Children of the Promise http://childrenofthepromise.org 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matt. 25:40 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:06:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Feb 3, 2012 http://childrenofthepromise.org/feb-3-2012/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/feb-3-2012/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:27:39 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2629 Admits 4:

Loudena came to COTP earlier this week with her Grandma and her Aunt.  Her Mom is in the Dominican Republic trying to find work and her father is not around.  She is malnourished and behind developmnetally.  At 18 months old, she can crawl but can not yet walk or talk.  Since she has been here she is already beginning to gain weight and her personality is shinning through!  She has began smiling and her personality is really showing!

Wilnes was referred to us by one of our nannies.  We have heard that several children in her family are malnourished, but she wasthe worst off.  She had advanced malnutrition called Kwashikor, which is where her body retains all of the water weight.  She was extremely weak and lethargic, but slowly started to drink a little at a time.  She is very ill at the time and unfortunately passed away a few days after we admitted her.  Her parents have had 12 children, but Wilnes is the 3rd to pass away.  The other 8 are all 19 and under.  Our social worker went to her house to check on the other children and see if we can intervene before they get any worse.  We have admitted her older sister into our Medika Mamba program because she is also very malnourished.  Please pray for this whole family!

Kendy was brought to us by his Mom.  He is 5 weeks old and weighs 3# 4 oz.  He was very dirty and had skin infections all over him as well as thrush in his mouth, which makes it difficult for him to drink.  His Mom was never able to breastfeed and gave him saltines in water to drink.  Kendy has been doing amazing in his short time with us.  He’s drinking a ton and gaining weight.  Please pray for him.

Josiah was referred to us by the hospital in Milot, where he lived for the first 5 weeks of his life.  He was brought to the hospital the day he was born, weighing a mere 3 lbs.  He is now drinking well and gaining weight!  We are excited to announce that he is going to be adopted by Nick and Nikki Stolberg, our field directors! He recently had to go back to the hospital for a few days in the but is now doing much better.Please pray he continues to gain weight and develop healthily!

Discharges 4:

Anderson was able to be reunited with his Mother recently.  His Mother loves him dearly and came to visit often.  Anderson gained 3 lbs during his 2 months with us and was doing very well developmentally!  His Mom has come back several times for check ups since he has been home.  We have used these times to encourage Mom in her parenting skills and to ensure that Anderson is doing well.  The first time she came back, Mom was unsure of herself, but I’m excited to announce that when we saw her yesterday, both Mom and Anderson were doing well and back to their normal selves!  Please pray for this family during their time of transition!


Chelie was reunited with her Mom and older brother this week.  Her Mom has recently started doing commerce and feels that with the money she is making from this she should be able to financially provide for her family!  Her Mom is incredibly smart and loves her children dearly.  Chelie had gained over 5 lbs during her time with us and even learned to stand.  She is on the verge of walking and should be doing so shortly!

Emmanuel was also reunited with his Mother and Father this week.  His Mom came to visit every two weeks and would always ask if he had gained weight and what he was doing developmentally.  Even during their time apart, she wanted to be as involved as possible in his life.  Emmanuel gained over 3.5 Lbs while at COTP and learned not only how to sit, but was also army crawling!  We are confident he will do well at home!

Madianne was reunited with her Father last week.  Every time he came to visit, he would stare at her the whole time and continually talk to her.  He is a good father and loves his daughter dearly!  Madianne recently learned to sit up and had gained 4 lbs during her time with us!

All of  these children are now in our formula program for a few months to ensure that they have a smooth transition home!  Please pray for them and their families during this time of transition!  We are beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to care for these precious children!

Adoptions 1:

Jedson’s adoption was completed this week and he and his Father were able to go home on Thursday!  We are so happy for him and his family and were very blessed to have cared for him during his stay with us.  Please pray for Jedson as he is adjusting to life in the States!  We already miss him dearly but know he’s where he was meant to be!

Birthdays 6:

Natalie turned three!

Rosar and Adlin turned two!

Ruth, Adleyson (Elijah), and Ella turned one!

Needs:

 

Blankets

Bottle Brushes

Sandals size 1-2

Diapers Newborn to size 5

Liquid Hand soap/Hand Sanitizer

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/feb-3-2012/feed/ 0 December 19, 2011 http://childrenofthepromise.org/december-19-2011/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/december-19-2011/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:51:06 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2508 Admit 5:

Djennie is a sweet little 6 month old girl!  She was abandoned at the hospital about a month ago and just recently came to COTP.  She has the cutest little smile and is a very easy going baby!  Djennie is still very tiny and fragile.  Please pray for her during this time.

