Six Years
10 years ago
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
My love for Zachary
The Beginning:
When Audrey(his mom, my sister in law) was pregnant with Zachary I hoped that God's plan for them was to keep them healthy in this phase of life...and God did. I would feel Audrey's stomach all the time when she announced that he was moving. I LOVED it when he responded with movement of any sort and would sometimes kiss her tummy(in a non weird way, haha...we are extremely close) as if I was kissing his sweet self.
Fast forward
The News:
I was sitting in my living room on Monday Oct 26, planning on getting stuff done since I was going to work the next day. I saw my aunt on skype and was chatting with her when my mom called and said Audrey was 4cm and she and Brian were headed to the hospital. This was around 1:30pm. It was kind of funny I found out through skype(I was talking with my aunt, my mom called her and she said outloud what mom was saying on the phone) that they were heading to the hospital, I guess Brian told mom she could call everybody but Karen and me because he wanted to call us...who knew! We laughed about that later.
I slammed my laptop shut, jumped in the shower(which I normally take at night but had planned on running first that day)got dressed, packed a few pair of clothes to head to the hospital and off I went...only to realize when I was in my car heading out of the driveway that I had no idea how to get to Rex hospital, haha!
I did all that and was in my car with no directions in approximately 37 minutes. I was in such a hurry for one because I was so stinkin' excited. For two, I told Audrey awhile back when she asked, that she could use my laptop while she was in labor...this was their only request from me so I was gonna make it happen and was SO happy they asked!
The Hospital:
I found my way and was the first one to get there from our family. I hurried up and found audrey's mom, audrey, and brian sitting in the room. I dropped off my backpack, complete with my laptop, dvds, and some popcorn(for brian, haha) and gave him a hug. It didn't take me long to realize she was in active labor when I went to love on Zachary(aka Audrey's stomach) and as I was 2 inches away, audrey in her sweet voice said softly but firmly "wait!" and that's all it took. I know pregnant women(I'm an L&D nurse) so I respected that, and then her parents and I let them be as the cord blood lady came in to ask questions.
I talked with Audrey's parents outside of their room for about 10 minutes about common labor stuff/process and then we decided to just go to the waiting room. This was the last I saw of Brian and Audrey before Zachary. I did try to go back and see them and when I knocked on the door, the nurse outside said Audrey was showering. But I knew I heard another voice, only to find out later that Katie(audrey's sister) had snuck in for a few while I was with their parents walking around to find coffee. I'll try to fast forward a little and leave out some pretty pointless details...
So the families started piling in(and aunt Jill brought us all some Dunkin doughnuts!)...
Katie, audrey's sister, is pregnant herself and she was on edge for the majority of audreys labor, knowing her sister was in pain while laboring, etc. By on edge, I mean she did not like being on the other end of having a baby, the waiting part(she has a little boy)! None of us did, really. I found her at one point(when I got tired of not knowing myself)pacing the hallway hoping her sister was okay. I remember thinking and I think I said to her that Audrey is not only the sweetest, soft-spoken, most gentle person I knew, but also one of the strongest people I knew. Not sure if it helped her, but it helped me not to worry about her myself, haha.
Zachary is Born!:
Katie, Karen, and I were all sitting on a hard-ish type bench staring at the elevator for at least 2-3 hrs waiting for Brian or someone to get off and tell us we could come see our first Nephew! We watched the numbers go down from floor 2 like it was our job...and no one ever came. I asked the security guy if they had moved rooms and he said yes and gave me the number! I immediately told the family I knew he had been born and apparently they were in room 320. The real number was 323 but I wanted to beat them all and selfishly love on him myself so I purposely told them a different room. But I knew they would find out sooner rather than later, so it was more me trying to be funny...I only told Katie the real room number, I knew she was equally as excited as I was, we were such proud, excited aunts! We found out around 9:30pm that Audrey had delivered. Brian called mom and said we could all go up.
HAHA, it makes me laugh thinking about it. Katie, Karen and I b-lined it to the elevator and politely told our families that we could not wait for them, therefore we were the first ones in the room. We were greeted at the door by Brian holding Zachary swaddled nicely in a baby blanket and Audrey just as beautiful as ever in the bed. I loved on bubba(Brian) and gave kisses to Zachary(and then audrey), not wanting to seem selfish in asking to hold him, knowing I might not have first dibs considering there were a bagillion of us there wanting him...
Then the rest of the family came in and we all analyzed his adorable, most perfect and beautiful self and were overwhelmed with excitement. We were all there for a few and then people started to fizzle out(it was getting late) and just my immediate family and audrey's immediate family stayed around. We had much much waiting before we finally got to go back in and hold the sweet fella for a few. It was worth every bit of waiting to hold him, for the 10 minutes I got. I LOVED HIM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH. He was just beautiful. I'm not bias, haha...I've seen ALOT of babies, and he was gorgeous.
