Russell's Trip to Haiti

Russ returned from his mission trip to Haiti this past Monday with many stories and a new perspective.  I am hoping that once he gets caught up on things around here and at the church, I can get him to sit down and share a little.  For now, I'm going to post a few photos and some of the emails I received from him while he was gone.

 Arriving in Haiti

Great 2nd day in Haiti. Cut some metal, began organizing a tool shed, and preached the gospel, with the help of my translator Abraham, to over 300 people at an outdoor crusade in a nearby town. Good stuff! Thanks for your continued prayer for our team!

Today has been great. I preached, with a translator, the gospel to about three hundred people this evening. The worship was awesome. I had no clue what they were singing, but it was beautiful.

There is also more info on this link:  jbahaiti.org

Hiking up the mountain to watch the sun set.

Today I went into Cabaret to get some paint and lumber - craziness. I will never complain about driving in Jax again! There are no speed limits or lines separating lanes. Everyone honks their horns as they pass, and they pass even if they are facing head on traffic. The other side just slows down.

Last night we climbed up a nearby small mountain that overlooked the sea to watch the sun set. You could see mountains on every side and then the Caribbean. It was beautiful! Haiti is more than impoverished island. It is a beautiful country filled with people who are proud of their country. This is a land that does not need rich Americans to make everything better - as if we could. We have so much to learn from them! After supper, I attended Wed night service at the church. Once again I had no idea what they were saying, but I was moved to tears by the worship and intense love for Christ that was displayed. I am truly loving this experience - I am so thankful for the opportunity. I am doing well - getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water. Tonight we are getting take out from a restaurant in Caerat - yes , I am eating goat!

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We are taking the kids to the beach tomorrow - Should be fun. I have been asked to preach on Sunday at the church by the Children's Home - Jack will translate for me. I am so thankful for this second opportunity to preach while in Haiti.

 

Riding in the truck to the beach

Today was fun, but the beach was not near as nice as the Bahamas. I preach in the morning then we all having lunch at Pastor Nathan's house. There are issues here that need much prayer.

Just came in from a birthday party for all the kids who have a birthday in Oct. We take things like birthday parties for granted.

The more I see of Haiti and spend time with these precious people I keep dwelling on this song - "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done here!" I am so thankful to be a part of what Christ is doing in this beautiful island nation.

Preaching was great today! Jack is an excellent translator. I was able to go further between translation breaks and it helped to keep my momentum going. The congregation was very responsive. The church is very simple - just a roof with columns, no walls. There was probably about 200 there. I cried throughout the entire worship singing time. How can people with next to nothing worship with such joy and passion? 

After church, we drove to Pastor Nathan's house for a homemade Haitian meal - we really need to find a Haitian restaurant in Jax! We then went back to the orphanage. When I got out of the van, my buddy Kevins came running up to me with his arms outstretched. I picked him up and he gave me a big squeeze hug. Then he pointed to my chest then to his and asked, "Pastor be my papa?" What can I say? What can I do? I am crying as I type this. He is a precious eight year old boy who wants to be loved. He has held my hand, sat in my lap, rode on my shoulders, and been held in my arms since Tuesday. I will take him and the other children back with me in my heart. How can you come here and not leave changed? I thank God for this opportunity.

 Russ gave Kevins his Mickey hat.  I knew when he took it - it wouldn't be coming back.  :-)

Kervens (pronounced Kevins)  What a cutie!

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Missing My Husband

I'm enjoying my quiet morning but I'm missing my husband.  He left on a Mission Trip to Haiti this past Monday.  He's only going to be gone 7 days and we have been separated much longer than that before but this time is very different. I don't mind being alone, I don't have problems sleeping at night. The kids are at an age now where they are easy.  I've been wondering what the problem it - what's off.  I think it's just because I haven't been able to talk to him.  To hear his voice.  To know details. I've had a few quick emails letting me know he's fine, etc.  But no in depth conversations.  Amazing the things we take for granted.

