessarily be first). And, while I'm sure it can be done, we really want more time for the first child to bond/attach/adjust before traveling to bring another child home. We can be patient. The plan is to begin the next adoption later next year, so Asa would be home for 6-12 months before our new daughter would arrive. It'll mean a little more money, work and another wait, but we're excited about these new plans. Jim told me yesterday that he actually likes gathering everything for the dossier (thank you, God, for sending me such an organized and methodical husband - I am so undeserving).

If you get a chance, read the very first post I ever wrote on this blog. Our precious son is in Haiti. And Jim was right, too. ;o)

A Positive Update...

We received another forwarded e-mail from our agency:

Dear friends of Haiti,

As the volunteer chairperson of the Haiti Caucus of the Joint Council of International Children’s Services, I am thrilled to be able to relay the following message from JCICS to everyone who cares about the children of Haiti:

Based on our recent dialogue with all stakeholders, Joint Council has learned that an announcement is very likely, within days, of a positive resolution to the current issue surrounding Haitian court decrees. Joint Council extends our appreciation to all Member Organizations and adoptive families for their dedicated efforts in resolving the issue and protecting children’s right to permanency.

Your voices were heard! Thank you to all of you who called on behalf of our waiting children. I will post an announcement of the final resolution as soon as it is issued.

The Children of Cite Soleil

This is the harsh reality of a Haitian slum. I really don't even know what to say.

But... I love this organization's concept. It's not a Christian charity (which is all we'll typically support) but their donation process is really cool. A child could use their $5.00 allowance to buy baby bottles or a family could forego Christmas gifts and pick different items to donate (concrete block, HIV medication, diapers etc...). It certainly personalizes the whole process and I can see how that would be very appealing to people wishing to do some good.

Check out their website: www.wecanbuildanorphanage.com