Work:
I debated for awhile onMonday about whether I should call out of work on Tuesday, and looking back I am SO glad I did. I went home with mom and dad that night and we went back up to the hospital the next day...and I got to hold Zachary AGAIN for a little longer(not nearly long enough of course though)! Katie and Bobby had stopped by for a few and they left shortly after we arrived. We played pass the baby for a little bit :) He was SO precious. His little foot at one point had become all dis-raveled in transit from one family member to another and was sticking out when I was holding him. My mom went to put it back in, and I said no...I wanted to see his little foot and leg. I loved it, and I am glad I got to see his little precious feet. I eventually covered them back up, I wouldn't let my little fella get cold!
That is all I have of my memories of Zachary. There are a lot more details I left out and I could add more to the story, but this is all I got for now...and its really long.
I am very thankful to have had the time I did with Zachary, many of our relatives never got to meet him or hold him. I feel so so grateful and miss him so so much. I loved him a lot. He will forever be my first nephew.
When Audrey(his mom, my sister in law) was pregnant with Zachary I hoped that God's plan for them was to keep them healthy in this phase of life...and God did. I would feel Audrey's stomach all the time when she announced that he was moving. I LOVED it when he responded with movement of any sort and would sometimes kiss her tummy(in a non weird way, haha...we are extremely close) as if I was kissing his sweet self.
Fast forward
The News:
I was sitting in my living room on Monday Oct 26, planning on getting stuff done since I was going to work the next day. I saw my aunt on skype and was chatting with her when my mom called and said Audrey was 4cm and she and Brian were headed to the hospital. This was around 1:30pm. It was kind of funny I found out through skype(I was talking with my aunt, my mom called her and she said outloud what mom was saying on the phone) that they were heading to the hospital, I guess Brian told mom she could call everybody but Karen and me because he wanted to call us...who knew! We laughed about that later.
I slammed my laptop shut, jumped in the shower(which I normally take at night but had planned on running first that day)got dressed, packed a few pair of clothes to head to the hospital and off I went...only to realize when I was in my car heading out of the driveway that I had no idea how to get to Rex hospital, haha!
I did all that and was in my car with no directions in approximately 37 minutes. I was in such a hurry for one because I was so stinkin' excited. For two, I told Audrey awhile back when she asked, that she could use my laptop while she was in labor...this was their only request from me so I was gonna make it happen and was SO happy they asked!
The Hospital:
I found my way and was the first one to get there from our family. I hurried up and found audrey's mom, audrey, and brian sitting in the room. I dropped off my backpack, complete with my laptop, dvds, and some popcorn(for brian, haha) and gave him a hug. It didn't take me long to realize she was in active labor when I went to love on Zachary(aka Audrey's stomach) and as I was 2 inches away, audrey in her sweet voice said softly but firmly "wait!" and that's all it took. I know pregnant women(I'm an L&D nurse) so I respected that, and then her parents and I let them be as the cord blood lady came in to ask questions.
I talked with Audrey's parents outside of their room for about 10 minutes about common labor stuff/process and then we decided to just go to the waiting room. This was the last I saw of Brian and Audrey before Zachary. I did try to go back and see them and when I knocked on the door, the nurse outside said Audrey was showering. But I knew I heard another voice, only to find out later that Katie(audrey's sister) had snuck in for a few while I was with their parents walking around to find coffee. I'll try to fast forward a little and leave out some pretty pointless details...
So the families started piling in(and aunt Jill brought us all some Dunkin doughnuts!)...
Katie, audrey's sister, is pregnant herself and she was on edge for the majority of audreys labor, knowing her sister was in pain while laboring, etc. By on edge, I mean she did not like being on the other end of having a baby, the waiting part(she has a little boy)! None of us did, really. I found her at one point(when I got tired of not knowing myself)pacing the hallway hoping her sister was okay. I remember thinking and I think I said to her that Audrey is not only the sweetest, soft-spoken, most gentle person I knew, but also one of the strongest people I knew. Not sure if it helped her, but it helped me not to worry about her myself, haha.
Zachary is Born!:
Katie, Karen, and I were all sitting on a hard-ish type bench staring at the elevator for at least 2-3 hrs waiting for Brian or someone to get off and tell us we could come see our first Nephew! We watched the numbers go down from floor 2 like it was our job...and no one ever came. I asked the security guy if they had moved rooms and he said yes and gave me the number! I immediately told the family I knew he had been born and apparently they were in room 320. The real number was 323 but I wanted to beat them all and selfishly love on him myself so I purposely told them a different room. But I knew they would find out sooner rather than later, so it was more me trying to be funny...I only told Katie the real room number, I knew she was equally as excited as I was, we were such proud, excited aunts! We found out around 9:30pm that Audrey had delivered. Brian called mom and said we could all go up.
HAHA, it makes me laugh thinking about it. Katie, Karen and I b-lined it to the elevator and politely told our families that we could not wait for them, therefore we were the first ones in the room. We were greeted at the door by Brian holding Zachary swaddled nicely in a baby blanket and Audrey just as beautiful as ever in the bed. I loved on bubba(Brian) and gave kisses to Zachary(and then audrey), not wanting to seem selfish in asking to hold him, knowing I might not have first dibs considering there were a bagillion of us there wanting him...
