Happy Birthday Dear David

It was also the day after Thanksgiving back in 1982 when we went to the hospital to have our first baby. We were supposed to deliver in Lafayette, but we were home for the holiday and not sure we wanted to drive back. Dr. Hansen was a friend, and was kind enough to help us welcome David John into the world.

David was a sweet one-year-old.

He posed on his rocking horse for our Christmas card.

He was reading books at 18 months. : )

Kickin' up his saddle shoes at 3.

Ready for preschool at Nana's.

And looking cool in first grade. Heyyyy!

All dressed up for Halloween.

Playing a little soccer.

And some basketball too.

Showing cattle at the County Fair.

But swimming was his game, and Chewy was his name. Nickname that is, due to the goggles in his teeth.

Now we call him David John Stewart, PhD. But he'll still always be

my first

baby.

Happy Birthday David!


I love you!

School is Cool

The team spent time at the school in Fondwa, which starts with the walk down the mountain. Many kids walk a long distance to get there each day.

Jon and a little friend on the way to school.

Each morning, the students line up for their opening flag ceremony.

They line up by grades, in nice straight rows.

These are probably second graders. There's Jed in the middle.


The older students raise the flag.

Are you paying attention, Jed?

They are able to feed the students lunch at school now. At one point, they did not have enough bowls and spoons for all, so they fed half the students one day, and the other half the next day. Now they have enough, and they serve beans and rice for lunch.


It's a bit crowded in the classroom.

Finish your lunch, Jed.

This is the new building completed by David Williamson and team in September.

There is still some playground equipment to enjoy at recess time.

The older students in an "outdoor classroom."

Hopefully, they will soon be able to use the building started by the men on this trip.

I wanted to post some of the school pictures Jennifer took while they were there. She did a great job, especially having to change locations with each grade, since the students are a bit spread out now.

Like all kids, they enjoy having their pictures taken.

Some want to look tough,

and have to be encouraged to smile. "Souri!"

"Souri, Jed!"

Sweet Widlene loved Jonathan.

Isn't she just precious?

Sweet smiles,

happy kids,

beautiful

young women,

and one cool dude!

Jesus Loves the Little Ones

In Fondwa, there are about 50 children living in an orphanage supported by Family Health Ministries. Some of the children aren't true orphans, but have come to live there because their families are unable to care for them. The building in which they were living was damaged by the earthquake, so they have moved up the mountain into temporary structures. They are cared for by Sister Simone and Sister Carmelle, and several young Sisters.

In this photo, one of the young Sisters was giving them instruction on drinking water safety. They were learning that even if water looks clear, it may not be safe to drink.

This is a picture of Shelly with Jed. Jed is like the young prince in Fondwa. You can read his story here. It's a good one, including how he got his name: Joseph Emanuel David "Jed." He is a favorite of the Sisters and the visitors.

He has lost a tooth, but was reluctant to show it to Jennifer for the camera.

Smiles and hugs all around.

Jed and Jennifer. Last year, he would come to our door early in the morning looking for her, "Jen-ee-fer!"

Jon plays some clapping games with the boys.

"Foto! Foto!" Yes, they like to show off for the camera.

Jimmy and a young friend on the way to school.

Marjory coloring with some of the children.

Shelly handing out candy. It can be a little overwhelming.

Like a fish feeding frenzy.

Each wanting a share.

Jennifer anticipated this, and instructed them to sit down. She knows how to say "sit" in Kreyol. "Chita!"

Seeing their smiles is a blessing and a sweet "mesi."