Johane says:
Today I went with mama Cintia to see the Doktor specialist. I saw two doktors. One was a woman and the other a nice brown man who spoke with an accent. Mama Cintia said he was from In dia. He was very kind and smiled nice. He spoke some french to me and was very gentle. He took an ultrasound of my left eye. He said it was bon (good).
Then He had a serious conversation with mama Cintia. He said that I must protect my eye carefully so it does not get hurt. He said he would talk with other specialist doktors to see if they will fix my eye or not. It was a very long day and I got very very tired.
Cynthia says:
We went to Anderson eye to see the specialist today. Johane did very well. We saw the pediatrict specialist first. She was very dry and not too encouraging. She ordered the ultrasound that Dr.Houser recommended. It was done by Dr. Ramasami. He was a very kind, softly spoken gentleman who exhibited a kind interest in my little haitian princess.
He also said that he would review her case with the other specialists and together they would decide if she was a surgical candidate or not.
There is no tumor behind the cataract and no torn retina or other damage seen.
The doctor said that he would call later this week and tell us what the next step,
if any should be.
SO...keep this little lady in your prayers. Its not over until its over.
Johane made bonbons (cookies) with Joyce and me tonight. I'm not sure who was prouder of her, Joyce, me or Johane. She was very diligent about the whole process. Very hard worker. I am impressed.
How many adults does it take to prevent a haitian child from pulling the fire alarm at your place of work? ONLY ONE if you react loudly, quickly and ernestly enough.
What is with this kid and alarms?
God bless you all. Keep praying! Cynthia
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Haa low? Haa low?
Haa low? Haa low?
Johane has tried numerous times to use the telephone and call her family in haiti. Since she doesn't know the international code, I am spared the challenge of hiding all the phones. She seemed very thoughtful today and kept asking me "something" . I tried very hard to figure it out. We even wrote it out so I could look it up.
I believe she wanted to talk with her family. I ran it past papa Gran (Dennis) and he responded with, you know, that isn't an unreasonable request at all. Lets try it.
I don't know what it cost...but some things are priceless. Like hearing her fathers voice saying Haa low? haa low? Johane? Kouman ou ye? (How are you?) Then they talked for a bit. Wi, M'wen kontan (yes, I'm happy).
A little later, the phone rang again...a florida call? Hello? In a heavily accented voice I realized that it was a haitian family member (Mom or sissy or both). Let me get Johane pou ou (for you).
My little haitian princess was happy as a clam. After she hung up she climbed into my lap for a little snuggle time. I think she really misses her family. I know that she usually sleeps with her twin in a family bed. How brave and daring of her to be in America.
Thank you Lord for this brave little girl and her willingness to be in a land, not her own. Bless and keep her Lord, and give her the desires of her heart.
Thank-you Jesus. Amen
Johane has tried numerous times to use the telephone and call her family in haiti. Since she doesn't know the international code, I am spared the challenge of hiding all the phones. She seemed very thoughtful today and kept asking me "something" . I tried very hard to figure it out. We even wrote it out so I could look it up.
I believe she wanted to talk with her family. I ran it past papa Gran (Dennis) and he responded with, you know, that isn't an unreasonable request at all. Lets try it.
I don't know what it cost...but some things are priceless. Like hearing her fathers voice saying Haa low? haa low? Johane? Kouman ou ye? (How are you?) Then they talked for a bit. Wi, M'wen kontan (yes, I'm happy).
A little later, the phone rang again...a florida call? Hello? In a heavily accented voice I realized that it was a haitian family member (Mom or sissy or both). Let me get Johane pou ou (for you).
My little haitian princess was happy as a clam. After she hung up she climbed into my lap for a little snuggle time. I think she really misses her family. I know that she usually sleeps with her twin in a family bed. How brave and daring of her to be in America.
Thank you Lord for this brave little girl and her willingness to be in a land, not her own. Bless and keep her Lord, and give her the desires of her heart.
Thank-you Jesus. Amen
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
This morning she touched my arm to get my attention, put her little hand on my arm, and very seriously said " Eske ou alle travay au demain?" It took a repetition of the phrase, but suddenly I understood. I answered in creole.
No sweetie, I don't have to go to work tomorrow. I can spend the time with you. The smile and hug was priceless.
I sing in the morning to wake her up (to the tune of Frere Jacques): Jo o hane, Jo o hane, Dorme ou ? dorme ou ? sonne la ma tina, sonne la ma tina, din din dong, din din dong.
She wakes up grinning like crazy, so I guess I'll keep on singing.
Our appointment with the pediatric opthalmologist is Monday at 8:30 in Saginaw. This is a very important appointment. This specialist will determine IF she is a candidate for any surgery. They may order some tests yet, to see if the optic nerve connection is viable (alive) or not. Please lift this little girl before Gods throne. I believe that God still provides miracles today. It is my hearts desire that He would grant healing to this little girls eye.
