Answered Prayers

Stocking Fundraiser

2008-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when we start putting together stockings for our Christmas mission team. Linda Sheppard will be leading the December trip and she is hoping to collect as many stockings as we can get our hands on... for all ages and genders. For more information - please contact Kirsten at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org. Each stocking will be filled with a new toy, new outfit and a few basic supplies for the orphanages. We will hopefully be delivering these stockings not only to BRESMA, but to several other orphanages as well.

New Photos

2008-10-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Jamie sent a new photo album a few days ago - for those of you who are not on her mailing list - let me know and I will forward you the link.

kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Ressurection Dance Theatre

2008-10-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have joined one of our teams in the past - you have probably experienced the amazing dinner and dance theatre at the St. Joseph Home for Boys. I received a copy of their US. tour information in case they are coming to an area near you. It is truly an experience you will never forget. I can't figure out how to attach the PDF - so if you live in any of the following areas and are interested in learning more - email me directly at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org and I'll email you the schedule.

Littleton Colorado
Libertytown Maryland
Livermore California
Lincoln Nebraska
Plano Texas

ThirsTea

2008-09-21T10:02:00.001-07:00

I ordered a pretty large order of coffee's and teas from ThirsTea both for myself and to start putting together for Christmas gifts. I've already used 2 of the coffees and one of the teas and I am extremely impressed. I would love for some feedback from other who have ordered something from ThirsTea.... and for those of you who haven't ordered yet, I challenge you to do so - I think that you will very impressed with the quality of the products.

info@answeredprayers2.org if you have any questions or comments.

UN International Day of Peace!!

2008-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

The INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE on 21 September is just around the corner. To mark this Day the United Nations just launched its global ‘TXT 4 PEACE’ campaign where EVERYONE can tell WORLD LEADERS how to achieve PEACE via text messaging.

Txt ‘PEACE’ + your message to 69866 (160 characters max, number for the U.S. only) or go to http://www.peaceday2008.org to view the messages or send a message online from anywhere in the world!

We’ll collect the messages and pass them on to the world’s leaders when they meet for the opening of the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York on 23 September!

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recorded a video message and asked everyone to take part. Have a look and find more information on http://www.un.org/events/peaceday/2008.

Should you like to receive posters or promotional cards for our TXT 4 PEACE campaign, please contact Melanie Nolte nolte(at)un(dot)org or +1 (917) 367 0262 and we would be happy to send them to you!

You can also join our Txt4Peace' page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Day-of-Peace/36679489240), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/txt4peace), hi5 (http://txt4peace.hi5.com) or Twitter (http://twitter.com/TXT4PEACE) to receive immediate news and updates on events.

AP's First Annual Fundraising Banquet

2008-09-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday November 22nd, 7-9pm
Where: Portland, OR
Cost: Donations Only
What: We are focused on spreading awareness about the effects of poverty and malnutrition in Haiti.

If you are interested in attending, please email me directly at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org. The location for this event is at a quaint cafe in Portland. The owner has graciously offered the location for free and will be preparing an amazing meal for all to enjoy. This is a great opportunity to have a nice evening out to enjoy good food, amazing company and learn more about how you can get involved in an exciting new project.

Mission Fest Seattle

2008-09-04T12:58:00.001-07:00

Answered Prayers will be presenting a booth at Mission Fest Seattle. This is a free event open to the public to come in and gain more information about local ministries. The following is detailed information on the event. We hope to see you!!

Mission Fest Seattle

October 3rd - 4pm-10pm
October 4th - 9am-7pm
Booth # C12
Location:
Cedar Park Church
16300 112th Ave. NE.
Bothell, WA. 98011

Hurricanes

2008-09-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

The following note is what I heard from Margarette this morning when I inquired how the orphanages faired during the Hurricane. If you are interested in helping to provide some clothing to the orphanage, please contact me at info@answeredprayers2.org and I can give you directions on how to do so.

Thanks for all your concerns. As you may know we usually buy for one month. Praise the Lord we had food, milk and diapers in stock.

I would like to request when the next trip is coming to Haiti to bring cloths for the children we do not have many right now.

Thanks,

Margarette Saint Fleur

Recycle Update

2008-09-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

So far we have 37 boxes out there collecting cell phones and inkjet cartridges. Anyone else ready to offer assistance with this fundraiser?? We're getting closer to 100....

info@answeredprayers2.org for more information on how you can get involved in not only helping AP raise money - but to clean up the environment as well.

