This post does not specifically pertain to the Toddler House at this moment. But it pertains to the children that have made the Toddler House what it is over the years. With every passing “group” of kids, or even with one predominant child that takes leadership the Toddler House gets a different feel, different games are played, different songs of sang, different treats are favored and requested, different problems or attitudes arise that need attending to, etc. Everything that happens here depends on who is making Kay B home at the time. For instance at one time our kids LOVED scrambled eggs. But after many of the kids from that group that had an opinion left and we served scrambled eggs again the newer kids did not enjoy them as much and preferred porridge, time for a menu change. At one point in time lying was one of our biggest problems and we had to focus a lot of energy into first of all catching the lies, and then teaching why there are always consequences regardless of the size of the lie. Months rolled by, some kids left, some kids learned, and the lying diminished dramatically. At one time the kids loved to go on long walks in the neighborhood so it was scheduled daily at 4pm to go for a walk, again kids left, new kids came, and many of the kids opted out of the walk at 4pm and we changed the afternoon activities. At every point in time with each group of kids that are under our care the house has different feel to it, and for the nannies, Joyce, and I we remember the house at that time often by the individual kids that were here and shaped it to be that way. The thing of it is, these kids not only shape the house and everything we do on a day to day basis, they shape us. They change our lives. They change our lives forever. We think we are teaching them, when they are teaching us. We try to show them what love is, but they do it better. These kids, every one of them uniquely and individually change a part of each of us. Those who have been through the roughest times and still hold on to their childlike joy and innocence teach us about strength. Those who face change in hesitation but willingness teach us about courage. Those who reach out to each other when they themselves are facing the same struggles teach us about humility and putting others first. Those who have open hearts and love like they have never been rejected and disappointed by another teach us about forgiveness and putting the past behind. The truth is these kids that we are blessed to receive at GLA for a short time before they move on to be with their “Forever Families” are some of the strongest most courageous people of the world.

At the end of July, Joyce and I had the awesome privilege spending 16  days on the road in the US and Canada to visit some of these kids and see just how much they are thriving in the places and with the families that God united them with. We flew from Port Au Prince, Haiti to Seattle, Washington. Joyce’s brother, Josh met us there and drove us over the border into British Columbia, Canada, where that evening several BC and Alberta GLA families gathered to kick off a weekend of fellowship. I had no idea who all would be there and was surprised again and again as the door  to the hall opened and another little familiar face walked in. These families welcomed Joyce and I to each of their events that weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor games and fun with them and their kids set in the scenic (did I mention BEAUTIFUL) west coast. From there we drove down through Washington State to Oregon and visited two families in the Salem area. We found that there is usually hesitancy to see us for kids that are older than 5 years and have recently, say in the last 6 months, gone home. They are not sure why we are there or what it will mean to them. So it is not surprising that  some kids need a little time to see that we are just there for a play date and will not be disrupting their progressive adjustment. We just loved seeing these kids and their self-confidence as they showed off their strength on the playground monkey bars. The next day we drove back up to Seattle area and flew out to Minneapolis, Minnesota. That’s when the real “Road Trip” began and six hours after our flight touched down we were hitting the highway and headed up to northwest Minnesota to crash a small gathering at the park MN  families. Many of these families had gotten their kids out on the evacuation flight on January 21^st. And many of them I did not know well because they had never lived at the Toddler House, but by the warm welcome we received you’d have never known it. It was a truly delightful afternoon hearing the miracle stories from parents of how God had brought their families together and carried them through trials and blessings. Joyce and I left feeling so encouraged and hit the highway headed down to Iowa, where we spend several  hours with a brother and sister sibling set who showed their newly acquired swimming, dancing, and piano playing skills!! Then heading on to central Tennessee took us through Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky. We spent a weekend of high energy with a family of 9 who have adopted 4 hard to place children from GLA, and also saw 3 other evacuee children while there. I think we spent the   first 20 minutes just standing by the car catching up on 3 years worth of hugs. We  heard all about how life has changed, what they like, what they don’t, and what they hope to learn and do in the next year, two  years, or long term in their lives. It’s such a delight to see these familiar faces, but always hard to again say, “Good-bye” till the next time not knowing when that will be. We drove on to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania passing through Kentucky and seeing Joyce’s Aunt and Uncle along the way. Then on to Ohio, and through the tiny tip of West Virginia, ready as ever to get out of the car at our destination. These girls were still fluent in Creole and wanted to chat it up in their native language. They showed us their  neighborhood, their fun rooms, and how much they love their new siblings! We visited another home of a GLA adopted child in the area and our host family gracious had a small PA gathering while we were there so we could see other families as well that we would not have been able to see otherwise. All along the way it was story after story of joys and of trials that they have had to overcome. Each family dealing with things differently trying to best help their previous and newly adopted children adjust but the same story with each… how they all known without a doubt that God  called them and blessed them with the gift   of their Haitian  little one and they know that He will guide them with His wisdom and bless them with His grace to make it through whatever has or may come. We left PA with promises to return, and headed on to Grand Rapids, Michigan, stopping along Lake Erie in Ohio to see another of Joyce’s Aunts. Then through Lansing, MI to pick up my brother Timothy who spent our final weekend in the US with us. When we arrived in Grand Rapids I thought we would be one of a handful of families arriving that early. But as Joyce and I got out of the car and went to check into the hotel we hadn’t even reached the door when we saw the first kids. OH, such excitement! We greeted them at their van and chatted and hugged and then headed again for the door when another van pulled in, then another, then another!!! For 45 minutes we stood in the parking lot as family after family pulled in with their precious cargo in tow. The weekend was HUGE so many families coming together to encourage,  support, share, and allow their children to renew and continue friendships that they formed long ago at GLA. Looking out over the kick off dinner on Friday evening at all the kids and families that we have known over the years was previous to that moment inconceivable. Tied together by God’s call on their lives, these are strong, loving, compassionate examples of what  true family is all about.