Then the rest of the family came in and we all analyzed his adorable, most perfect and beautiful self and were overwhelmed with excitement. We were all there for a few and then people started to fizzle out(it was getting late) and just my immediate family and audrey's immediate family stayed around. We had much much waiting before we finally got to go back in and hold the sweet fella for a few. It was worth every bit of waiting to hold him, for the 10 minutes I got. I LOVED HIM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH. He was just beautiful. I'm not bias, haha...I've seen ALOT of babies, and he was gorgeous.
Work:
I debated for awhile onMonday about whether I should call out of work on Tuesday, and looking back I am SO glad I did. I went home with mom and dad that night and we went back up to the hospital the next day...and I got to hold Zachary AGAIN for a little longer(not nearly long enough of course though)! Katie and Bobby had stopped by for a few and they left shortly after we arrived. We played pass the baby for a little bit :) He was SO precious. His little foot at one point had become all dis-raveled in transit from one family member to another and was sticking out when I was holding him. My mom went to put it back in, and I said no...I wanted to see his little foot and leg. I loved it, and I am glad I got to see his little precious feet. I eventually covered them back up, I wouldn't let my little fella get cold!
That is all I have of my memories of Zachary. There are a lot more details I left out and I could add more to the story, but this is all I got for now...and its really long.
I am very thankful to have had the time I did with Zachary, many of our relatives never got to meet him or hold him. I feel so so grateful and miss him so so much. I loved him a lot. He will forever be my first nephew.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Zachary Nathanael Wiggs and Faith
Well well, where to start? I'm sure most of you reading this know a little of what is going on right now. If not, here's what's up:
My nephew, Zachary Nathanael Wiggs, was born on October 26th to the most amazing parents ever(not just cause they are my kenfolk either), and passed away unexpectedly on October 30th. We have no reason, no disease, no mishap and nothing/no one to blame his death on, which can be hard to comprehend at times. I have resolved to accept it as God's plan and sovereign will for Zachary's life.
I obviously have had many thoughts go through my head the past 5 days as I digest and deal with not only my enormous hurt and grief, but my brother and sister in law's pain and the rest of our family's pain. I might as well share them with you...
I want to address my faith in this post, the next one will be all of the wonderful thoughts and memories of Zachary I have and had when Zachary was born, etc.
Many people say it is okay to "question God". I put this in quotation marks because the wording can be taken in 2 different ways and I hold an opinion that says only one is okay(for now at least). I believe to question God is not okay. From personal experience with hardships in the past, I unfortunately chose this path once before, and hated it. I believe to ask God why in a sense of "Lord why did you let this happen?" is to question God's character, authority, and in essence, allows a small amount of doubt to creep in. In my experience a couple of years ago, satan grabbed that little bit of doubt and drug me down, I questioned my faith and everything else I had ever been 100% sure about. It was awful, and only by God's grace did I get through. If you are a child of God, He will not let you go. He continued to bring me to his word, and it was my daily bread, even through doubting. Sry, got off on a tangent, but that explains why I don't know that asking God "why?" in that sense, is healthy. Give satan a foothold when he's already out to "steal, kill, and destroy" you, and you are in for a tough ride.
Tell me what you think about the previous paragraph....I wrestle with a lot of thoughts and continue to run to scripture with my questions, you might have insight or answers I've not yet been shown or given...or perhaps if you know me, you can suggest I reword this paragraph to make more sense to communicate what I believe. :)
The question I believe is okay to ask God is "What is your purpose in this Lord? Because surely you do not willingly bring affliction upon your children(lamentations 3). Your word says you are loving, full of compassion and slow to anger. You must have some purpose in taking Zachary's life that will bring you glory and fame?" That is what I am thinking. God created us to glorify and praise Him. He is all knowing and His ways and thoughts are higher than my ways and thoughts(Isaiah 55:8-9). When Job questioned God, God responded..."where were you when the foundations of the earth were formed." hmmm The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
That last paragraph was hard to write. I believe and trust in God and His Word. But that doesn't take away the pain and the fact that I am still hurting, really really bad. My heart hurts so bad I cannot explain it. I ask those questions and wait in expectation for God to reveal His plan and purpose in all this. May I have opportunities through my precious Zachary to share God's name with others and how Jesus Christ rescued me from eternal death.
Death came into this world because Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit God forbid them to eat. This is the first occasion sin entered the world, and we(decedents of Adam) have been sinful ever since. BUT, Death has been conquered by Jesus Christ on the Cross and this gives me the hope that I will see Zachary again one day, because I have trusted that Christ paid for my sins on the Cross and has given me eternal life, even when this earthly life is over.
If you have questions about any of this, feel free to ask me, I ain't skeered. :)
whew, I feel so scattered right now...more to come on my experience(s) with Zachary, my precious, sweet, beautiful nephew...
My nephew, Zachary Nathanael Wiggs, was born on October 26th to the most amazing parents ever(not just cause they are my kenfolk either), and passed away unexpectedly on October 30th. We have no reason, no disease, no mishap and nothing/no one to blame his death on, which can be hard to comprehend at times. I have resolved to accept it as God's plan and sovereign will for Zachary's life.