Water Filtration System

2008-09-02T10:35:00.001-07:00

AP has been generously gifted 12 water filtration systems for the orphanages. The Iovino Foundation has been amazing to work with. They sent a representative last December to come and look at the orphanages to see what kind of water filtration system would work best and be most cost effective. Because of the layout of the orphanages - they felt that a system from Gift of Water would work best. They have financially supplied the systems, an ongoing supply of chlorine tablets, and Gift of Water also provided education to the orphanage staff so that the systems would be used properly to best service the orphanages.

A huge thank you goes to Father Byrum who worked with the Iovino Foundation and Gift of Water to help us accomplish this goal of providing a long term water solution for the orphanages.

Photos

2008-09-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

I have two new photo album links from Haiti for anyone who would like to see. Just email me at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org and I'll get those forwarded to you ASAP.

Recycle Update.....

2008-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

We've had 3 other people step up to accept drop off boxes.... so we have a total of 14 boxes so far. Who else is going to offer?? Our goal is 100 boxes.... it costs NOTHING for you to help with this campaign - so email me and let me know how many boxes you think you can handle and I'll get them out to you ASAP along with instructions on how it all works.

info@answeredprayers2.org

Another new photo album

2008-08-15T08:26:00.001-07:00

I have another photo album link to share for those that are interested. Just email me at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org and I'll forward the link.

Have a nice weekend!!

Planet Green Recycling Fundraiser

2008-08-13T14:27:00.001-07:00

Answered Prayers
is collecting your
empty inkjet cartridges
and used cell phones

We have partnered with Planet Green in a fundraising effort to collect empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones. It's a great way for AP to raise money while helping our environment too!!

How can you help??

**Send AP your empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones. Our mailing address is:
Answered Prayers
2525 E. 29th Suite 10B
PMB 294
Spokane, WA. 99223

**Email Kirsten at info@answeredprayers2.org for more information on how you can start a collection effort at your own work, school, church or local business. We are challenging our supporters to help us put 100+ collection boxes in various parts of the US. (already have a commitment of 15) The collection boxes are FREE and come with a prepaid Fedex label to return to Planet Green once the box is full. AP will walk you through the entire process.... This is a great way to help and NOT have to come out of pocket for any of it.

Thank you for supporting our cause and the environment.

Formula Shipment

2008-08-11T08:56:00.001-07:00

I posted a note a few weeks ago stating that BRESMA has been granted over 2000lbs of formula recently. I received the shipping bill today in which we estimated would be around $2800, however it will cost us $3100 to get it to Haiti. This donation is worth well over $24,000 in much needed formula. Please consider helping to cover the cost of this shipment. I haven't received any assistance for this donation since the last plea, so I'm back asking for help.

The orphanages desperately need this shipment of formula for the babies. If you would like to help, please send a check to:

Answered Prayers
2525 E. 29th Suite 10B
PMB 294
Spokane, WA. 99223

Or you can visit our website and click on "Make a Donation" to donate via credit/debit card.

I know times are hard for all of us with the economy the way it is - but please consider donating.. every little bit helps.

Peace Cranes

2008-08-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

ThThe BRESMA orphanages and school has been chosen to be recipients of the following gesture of peace.

Origami Peace Cranes to Children in Conflict Zones

in support of International Day of Peace.

To help commemorate the International Day of Peace, September 21, a group in Brisbane, Australia is having origami peace doves made by local school children, which we are sending to children in conflict zones. A gesture of peace and goodwill from children in our 'safe' community to their school-age counterparts who have suffered trauma or live in conflict zones, to help mark this Day of Peace.

http://www.idpa.org.au/

Photo Album from Jamie

2008-08-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

I received a new photo album link from Jamie. If you would like to see the photo album - please email me privately at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org and I'll forward it to you. Because she has some children living with her that are being adopted from countries that have strict Privacy policies, I'm not able to share the link directly on the blog - but will be happy to forward it to anyone that requests it.

THIRSTEA!!!

2008-07-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

We just launched a fundraiser called "ThirsTea". This is a great company that sells coffee, tea and supplies. Answered Prayers will receive 30% of all sales made in our name. So.. if you're a coffee drinker like me... come check out the wonderful exotic blends that ThirsTea carries and help AP in the process. Visit http://www.thirstea.biz/pra/index.shtml for more information and to put in your order. If you have any questions, feel free to email Kirsten at info@answeredprayers2.org

Maryann is home!!

