Haiti Update--Some Home, 18 More to Go!

Ok so I know it's been some time since I last wrote (things have been more than a little nutty over here), and I know that many of you are chomping at the bit to know how our efforts have shaken out over the past two weeks.  Let's see if I can cover the bases . . .

With as much surprise and unsettling force the earthquake brought to Haiti on January 12th, so it was a whirlwind of activity when an unexpected call came in on Friday, January 22nd that we had 22 kiddos making their way onto a plane heading to the United States.  We had no confirmation which 22 children they were (just that they were kiddos from the Maison orphanage matched with CCAI families), when exactly they were going to be leaving Haiti, nor when or where we could expect them to land in the U.S.

Going on as little solid information as that AND a whole lot of adrenaline, our team, supported by the wonderful folks of the State of Colorado Department of Human Services (with whom we'd been closely working) and some representatives of Governor Ritter and Senator Udall (both HUGE supporters of our efforts), took a chance and hopped a plane to Orlando, Florida, hoping that was the magic city the plane would land in.  My heart was with our team in spirit, however I was the brave soul who got to hold down the fort at the office and be the #1 contact for frantic and anxious parents.

So while our team was making their way to FL (and then waiting there for some word they were in the right place), I was on the front line in terms of anything related to Haiti.  I spent countless hours on the phone with families . . . some of them I got to share good news ("We just received word, your son/daughter is on that plane!") . . . and then with others I wasn't so lucky ("I'm sorry . . . we have no word yet . . . it appears that your child is still at the orphanage in Port-au-Prince . . .").  For those that were fortunate enough to learn of their child's imminent arrival into the States, I had to field hundreds of questions about when and where they could be reunited with their families, all without actual confirmed information to share.  (No one has done this before!  It was really trial by fire for all those involved!)  I shot from my hip a lot that day/night . . . and am grateful for the most part, the parents listened to what I had to say.  Some read rumors online that told them to go to Florida, when in reality, they were going to need to come to Colorado to receive their child(ren) . . . oh well . . . at least they could be grateful their children were no longer wondering if there was going to be enough food and water to sustain them for the week.

With Raleigh's support (he deserves a medal of honor for sure!), I went into the office Saturday the 23rd where I stayed until nearly 9p . . . I spoke with an officer from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) headquarters in Washington, D.C. for hours, and diligently worked to clear one child at a time, name by name, for the humanitarian parole visa.  And one by one, they were given the green light.  I was so relieved!  The officer attempted to stop me as afternoon turned into evening--she wanted to go home--No, I said . . . she couldn't go home until I went home and I wasn't going to do that so as long as we had children sleeping outside and their families waiting anxiously for them here . . . I think she was irritated with my persistence, however she obliged.  By the time I couldn't read my writing anymore nor remember who I was dialing on the phone (really, it was that crazy!), we had all but 6 kiddos cleared.  Hooray!

I went home that night with two phones--mine and the CCAI 24-hour emergency phone--and fielded calls all through the night.  I think I got maybe 3 consecutive hours of sleep that night, and was quickly jolted from my restless slumber every time the phone would vibrate beside my pillow.  I was in constant contact with the team in FL (who, you guessed it, were in the right place!) who were impatiently waiting for the children to be released from Customs . . . a 16 hour process for some.  And then there were the phone calls attempting to arrange further transportation for the kiddos I worked so hard to clear throughout the day before, all the while trying to keep anxious families in the loop, with accurate information that changed on the hour, every hour.  (They're coming to CO and families should get them here, they're not coming to CO and families need to travel to FL to pick up their children, only some are coming to CO, but we're not sure which ones . . . )  Really . . . it was both confusing and frustrating.

Finally at 6a MST (no worries--I wasn't sleeping anyways!), I received the call that 15 kids were on the plane with our team (minus Judy and Jean who decided to stay behind in case other children landed soon) and were ready to depart for Colorado.  I sounded the alarms and notified the respective families, and headed out to the airport.