Please join me in this prayer.
Dear God in heaven, we lift Johane Dort to you in prayer. You, Oh Lord, are our maker and our redeemer. You have made the lame to walk and the blind to see. If you are willing you can restore sight to this little girls left eye. Lord you told the man with leprosy that you were willing to heal him. (Mark 1:41). Lord we ask you to heal this child of yours in any way you choose. Lord we do not need a miracle to trust or believe you. We do believe, with or without it. We do ask for your healing touch on this little girl and the restoration of her sight. And we ask it in Jesus's name. Please grant us the desires of our heart. We praise and thank you Lord. Amen
No sweetie, I don't have to go to work tomorrow. I can spend the time with you. The smile and hug was priceless.
I sing in the morning to wake her up (to the tune of Frere Jacques): Jo o hane, Jo o hane, Dorme ou ? dorme ou ? sonne la ma tina, sonne la ma tina, din din dong, din din dong.
She wakes up grinning like crazy, so I guess I'll keep on singing.
Our appointment with the pediatric opthalmologist is Monday at 8:30 in Saginaw. This is a very important appointment. This specialist will determine IF she is a candidate for any surgery. They may order some tests yet, to see if the optic nerve connection is viable (alive) or not. Please lift this little girl before Gods throne. I believe that God still provides miracles today. It is my hearts desire that He would grant healing to this little girls eye.
Please join me in this prayer.
Dear God in heaven, we lift Johane Dort to you in prayer. You, Oh Lord, are our maker and our redeemer. You have made the lame to walk and the blind to see. If you are willing you can restore sight to this little girls left eye. Lord you told the man with leprosy that you were willing to heal him. (Mark 1:41). Lord we ask you to heal this child of yours in any way you choose. Lord we do not need a miracle to trust or believe you. We do believe, with or without it. We do ask for your healing touch on this little girl and the restoration of her sight. And we ask it in Jesus's name. Please grant us the desires of our heart. We praise and thank you Lord. Amen
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
New Experiences in the world of games with Johane
Have you ever played GO FISH in creole? I have. Trust me, it's a new experience. My little haitian princess is very competitive and was quite pleased to beat me twice. You should have seen us set up the ground rules.
Cintia...eske ou genyen E (elephant)
No Johane m pas genyen elephant
Alle pwason--go fish
ach...
Johane..eske ou genyen la cheval ? (horse)
wi, m'genyen la cheval.
encore
Johane..eske ou genyen la vulture?
Hee.hee.hee no Cintia m'pas genyen la vulture
GOFISH...hee hee hee
I thought one game might be enough, silly me.
Encore??
Why not? It was a hoot.
Cintia...eske ou genyen E (elephant)
No Johane m pas genyen elephant
Alle pwason--go fish
ach...
Johane..eske ou genyen la cheval ? (horse)
wi, m'genyen la cheval.
encore
Johane..eske ou genyen la vulture?
Hee.hee.hee no Cintia m'pas genyen la vulture
GOFISH...hee hee hee
I thought one game might be enough, silly me.
Encore??
Why not? It was a hoot.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
I did it! I finaly won one with my little haitian princess. I wore her out for a change! That makes the score: Johane 20....Gran 1
It's 7:30 AM and she's still snoring. I am dressed and showered and ready for another day of adventure.
We're trialing the day care for her today. I need to return to work on Wednesday--tomorrow.
I was afraid that she might have trouble leaving me. When we first visited someone to play she didn't leave the car until she was sure that I was coming too.
Not so today...Bye-bye! Did I mention that obviously I am b-o-r-i-n-g? Seriously tho, since she comes from such a large family (8 children) and haiti, she is used to chaos, noise and stimulation.
She discovered the car alarm. What is with this child and alarms?
She was thrilled when she hit the lock button and it beeped. I had accidently scared her with that a couple of times. So she did it repeatedly. Then she saw the rouge (red button.
beep, beep,beep, beep. Hey isn't that cool? It beeps all by itself.
Grand-parenting:
I want to take a moment and ask God to bless all the grandparents caring for their grandchildren. What an awesome thing you are doing. I will only have this little princess for a few short months but am feeling the effects of being with a bright inquisitive mind. God bless you for stepping into the role of parent for your grandchildren. May God give you every thing you need to run the race and accomplish your task.
Prayer needs:
I was asked "How can we pray for you?" The desires of my heart are a miracle for this little lady, enough energy to walk this journey with her, and the gift of tongue: particularly the language of haitian-creole. I am learning it faster than I thought possible. It's amazing how much repitition helps
Grans friends:
She loved going and meeting all my friends at church and at my work. Everyone was so very kind. She now knows where I will be going on Wed, Thur, Fri. I have been telling her all week that I have to go back to work. She had looked worried at first, but hasn't been the least bit worried since she visited Heathers house of children. I think this is going to provide her with the stimulation and consistancy that she needs.