2008-07-15T21:08:00.001-07:00

I got a note yesterday from Maryann stating that she was home safe and sound. She misses the kids and her friends in Haiti terribly and I could sense that she may be having a hard time adjusting to life back in the US. Please keep her in your prayers. She is an amazing young woman and I would love to see her enjoy what is left of her summer before she transitions into starting college.

Dentist

2008-07-07T11:12:00.001-07:00

This is part of an email I received from Maryann:

I would like to tell you about the biggest blessing that involves the children and their teeth. I have a friend here that is a dentist and specializes in going to orphanages and children's homes and doing a teeth cleaning clinic and then examining the children's teeth and then fixing whatever is wrong. As you know children with large cavities do not grow as well as they should and it can lead to other health problems. So i have talked to the dentist and to Margarette and they are going to be at BRESMA 2 on Monday the 7th.

BLESSINGS BLESSINGS!!!

2008-06-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of our adoptive parents has been an amazing advocate for donations since they started their adoption process. AP/BRESMA has been the recipient of 3 major formula donations - including the most recent which is a donation of 960 cans of formula for the orphanages. This is such a HUGE blessing. The company that made this generous donation covers everything except the shipping charge to Haiti. The shipment is already in Miami just waiting to be sent to Haiti. We would like to do our best to raise the money for this shipment which we are estimating to total $2800. This is a small price to pay for $24,000 worth of formula.

If you would like to help with this expense -please contact me at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Thank you... thank you.... thank you to the family who landed these donations for the children.

Donations

2008-06-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

AP has roughly 15 tubs full of donations sitting in storage needing to get to Haiti. Unfortunately - I'll only be able to take 2 bags full when I take a team down in August - so I'm asking for people to consider helping AP pay to get these items to Miami for EMEX to ship directly to the orphanage. My guess is that we will need about $1000 to pay for the shipment to Miami and then the shipment from Miami to Haiti. Please help us accomplish this goal. Contact Kirsten at info@answeredprayers2.org for more information.

Blessings - Kirsten

Letter from Maryann

2008-06-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

“The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble” Proverbs 19:23

This month has been a reminder that I am not in control and nothing in this life is certain except for Christ. The month started out, I guess, with what you would call normal school and the same things that we do every day. Then on the 13th an AP team arrived here which consisted of my parents, my best friend, and youth leaders. I think it would be safe to say it was the best team that has come through so far. Well, for me anyhow! It was a wonderful week and they brought some greatly needed supplies for the kids and were able to spend some time with the children, which is always important. My dad and Nate fixed a few things around the building and put doors on some of the cupboards. Also, we were able to worm all of the kids and take weight and height measurements to see how they are growing. All of the kids except three grew. That was encouraging to me to know that they are growing and seem to be somewhat healthy.

The rest of that week was mostly fun for us, I was very happy that finally I was able to show my parents where I live and what I have been doing while I am here. I also introduced them to the people that have been such a blessing in my life. We were able to take some kids to the beach with us and that was a blessing for the kids to get out and for the team to get to know those kids better.

However, the next week we didn’t have any visitors and life was more chaotic than normal. Everything had finally fallen into place and the house was getting painted. The workers started the day before the team got here and didn’t finish until just a few days ago. They sanded all of the places where the paint was coming off and repainted everything so hopefully, the lead issue will be under control.

During this time, the week right after the team left, I couldn’t have school because they were painting my classroom or areas of the house which interfered with the kids coming to class. When the painting was finished we went back to class and have been having a lot of fun.

Recently, we have been learning how to count money, I have some change that I brought from the states and they are working with that. Their favorite activity is when I put all of the money on the desk for them to use. Then I have cookies or candy and they have to use that money to buy candy from me and must give me the correct amount of money. Another part of school that is very encouraging is that the children seem to be enjoying story time more and more and are now trying to read themselves. In fact there are a couple of the kids that can read now.

On the 28th a group of Lighthouse parents arrived here and they also brought donations for us and were able to bring a lot of joy and excitement for the kids. They came and had a birthday party for their son and played games with all of the kids and the children all got a new toy. The parents also took the older boys to the beach for a fun day out and everyone had a great time.