On Sunday, January 24th just after 11:30a . . . in a hangar at Denver International Airport, we watched the plane land and stop on the tarmac.  Little faces peered out the small windows, looking to have some glimpse as to what their future would hold.  I'm sure they were as anxious to meet Colorado as Colorado was anxious to meet them.  The stairs were rolled in and the Governor opened the door, and escorted by wonderful staff who had them wrapped in blankets and hats (not the same attire they were used to wearing in Haiti), we saw each child come down out of the plane . . . headed for a new life that they themselves couldn't even imagine.  And one by one we saw them get scooped up by anxious parents who burst into tears at just the sight of their sweet faces . . . and for awhile it was chaos everywhere . . . ever square inch of that hangar was buzzing with activity . . . kids crying, parents crying . . . kids smiling and parents smiling . . . nervous laughs of uncertainty and others just giggles of awkwardness at the craziness of it all . . . quick photos for official records and others for scrapbooks and lifetime memories . . . news crews and reporters looking for stories to publish later that night both on television and in the papers . . . some children being whisked away for immediate medical attention, others taking the time to sit and eat some snacks with their new families, who still looked strange and smelled funny . . .

It was crazy.  It was chaotic.  It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL.  I think that was the most amazing mess I've ever been a part of, and I mean that with all I have.  I was dazed when it was over ("Did that really just happen?"), however yes--it did . . . the day was a success!

I think about what those kids went through . . . earthquake, their world literally falling into pieces around them . . . their safe sanctuary invaded by robbers who take what little food and water they have . . . sleeping outside . . . toothpaste under their noses to mask some incredibly pungent smells . . . aftershocks that are as frightening as the first earthquake itself . . . stories of another land of new faces, a place they are promised they'll see . . . false trips to and from the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince . . . and then a quick dash to the airport where they are placed on a military cargo plane with men in full uniform and hundreds of anxiety-ridden refugees . . . sitting in an airport in FL, waiting for strange looking people to find the right papers and stamp them . . . 4, 6, 10, 12 hours . . . still waiting . . . then on another plane to a place where strange smoke comes out of your mouth when you exhale in the cold air . . . then enthusiastic hugging and being held tightly by white faces who are as dysregulated as the kids are . . . only to be taken away from the black faces they've known and loved to head in separate directions, quietly this time to a place called "home" where there they are expected to heal and nurture new relationships . . .

I can only imagine . . . (sigh)

Now, a little over a week later, we have brought another 6 home . . . and still, anxiously await the word that the last 18 are on their way . . . the Haitian Prime Minister must sign off on each child that exits Haiti now, so even though we have confirmation our kiddos are "cleared" for parole by the set standards, they cannot receive their travel documents until Jean-Max Bellerive waves his magic pen over the top of them . . . and as is true Haiti-style, there doesn't appear to be any logic or consistency in how the children are being approved.  So again, we wait.

We still remain very busy at the office (still fielding phone calls from anxious parents wanting their children home and others who are anxious to finalize the adoption of their new children here) and yes, are still working with several government offices to petition to get our children released . . . until they're all home, I'm afraid it's a never-ending job.

Please continue to pray for the children and caretakers of the Maison orphanage . . . for continued safety and protection, for their basic needs to be met, and for their emotional well-being despite the trauma . . .

Please continue to pray for the adoptive families still waiting for word on their child(ren) in Haiti . . . that they may have faith they will see a positive end result soon and that they feel comfortable continuing to trust those that are advocating on their behalf . . .

Please continue to pray for the families that already have their children at home . . . so that they may heal as a family and work together to endure the transition that must take place . . . that the children feel safe in the arms of their new families and that likewise, the families continue to open their hearts to these little ones who have much reason to be skeptical of their love . . .

Please continue to pray for those of us who work day in and out (literally) to bring the children home to their adoptive families . . . for a good attitude in the face of frustration and continued stamina in the face of pure exhaustion, so that we may remain encouraged in our work and motivated to put forth even more than we feel we have left inside . . .

