I love Christmas cards...so, so much! And this may seem like a plea for you to send them to us, but really, it is just a response to the many requests that have been made for our address!
So to save time, and encourage you to send us mail ;) I thought I would go ahead and post our address here!
Rob and Erin Vande Lune
220 E. Boynton
Lennox, SD 57039
We are going to be moving in with my parents on Dec 23 and the kiddos are starting school at Lennox Elementary on January 6!
Please keep the prayers for transition coming our way!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Authenticity vs. Intimacy
I read this yesterday...
Sometimes I wonder if, in our rush for authenticity, we have forgotten how beautiful it can be to keep secrets. Not the shameful kind but the "just for us" kind, I mean. I've purposely been practicing the spiritual discipline of secrecy for much of what is going on in my heart and spirit these past few months. At first it was so difficult and weird - is it real if you don't document it on Facebook or blog about it?! - but now I've relearned the truth that new life often comes forth in quiet, hidden, and sacred places. In the meantime, keeping secrets and holding more of our stories and evolutions, our victories or sorrows close to the bone suits just fine. Who knew, eh? As a writer or any kind of minister or artist perhaps, it's hard not to turn one's life into content or impose narrative on every moment. The discipline of keeping secrets is a good cure for simply letting it unfold for a while, without expectation of affirmation or criticism.
It isn't just that I think this is a GOOD WORD for my own life...I think this is what is keeping me from blogging. From telling you all of the details and the stories and the sweet, sweet moments...
From letting you see me raw...I am sorry to those of you who are so close in these next few days, weeks, and months. I really think all of us will just be a little raw for a while...
From sharing them, because they are ours...they are the memories we are walking around capturing with our "cameras" (our hearts) and asking God to preserve. Here are a few glimpse of some of those...
This being in two places...having a heart that is stuck in two worlds...this stuff is just flat out messy business. Our grandma is visiting us right now, and she has been so excited to be here!!! We have ALL enjoyed being together with her and spending time. The girls spent an entire morning making a special Christmas craft for the family, and had a great time! However, Grandma is in the world that we are headed too (which is a good thing :)...talk of Christmas, and cousins, and school, and shopping, and belongings...all of that is what we are going towards. And it is causing us to all feel pretty conflicted, because that is not the world that we are still in...Whether it is grandma, or any of our awesome friends/family/community back in the states, I think the feeling would be the same.
I sat with Gracie yesterday afternoon, and just listened, held her hand and dried her tears...
"Mom, this is hard...I wish I could be in both places. Please done remind me ever, that our days are going away."
"Gra, we are going to need each other these next few months. We are going to need to remind each other of E's giggle, RM's joking laugh, and A's smile...we are going to need to lay on the floor together and close our eyes and walk each other down the road that we walked so often. Tell each other about the cows coming down the road, the school kids yelling "How are you?!?", and the random person saying, "Give me one dollar." We will need to remind each other that no matter how out of place we feel...just when we think that no one understands or knows where we have been...God doesn't put us on islands, to leave us alone.
(So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10).
We will always be known by him, and know each other. We have journeyed together, and NOTHING that God has led us into, nothing that God has done in, around, or through us will be lost. In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose.
Our hearts our raw. We love this place, these people, and we love who God has grown "us" to be. We are a family who values LOVE, strives to speak truth, has seen injustice, and agrees that once you see, you can't unsee. We have a list of the ways that God has broken our hearts for what breaks his, shown us glimpses of his face and his power, shown us JOY when things seemed so dark, and spoken peace and strength over us when we were unable to walk or stand.
...we have friends in two places and hearts that share time in both worlds.
We are a family that is seeing how this is just the beginning of serving together and journeying together. We are seeing ways that God is taking things from the beginning of this journey and showing us how he plans to continue them, or use them, or preserve them in our hearts. We are seeing the value that comes from doing this as a family, and as challenging as it is sometimes to spend so much time together, we are so grateful for the way that each person makes our family better and more complete!
I want to share with you a few of the moments we have been experiencing...and I want to solicit your continued prayer support. I was going to sit down and send a message to some of our people...and then I realized it would take way to long to choose and send the message to so many! We need your prayers!
Prayer requests:
-That was are able to claim JOY every morning, to see the blessing of each day and to claim each day as a gift that God has given us in this place.
-That we would have peace in all of our comings and goings in the days to come as we continue to step back from our roles and spend time with those around us.
-That our hearts would find peace and rest in God alone, in His plan, and his sovereignty.
-That packing and all of the logistics of leaving would be flawless and smooth
-That we would draw encouragement from those around us that we do life with everyday.
-That our house would be a house of peace, praise, and worship to you Lord!
-That we would be patient with each other, and reminded that we are going through this together
-That we would extend grace and receive grace as we interact with those who "get" where we have been...a place and a season that we are fiercely passionate about and that is a large part of who we ALL are!
Moments:
-Having visitors has been GREAT! We have loved showing Aunt Shirley, Grandma Doreen and soon Sarah and Jeremy where we live and work and play!
-One morning, a nanny said, "Ou pa di mwe..." I was confused, but she went on to say, "You didn't tell me you were leaving." Tears flowed. A day of chatting and hugging and crying followed, and we are still telling people one by one of our plans. Sweet moments! No one is holding the door for us and shooing us out, but rather so many are praying for our speedy return. We are grateful...
-We took our sweet friend Witchelie to dinner last night at a restaurant. It was her first time eating out, which we didn't fully realize at the time. It was so fun to see her face, her wide eyes and her smile when her meal arrived. We loved sharing this with her, and we should have done it sooner :)
-beach days are our favorite and we have gotten to go three times and spend time near the waters with awesome people! There isn't much a day at the beach won't fix!
