From: LaDawn - GLA Adoptions
Sent: Mon 6/4/07 10:05 PM
To: Macomber, Angia
Subject: GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am VERY, VERY, VERY happy to inform you that we got Ronaldo's passport today!!!!! It usually takes a week or two from the date of the orphan investigation until INS sends the necessary paperwork to the US Consulate; however, we will be in regular contact with the US Consulate to find out when they have received it. I'm just curious, how much notice do you need before you can come? As soon as we find out that the US Consulate has everything they need, we will make an appointment for you to pick up Ronaldo's visa, and so it would be helpful if you could give me just a bit of an indication as to how soon you can come to get him. I would guess that it could be by the end of next week!!!!! Very, very soon!!!!!!!
Have a great night knowing this great news!!!!!
LaDawn - GLA Haiti
---------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Macomber, Angia
Sent: Mon 6/4/07 10:38 PM
To: LaDawn - GLA Adoptions
Subject: RE: GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW, LaDawn! I actually can't believe it's true!
We can come almost immediately, HOWEVER we need Phil's passport! It expired June 1, 2007. We sent it in March 13 for renewal by regular mail. We were told it would take no more than 10 weeks. It will be 12 weeks tomorrow. We read in the USA Today newspaper on Saturday that, because of the new U.S. requirement that everyone must have a passport to leave the country, the passport office is swamped and it is taking much longer than 12 weeks. We were just getting ready to contact our Congressional rep. to see if they can help get Phil's passport ASAP. We will keep you posted, but we certainly want to come as soon as we possibly can! Nevertheless, we can't buy plane tickets until we actually have Phil's passport in hand. Surely the Lord won't let us down now and keep us waiting even longer because of a delay on THIS end!!! We'll all pray for Phil's passport to arrive THIS WEEK!
Thanks again and again and again for such wonderful news! Our boys' birthdays are just 8 days (and 2 years) apart, and it looks like their Homecoming Days will be about as close also. Charlie came home 3 years ago today. :)
See you SOON!!!
Angie
6.01.2007
Heartwarming message from Molly (Warning: Have tissues ready!)
From: Angie
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 12:15 AM
Subject: Thinking about R.J.
Dear Molly,
I've been thinking a lot about R.J. this past week. I realize he probably doesn't know how close we are to bringing him home, and I do wonder what his thoughts are about the matter these days. I pray for him every day that the transition will be smooth and without a lot of heartache for him, although I realize it will be a tremendous adjustment for R.J. to leave the country, the language, the weather, the food, the music, the customs, and everything else he's known all his life. And I have no doubt that he will miss you, Joyce, and his friends at GLA terribly, and I can only hope that we can comfort him as he grieves the loss. I also hope that he will understand just how thrilled we are to welcome him into our family! And we are so pleased that we will have the entire summer to spend together getting to know him, letting him get to know us, and enjoying lots of fun things as a family! Since my teaching responsibilities end May 19, Charlie will be home full-time, and Phil has two extra weeks of vacation time saved up (four altogether). We are hoping that -- even though R.J. will be homesick for Haiti -- he will be excited about the new life he will have with us!
With all of that said, I'm writing to let you know about a blog I made full of photos and videos of our family activities (mostly featuring Charlie) over the past several months:
http://themacomberfamily.blogspot.com
I'm hoping that you might be able to find some opportunities to let R.J. look at it with you so that he can see the kind of things we like to do and what he'll be doing with us when he comes home. I'm hoping that -- while it won't prevent the sadness he will feel to leave GLA -- it will help him look forward with happy anticipation to joining our family.
We are also praying daily that the backlog in the passport office will get resolved quickly so that we can bring R.J. home very soon. We hate the thought of summer ticking away while we continue awaiting his homecoming. I'm fine waiting until the end of May so that I have my school responsibilities finished, but once June gets here I think I'll go crazy if we're still waiting!
