Home!

Canada, 3:00 a.m.
Ring, ring, ring. The sound of Jason’s cell phone alarm wakes me and I roll over sleepily. Today is the day. Our last one in Canada. No time to waste I slip out of bed, give Jason a gentle nudge and then head to the bathroom for my contacts. Once I can see clearly I give my teeth a quick brush and run a comb through my hair. 15 seconds, record timing.

Now I’d better check if Esther is awake.

I head up the stairs and sure enough the lights are on. I laugh as I watch her straighten her hair and double check her reflection.

“This has nothing to do with your boyfriend driving us to the airport does it?” I tease.

Before she can sputter back a reply I vanish back down the stairs to Jayden’s room. He’s sleeping like a log and I manage to change him completely without waking him. Leaving him lying on top of the covers like a store mannequin I head back to our room to collect our suitcases. Today is the day!

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Caribbean heat wraps itself around me like a warm welcoming hug. “Ah feels like home," I whisper into the darkness. Although exhausted from the many hours of traveling and the miles of walking to catch connecting flights, I can’t stop the smile from growing into full bloom on my face. I love the warmth!

Surrounded by a half a dozen suitcases I watch from my vantage point on the sidewalk as Jason interacts with several taxi drivers.

“Ou pale Creole?” He asks a Haitian looking taxi driver and suddenly three of them are nodding.

“Wi, wi, wi!”

I watch in delight at how friendly they become. Within minutes we get a half price discount fare to our hotel and we’re on our way.

Nassau
Fun in the sun, some time at the beach, shopping and water sliding.




What a great way to end our midterm break!

Port au Prince
I watch the freckled face of my sleeping son and gently rub his cheek. 35,000 feet up I shift in my seat to get comfortable and then glance at the man across the aisle. Jason and Esther both got bumped up to first class which leaves me looking for someone to talk to.

“Do you live in Haiti?” I ask the man across the aisle.

“My family does,” he replies, “but I’m not sure yet.I have a one way ticket booked and it just depends on if I can find work and how I adjust. Is this your first visit?”

I laugh. “Nope, I’ve lived there for almost three years.”

“Really?” He looks at me in surprise. “Do you like it, living there that is?”

“I love it.”

He seems even more surprised. “What’s there to love?” He asks astonished.

“Well, I love the people, the lifestyle and the weather's pretty great too! Except for August, that is.”

“But it’s dusty and the roads are horrible and there’s no malls and nothing to do.” He argues back.

“That’s just perspective. Life is real there, a little gritty but real, and trust me there's lots to do!"

I go on to tell him about MAF and then about the Apparent Project. Seeing my excitement and hearing about ways that organizations are helping his people perks him up a little. He asks me to write down the name of the Apparent Project so that he can look it up online. I hand him the paper just as the captain's voice comes over the speakers. It’s time to fasten our seat belts and get ready to land.

Since my buckle is still on, I lean over the still sleeping Jayden and absorb the familiar landscape below.

Almost home.

Caribbean music filters through the hallway and I smile. Pulling our carryon baggage, Esther, Jason and I head to the waiting bus. Looking through the window I see the main airport sign is missing a T.

Welcome to Haiti!

Dust and charcoal smoke mix with the humid air as we make our way to the truck. Carrying the sleeping Jayden I soak it all in.

When he starts to wake up I put him down and instantly he complains.

“It's too hot, too hot.”

“You’ll be alright,” I smile down and pat his head.

He looks up at me disbelievingly and my smile turns into a grin. “You’re a big boy now, remember?” Lifting his head he walks a little taller, still clutching my hand.

With suitcases and carry on tied down in the back of the truck we are on our way. The rutted streets, wandering pigs, earthquake damage and the sounds of vendors calling, all remind me that I’m home.



20 minutes later we turn down our familiar street. Jason honks and a few minutes later a grinning Anoud rolls open the security gate.

“Denise, Denise, vini.” He yells. She comes running and I hug her. It’s so nice to see them and their kids. Carrying two backpacks I make my way up the front steps, Jayden close behind me.

“We’re at Jayden’s house! We’re at Jayden’s house!” He shouts excitedly as I open the front door.

Stepping inside the familiar sights and smells of home surround me. It’s sure good to be back. Closing my eyes I silently thank God for his care and faithfulness toward us.

Home at last.

Goodbye Canada

I settle down on the soft green grass balancing my chocolate banana ice cream in my left hand.

Mmm, it's good!

"There's no chair Mom!" Jayden comes up behind me sucking on his Popsicle.

"You don't need one Jay. Just sit on the grass."

"Okay." He plops down beside me and then leans over to take a giant bite out of my ice cream.

"Hey! That's mine."

"I like yours Mom," he says grinning around a mouthful of chocolate and banana.

"Alright then." Leaning back, I look up at the smiling sun. It's so warm and beautiful. It's hard to believe it's already our last day in Canada. The past five weeks have flown by!