Russ and I have been facilitating a Communication in Marriage Small Group at church.  We've done the curriculum before so now we are sharing it with others.  We are going back through the material and doing our homework like everyone else and have actually been pleasantly surprised by how far we have come since we did it the first time.   Communication is the life of any relationship.  How well you communicate can literally make or break a marriage.  It's vital.  Now, I'm not in any way, shape or form saying that Russ and I have "arrived" but now that I am not able to chat with him, I realize how much we really do talk each and every day.  We get so used to cell phones and reliable internet connections that we take those things for granted. We have absolutely no concept of what things used to be like - before computers and cell phones.  Even before our modern day Post Office. When you had to hand write letters and then wait days if not months for them to be received.  And then just as long to get a reply!  I guess there are still places in our world like that. Russell's in Haiti for goodness sakes.  People are living in tents and are fortunate if they have a meal for the day.  And I'm complaining because I can't pick up my cell phone and chat with my husband.

As you can tell - I have very mixed emotions about this and I'm trying to put it in perspective.  I know there is a lesson in here somewhere and I'm sure the Lord will show it to me in His time.  Until then, I will continue to take my daily situations to the Lord and plug away until Russ returns, knowing that we will have lots of things to talk about when he's home.  I'm only dealing with a week - there are military wives that are sacrificing much, much more.  I am thankful.

On a separate note - Have I told you how much I am enjoying my cat?  Hee! Hee!  I've backed off a little as I don't want to drive everyone crazy about it.  But - she's a new little something in my life and is proving to be a blessing.  She has (I can't believe I'm admitting this) taken Russell's spot on the bed at night.  Ahem..... notice I didn't say place - I said spot.  I broke down and put her blanket on the bed at night when I lay down and she pounces right up there and stays all night.  Then, during the day, she has to follow me around like a puppy.  It's funny - she has to be in whatever room I am in - laying close by.  I will admit that I enjoy her company and having someone to talk to during the day.  Only problem is, she doesn't talk back.  I think that's a good thing.

We are continually amazed at her personality and her gentleness.  She is a VERY good cat.  Especially for being a stray.  I do have to vacuum a bit more often, but I don't even mind so much.  She's worth it.

Here's a few of our new favorite pics.....

 Under the covers on Jarod's bed

 Her favorite spot on the rug - love the paw over her nose!

 This is my favorite - under her blanket

How cute is that?

Thanks for tolerating our newest family member.  Until next time.......

Growing Up is Hard On Mommy......

We all want our children to grow up and become responsible adults.  And we celebrate each milestone that happens in their life and hopefully we have our camera handy to document each one.  But sometimes, too many of those milestones happen too close together and it becomes overwhelming.  Sometimes I just want to put a brick on my kid's heads so they will stop growing and I can enjoy each phase they are in a little longer.

Anne is my example this week.  I blogged earlier about how she is enjoying Kindergarten and is already reading like crazy.  We are soooo excited for her and have been very happy that she is adjusting so nicely.  This was an expected change so we had time to let our minds wrap around the idea that our baby is now in Kindergarten.

But two more things have happened in the last 10 days that have kind of taken both Russ and I back a little.  They are good things, of course, but we were not quite as mentally prepared so now we grieve the loss of these "phases" in her life.

Let me explain......

Anne has sucked her index finger since she was an infant.  She never wanted a pacifier - always spit it right back at me.  But as soon as she found that finger - well - that was it.  She was hooked!   And I mean that literally!!!  As long as she had the corner of her favorite blanket and her finger, her eyes would roll in the back of her head and she would go right to sleep. We've never forced her to stop.  After talking with her doctor and her dentist, they assured me that she would stop when she was ready.  My dentist said that "orthodontics would be cheaper than therapy so just let it run it's course."  I thought that was logical.  So, the only prodding Anne ever had from us was that we told her whenever she stopped sucking her finger, I would paint her finger nails for the first time.  She was happy to just have her toes done so it didn't seem to phase her too much.

