May 20, 2010

I am still in the United States. My new grandson, Cree, was born in April with a heart defect and a genetic syndrome known as 22q13 deletion or as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. His heart can be repaired but we won't know until he's older how the syndrome will affect him. For now he is stable. This has been a tough time for my family and I am very glad that I was here when he was born. When Cree has heart surgery I will take care of my 2 year old grandson, Cole, a very active little rascal. Thank you all for your prayers!

The Haitian government has asked large NGOs to scale back on free food donations. More children than ever before will starve. Our ministry must grow to try to save these lives. Our focus will be on taking into our home malnourished infants and children - and their mothers when appropriate - until their families are back in their own homes and working. Please pray that everything we do will demonstrate God's love and draw people to HIM!

Jesula and Claudia, two of our wonderful Haitian nannies, have worked at FHLIR for 4 years now. They are very good but have resisted taking leadership roles. Now that I'm not there they don't have a choice. They have plenty of resources: a pediatrician available 24/7, a nurse 6 days a week, Kez drops in from time to time, mission groups have visited, they have a driver and car, and so on. These wonderful Christian ladies can discover and develop their leadership abilities. What a boon they will be to Haiti! Thank God for the chance to help HIS Haitian people learn to lead!

Isna and her new family met me in Rockville, Maryland, a few weeks ago at the White Flint mall. Isna has bonded to her family. Though I got hugs and kisses and lots of attention, Isna went to her mother or father when she wanted comfort and affection and played with her sister and brother. It was pure JOY to see Isna settled in their wonderful family!

I am proud of my Haitian family for handling everything on their own. Thanks to Beaver Brooks, Kez Furth, Wayne Dollarhide, and Jim & Kim Dewar for visiting our house and helping. Thanks to Andy Leslie who will take a group in the next couple of week and to Frank King who will work on getting the generator bought and installed. Many thanks to Jessica Footz who will stay with the children for the month of June. And to Abby McCullough who will spend the first two weeks of June helping Jessica. This is a beautiful instance of the body of Christ working together. When one can't be there, others will.

Poutchino is blossoming in Jacksonville! He has a new shunt and his multiple infections have been treated. Nancy keeps him busy with occupational therapy and physical therapy and soon will add speech therapy. His response is heartwarming. He makes many more sounds than ever before, participates in his care, is more interactive and interested in the world around him. We are praying that someone will fall in love and give him a permanent home in the US.

Praise God for all his blessings! It is good to be his child and share his love with others. Thank you for working with me in this ministry.

Poutchino with Christelle Brickell in Jacksonville. For more photos, look at Nancy's album on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1006755217#!/album.php?aid=2052450&id=1006755217

Isna on her first day of school: real school!

Tatiana, Isna, Jabin and Natalie Hollinshead (l-r) riding the train at White Flint Mall in Rockville, Maryland, May 2 2010.

My new grandson, Cree, born April 16, 2010. He will have open heart surgery soon.

My 2 year old grandson, Cole, and me. I will care for Cole while his new litle brother has heart surgery.