OK, YES !!
She has a ready sense of humor. She was writing another note ...in creole...for me this time. She was giggling like crazy as she was writing it. She finished it and then said Clear as day 'OK...YES!!" Dennis and I almost fell over laughing. Dennis said "Did she just say what I thought she said?" Oh yes she did. It was awesome! Even tho I couldn't read the whole note, we were obviously laughing appropriately.
Her trial at daycare just stretched into an afternoon of playtime. She was having such a good time. I think she will probably make the transition of me going back to work OK. (duh) The big question is...will I ? Thank-you for your prayers. Johanes Gran.
It's 7:30 AM and she's still snoring. I am dressed and showered and ready for another day of adventure.
We're trialing the day care for her today. I need to return to work on Wednesday--tomorrow.
I was afraid that she might have trouble leaving me. When we first visited someone to play she didn't leave the car until she was sure that I was coming too.
Not so today...Bye-bye! Did I mention that obviously I am b-o-r-i-n-g? Seriously tho, since she comes from such a large family (8 children) and haiti, she is used to chaos, noise and stimulation.
She discovered the car alarm. What is with this child and alarms?
She was thrilled when she hit the lock button and it beeped. I had accidently scared her with that a couple of times. So she did it repeatedly. Then she saw the rouge (red button.
beep, beep,beep, beep. Hey isn't that cool? It beeps all by itself.
Grand-parenting:
I want to take a moment and ask God to bless all the grandparents caring for their grandchildren. What an awesome thing you are doing. I will only have this little princess for a few short months but am feeling the effects of being with a bright inquisitive mind. God bless you for stepping into the role of parent for your grandchildren. May God give you every thing you need to run the race and accomplish your task.
Prayer needs:
I was asked "How can we pray for you?" The desires of my heart are a miracle for this little lady, enough energy to walk this journey with her, and the gift of tongue: particularly the language of haitian-creole. I am learning it faster than I thought possible. It's amazing how much repitition helps
Grans friends:
She loved going and meeting all my friends at church and at my work. Everyone was so very kind. She now knows where I will be going on Wed, Thur, Fri. I have been telling her all week that I have to go back to work. She had looked worried at first, but hasn't been the least bit worried since she visited Heathers house of children. I think this is going to provide her with the stimulation and consistancy that she needs.
OK, YES !!
She has a ready sense of humor. She was writing another note ...in creole...for me this time. She was giggling like crazy as she was writing it. She finished it and then said Clear as day 'OK...YES!!" Dennis and I almost fell over laughing. Dennis said "Did she just say what I thought she said?" Oh yes she did. It was awesome! Even tho I couldn't read the whole note, we were obviously laughing appropriately.
Her trial at daycare just stretched into an afternoon of playtime. She was having such a good time. I think she will probably make the transition of me going back to work OK. (duh) The big question is...will I ? Thank-you for your prayers. Johanes Gran.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Saturday, February 16
Machines!
Goot Morning! Gran invited me to sit in her big bed this morning and we looked at a book with beautiful dolls. She read me a story and we had a nice breakfast.
We mostly stayed at home today watching TV, playing puzzles, and singing.
My Grans daughter Elizabeth played playdough with me while gran took a shower.
I discovered the most amazing ma chines in Grans house!
There is a ma chine that washes the dishes. First I wash them with 6 pumps of soap and a cloth then Gran takes them away from me...rinses them off and puts them into a big
ma chine. When it is full..she puts a tablet in it and pushes a button and it makes swishy noises. Later the dishes are clean. It is amazing. We always wash the dishes with a cloth at home. But we don't have so many dishes as my gran has.
You can get water from a big white machine. Its funny, and it doesn't make sense. The sink is on one side of the room and the machine is on the other side.
I asked my gran if I could eat the glass (ice) that fell into the car when we were driving. She said no that it wasn't clean and that she could get me glass (ice) to eat at home. She is always telling me later for things. It is good that I am so patient. She got a glass and took it to the BIG white ma chine. She pushed a button and ice pieces flew out of the machine into the glass.
She changed the button and Dlo (water) came out. I drank it all. Then I got some more. Many pieces of ice flew on the floor. My gran picked them up. Oops, when I got water it squirted all over my hand and down the front of the ma chine and onto the floor. Gran cleaned it up. I filled many things with ice and water that day. I drank A LOT of water so I could have more and use the ma chine again. What a good game. Gran says she is OLD and boring and called a friend to see if I could play there tomorrow. Poor Gran.
FIRE ALARM IN THE HOUSE
I found switches all over the house. It is wonderful! You push the switch and it always works. Not like in haiti! In haiti it only works when the government turns on the power. In america it just always seems to work! It is fun. On-off-on-off-on-off Just like a game!