About a year ago, when we took Jarod to Disney for his birthday and let him get dressed like a Pirate for the day, I told Anne that when she stopped sucking her finger, we would take her to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  How cool would it be to have your nails done for the first time at Disney while being dressed like a Princess?  Anyway, she attempted to stop then, but couldn't.  It was so sad to watch her try.  She obviously wasn't ready.  So, we have just plugged away letting her do what she needed to do.

Then one day last week, just like that, it was over!  No discussion, no prodding from us, no warning!   She just announced to Russ one night as he was tucking her in and giving her her blanket, that she no longer needed it because she wasn't going to suck her finger anymore.  That's it!?  No tears?  No struggle?  No argument?  It's just over.  The blanket sits, folded at the foot of her bed and hasn't been touched in over a week!  And just like that, the finger sucking, blanket stage of her life is over.  What happened?  What made the change?  She didn't even mention her fingernails.  I had to remind her of that!  When I asked her about it while driving to church this past Sunday, she said that she just decided she didn't want to do it anymore.  Wow!  I am very proud of her and her determination. But both Russ and I are very sad that this phase is over.

Isn't it weird?  You want them to grow out of it but when they do, you realize quickly that you will never have that back again.  Anne always climbed up in Russell's lap in the evenings with her blanket and sucked her finger while they read or watched TV.  Our little girl is growing up.

To top it all off, two days ago, we discovered her first loose tooth!  AAAAHHHHH!!!!  Make it stop!!!!  Kindergarten, Reading, Finger and Blanket awareness - now she's loosing her baby teeth!  She's about to enter that crazy phase of funky front teeth. ****Sigh****  What's next????  Please don't answer that..........

Jarod's 11th Birthday

So I figured everyone was tired of hearing about me and the cat, so I have decided to move on to more important things.  Like posting pictures of my sons birthday.  Hello!?  Sometimes I forget to put them on here because I put them on Facebook as well.  I have family members asking for pictures!  Sorry guys!!!!

This year was low key.  As you know, we usually go to Disney for Jarod's birthday but we have not renewed our tickets yet.  Seems we've had many other financial priorities.  Computer repair, car repair, dental stuff - a cat!  Ugh!  It never ends.  So, we decided to stay home. Which wound up being a good thing because our dear friends, the Bennetts, needed our help.  Bruce and Emily took off for a much needed, long weekend away and we took two of their four children for six days.  It was a fun weekend but I will have to tell you, adding 2 children to the mix - well, let's just say, I have a new and deeper respect for Emily and all she does every day!  And I only had one of the three little ones! 

Russ was a huge help in keeping everyone entertained while I cooked diner.  I thought I would share a few fun photos with you......

Reading

Jarod and Zander are easier to entertain - just give them time on the Wii

 Playing horse is always fun

But being thrown in the air is the best!!!!

Playing Doctor is always nice too.....

But being able to jump off Russell's shoulders, well - way cool!

Time to chill again and read with Sam and Chloe.

Jarod's Pizza Cake

This was his request this year.  It was fun and easy!!!

Jarod, Zander, Will, Anne and Chloe

Happy Birthday Jarod!

Until next time......

Confessions of a Closet Cat Lover

Okay, So I know in my last few posts I stated VERY clearly that Meggie will NOT come inside the house - EVER! Seems I was very emphatic on that point.  Well, I lied.   I know, I know - you are laughing at me.  Probably that diabolical, I told you so laugh that my husband has had the last few days.  Hmph!  I guess it was meant to be. 

A week ago Thursday, we took her to the vet and had her spayed.  When we brought her home, she was just so pitiful that I couldn't leave her outside in a kennel, alone.  So, we brought her inside.  She spent a few days recuperating in our Bonus Room.  We quickly realized that all she wanted was to be rubbed on and held to help her feel more comfortable.  By Saturday, she was out of the kennel and sleeping in my lap.  Needless to say, by Monday she was completely free of the kennel, had free reign of the house and found her a great little spot by the back sliding door to nap.  Oh - and she likes Russell's clean shirts too! 