I obviously have had many thoughts go through my head the past 5 days as I digest and deal with not only my enormous hurt and grief, but my brother and sister in law's pain and the rest of our family's pain. I might as well share them with you...
I want to address my faith in this post, the next one will be all of the wonderful thoughts and memories of Zachary I have and had when Zachary was born, etc.
Many people say it is okay to "question God". I put this in quotation marks because the wording can be taken in 2 different ways and I hold an opinion that says only one is okay(for now at least). I believe to question God is not okay. From personal experience with hardships in the past, I unfortunately chose this path once before, and hated it. I believe to ask God why in a sense of "Lord why did you let this happen?" is to question God's character, authority, and in essence, allows a small amount of doubt to creep in. In my experience a couple of years ago, satan grabbed that little bit of doubt and drug me down, I questioned my faith and everything else I had ever been 100% sure about. It was awful, and only by God's grace did I get through. If you are a child of God, He will not let you go. He continued to bring me to his word, and it was my daily bread, even through doubting. Sry, got off on a tangent, but that explains why I don't know that asking God "why?" in that sense, is healthy. Give satan a foothold when he's already out to "steal, kill, and destroy" you, and you are in for a tough ride.
Tell me what you think about the previous paragraph....I wrestle with a lot of thoughts and continue to run to scripture with my questions, you might have insight or answers I've not yet been shown or given...or perhaps if you know me, you can suggest I reword this paragraph to make more sense to communicate what I believe. :)
The question I believe is okay to ask God is "What is your purpose in this Lord? Because surely you do not willingly bring affliction upon your children(lamentations 3). Your word says you are loving, full of compassion and slow to anger. You must have some purpose in taking Zachary's life that will bring you glory and fame?" That is what I am thinking. God created us to glorify and praise Him. He is all knowing and His ways and thoughts are higher than my ways and thoughts(Isaiah 55:8-9). When Job questioned God, God responded..."where were you when the foundations of the earth were formed." hmmm The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
That last paragraph was hard to write. I believe and trust in God and His Word. But that doesn't take away the pain and the fact that I am still hurting, really really bad. My heart hurts so bad I cannot explain it. I ask those questions and wait in expectation for God to reveal His plan and purpose in all this. May I have opportunities through my precious Zachary to share God's name with others and how Jesus Christ rescued me from eternal death.
Death came into this world because Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit God forbid them to eat. This is the first occasion sin entered the world, and we(decedents of Adam) have been sinful ever since. BUT, Death has been conquered by Jesus Christ on the Cross and this gives me the hope that I will see Zachary again one day, because I have trusted that Christ paid for my sins on the Cross and has given me eternal life, even when this earthly life is over.
If you have questions about any of this, feel free to ask me, I ain't skeered. :)
whew, I feel so scattered right now...more to come on my experience(s) with Zachary, my precious, sweet, beautiful nephew...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Orphans, and Angels of a Lower Flight
I am missing the kids in Haiti right about now. Truth be told, I miss people, any people that I love and have to leave. Its not that I love any kid/person more than another, I don't believe in favoritism but I do love people differently. Obviously its because no one person is like another, people are different and receive love in different ways.
WILLIAMSON: There is one boy in Haiti I observed right much on this last trip, his name is Williamson. He is supposedly 5 yrs. old. He has bigger lips and drools occassionally, and I think its adorable. He is an observer, with a false, space cadet type look on his face more often than not. He watches the other kids and is difinitely a follower at this point. The older kids, even the ones barely older than him look after him too. That probably contributes to the following part. His mom helped out at the orphanage when he was younger. Then one day, she went to the DR and never came back, leaving him an orphan too.
GENESE: There is a girl in haiti I observed right much as well. Her name is Genese and she is 14. She is beautiful, inside and out. She is a huge helping hand and often plays referee between kids fighting, but in a fair, mature way. The kids respect and listen to her. When she isn't playing a motherly role, she is a normal 14 year old with a silly side. She enjoys dancing, joking around, and just being love on. When we left, she became angry at us, even though I could see right through the hard shell to a sweet, tender heart that just wanted to be loved on longer.
Just wanted to share a little bit about a couple of the kids at the orphanage.
Lastly, I am reading this book called Angels of a Lower Flight. This biography is incredible and pulls you in by page 10. I read 130 pages in one sitting if that says anything, cuz I'm so not a nerd...
I recommend this book to everyone, it can be tough emotionally to believe, but so far its good. Perhaps I'll rant and rave more about it when I'm done with it. I keep hoping for a sweet, redemptive type ending. I'll let you know.
Kristi
WILLIAMSON: There is one boy in Haiti I observed right much on this last trip, his name is Williamson. He is supposedly 5 yrs. old. He has bigger lips and drools occassionally, and I think its adorable. He is an observer, with a false, space cadet type look on his face more often than not. He watches the other kids and is difinitely a follower at this point. The older kids, even the ones barely older than him look after him too. That probably contributes to the following part. His mom helped out at the orphanage when he was younger. Then one day, she went to the DR and never came back, leaving him an orphan too.