I found a new switch that I hadn't tried yet. Whoa---ah!!! A fire appeared in the wall box! Just like that! I turned it off and on and off and on and off and on...many times. Then suddenly a loud squeal started in the ceiling! What was that? Gran and Papa Gran looked a little annoyed but not scared like I felt. Elizabeth called downstairs to see if everything was OK. Gran said It's OK.
Then Gran and papa Gran opened doors on each side of the house. The air smelled funny--not nice. Why did they open the doors? Didn't they know that it was so fre (cold) outside. The siren sound finally went away again. Oh good now I could do the switch again. NOPE...I guess not. Gran said no.
After Gran shut the doors she told me PAS TOUCHE (Don't touch) This time she did not add... si vous pleaz (if you please) . She wasn't angry....just very very tired today. I don't know why
She told me that I was her silly bunny and that she loved me. Then she said bath and bed for me. She was complaining to papa gran something about being OLD and boring. I wonder what that was all about!
Grans house. It is a fun place to be. Bon Nuit! (Good night) Johane Dort
Goot Morning! Gran invited me to sit in her big bed this morning and we looked at a book with beautiful dolls. She read me a story and we had a nice breakfast.
We mostly stayed at home today watching TV, playing puzzles, and singing.
My Grans daughter Elizabeth played playdough with me while gran took a shower.
I discovered the most amazing ma chines in Grans house!
There is a ma chine that washes the dishes. First I wash them with 6 pumps of soap and a cloth then Gran takes them away from me...rinses them off and puts them into a big
ma chine. When it is full..she puts a tablet in it and pushes a button and it makes swishy noises. Later the dishes are clean. It is amazing. We always wash the dishes with a cloth at home. But we don't have so many dishes as my gran has.
You can get water from a big white machine. Its funny, and it doesn't make sense. The sink is on one side of the room and the machine is on the other side.
I asked my gran if I could eat the glass (ice) that fell into the car when we were driving. She said no that it wasn't clean and that she could get me glass (ice) to eat at home. She is always telling me later for things. It is good that I am so patient. She got a glass and took it to the BIG white ma chine. She pushed a button and ice pieces flew out of the machine into the glass.
She changed the button and Dlo (water) came out. I drank it all. Then I got some more. Many pieces of ice flew on the floor. My gran picked them up. Oops, when I got water it squirted all over my hand and down the front of the ma chine and onto the floor. Gran cleaned it up. I filled many things with ice and water that day. I drank A LOT of water so I could have more and use the ma chine again. What a good game. Gran says she is OLD and boring and called a friend to see if I could play there tomorrow. Poor Gran.
FIRE ALARM IN THE HOUSE
I found switches all over the house. It is wonderful! You push the switch and it always works. Not like in haiti! In haiti it only works when the government turns on the power. In america it just always seems to work! It is fun. On-off-on-off-on-off Just like a game!
I found a new switch that I hadn't tried yet. Whoa---ah!!! A fire appeared in the wall box! Just like that! I turned it off and on and off and on and off and on...many times. Then suddenly a loud squeal started in the ceiling! What was that? Gran and Papa Gran looked a little annoyed but not scared like I felt. Elizabeth called downstairs to see if everything was OK. Gran said It's OK.
Then Gran and papa Gran opened doors on each side of the house. The air smelled funny--not nice. Why did they open the doors? Didn't they know that it was so fre (cold) outside. The siren sound finally went away again. Oh good now I could do the switch again. NOPE...I guess not. Gran said no.
After Gran shut the doors she told me PAS TOUCHE (Don't touch) This time she did not add... si vous pleaz (if you please) . She wasn't angry....just very very tired today. I don't know why
She told me that I was her silly bunny and that she loved me. Then she said bath and bed for me. She was complaining to papa gran something about being OLD and boring. I wonder what that was all about!
Grans house. It is a fun place to be. Bon Nuit! (Good night) Johane Dort
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Kleenex warning - you're going to need them!!!
Cynthia says: I am going to try to present Johanes journey from an 8 year old point of view if I can. This will reflect what I preceive as my little princess takes these big steps.
Johane's day: Friday was a busy day for me. So many things to do! We went to the market (walgreens) and to the store for christians (pathway). I saw a movie there with a caterpillar that spoke in english. It was cute but I wonder what the man and caterpillar were saying. My Gran Cynthia bought me some musik. It had one of my favorite songs on it. Open the eyes of my heart. My Gran played it for me. It is so quiet in Michigan, not at all like haiti. In haiti there is lots of loud sounds always! I turned the musik up louder. Gran turned it down and left the little box on the table...so I turned it back up again. Gran and I did this several times. It was almost like a game. I played with the puzzles and noticed that the musik got quiter again then I looked and saw Gran slip something into her pocket. I think it might have been the black box, because I couldn't find it after that to turn the musik back up.