Just a few days later another set of parents arrived here and took their daughter and a couple of the kids back to the hotel with them, so there was a lot of coming and going.

One good thing that happened while they were here is that a little girl and boy found out that they now have parents and received presents and were able to see pictures of their parents for the first time.

Also this month we had three children go home and there is one more that is supposed to go next week. However we have just received two new little ones, a baby boy about one year old and a little girl about two.

Now for the exciting part, I told friends of mine that I would take care of their house, kids, and dogs while they are gone and I was supposed to move in this weekend. So I told Margarette about this and shortly afterwards she told me that she had found a woman to come and take over the head nanny position at BRESMA 2. Then she called me and told me this woman was coming on Monday, the 2nd and I thought she was just coming to meet the kids and me and then come move in on Friday. However she came with all of her belongings to move in and Margarette said she thought I was moving out that day. So I packed all of my bags and called a friend and told them what had happened, and they were gracious enough to let me stay with them this week and take me to the orphanage every day.

As I was walking out of the orphanage with all of my things the kids were really upset because they thought that I was leaving for good and some of them started to cry even though I told them that I was coming back the next day and would come back for school and to take care of them every day. They were a bit better the next day when I did come back, but they were still not happy that I wasn’t staying there all the time.

Now we are in a time of transition and training, I really hope that this new person works out well for everyone. She seems to be nice, but she doesn’t speak English, which is a draw back because that is really big for the parents that come down. For right now I can’t offer a lot of information or opinion because she hasn’t been here very long.

These were all of the major events of this month. What did I learn from all of that? I have learned, or better have been reminded, that God is in control of everything and that no matter how hard I try I will never be in control and it is better that way. People are unpredictable and situations always change whether we want them to or not. The best thing that any person could ever have is the ability to seek God and have peace through any situation. The more flexible you allow yourself to become the more God can use you. I was also reminded how important it is to start you day off with God. There have been very few days since I have been here that I have not spent my first minutes and usually several of them with the Lord, However the week my parents were here that seemed to not happen and I paid for it. I don’t have the peace, patience, knowledge, or anything for that matter to survive on my own. It is good to be reminded of that every once in awhile or I could become prideful.

Please join me in praying for these things

· God’s will be done in this place

· Safety (I will now be driving)

· Wisdom of how to take care of all of the things God has entrusted to me

· The new woman, that she will learn and be willing to do the things she needs to

· The children’s paperwork will move quickly so they can go home

· Everything comes together for my travels home

Serving God for His glory,

Maryann Woelk

Answered Prayers June Newsletter

2008-06-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

The June newsletter has been sent out.... if you would like a copy and are not signed up to receive them automatically - please contact info@answeredprayers2.org and request a copy. It will be emailed to you as soon as possible. (I haven't figured out a way to post them on the blog just yet)

Blessings for a beautiful weekend!!

Photo Album Link from Jamie

2008-06-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

I received this link this morning to an album posted by Jamie. Bresma has some cute kids :-)

http://www1.snapfish.com/shareereg/p=95661212771080465/l=394686584/g=7037789/
cobrandOid=1000001/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB/pns/share/p=95661212771080465/l=394686584/
g=7037789/cobrandOid=1000001/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Violence

2008-06-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

I received the following from another agency working in Haiti. I'm so glad that some positive light is being shed on Haiti.

This article sums up what many of us who regularly travel to Haiti have long believed. Our government’s perpetual travel warning against a nation troubled far more by poverty and starvation than violence is hurting an economy in desperate need of income from tourism, visitors, and outside aid.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/11/unitednations

Medical Supplies Needed

2008-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I got an email from Margarette this morning stating that she needs the following medicines at the orphanages. If you are interested in helping collect these items, please contact me at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

FEVER
DIARRHEA
COLD
WORMS
VITAMINS
PINKEYES
"SACOPTOSIS" (not sure what this is)

MOI

2008-05-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Margarette this morning stating that 17 BRESMA files were submitted to MOI yesterday May 28th. The individual families have been notified (or will be soon by their agencies). It's so refreshing to see some things happening. From what I've read and from what I've heard, MOI is taking around three months to process files through their office.

If you have any questions - you can email me at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Have a great day!!

Photo's from the May Mission Trip

2008-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

The following link will take you to a shutterfly album with photos from the recent mission trip. I couldn't figure out how to make it a link you just click on.... so you will have to copy and paste the link into your browser to view it.