GENESE: There is a girl in haiti I observed right much as well. Her name is Genese and she is 14. She is beautiful, inside and out. She is a huge helping hand and often plays referee between kids fighting, but in a fair, mature way. The kids respect and listen to her. When she isn't playing a motherly role, she is a normal 14 year old with a silly side. She enjoys dancing, joking around, and just being love on. When we left, she became angry at us, even though I could see right through the hard shell to a sweet, tender heart that just wanted to be loved on longer.
Just wanted to share a little bit about a couple of the kids at the orphanage.
Lastly, I am reading this book called Angels of a Lower Flight. This biography is incredible and pulls you in by page 10. I read 130 pages in one sitting if that says anything, cuz I'm so not a nerd...
I recommend this book to everyone, it can be tough emotionally to believe, but so far its good. Perhaps I'll rant and rave more about it when I'm done with it. I keep hoping for a sweet, redemptive type ending. I'll let you know.
Kristi
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Haiti Trip #2 and Life
Where to even start? I got back from Haiti late Friday night. I went with 5 other women(my BFF Meredith, Martha, Theresa, Kim, and Char) to the orphanage in Ouinaminthe we visited last November and once again, the kids stole my heart. Really, the whole community/city did. There is something inside of me that reassures my involvement there, but I can't quite figure out what my role is. All I know is my heart is attached. I am trusting the Lord to make the connections and give me wisdom in how to respond to the poverty and needs in Haiti...particularly this area of Haiti and my orphan babies. Please pray with me about how to respond to this heaviness in my heart/tug from the Lord.
This was by far one of the sweetest, best trips I have ever been on. So much was accomplished for the people there. Here are a few things "we" got done, thanks to our fearless leader, Martha(restorehaiti.blogspot.com) and her well planned agenda. It was definitely a group effort(I feel confident she would not want to receive all the credit, she's just cool like that), but without all her work/instruction/research/delegations before the trip, the things accomplished probably wouldn't have happened.
JUST FYI: I WILL TALK MORE ABOUT THE AMAZING ORPHANAGE KIDS IN ANOTHER POST IN THE NEAR FUTURE!
Before I tell you what was accomplished, let me give you some HISTORY/FACTS:
* Willio is the man responsible for the orphanage in Haiti. Including his two little girls, there are 32 children in the orphanage.
* Willio also started a school for free to the community kids that consists of about 1000 students. He has 23 teachers who teach these students in morning and afternoon sessions.
* Because the organization who supported Willio and the orphanage had to pull their monthly support in February, Willio has struggled to pay the teachers and keep basic needs met for the kids ever since.
*The orphans were being split up into families throughout the community while Willio used the orphanage as a school building(the school they were meeting in will fall any day now) for the nine months school was in session.
*The teachers are not getting paid adequately for their services. These teachers are vital for education and hope for this community.
SOME GOALS THIS TRIP WERE:
*LOVE ON OUR KIDDOS AT THE ORPHANAGE. :)
* Take pictures of the teachers and orphanage kids, along with their "stories" in hopes of bringing it back to the states to raise support.
* Start accounts for the teachers at the local bank in Ouinaminthe to ensure proper handling of money once the support is raised.
*Take school supplies, clothes, basic medicine/first aid materials, etc. to the orphanage.
*Walk through a possible building for rent, and give the money necessary to rent it, so that Willio could use it for the school, in order to keep the orphans in their "home" year round.
EVERYTHING ABOVE WAS ACCOMPLISHED(and more I'm sure I'm forgetting)!!!
I was also able to visit a clinic in Ouinaminthe that is well thought out and ran. While my heart is not as tangled up in medicine as it is in the orphanage kids, I hope to go and serve there for a week(ish) in January during the day, and stay with my kids in the afternoon and at night!
Praise God for His favor, grace, and love that was poured out on us during this trip. It could not have gone any smoother. To God be the GLORY, great things HE has done!!
If you contributed prayers, money, school materials, medicines, clothes, toys, etc. towards this trip, I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you and reveal Himself to you, as you have blessed the children and community of Ouinaminthe.
Please feel free to e-mail me at kbwiggs@liberty.edu if you have in depth questions, want to help support a teacher or child at the orphanage, etc.
More to come on whats next in helping to "RestoreHaiti"....:)
This was by far one of the sweetest, best trips I have ever been on. So much was accomplished for the people there. Here are a few things "we" got done, thanks to our fearless leader, Martha(restorehaiti.blogspot.com) and her well planned agenda. It was definitely a group effort(I feel confident she would not want to receive all the credit, she's just cool like that), but without all her work/instruction/research/delegations before the trip, the things accomplished probably wouldn't have happened.
JUST FYI: I WILL TALK MORE ABOUT THE AMAZING ORPHANAGE KIDS IN ANOTHER POST IN THE NEAR FUTURE!
Before I tell you what was accomplished, let me give you some HISTORY/FACTS:
* Willio is the man responsible for the orphanage in Haiti. Including his two little girls, there are 32 children in the orphanage.
* Willio also started a school for free to the community kids that consists of about 1000 students. He has 23 teachers who teach these students in morning and afternoon sessions.
* Because the organization who supported Willio and the orphanage had to pull their monthly support in February, Willio has struggled to pay the teachers and keep basic needs met for the kids ever since.
