My Little Corner

We are so thankful for this journey of loving people seriously and intentionally. Our hearts continue to be opened by the newness of our country to this precious Haitian boy. Guerry has had so many firsts in the past 3 months, so many challenges and so many successes. To say we are proud of this new son of ours is a serious understatement. The grace and dignity with which he walks and faces all that he encounters is truly inspiring. What a sweet boy he is! One of the delights of bringing a new person into your home is the connections they maintain from their past. One of those connections lies in Guerry's family back in Haiti. What a sincere, loving family who have a passion for God. I got to talk with them yesterday on the phone. This is a rare treat as making this connection is difficult right now. While speaking to Guerry's brother Sonson, he said something so profound that I can't shake it. He told me that if everyone loved Haiti as much as we do then Haiti would have more than enough. We so love the people there and we are continuing to pour everything we can into making life easier for them. My prayer is how to encourage others to do the same? How to make Sonson's dreams come true? The only thing I know to do is to write, to talk, to share, to encourage and most of all to pray. To pray that the blessings we have come to know through giving would be shared by those around us. Have you ever wondered how you can make a difference? How you can pour into another soul and reap the bounty of blessings that come from giving? There are ample opportunities in Haiti. In Sudan. In Honduras. In Nicaragua. In Myanmar. In the earth. Want to get started? I know of a little town in Haiti that houses sweet people, an orphanage, a missionary. It is one little corner of the world, but it is my corner where my love grows and grows. It is not much and it is not glamorous, but I love that corner and I want to make a difference there for generations to come. I want to educate and feed its children. I want its people to know that God loves them and I want to help spread that love through their community. Would you like to join me? Let me know. I'll share my corner with you.

Welcome to America Guerry!

Guerry arrived last Friday. He has been in America for 1 week! It has been a busy week full of new things to see, hear and taste. Guerry had his first taste of cantaloupe, tuna salad and pickles (so far). He rode on an airplane, wore a seat belt for the first time, watched the Muppet Movie, got an iphone, went to church, took 2 placement tests, registered for college, spoke English way more than he probably ever has, met many family and friends, went to the swimming pool (but didn't swim because he was too cold), bought new clothes and shoes, played soccer, basketball and toy trains with his new brothers and has ridden all over town! His eyes are always open wide, he cleans his plate at every meal (except for when I made him oatmeal) and he is taking it all in. He is very sweet and thankful for everything. He is such a joy to have and we can't wait until we can communicate that more effectively. We are so thankful for all of the prayers and encouragement. God has been so good to allow us to walk this road together. Many blessings!

That's a Fact, Jack!

For those of you who haven't heard, Guerry passed his Visa interview last week (was it really just last week?) Wow, so much can change in a week. We purchased a ticket for him and expect him to fly in tomorrow night! We have hit (another) snag. Although he was approved for a Visa he has yet to receive the actual paperwork in his hand. This makes us a teensy bit nervous, but mostly glad that we have another opportunity to give this whole glorious journey back to the God who started the whole thing in the first place. It is His, it will continue to be His and He will accomplish His will not ours because He is not ruled by us. Quite the opposite in fact and that's a fact that makes me very happy. (That's a fact Jack!) So, your prayers are appreciated for that paper and for that flight and for that boy to have a great school year. Thanks for that. :)

Why hello U.S. Embassy may I enter your country pretty please?

Well, that is not exactly how a Visa interview goes, but saying pretty please can't hurt, right? After 6 months of paperwork, files, questions, answers, tests, studying, etc, etc, etc, Guerry will have his day before the Embassy next Tuesday (July 22nd). It has all come down to this last interview. All paperwork has been filled out, all i's dotted and t's crossed and he has a mountain of evidence to prove that he has a legitimate reason to enter the U.S. He may be asked lots of questions or just one. It depends on the day. He was ordered to report at 7am, but we have no idea when he will actually be called back. Will you be praying for him this week as he prepares and on Tuesday as he goes forth. When I told him we are praying for him he said, "it is ok Mom it is the same God who has done all of the things so far". Yes! We serve the same God as that of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of Moses and Ruth and Paul. He has done mighty things and He continues to this day. Hallelujah!

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Good News!

After more than 3 weeks of waiting and numerous emails and phone calls to TOEFL we finally received Guerry's scores today. Last time he took the test he received a 26 and he needed a 30 to be admitted into Johnson County Community College. We are so pleased with all of his hard work and his score of a 38! He has improved his English so much and has studied so hard. Next up is his appointment with the American Embassy in Haiti to apply for his student Visa. Once approved we can get him on a plane to the U.S.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. We can't wait to get our boy home.

