Haiti-part I

I returned home from Haiti three days ago. I'm hesitant to recapture my trip because I feel like I could never do it justice. That I could never do the people justice. I am writing this knowing I probably never will. But I'll give it my best shot.

We stayed at Mission of Hope in Titanyen, 30 minutes outside of Port Au Prince. We toured the city and parts of the countryside. We witnessed the complete devastation left by the earthquake a year and a half ago. Entire towns were wiped out and now replaced with what they call "tent cities."

The current condition of Haiti is worse than one might imagine. Only 10% of the people are employed. That's approximately 2 million without jobs. The air is filled with dust, dirt, and exhaust. Agriculture is poor. Garbage abounds.

One hundred million dollars was raised in an effort to aid in the earthquake devastation 18 months ago...the Haitian people only saw 10% of that.

Lamentations 2:21-22 Paraphrase: "Often innocent bystanders are victims of judgement on a nation. Sin has a way of causing great sorrow and devastation to many." We will be held accountable for our actions. Unfortunately an individual, a group of leaders, or definitely a corrupt government can commit sins that may result in the destruction of an entire nation. Haiti is the perfect example of this.

However, Haiti held a few surprises for me. The first being the food. It was amazing. I'm talkin' juicy chicken, rice & beans, and plantains that taste just like french fries dipped in ketchup!

The second surprise was how beautiful the country is. Sweep away the dust and dirt and you have lush greenery, mango trees (my fave!), and the sky blue Caribbean. All situated at the foot of the Titanyen Mountains. Not a bad backdrop.

The biggest surprise was how much I fell in love with the people. I knew I was going to love the people, that I would want to take all the children home and stuff the babies in my backpack...but I didn't know just how MUCH I would love them. All- young and old. I will get to that tomorrow.

Stay tuned, friends...

Moving Again

It is the story of my life. We are moving again. New town, new house, new job, oh--and a new car. It is another year of change for us. (Read about other moving adventures HERE and HERE.)

I had to say goodbye to my little monsters, which was heartbreaking. There were a lot of tears...that day, the next day, and a few days later...

But change is inevitable, and here we are- faced with it again. It's scary, a little sad, and a little exciting at the same time. Jake keeps reminding me to make the best of it, even if we're not living in our ideal town. Considering our history, every location is fairly short-lived. (fingers crossed.)

We packed it up, Beverly Hillbilly style.

That's what Layla did while moved heavy boxes and furniture in the 90 degree heat:)



exposure

"Exposure to the SON will prevent you from burning!"

Small town marquee signs are the best. See more HERE and HERE

country chic

atlantahomesmag.com

So, I'm kind of in love with this country chic home. It's no barn, but definitely has good bones and that comfortable farmhouse appeal. I'll move in...yesterday.



contradiction

"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes." ~Walt Whitman

If we're being honest, I often say one thing and do another. Not always bad. Sometimes I say I don't like something, like a song I hear buzzing on the radio. I might immediately change the station with a look of disgust on my face. The next time that song comes on, there's a good chance I'm turning the volume up over toddler screams, and singing away. I just had to learn the words.

The same is true for various parts of life. I remember a time when I made a decision and my younger brother said, "I thought you said you weren't going to do that anymore?!" To which I replied, "Don't ever listen to anything I say."

So, needless to say, I like what Walt said- "I am large. I contain multitudes."

girl wants to play guitar

I want to play guitar. Not like the time I inconsistently took lessons for an entire year. Like, really learn how to play. I still have my guitar. But maybe it's a phase?

Like, last month when I wanted to start painting? Or how every so often I want to learn to knit or crochet?

Or is it a more intense desire, like how I want to graduate college and someday travel Europe?

Whatever it is, I need some lessons and fast.



weekend.

~New $6 flats. Gotta love the Gap Outlet~

~The snow is officially gone. Spring has sprung, just a little behind schedule~

~Don't knock lime green nails. It's all the rage~

~Had a house party Saturday night, and Layla was the perfect little hostess~