Enjoy!!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CbM2Tho1YsXEQ&emid
=sharview&linkid=link2

Margarette's Travel Schedule

2008-05-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

I got an email from Margarette stating that she will be traveling. The following is her schedule:

Holland - June 19th (around 5 days - dates are not set in stone yet)

France - September 2nd-10th (tickets in hand)

Moving to Spokane

2008-05-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

I (Kirsten) and the Answered Prayers main office will be relocating to the Spokane area as of Tuesday June 10th. Please note that the Marysville address will still be our main mailing address until the 10th of June.

Our new mailing address is as follows:

Answered Prayers
c/o Kirsten Boyd
2525 E. 29th Suite 10B
PMB 294
Spokane, WA. 99223

The office phone # will remain the same - 509.322.2456

Manmi Robert

2008-05-19T11:58:00.001-07:00

Some of you may already know this, but Manmi Robert is no longer working at BRESMA. I asked Kris to confirm the reason why and this is what she had to say:

"She reiterated to me that Manmi Robert was let go due to not following instructions and an issue with the meat was a final straw. There were no extra people in the orphanage this time and in times past there have been several extra people there who shouldn’t be and Manmi Robert was to keep them out but wasn’t, etc. so – basically…she continually wasn’t following orders."

Maryann has been placed in charge of the Big Kid House until we can find a replacement for her when she leaves this summer.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue - please email me privately at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Vaccinations

2008-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

I recently applied with an organization that Wyclef Jean sponsors that helps provide much needed vaccinations to the people of Haiti. I shared this with a few families and board members and since Kris has been in Haiti all week, she ran it past Margarette. In discussing it with her, Kris learned that the children are already receiving vaccinations. This is the info that Kris emailed me with:

"I asked Margarette about this at my meeting. She said everyone just received polio shots on 4/21/08. the shot card says rr and dt. They also received a vitamin A supplement pill. This is a government program. She also said they have already had the measles shots."

I am still going to look into it to see if there are any further vaccinations that the children could benefit from, but thought the fact that the children have been receiving some protection was some good news.

Mission Trip Update

2008-05-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

I recieved the following updates from Kris Baker who is currently in Haiti:

"The painting is coming along well. As you can imagine it is quit the job by the time you scrape, paint, clean up and most of all…keeping the kids out while we try to do things. But things are looking good"

"BRESMA 2 was weighed and measured yesterday. It is a great testimony as to the protein and care. I will finish charting but almost all of the kids have grown and gained weight. We also did a worm treatment"

Please keep the team in your prayers as they wrap up their time in Haiti.

Maryann

2008-05-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

The BRESMA orphanage's have been blessed by the presence of an amazing young woman named Maryann. She came to us from Colville Washington and offered a year of her life to serve in Haiti. She has been an amazing addition to the children's lives. She has lived at the "big kid house" and during her stay has been able to help structure an education program, instill some discipline and do what she can to prepare the children for their upcoming journey to be with their Forever Families.

We knew from the beginning that she would only be ours temporarily. She will be traveling back to the states this summer so that she can prepare to start college in the fall.

I'm writing this blog for 2 reasons:

1 - We are looking for someone to replace her role at the orphanage. Big shoes to fill...but just as God brought her to us, we believe there is someone else out there he feels is up for this task.

2 -We are looking to try to raise the funds needed to pay her travel expenses back home (Roughly $750). Maryann raised her own funding for living expenses so I think that offering to help with this expense is the lease we can do to thank her for the last year that she has spent nurturing and loving the children at BRESMA. If you are interested in helping, please let me know at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org. **All donations are tax deductable

A few signs of movement.....

2008-05-15T21:16:00.001-07:00

I received word today that 6 BRESMA files were released from IBESR today. The families have been notified.

I also got good news that one of our little angels will be headed home to Canada next week.

It's good to see some movement in the process. I'll keep posting updates as they come in.

Painting Has Begun

2008-05-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

The paint at the big kid house has tested positive for lead. Several of the children who have recently come home from that house were testing positive for lead.... so we had the paint tested and sure enough!!

Thankfully we were able to supply the orphanage with the $1800 to repaint. Kris Baker our mission trip coordinator is in Haiti right now on the May trip and has sent an update stating that painting has begun.