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers . . . I know they are helping and to be honest, might be the only things keeping me sane at this moment in time.  :)  I love you all.

~Kimberly

I'm going to Haiti.

Ok so I know this is last minute, and believe me, it's not the turn of events I was expecting.  But God works in mysterious ways.

After experiencing such an emotional week of highs and lows, trying to be human in my concern and yet professional in my tasks at work, using all my talents to do what I do so well with both adoptive families waiting for word about their children and information from the creche (orphanage) that things have spiraled downhill quickly as robbers have taken what they have and supplies are very low, all the while remembering the sweet faces I met and loved in October . . . I surrendered.  I came to the harsh realization that I cannot control very much at all, despite my best efforts and intentions.  So I prayed to God and offered myself up . . . "Use me," I said.  "Clearly, You've got something working here that I cannot see, and which I certainly don't want to work against.  So Lord, use me how you see fit."

Now, less than 24 hours later (and with only 5 hours notice) I'm preparing for a flight into Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  We've somehow managed to secure a private jet and have miraculously been granted permission to land at a designated time at the PAP airport.  We will be bringing a plane-full of food, water, medicines, and cooking/power supplies to the creche, to be delivered by our contacts in Haiti who again, by some miracle, we were able to touch base with on very short notice.

I shouldn't be gone more than 24 hours (as we are not granted permission to stay), but will still be doing what we can to give the children at the creche the supplies they so very much need.  Please pray for our safe travel to and from Port-au-Prince, and also, for the safe travel of the individuals meeting us at the airport to receive our goods and take them to the children.  Pray for their protection as they make their way back through the city to the creche, as there is on-site looting and highjackings going on where it is obvious that food and water are making their way through town.  (We are bringing tarps to "hide" the contents in the back of the truck.)  Also pray that the children remain safe once the supplies are delivered, and the would-be robbers stay clear away.

Today Fox News (Geraldo and Craig) were stationed at the creche for some time, sharing news about the plight of the kids.  Here is a link to the story in case you'd like to see it:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3970697/orphans-left-without-sustenance-in-haiti

 

They also just gave another "live" update from the creche earlier this evening, showing the children sleeping on blankets and mattresses lying in the dirt.  That may be available online too, soon.  The name of the creche is "Maison des Enfants de Dieu," which means "House of Children of God".  Children of God they are, and I take comfort in knowing that He is taking care of them despite the chaos that is seemingly everywhere.

I love you all and thank you for your continued prayers and support,
~Kimberly
P.S. You can donate directly to the creche if you'd like by visiting www.haitiadoption.org

 and clicking the flashing link on the left side of the screen.  Every penny goes to the creche directly, as we cover operating expenses for our adoption program with services fees covered by adopting parents; charity donations remain strictly as such.

Haiti--URGENT Update

Dear all,

Since my original update earlier this morning (based on information we received late last night), the situation at the crèche (orphanage) has changed and things have gotten much more serious.  Apparantly, much can happen in the darkness of night and I have been crying all morning after learning the latest, which I've summarized here in a brief report . . .

We received word from the orphanage director this morning that the situation in the orphanage is becoming quite dire:

One nanny is now deceased and the orphanage needs her body to be removed.  (At this point in time we don't know the cause of her death or if it's related to the earthquake or something that happend during the night.)

The orphanage has no drinkable water.

In addition they need:

• formula for babies
• medicines
• IV fluids (one child is currently on an IV)
• charcoal to cook
• diesel
• cash to buy supplies if they find them. They are running out of cash and there are no banks open to get cash, so it needs to be delivered by someone already on the ground or by helicopter.

Others are beginning to rob them of what supplies they do have and last night was not a good night.

There are helicopters flying over the orphanage and they have made a sign on the roof that says they are an orphanage and need help.

