I'm not really sure why I stopped posting for so long or why I decided to start again. I just know that life has a way of moving so fast at times, and I often let myself get swept up in the momentum. Since last we met (a few highlights):
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery. I'm recovering well - sporting some new internal hardware - and hope to be out of a neck brace by February 9.
I have also done a little traveling. I had an opportunity to take a quick weekend trip to Las Vegas and a bit longer trip to Haiti -- two quite disparate places.
Casinos -- pretty, but fake.
Carrefour, Haiti -- very real.
Both trips were like traveling to other worlds, but -- interestingly -- I actually felt more at home in Haiti.
I went with a team from Solid Rock in collaboration with Forward Edge and Grace International. What did we do?
Built one two-room house
Hauled rubble
Painted walls, gates, etc.
Fed a nutritious meal to over 400 children each day
Because I am still recovering from my surgery -- I was primarily on kitchen duty, and I loved building relationships with the wonderful Haitian ladies who do an amazing job feeding the children.
Despite the rubble and poverty, Haiti remains a very beautiful and colorful place:
I couldn't quite finish my Christmas gift to Monica Solorio-Snow (Happy Zombie) as a part of the Sweet Hot Yam Christmas party, so it went to Haiti with me and is photographed here looking out on the ruins of the former Grace Village guest house from the "hospital" where our team stayed. The applique fabric is Monica's line: Happy Mochi Yum Yum and the embroidery design is from Urban Threads.
The needle in the fist doesn't show up as well as I had hoped because of the silver thread, so I may have to try to outline it. I hope this is my first finish of the new year, and I really appreciate Monica's patience.
With wishes, true and kind -- Joan
Wow you have been busy! Sounds like a very meaningful and productive trip to Haiti. I hope you make a quick and complete recovery from surgery - that xray looks frightening! happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! You've been missed.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you back Joan, you certainly have been missed. Your trip to Haiti looks amazing, how wonderful to help feed all those gorgeous children. May your surgery heal up well and fast! xo
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see you back, hope you are recovering well from your surgery. The trips look amazing...love the little quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you Joan and what a time you've had. I bet you left a part of your heart in Haiti. I hope your recovery continues to go well. The quilt looks wonderful and it'll be worth waiting for. All the best for 2012.
ReplyDeletePatience comes because I'm so darn thrilled and touched and moved and giddy. I can wait for the best gift ever… because it's the BEST GIFT EVER! ANd most of all, the gift of friendship, Joan! XXOO!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Happy 2012!
ReplyDeleteThat surgery sounds a little scary, so I'm happy to hear you are recovering! Looks like you took a couple great trips lately! We went to Las Vegas for our 10-year anniversary last year - such a fun place. I really admire people who get the chance to who visit Haiti. I can see how rewarding a trip like that would be. So happy to see you're back!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Was thinking about emailing you the other day to check in on you! Can't imagine what you experienced in Haiti - bless you for going. Nd glad you're on the mend from your surgery. Being a patient sucks eggs.
ReplyDeleteHope you are on the mend and that we meet sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back.
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