After a busy morning of laundry, packing, vacuuming, dusting and wiping I finally have a few minutes just to sit and relax. Relax and reflect.

I close my eyes as the sun warms my face. Memories of the last few weeks run through my mind.

Special times with family and friends,




Camping in Oroville,

Our trip to Alberta

Visiting family there and sharing our work with MAF in a presentation,

Photographing wildlife and plant life,

Hiking rocky cliffs and glaciers

Boating on Moraine Lake,

Then back in Chilliwack saying goodbye again.

Can it really have been five weeks?

June 23 - July 28. Yup, five weeks exactly.

My thoughts drift to the week ahead and I smile in anticipation. For an easier transition and a chance to grocery shop and simply relax we'll spend the next days in Florida and Nassua. It will be a nice break before going home to Haiti.

Home, that's sounding pretty good too.

The Other Side of the World

Exactly two weeks ago today we left one side of the world, Haiti, for the other, Canada. On the world globe they may not appear to be on opposite sides but they might as well be. There's just no comparing the two places, and honestly, I don't want too. Instead, I want to focus on the things I love wherever I happen to be.

In Jayden's words Canada is "Wow, beautiful!" and "Not bumpy!" (The roads that is).

It really is a beautiful place and we are enjoying our time in the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Some of my favorite pictures are...

My two traveling companions.




The Fraser Valley from above.

A rainbow, reminding us of God's promise as we drove through the valley.


The famous Mount Cheam still covered in snow, visible from the backyard.




God's intricate handiwork.



Oh to be young again!


Make new friends!



Stanley Park.




Watching Canada Day fireworks with Grandpa.



Stars that go BANG!" (Jayden)



I love flowers!


Quadding in Coalmont!





That's just a small glimpse of what we've been up to, but even bloggers need holidays once in awhile right?

God's Beautiful Creation

"Mom, it's time to wake up."

I roll over and sleepily open my eyes. A cute, pajama clad boy is standing by the bed, one hand holding his special blanket and the other his favourite dog Cocoa.

"Okay, Jay. I'm coming."

I crawl sleepily out of bed and together we walk to the playroom and get comfortable on the couch.

Outside the early morning sun bathes the world in a golden glow as doves softly coo. It's so beautiful and peaceful.

Even in a country, known for her poverty, filth and chaos, God's beautiful creation shines through.












As I recall the beauty I've seen here, I remember the words of Psalm 19:1.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Reconciliation

“Mom!” Jayden walks up to me half crying. A moment later he’s followed by Jason. “Will, where are you? Jayden just pushed “K” in the mud!”

“Jayden! You better go and say sorry.”

I grab him and march off to find K and her Mom but they’ve already gone home. One little girl, muddy and crying, and one upset Mother.

What to do? By the time we leave the party I still haven’t come up with an answer.

Maybe I’ll go apologize tomorrow when I see them at church, I think to myself. Then the self-justification begins: It wasn’t my fault that he pushed her in the mud, and I can’t supervise him 24/7, and besides that one incident, he did play really well.

Maybe I’ll just forget about the whole thing, sweep it under the rug, besides, the “Love and Logic” parenting book that I’ve been faithfully studying says not to make excuses or apologies for your children. That’s just teaching them they can do wrong and you will pick up the pieces. It’s not teaching them responsibility.

Responsibility, hmm, maybe I’ll make Jayden say sorry at church tomorrow. The arguments begin again: You know how Jayden says sorry. He says it at least 10 times a day and usually in a very cheerful manner. “Sorry, sorry, sorry,” I hear whenever I catch him doing something wrong. Humph. Is K really going to appreciate a forced “sorry,” or a cheerful nonchalant “Oh well, better next time, kind of sorry”?

What about letting him make a card for her? I'm not sure where the idea comes from but it seems like a good one. I know she loves purple so maybe a purple card with flower stickers and butterfly stamps.

I spend some time explaining to Jayden how sad she was and that’s not how you treat a friend (he really loves her a lot), and then ask how he would feel if another boy would push him in the mud.

“I would be sad” he responds thoughtfully.

Then I talk to him about making a card.

“A card?” he asks.

“ Yes, a sorry card.”

With stickers and stamping pads?”

“Yes.”

He nods excitedly. I pull out the stickers Oma Krul sends faithfully with her letters and a box of stamps and ink. He quickly gets to working making a beautiful card. Purple construction paper, pink flower stickers, heart and butterfly stamps; before long the artistic creation is ready.

“Here’s a pen Jayden, Mom will help you write it.” Jayden nods again. I hold his hand carefully in mine and together we write.

Dear K

Sorry for pushing you in the mud.

Love J

At church the next morning we find a spot in the back row. As we wait for the service to begin an excited little boy cranes his neck, watching for the arrival of K. Suddenly he flies out of his seat and out the door.

“This is for you K!” He says handing the now slightly bent envelope to her.