Peter Lee, the biological brother of Jennie Flore came to us at 4 days old.  He is a very healthy little boy and very cute!  Please pray he gains weight quickly and does well in our care!

Schneider: See below!

Davidson’s Mom passed away after child birth, and his father who was a chauffeur at the time had to quit his job to care for him and his two older siblings.  His Dad doesn’t have any family nearby or anyone who can help him care for the baby.  We will be keeping Davidson for a few months while his Dad works and saves up enough money to pay for a neighbor to babysit him during the day while he works.  Davidson is 1.5 months old and is a very adorable little boy!

Jeremiah was recently abandoned at a hospital in Cap Haitien.  He was brought to us by four Haitian Police and a representative from IBESR (Haitian Social Services).  We believe he is about 2.5 years old.  He is severely malnourished and refuses to eat much food.  Even so, he’s anincredibly happy little boy who smiles constantly!  He is already adjusting well here, but please pray he gains weight soon!

 

Discharges 6:

Judlin was reunited with his Aunt recently and we couldn’t be happier for him.  He has gained a lot of weight and done really well in our care.  We are confident he’ll do well with his aunt!  He has been back to visit since and is gaining a lot of weight.  Please pray for him and his family during this time of transition!

Keshla wasalso reunited with her Grandma who loves her dearly.  Her Grandma is very aware of the needs of infants and will be more than able to care for her.  Keshla’s Grandma came to visit often during her time here and was eager to take her home, which is always exciting!  Please pray for Keshla and her family!

Schneider came to COTP a few months ago and was admitted to the formula program as his Mom was unable to breast feed and His father, who used to purchase formula, had passed away.  Mom found work, but was unable to do so while caring for her son.  She asked us to keep him for 3 months so she could save up enough money at the new job to start commerce.  However, after being with us only 15 short days, Schneider’s Mom decided to take him back.  He was slightly ill when he left.  Schneider and his Mom returned a few days later and he was still sick.  They stayed one night with us as Schneider needed an IV.  They then went to the hospital the next day.  I am confident once he gets past this, he will do amazing in his Mom’s care.  She loves him so much!  Please pray he gets better soon and for his whole family!

Marclin was recently reunited with her family!  She is very well bonded with both her Mom and Dad and was always excited when they came to visit.  She always reached out for them and rested her head on their shoulders the entire time they held her.  She never did this with anyone else.  We are so happy that she is able to live with them again!

Emmalie was also reunited with her Dad earlier this month.  We have been out to visit her since she has been reunited and overall, she looks really well.  She will be in our formula program for a few months to help ensure she has a smooth transition home.  We are very excited that she is now with her family.

Loucianna’s Dad came last week to take her home.  He had been working in the Dominican Republic for several months, and is now at a place where he and his family will be able to care for her.  Loucianna had lived at COTP for over a year.  She has come so far since we admitted her and we are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with her.  We will continue to check up on her for a while to ensure that she does well in her home!

All of these kids will be coming back over the next few months for checkups and to receive more milk.  Please pray for each of these families!

 

Birthdays:

Pierre turned 4

Christine turned 3

Moise turned 3

Jedson turned 2

Davideson turned 2

Manuella turned 1

Rose Guerda turned 1

Development:

Ruth is crawling! Esther is sitting up and Rapheal is learning how to as well!  Anel continues to take more steps everyday!

 

Needs:

Blankets

Childrens Tooth Paste

Hand Sanitizer

Baby Shampoo

Newborn and size 1 diapers

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/december-19-2011/feed/ 0 Formula Program Class http://childrenofthepromise.org/formula-program-class/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/formula-program-class/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:58:30 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2476 Over the past year, I have always wanted to add an education component to our formula program.  I have been running this program since shortly after moving to Haiti, and although I very much enjoy running it, I fully realize that the program has more potential than what I can offer it with my limited Creole and lack of cultural experience.  I knew that the best way to ensure that this program was making a lasting difference, beyond just the time the families spend in our program, was to hire someone to teach information that the participants could use not only for this child, but for any child they raise.

 

Thanks to a grant from Haiti Serve, today we had our first Formula Program Class!  I was very nervous and excited to see how this would go.  We hired Mary Lourde, the lady that teaches our prenatal classes to do it.  I have honestly never sat in on these classes and had no idea how she would do.