I had Mamba (peanut butter) for lunch.
It was an exciting day. I was going to go and vi si taa Olivia and play. I am also going to see the American doctor to see if my eye can be fixed. I am very excited about this. I have been hoping and praying to God to heal my eye. My papa and mama have prayed so long for this. Gran laughed because I told her I was ex cit taa to see Doktor.
I had fun with Olivia. It was nice to be with someone who was also a child and could play. She lent me some puzzles. I had trouble with them at first but am learning how to do them. I think that there must be a system to them but I haven't learned that yet....but I am getting closer to figuring it out.
Then it was time to see the doktor! Ex cit taa!! Oh I am so excited. He was so nice to me when I came to visit. And Sissy (Carsen) will be there to talk with me in creole. Everyone was so nice to me. I tried so hard to do everything they asked of me. So many big machines, bright lights, medicines in the eyes. I was as brave as I could be. Sissy helped so much. She explained everything to me. Dr. Houser spoke so kind to me. I wasn't afraid of him at all. This was an important visit. I knew it. Will you be able to help me? Can you fix my eye? I want to look like my twin Johanna. No-one teases or stares at her.
I saw the most funny thing! The Docktor sat me down and a pretty woman came and took out part of her eye! It was amazement! Then she put it back in! Whoa---ah! I pushed back in my chair I was so surprised. Then she did it again!
She had Sissy tell me that she wanted to do that to me! To Me? Yes to me! It felt odd to me.
Then I saw the most wonderful thing! In the mirror was Johane Dort, me, with TWO BROWN EYES ! I AM PRETTY. Its true. Look at me. Just like my sister. The circle was not quite right tho. It was still white. Sissy told me that Dr. Houser would fix it so that the circle would be black like my other eye. Could I learn to wear this funny eye hat (called a con-tac).? Wee! I could, please! I asked Sissy "would my left eye look like my right eye then"? Sissy says wee, just like your right eye. Realy and truly? Yes. I was so happy that I was bouncing in the chair. I will have brown eyes with a black (noir) circle. Thank-you Jesus! Merci Doktor, merci Sissy, Merci Doktors helpers.
My contacts will come pita (later). I was soo happy! So happy. Then Doktors helpers gave me a Kadoo (present). It had two pretty dolls in it made of cloth. They were so pretty. I know that I will have fun sharing them with my sisters. Merci everyone, Merci. Ti bo (kiss on the cheek) for ou and ou and ou (you).
Sissy and Gran took some pictures then I had to give up my contact, but I felt pretty!
Gran and Doctor had a very serious conversation. Gran looked a little sad but said that God might still deliver a miracle yet. I will need more testing. I might have surgery, I might not. The testing will tell if the way is clear for my eye to work.
Don't they know that miracles have already happened. I am in America, I am living with my American Gran in a mansion, she loves me, and today for the first time in my life I saw myself with two brown eyes. I have never seen out of that eye that I can remember. I may never, but TODAY I had brown eyes and I was pretty. Thank you Jesus. I am a happy girl.
Johane's day: Friday was a busy day for me. So many things to do! We went to the market (walgreens) and to the store for christians (pathway). I saw a movie there with a caterpillar that spoke in english. It was cute but I wonder what the man and caterpillar were saying. My Gran Cynthia bought me some musik. It had one of my favorite songs on it. Open the eyes of my heart. My Gran played it for me. It is so quiet in Michigan, not at all like haiti. In haiti there is lots of loud sounds always! I turned the musik up louder. Gran turned it down and left the little box on the table...so I turned it back up again. Gran and I did this several times. It was almost like a game. I played with the puzzles and noticed that the musik got quiter again then I looked and saw Gran slip something into her pocket. I think it might have been the black box, because I couldn't find it after that to turn the musik back up.
I had Mamba (peanut butter) for lunch.
It was an exciting day. I was going to go and vi si taa Olivia and play. I am also going to see the American doctor to see if my eye can be fixed. I am very excited about this. I have been hoping and praying to God to heal my eye. My papa and mama have prayed so long for this. Gran laughed because I told her I was ex cit taa to see Doktor.
I had fun with Olivia. It was nice to be with someone who was also a child and could play. She lent me some puzzles. I had trouble with them at first but am learning how to do them. I think that there must be a system to them but I haven't learned that yet....but I am getting closer to figuring it out.
Then it was time to see the doktor! Ex cit taa!! Oh I am so excited. He was so nice to me when I came to visit. And Sissy (Carsen) will be there to talk with me in creole. Everyone was so nice to me. I tried so hard to do everything they asked of me. So many big machines, bright lights, medicines in the eyes. I was as brave as I could be. Sissy helped so much. She explained everything to me. Dr. Houser spoke so kind to me. I wasn't afraid of him at all. This was an important visit. I knew it. Will you be able to help me? Can you fix my eye? I want to look like my twin Johanna. No-one teases or stares at her.