How cute is that?  Anyway, we took her to the vet again yesterday to get her checked out, put on a regular flea treatment and get another vaccination that she needed since she was staying inside.  The vet was amazed at how sweet and gentle she was for having been a stray.  I think she is just thankful to be rescued and have a nice comfy home.  She is healthy and happy and quickly adjusting to her life as a Franklin. 

Now - what about the change in me?  I'm not completely sure.  All I know is that my heart has been softened by this adorable and funny creature and I like having her around.  I mentioned in an earlier blog that the Lord had been dealing with me now that I had some extra quiet time here at the house.  I think Meggie is part of that. 

One of the things that I had come to realize was how much my mother was still influencing my decisions.  Now, that is not always a bad thing. Don't get me wrong at all.  My mother was a wonderful and Godly woman and I am proud of the legacy she left me.  But, my mother was always right.  I don't mean that sarcastically or disrespectfully in any way.  She was - it was scary.  She could usually predict most things and be 100% right about it.  But that creates a false sense of security in that you are always depending on her to help you with your decisions - doing what she thinks you should do because it will be "right".  Unfortunately, it created some really long apron strings.

After almost 8 years, I thought those strings were cut.  Until recently.  I have found myself making decisions and in the back of my mind fighting my mothers voice.  Knowing full well what she would suggest and then feeling guilty because I don't think that's the direction God is leading me.  Wow!  I have given her a lot of power to be this influential even from the grave!  Wondering what she would say or do in this or that situation.  The number one problem with this is that I have allowed myself to once again get caught up in it and am now having to break free mentally and find myself.  I don't need to be worrying about what my mother would do or say in a situation - I need to be taking these things to the Lord and then simply be obedient in what he shows me to do.  It's that simple.  Or is it?

My mother did NOT like animals.  Especially cats and dogs. She didn't like the mess or the responsibility of them.  She tried it a few times when I was little, but we never had a dog longer than a month at a time.  Then it would have to go.  It wasn't until Marc brought home a rescued parakeet that she allowed herself to get close to an animal.  We always laughed at her - she loved that bird.  So, like my mother, I have said no to my kids each and every time that they have asked for an animal.  Except a fish -but who gets attached to a fish?  Anyway - like my mother, I don't care for the mess either.  They are a lot of extra work. 

Enter Meggie.  Now, she's been around our house for a while - but has been completely ignored.  Well, by me anyway - not the kids.  I have been too busy!  I haven't been home for the last year.  There was absolutely no time to care for or even think about adding an animal into our craziness.  Then the Lord allowed me to stop.  And I kept noticing this cat.  But I can't do anything about a cat!  I have ranted and raved too long about not having an animal.  "We will NEVER own an animal - so quit asking" or "Well, when you grow up and have your own family and your own house - you can have one but there will NOT be one in MY house."  Ugh!  My poor kids.   You should have seen the looks on their faces the day I told them I fed her!

So - what about my house?  What about my furniture?  What about the very clear line I have drawn all these years?  What would my mother think?  Why have I been so adamant?  Is it because I really don't like animals (I like other people's just fine) or is it just because my mother was so adamant?  I owned my own Parakeet when I was single.  I loved that bird.  I was willing to take on the mess and the responsibility because I had the time to.  Maybe it's been a timing thing.  I don't really have an answer to all these questions right now.  I just know that I wasn't looking for a pet - but Meggie came looking for me.  In a mere 2 weeks, my heart has completely softened and now she lives in our home and sleeps at the foot of my bed.   I think she may be the final string on the apron that needed to be cut.  I am continuing to find myself - to get to know me.  I'm just excited that God is still working in my life - in my heart.  We are always growing and changing.  Mercy has never been a real strong point for me so maybe God is working in that area of my life as well.  I think that maybe there will be many more lessons concerning Meggie and I'm anxious to see what they are.  In the meantime, I'm going to go play with my cat.......