-We had our first staff retreat! Rob planned and helped lead this, and did a FANTASTIC job! It was chaos...let's be honest 19 kids, 18adults...we were outnumbered from the start! but Rob and I both loved the time we were able to spend with everyone and it was definitely a very special time in these last weeks.
-Kids are being reunited, gaining weight, standing on their own, and healing from ailments! We are daily faced with smiles and screams and giggles from some of the cutest little people on earth!
-"Juliann ran to hug me and talk with me today. She said she will never stop praying for us, and that her daughter has been in tears the past few days over hearing of our leaving. She told me that there is no use in crying--if our hearts are too sad, we can't pray and talk with God, and if we can't stop crying we need to go to church and be in God's presence and pray. She told me I would always be her friend."
-We have been singing together...ALOT!
-Sweet conversations with fellow staff members. Opportunities to affirm and bless them, and receiving similar blessings from them in return.
-Tough chats...the kind that remind you that the hard work is worth the fight...that God has called us higher and deeper and that together, if we are willing to do the hard work, we will go where he has called us!
I hope that this update finds you well...
I hope it reminds you that we are still here, that we are grateful for all of you who have walked this road with us, prayed for us, blessed us...
I hope you will continue to lift us up in prayer and grant us grace...
I hope...I hope in someone, and trust in someone, and believe in someONE so much bigger and greater and stronger than all I could ask or imagine! Amen...
Sometimes I wonder if, in our rush for authenticity, we have forgotten how beautiful it can be to keep secrets. Not the shameful kind but the "just for us" kind, I mean. I've purposely been practicing the spiritual discipline of secrecy for much of what is going on in my heart and spirit these past few months. At first it was so difficult and weird - is it real if you don't document it on Facebook or blog about it?! - but now I've relearned the truth that new life often comes forth in quiet, hidden, and sacred places. In the meantime, keeping secrets and holding more of our stories and evolutions, our victories or sorrows close to the bone suits just fine. Who knew, eh? As a writer or any kind of minister or artist perhaps, it's hard not to turn one's life into content or impose narrative on every moment. The discipline of keeping secrets is a good cure for simply letting it unfold for a while, without expectation of affirmation or criticism.
It isn't just that I think this is a GOOD WORD for my own life...I think this is what is keeping me from blogging. From telling you all of the details and the stories and the sweet, sweet moments...
From letting you see me raw...I am sorry to those of you who are so close in these next few days, weeks, and months. I really think all of us will just be a little raw for a while...
From sharing them, because they are ours...they are the memories we are walking around capturing with our "cameras" (our hearts) and asking God to preserve. Here are a few glimpse of some of those...
This being in two places...having a heart that is stuck in two worlds...this stuff is just flat out messy business. Our grandma is visiting us right now, and she has been so excited to be here!!! We have ALL enjoyed being together with her and spending time. The girls spent an entire morning making a special Christmas craft for the family, and had a great time! However, Grandma is in the world that we are headed too (which is a good thing :)...talk of Christmas, and cousins, and school, and shopping, and belongings...all of that is what we are going towards. And it is causing us to all feel pretty conflicted, because that is not the world that we are still in...Whether it is grandma, or any of our awesome friends/family/community back in the states, I think the feeling would be the same.
I sat with Gracie yesterday afternoon, and just listened, held her hand and dried her tears...
"Mom, this is hard...I wish I could be in both places. Please done remind me ever, that our days are going away."
"Gra, we are going to need each other these next few months. We are going to need to remind each other of E's giggle, RM's joking laugh, and A's smile...we are going to need to lay on the floor together and close our eyes and walk each other down the road that we walked so often. Tell each other about the cows coming down the road, the school kids yelling "How are you?!?", and the random person saying, "Give me one dollar." We will need to remind each other that no matter how out of place we feel...just when we think that no one understands or knows where we have been...God doesn't put us on islands, to leave us alone.
(So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10).
We will always be known by him, and know each other. We have journeyed together, and NOTHING that God has led us into, nothing that God has done in, around, or through us will be lost. In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose.
Our hearts our raw. We love this place, these people, and we love who God has grown "us" to be. We are a family who values LOVE, strives to speak truth, has seen injustice, and agrees that once you see, you can't unsee. We have a list of the ways that God has broken our hearts for what breaks his, shown us glimpses of his face and his power, shown us JOY when things seemed so dark, and spoken peace and strength over us when we were unable to walk or stand.
...we have friends in two places and hearts that share time in both worlds.
We are a family that is seeing how this is just the beginning of serving together and journeying together. We are seeing ways that God is taking things from the beginning of this journey and showing us how he plans to continue them, or use them, or preserve them in our hearts. We are seeing the value that comes from doing this as a family, and as challenging as it is sometimes to spend so much time together, we are so grateful for the way that each person makes our family better and more complete!
I want to share with you a few of the moments we have been experiencing...and I want to solicit your continued prayer support. I was going to sit down and send a message to some of our people...and then I realized it would take way to long to choose and send the message to so many! We need your prayers!
Prayer requests:
-That was are able to claim JOY every morning, to see the blessing of each day and to claim each day as a gift that God has given us in this place.
-That we would have peace in all of our comings and goings in the days to come as we continue to step back from our roles and spend time with those around us.
-That our hearts would find peace and rest in God alone, in His plan, and his sovereignty.
-That packing and all of the logistics of leaving would be flawless and smooth
-That we would draw encouragement from those around us that we do life with everyday.
-That our house would be a house of peace, praise, and worship to you Lord!
-That we would be patient with each other, and reminded that we are going through this together
-That we would extend grace and receive grace as we interact with those who "get" where we have been...a place and a season that we are fiercely passionate about and that is a large part of who we ALL are!