So I hope this finds everyone at GLA doing GREAT! I thank you SO MUCH for the LONG update you sent a week ago! We hang on every word and live for every photo. I hope you realize just how much you are helping forever families bond and fall in love with their adopted kids long before they ever get home! Those monthly updates are a vital part of the adoption process, and we appreciate it more than you can know. We actually appreciate all that you do, including the numerous things we have no idea that you do, but those updates are at the top of our list! :)
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs and kisses for Ronaldo,
Angie
-------------------------------------------------
From: Molly
Sent: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 18:14:08
Subject: RE: Thinking about R.J.
Hi Angie,
I read and sympathized with your email. However I must say it is the first like it I have ever gotten before... this is one child that though we are going to miss him I CANNOT WAIT until he is home with you. I am so thankful that God provided your family as RJ's family. I always give Joyce the rundown on everything you write about, or share you emails with her, and she feels just the same. Ronaldo is a VERY special little boy here, there will never be another like him, and to know that YOU GUYS are his family is the best feeling!!! God sure is good, and His plan is ALWAYS perfect! He confirms that to us day in and day out:) Anyway, I guess I have diverged from the intent of my email, but I certainly just wanted to let you know that Joyce and I both are just overjoyed at the family that Ronaldo will call his!
RJ and I spent several hours watching and re-watching the videos on your blog, reviewing all the photos, and reading about Charlie's activities. RJ was just aglow! He loved every bit of it, and after one time through the videos, I asked him if he wanted to watch again, and he did, after twice through the videos, I asked him if he wanted to watch again, he did.... and the cycle would have gone on until he got too hungry and had to go eat, but I cut him short. I promised him we'll look again this weekend, so he reminds me:) A LOT! What a treat for him! Charlie, he thinks that you are an amazing soccer player! He was very impressed and clapped at some or your shots. He can't wait to play with you. He can't wait to be your big brother, and he talks about all the things that you two will do together continuously. He brags to the other kids about his brother Charlie with such pride in his voice! I can't wait for you to be together! It sounds like you are going to have a great summer!
RJ wants his mommy and daddy to know that he loves you both very much! He wants to see you as soon as he can!! Tomorrow would be good, or the next day, or next week? But he is very happy to wait until that day is possible. He nods his head and tries to be very understanding. He is a patient boy. He loves his friends very much, and he loves Joyce very VERY much, but we will write and send some photos off and on, so that he knows we still love him and will not forget him. I don't think he'll have too much homesickness, I think that you'll find you are all that he's been waiting for and he's not going to look back once he gets you! All of his friends leave, it's what happens at "Kay B" ["House B" a/k/a the Toddler House]... one by one, and it's a very special time when it's your turn to go... so much fuss is made, and then the day comes when mommy or mommy and daddy arrive.... and all that you've been waiting for since the day you arrived to "Kay B" comes true. RJ has been waiting for you since that first afternoon that I sat and talked with him. I remember it very well. You are his dream come true:) RJ can't wait to show you off to all of us!
It sounds like your prayers are being answered! I know we've gotten a couple of passports out, and it sounds like things have started moving! So maybe RJ is next? Every time I mention Ronaldo leaving to Joyce she gets a little quiet, and I think that I'm going to be the one helping her grieve the loss from this end! I already have the tissues and chocolate stocked up though, so we're ready for the day you guys fly out.... :) Take care! I pray that we'll see you soon!
Blessings,
Molly
GLA - Haiti
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 12:15 AM
Subject: Thinking about R.J.
Dear Molly,
I've been thinking a lot about R.J. this past week. I realize he probably doesn't know how close we are to bringing him home, and I do wonder what his thoughts are about the matter these days. I pray for him every day that the transition will be smooth and without a lot of heartache for him, although I realize it will be a tremendous adjustment for R.J. to leave the country, the language, the weather, the food, the music, the customs, and everything else he's known all his life. And I have no doubt that he will miss you, Joyce, and his friends at GLA terribly, and I can only hope that we can comfort him as he grieves the loss. I also hope that he will understand just how thrilled we are to welcome him into our family! And we are so pleased that we will have the entire summer to spend together getting to know him, letting him get to know us, and enjoying lots of fun things as a family! Since my teaching responsibilities end May 19, Charlie will be home full-time, and Phil has two extra weeks of vacation time saved up (four altogether). We are hoping that -- even though R.J. will be homesick for Haiti -- he will be excited about the new life he will have with us!