   Joyce and I are so thankful for each and  every family and friend that opened their home and welcomed us along our 3500 mile drive, and to those that we couldn’t make it to their home and agreed to travel to meet us nearby. THANK YOU each and every one for sharing with us, encouraging   us, and allowing us to learn from the experience’s you’ve had to Lord willing be able to better and more adequately prepare the children we have now and will have in the future for the beauty of adoption and the changes, struggles, and joys that take place with it.

Every year the libraries around Michigan have a summer reading program to encourage kids to read during summer break. The Saginaw Library designed and had some really fun t-shirts printed, in hindsight they might have printed a few too many…. but we are so thankful they did because they kindly donated the leftovers to GLA and the Thomassin #32 community in Haiti. Here are just a few pictures of the kids enjoying their new matching shirts! THANK YOU Kim, and the Saginaw Public Library!!! 

We’ve had an incredible week here at the GLA Toddler House with Hillcrest Team putting on a wonderful Vacation Bible School program. In the past when we have VBS teams come to do a program only our children are in attendance. However this year with half the number of kids living at the Toddler House we opened the doors to the community. Joyce and I know many families in neighborhood.  And on Friday Joyce walked around and personally invited those kids whom we thought could benefit most.   Because school was in recess since the earthquake (even for schools up here on the mountain) until April, classes are running through to September. This was a blessing in disguise, because most of the kids we know are in class, it opened up the door for the less fortunate kids whose families cannot afford to put  them in school to come in and not feel embarrassed or intimidated, by the more well off children. These families are usually, though not always, the ones whose kids lack in everything from enough parent attention to not even getting to leave their neighborhood once and a while, or to get a special treat. Often times these are the kids who don’t attend church because their families cannot afford something nice enough to dress them in so they can go. So these kids  this week got to experience a program that they will remember for years to come if not for the rest of their lives.  We hope that this week may have opened the door to further ministering to them.

Monday morning dawned with great enthusiasm, as we eagerly waited to see who of the neighbors would participate. At 9am when the program began we only had 7 children above that of our 20.. Slowly a few more trickled in.  Those who did attend Monday spread the word and we slowly grew. By Friday children were arriving at 7 AM and we had seen 18  different children, ranging from 4 to 15 years old, come for several days. One of these little ones was 4 year old Charles. Charles arrived the first day with his aunt. She was much more excited them him, but with a somewhat skeptical look on his face he walked through the gate and took a seat in a little plastic chair near the end of the yard. He responded to the questions I asked him in a small voice without making eye contact. He did not want to go home, but stayed in that red chair most of the morning every once in awhile checking on what was going on. Joyce and I walked him home after the program and talked to his aunt about the possibility of him being too young to be with strangers all morning. So Tuesday when he didn’t show up we were not surprised. Wednesday his father brought him early in the morning, excited that his son should attend. However with no amount of coaxing could Sonson or myself get Charles to come in. So he went home with dad only to return 20 minutes later with his cousin… and came in. He returned to his red chair and sat for half the  morning. As the days went on Charles slowly warmed up. And today our last day he “Wowed” us when his turn came to hit the piñata and he jumped up, grabbed the stick, and beat that paper-mache fish with all his might! That was all it took. After the piñata he jabbered and chattered and played and teased.

One day the kids learned about the “Parable of the Lost Coin” in Luke chapter 15. That day in craft the kids made a purse and each received a plastic gold coin. Later that day Minoucar was outside playing with her purse. She said to Joyce, “I am going to hide my coin .” Then she proceeded to take her coin and hide it behind a block near the slide. Seconds later she pulled it out triumphantly and declared, “Look, Joyce, I found my coin just like the person in the Bible Story!” We will never know how much of an effect the lessons these kids learned this week will have on them now and in the future. But we are thankful for the Hillcrest team and their willingness to come down and bring the parables Jesus taught to life for these kids in a fun and memorable way. Endy asked me today, “Is it over?” And I had told him, “Yes, until next year.” His face fell, and I know that he was thinking as we all were, that we are not ready for this amazing week to be over yet. 