*The orphans were being split up into families throughout the community while Willio used the orphanage as a school building(the school they were meeting in will fall any day now) for the nine months school was in session.
*The teachers are not getting paid adequately for their services. These teachers are vital for education and hope for this community.
SOME GOALS THIS TRIP WERE:
*LOVE ON OUR KIDDOS AT THE ORPHANAGE. :)
* Take pictures of the teachers and orphanage kids, along with their "stories" in hopes of bringing it back to the states to raise support.
* Start accounts for the teachers at the local bank in Ouinaminthe to ensure proper handling of money once the support is raised.
*Take school supplies, clothes, basic medicine/first aid materials, etc. to the orphanage.
*Walk through a possible building for rent, and give the money necessary to rent it, so that Willio could use it for the school, in order to keep the orphans in their "home" year round.
EVERYTHING ABOVE WAS ACCOMPLISHED(and more I'm sure I'm forgetting)!!!
I was also able to visit a clinic in Ouinaminthe that is well thought out and ran. While my heart is not as tangled up in medicine as it is in the orphanage kids, I hope to go and serve there for a week(ish) in January during the day, and stay with my kids in the afternoon and at night!
Praise God for His favor, grace, and love that was poured out on us during this trip. It could not have gone any smoother. To God be the GLORY, great things HE has done!!
If you contributed prayers, money, school materials, medicines, clothes, toys, etc. towards this trip, I cannot thank you enough. May God bless you and reveal Himself to you, as you have blessed the children and community of Ouinaminthe.
Please feel free to e-mail me at kbwiggs@liberty.edu if you have in depth questions, want to help support a teacher or child at the orphanage, etc.
More to come on whats next in helping to "RestoreHaiti"....:)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Take My Heart and Let it Be, Consecrated, Lord to Thee
Ok, once again it is just too much to catch anyone who might read this blog up on what has happened in my life/heart, so I am going to spare myself of 17 hrs and try to cut to the chase....try being the key word. :)
I am going back to Haiti from August 24-28th. This trip came about from MUCH stirring and prompting in my heart from God Himself. And even if I try or tried to deny that for whatever reasons, the details of the trip worked out faster than I could say (insert whatever you'd like here), which to me was even more comfirming that this is what I should do. I shared my plague like thoughts/desires/feelings/compassion with a couple of like-minded individuals and bam, whattayaknow we are heading there in August.
I can't explain it, because I don't know what all this entails. I know my heart is with some orphan kids(and the community, hec, all of haiti) I didn't even spend a ton of time with, and I know that I want them to know God and the gift of salvation more than anything. I know that I can't run from God and whatever way he might be calling me to serve Him by serving these people. I also know that I am scared and don't feel like I have enough faith, and that I hope to learn how to trust God with each step He places in front of me to take. I am a coward right now. But I trust He will change my heart and help me place my confidence in Him, not in me. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. So much peace in that.
Yea so that is the most recent knews and I don't have a ton of time right now, so I will continue to update about this aspect of my 'vapor in the wind' life as it plays out, Lord willing. I will also update later, maybe, about the townhouse I bought and what else God is doing in my heart/life...maybe. :)
And did I mention I am going to be an aunt? yea, i'm a wee bit excited. :)
In Him,
Kristi
I am going back to Haiti from August 24-28th. This trip came about from MUCH stirring and prompting in my heart from God Himself. And even if I try or tried to deny that for whatever reasons, the details of the trip worked out faster than I could say (insert whatever you'd like here), which to me was even more comfirming that this is what I should do. I shared my plague like thoughts/desires/feelings/compassion with a couple of like-minded individuals and bam, whattayaknow we are heading there in August.
I can't explain it, because I don't know what all this entails. I know my heart is with some orphan kids(and the community, hec, all of haiti) I didn't even spend a ton of time with, and I know that I want them to know God and the gift of salvation more than anything. I know that I can't run from God and whatever way he might be calling me to serve Him by serving these people. I also know that I am scared and don't feel like I have enough faith, and that I hope to learn how to trust God with each step He places in front of me to take. I am a coward right now. But I trust He will change my heart and help me place my confidence in Him, not in me. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. So much peace in that.
Yea so that is the most recent knews and I don't have a ton of time right now, so I will continue to update about this aspect of my 'vapor in the wind' life as it plays out, Lord willing. I will also update later, maybe, about the townhouse I bought and what else God is doing in my heart/life...maybe. :)
And did I mention I am going to be an aunt? yea, i'm a wee bit excited. :)
In Him,
Kristi
Monday, June 8, 2009
LIFE
Twice in one week, I'm feelin' a little crazy! Nah, just this whole 3 weeks of night shift thing has got me up when I should be sleeping. It's so nice to be up sometimes when you know the rest of the world (so to speak) is sleeping, whether it be a late night or early morning. I can hear myself think and ponder on what really matters in life(or things that don't!). Life is short, a vapor in the wind, and I want to make the most of it.