The staff is also working to get together all the paperwork for each child that has an adoptive family in a way that it can be attached to their body if there is an opportunity to evacuate.

So . . . please pray.  At this point in time, that's the most anyone can do.  We are working every angle we can from a professional standpoint, however our hands for the most part are tied until those in higher offices (US State Dept. and Haitian Government, mainly) make the decisions needed to get these kids out of there.

Also, if you feel so inclined, please contact your local congressperson and Senator's office to let them know you support doing whatever it takes to get these kids out of their current situation.  Especially because we know they are so vulnerable, and need basic supplies badly . . . putting pressure on the US Government to allow the evacuation of the children by whatever means is necessary might be our best hope to bring immediate change to the situation . . .

And as I think about those sweet faces down there just WAITING for things to change for them, how scared they must feel . . . I just think about how many folks here are thinking of and praying for them, and/or taking other action to bring them home . . . and I feel a little better knowing that despite the chaos and trauma, the Lord is watching over them and knows each of them by name . . .

Thanks for your support,

Kim

Haiti--More Than a News Story

Haiti.

It has a place in my heart . . . really.  As much as I hated being there in October (for many reasons I'll explain in person, should you want to hear them), the children and the people hold a very special place in my heart.  I've been to other developing countries (China, Brazil, India . . .), yet none of them spoke to my heart in the same way Haiti did.  In three incredibly long yet short days I felt as much love for the souls I encountered as I did for the amount of anger I held for those that choose to pretend they are not there, or who knowingly make choices that continually reinforce the culture of poverty that permeates nearly every aspect of their lives.  I know I may not be making perfect sense to many of you; there's just so much going on in my mind right now, my heart is feeling the strain.  Thank you for bearing with me.

No matter how things were before the earthquake, though, we see how they are now . . .

I'm VERY thankful to report that we've made contact with the creche (orphanage) a couple of times now and today, was able to make contact with a family in Haiti who stopped by and then sent me a detailed report (and photos!) of the status of the creche.  (Praise the Lord!)  I'm paraphrasing, however this is basically what he said:

"I was able to stop by the creche today and visit with the staff and of course, the children.  Here is a rundown of what I saw and was told: first of all, everyone is safe and healthy. All of the children are living/sleeping outside under the tarps. The staff seemed to be doing amazing work with the children considering the tight space and the intensity of everything going on in Haiti right now. The kids seemed good as well and all in all I thought everyone was really positive. The director expressed concern that they may run out of food in a couple of weeks.  Keep in mind that they are also housing several of the creche workers and their families that have lost their homes, so they are feeding more than just the children. On a positive note, I walked around inside the building and it really looks good. There are a few cracks on the walls that I'm told were not there before the earthquake, but it really held up well. I would like to think that they could move the children back into the building relatively quickly, but I know that is a complicated issue.  The walls around the creche are mostly destroyed. Therefore, there is very little keeping people from the outside from entering.  Hopefully this will not be an issue.

Finally, I attached a handful of pictures.  Let me explain some of them. One is of the baby room. They are currently in the back of a delivery truck on mattresses. Far from ideal, but quite ingenious on the part of the staff. The stuff on the children's' faces is toothpaste. Everyone in the city is putting toothpaste under their noses to help with the smells.  Also, the picture of the cracked road is of the bridge right below the creche. This is a good thing because the roads are blocked off in both directions because of it so there is very little vehicle traffic going by the creche."

So . . . here you go.  I'm SO relieved to have this update; my stomach has been in knots since Tuesday evening and after this update, finally feel that I'm not constantly feeling the urge to throw up.  I've also finally been able to cry some, and release the energy I've been holding inside as I've waited with baited breath and many anxious families to hear any good news from a country that right now, doesn't have much to share.  Perhaps tonight I can enjoy a restful sleep as well, since that also has been in short supply lately.

