Beautiful girls
I’m home! Spent yesterday holding my babies (mostly the 19 month old and 3 year old, though my 6 and 9 year old wanted a bit of holding time as well). They did so well while I was gone (I guess their little worlds don’t revolve around just me, who knew?). I think Daddy enjoyed all the needy attention while I was gone. They are a bit clingy today and insist on going everywhere with me (even on the smallest errand).
I am having a bit of culture shock after being in Haiti for 10 days. Too much of everything here. There is atually water that comes out of the tap when I turn it on, and guess what? It’s drinkable! A grocery store? And the shelves have food on them! Mind boggling….
I’m downloading photo’s and should have them up by Saturday. Will also try to fill in my blog with missing days and unfinished stories. Came home to a sick 19 month old who wants held constantly, so it may take a few days. 🙂
We started a 501c3 today called Mama Baby International, with the current business called Mama Baby Haiti. Fernando is working on the website today. There is a sense of urgency to get the birth center in Haiti up and running. Our goal date for opening is May 1st. The name of the birth center in Hinche will be Maternite Fanm Saj.
I miss Haiti and look forward to going back. Fernando and I plan on taking all the children for the month of December so we can spend Christmas away from all the commercialism and help the children focus on others. Patricia plans to take her family for a month as well, hopefully this summer. If at all possible, I encourage everyone to go and spend some time in service there. It will move you.
My trip to Haiti is one of the most life changing, memorable, beautiful things I have done.
A child in Joseph's village
Andaluz Helps in Haiti 
March 4, 2010 at 1:55 am
Jennifer,
I have enjoyed reading your blog during this journey. It has moved me beyond words. I am planning to go to Haiti in June and have so many questions for you. I hope that all of you that have been can get together with all of us that plan to go.
My first choice is to help with your birth center. Let me know what I can do to prepare.
The primary president in my ward has asked if there is anything the children can do or make for me to bring to the children of Haiti. Any ideas?
March 4, 2010 at 2:59 am
Jennifer, I am awed by your adventurous spirit. Will you need volunteers at your centre? I don’t have much medical knowledge, but would like to help later in the year.
March 4, 2010 at 6:50 am
Dear Jennifer, glad you made it safely home.thanks for the updates on your experience.your reports made me feel like I was hearing how things really are there, not just what the news says.your capacity to give is so amazing.I just want to shout hurray for all the little miracles you experienced and made happen for the people you served.
March 4, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Jennifer – glad you’re home. Having spent some time in Haiti, I understand what that culture shock feels like. I visited Target the day after I returned and felt dazed and stunned. I wish every American could spend a week serving in Haiti – it would make a difference for Haitians and Americans.
Our church is sending a team of nurses to Haiti in the summer and I’ve sent a link to your blog to the team leader as she has a heart for pregnancy and childbirth.
March 4, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Jennifer, Will you put some contact information here about where we can go to organize a trip down, perhaps with our familys?
March 5, 2010 at 4:26 am
So glad you are home with your family. Diane
;-}
March 5, 2010 at 4:35 am
Jen,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have followed it and shared it with others. I truly wish I was able to go in the next couple of months to help, but I know that won’t happen till next year some time. My biggest hope is to keep up my milk supply after these babies are born so, like you, I can help nurse some needy babies in Haiti.