Come over. If you are gracious enough to link to me will you please update the address to http://www.debraparkerdesign.com.  I will love you even more.

I just started a new project called 365.  Click over and read about it.

Mom.

I have been searching for the right words to say that could possibly express my love for you. It is huge. Your strength overwhelms those who sit in watch of you. How do you do it? You have taught me with simpleness to love others more than I do myself. I try to live that way. I see you do it with ease. Your sincerity pushes me to strive harder and love more. I know that your love for me is unconditional. After being a mom I understand the deep well of love one has for her children. It is a beautiful thing. I am honored to experience it.

You know full well my desire to adopt. I believe that desire was transplanted from one baby lover to her other. You know I love to hear the stories of my adoption and birth process. It seems that I ask endless questions. Every time that our conversation turns to this subject I feel something rise in me to squeeze every bit of information. In your heart is where my story is kept for safekeeping. I find much safety and security in that.

Today as we cooked together there were so many things I wanted to say. I didn’t say them. I love you mom. I love you more than you know. I respect you. You are strong. Your heart for God and your dedication to Church has made a lasting impression on your baby girl. I watched you learn to read by studying your bible while listening to your KJV audio tapes. I remember that on Sunday mornings you would sing your favorite hymns while getting ready for service. Do you still do that? I can recall a vivid picture of this in my mind. You are wearing a light robe standing in the kitchen. A light silhouette from the window is creating your shape. Your hair is in curlers and a sweet look is resting on your face. The singing that can only come from your mouth is whispering an old song. I will treasure this always.

Thank you mom for loving me. Thank you for growing me.

I adore you.

always.

Debbie

Also blogged here.

This morning I stood at the screen window to see children bathing themselves at the water well.

Tonight I will take the longest hot shower I have had in years.

This morning I drove away from a village where people are desperate for food.

Tonight I am noticing how many Florida homes have private pools.

In the last week I met many orphans who need someone to love them.

Tonight I will kiss and hug Carly and Colton.

This morning I saw a Tap Tap (Haitian Taxi Truck) carrying upwards of 20 people.

Tonight I will sink into my sporty SUV with leather seats.

Re-Entry.  It sucks.

Also posted here.

We should be on track soon.

I know I am working backwards…

Go see.

At the present moment we are at the Rescue Center.  The work done here is truly amazing.  I have been moved to tears many more times than can be counted.  The children have grabbed onto our hearts as well as our hands.  I have colored with, sang songs with, rocked to sleep, and held so many tender souls.  I have seen what I’ve seen and I can’t forget it.  It is true.

On our journey to the Rescue Center we crossed the paths of so much life.  The rivers were full of people washing clothes, bathing, and socializing.  I could not bring myself to lift the camera and shoot.  I sat still and savored each sight.  The countryside is beautiful.  BEAUTIFUL.  The mountains are nothing short of breathtaking.  My current memory verse is so fitting for these days.  Psalm 121:1-2  I raise my eyes toward the mountains where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD the maker of Heaven and Earth.  I have said those words over and over today all the while gazing at the gorgoues mountain range.  God is just better than He has to be.  Yes He is.

This post may be full of spelling issues and rambling.  I just wanted to write and share the very real fact that my heart is melting.  And it is not because of the heat.

Melt on.

These lyrics from an amazing song have rolled in thoughts much this week. Jill Paquette sang it at church on Sunday. The words came and went quickly. They dropped me to my seat so I could scribble them down before the memory was lost. If you know the song this came from PLEASE let me know. This is now the only line I can remember.

Isn’t it true?

We just can’t go with Him and stay right where we are. Sometimes figuratively and sometimes in reality.

In two days I will journey with Him to Haiti. I will journey with Him to the place he desires me to see. I will serve the sweet faces He brings before me. I will know Him more. I will love Him more.

I cannot wait.

I will be arriving at the airport at 4 AM on Thursday Morning. Seriously. Throughout the day I will meet up with some amazing people who I am fortunate enough to travel with. My fellow Haiti team is Aaron and Jamie Ivey, Matt and Lauren Pappa, Jason and Sara Hyatt, Marcus and Chrystal Gafford, Amy Gayhart, Ginger Swan, and Kim Rhodes. I am excited to meet each and every person. While there we will be serving the Livesay family as well as Lori, Licia and the Rescue Center.

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Anyway, I want to know if this phrase brings up emotion in you. What does it say to you? Do you think it is a true statement? Why?

“I can’t go with you and stay where I am…”