Several things have been on my mind lately. One is the fact and feeling that Christians are becoming outnumbered and unpopular. Not saying evidence of God's grace doesn't exist anymore at all, I see it everywhere and in many lives, but sometimes I get scared to see what the future holds for half-hearted Christians. There will come a time when we are faced with a decision, maybe I'll be alive, maybe not, but I pray even now that I will not choose man over God, ever. I have been hit hard lately with the reality that I need to have God's word in my heart.
I am way too involved emotionally with work. I love my co-workers(and my patients) more than Chic-fil-a, bojangles, mcdonalds iced coffee, and my bed all combined together. But not in a freaky way, haha, just in a way that I want them to have the best, to know the best....CHRIST. Sometimes I get my buttons pushed and God, only God, gives me the patience to react in a loving way(sometimes before I sin with my thoughts, sometimes afterwards). But for the most part, if you abide by the golden rule(treat others like you want to be treated), it works in your favor.
K I'm babbling. Right now, I am over at one of my best friend's house in VA, she is sleeping. She is getting married in 19 days. Wow. I obviously think about my own love life, er life, when I am around couples as cute as they are, and will be thankful to have someone serving God beside me one day. But it goes without saying, like any other Christian, I hope that never becomes what I live for...
I don't remember if I shared about the last book I read, Shadow of the Almighty, but either way it is worth talking about again. What a darn good book! I love to read and feel privileged that I know how. I only get sick of reading Christian books on spiritual disciplines sometimes because it is the same stuff, the same, dag on, truthful stuff that I cannot seem to master. So I get frustrated and then remember to accept God's grace which motivates me to actually carry out prayer, meditating, memorizing scripture, etc. Is it really that difficult?
I have random thoughts right now, I really want to pick up my prankster game. I love laughter, but not so much at the expense of others...laughing with you rather than at you is so much more fun, just sayin'.
K I'm done, congratulations if you've made it this far. I'm gonna attempt to hit the hay!
kb
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Relentless love
Wowsers. Much has happened in just the past week, let alone the last time I blogged. But one thing that is not new and that has not changed, is God's relentless, unconditional love for me. I have felt very near to the heart of God lately, through circumstances, and waiting.
I'm just getting off night shift, so it's only appropriate to start with work. For the protection of my sweet patients I won't go into detail, but work has been very difficult, rewarding, challenging, emotional, and a blessing all in one here lately. My co-workers have been a great help and blessing to me through all the tough stuff. I had a patient(a couple and their family) recently who blessed my heart so much and were so kind in letting me be apart of their lives during a difficult time. I will never be able to express the impact they left on me, and how they will forever be in my heart and prayers. Last night was another trying situation, a little bit different but I was left with many of the same questions for my Savior. Some things I do not understand, and will never understand. And its OK, because His ways and His thoughts are so much higher than mine(Isaiah 55:8-I think).
Running is going okay, I am going to attempt 5 miles this week. Attempt being the key word. I will be right on target with a healthy lifestyle if I can just work on my eating habbits... :)
I am closing on my Townhouse tomorrow morning. I am very excited and have no clue what color to paint below the chair rail. I'm liking green at the moment, surprise surprise. But I like the thought of blue and yellow at some point somewhere...
Anyway, I am excited about saving some money with this purchase, and I am now more than ever focused on being a good steward of what God blesses me with, including this home. It may have nice things in it, but never nice enough to keep me from up and leaving it to do God's work elsewhere, ya never know!!! It shall be a place for people of all kinds to be welcomed into...how exciting!!!
One of my best friends is getting married this month, yea Ash!!!!!!! I'm pumped about spending some time with her, and my college girls. Also, my other best friend will be around a couple of days this month too, double whammee! I am so thankful for great friends...and family too. They are borderline one in the same.
The Lord is continuously teaching me humility. This is hard, but good and necessary. This is a lesson I will forever be learning while in pursuit of a Holy God. Two other words/commands that come to mind that I have been meditating on lately are Obedience and Abiding. I've spent some time in John 10, 14, and 15...I need more! Speak to me Jesus!
and last but not least.....I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT TO A BABY BOY!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOOOIII!
This is a brief outline of what's new with me for anyone who wants to know...maybe I'll get better about updating more frequently with fun details :).
I'm just getting off night shift, so it's only appropriate to start with work. For the protection of my sweet patients I won't go into detail, but work has been very difficult, rewarding, challenging, emotional, and a blessing all in one here lately. My co-workers have been a great help and blessing to me through all the tough stuff. I had a patient(a couple and their family) recently who blessed my heart so much and were so kind in letting me be apart of their lives during a difficult time. I will never be able to express the impact they left on me, and how they will forever be in my heart and prayers. Last night was another trying situation, a little bit different but I was left with many of the same questions for my Savior. Some things I do not understand, and will never understand. And its OK, because His ways and His thoughts are so much higher than mine(Isaiah 55:8-I think).
Running is going okay, I am going to attempt 5 miles this week. Attempt being the key word. I will be right on target with a healthy lifestyle if I can just work on my eating habbits... :)
I am closing on my Townhouse tomorrow morning. I am very excited and have no clue what color to paint below the chair rail. I'm liking green at the moment, surprise surprise. But I like the thought of blue and yellow at some point somewhere...