With all of that said, I'm writing to let you know about a blog I made full of photos and videos of our family activities (mostly featuring Charlie) over the past several months:
http://themacomberfamily.blogspot.com
I'm hoping that you might be able to find some opportunities to let R.J. look at it with you so that he can see the kind of things we like to do and what he'll be doing with us when he comes home. I'm hoping that -- while it won't prevent the sadness he will feel to leave GLA -- it will help him look forward with happy anticipation to joining our family.
We are also praying daily that the backlog in the passport office will get resolved quickly so that we can bring R.J. home very soon. We hate the thought of summer ticking away while we continue awaiting his homecoming. I'm fine waiting until the end of May so that I have my school responsibilities finished, but once June gets here I think I'll go crazy if we're still waiting!
So I hope this finds everyone at GLA doing GREAT! I thank you SO MUCH for the LONG update you sent a week ago! We hang on every word and live for every photo. I hope you realize just how much you are helping forever families bond and fall in love with their adopted kids long before they ever get home! Those monthly updates are a vital part of the adoption process, and we appreciate it more than you can know. We actually appreciate all that you do, including the numerous things we have no idea that you do, but those updates are at the top of our list! :)
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs and kisses for Ronaldo,
Angie
-------------------------------------------------
From: Molly
Sent: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 18:14:08
Subject: RE: Thinking about R.J.
Hi Angie,
I read and sympathized with your email. However I must say it is the first like it I have ever gotten before... this is one child that though we are going to miss him I CANNOT WAIT until he is home with you. I am so thankful that God provided your family as RJ's family. I always give Joyce the rundown on everything you write about, or share you emails with her, and she feels just the same. Ronaldo is a VERY special little boy here, there will never be another like him, and to know that YOU GUYS are his family is the best feeling!!! God sure is good, and His plan is ALWAYS perfect! He confirms that to us day in and day out:) Anyway, I guess I have diverged from the intent of my email, but I certainly just wanted to let you know that Joyce and I both are just overjoyed at the family that Ronaldo will call his!
RJ and I spent several hours watching and re-watching the videos on your blog, reviewing all the photos, and reading about Charlie's activities. RJ was just aglow! He loved every bit of it, and after one time through the videos, I asked him if he wanted to watch again, and he did, after twice through the videos, I asked him if he wanted to watch again, he did.... and the cycle would have gone on until he got too hungry and had to go eat, but I cut him short. I promised him we'll look again this weekend, so he reminds me:) A LOT! What a treat for him! Charlie, he thinks that you are an amazing soccer player! He was very impressed and clapped at some or your shots. He can't wait to play with you. He can't wait to be your big brother, and he talks about all the things that you two will do together continuously. He brags to the other kids about his brother Charlie with such pride in his voice! I can't wait for you to be together! It sounds like you are going to have a great summer!
RJ wants his mommy and daddy to know that he loves you both very much! He wants to see you as soon as he can!! Tomorrow would be good, or the next day, or next week? But he is very happy to wait until that day is possible. He nods his head and tries to be very understanding. He is a patient boy. He loves his friends very much, and he loves Joyce very VERY much, but we will write and send some photos off and on, so that he knows we still love him and will not forget him. I don't think he'll have too much homesickness, I think that you'll find you are all that he's been waiting for and he's not going to look back once he gets you! All of his friends leave, it's what happens at "Kay B" ["House B" a/k/a the Toddler House]... one by one, and it's a very special time when it's your turn to go... so much fuss is made, and then the day comes when mommy or mommy and daddy arrive.... and all that you've been waiting for since the day you arrived to "Kay B" comes true. RJ has been waiting for you since that first afternoon that I sat and talked with him. I remember it very well. You are his dream come true:) RJ can't wait to show you off to all of us!