 

I am excited to announce that she is AMAZING and defiantly the best fit for the job.  She did so well today with all the guardians of our kids.  She choose to talk about serum, which I thought was a great first topic since we recently had one baby pass away from Cholera and four others admitted to the hospital for diarrhea and vomiting.  She discussed how to make it from scratch, when you give it, and for how long.  At one point she even demonstrated how much water you would need by filling up two empty coke bottles with water and presenting them to the class.

 

I expected her to stand at the front of the class and just lecture the whole time.  This was not her approach at all.  She made sure everyone was involved in the discussion.  Instead of just saying “this is how you make serum” she asked the class who knew how to make it.  She then challenged them and asked where they received this information, if they actually do it just as they were told, etc.  Mary Lourde spent time making sure that each participant spoke up at least once during class.  She made great eye contact and just did amazing over all!

 

I was also nervous about what our parents/guardians would think of these classes.  I didn’t know if they would be accepting of the program or if they would be upset that there was now a hoop to go through to receive their formula.  I should have known the value that Haitian put on education and realized that they of course would love to go to our little “school” to help them learn how to better provide for their babies.  They were all very attentive and excited to be there.  Many even thanked me for the opportunity to go!

 

There has been 3 families in our program for several months now that all live very close to each other.  I have never once seen these families interact.  However, today they all waited for each other after class and walked home as a group.  By requiring them all to come at the same time and sit together, they are able to have fellowship and will hopefully build lasting relationships with each other.  They will be able to lean on each other in time of need and have someone to talk to that understands what they are going through.

 

The only thing that didn’t happen today that I expected to was prayer and singing with the our families.  Mary Lourde does this with the Prenatal ladies but did not do it today.  My assumption is that she choose to skip it since we started out with everyone signing contracts, but she agreed to do it next time!  I am also excited because this will take this program from being just a humanitarian program to a mission program!

 

For so long I have felt like this program is just a band aid; helping a few people with the problem thats here and now.  I have never felt like it makes a lasting difference in their or their children’s lives (minus the benefits from the nutrition).  Now however, I feel like we are teaching skills that these Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, Fathers, Uncles, Neighbors, and Cousins can take with them and spread to their community.  Now if any of their kids get sick or any of their neighbors children, they will be able to offer appropriate advice on how to make serum and when it’s necessary to give it to them.  They will not only benefit from these classes, but their entire family and community could as well!

 

I have dreamed, talked about, and begged for these classes for a year now, and today I couldn’t help but smile as I sat in the back of the class and listened to the discussions our families were having with each other and Mary Lourde.  It’s finally happening.  So much has changed, and it was all from a one hour class.  I can’t imagine what is going to unfold over the next several weeks as these families continue to met, learn, and grow together.  All I can say is I am looking forward to meeting with them all again in 2 more weeks to discuss whatever topic Mary Lourde decides to discuss then!

 

I love that COTP continues to do all we can to keep families in our community together!  With out this program, many of these babies would have been admitted to our care, become extremely malnourished, or potentially could have even died.  It’s great to know we are able to provide assistance to these 13 beautiful children which hopefully will help them flourish in their parents home!

 

Please pray for Mary Lourde as she is teaching and leading these families, pray they are able to use the information she is providing them, that they create lasting friendships with each other, and most importantly, that their babies grow and thrive in their care!

 

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/formula-program-class/feed/ 1 Long Overdue! http://childrenofthepromise.org/long-overdue/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/long-overdue/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:56:11 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2474

I know, I know, this is a long over due update, but things have been crazy around here!  At one point this week we were up to 61 kids!  I will try my best to add in every thing new that has happened, but since it’s been so long, I may miss some!  Sorry for the long gap between posts, hopefully things will slow down enough that this won’t happen again!

 

Admits LOTS!

 

Sandrine came to COTP in October after being referred from a visiting Pediatrician at a local hospital.  She had been in their Medika Mamba program but never gained weight.  Afterwards she was enrolled in their Nutrition Program, but still was not doing well.  Sandrine came to us the day after her second birthday and weighed only 2 lbs.  Her Mom just gave birth to another child this week.  Her main care giver is her 16 year old sister who also has a 10 month old of her own!  Since being at COTP, she has been eating Medika Mamba and is gaining weight.  She can now stand and put pressure on her legs, which is a huge improvement!  She is making great developments developmentally!  Please continue to pray for her!

 

 

 

Anderson was also referred to us by the Pediatrician in Milot and came the same day as Sandrine.  He is 15 months and weighed 11 pounds 1 oz at admission.  He gained weight in Milot’s Medika Mamba program, but quickly lost it all.  Since graduating the program, he was enrolled in their Nurtion Program, but as with Sandrine, didn’t gain weight.  He has also been eating Medika Mamba here and is beginning to be a chunky little baby and is enjoying playing way more!