Birthday Reflections and More About the Cat

Today is Jarod's 11th Birthday!  I find that hard to believe.  When your children are born - you cannot imagine the next 5 or even 10 years.  You cannot picture them bigger.  And yet, they grow.  They walk, they talk, they start school and before you know it you are asking, "Where has the time gone?" 

 I have what is, in the 21st Century, called, "A Tween" - no longer a little boy, but not quite a teenager.  Right in the middle - with hormones beginning to flair up - along with that grasp for independence.  HELP!  It's only going to get more challenging from here.  The challenge, I think, is for me to spend even more time on my knees in prayer as he begins to break away and slowly become the young man that God wants him to be.  Yes - he will have our fingerprints on his life - but even more so, we want God's fingerprints on him.  It's such a challenge to let go.

I go back quite often to the night before Jarod's first day of Pre-K.  I couldn't sleep.  One, because I was pregnant.  Two, because I was about to put my son in a Christian Pre-School 3 days a week.  I got up and began journaling and praying asking the Lord to protect him and to give me a peace.  The Lord spoke so specifically to my heart that night - with such clarity.  He said, "Cami, trust ME with him.  The things that he will experience in life, good or bad, are things I need him to experience in order to make him the man I need him to be later."   I had such an overwhelming peace come over me and even today, whenever I question things that Jarod is going through, I can go back to that night and have a peace that God loves my son even more than I do and that he has a very specific plan for him.  It's so comforting to be able to rest in that.

Every single thing that happens to us - happens for a reason.  To grow us, to make us into the people - the witness - that God wants us to be.  Ultimately to enhance His reputation - to bring glory to Him.   Why do we think it is any less like that for our own children?  After all, aren't our own testimonies based on what happened to us as we grew up - where we came from - what God created in us?

As I look at my son today - I am so proud of the person he is becoming.  Yes - we have a LONG way to go, but hey, he's only 11 right?  :-)

On a lighter note - a cat update.  Meggie has officially become part of the Franklin family.  Although I can hardly believe I am typing this!  Ha!  The children, of course, are thrilled and Jarod has taken the job of feeding her on himself - without prodding!  (Wonder how long that will last...)  Anyway - she goes to the vet tomorrow to get checked out and to be, ahem, fixed.  As much as she is growing on us - we do not want kittens to worry about.

She is a sweet little thing and I do believe that God is using her in my life to soften me up a little.  Time will tell.

This is the cute little face we see each morning at our sliding door.  Waiting for breakfast.

Russ is hooked.  He came home from work yesterday and asked for string.  I told him where to find some and then found him and Meggie on the back porch!!!

She's a playful thing.....

For the first time in forever - we are NOT headed to Disney for Jarod's Birthday.  I know, I know - you're shocked!  I sort of am too.  We've just had some other financial priorities this year and have put the Disney tickets on hold for a while.  But not forever.  Until next time......

School, Chloe and Cats

We have already finished our third week of school.  Where does time go?  The kids have adjusted well.  Anne absolutely loves school, loves her teacher and is quickly making new friends.  I have become Homeroom Mom for her class and volunteer in her classroom for a few hours each Thursday.  I love watching and listening quietly from a corner while she interacts with other children.  She continues to amaze me.  In the three short weeks, she has begun to read.  She sits down with us at home and sounds out her words. Russ and I just look at each other in amazement!  It's so awesome when you not only hear - but see the words click in their heads. She is off and running and the world around her will never be the same.

Reading her "Learn-To-Read Bible" to Daddy

Jarod changes classes this year so he has 3 different teachers.  It's a bit of an adjustment for him and a lot more organizational skills are involved but he has stepped up to the task and I believe he enjoys it.  He changes classes with students on the same academic level as him which is so exciting.  All of the students learn and move at the same pace so he remains challenged.

Chloe came for an overnight stay last week.  She is such a joy!  She is a very pleasant baby and we enjoyed her being with us so very much.  I just love being an Aunt and I love my little red head!!!!