I saw the most funny thing! The Docktor sat me down and a pretty woman came and took out part of her eye! It was amazement! Then she put it back in! Whoa---ah! I pushed back in my chair I was so surprised. Then she did it again!
She had Sissy tell me that she wanted to do that to me! To Me? Yes to me! It felt odd to me.
Then I saw the most wonderful thing! In the mirror was Johane Dort, me, with TWO BROWN EYES ! I AM PRETTY. Its true. Look at me. Just like my sister. The circle was not quite right tho. It was still white. Sissy told me that Dr. Houser would fix it so that the circle would be black like my other eye. Could I learn to wear this funny eye hat (called a con-tac).? Wee! I could, please! I asked Sissy "would my left eye look like my right eye then"? Sissy says wee, just like your right eye. Realy and truly? Yes. I was so happy that I was bouncing in the chair. I will have brown eyes with a black (noir) circle. Thank-you Jesus! Merci Doktor, merci Sissy, Merci Doktors helpers.
My contacts will come pita (later). I was soo happy! So happy. Then Doktors helpers gave me a Kadoo (present). It had two pretty dolls in it made of cloth. They were so pretty. I know that I will have fun sharing them with my sisters. Merci everyone, Merci. Ti bo (kiss on the cheek) for ou and ou and ou (you).
Sissy and Gran took some pictures then I had to give up my contact, but I felt pretty!
Gran and Doctor had a very serious conversation. Gran looked a little sad but said that God might still deliver a miracle yet. I will need more testing. I might have surgery, I might not. The testing will tell if the way is clear for my eye to work.
Don't they know that miracles have already happened. I am in America, I am living with my American Gran in a mansion, she loves me, and today for the first time in my life I saw myself with two brown eyes. I have never seen out of that eye that I can remember. I may never, but TODAY I had brown eyes and I was pretty. Thank you Jesus. I am a happy girl.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bonjou My name is Johane Dort I am 8 years old and live in Petion-ville near
Port-au-Prince Haiti There are 8 children in my family. My mother and father have been together always. I have a baby sister that was born in November 2007.
My birthday is April 25th, 1999 and I share that date with my twin sister, Johanna. I look like my daddy. My twin sister Johanna looks more like my mommy.
There are two sets of twins in my family. My family loves me very much. We are christian. My favorite prayer is The lords prayer. I say it at night before bed and at meals. I love to sing. My favorite songs are My Jesus my savior, and open the eyes of my heart Lord. I sing those two in English. I speak creole, I read french. I am in the fourth grade in haiti. I wear a uniform to school.
Johanna and I were both small but healthy at birth. I developed an eye infection at about 5-6 months of age, I was treated with medicine but the infection caused my eye to turn blanc (white). I can't see out of it at all. People say I'm pretty, but they always look at my eye. I don't remember ever having normal eyes like my twin sister.
I love to help. I know how to sweep and wash dishes. I like to help my mother. She is very busy in our home caring for us. I like to color and my favorite color is (vert) green.
My father says that I am a very good eater. I like meat and rice and fruits. I will have a second helping if invited to. I like some vegetables too.
Port-au-Prince Haiti There are 8 children in my family. My mother and father have been together always. I have a baby sister that was born in November 2007.
My birthday is April 25th, 1999 and I share that date with my twin sister, Johanna. I look like my daddy. My twin sister Johanna looks more like my mommy.
There are two sets of twins in my family. My family loves me very much. We are christian. My favorite prayer is The lords prayer. I say it at night before bed and at meals. I love to sing. My favorite songs are My Jesus my savior, and open the eyes of my heart Lord. I sing those two in English. I speak creole, I read french. I am in the fourth grade in haiti. I wear a uniform to school.
Johanna and I were both small but healthy at birth. I developed an eye infection at about 5-6 months of age, I was treated with medicine but the infection caused my eye to turn blanc (white). I can't see out of it at all. People say I'm pretty, but they always look at my eye. I don't remember ever having normal eyes like my twin sister.
I love to help. I know how to sweep and wash dishes. I like to help my mother. She is very busy in our home caring for us. I like to color and my favorite color is (vert) green.
My father says that I am a very good eater. I like meat and rice and fruits. I will have a second helping if invited to. I like some vegetables too.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Johane's Second Day
I awoke to the sound of my daughter Elizabeth getting ready for work. It was 7:30 AM. The light was on in Johanes bedroom. I thought. Gee thats odd. Not too odd tho if you happen to be an 8 year old haitian child who has just learned how to manipulate switches that work. Those of us who have been to haiti know that electricity is never a constant. When I went in to peek at her she was lying on her stomach daydreaming and my slight sound brought her bolt upright and grinning. Good morning Johane.
"Goot morning" Bam! She was UP and ready to go.