It sounds like your prayers are being answered! I know we've gotten a couple of passports out, and it sounds like things have started moving! So maybe RJ is next? Every time I mention Ronaldo leaving to Joyce she gets a little quiet, and I think that I'm going to be the one helping her grieve the loss from this end! I already have the tissues and chocolate stocked up though, so we're ready for the day you guys fly out.... :) Take care! I pray that we'll see you soon!
Blessings,
Molly
GLA - Haiti
5.29.2007
R.J.'s passport approved!
Yup, you just read that right! Ronaldo's dossier came out of the MOI today! Tomorrow, it will be going for printing! Celebrate tonite!!!!!! As well, today was Ronaldo's orphan investigation at INS, and everything went very well. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for INS to get all the paperwork over to the US Consulate. As soon as they get their paperwork to the Consulate, and Ronaldo's passport has been issued, we will inform you as to when you can come and pick up your son!!! It won't be long now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great evening!
LaDawn
Sounds like we could have R.J. home by the end of June*! We are on Cloud Nine! :)
~Angie, Phil & Charlie
*See Timeline for completing the legal process in Haiti
Have a great evening!
LaDawn
Sounds like we could have R.J. home by the end of June*! We are on Cloud Nine! :)
~Angie, Phil & Charlie
*See Timeline for completing the legal process in Haiti
5.14.2007
Still waiting for R.J.'s passport after 9 weeks
We're still waiting on R.J.'s passport; it's been 9 weeks as of today with no word on any progress. I emailed the orphanage director the end of last week to see if there was any indication of how much longer it might take. Here's what I heard this afternoon from LaDawn:
Unfortunately I don't have any great news for you. I so badly wish I did! We have been busy submitting the forms that [the passport office] has been asking for. The problem that we are having, is that they will only accept about 4 per day, and then every other time, the person responsible is not even there! So, it is becoming a long process just to submit all the forms. However, I can assure you that Ronaldo's was one of the first [passport request forms] that was submitted, as he has been in the passport process one of the longest. There are a few ahead of him, but not too many. We are expecting to receive some news this week that [some passports have been approved] and that they can move on to printing! We pray this happens!
I wish I had more encouraging news than this, but I can tell you that Ronaldo's passport should be in the first or second group of passports that get printed! I hope that helps! Considering that we have over 30 dossiers in for passports right now, that is good news for you! :o)
Thank you so much for your confidence in our work here. We are certainly doing all that we can. It has been very hard on us not having any children leave for quite a while. We so badly want to see some children go home to their "forever families". It is time!!!
Since passport printing takes 2-3 weeks, this makes me think that it's possible that we could travel to Haiti before the middle of June. (Maybe by Father's Day???) PLEASE PRAY WITH US THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE! I can hardly stand the thought of the summer days passing by with Charlie and me out of school (starting a week from today, May 21st) and R.J. still not home with us; it will seem like such a waste of a prime opportunity for valuable bonding time -- 14 hours a day of his getting to know us and our getting to know him. The summer seems so short, anyway, with the boys' first day of school on August 14th -- just 3 months from today! (Not much time to spend with a new son before sending him off to second grade and returning to work myself on August 16th!)
Unfortunately I don't have any great news for you. I so badly wish I did! We have been busy submitting the forms that [the passport office] has been asking for. The problem that we are having, is that they will only accept about 4 per day, and then every other time, the person responsible is not even there! So, it is becoming a long process just to submit all the forms. However, I can assure you that Ronaldo's was one of the first [passport request forms] that was submitted, as he has been in the passport process one of the longest. There are a few ahead of him, but not too many. We are expecting to receive some news this week that [some passports have been approved] and that they can move on to printing! We pray this happens!
I wish I had more encouraging news than this, but I can tell you that Ronaldo's passport should be in the first or second group of passports that get printed! I hope that helps! Considering that we have over 30 dossiers in for passports right now, that is good news for you! :o)
Thank you so much for your confidence in our work here. We are certainly doing all that we can. It has been very hard on us not having any children leave for quite a while. We so badly want to see some children go home to their "forever families". It is time!!!