Kids in Haiti LOVE Flag Day! Truly. There is a song that is known by all children throughout Haiti that just about the flag. This was the tune we marched and sang too as we strode along our neighborhood streets on Tuesday morning. Thanks to the BBC “World Have Your Say” team who taped a show a few weeks ago we had red and blue T-shirts for every child and nanny! The kids all got to pick what color they wanted to wear. The big kids wanted to match in blue and the little kids loved the bright red. The excitement was high as the kids got ready to receive their flags! Nicole and Sé Ketlie arranged them in formation to begin the march, two by two, one red and one blue. The formation lasted all of 2 seconds and then it was just a big blob of kids in color, truly beautiful. We headed out the gate and down the street. The little kids a bit intimidated at first to be heading down the steep slope of the road grabbed the hand of a caregiver or big kid to help them along. Neighbor adults and children alike came out to watch, and sing along as the kids marched by. Some even joined in the parade singing loudly and waving their flag high. Reaching the bottom of our road, only the distance of three short blocks, the kids were already working up a sweat, poor Joracin had sweat dripping from his chin. Though he didn’t seem to mind. We turned around and marched back up, the hill to our house seeming just a bit more difficult going up than it had going down. Loubens’ wrapped his arm around Laurore’s shoulder helping and coaxing him up the hill to home. Though the celebration was slightly rushed by Joyce and my impending departure for the airport the kids seemed to have a great time, and I know we did!

Four years ago GLA got its current website: www.glahaiti.org. The time that went into creating that site was incredible, our web designer did an amazing job simultaneously with Dixie who could work on it from Haiti, changing and adding what she wanted whenever she wanted. The result was a site that we all have LOVED since, when I look back over it now though so much has changed since the initial start up, as a website should, to keep current with the times. However, one thing has always stayed the same, our homepage header and footer photos. We love these photos and they bring back great memories, but just for the fun of it Joyce and took an updated shot of the kids currently living with us. Too cute not to share! Here are two of our favorites below. The front one poor Woodney had an itch she had just couldn’t control. And the back one Alexandra didn’t quite get the point of looking forward when Joyce was to the side. Enjoy!

The Kay B kids had a special treat this afternoon when they woke up from nap, applesauce! We had never given them applesauce before and judging by the hesitancy of several I am guessing no one else in their lives before GLA had either.

The two containers that we got out of customs several weeks ago have been such a blessing, and so much fun. There was SO MUCH variety on them. It has been incredible to see the generosity and love put into the items that were collected, packed, and sent. While going through the many boxes of food and divvying it up amongst a few other missions, Colleen found some single serving applesauces. She called me and asked if that would be something that our kids might enjoy. Well SURE!

So this sunny and bright afternoon Joyce passed it out. Each child got their own clear little foil sealed bowl. The older kids looked quizzically at it examining the light brown liquidy substance through the sides and bottom and waited to be given instructions on how to eat it before trying to tear back the foil. The little kids were all over it, hands upraised reaching out while sitting down on the balcony waiting to receive theirs.

Eunice “drank” hers. Jonel divided his up and fed it to Velina and Leika. Kimberlie grabbed a hand mirror and enjoyed it so much she watched herself slurp each bite off the spoon. And then licked the bowl clean. Angeline called her little friend over to the corner, “Velina, come hide back here with me and I will share mine with you,” she said. Overall it was a hit, and a refreshing treat for a hot day.

This day has been one that our kids at the Toddler House will remember for years to come as the day Donna brought them scooters! We used to have upwards of 4 scooters and 3 tricycles buzzing around our large flat yard at any one time. But as the months wore on, and the toys were in use from the moment the kids woke in the morning to the minute they fell asleep at night, the toys wore out one by one. Leaving us with none. We’ve noticed in the last months (since our new kids came from BRESMA and slowly we built up in number) that the older kids, especially those of 4 years and above, are needing a way to burn off more of their energy in the confines of our compound. So when Donna Greenfield wrote three weeks ago and asked me what she could bring that would be especially nice for the toddlers, scooters was on the top of our list. Donna wrote back promptly saying that years ago she had received a razor scooter(the light collapsible kind, perfect for in a suitcase) as a funny gift from her coworkers and had not known what to do with it, since her kids were grown. But for some reason she had hung onto it. Including hanging onto it through TWO moves. Now that is commitment! When she grabbed for her summer clothes to pack for this mission trip to Haiti it had fallen out of the back of her closet, reminding her it was there. When she received my email days later she knew it was God’s purpose for that scooter all along. WOW!!! Isn’t it amazing how God works. I love this story! Donna shared her story with several others and with their generosity she was able to bring three new scooters to Haiti for our kids! We are SO grateful!! The kids had an AMAZING time today zipping around the yard, racing, turning, spinning, and yes, definitely wiping out. Rilinxe fell so many times, and each time he hopped right back up and shook it off, ready to go again. Thanks Donna for an amazing day, and the fun for months to come.

Here’s another page to bookmark on your computer. Molly is going to start telling us all the stories of the kids at the Toddler House and do it here. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, I know I will!

Tom Vanderwell