Thank you all for YOUR support (prayers and love--I've felt them all!) over the past few days; they really are appreciated and I'm sure, are very helpful!  Keep them coming!  There is much work to be done in Haiti, despite the good news above.

And speaking of the work to be done, many of you have asked what you can to do help.  Besides prayers and warm wishes, should you want to make a monetary donation that will go directly to the creche and children we are serving through our adoption program, please feel free to visit either www.haitiadoption.org

or www.chinesechildren.org

and click Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund flashing icon on the left side of the screen.  Other than that, stay informed and be sure to remember Haiti.  Not just today when the photos of tragedy are flashing across your television screen, but also tomorrow and next week and next month, when the news cameras have gone home yet folks are still pulling the bodies of loved ones from rubble and rebuilding what's left of their lives in a poor country.  They'll need your love and prayers then too.

Thanks . . .
~Kimberly
P.S. The biggest thing now (besides immediate aid for those injured or in need of food, shelter, or water) is getting the children who are being adopted out of Haiti ASAP, whether or not the adoption is finalized.  (Since the process is at least a two-year process, in 99% of the cases, the adoption is NOT finalized.)  As I do what I can from a professional standpoint to advocate for those families still in process (and still a world away from their children whom they already love as their own), please pray that the appropriate channels open up and the right decisions are made to help everything fall into place.  It's more than difficult considering the circumstances, but we've already seen that nothing is impossible with Christ . . .

Roller Coasters No More

So I didn't think the day would ever come.  Ever.  I even laughed at the proposition when I heard the prediction as a child.  No way, jose.  It may be truth for some, but never for me.

Well, it finally happened.  I've officially grown out of some amusement parks.  Here's the story . . .

Yesterday Raleigh and I went to spend a day at Elitch's Amusement Park with our friends Brian and Mick before heading downtown to the Taste of Colorado.  It'd been years since we were last there, and figured it'd be a great way to hang out with each other, expend a bit of energy, and just have some fun before walking the streets of LoDo on the lookout for good local fare.

The first ride we went on was fun--Hollywood & Vine--a twirly ride where you're strapped in a car with one other person, and then the cars spin around a center point, faster and faster, with one end pointed up and the other towards the ground.  (Think spinning frisbee, tipped on its side.)  It was great.  A good warmer-upper for the more "exciting" rides deeper into the park.  We all exited laughing and having a good time.

Next was the famous Mind Eraser roller coaster.  This is the one on all the television commercials and can be seen from the highway.  I've been on it probably two dozen times before, although admittedly the last time I was probably still in my teens.  Regardless, we all stood in line and when it was our turn, buckled in with nervous excitement.  This time, the rattle of the track and the whoosh of the wind pushing past my face kept me from hearing Raleigh who was sitting beside me.  But as the cars came to an abrupt halt, and then slowly crept their way into the loading/unloading zone, I could hear him . . . groaning.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?  You okay?"

"Um, no."

The harnesses were released and I jumped out of my seat.  Raleigh was hobbling towards the ride's exit, not walking upright, and not moving quickly.  "The coaster jarred my back," he grimaced.  I could see the pain on his face.  "Oooh, this isn't good," I thought.

One quick look back towards Brian and Mick and my thought was confirmed.  There was Brian, lurched over the railing, puking his guts out.  "Nope, not good at all."

Mick and I managed to go on a couple more rides, while Raleigh sprawled himself on out every flat section he could fine (picnic tables, retaining walls, cement dividers, etc.) and Brian quietly sat nearby to watch.  (He did eventually remove himself to the car for an hour or so.)

And I was fine--as was Mick--until we hit the Half Pipe ride.  It's like a giant snow/skateboard that holds 8-10 people (facing out, back-to-back), which is mounted onto a larger "board" that while spinning in circles, moves up and down a mounted "half pipe" into the sky.  I cannot remember praying harder than I did for that ride to be over with, as within 30 seconds I thought I was going to die.  My head was POUNDING and it hurt so bad I was certain my brain had to be bleeding out my ears.  I was in so much pain I couldn't even cry, although I wished I could so there might be some relief.  No such luck, at least until the ride ended and I could stumble down the stairs towards my hurting hunny who was patiently waiting for us to give the thumbs up for and approval to exit.