Chillin' out with Uncle Russell - sleepy girl!

I was putting clothes away and she decided to try on my bathing suit!  What do you think?

Now anyone who knows me well - knows that I am NOT an animal person.  The kids beg me for a dog on a regular basis and I will NOT give in!  Russ had a dog when we were first married - but it was an outside dog.  And once Jarod was born and the decision of diapers vs. dog food came up - the dog had to go.  And cats - well - I've never cared for them either.  Now I've met some really cool cats with really cool personalities but I figure with a cat you never know what you might get so why risk it?  There are just as many snobby ones out there too.  Not to mention - the extra care and clean up.  Animals in the house - messing up the carpet and the furniture.  The fur - the dust. No - just not me.  I guess I'm too much like my mom in that regard.  They are fine for other people - but not for me.  Besides I really like the freedom to come and go as I please.

Well, enter Meggie.  Meggie has been hanging around our house for literally months!  I find her on my front sidewalk, under my van, on the back porch.  Wherever I look, there she is.  We've ignored her - Russ has even shot her in the behind with a BB Gun - but she has continued to stick around forever!!!  She stays in the woods beside our house and scavenges for food.  She is so thin - but otherwise looks healthy.  Little did I know that the kids had been petting her and had named her Meggie.  She even comes when you call her by name!  

I looked outside today and she was laying on the back porch again.  For some strange reason, and some prodding from my husband, my heart melted and I broke open a pouch of tuna that was in my pantry.  I opened the sliding door and put the food on the porch and proceeded to watch her scarf it down.  What she couldn't get with her mouth, she stroked with her paw to move it closer and daintily ate every last piece.  I opened the door to take the container and she walked over and rubbed up against my hand to say "Thank You" and then went on her way.

Needless to say, today after school, I told the kids that I fed her.  That's when I found out her name and that they had been showing her attention.  We went to Wal-Mart and purchased some cat food, along with a bowl.  They wanted a collar and toys but I put my foot down.  I don't plan on owning her and I certainly have no intention of letting her in the house - EVER! 

We got home and she was no where to be found.  So, I put some water in her new bowl and set it on the back porch.  I closed the door and came inside.  I walked into the kitchen and turned around and there she was, drinking water and then meowing at the door.  I gave her some more food and once again she rubbed my hand to say "Thank You."  

I wanted a photo of her for the blog so I went back outside a little while later.  I couldn't see her anywhere so I called her.  After all  - the kids said she answered to her name, right?  I called very quietly just to see what would happen and within about 15 seconds, I saw her peering out from the edge of the woods beside the house.  She slowing came over, ate a little more food and allowed me to take these photos.

Coming from the woods beside our house

Enjoying her food.

Coming to say "Thank You"

Not sure what will become of all this - although I have a pretty good idea.  She has adopted us and my heart has softened.  But know this - she WILL stay outside!!!!

On a different note, now that both kids are in school, and I'm not driving like a mad woman all over town, I've had a lot of down time lately.  Lots of quiet time to spend with the Lord and lots of reflection.  God has been working in my life and helping me see some things clearly.  I feel like my mind is coming out of a fog.  Maybe that's why my heart softened towards this cat.  Anyway - I'm still reflecting and learning but plan to blog about it all when I come through the other side.  

In the meantime, Russ is busily working at the church and preparing for a Mission Trip to Haiti.  He is very excited about the opportunity.  They will be going to the Cabaret Children's Home near Port au Prince for 7 days.  He is raising funds to go on this trip and if you are interested in helping to support him, just let us know.  The trip is costing around $1200.00

He and I are going to facilitate a small group at church on "Communication in Your Marriage"  Seems God has given us many opportunities to practice this ourselves lately.  Ha!  But that's been part of the reflection I was talking about earlier.  God is good and it's wonderful to know that He is still working in my life and in my family.

Well, it's time to wrangle the kids in from outside and settle in for the evening.  Until next time.....