Photo Updates

2008-05-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

In the past we have been able to update adoptive families with photos of their children on a regular basis because the missionaries in Haiti would upload photos to a snapfish album. Unfortunately, they have struggled with doing this lately so they have created a facebook album to share photos of the children at the BRESMA I, II and III orphanages. For more information or to see the photos they have uploaded already - visit their face book page at the link on the right titled "Jamie and Ali's Facebook".

May News from Maryann

2008-05-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

News From Haiti

“ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19

Wow! What a month it has been. We started out the month with riots and burning of many things. This was because the people in Haiti were very angry about the high food prices, so burning was the way they chose to deal with it. There were many stores with broken windows, so storeowners had to close for a while to fix all of the damage. For the children and me the riots were not too bad because the angry people didn’t want anything to do with an orphanage. However, it was not safe for me to go out and there were some riots and gunshots close by, scaring the kids. I was very happy I was here to help comfort the children a bit. The only real negative repercussion for us was that it became hard to get water or money to us. So I was very thankful for the money sent down for food for the kids. There were a couple of days when we wouldn’t have had money to buy bread and juice or vegetables for the afternoon meal if this money had not been sent down. The worst aspect of the riots for us was on the last day when we ran out of water. There was no water because the trucks couldn’t come down the mountain. Also, there was no gas for the cars so Lissa and I went out and started buying all the bottles of water we could find. We found a place that filled the big water gallons which was exciting. Everything turned out well though and life has returned to normal, If you can call it that!

After the riots it wouldn’t seem possible for the month to get any worse, but I think it did. Ok! Let me elaborate a little bit. Things went on as usual here, and I am pretty sure it was the same as the 30 something other weeks I have been living here. However, for some reason I got hit with a big wave of a rotten attitude that made a few weeks very hard for me and in turn, I took it out on the kids. It started when I was trying to figure out when I was going to go home, and then I started to count the weeks until I went home. There was something that just lost all of the patience I had for what I am doing here. It was bad. I started to yell at the kids more than usual and it was a miserable couple of weeks. To top that off, instead of turning to God to turn my attitude around, I decided I needed a break and started to make plans to go and do some other activities. All of those plans fell through and I was getting very discouraged and wondering why I couldn’t escape Bresma II and my daily life here. In the end it came down to no matter where I am, the only thing I need to do is to depend on God because He is the one who is going to get me through. He is the one that has the wisdom and strength I need. I thank God that His plans are not mine and God knows what is best, because if it were up to me, I would make a big mess of things. Needless to say I was reminded about my place and where my focus really needs to be, and I am very thankful for that. After I started to think about God and my kids again things became so much better. Again I started to enjoy life and my surroundings and am trying to turn around and be encouraging to the people here.

The whole month was not bad though. There were some wonderful things that happened as well. In fact, some of you may be wondering what has happened with me now being the “head nanny”. It is not too bad. I have much more responsibility, but also I have more power to make some changes. (I just have to say right now. The bad attitude I had was a heart problem, not a problem of having too much responsibility) The greatest change or addition to the kids’ daily routine was having the opportunity to drink milk each and every day and this is because of the donations of generous people who are making a little bit of a difference for the kids. Other positive changes are a copy machine and several schoolbooks. Now the kids have a greater variety of work and can work on more skills such as problem solving and other critical thinking exercises.

One other event that happened this month was that I was able to go to another orphanage that doesn’t adopt kids out. The orphanage was in horrible conditions and several of the children asked if they could come to my orphanage. It was heart breaking to know that these children don’t have much of a future ahead of them. It also made me realize how blessed my Bresma kids are, and how blessed I am to live where I do. However, one bad aspect of my visit to that orphanage is my tolerance level for greediness and the attitude of entitlement to anything the children in Bresma II want is very low. We have been working on manners at Bresma II and to tell the truth, there is a bit of a war going on at my house right now. A couple of the older boys have decided that it is a good idea to be very disrespectful and they will try to negotiate with me. I have heard several times already that if I don’t give them what they want, a video, toy, or such, that they weren’t going to go to school and were going to continue to be bad. So far I am winning and they are not having very much fun, but I don’t think our conflict is over yet. Other than that, things are going very well.

Can you please join me in praying for the following things?

