unexpected joys...

It is a bit of a long story that will continue to unfold, but I (Rebecca) got to travel unexpectedly to California last week to take care of some nursing certifications and skills renewal at the same time as these precious events were happening. I felt SO blessed to get to be a part of them, and even more to come...

Ana & Oliver's visit to California from Germany:

My "baby" brother, Brad, the fabulous GREAT uncle!

Cousin fun

Ana and grandpa!

 Cassidy - "the little mother"

 the motley crew (LtoR: Logan, Oliver, Cassidy, Branden)

Ana & Logan

Oma love!!

Mom, Ollie, me, Ana = 4 generations

Auntie Renee and company...

& more delicious grandbaby pics:

Celebrating my mom's birthday together

for the 1st time in over10 years!:

"hot" house renovations

Despite the heat of July, we are continuing to make progress on the house repairs on our days off. The latest project has been the kitchen cabinets:

It's getting there!!!

random June news...

Tynan & I (Rebecca) finally received physical DIPLOPMA's signifying our graduations from LeTourneau University in May and bringing an end to our studies for a while...well at least mine! We even took a few courses together, such as CS Lewis, the man & his works and Non-verbal communication. FUN times!

Tynan received his Associate in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Mine is a Bachelor of Human Services.

It's always nice to have a little hard work pay off with tangible results...!

Father's Day was generally a quiet one here, since Haitian Father's Day isn't until the end of the month and most Haitians tell us they don't really ccelebrate it much here...poor dad's.

Ted did enjoy a promised gift of more planters for his ever expanding patio garden, and dined al fresco with two of his kiddos over a home cooked dinner of lemon noodles, Haitian fried chicken, veggies & and a 7 layer oatmeal, coconut, chocolate chip dessert!

This month Emma also started the final leg of her high school education, including a Senior Practicum that she is very excited about! She is going to be slowly taking over full household management over the next three months. Not only is she getting credit, enjoying the challenge, and learning a LOT, but it has been a ministry that helps lighten the load for the rest of us as we focus on our new tasks.

Look at her latest creations:

YUM!!!!! Nice "working" breakfast for Ted & I this morning...

as if creating goodies to nourish us isn't enough...she designed this for her online art course as well:

Last Friday Tynan & I rolled out a new event at the Apparent Project boutique, cafe & book nook with the first ever STORYTIME! It was a great turn out, allowed moms to enjoy the cafe and a browse of the artisan's work, while the kids were absorbed by several "animal" stories. This week it will be Dr. Seuss!

 If you're in Port Au Prince on a Friday morning this summer drop by the Apparent Project and join us at 10 am...with (or even without) your kids!  @ Rue Cassagnol Prolongee #16, Delmas 75  

Last news worthy event up to date was a very special birthday party for one of our favorite people...

Little Miss Phoebe Kate turned FOUR!

Phoebe & her mommy, our dear friend Jessica Williamson, lived with us for most of last year before moving up the hill to Thomassin. We still miss having a little one in the house, but they are like family now, so it was an honor to enjoy another birthday with our little unofficial "niece". Looking forward to many many more!

So....that's a random summer news from Haiti wrap!

Finally - a car that fits our "motto"...

...always room for one more!

One of the things we do the most in Haiti is sit in the car. Port Au Prince is traffic ridden, and we are constantly visiting one of our 12 church partners spread from one end of the city to another.

With the interns here over the summer, it became clear that our sweet little CRV was not going to do it. We were regularly carrying 1-2 people in the back cargo area, and often leaving someone at home, due to space in the car. We began praying that God would provide the perfect vehicle and a way to pay the difference between our current car and the new one. In HIS everlasting faithfulness, He did!

We found out about a 9 passenger (we have figured it to hold 11 if there are kids in the back seats!) Nissan Safari that was for sale by a family that had moved back to the US. One of the major concerns about a larger car in Haiti is the mileage & increased cost of gas. This wonderful "beast" gets the same mpg as our compact SUV - 25-26 mpg AND it is diesel, which is actually cheaper here!

The family agreed to let us put a down payment and to pay the rest off whenever we sell our current car. (only in Haiti!!) Ted was able to pick it up yesterday and says that it is the PERFECT answer to our prayers!

Free Time!! (day 2 - Wahoo Bay)

What is the single best way to wear out a pack of kids? In my opinion it's SWIMMING!

Not really knowing how to swim much sure didn't slow down this crowd! They splashed around like little fish all day long and then crashed into bed on the way home.

It was a gorgeous day at Wahoo Bay - we were all blessed to be treated to such an adventure by Pastor J and Seth Keyser via Haiti's Hope!!

Wahoo Bay Beach Resort

on the Cote de Arcadins

Mammi Martine posted this video recently of our time together as well:

Click here