 

 

Ivenot came to COTP three days after his Mother passed away from Cholera.  His Dad loves him dearly, but is young and not sure how to care for the needs of a four month old baby.  Ivenot is a healthy, chunky little boy, who will be returning home with his father in a few months.  His Dad doesn’t have any family members to help him care for a baby, but is hoping to find a neighbor to help him out!  Please pray he finds someone and that Ivenot can be reunited soon!

 

 

 

Last year a little boy who we called Moise was abandoned at our gate.  After three months, his Mom came back for him with several ways to prove that she was his Mother.  We also learned that his name was actually Fred.  He has been living with his Mom since last December.  Fred has been back to visit a few times and always looked good.  However, his Mom is currently going through a rough time and felt she had no choice but to abandoned him at our gate again this week.  She left a note explaining the situation.  This is obviously very difficult for Fred, but we feel he remembers this place as he is adjusting much quicker this time.  Please pray for him and for his Mother who felt she had no other option.

 

 

Modelin was referred to us by another missionary in the area.  He is 17 months old and was a very weak, lethargic baby when we admitted him.  He has already had surgery to repair his cleft lip, but was to malnourished for his cleft pallet surgery.  His Mom was trying her best to care for him, but was unable to provide him the correct diet he needed to gain weight.  He has been eating well since coming here and is gaining good weight.  His personality is amazing!  He is so adventurous and wants to play constantly.  This is a huge change from the limp baby we met a few weeks ago!  Please pray he gets his surgery soon and can be reunited with his family!

 

 

 

Gedline came to us about a month ago with her very aged Grandmother.  Her Mom had passed away not quite a month prior to admit, leaving her Grandma to care for her and her 5 siblings.  Gedline was a very tiny malnourished 5 month old with a large abscess on her chest.  Her health has improved a lot in the month she has been here and she is slowly starting to gain weight.  Please pray for her whole family during this time and that her Grandma will be able to make decisions that are in Gedline’s best interest!

 

 

 

Chelie lived at COTP for six months starting in the summer of 2010.  At admit she was 1# 13 oz, a tiny little baby.  She was able to be reunited with her Mom last winter and then was enrolled in the Formula Program for 6 months to ensure she had a smooth transition home.  The first few months were a bit shaky as her Mom was unsure if she would be able to care for the needs of such a young baby.  With lots of encouragement, Chelie began to thrive in her Moms care and she graduated the program.  However, she came back last week and had lost weight from when she graduated the program 5 months before.  I went and visited her in her home yesterday and she was very ill and not doing well at all.  We decided that she needed immediate intervention and brought her back to COTP that day.  We immediately started her on an IV.  She is very weak and incredibly malnourished, but we are praying she will pull through.  She will stay with us for at least a few weeks to return her to full health while her Mom decides what to do about her future.  Please pray she gains weight quickly and that we can find a way for her to successfully be able to be reunited with her Mom who loves her dearly.

 

 

 

Lou’s older sister, Cyndi Love, also joined us at COTP recently.  Their mother is ill and feels she can no longer care for the needs of either of her children.  We spent a month counseling her about this decision to ensure she fully understood her options.  Cyndi Love has been doing amazing here and is quickly learning English!  She loves being with her brother and is often seen trying to give him toys or spoon feeding him!  We are so thankful that these two were able to be reunited!  Please pray for both of them and that their adoption goes quickly!

 

 

Moise was abandoned outside of Heartline Ministries in Port au Prince and spent nearly two months living with the Livesay family before being brought to COTP.  We believe he is about 2.5 years old and potentially has brain damage from untreated meningitis.  He is such a sweet happy little boy who we all love dearly!  We are incredibly excited to announce that Moise already has a new Family who are excited about adopting him!

 

 

 

Discharges 1:

 

Sterly was just reunited with his Dad and Grandma this week!  During his time at COTP, he gained four pounds, learned to sit up, and went from being a grumpy little boy to loving to play, and smiling when interacted with.  He has a great family and we are confident he will do great!  He celebrated his first birthday two days after going home!  Please pray for this family during their time of transition and that Sterly continues to make good developmental gains!

 

Sterly with his Dad and Grandma!

 

Adoptions 1:

 

Irelene was united with her adoptive family this month which we were all so thankful for.  She quickly bonded with her new parents and only wanted to be with them!  We were so thankful for the time we were able to love on this beautiful little girl, but are even more thankful that she will now grow up in a loving family!  Please continue to pray for her as she transitions into her new life and family!

