18 years - GOT-CHA!

18 years ago today, a naive 27 year old who had never left the U.S. landed in Port au Prince Haiti to become a mother.  Thankfully, this crew guided me through my 17 days there.

It's amazing how God can make family out of strangers in 17 days.  I can not even express how thankful I am for John and Beth McHoul, answering the call to move to Haiti so many years ago and all they continue to do for the people of Haiti.  The numbers of people they have helped can not be counted.

Happy Got-cha Day Michael!   I love you!


Other posts on Michael's GOT-CHA day can be found HERE and HERE

To learn more about Heartline Ministries and the work they do in Haiti.  Click HERE.  

Michael - swimmer / runner

A few months ago - one of Michael's friends invited him to do the swim portion of a mini-triathalon.

He swam....

This time, he did the swim and the run.

I would love to see him try all 3 - but he doesn't have my competitive gene.
(well, obviously, cause he's adopted, but anyway.....)

Here are a few photos!

Good job Michael!  Always proud of you!

(*blue cap!)

Michael wants to grow his hair .....

Crazy hair day at school.....

White people everywhere are so jealous - all they got is a can of spray paint.

Just sayin'

Harvest Eagles Soccer

A smile from Michael - something we rarely see

Michael is on the soccer team as a freshman, which is a great honor and a great learning experience for him.  He isn't getting tons of playing time, but when he gets to go in, he is giving it his all.

Michael scored later in this game....

but it was so dark, that only the score board photo shows - 

One of the many things I will miss about Guam
Lots of rainbows.....

#29 - the tall one in the middle is Michael :)

Congrats to the Harvest Eagles on a winning season!  

Thank you to the coaches for their time and dedication to the boys!

Harvest Eagles Cross-country

 Michael's first year as a high school student.

First season sport - cross country

He improved through-out the season and was an asset to the team.

Harvest vs. Guam High

He regularly placed in the top 5 to 9 depending on the week.  

We are thankful for the team, the coaches, the school.

Everything about Harvest has been a positive experience for Michael and we are thankful for that.

Completely sunny before the boys started....Harvest vs. FD

but it's rainy season,

and then the bottom fell out....

President of Tsunami Swim Club
and my crazy friend, Stuart

no more white socks....

I don't think Michael was praying....but it looks like it.

Finishing strong - home stretch

Harvest vs. Southern Christian

flying?  well.....he's completely off the ground.
What do you think?

I'm confused when the pastor is the coach
Is it Pastor Jared or Coach Baldwin?
I don't know
But he loves his cowbell!!

All-Island meet -  Congrats to the Harvest Eagles for taking 3rd place!

Joe Cook - great runner, great friends

Levi Atkinson - another amazing runner
and our pastor's son