Waffles, eggs and pineapple for breakfast. Tidied her hair and cleaned up and off we went.
How many pumps of soap does it take to wash an 8 year old haitian childs hands? Ah... About 5 or so pumps,.......every stinkin time. (grin) No wonder her poor little hands are so dry. Do haitians get OCD?
She got her haitian Barbie today, (Nikki) in the beautiful batik orange gown I made. She looked at the bathing suit, beach bag, blanket, frisbee etc. But what she really liked was the sunglasses and visor. Imagine a bright orange gown with orange, yellow and shimmery pink organdy at the bottom. Be sure to include in your mental picture, the yellow visor and sunglasses.
We went to meet with Dr. Houser so she would not be afraid when we had her "real" appt. She liked him and gave him a hug right away. We took a picture. Her "real appointment" is Friday Feb 15th at 2:00 PM. Carsen is going to bless us as a translater for her. Please keep her in your prayers and ask for a blessing for Dr. Houser.
We went to vis -it-taa Lyn da and Jennifer. She had a valentine cookie and then we went to the GRAND Market. (the mall). We ate japanese food. Chicken teriyaki with white rice. Hmmm good.
We got her some outfits. Like all litttle girls she wanted the jeans with the sequined belt.
We found some tops on sale. Picked up some PJs and play dough. She found some hair clips bright and shiny and gave me "the imploring look". I caved in.
She wanted sun glasses also.
How could I tell her that Michigan doesn't have sun in the winter? Her fairy Godmother failed her...I told her "no" to the glasses. Her little face fell, but she bravely accepted her fate and my failure. I tried to explain that I had a pair of glasses at home for her. I'm not sure She got it.
We clowned around a little to lift her spirits then headed home.
We found cupcakes and a present on the doorstep! No more sad faces! I didn't know that haitians could fly! She flew to the door to see what the ka doo (present) was.
We got inside with Miss Happy and I gave her the glasses I had for her. She threw her litttle arms around me and wore them all night. I convinced her that she should take them off for bed.
We had to put the clips in her hair. So I placed three in the front and she admired herself in the mirror. I showed her how to remove them from the card. 5 minutes later I was blinded from the flash and sparkle of 10 hair clips sparkling atop my little princess"s head.
She is an absolute delight! Man am I tired!
Love to you all. Johanes Grandma Cynthia
I awoke to the sound of my daughter Elizabeth getting ready for work. It was 7:30 AM. The light was on in Johanes bedroom. I thought. Gee thats odd. Not too odd tho if you happen to be an 8 year old haitian child who has just learned how to manipulate switches that work. Those of us who have been to haiti know that electricity is never a constant. When I went in to peek at her she was lying on her stomach daydreaming and my slight sound brought her bolt upright and grinning. Good morning Johane.
"Goot morning" Bam! She was UP and ready to go.
Waffles, eggs and pineapple for breakfast. Tidied her hair and cleaned up and off we went.
How many pumps of soap does it take to wash an 8 year old haitian childs hands? Ah... About 5 or so pumps,.......every stinkin time. (grin) No wonder her poor little hands are so dry. Do haitians get OCD?
She got her haitian Barbie today, (Nikki) in the beautiful batik orange gown I made. She looked at the bathing suit, beach bag, blanket, frisbee etc. But what she really liked was the sunglasses and visor. Imagine a bright orange gown with orange, yellow and shimmery pink organdy at the bottom. Be sure to include in your mental picture, the yellow visor and sunglasses.
We went to meet with Dr. Houser so she would not be afraid when we had her "real" appt. She liked him and gave him a hug right away. We took a picture. Her "real appointment" is Friday Feb 15th at 2:00 PM. Carsen is going to bless us as a translater for her. Please keep her in your prayers and ask for a blessing for Dr. Houser.
We went to vis -it-taa Lyn da and Jennifer. She had a valentine cookie and then we went to the GRAND Market. (the mall). We ate japanese food. Chicken teriyaki with white rice. Hmmm good.
We got her some outfits. Like all litttle girls she wanted the jeans with the sequined belt.
We found some tops on sale. Picked up some PJs and play dough. She found some hair clips bright and shiny and gave me "the imploring look". I caved in.
She wanted sun glasses also.
How could I tell her that Michigan doesn't have sun in the winter? Her fairy Godmother failed her...I told her "no" to the glasses. Her little face fell, but she bravely accepted her fate and my failure. I tried to explain that I had a pair of glasses at home for her. I'm not sure She got it.
We clowned around a little to lift her spirits then headed home.
We found cupcakes and a present on the doorstep! No more sad faces! I didn't know that haitians could fly! She flew to the door to see what the ka doo (present) was.
We got inside with Miss Happy and I gave her the glasses I had for her. She threw her litttle arms around me and wore them all night. I convinced her that she should take them off for bed.