 

Irelene during her going away party with Evan, one of her nannies!

 

 

Haitian adoptions are going really slow right now.  Please pray the pick up quick and that we can process our kids’ cases as quickly as possible so that they can be united with their families!

 

COTP GRADS; LOTS:

 

We have had  a lot of COTP Grads come back recently, and all are doing amazing.  We were excited to see Gina, Maggie/Magdaline, Djodlande, Jackson, and Frandly.  All are doing great in their homes and developing well.  Each one of them is at their goal weight and height which is great to see!  We love all of these kids dearly and are so thankful to see they are doing well in their homes!

 

Birthdays LOTS:

 

Daleson turned 3!

 

 

Sandrine turned 2!

 

Ezekiel turned 2!

 

 

Kenlove turned 2!

 

Emmanuel turned 1!

 

Louciana turned 1!

 

 

Jennie Flore turned 1!


Development:

Fleurickson, Jennie Flore, and Loucianna are all walking!

 

Anel has taken several unassisted steps!

 

Keshla is sitting up on her own and Adleyson almost is!

 

Med Visa’s:

 

Guerlin received his med visa and has traveled to the States to receive heart surgery.  Please pray it goes well and he’s able to return home to his Mom soon!

 

Needs:


Rice Cereal

Kids clothes, size 9 months – 2t, especially shorts

Liquid Hand Soap

Hand Sanitizer

8 oz (or greater) hard nippled zippy cups

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/long-overdue/feed/ 0 September 21, 2011 http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-21-2011/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-21-2011/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:20:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2035
Admits 4:
Madianne came to COTP on the 19th of this month.  Her Mother passed away a month ago.  She has been ill, and while visiting a clinic in his area, they recommend he bring her here.  Rose Guerda’s Mom showed him where we are located.  Madianne’s Dad has a deep love for her and truely want’s what is best for her.  He is capable of working, but has no one to care for her while he is gone during the day, and therefore is unable to.  She weighs a mere 10 lbs at 7 months old.  We are going to do try and help get her healthy and reunite her with her father in a few months!

Alfred and Alfredo’s Mom passed away the day they were born.  They were brought to us by their father and Aunt when the were 8 days old.  They are from over an hour away.  At admit they were 5 & 3 lbs.  They have been drinking well and gaining weight.  For being new borns they are both very lively and their personalities are already showing!  Please pray that both boys gain weight fast and are able to be reunited with their family quickly!

Chode Berline AKA Wadline is a three month old princess that came to us a week after her Mom passed away.  She was brought by her “Grandma,” a lady that her Mom knew and trusted well.  The Grandma has no means of caring for such a small baby and is very old and in poor health.  Wadline only weighed 5 lbs at admit.  She has already gained weight and is now 6 lbs!  She is a beautiful little girl and is doing really well here already!  Please pray that she also gains weight quickly and that her stay at COTP is short!

Discharges 1:
We are beyond excited to announce that Annelle has been reunited with her Mom!  We have been looking forward to this day for a long time as she comes from an amazing home and has a Mother that loves her dearly!  We are completely confident that her Mom will do everything in her power to advocate for and care for her youngest daughter!  We have already seen her strength in advocating for the medical needs of her son.  Please pray for Annelle who struggled to gain weight here.  Please pray for their entire family during this transition!

Development:
Nickensly can now hold up his own head during tummy time.  He can also roll from his tummy to his back!  Praise the Lord for these developments!  We are so proud of our little Nick!!
Fleurickson and Lou are both walking now!  Lou has also began talking!
Adleyson is begining to crawl!
Anel has been walking for a while now, but thanks to his braces, his feet are now turning forward rather than out as they were before!
Five of the kids in the Elephant room have began potty training!
Birthdays 3:
Isaiha celebrated his 2nd birthday last week!  He loved his cake and had a fun birthday party under the Mango tree!  He is doing so well and we are very pleased with the developments he’s making!


Joseph celebrated his 1st birthday earlier this month!  It’s amazing to see how far he has come!  All of the Boat and Girraf kids enjoyed celebrating with him!