· God’s will be done in this place

· That I have the wisdom and patience take care of these children

· I will be able to accomplish as much as possible in the time I have left here

· Safe travels for the teams of people coming this month

Serving God for His glory,

Maryann Woelk

August 2008 Mission Trip

2008-05-14T12:14:00.001-07:00

Kirsten will be leading the August 2008 Mission Trip. The dates for the trip are as follows:

August 6th (meet in Miami)
August 7th (fly to Haiti)
August 11th or 13th (return from Haiti)

**I've decided to offer two departure dates in case some cannot stay for the entire trip.

For more information please feel free to contact Kirsten at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Clean Water Project

2008-05-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

A year ago, 2 families got together and asked what they could do to help with a need at BRESMA. At that time my response was "clean water". I had just been to Haiti and seen how the kids were grabbing at our team members for their water bottles. It broke my heart to see these kids so desperate for a necessity that often times we take for granted.

The families reached out to their contacts and raised over $16,000. This fund has given the 3 orphanages full access to clean Culligan water. During this process - I started contacting various organizations that help implement water filtration systems in third world countries. Through one of our past adoptive parents contacts - I was put in touch with a man that works with the Iovino Foundation. He in turn has gotten us accepted through Gift of Water to receive water filtration systems that will be placed in each of the orphanages. Due to the recent unrest it has put the organization behind on their projects, so it is taking longer than anticipated to get started on this project. Please pray that things will clear up and that they will be able to visit the BRESMA orphanages and put these filtration systems in place. See below for the blurb that was included in our May 2008 Newsletter:

The Iovino Family Foundation has generously offered to fund a water filtration system built by Gift of Water. This system is easy to use and the Gift of Water organization has people in Country to help train our staff in how to use the system properly. Please join us in prayer regarding this project. Because of the unrest in Haiti, the Gift of Water staff are backed up and are struggling to get this system implemented in the BRESMA orphanages in a timely fashion. www.giftofwater.com for more information on this wonderful filtration system.

Response to Crisis Letter

2008-05-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

After receiving our call for help -a few individuals have stepped up to reach out for help in their own family/friend circle. So far - their efforts have produced the following:

**Victoria Brooks $420
**Canadian family is organizing a fundraiser
**Family from Portland donated $1000
**Family from Portland donated $500

Thank you to those who have heard our calls and helped to answer our prayers.

If you would like to help contribute to this cause, please email Kirsten at kirsten@answeredprayers2.org

Food Crisis Letter to Supporters

2008-05-14T09:32:00.001-07:00

Dear AP Supporters,

As many of you are painfully aware, the adoption process in Haiti has slowed to a crawl. Although children are coming home (in fact, we have four brand-new US citizens this month!), they are forced to wait a very long time in the orphanage. On top of this, staple food items such as rice and beans have increased by 50% and pasta has doubled in price in the last year. In a country where eighty percent of the population lives on less than $2/day – this is devastating.

The Answered Prayers board has engaged in several discussions about what we can do to help. It is simply not possible to care for a child for almost two years, as many of the children have waited, on funds paid by adoptive parents that were originally intended to last for nine to twelve months. As a non-profit humanitarian aid organization, Answered Prayers has been aggressively searching for help for BRESMA. We have been successful in securing funding for clean water to drink for the next year, double the protein for the next two months, and a $12,000 donation in soy formula that recently arrived in Haiti. However, in order to assure that our children and yours continue to receive adequate nutrition, care, and education, we have all come to the conclusion that we need to ask for more help.

We urge you to not only consider helping, but to also reach out to those around you to let them know of this urgent need as well. Inform your churches, co-workers, youth groups, family and friends of this need so that we can ensure these children have the best care possible until they get home to their families. There are many people out there that want to give – they just need to hear that there is a need… and right now – BRESMA is in need.

It is our duty to the children of BRESMA to ensure that their care does not deteriorate, as has happened at several other orphanages in Haiti. So we are coming to you today to ask you to consider helping in any and every way you can.

If you have questions or concerns about this issue, please feel free to contact me.

Answered Prayers
4522 92^nd ST. NE
Marysville, WA. 98270
509.322.2456

Sincerely,

Kirsten Boyd (on behalf of the AP Board of Directors)
CEO/Adoption Liaison
www.answeredprayers2.org

Getting Started

2008-05-14T07:23:00.001-07:00

I've received several requests to start an AP Blog. The reasons for this being:

**Updated information on the adoption process
**Information about our current projects
**Information on mission trips
**Needs of the orphanages we are working with

SO... I'm going to give it a shot.