Moments:
-Having visitors has been GREAT! We have loved showing Aunt Shirley, Grandma Doreen and soon Sarah and Jeremy where we live and work and play!
-One morning, a nanny said, "Ou pa di mwe..." I was confused, but she went on to say, "You didn't tell me you were leaving." Tears flowed. A day of chatting and hugging and crying followed, and we are still telling people one by one of our plans. Sweet moments! No one is holding the door for us and shooing us out, but rather so many are praying for our speedy return. We are grateful...
-We took our sweet friend Witchelie to dinner last night at a restaurant. It was her first time eating out, which we didn't fully realize at the time. It was so fun to see her face, her wide eyes and her smile when her meal arrived. We loved sharing this with her, and we should have done it sooner :)
-beach days are our favorite and we have gotten to go three times and spend time near the waters with awesome people! There isn't much a day at the beach won't fix!
-We had our first staff retreat! Rob planned and helped lead this, and did a FANTASTIC job! It was chaos...let's be honest 19 kids, 18adults...we were outnumbered from the start! but Rob and I both loved the time we were able to spend with everyone and it was definitely a very special time in these last weeks.
-Kids are being reunited, gaining weight, standing on their own, and healing from ailments! We are daily faced with smiles and screams and giggles from some of the cutest little people on earth!
-"Juliann ran to hug me and talk with me today. She said she will never stop praying for us, and that her daughter has been in tears the past few days over hearing of our leaving. She told me that there is no use in crying--if our hearts are too sad, we can't pray and talk with God, and if we can't stop crying we need to go to church and be in God's presence and pray. She told me I would always be her friend."
-We have been singing together...ALOT!
-Sweet conversations with fellow staff members. Opportunities to affirm and bless them, and receiving similar blessings from them in return.
-Tough chats...the kind that remind you that the hard work is worth the fight...that God has called us higher and deeper and that together, if we are willing to do the hard work, we will go where he has called us!
I hope that this update finds you well...
I hope it reminds you that we are still here, that we are grateful for all of you who have walked this road with us, prayed for us, blessed us...
I hope you will continue to lift us up in prayer and grant us grace...
I hope...I hope in someone, and trust in someone, and believe in someONE so much bigger and greater and stronger than all I could ask or imagine! Amen...
Thursday, October 9, 2014
And we're BOOKED!!!
Our plans are made...our chapter now has a final page...
We finalized our tickets tonight! We are officially heading back to the States on December 22, 2014 and will no longer have a house in Haiti; however, our hearts will forever feel at home on this island!
We have SO many emotions about this! But more than anything God is just really showing us his faithfulness and his care for us! He continues to soften our hearts daily, and just really show us His desires for how we end our time here. We have been doing our best to really invest in those who will take over roles that we have filled these past two years. Both Rob and I couldn't love those people anymore and really pray that God will provide us the opportunity to continue to be a support and encouragement to them. With the kids, we have been taking every opportunity to "take a picture in our brains" of the things we love, people we adore, and God's creation here in Haiti. This has been so fun! Toby walks around now often making camera noises as he looks all around the compound for things he wants to remember and loves. For all the kids, but for him especially, I pray that God will store those photographs in their minds and hearts that they may remember and always have glimpses of their time here at such a young age!
Family and friends have been taking advantage of scheduling trips to Haiti for our final days here to see and glimpse the place we have lived these past two years and just to be able to relate to our stories. We are so grateful for "our people"...people who have supported, encouraged, visited, and loved us all along this journey! Man, there just are not words for the amount of love and gratitude we feel toward you!!! A special shout out to those who visited us here on the ground too! Many of you stepped far out of your comfort zone to do so and gave of your time and finances to make that happen! We are so grateful that are kids have that handful of ppl to share their stories and their home with who have seen for themselves! Others of you have followed the blog, Facebook and pictures and have just been so intentional to love and support us! You too are SOOO very close to our hearts! We LOVE you and appreciate you just the same!
God is also providing for us a time of rest and respite before we head home. Our last day at COTP will be December 17th. At that time, we will head to Puerta Plata in the DR and spend 5 nights at a resort there. We are going to be slightly emotional ppl when we leave COTP--heading straight to the States and into the throws of the holiday season is probably not wise for us ;) We are hoping out time in the DR will help us to grieve our departure together, embrace each other, cry together, remember our days, laugh lots, and dream about what lies ahead. Umbrella drinks, our own swimming pool, all-inclusive meals and teal blue ocean water can solve A LOT! So, pray with us that our moto and a couple other bigger items we have here sell so that we are able to make this happen!
In these final months, we hope to be able to continue to share our hearts and our home with you, while all the while bringing light and glory to God for this part of our journey! Stay tuned as I try to stay on top of the blog (I am fighting so many emotions, and struggle to put them all out in a blog post as they often feel intimate and personal), and make sure to follow our Instagram hashtag #vlfinalchapter for daily glimpses into our final days!
Finally, we are still looking for about 10 families to support us these final 4 months at $50/month each. If you, or someone you know, are interested in partnering with us in that way please email me at erinvandelune@gmail.com. THANKS!
We finalized our tickets tonight! We are officially heading back to the States on December 22, 2014 and will no longer have a house in Haiti; however, our hearts will forever feel at home on this island!
We have SO many emotions about this! But more than anything God is just really showing us his faithfulness and his care for us! He continues to soften our hearts daily, and just really show us His desires for how we end our time here. We have been doing our best to really invest in those who will take over roles that we have filled these past two years. Both Rob and I couldn't love those people anymore and really pray that God will provide us the opportunity to continue to be a support and encouragement to them. With the kids, we have been taking every opportunity to "take a picture in our brains" of the things we love, people we adore, and God's creation here in Haiti. This has been so fun! Toby walks around now often making camera noises as he looks all around the compound for things he wants to remember and loves. For all the kids, but for him especially, I pray that God will store those photographs in their minds and hearts that they may remember and always have glimpses of their time here at such a young age!