Do-Over

Just when you think you've dotted all of your i's and crossed all of your t's you find a few missing. So, the latest news is that Guerry will have to take his TOEFL (English assessment) test again. JCCC requires a score of 30 and he scored a 26. So close! So...back to Port-au-Prince he goes this Saturday May, 10th to take it again to see if he can get 4 more points. He has been studying so hard and did very well in his first semester of his English language program. We are beyond proud of his efforts. We are praying that this time around he will be more relaxed, familiar with the test and will easily score over 30 points. We would appreciate every little prayer that can be lifted up for him this Saturday. The test is from 9am-1pm Eastern time. Many thanks friends!

Our favorite picture!

TOEFL Test...Check!

I heard from Guerry this afternoon and his test went well. Thank you to everyone who was praying for him! Just one more mark on the checklist. He should find out his results in 10 days and then we will forward those on to JCCC. As I was praying for him in the middle of the night I started to get nervous for him. God reminded me that this was His idea in the first place and we just get to be along for the ride. Then I saw a picture of Jesus kneeling beside Guerry and laying His hand on him as he sat at his desk. Amazing how much God loves us and is invested in every detail of our lives! Shane and I talked this morning and we are just so thankful to be on this ride with God. We are having a blast!

The 'Ole Paperwork Trail

We have been on this journey now for a couple of months and we have learned a lot along the way. One major thing we have learned is that it takes a lot of paper to get one person from one country to another. A lot of paper. We have submitted and resubmitted what would be the equivalent of one and a half trees at this point, at least. It's all worth it though and we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.

After 3 failed attempts at taking the TOEFL (or English proficiency exam), we think Guerry is on target to take the exam tomorrow! Please pray for him...again. Here's a little of what he has been walking through with this test: The first attempt was foiled because of a protest happening in Port-Au-Prince. The second attempt resulted in a trip back home after being told the test was full. The third attempt happened a couple of weeks ago and again he was sent away because he did not have the proper ID. This time Guerry has a spot, ID in hand and some more practice under his belt. A team was down a couple of weeks ago and spent some time tutoring Guerry on his English exam. We have to believe that God has allowed his test to be put off and perhaps he was using that time to prepare Guerry even further. We are so happy to wait for His timing in all things!

JCCC (The American college where we are trying to enroll him) is waiting on the TOEFL results and one last piece of paper which is being requested today from Guerry's school. Please pray this last bit of paperwork and his test results are enough to seal the process and that JCCC will release the much awaited and anticipated I-20 form. Once we get the I-20 and his passport, Guerry can schedule a Visa appointment with the American Embassy. When the Embassy approves his Visa they will give him a departure date and we can buy a plane ticket!

Thanks everyone. We so appreciate your prayers. Every time I think that there just isn't a way the Lord proves me wrong. I love it when that happens and just want it to go right on happening!

Minor Setback...

Guerry is not going to be able to take the English test tomorrow. Keep praying though! I will update when the test will be. Hopefully soon! Thanks everyone.

Prayer Requests

Just wanted to ask for some prayers on behalf of Guerry this week. He will be taking the TOEFL English assessment test on Saturday (2/21) in Port Au Prince. Not only are we asking for prayers over his test day, but also for his safety. Along with nerves he will also have to deal with traffic and other pitfalls on his way into the city. When he tried to take the test a few weeks ago he was not able to because of a protest happening downtown. We are praying for a clear path and clear thinking on this important day.

A Colorful Tap-Tap (Taxi) and a busy city street

We are also asking for prayers over his paperwork which we will be submitting to Johnson County Community College (JCCC) this week. We are waiting for his transcripts to be translated into English and then we will deliver them to the International Student Services desk. Please pray that all that is needed is there and for favor with JCCC.

Thanks so much for walking with us and for the support we have received. Your many prayers and love mean so much to us and to Guerry. He appreciates you all without even knowing you personally. How much more do we appreciate those who love us!

Jude (in red) and Guerry (in white) teaching Amber how to use the treadle machine (Richard is the small one looking on. He was another of our good friends while in Haiti)

Guerry looking quite dapper

It Takes a Village

I had a nice long conversation with one of the Directors of International Students at JCCC this morning. She was very helpful and encouraging. There are many tiny details involved in this journey, but I won't bore you with those. I'll just give you the key points and ask for prayer over those.

Firstly, I will be sending Guerry's transcripts to JCCC as soon as I get them from Haiti. Please pray over this review process and that his hard work will speak for itself. We pray it is enough to allow him to begin study at JCCC this fall. If not, we will get him the proper classes and try again in the Spring.