Manno also celebrated his birthday, turning 3!  He is such a sweet handsome little boy, and we were excited to be able to spend this day with him!  He enjoyed the attention as well!
Adoptions:
Jennie Flore has an appointment in Port au Prince on the 26th.  Please pray it goes smoothly.
Irelene has her Visa appointment on the 28th!  This is her last stage of the process!  Please pray it goes quickly and smoothly!
Wedly’s adoptive parents are coming to fill out some paper work this week.  Please pray they have safe travels and they are able to get everything done.
Please pray for all three of these kids’s adoptions and that we are able to unite them with their new families as quickly as possible!
Needs:
Receiving blankets (all out)
Small quilts/blankets (all out)
Gerber fruit/veggie Purees (very low)
Newborn Diapers (we have less than a weeks worth and we have 6 kids using them)
Liquid hand soap (all out)
Baby wipes (all out)

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-21-2011/feed/ 1 School Sponsorship Program http://childrenofthepromise.org/school-sponsorship-program/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/school-sponsorship-program/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:00:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2034
Last week we had a meeting/party for all of the 97 kids in our school sponsorship program.  This program has been getting a major over hauling since Jenn and Renel took over it!  After the meeting all of the kids filled out a card about themselves and drew a picture which will be given to their sponsors.  They also received their back packs and school supplies for the year.
COTP’s school sponsorship program is unlike the average program which normally just sponsors kids at one school.  All of our kids, however, are related to COTP in some way.  Some are kids who lived here as infants and have been reunited with their families.  Others are our kids siblings or nannies children.  They are all conected to COTP in some form.  Because of this we have 97 kids that go to nearly 30 different schools!  It’s a great way for us to ensure that children we reunite are able to be successful in their homes and futures!
Thanks to everyone who helps sponsor these amazing children to go to school!  You are changing not only their lives, but the lives of their families and community as well!

Filling out their sponsorship cards!

Louna, Odelande’s older sister!

Going home after the meeting!

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/school-sponsorship-program/feed/ 2 September 3, 2011 http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-3-2011/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-3-2011/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:44:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2033 Admits 2:
Marceline’s family is a neighbor of one of our nannies.  The Mom is not married and has no one to help support her and her 6 kids.  Marcline is the youngest at 20 months and they range up to 11 years old.  Sometime the neighbors give them food to eat, but often they go hungry.  Marcline is malnourished but relatively healthy.  She weighs a mere 12# 12 oz at admit.  She has been here for about 2 weeks and is adjusting well.  Her Mom hopes to be able to take her home in 3 months!  Please pray her Mom is able to find work to help her support her family!

Emmanuel came to us earlier this week.  His Mother is young but is very smart.  She was in the 9th grade (which is very impressive) when she had him and had to drop out of school.  She has breastfeed him his whole life, but she doesn’t eat well herself and so her milk isn’t nutritious.  She was begging for food one day when and IBESR official (Haitian Social Services) and refereed her to us.  The fact that he refereed here here is pretty huge for COTP!  Emmanuel is 10 months old and weighed 10 lbs.  Besides for a cough he is doing really well here.  Please pray that his Mom finds work and is able to provide for his needs.  Please also pray that he gains weight quickly and catches up developmentally.

Discharges & Home Visits 1:
Two weeks ago Fritzlin returned home to live with his Aunt.  We asked her to come back earlier this week for a check up and to receive more formula.  Fritzlin had been sick and lost some weight, but we are confident he will do well.  His Aunt loves him dearly and is aware of the needs of infants.  I returned home with her to see where she lives.  They have a nice home in a beautiful community.  His Aunt is not only the leader of her house but of her community.  They live in Port Margot which is 1 hour away by moto.  Please continue to pray for Fritzlin.  His father passed away recently and his Mother, although she lives near by, is unable to care for him!
Annelle should be going home next week.  Please pray for her and her family!  She has an amazing Mom and we are confident she will do well!  Amy and I will be taking her to her house to see where she lives!
Birthdays 1:
Irelene celebrated her 3rd birthday recently.  She looked beautiful in her dress and with barrettes in her hair.  So much has changed since her last birthday.  This year she scarfed down her cake where as last year it took her over an hour and she didn’t even finish her piece!  Irelene is waiting on one last step for her adoption to be complete.  Please pray that this happens soon and she is able to be united with her new family quickly!

COTP Grads 3:
Moise AKA Alfred came back last week.  He is doing really well and has bonded well with his Mother. Please pray for them as she doesn’t have a lot of resources to pay for his needs.
Wadney has been coming back recently as well.  He has been having some medical issues that we have been helping pay for.  Please pray this gets straightened out soon.  Over all he’s doing really well!  He will also be in our school program.
Asmessi spent two weeks in the hospital but was released on Monday.  He is still very sick and in need of prayers.  He has two amazing parents who love him dearly and know the needs of an infant.  They are doing what they can to help him stay healthy.