Since passport printing takes 2-3 weeks, this makes me think that it's possible that we could travel to Haiti before the middle of June. (Maybe by Father's Day???) PLEASE PRAY WITH US THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE! I can hardly stand the thought of the summer days passing by with Charlie and me out of school (starting a week from today, May 21st) and R.J. still not home with us; it will seem like such a waste of a prime opportunity for valuable bonding time -- 14 hours a day of his getting to know us and our getting to know him. The summer seems so short, anyway, with the boys' first day of school on August 14th -- just 3 months from today! (Not much time to spend with a new son before sending him off to second grade and returning to work myself on August 16th!)
5.12.2007
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5.01.2007
April Photos and Update from GLA -- Last One?
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We're hoping that the snag with the passports will get resolved quickly and that we will be able to go to Haiti by the end of May to bring R.J. home. So, hopefully, this will be the last update we get from Molly and that, instead of a monthly update, we'll be announcing R.J.'s Homecoming Day a month from now!
In May 2004, we were in Haiti for Mother's Day when we went to bring Charlie home. I am really hoping we'll be in Haiti this Mother's Day to bring Ronaldo home. (Mother's Day in Haiti is May 27.) Please pray with us that this will be the case. Thanks!
~Angie (for Phil & Charlie, too)
-----------------------------
Hello Phil and Angie,
It’s good to be writing you again! I am excited to share a little bit of your son’s daily life with you! I hope you have had a good month, and Spring with all its freshness is surrounding your home, as May quickly approaches. Its mango season in Haiti, and avocado trees are just budding tiny little green fruits. We’ve had a very enjoyable month at the GLA toddler house.
Here in Haiti no one knows about the Easter bunny, and they have certainly never thought about hiding food (eggs) outside for kids to search and find. Even the concept of decorating eggs is foreign. But regardless of the traditions that surround the celebration, it still remains wrapped around Christ’s resurrection. Worship and praise is continuous, and services are held from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. Afterwards families gather for a celebration and much food. At the toddler house this year we added a few new fun activities for the kids. A few of the kids had been here last year and remembered the craft. However many of the kids were brand new to our tradition… and even after an explanation a few children still bit through the shell of their egg and tried to eat it. Ronaldo chose green and yellow dye for his egg and was in awe when the white egg came out in great bright colors. He then proceeded to dry his egg with his mouth blowing on it for several minutes. Seeing how that wasn’t working I got out a hair dryer and tried it that way. It was a success. Little did I know how popular that little machine would be. The kids had never seen anything like it. They giggled and chuckled as I blew the warm air in their face and thought it was the greatest when I blew the air into one little boy’s shirt. The kids couldn’t believe how big around the little guy’s shirt puffed up. It was an exciting day that we will not soon forget.
A ministry team came to visit us one morning last week. They put on a program for all the children at the toddler house. They did a short program for the youngest children and a longer program for Ronaldo and his group. The program had several activities focusing on how Jesus can make us clean inside. The team put on skits and taught the kids a new song. The song was all about how people in different parts of the world greet each other with love. In each country they sang about a different hand or body movement was used as well as a vocal greeting. Ronaldo’s eyes were glued on the performers as they went through it the first time. The second time the team encouraged the children to try as well… and of course Ronaldo had a great time joining right in. Ronaldo laughed during the funny parts but sat quietly and listened to everything thing they had to teach him about the Lord and his forgiveness. Later that day I overheard him lecturing the other children and teaching them the lessons that he had learned that day.
Earlier in the month we had a very special movie night with the kids. All the children were sitting in the room ready for the movie to start and me to bring the popcorn when… Joyce and I walked in with a huge tub of home made ice cream. We made so much ice cream that we had to invite more kids than usual. We gave each child their bowl of ice cream and let them choose toppings including peanuts, chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, butterscotch, cookie crumbs, cherries, whip cream, gummy bears and the list goes on. The most popular topping had to be the gummy bears. Ronaldo couldn’t get enough. I think he chose every single thing on the list. He packed all the syrup and cookie crumbs that he could get his hands on. After he finished his bowl there was a younger child that couldn’t finish his and Ronaldo polished off that one too. The kids played around with the food for a few minutes but then the television came on and all was silent for the rest of the evening.