Family and friends have been taking advantage of scheduling trips to Haiti for our final days here to see and glimpse the place we have lived these past two years and just to be able to relate to our stories. We are so grateful for "our people"...people who have supported, encouraged, visited, and loved us all along this journey! Man, there just are not words for the amount of love and gratitude we feel toward you!!! A special shout out to those who visited us here on the ground too! Many of you stepped far out of your comfort zone to do so and gave of your time and finances to make that happen! We are so grateful that are kids have that handful of ppl to share their stories and their home with who have seen for themselves! Others of you have followed the blog, Facebook and pictures and have just been so intentional to love and support us! You too are SOOO very close to our hearts! We LOVE you and appreciate you just the same!
God is also providing for us a time of rest and respite before we head home. Our last day at COTP will be December 17th. At that time, we will head to Puerta Plata in the DR and spend 5 nights at a resort there. We are going to be slightly emotional ppl when we leave COTP--heading straight to the States and into the throws of the holiday season is probably not wise for us ;) We are hoping out time in the DR will help us to grieve our departure together, embrace each other, cry together, remember our days, laugh lots, and dream about what lies ahead. Umbrella drinks, our own swimming pool, all-inclusive meals and teal blue ocean water can solve A LOT! So, pray with us that our moto and a couple other bigger items we have here sell so that we are able to make this happen!
In these final months, we hope to be able to continue to share our hearts and our home with you, while all the while bringing light and glory to God for this part of our journey! Stay tuned as I try to stay on top of the blog (I am fighting so many emotions, and struggle to put them all out in a blog post as they often feel intimate and personal), and make sure to follow our Instagram hashtag #vlfinalchapter for daily glimpses into our final days!
Finally, we are still looking for about 10 families to support us these final 4 months at $50/month each. If you, or someone you know, are interested in partnering with us in that way please email me at erinvandelune@gmail.com. THANKS!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Good Morning Party People!
Good Morning, Party People!!!
Man, we are so excited for today! Our hearts have just been so full this week throughout this process of sharing with you, I think it has caught us a little off guard in some ways. We have found ourselves just sitting side by side on the porch, taking in the sight of the tap-tap coming and going, jumping on the trampoline with all of the kiddos, pulling the goat behind the moto with a rope...all things we find ourselves saying, "I am going to miss this!"
We also find ourselves saying, "Go slow..." Take the time to sit with someone, to hear someone and to just drink it all in!
Here are some of the details that we shared yesterday...We have some great giveaways that we would like to share with you...
The girls have recently discovered www.banded2gether.com and they are LOVING their headbands and hair ties. What they love even more than that, is that with each headband purchased a child is given 3 MEALS! They just can't wrap their heads around the idea that one headband=3 meals! So, in honor of that--for the first 5 people, UNDER the age of 18, to donate...the girls will send a headband that they hand pick! We would love for people of all pages to get involved, so let's see who we can give a headband to!!!
The second gift we will give, will go to the first person to give over $1000. We would love to send them a copy of Jonathan Katz's book, "The Big Truck that went by".
Thirdly, for anyone willing to give over $1000, your name will be added to the "Insider's List". All insiders will receive a guaranteed WEEKLY update from us with insider information of funny things our kids have said, unique to Haiti experiences we have shared, stories we encounter within and outside of our gates, etc. It will be a fun "Insider's" look into our final chapter here in Haiti, an opportunity you might want to consider!
You will be able to chat with Rob and I from 10am-5pmEST today! As soon as you make your donation, send us a message and let us know :) We would love to FaceTime with you guys as you give, but our internet has just not been quite reliable enough...but make sure to send us a message on Facebook and chat with us for a while!
So today, on our blog page, we have a button that will take you to our Network for Good fundraising page. There you will have the opportunity to give a given amount, either as a one-time donation or a monthly donation (6 months). Another option would be to send a check in to Children of the Promise (designated to the Vande Lune's-just not directly on the check; address below) and then just let us know tomorrow via Facebook that you donated!
Let us know if you have any questions!!!
Here is the address that you can send your check to if you choose to do it via the mail:
Children of the Promise
PO Box 123
Prinsburg, MN 56281
We also just would love to have you pray with us over today!
God, we stand at your feet today with our hands lifted high...
We praise you for who you are and this crazy, wonderful, unpredictable journey that you have called us on! We are so grateful for the time you have given us here in Haiti. We pray and we TRUST that you are in this final chapter, you are already in the transition and you have already prepared the next steps for us. THANK YOU, Jesus for those we have met on this journey, those you have brought along side us for this season, and those who have been so faithful to us throughout our lives. We pray that your light has been evidence enough through us to also grow and change those who have journeyed with us. God we CELEBRATE and give THANKS today for who you are, your sovereignty, your blessings to us and your faithfulness for each season of our lives! Oh man, Jesus...this crazy crew of 6 in Haiti loves your deeply!
AMEN!
Let's get this party STARTED!!!!!!!
Man, we are so excited for today! Our hearts have just been so full this week throughout this process of sharing with you, I think it has caught us a little off guard in some ways. We have found ourselves just sitting side by side on the porch, taking in the sight of the tap-tap coming and going, jumping on the trampoline with all of the kiddos, pulling the goat behind the moto with a rope...all things we find ourselves saying, "I am going to miss this!"
We also find ourselves saying, "Go slow..." Take the time to sit with someone, to hear someone and to just drink it all in!
