"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. I will follow you..." (Ruth 1:16)
Biblically I know this verse is a conversation between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, but it definitely sums up the last three months at the Sallade house. God had called our family to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Waiting patiently while remaining present in His Word and present with loved ones surrounding us. Isn't that what the holidays are about anyway? Well after the Christmas cards were sent and the holiday calendar started to get full, God said, "it is time to move into action!" Strap on your seat belt because the next few months will be a wild, fast ride.
In the beginning of December while out Christmas shopping, Scott and I received the official referral phone call. We had been matched with a two year old baby girl! She was healthy and her paperwork was ready. The daunting question was how quickly could we get there? The next step was a two-week socialization trip to Haiti. A time to meet our new daughter, apply for her visa at the US Embassy, have an interview with the IBERS Social worker, and of course, spend as much time as possible getting to know our daughter. Due to the holidays, the need to find family to stay with Casey and Kayla, etc. we worked it out to be able to leave on February 1st. Christmas gatherings were exciting sharing the news about our newest family member. Just like us, many of you have become frustrated at the long process or the grueling waiting game, but what joy it is to see how faithful the Lord is! After all the Christmas travels and celebrations, we quickly packed up Christmas and began to focus on the much-anticipated trip to Haiti that was now one month away.
January was filled with preparations. It was a time to tell teachers and school administrators. Time to double check emergency contact info. A kid's activities calendar was needed for Grammy. Overseas shots were scheduled. Extra preventive medicines, appropriate clothing, insect repellent, and the to-do list continues. We even got two large suitcases full of donations for the creche within two weeks. It was such a blessing to have so many people pitch in last minute. Throughout the month of January, I continued to look down to make sure my seat belt was still on and God was still driving this crazy fast ride! As God continued to provide every physical need, our minds became challenged and inundated with negative media coverage in Haiti. Two significant events were to take place during our time there. Carnaval is a three day long celebration for the country of Haiti. Millions of people travel to Port-A-Prince (the capital) to eat, drink, and be merry. Everyone knows these celebrations also can turn negative especially when the government and authorities are in turmoil. The president was scheduled to step down February 7th while we were in country. Reports of numerous demonstrations, protests, etc. were occurring. Despite many fears and doubts, we pressed on knowing God was in the details!
Leaving Casey and Kayla for two weeks was one of the hardest things we've done. We were so blessed that Bonnie (Scott's mom) willingly stepped in to hold down the Sallade fort. I know it had been a long time since she had packed lunches, helped with homework, and enforced the bedtime routine, but she was amazing! It was comforting to know one of our biggest prayer warriors continued to pray for us and the kids on the home front.
After landing in Haiti, the crazy fast ride continued. It took awhile to get used to the amount of people. Close quarters, people walking and running into you everywhere. The excitement continued to build as we settled our luggage, did some quick food shopping for the two weeks, and dropped everything at the guesthouse. Finally time to head to the creche to meet our precious little one!
As we arrived, many children buzzed about excited to see us telling the others "N's mommy and poppy are here." We waited downstairs in the common area while one of the nannies went to get her. She brought her down in a navy blue dress with white polka dots and a flower on her waist. She appeared shy, but quickly let me hold her. We later realized this shy, warm-up time was very consistent and needed everyday. Eventually the shyness turned into smiles and playfulness. Everyday we spent six to seven hours together playing, eating, and sometimes resting. We learned some of her favorite foods like animal crackers, peanut butter, Cliff bars, and Pringles. We learned that E-I-E-I-O was a fun song that breaks down any language barrier. Play-doh, blocks, hide-n-seek, and tickles make everyone smile no matter where you live.
Our US Embassy appointment on the second day of our stay went well. It was a long, four hour wait, but we were very pleased with the 15 minute interview with the officer. It appears N's visa will be moving along quickly. The bigger lesson I learned that morning was watching the hundreds of Haitian people intensely standing in line waiting patiently in hopes to receive a US visa. Many hopes and dreams filled the air.
On our 13th day, we had an interview with the IBERS social worker. The gentleman was very professional and slightly intimidating in the beginning. However after many questions, we began to see his heart. I admire him for trying to make tough decisions and judgements in a short one hour interview. He clearly loves his country and loves his fellow Haitian citizens. By the end of the interview, he was smiling. I pray he felt a peace and some job satisfaction knowing he was impacting and changing a life.
Well, I would love to conclude the summary of this crazy ride with warm fuzzies, but God never promises an easy ride. Approximately, seven days into the trip, I developed bright, red spots on my arms. I began having cold chills/ fever, and most significantly, breathing difficulties. It was a strange, cyclical pattern only beginning in the late afternoons. It would stop after about one hour. Then it would occur again in the middle of the night for a few hours. Local healthcare was not an option so we pushed through for seven more days till arriving home. Unfortunately, it still occurred on US soil so theories of high altitude, air pollution, or local foods was not the answer. We headed to the ER after arriving in Louisville. Of course, nothing is simple when you come back from another country sick. The next few days I stayed in the hospital. Still no official diagnosis, but I just know it has required me to rest and take care of myself this week. I guess God wanted this ride to slow down! I am not taking off my seat belt, but I'll sit in the slow lane for awhile.
While we slow down, we patiently wait again. We are hopeful to make a trip back to Haiti soon. Maybe it will be just to visit our little one again, or maybe we will be on a mission to bring our daughter home. Till then, we pray for the country of Haiti and its government leaders. We pray for the people to continue to depend on the one true Hope. We pray for all the orphans and widows that are seeking a forever family that they ultimately find their Heavenly Father as well.
I love this adventure with God. It is full of unexpected twists and turns. Times to move, and times to sit still. I am just following along for the adventure of a lifetime. Buckle up!