Needs:
Liquid hand soap (we are COMPLETELY out of this and have not been able to buy it any where in Cap Hatien or at the DR boarder where we commonly buy supplies.  With changing 315 diapers a day, we really need to find more!)
Baby Wipes (we are completely out of these as well)
Childrens Snacks (crackers, garnola bars, etc)

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/september-3-2011/feed/ 1 Hurricane Irene http://childrenofthepromise.org/hurricane-irene/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/hurricane-irene/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:12:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2032 Hurricane Irene is on it’s way to Haiti, specifically Cap Haitien where we are located.  So far we have had several heavy rain storms, but no wind yet.  It appears that by time it hits us it will only be a tropical storm. Everyone at COTP will be fine, our compound is safe and secure.

*Please pray for all of our nannies, community, and biological parents who may not have adequate housing.
*Please pray that there is no flooding and that our roads don’t wash out.
*Please pray that this storm doesn’t worsen Cholera in our area.
*Please pray for the nannies that work today and aren’t home with their families.
*Please pray this is the only storm of the season.
*And please pray we are able to help all of those who come to the gate over the next few weeks asking for help as a result of this storm.

Thanks, COTP Staff!

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/hurricane-irene/feed/ 0 August 16, 2011 http://childrenofthepromise.org/august-16-2011/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/august-16-2011/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:22:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2031 Admits 7:
Stephane came to COTP about 2 weeks ago. His Mother passed away 3 days after he was born from Cholera. Stephane spent 1 month in the hospital at Milot in NICU. When he came to us he weighed 5# 8.4 oz at a month old. He is drinking well and gaining weight. He is a really easy baby and loves to be talked and sang to.
Kevens came to us the day after Stephane. His Mom passed away during childbirth and he spent the first 2 weeks of his life in the hospital at Milot. His father loves him dearly but can’t work and care for a newborn. He has no one to help him with such a small baby. He hopes to take Kevens back when he is bigger and more stable. At admit he was 18 days old and weighed 5# 5.4 oz. He also is drinking well and doing great here.
Raphail came to us the same day as Kevens. He is 4 months old and weighed 4# 4.5 oz at admit. His father passed away a few months ago from Cholera. His Mom is also sick but stable. He spent 2 months in the hospital and his Mom stayed with him, but didn’t have anyone to help with his five older siblings that range in age fro 12-3. He was covered in scabies when he came and in fairly rough shape. His Mom is hoping we can help get him health and that her baby will be able to return to her when he is big and strong enough.
Raphail and his Mom
 Of course with three babies all 5# and under this means we are in need of some Newborn Diapers!
Michelda came to us a few days ago. She is 13 months old and weighs 13 lbs 3.2 oz. Her father has passed away leaving just her Mom to care for her and her five older siblings. Her family doesn’t have a home and sleeps outside behind some rocks. When it rains they get wet. Michelda recently spent 2 months in the hospital but seems to be relatively healthy. her Mom is hoping to improve her situation within the next few months so that her daughter can return home with her. Please pray that she is able to do so.  She is currently in the Bato room and is eating and drinking well.
Emmalie came to us the same day as Michelda. Her father came on Wednesday and asked us to keep her, but he was told to return the following day with needed documents. He came back but still didn’t have the paperwork. He left her at the gate without us knowing. He is a neighbor of one of our nannies so we will be able to find where he lives. Emmalie’s Mom passed away recently. She is the sister to a former COTP grad. She is doing really well here and over all healthy. She four months old and weighs 10# 9 oz.  She is currently out in the Jiraf room and is doing really well!
Daelson and his sister Amstamaelle came yesterday.  I first met Amstamaelle in the hospital about a month ago.  She had kashikor (advanced malnutrition) and was covered in a skin infection.  She spent two months in the hospital.  I was approached and asked if I could help her.  I gave her aunt my phone number and told her to call me when she was discharged.  She came out last week and was asked to come back with paperwork.  We were also told that her 2.5 year old brother was ill, so she returned with him.  Both children are malnourished and covered in scabbies.  Their parents passed away and they have been being cared for by their aunt who has 4 of her own children.  They also have a 6 year old brother.  Please pray that they do well in our care.  Daelson is already smiling and he talks a ton!  He is potty trained and doing well. Amstamaelle is a slow drinker, but is slowly getting the hang of it.
Discharges 3:
Edly and Ederly went home yesterday to their biological Mom. I was able to accompany them to their home which is an hour and a half away from COTP by truck. They live in a beautiful area of Haiti. The Ed’s Mom loves them dearly and wants to be able to provide for them, but she doesn’t have any family to help her. We are going to keep a close eye on them and have them come back regularly for checkups. Please pray that they do well in her care and that they continue to grow and gain weight. Thankfully both boys learned to walk before they left.
Edly and Ederly w/ their Mom