Second, Guerry will be taking an English assessment test in the next couple of weeks and would appreciate your prayers. This is not a pass-fail kind of a thing, but he must reach a certain score and that can be nerve-wracking. I wish I could fully articulate how very grateful Guerry is for this opportunity and for all of your support, he is truly grateful and we are as well.

Lastly, JCCC is asking us for financial proof that we will be able to cover Guerry's first year of school which is $12,000. We have set up a college fund to serve two purposes. One, to provide yet another proof that we are financially able. Two, we hope to use this fund to help pay for tuition, books, transportation and more while Guerry is working through college in the U.S. I have included our Paypal button for donations if you feel led to help in this way.

More than anything we know that God has given us this vision for Guerry's future and it is through His leadership and His power that all things will work together for Guerry's good (Romans 8:28). Thank you all for being a part of this journey in whatever way you feel led. We are so blessed to have friends and family who are so supportive and loving. We appreciate you all!

Praying Circles

We all got to Skype with Guerry and about 20 of his dorm mates tonight. Our hearts are so full! He is so thankful, hopeful and joyful. It is an amazing feeling to give a kid a chance in this world. We are trusting the Lord to make this happen. We have been reading this book at church and are learning to pray big circles around big dreams. This is one of those. Thank you so much for praying this circle with us.

 

Love, The Gallaghers

Guerry

10 years ago Shane and I began our child sponsorship journey with one boy, Guerry (pronounced Gary). He was 11 at the time (the same age as our oldest son now). We wanted to do so much for him, but just didn't know how, so we just faithfully sent our sponsorship check and prayed for him. We received pictures of him and updates. One year a friend journeyed to Haiti and visited the orphanage where Guerry lived and brought back a good report on his wellbeing. We continued to sponsor Guerry and eventually more kids. Then in 2010 tragedy struck the nation of Haiti in the form of an earthquake. We were concerned for the kids in the orphanage and waited to hear an update. A newsletter finally arrived which shared that all was well and the kids were safe, but the orphanage did sustain some damage. That moment began a stirring in my heart to go and see for myself how the kids were doing. In January of 2012 a friend and I travelled to Haiti to check things out. We were excited to get to the orphanage and get our hands on some kids we could love. As we walked to the orphanage that first day my thoughts turned many times to Guerry. I wondered if I would recognize him after all these years and if I would see him at all that first day. He was really the only person I "knew" in Haiti. As we walked through the gate Guerry's face was the first face I saw! I knew him instantly. He was heartily working on the project we had come to complete. Although he was as skinny as a rail and it looked as though a stiff wind could take him out easily, he was shoveling and scraping rock, and mixing and pouring concrete like a 200 lb linebacker. To say I was proud is an understatement. The boy that we had sponsored for many years was now a man and I was delighted to find him such a willing servant.

I had a great week spending time with our sponsor kids as well as all of the 120 children who call the Imagine Missions orphanage home. I got to see Guerry in action in the sewing room using his amazing skills on the treadle machine as well as witness his servant heart and nurturing spirit towards his fellow students and "family".

As I returned home I had many thoughts of how we could help these beautiful kids more. Shane and I continued to pray for the next 2 years and discuss many options. We could adopt, we could send more financial support, or we could host some students. We kept up our contact with the kids and especially Guerry. We emailed and chatted on Facebook. In that time, God began to talk to us about offering Guerry a home and support for him to go to college in the U.S. Shane began saving money without me even knowing (did I mention how much I love that man and his heart?) I began checking into schools and visas. We contacted Melissa, the orphanage director, to tell her what we were thinking. She heartily agreed and said she would talk to Guerry about it. A few days later I got a Facebook message from Guerry who with all seriousness promised me he would be the best student ever. We are so excited and thrilled to hopefully welcome Guerry into our home and family very soon.

We would love it if our dear friends and family would join us in praying for Guerry and this journey to the U.S. for school. Here are some specific prayer requests:

1.    That Guerry’s passport would be expedited quickly and efficiently.

2.    For Guerry as he begins to study English at a deeper level and also to study to take the ACT.

3.    It is a ways away, but the last “hoop” Guerry will have to jump through is an interview at the American Embassy to be approved for a student visa. This is a tough interview process, which he will have to go to alone.

There are many more small details, but we believe that God is aware of every one of those.  We appreciate all prayers!

We will soon be setting up a savings account for Guerry. His ultimate goal is to become a doctor so we will be taking donations towards his college fund for a while! We’ll let you know of more details as we find out from the bank.

We thank you all so much and are so excited to have you join us on this journey!