Here are some of the details that we shared yesterday...We have some great giveaways that we would like to share with you...
The girls have recently discovered www.banded2gether.com and they are LOVING their headbands and hair ties. What they love even more than that, is that with each headband purchased a child is given 3 MEALS! They just can't wrap their heads around the idea that one headband=3 meals! So, in honor of that--for the first 5 people, UNDER the age of 18, to donate...the girls will send a headband that they hand pick! We would love for people of all pages to get involved, so let's see who we can give a headband to!!!
The second gift we will give, will go to the first person to give over $1000. We would love to send them a copy of Jonathan Katz's book, "The Big Truck that went by".
Thirdly, for anyone willing to give over $1000, your name will be added to the "Insider's List". All insiders will receive a guaranteed WEEKLY update from us with insider information of funny things our kids have said, unique to Haiti experiences we have shared, stories we encounter within and outside of our gates, etc. It will be a fun "Insider's" look into our final chapter here in Haiti, an opportunity you might want to consider!
You will be able to chat with Rob and I from 10am-5pmEST today! As soon as you make your donation, send us a message and let us know :) We would love to FaceTime with you guys as you give, but our internet has just not been quite reliable enough...but make sure to send us a message on Facebook and chat with us for a while!
So today, on our blog page, we have a button that will take you to our Network for Good fundraising page. There you will have the opportunity to give a given amount, either as a one-time donation or a monthly donation (6 months). Another option would be to send a check in to Children of the Promise (designated to the Vande Lune's-just not directly on the check; address below) and then just let us know tomorrow via Facebook that you donated!
Let us know if you have any questions!!!
Here is the address that you can send your check to if you choose to do it via the mail:
Children of the Promise
PO Box 123
Prinsburg, MN 56281
We also just would love to have you pray with us over today!
God, we stand at your feet today with our hands lifted high...
We praise you for who you are and this crazy, wonderful, unpredictable journey that you have called us on! We are so grateful for the time you have given us here in Haiti. We pray and we TRUST that you are in this final chapter, you are already in the transition and you have already prepared the next steps for us. THANK YOU, Jesus for those we have met on this journey, those you have brought along side us for this season, and those who have been so faithful to us throughout our lives. We pray that your light has been evidence enough through us to also grow and change those who have journeyed with us. God we CELEBRATE and give THANKS today for who you are, your sovereignty, your blessings to us and your faithfulness for each season of our lives! Oh man, Jesus...this crazy crew of 6 in Haiti loves your deeply!
AMEN!
Let's get this party STARTED!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Details for tomorrow!
Alright everyone! Thanks for joining us on the journey this week and just taking a little peek into our lives here in Haiti! I hope you have glimpsed our hearts and just really seen where God is at work within our family and how he is blessings us and using us here all at the same time!
We are SO EXCITED for TOMORROW! We have some great giveaways that we would like to share with you...
The girls have recently discovered www.banded2gether.com and they are LOVING their headbands and hair ties. What they love even more than that, is that with each headband purchased a child is given 3 MEALS! They just can't wrap their heads around the idea that one headband=3 meals! So, in honor of that--for the first 5 people, UNDER the age of 18, to donate...the girls will send a headband that they hand pick! We would love for people of all pages to get involved, so let's see who we can give a headband to!!!
The second gift we will give, will go to the first person to give over $1000. We would love to send them a copy of Jonathan Katz's book, "The Big Truck that went by".
Thirdly, for anyone willing to give over $1000, your name will be added to the "Insider's List". All insiders will receive a guaranteed WEEKLY update from us with insider information of funny things our kids have said, unique to Haiti experiences we have shared, stories we encounter within and outside of our gates, etc. It will be a fun "Insider's" look into our final chapter here in Haiti, an opportunity you might want to consider!
You will be able to chat with Rob and I from 10am-5pm tomorrow! As soon as you make your donation, send us a message and let us know :) We would love to FaceTime with you guys as you give, but our internet has just not been quite reliable enough...but make sure to send us a message on Facebook and chat with us for a while!
We may have a few more things up our sleeves, giveaway wise...but, you will just have to come out tomorrow and find out what they are!
SO! Tomorrow....all you need to know is that on our blog page, we have a button that will take you to our Network for Good fundraising page. There you will have the opportunity to give a given amount, either as a one-time donation or a monthly donation (6 months). Another option would be to send a check in to Children of the Promise (designated to the Vande Lune's; address below) and then just let us know tomorrow via Facebook that you donated!
Let us know if you have any questions!!!
Here is the address that you can send your check to if you choose to do it via the mail:
Children of the Promise
PO Box 123
Prinsburg, MN 56281
We are SO EXCITED for TOMORROW! We have some great giveaways that we would like to share with you...
The girls have recently discovered www.banded2gether.com and they are LOVING their headbands and hair ties. What they love even more than that, is that with each headband purchased a child is given 3 MEALS! They just can't wrap their heads around the idea that one headband=3 meals! So, in honor of that--for the first 5 people, UNDER the age of 18, to donate...the girls will send a headband that they hand pick! We would love for people of all pages to get involved, so let's see who we can give a headband to!!!
The second gift we will give, will go to the first person to give over $1000. We would love to send them a copy of Jonathan Katz's book, "The Big Truck that went by".
Thirdly, for anyone willing to give over $1000, your name will be added to the "Insider's List". All insiders will receive a guaranteed WEEKLY update from us with insider information of funny things our kids have said, unique to Haiti experiences we have shared, stories we encounter within and outside of our gates, etc. It will be a fun "Insider's" look into our final chapter here in Haiti, an opportunity you might want to consider!