Anyway, I am excited about saving some money with this purchase, and I am now more than ever focused on being a good steward of what God blesses me with, including this home. It may have nice things in it, but never nice enough to keep me from up and leaving it to do God's work elsewhere, ya never know!!! It shall be a place for people of all kinds to be welcomed into...how exciting!!!
One of my best friends is getting married this month, yea Ash!!!!!!! I'm pumped about spending some time with her, and my college girls. Also, my other best friend will be around a couple of days this month too, double whammee! I am so thankful for great friends...and family too. They are borderline one in the same.
The Lord is continuously teaching me humility. This is hard, but good and necessary. This is a lesson I will forever be learning while in pursuit of a Holy God. Two other words/commands that come to mind that I have been meditating on lately are Obedience and Abiding. I've spent some time in John 10, 14, and 15...I need more! Speak to me Jesus!
and last but not least.....I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT TO A BABY BOY!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOOOIII!
This is a brief outline of what's new with me for anyone who wants to know...maybe I'll get better about updating more frequently with fun details :).
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I did it!
What? you may be asking.
I bought my first pair of running shoes today. And anyone that knows me well enough will tell you I did not spend that much money on a pair of shoes for nothing...which means I am officially going to run a half marathon in November. There is no need to laugh at this point, I've laughed enough for all of us at the thought, running is not fun whatsoever! My body tells me that I can't do it, but my self-determination and pride always wins when I have any thoughts to myself saying "I can't", or "I won't" do something. I love a good challenge...and I think it will ultimately draw me closer to God. Yep. :)
Who would have ever thought they watch you run on a treadmill and record it at sports stores to figure out what running shoe style you need? And that's exactly what had happened. Crazy.
I've always wanted to do something like this but never had the kick in the butt I need or consistent accountability for training...until now. I have a friend who I am getting to know(not the only awesome runner I know), she is a runner, a very gracious runner who is convincing me that I can do it, even though I am out of breath after running for 5 minutes...or walking for that matter. It will be fun. I keep telling myself this.
SUBJECT CHANGE: I am excited about the upcoming travels in my path. I leave Friday for New Mexico with three other really cool people. A friend of mine who I really really admire and appreciate more than she knows, is going to New Mexico to intern there as a Nurse Midwife student...for 2 months. While I am so excited for her and the opportunities she will have to be a witness and light there(and learn), I am dealing with my selfishness in being very very sad she is leaving. I look up to her very much, and it helps to have someone here who understands what work is like(she works on the same floor as I do), but God has a great plan for us both...so that wins! :)
HAITI: I am going back to Haiti in February. For some reason when I think about Haiti or try to communicate up here about it, I am speachless. I have no clue how to spill my heart and thoughts about it. I am excited nonetheless and feel very unprepared for this trip so far. I am praying that God would continue to give me purpose in taking me back there, and would appreciate it if you would pray for the same.
LASTLY: My best friend is coming in town and I will get to hang out with her next week...for her birthday!!! Lots of fun things are gonna happen. Just thought I'd end on a wonderful wonderful thought. :) Thanks for reading if you made it this far...sorry nothing too insightful was in this blog.
I bought my first pair of running shoes today. And anyone that knows me well enough will tell you I did not spend that much money on a pair of shoes for nothing...which means I am officially going to run a half marathon in November. There is no need to laugh at this point, I've laughed enough for all of us at the thought, running is not fun whatsoever! My body tells me that I can't do it, but my self-determination and pride always wins when I have any thoughts to myself saying "I can't", or "I won't" do something. I love a good challenge...and I think it will ultimately draw me closer to God. Yep. :)
Who would have ever thought they watch you run on a treadmill and record it at sports stores to figure out what running shoe style you need? And that's exactly what had happened. Crazy.
I've always wanted to do something like this but never had the kick in the butt I need or consistent accountability for training...until now. I have a friend who I am getting to know(not the only awesome runner I know), she is a runner, a very gracious runner who is convincing me that I can do it, even though I am out of breath after running for 5 minutes...or walking for that matter. It will be fun. I keep telling myself this.
SUBJECT CHANGE: I am excited about the upcoming travels in my path. I leave Friday for New Mexico with three other really cool people. A friend of mine who I really really admire and appreciate more than she knows, is going to New Mexico to intern there as a Nurse Midwife student...for 2 months. While I am so excited for her and the opportunities she will have to be a witness and light there(and learn), I am dealing with my selfishness in being very very sad she is leaving. I look up to her very much, and it helps to have someone here who understands what work is like(she works on the same floor as I do), but God has a great plan for us both...so that wins! :)
HAITI: I am going back to Haiti in February. For some reason when I think about Haiti or try to communicate up here about it, I am speachless. I have no clue how to spill my heart and thoughts about it. I am excited nonetheless and feel very unprepared for this trip so far. I am praying that God would continue to give me purpose in taking me back there, and would appreciate it if you would pray for the same.
LASTLY: My best friend is coming in town and I will get to hang out with her next week...for her birthday!!! Lots of fun things are gonna happen. Just thought I'd end on a wonderful wonderful thought. :) Thanks for reading if you made it this far...sorry nothing too insightful was in this blog.
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