Ronaldo is doing great in school and is continuing to learn at a steady rate. He is one of the few children here that really prefers to speak the English language over Creole. This last week Ronaldo received twelve out of thirteen on his spelling test. His words included hot chocolate, milk, french fries, juice, cereal, and other food and drink related words. When asking the kids if they understood and knew what each word means Ronaldo piped up when the word “milk” came up. He said “I know… my Haitian mom puts that in her coffee!” He was full of excitement and gave out a shy little laugh and carried on with his lesson. Ronaldo also read his Adam and Eve book Friday afternoon without struggles. The books are ones you print off the computer and the pictures are just white so it gives the children an opportunity to color them. Joyce gave them the homework of coloring their book on Tuesday night and handed out pencil crayons. As Wednesday afternoon rolled around Ronaldo came into class and opened up his new coloring job with pride. Joyce flipped through the pages praising the great job and she came to a page that was scribbled all in black. When she asked Ronaldo what the black scribbles were all about Ronaldo explained that it was the page with the snake on it that tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. He explained that Satan didn’t deserve to be colored beautiful. He had to color it black because that snake is ugly and mean. What a smart kid! Ronaldo also memorized his bible verse this week which was Deuteronomy 6:5. He said it loudly and proudly and was ready to receive his prize. He receive one mango lollipop for his Bible verse, one mango lollipop for his reading test, and the grand prize of anything he chose out of the box of prizes. This box consists of things such as jump ropes, toy cars, coloring books, and other fun toys. After searching through he saw what he wanted and he pointed his little finger up at the shelf and said “ I want soup.” Well soup is actually Ramen Noodles or also known as Mr. Noodle. Well that started a small riot and a few other kids immediately wanted that too. So today Ronaldo and his classmates enjoyed a nice bowl of spicy noodles for snack. I think that means we better stock up on those cause it was a big hit!!
Ronaldo is healthy and doing well. He has not been ill nor on any medications in the last few weeks. He has a good appetite, is full of energy, and sleeps soundly through the night. He is steadily growing. His current measurements are:
Height: 123 cm (48.5 inches)
Weight: 51 lbs
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Many blessings,
Molly
GLA – Haiti
P.S. The package you sent made it just fine, and in perfect time!!! RJ had worn his sandals out and I didn't have any more in his size at all!!!! (He has the second largest feet, so we don't get a lot of sandals come through for that sized boy. :) ) It was a great package! You sure know a lot about what little Haitian boys like. :)
In May 2004, we were in Haiti for Mother's Day when we went to bring Charlie home. I am really hoping we'll be in Haiti this Mother's Day to bring Ronaldo home. (Mother's Day in Haiti is May 27.) Please pray with us that this will be the case. Thanks!
~Angie (for Phil & Charlie, too)
-----------------------------
Hello Phil and Angie,
It’s good to be writing you again! I am excited to share a little bit of your son’s daily life with you! I hope you have had a good month, and Spring with all its freshness is surrounding your home, as May quickly approaches. Its mango season in Haiti, and avocado trees are just budding tiny little green fruits. We’ve had a very enjoyable month at the GLA toddler house.
Here in Haiti no one knows about the Easter bunny, and they have certainly never thought about hiding food (eggs) outside for kids to search and find. Even the concept of decorating eggs is foreign. But regardless of the traditions that surround the celebration, it still remains wrapped around Christ’s resurrection. Worship and praise is continuous, and services are held from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. Afterwards families gather for a celebration and much food. At the toddler house this year we added a few new fun activities for the kids. A few of the kids had been here last year and remembered the craft. However many of the kids were brand new to our tradition… and even after an explanation a few children still bit through the shell of their egg and tried to eat it. Ronaldo chose green and yellow dye for his egg and was in awe when the white egg came out in great bright colors. He then proceeded to dry his egg with his mouth blowing on it for several minutes. Seeing how that wasn’t working I got out a hair dryer and tried it that way. It was a success. Little did I know how popular that little machine would be. The kids had never seen anything like it. They giggled and chuckled as I blew the warm air in their face and thought it was the greatest when I blew the air into one little boy’s shirt. The kids couldn’t believe how big around the little guy’s shirt puffed up. It was an exciting day that we will not soon forget.
