"Field Posts"

Life has changed for me in the past few weeks since the kids started school.  Rob moved his office out of our house into a central location with all RMI staff.  Both these changes have made my day a lot more routine and we are benefiting from it as a family.  After six months of no routine at all, I was ready for one, even if that means I am now back to waking up around 6:15 am to the alarm clock (as opposed to whenever the kids woke up.)  I’ve realized how I really am a person of routine.  I do so much better with one.  I’m more disciplined during my day.  It’s also been good for Drew and Tessa, especially Drew who is very much a child of routine.  I think he was getting bored hanging around here day after day. I am still working on finding my place here.  In some ways I am very much like a stay-at-home Mom in my day-to-day.  I treat the mornings as my “work” time since we have someone to help with the kids (now mostly Braden.)...

Our house, while very secure, is wide open.  There are no glass windows as you in the states would know them.  There are a type of louvered glass slats that can be closed, but it’s crazy to close them… it’s just too hot.  There are screens on the windows to keep the bugs, tree frogs and lizards out, and they do a decent job keeping out the huge amount that would flock to the lights at night.  There are decorative bars on the windows for security and the front “porch” is also enclosed with these bars.  To lock up the house at night, I put a padlock on the gate of our porch.  We hear everything loud and clear—storms, rain, tree frogs, animals, bugs… the list goes on and on. There is such joy and wonder when your child discovers something that we hear all the time and are so used to we almost don’t even notice.  Tonight was one of those nights.   Braden came up to me right before book time (right before bed.)  He had an inquisitive, perple...

My Dad, Robert Montgomery Brower, Feb 20, 1947 to Oct 19, 2006 Here we are at a Phillies/Cubs game.  We shared a passion for baseball.  He would’ve loved the dynasty the Phillies are becoming. It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since my Dad lost his 5-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  Four years later, the emotions are not as raw, but I still feel the loss of him in so many ways.  I work so hard to talk about him with the kids whenever the opportunity arises.  I want them to know him as much as possible even though he is not here with us. During the 5 years he was sick, I tried to make a point to visit NJ much more often.  We would spend the weekend flounder fishing out on his boat.                Once Drew came along, I was even more determined to visit.  I love that he got to see me as a mom and spend some time with Drew as a baby. He was strong enough to visit FL a few weeks...

Drew and Tessa are into their second week now of school in Haiti.  I’ve been referring to it as “phase 2” in our adjustment period.  I anticipated a difficult time, especially for Tessa.  And she did cry the first few days, but I am amazed how good they are doing already! I know that doesn’t mean we won’t have ups and downs, but I feel like the hardest part is over. Here are pics from the first day Tessa wanted to strike a pose and Drew wanted to be all formal with his hand on Tessa’s shoulder.  It was pretty sweet.  He was taking his big brother role seriously that day.           They were both pretty excited to wear their uniforms.  I have to admit, I think they are pretty cute.  Especially Tessa’s with all those pleats and the cute little apron.  Someone commented that they look like little Disney World employees in training.  I would have to agree! The kids’ “Haitian School Bus”.  T...

Please pray for Katelyn Pfister. She is a 10-year-old MK here and was flown to the children's hospital in St. Pete on Sunday with her mom, Amber. She's in the ICU now. Not exactly sure the diagnosis yet, but she was very sick for a week and in the clinic here and not getting better. Her Dad, Rich, flew out today. Rich and Amber work here with Loving Shepherd Ministries overseeing children’s homes for orphans.  Katelyn is the oldest of 5 kids.  Rich’s Mom flew in Friday to help them before they decided to fly Katelyn to the States. Agape Flights came in Friday to throw a picnic for all the missionaries on Saturday.  I don’t know the whole story, but at the last minute 2 people with Agape weren’t able to come.  Because there were 2 spare seats on the plane, Katelyn and Amber were able to fly to the States on Sunday with Agape when they returned.  I love seeing God’s hand at work so clearly. Pray for clear diagnosis, treatment and recovery for Katelyn....