I watch from my seat as K carefully pulls the card out of the envelope and reads the words.

“Dear K, Sorry for pushing you in the mud, Love J.

A smile lights up her face. She grins at Jayden, he's forgiven. Then she walks to the bench in front of us and sits down. I watch as very carefully, with her small fingers, she traces the butterflies, flowers and hearts. Then she opens it again and reads it. “Dear K, sorry for pushing you in the mud, love J.

A little while later the sermon begins. The message is about reconciliation. Reconciliation with God and with our neighbours.

I think of the times that my pride has kept me from reconciling with others. The times I justified my own actions, or swept wrongs under the rug and even jumped on them when they threatened to crawl back out.

My eyes drift to the seat in front of me at K, still clutching her card.

Reconciliation, it’s really so simple that little kids can do it.

It’s as simple as a card that says “Dear K, sorry for pushing you in the mud. Love J.

Rain, Mud and Loss

His small dark hand clasps mine as we slowly make our way through the ankle deep mud. "Jezi sove," (Jesus rescues) he sings quietly. Trying not to let my tears add to the already muddy mess around me I focus on just taking one step at a time.

Last night the rains were incredible. While we placed Tupperware containers and buckets under various leaks, felt our wooden doors expand with moisture, watched the paint in the hallway continue to mold and tried not to shudder at the smell of damp towels and sheets, it was nothing compared to what we see here.

Brick homes with entire walls washed away.

Four feet high water damage in some of the wooden Maxima homes the teams built. People ankle deep in mud trying to wash the few items they have left in the filthy water pouring down what used to be dirt streets.


Ruined books, clothes, dishes and schoolwork in muddy piles outside people's homes.

Walking further I notice people sitting and standing on their roofs surrounded by the few things they have left. Nowhere to go and more rain in the forecast.


Earlier this morning, when the rains had stopped, Shelley had gone out to survey the damage and then sent out a message to the community that people needed sheets, clothing, shoes and food. Hearing the news Denise and I went through what was left of our donated clothing and then through our own cupboards to see what we could give. When I hesitated about handing out the sheets that we use whenever we have teams Denise assured me that God would provide new ones and I could go ahead and give them away.

By the time Jason came home from work we had four suitcases of supplies ready to go. After loading it all into the cruiser we headed to Eagle market to buy food with money that had been previously donated. God must have known we would need it, I thought, as we loaded a grocery cart full of food that was nutritious and ready to eat; raisins, peanuts, dried fruit, and crackers.

At the Apparent Project, Shelley had ten Haitians teenagers waiting, ready to help. They each loaded a garbage bag with food, clothing, sheets and shoes. Then together we walked down into the ravine.

After wading through filthy puddles and streams we stopped and Shelley instructed each of the teenagers to split up and find 1 or 2 families who had lost everything and give them the supplies.

Jason, Matt (a MAF volunteer currently staying at our house), Shelley and I headed to Makensia's house to drop off a tarp, a waterproof suitcase and also a portion of food, clothing and supplies.

Earlier, when Shelley had checked the home of Makensia, the mother of baby twins and an artisan at the Apparent Project, she had found it full of mud. Even the pack and play, which she had just received from a friend, and something she was so grateful for, was completely destroyed. Thankfully her sister and twin daughters were okay.

Along the way we stop to watch three boys, rescuing items from a newly formed stream.

Ten minutes later, after walking through oozing mud and filthy streams we reach Makensia's home. She has been hard at work and managed to clean most of the mud out of her house. What's left of her possessions is pitiful. I talk to her for a minute and then give her food and supplies. Even with all her material loses she still manages to smile and thank us for coming.

Walking back, a boy who looks about ten years old comes to talk to me. He's wearing an over sized, peach colored man shirt and tells me that's all he has left.


"The water came and washed everything away," he says in Creole.

I check my backpack and find my last granola bar. It's all I have left. He thanks me and smiles.

This time a tear does fall. Watching it land in the filthy stream I think about how the supplies we handed out is just like that tear, only a drop in a raging river of need.

God help them. Jezi sove.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Annual MAF Garage Sale,
Plant Sale, Car Wash & BBQ Luncheon

at the Unity Christian School Hall on McNaught Road, Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Donated items for the garage sale may be dropped off at the above location, Friday, June 3 between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Proceeds go to supporting our work with MAF in Haiti.

Monday, June 27, 2011

MAF Banquet Fundraiser - British Columbia

We hope to do a presentation about MAF and our work in Haiti at the NRC Fellowship Hall
located at 8920 Broadway Street
Chilliwack, British Columbia

(space is limited, RSVP by email jwkrul@gmail.com)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

MAF - Dessert Evening - ALBERTA

We hope to do a presentation about MAF and our work in Haiti at the Bethel Free Reformed Church Fellowship Hall
Located on highway 3A, 15 km west of Lethbridge

For further information email us at jwkrul@gmail.com