We had to put the clips in her hair. So I placed three in the front and she admired herself in the mirror. I showed her how to remove them from the card. 5 minutes later I was blinded from the flash and sparkle of 10 hair clips sparkling atop my little princess"s head.
She is an absolute delight! Man am I tired!
Love to you all. Johanes Grandma Cynthia
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What did Johane say when we had finshed bathing dressing and having breakfast?
Vis itaa Lyn da?
I told her no..that you had run away with that delightfully impressive and pursuavive gentleman from last night who wanted a ride in the car at 2:30 AM (?)
She's enjoying Libs Barbies and she is grinning from ear to ear. She loved her Bitty Baby. She was especially enthralled with the open-close eyes. She loves the american toilets that flush.
She broke my heart and almost had me in tears as she started singing in English along with my CD....open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you. Especially meaningful in a half blind child.
I've had a talk with her about the evils of smoking and she's promised to quit. (Bad pollution in port-au-prince and she has a smokers cough in the AM that hasn't cleared yet). We'll turn it around for her.
She wasn't sure about the tub but is making the transition well enough. I think we washed off a half ton of haitian soil. Whoah...I had to scrub out Libs tub before Lib got home., she would have killed me, she is such a neat-nick.
Her size 10 Jeans fit pretty well, a tad big in the waist. The 7-8 jogging suit fits, 2 skirts we bought did not fit at all. She had liked them. Some shirts fit, some don't. It really varies.
And that little woman can really swing a broom. She helped me sweep the kitchen floor, but like a haitian. I kept thinking that with that swing of hers I should start her into golf. We had a little trouble with the dustpan concept.
She loved the snow but would prefer that it not be soo cold. She covered her face with her hands whenever we went out.
She was originally afraid of the cats but pas grif, (no claws) reasured her. She did comment that they are grand. I guess theyre just not that big in haiti. I would be tempted to agree. She was impressed that "ou chat parle ou." ( My cat talks to me.) I didn't tell her that they only speak with me when they chose to tho.
She liked oatmeal with cerise. She smiles at me when I speak french instead of creole and (rarely) will venture to correct me. But "the look" gives me the message and if I correct myself she will tell me "wee". She met Pastor John and Madame Phyllis.
Was busy all day But still said that she was fa ti gue. Loved the ride in the PT cruiser. She loved the church and we stopped in to see Hope and say Hi to the kids.
She shared her candy with Elizabeth. (my daughter). Spit her pear peels on the floor so I pealed them for her. She is a funny bunny.
Needs some skin care. Eczema-real bad in spots.
Very charming young lady. I am blessed.
Cynthia
Vis itaa Lyn da?
I told her no..that you had run away with that delightfully impressive and pursuavive gentleman from last night who wanted a ride in the car at 2:30 AM (?)
She's enjoying Libs Barbies and she is grinning from ear to ear. She loved her Bitty Baby. She was especially enthralled with the open-close eyes. She loves the american toilets that flush.
She broke my heart and almost had me in tears as she started singing in English along with my CD....open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you. Especially meaningful in a half blind child.
I've had a talk with her about the evils of smoking and she's promised to quit. (Bad pollution in port-au-prince and she has a smokers cough in the AM that hasn't cleared yet). We'll turn it around for her.
She wasn't sure about the tub but is making the transition well enough. I think we washed off a half ton of haitian soil. Whoah...I had to scrub out Libs tub before Lib got home., she would have killed me, she is such a neat-nick.
Her size 10 Jeans fit pretty well, a tad big in the waist. The 7-8 jogging suit fits, 2 skirts we bought did not fit at all. She had liked them. Some shirts fit, some don't. It really varies.
And that little woman can really swing a broom. She helped me sweep the kitchen floor, but like a haitian. I kept thinking that with that swing of hers I should start her into golf. We had a little trouble with the dustpan concept.
She loved the snow but would prefer that it not be soo cold. She covered her face with her hands whenever we went out.
She was originally afraid of the cats but pas grif, (no claws) reasured her. She did comment that they are grand. I guess theyre just not that big in haiti. I would be tempted to agree. She was impressed that "ou chat parle ou." ( My cat talks to me.) I didn't tell her that they only speak with me when they chose to tho.
She liked oatmeal with cerise. She smiles at me when I speak french instead of creole and (rarely) will venture to correct me. But "the look" gives me the message and if I correct myself she will tell me "wee". She met Pastor John and Madame Phyllis.
Was busy all day But still said that she was fa ti gue. Loved the ride in the PT cruiser. She loved the church and we stopped in to see Hope and say Hi to the kids.
She shared her candy with Elizabeth. (my daughter). Spit her pear peels on the floor so I pealed them for her. She is a funny bunny.
Needs some skin care. Eczema-real bad in spots.
Very charming young lady. I am blessed.
Cynthia
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