Christelle had spent a lot of time going to and from the baby and volunteer houses as she kept having fevers. Last week she broke out in a rash and so Amy and Jenn rushed her to the hospital where she was diagnosised with Menigicocilemaia. She passed away later that afternoon. Please pray for her Grandma and Family who took the news really hard.

Birthday 1:

Mickenson celebrated his 4th birthday.  He loved his cake and all the attention he received that day!

Adoptions 2:
Rivaldo’s adoptive parents came in on Thursday and Odelandes Mom came in on Saturday. We are so thankful that each of these two will be able to grow up in loving families. Please pray for their travels and that they transition well to their new homes and families. Please also pray for their biological families.
Development:
Manuella and Luciana are pulling themselves up to stand!
Needs:
Baby Shampoo (almost out)
Liquid Hand Soap (almost out)
Childrens Snacks (almost out)
Hand Sanitizer
Lactose Free Formula
Cholorox Wipes
Diapers newborns-4′s
Gerber Fruit/Veggie Purees

]]> http://childrenofthepromise.org/august-16-2011/feed/ 2 July 25, 2011 http://childrenofthepromise.org/july-25-2011/ http://childrenofthepromise.org/july-25-2011/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:34:00 +0000 nikki http://childrenofthepromise.org/?p=2030 It’s been another busy month for COTP (hence the fact that this is once again over due)!  Two of our long term staff member, Amy and Jenn, left for a three week break, and Nick left yesterday for two weeks as well.
Admits 3:

Christelle was referred to us by Rose Merlin’s Grandma.  Both of her parents, as well as 13 family members have passed away from Cholera.  Her Grandmother has been taking care of her and her 3 older siblings, but was struggling to provide for Christelle’s needs.  She will stay with us for a few months to gain weight, and then will return to live with her Grandma.  She is nine months old and weighed 9# 14 oz.  She has already gained a pound!
We heard about Keshla through Mama Baby Haiti, another mission in Cap Haitian who had been helping her with formula.  Her Mother had a seizure while holding her and she fell to the ground causing lacerations to the face.  Keshla is a very healthy 6 month old who weighs 14# 8.4 oz.  Her Grandma is very involved in her life, and she will be taking her back in a few months when their family situation is more stable!
Jeff’s Father is not around and his Mother recently left him with some neighbors who were unable to care for him as they were 14, 18, and 22 years old.  The neighbors brought him to us after caring for him for three weeks and asked for us to help care for him until either they or his Mother are able to.  They believe Jeff is about nine months old although he may possibly be older.  He is a very malnourished baby weighing only 14# 10.2 oz.  He also has several skin infections on his body.  In the short time that Jeff has been with us, he has already gained a lot of weight and is starting to fill in and isn’t covered with loose skin.  He has been smiling, laughing, and playing since the day he arrived.  He can crawl but can not yet stand or walk!
Discharges 0:
COTP Grads:
Assmessi came back this week with His Mother.  He has been sick and didn’t look very good.  We sent him home with serum, food, and milk, and asked him to come back in two weeks for us to check up on him.  Please pray that he gets better soon and that he continues to thrive in his parents care.
Adoptions 2:
Odelande and Rivaldo’s adoptions are nearing the end.  They are only waiting on one more step before they can join their new families.  Please pray that this last step moves quickly so that both children can leave soon and that they transition well to their new homes.

Birthdays 1:

Anel celebrated his 3rd birthday.  Each day we continue to be amazed by the developments he is making!

Development:

Our kids are doing amazing these days!  Adlin is fully walking.  Edly and Fleurickson have taken a few steps.  Jerry is talking up a storm and began to crawl (which we are so thankful for).  Wilson has started initiating holding peoples hands and all of the Lion children’s language skills have improved dramatically over the summer and are now often heard signing un-promted through out the day!  

Needs:
8 oz Bottles (really low)
Gerber (fruit purees)
Hand sanitizer
Liquid hand soap
Rice Cereal
Baby Lotion
Baby Shampoo
12 months- 2t boys shorts
Pudding and other soft snacks for the special needs kids
Bottle Brushes
Clorox wipes
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