A ministry team came to visit us one morning last week. They put on a program for all the children at the toddler house. They did a short program for the youngest children and a longer program for Ronaldo and his group. The program had several activities focusing on how Jesus can make us clean inside. The team put on skits and taught the kids a new song. The song was all about how people in different parts of the world greet each other with love. In each country they sang about a different hand or body movement was used as well as a vocal greeting. Ronaldo’s eyes were glued on the performers as they went through it the first time. The second time the team encouraged the children to try as well… and of course Ronaldo had a great time joining right in. Ronaldo laughed during the funny parts but sat quietly and listened to everything thing they had to teach him about the Lord and his forgiveness. Later that day I overheard him lecturing the other children and teaching them the lessons that he had learned that day.
Earlier in the month we had a very special movie night with the kids. All the children were sitting in the room ready for the movie to start and me to bring the popcorn when… Joyce and I walked in with a huge tub of home made ice cream. We made so much ice cream that we had to invite more kids than usual. We gave each child their bowl of ice cream and let them choose toppings including peanuts, chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, butterscotch, cookie crumbs, cherries, whip cream, gummy bears and the list goes on. The most popular topping had to be the gummy bears. Ronaldo couldn’t get enough. I think he chose every single thing on the list. He packed all the syrup and cookie crumbs that he could get his hands on. After he finished his bowl there was a younger child that couldn’t finish his and Ronaldo polished off that one too. The kids played around with the food for a few minutes but then the television came on and all was silent for the rest of the evening.
Ronaldo is doing great in school and is continuing to learn at a steady rate. He is one of the few children here that really prefers to speak the English language over Creole. This last week Ronaldo received twelve out of thirteen on his spelling test. His words included hot chocolate, milk, french fries, juice, cereal, and other food and drink related words. When asking the kids if they understood and knew what each word means Ronaldo piped up when the word “milk” came up. He said “I know… my Haitian mom puts that in her coffee!” He was full of excitement and gave out a shy little laugh and carried on with his lesson. Ronaldo also read his Adam and Eve book Friday afternoon without struggles. The books are ones you print off the computer and the pictures are just white so it gives the children an opportunity to color them. Joyce gave them the homework of coloring their book on Tuesday night and handed out pencil crayons. As Wednesday afternoon rolled around Ronaldo came into class and opened up his new coloring job with pride. Joyce flipped through the pages praising the great job and she came to a page that was scribbled all in black. When she asked Ronaldo what the black scribbles were all about Ronaldo explained that it was the page with the snake on it that tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. He explained that Satan didn’t deserve to be colored beautiful. He had to color it black because that snake is ugly and mean. What a smart kid! Ronaldo also memorized his bible verse this week which was Deuteronomy 6:5. He said it loudly and proudly and was ready to receive his prize. He receive one mango lollipop for his Bible verse, one mango lollipop for his reading test, and the grand prize of anything he chose out of the box of prizes. This box consists of things such as jump ropes, toy cars, coloring books, and other fun toys. After searching through he saw what he wanted and he pointed his little finger up at the shelf and said “ I want soup.” Well soup is actually Ramen Noodles or also known as Mr. Noodle. Well that started a small riot and a few other kids immediately wanted that too. So today Ronaldo and his classmates enjoyed a nice bowl of spicy noodles for snack. I think that means we better stock up on those cause it was a big hit!!
Ronaldo is healthy and doing well. He has not been ill nor on any medications in the last few weeks. He has a good appetite, is full of energy, and sleeps soundly through the night. He is steadily growing. His current measurements are:
Height: 123 cm (48.5 inches)
Weight: 51 lbs
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Many blessings,
Molly
GLA – Haiti
P.S. The package you sent made it just fine, and in perfect time!!! RJ had worn his sandals out and I didn't have any more in his size at all!!!! (He has the second largest feet, so we don't get a lot of sandals come through for that sized boy. :) ) It was a great package! You sure know a lot about what little Haitian boys like. :)
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