Since this technique of silence has not really yielded much, other than my head feeling like it might explode, I’ve decided to just put it out there. WE NEED TO GO TO HAITI. We would like to go several times in the coming year. I don’t know when this crazy adoption is going to be final, but in the meantime we really want to be getting out there more to spend more time with Keanan as he is growing up. The problem is, flying our family to Haiti costs us about $4000. (That price is only if I have spend about 500 hours on various travel websites finding the very best deal – it can cost much more than that). However, flying to Haiti, because of it’s close proximity to Florida, only takes about 25k frequent flyer miles.
So, if you happen to have an excess of miles that you are willing to unload, I am more than happy to take them off your hands It doesn’t matter what airline. Even if we just got a domestic flight out of it, we can catch a cheaper flight to Haiti from the east coast. The way most airlines work, you would have to book the flight for us, and you would need at least 12.5 miles to avoid paying a fee. You can drop me an email (link on top right) and I will be your friend forever.
our family on our last trip together, over a year ago
Also, if you are interested in helping in other ways, Mark and Jafta will be headed down to the orphanage in a couple weeks and will be taking supplies again. I’ve created an amazon wishlist at this link, but you can purchase any of those items at Target, in any brand. We will be collecting supplies at our house and then filling them in suitcases to carry into the country, since these things are not readily available in Haiti.
Well, since I’m shamelessly plugging for your help in all things Haiti, let me also point out a few other options:
Tara is still collecting money for Medika Mamba, a nourishing peanut butter that is saving the lives of malnourished children. Even if you aren’t interested in giving, this is a great read. GO READ IT!!
Salem is selling t-shirts to help adoptive families cover their costs. They have a great message and are really cute – go look.
The sewing school is still going strong and there are lots of purses you can buy to support micro-enterprise in Hait. Check it out.
Hey Kristen!
Sorry I can't offer you any miles, but I have a suggestion for people that might be interested in donating some of the items on your list.
My husband and I have bought a bunch of our "kid stuff" on Ebay since we adopted our daughter, and then had it sent directly to people that were coming into Haiti to bring to us. I've personally looked at some of the items on your list recently and there are some great deals for things like the wooden puzzles and Dr. Seuss books, and often you can get several items in a lot for the same price, not to mention that it's helping to cut down on consumerism. We always try to get stuff that's in near new condition and have been really happy with the items we've gotten. When people pay for their items they can just enter your mailing address as the shipping address and the seller will ship directly to you.
Just a suggestion 🙂 We're adopting through Heartline too and I love it when I see people encouraging others to support this ministry because it's so fabulous. I hope your file starts moving soon. We've been IBESR for about 9 months.
Man, I'm so glad that we serve such a big God!! Recently I recieved $2300 to help with some bills that needed to be paid. Not credit cards or anything like that, rent, electricity, etc. things like that! Then a family used thier food stamps that they recieve tons of to buy me groceries becuase they said there was no way they could spend all that money, even though they never expire. He has been so faithful to provide for me!! And since I don't fly anywhere, or go anywhere, and am a "poverty level" family and have nothing to offer you, I want you to know that I'm praying for those miles to come through, I know they can! I know they will, if it's His will!! He is so much bigger than Frequent Flyer Miles!!
Be encouraged, it's coming!
The link to Salem's t-shirts didn't work, could you repost it? Thanks
Hi Kristen,
You don't know me, but I am a friend of Jen Tompkins. I have followed titles from your blog on and off, and am particularly drawn to your Haiti/adoption situation. Anyway, in my devotional time with the Lord this morning He prompted me to email you and ask where we can send donations. Can I send you a check directly? I wish I could just fund the entire adoption!:) But I figure even though I can't do that part, I can at least do something. My email is [email protected]. I have a check ready to go, just let me know what to do with it.
God Bless,
Rory Cookman