You will be able to chat with Rob and I from 10am-5pm tomorrow! As soon as you make your donation, send us a message and let us know :) We would love to FaceTime with you guys as you give, but our internet has just not been quite reliable enough...but make sure to send us a message on Facebook and chat with us for a while!
We may have a few more things up our sleeves, giveaway wise...but, you will just have to come out tomorrow and find out what they are!
SO! Tomorrow....all you need to know is that on our blog page, we have a button that will take you to our Network for Good fundraising page. There you will have the opportunity to give a given amount, either as a one-time donation or a monthly donation (6 months). Another option would be to send a check in to Children of the Promise (designated to the Vande Lune's; address below) and then just let us know tomorrow via Facebook that you donated!
Let us know if you have any questions!!!
Here is the address that you can send your check to if you choose to do it via the mail:
Children of the Promise
PO Box 123
Prinsburg, MN 56281
Day FOUR--Our Littles
Addy and Toby are quite the pair. It is hard to even know what to write about them because there are just so many stories, little quirks, or moments that just really speak to who these kids are :
When we sit and think about it, most of our littles lives, at least the bulk that they can remember now, has been spent in Haiti. I asked Addy this morning if she remembered living in Orange City. She says yes, "I remember all my friends and playing with them and swimming at the pool." And it is true...Addy does have some very special friendships in OC!
These two spent the entire morning yesterday playing house. Yes, their parents are usually passed away, someone is sick, there is some kind of emergency, or they are going on an airplane (ALWAYS to visit Papa!)
They ride their scooters endlessly on the patio, cuddle to watch movies, go swimming, play on the playground, jump on the trampoline, do preschool, read books...almost always without fighting!
Addy has the longest eyelashes, biggest eyes and the biggest heart! She loves quickly and fully! She loves to giggle and is on the go all.the.time. There are many times I find myself calling around the compound to figure out where she has run off to now. She is such a free-spirit! But she is also very tender. You hardly have to raise your voice to her and her feelings are hurt. Yet, she is spunky and feisty and will test the limits and boundaries as well. She loves to cuddle...she needs to cuddle...and with all of the coming and going of friends and volunteers, she needs to be reminded to cuddle with mom or dad often. We have really been talking with Addy, and teaching her to pray over her heart. We are trying to teach her what it means to guard your heart, and what it means to allow God to put that protection over it. We are really trying to do this gently in a way that will not hinder her ability to love and just use the gifts God has given her. Addy is so quick to give her toys away, share her snack, or share a secret with those who ask. She is funny...she is a leader...she is a lover.
EVERYONE knows Toby!!! All over the compound people are calling his name. they will ask, "How are you doing? How is Toby?" Toby is funny, he is kind...one minute Toby is cuddling, and the next he is knocking over a tower, picking on his sisters, or running around saying, "Suns out, guns out!" He loves all things machines, riding his trike, or just sitting on the couch reading books to himself. Toby loves movies, especially The Lorax (which he calls the mustache movie), Cheaper by the Dozen, Frozen, Toy Story and Cars. Toby has many special friends in Haiti! They take him on moots, give him hugs/knuckles/fives, and even have given him a goat! He has many little friends and wakes up asking to call them on the phone, play with them on the playground or jump with them on the trampoline. He is super social and loves his friends, but is also able to sit and play for long periods of time by himself-building, reading, or coloring.
I had this conversation with Toby this morning...
"Toby, guess what?"
"What?"
"I love you!"
"I love you too, mama...more than you."
"I love you to the moon and back again a million times."
*Toby smiles*
"I love you a lot, but guess who loves you more than you will ever know or imagine?"
"Papa!"
"Yes, Papa loves you so much but someone loves you way more than that!"
"Who?"
"Jesus does! He loves you so much!"
"Yeah, but no one loves me more than Papa..."
These little bring so much JOY to our lives! They makes us laugh and smile...they remind us of the simple truths...they show us Jesus every day!
They love Jesus! They love to pray and sing, and can often be found standing on top of a table with guitars and microphones and Bibles bringing the Word! This is usually done in a Haitian/American/Pentecostal kind of way ;)
These littles also love Haiti! They talk of going to school, having friends, spending time with cousins and family, when they talk of moving back to the states...but the freedom they know here and the life of freedom they have come to find and love here, will make their transition tricky. And in their short years, they have said a lot of goodbyes...and they don't want to say goodbye to so many friends here that they love deeply.
So...see the JOY in our littles! The innocence and the freedom in how they love and play and live! But also see the need to pray for their hearts-join us in praying a hedge of protection around them, an insight to understanding at their young age what it means to guard their hearts, and praying for a trust that the Lord knows and bears all things with them, and will meet their every need and bring them peace!
When we sit and think about it, most of our littles lives, at least the bulk that they can remember now, has been spent in Haiti. I asked Addy this morning if she remembered living in Orange City. She says yes, "I remember all my friends and playing with them and swimming at the pool." And it is true...Addy does have some very special friendships in OC!
These two spent the entire morning yesterday playing house. Yes, their parents are usually passed away, someone is sick, there is some kind of emergency, or they are going on an airplane (ALWAYS to visit Papa!)
They ride their scooters endlessly on the patio, cuddle to watch movies, go swimming, play on the playground, jump on the trampoline, do preschool, read books...almost always without fighting!
Addy has the longest eyelashes, biggest eyes and the biggest heart! She loves quickly and fully! She loves to giggle and is on the go all.the.time. There are many times I find myself calling around the compound to figure out where she has run off to now. She is such a free-spirit! But she is also very tender. You hardly have to raise your voice to her and her feelings are hurt. Yet, she is spunky and feisty and will test the limits and boundaries as well. She loves to cuddle...she needs to cuddle...and with all of the coming and going of friends and volunteers, she needs to be reminded to cuddle with mom or dad often. We have really been talking with Addy, and teaching her to pray over her heart. We are trying to teach her what it means to guard your heart, and what it means to allow God to put that protection over it. We are really trying to do this gently in a way that will not hinder her ability to love and just use the gifts God has given her. Addy is so quick to give her toys away, share her snack, or share a secret with those who ask. She is funny...she is a leader...she is a lover.
