Cheri Kay in Haiti....where my life became meaningful.

Of what you might ask???? Well, of me coming to Haiti for a "short" trip to wait for this adoption to be done!!!!! I know, I know, all of you that heard me say before I left that I'd only be gone for about 6 months. I didn't lie, really really, I had no idea what was in store for me!!!!!!!! I have been here in Haiti now for 2 years. The funny thing is I am sure this is what God had in store from me right from the beginning. Of course, He didn't tell me that because He knew that I was in no position to handle all that information. As hard as things have been for me, I am so extremely thankful for the time that I have had with my children. I am so happy that I didn't miss out on more of their young lives than I had already. I am amazed at how good they are doing, how wonderfully mine they are and how awesome their development is! I am thankful for the things that I have learned while being here in Haiti. I have learned so much about the Lord and my

GO GREEN GO GREEN GO GREEN GO GREEN GO GREEN GO GREEN GO WHITE GO WHITE GO WHITE GO WHITE GO WHITE GO WHITE GO WHITE GO SPARTANS GO SPARTANS GO SPARTANS GO SPARTANS GO SPARTANS BEAT MEMPHIS!!!!!!!! Just as the shirt says, "start' em young, raise' em right!!!" March Madness has me hooked and I am hoping for my spartans to win and go onto the Elite 8!!!!!! Go Spartans!!!!

CANDY!!!!!! This was a week of fun for the kids!!!! We took Grandma and Grandpa to Jacmel where Mommy did some therapy and the kids and the grandparents swam and played in the pool! OK, OK, Mommy did some playing and relaxing too!!!! It was so wonderful to get a way and enjoy some time with the family! We stayed at a hotel in Jacmel and had a wonderful time playing and swimming. The kids "spent the night" with grandma and grandpa, and Mommy had the evenings to herself in her own hotel room!!!! I can tell you, it was interesting laying there watching TV with no one climbing on me or laying on me! I was able to do some therapy with both Jabez and Bethena (now being called Natalie by the family caring for her and the Missionaries in the area!). They are both improving! I spent some time instructing the parents and caregivers on new exercises and on the current progress of the kids! I am very happy with what I am seeing. Given that a trained therapist is only able to

Jaryse and Ecrissa and happy to report that their Grandma and Grandpa Holton have arrived in Haiti!!!!! This is the first time that my parents have ever been to Haiti, and therefore the first time that they have ever met my kids!!!! It is definetly a fun time!!!! My mom and step-dad arrived yesterday afternoon and will be here until Saturday!! We are very very excited to have them here!!!! They went to the school today and met Ecrissa's teacher and saw the school where we spend most of our time. They also had the experience of driving around Port au Prince today!!!! That is always an experience to be written about !!!!! We are going to Jacmel tomorrow to show them the pretty side of Haiti! We'll do our best to share pictures with you over the next couple of days!!!! Are you wondering about the surprise yet???? Well, we got news today that..... it is confirmed.... our papers were released from the courts and we have moved onto the next office!!!! I am so excited!!!!! Af

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY FROM JARYSE AND ECRISSA luvs and hugs fom your Haitian "Irish" leprachauns!!!!

Many of you may remember that in November a very special friend of mine passed away here in Haiti. Her name is Katie and the school is raising money to re-do the basketball courts in her honor. Well, this Friday night, the students are having a camp-out to begin raising money for the courts. One of the teachers and friend of mine, Marc, made this video as a commercial for the students to advertise the camp-out on Friday! I just thought I'd share it with you for a couple of reasons. One, it shows some of the students that I work with here at the school, some of my friends that are teachers, and I have to admit, it stars the cutest 3 year old boy on campus!!!!! LOL, check it out!!!!!

Emmanuel traveled to America last week!!! Keri Hickin came and went! Literally, after snowstorms cut her 5 day trip to 2 days, Keri finally got to Port au Prince and left 2 days later with Emmanuel in tow!!! Emmanuel is staying with Keri and her husband Joe during his treatment at Shriner's Hosptial in Springfield Massachussetts! The first appointment went well and they are starting with casts and then will schedule surgery if they are not satisfied with the results of the casting. Mom and family were all very supportive of this little man and his opportunity to go to the states and receive the chance to walk, but they are already missing him. I have talked to his mom 2 times since he left 5 days ago. This little boy is loved to pieces by his family and they are so excited for him! I will keep you posted on Emmanuel and his progress in the States!!!! luvs from Haiti