EVERYONE knows Toby!!! All over the compound people are calling his name. they will ask, "How are you doing? How is Toby?" Toby is funny, he is kind...one minute Toby is cuddling, and the next he is knocking over a tower, picking on his sisters, or running around saying, "Suns out, guns out!" He loves all things machines, riding his trike, or just sitting on the couch reading books to himself. Toby loves movies, especially The Lorax (which he calls the mustache movie), Cheaper by the Dozen, Frozen, Toy Story and Cars. Toby has many special friends in Haiti! They take him on moots, give him hugs/knuckles/fives, and even have given him a goat! He has many little friends and wakes up asking to call them on the phone, play with them on the playground or jump with them on the trampoline. He is super social and loves his friends, but is also able to sit and play for long periods of time by himself-building, reading, or coloring.
I had this conversation with Toby this morning...
"Toby, guess what?"
"What?"
"I love you!"
"I love you too, mama...more than you."
"I love you to the moon and back again a million times."
*Toby smiles*
"I love you a lot, but guess who loves you more than you will ever know or imagine?"
"Papa!"
"Yes, Papa loves you so much but someone loves you way more than that!"
"Who?"
"Jesus does! He loves you so much!"
"Yeah, but no one loves me more than Papa..."
These little bring so much JOY to our lives! They makes us laugh and smile...they remind us of the simple truths...they show us Jesus every day!
They love Jesus! They love to pray and sing, and can often be found standing on top of a table with guitars and microphones and Bibles bringing the Word! This is usually done in a Haitian/American/Pentecostal kind of way ;)
These littles also love Haiti! They talk of going to school, having friends, spending time with cousins and family, when they talk of moving back to the states...but the freedom they know here and the life of freedom they have come to find and love here, will make their transition tricky. And in their short years, they have said a lot of goodbyes...and they don't want to say goodbye to so many friends here that they love deeply.
So...see the JOY in our littles! The innocence and the freedom in how they love and play and live! But also see the need to pray for their hearts-join us in praying a hedge of protection around them, an insight to understanding at their young age what it means to guard their hearts, and praying for a trust that the Lord knows and bears all things with them, and will meet their every need and bring them peace!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Day THREE-Q & A with Gracie and Karys
Today's feature is Gracie Lou and Karys Joy! And it just so happens that they are getting along this morning and so excited to share with you, but they are not excited to have their picture taken ;) They are currently in the kitchen, attempting to make banana bread. I say attempting b/c when they went to open the flour this morning they found bugs in it. They threw it out, and went to the depot to get more, and when they started to measure it they found MORE! So they are "stressing" and currently sifting the flour. Gracie is persistent and meticulous...Karys is talking stressed and saying things like, "We are going to be here til noon, but don't worry, at least we can eat this bread for lunch!" I thought about not letting them sift the flour...should we really use it? But this whole process is just too fun to watch them do together, so we will all just take an extra probiotic today and let them make the bread :)
While they were baking, I talked with them about what they wanted their blog to be about...
"Just ask us questions, and then we will answer them and you can share that." So, that is what we are doing! They are baking...I am typing...and you should have something fun to read!
Q: What are two of your favorite things about Haiti?
KJ: "Ok, seriously...BABIES! They are adorable and so cute and I just love helping with them. I could sit under the mango tree and hold "A" all day long! I also love baking. It is just my life. I love making my own lunch, baking bread (Ha-she seriously just said, "Take that bugs!"), and just baking cakes when my friend Wichelie comes. Every time she comes she wants to bake a cake or something. Oh! Can I have three things?! Because I just have to say my horse (Wonder) too! Seriously, she is perfect."
Gracie: "I love to cuddle the babies and take them for walks. If I could stay with them all day, if you would let me, you know I would. I also like the nursing stuff...ALOT. I love that you are getting to do more of it. I can do W's feeding and then help give meds to the kids who are good at it. Don't you think it is nice that I can help you keep track of fevers and stuff?"
Q: Where is your favorite place in Haiti?
KJ: "Holy Smokes! Can I pick two please? Citadel and the beach. Oh yeah, uh huh!!! Citadel is so pretty and an amazing view from the top. You can see for.ev.er! You can see most of Haiti up there, and I also love to see all the work they are doing to it. At the beach you can find sea glass and sea shells, and the food is a.ma.zing there! And I love to swim and just stay in the water and soak up the sun! Yup, it is perfect!" (this is a quote guys...she answers so quickly and dramatically ;) Gracie thinks and says nothing until we are finally like, "Come on, G". Ha!)
Gracie: "My favorite place would be the Citadel too. I have walked the whole way to the top at least three times. It really is a beautiful view and you can pretend you are falling off. There used to be sky toilets you could use, but now they have a real bathroom up there that is really nice. I also like when we get to go swimming at the Mont Joli. I love to swim and it feels good when it is so hot. They also have a really beautiful view and their ham and cheese grilled sandwiches are delicious!
Q: What has been one of the hardest things about Haiti?
KJ and Gracie: "Seeing Christine and Christina go home. We loved them SO much and have just got to spend so much time with them. They had the cutest smiles, were just learning how to walk, we could take them on walks or just sit and play with them for hours. We could always dress them up and play with them and there were two of them and two of us. Saying goodbye to babies is the WORST! We love that they have families who want and love them...it is just hard, ya know? We have had to say some hard goodbyes...like A or E...just seeing them is hard."
Q: We love it when our friends and family back home...
KJ: "VISIT! Seriously, all I want is for someone to bring my cousin Leah for my birthday! Or if she can't that just anyone would come for my birthday. AA flies now and it just has to be easier and cheaper. "
Gracie: "Come to visit or send us goodies in the mail. We love to give tours and just show people all around COTP and where we have been living and how safe and beautiful it is here! I wish more people would come. My birthday mail was pretty exciting! I am so glad so many people were able to send stuff for the babies!"
Q: What do you think God has called has called you to do in your final months at COTP?
KJ: "Take care of the babies and just love and cuddle them as much as I can. Help in the Joy house and just be helpful for Seth and Melissa. I could even babysit cats. I really want one, but can't have one b/c my mom is allergic and my dad doesn't like them. Continue to hang out with my Haitian friends, like Wichelie. They come to play every week, so just spending time with them while we are still here."
Gracie:"Taking care of the babies and just continuing to help with the nursing stuff. I am really excited to help Emily learn about the nursing stuff and be able to help her get to know the kids, what meds they take and why, you know, just stuff like that."
Q: What is on your bucket list of things to do before you leave Haiti:
KJ: "Ride my horse! Yes, that for sure! Spend time with babies, as much as I can! Make some new bracelets if the internet would work. And go to the beach and citadel a few more times."
Gracie: "Spend time with babies, like lots of time! Go to the Citadel and beach at least twice. And just enjoy everyday left in the sunshine and heat before we have to move back to winter."
Alright! That's a wrap, folks! Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into their lives and hearts!
While they were baking, I talked with them about what they wanted their blog to be about...
"Just ask us questions, and then we will answer them and you can share that." So, that is what we are doing! They are baking...I am typing...and you should have something fun to read!
Q: What are two of your favorite things about Haiti?
KJ: "Ok, seriously...BABIES! They are adorable and so cute and I just love helping with them. I could sit under the mango tree and hold "A" all day long! I also love baking. It is just my life. I love making my own lunch, baking bread (Ha-she seriously just said, "Take that bugs!"), and just baking cakes when my friend Wichelie comes. Every time she comes she wants to bake a cake or something. Oh! Can I have three things?! Because I just have to say my horse (Wonder) too! Seriously, she is perfect."
Gracie: "I love to cuddle the babies and take them for walks. If I could stay with them all day, if you would let me, you know I would. I also like the nursing stuff...ALOT. I love that you are getting to do more of it. I can do W's feeding and then help give meds to the kids who are good at it. Don't you think it is nice that I can help you keep track of fevers and stuff?"
Q: Where is your favorite place in Haiti?
KJ: "Holy Smokes! Can I pick two please? Citadel and the beach. Oh yeah, uh huh!!! Citadel is so pretty and an amazing view from the top. You can see for.ev.er! You can see most of Haiti up there, and I also love to see all the work they are doing to it. At the beach you can find sea glass and sea shells, and the food is a.ma.zing there! And I love to swim and just stay in the water and soak up the sun! Yup, it is perfect!" (this is a quote guys...she answers so quickly and dramatically ;) Gracie thinks and says nothing until we are finally like, "Come on, G". Ha!)
Gracie: "My favorite place would be the Citadel too. I have walked the whole way to the top at least three times. It really is a beautiful view and you can pretend you are falling off. There used to be sky toilets you could use, but now they have a real bathroom up there that is really nice. I also like when we get to go swimming at the Mont Joli. I love to swim and it feels good when it is so hot. They also have a really beautiful view and their ham and cheese grilled sandwiches are delicious!
Q: What has been one of the hardest things about Haiti?
KJ and Gracie: "Seeing Christine and Christina go home. We loved them SO much and have just got to spend so much time with them. They had the cutest smiles, were just learning how to walk, we could take them on walks or just sit and play with them for hours. We could always dress them up and play with them and there were two of them and two of us. Saying goodbye to babies is the WORST! We love that they have families who want and love them...it is just hard, ya know? We have had to say some hard goodbyes...like A or E...just seeing them is hard."
Q: We love it when our friends and family back home...
KJ: "VISIT! Seriously, all I want is for someone to bring my cousin Leah for my birthday! Or if she can't that just anyone would come for my birthday. AA flies now and it just has to be easier and cheaper. "
Gracie: "Come to visit or send us goodies in the mail. We love to give tours and just show people all around COTP and where we have been living and how safe and beautiful it is here! I wish more people would come. My birthday mail was pretty exciting! I am so glad so many people were able to send stuff for the babies!"
Q: What do you think God has called has called you to do in your final months at COTP?
KJ: "Take care of the babies and just love and cuddle them as much as I can. Help in the Joy house and just be helpful for Seth and Melissa. I could even babysit cats. I really want one, but can't have one b/c my mom is allergic and my dad doesn't like them. Continue to hang out with my Haitian friends, like Wichelie. They come to play every week, so just spending time with them while we are still here."
Gracie:"Taking care of the babies and just continuing to help with the nursing stuff. I am really excited to help Emily learn about the nursing stuff and be able to help her get to know the kids, what meds they take and why, you know, just stuff like that."
Q: What is on your bucket list of things to do before you leave Haiti:
KJ: "Ride my horse! Yes, that for sure! Spend time with babies, as much as I can! Make some new bracelets if the internet would work. And go to the beach and citadel a few more times."
Gracie: "Spend time with babies, like lots of time! Go to the Citadel and beach at least twice. And just enjoy everyday left in the sunshine and heat before we have to move back to winter."
Alright! That's a wrap, folks! Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into their lives and hearts!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)