Thumbs up I gave him, and we headed out of there shortly after that.  I never thought the day would come when amusement parks wouldn't be so much fun, but I think I found that day!  It definitely was not as much fun as I remember... 

Next time, we're sticking with Water World.  :)

Isn't love GRAND?!

Because I'm bursting at the seams to share, I'm just going to say it--WE'RE ENGAGED! Raleigh popped the question on the very edge of the Grand Canyon this past weekend, and we are both very excited! Here is the whole story (intricate details and all) for all those who want to know . . .

Ral and I headed out to AZ on Thursday, for a long weekend away. We had plans to see the Grand Canyon, which neither of us have seen before yet have wanted to see for many years. We each packed a small bag (didn't want to check any bags for any extra airline fees), and Ral strangely insisted on taking a backpack for hiking purposes. (I was surprised by this only because we usually don't go for much more than short walks because after wrenching for so many years, Ral's knees often don't last long; however I thought, "Hey--this is the Grand Canyon! Maybe he's going to give a valiant effort!")

Friday we got up and drove 3.5 hours from our hotel in Phoenix to the South Rim, two hours north of Flagstaff, AZ. The views were spectacular! I wish I knew how to describe it, however neither words (nor photos!) can accurately give one a sense of what it is like to stand on the edge of something so incredibly magnificent. Raleigh and I kept asking if it was really real, as the scene before us was so immense that it felt like just a few feet away there must be a backdrop painting hanging there, fooling the eyes. However the only painting that laid before us was the one God created upon the rocks--deep reds and browns and oranges--changing color right before our eyes as the shadows from the clouds and deep cliffs danced in the bright sunlight radiating from above.

After we excitedly jumped from the car and ran to the edge for our first peek (literally), we visited Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station, and took our time walking the Rim Trail. We then went to Grandview Point, where we ate our lunch on a rock overlooking the Canyon. It was here that Raleigh first surprised me and encouraged me to go on a hike with him down the trail. It was beautiful--and we both had a blast exploring on our own and heading into nooks and crannies of the hillside not immediately obvious from the trail (nor on the map), and finding ourselves on the edges of large overhangs and cliffs majestically floating above the Canyon floor. It was beautiful.


After a much more strenuous climb back up to the Rim (we didn't pay close enough attention to the map which had this trail marked as the only "very steep" one on the South side), we walked out on Moran Point, and eventually settled on a rock to watch the sun set at nearby Lipan Point. We quietly took in vast beauty before us as the sun crept closer to the top of the Canyon's edge, slowly disappearing behind the warm rocks. At the same time, a thunderstorm was rolling in from the northeast, and we enjoyed watching the sheets of white rain fall between us and the Canyon walls on the other side. We had a marvelous time and took in every moment of the breathtaking symphony of warm orange hues from the sunset to the West and of purple-blue tones from the storm to the Northeast. Again, we were surrounded with indescribable beauty.

We trekked back to the hotel that night, talking about the sights from the day, and how we both were very excited to see what the North Rim looked like--many of the locals' favorite side. Raleigh said that he was sure the following day would be even better than the one we just experienced, which I found hard to believe. "How do you know?" I asked him, hoping to gain a clue into what he had planned. "I just do," he said with a coy smile. "Plus, every day with me is a great one." I chuckled at Ral's cockiness and confirmed that he is right--I do enjoy myself when I'm with him. By midnight we reached our bed in the hotel and jumped in for a good night's rest; I don't think it was more than two seconds after our heads hit the pillows that we were out.

I got up bright and early (5:15 am) on Saturday morning and packed our stuff for the day. I briefly rustled around in the backpack to see if there was anything in there (I had a hunch), however after a few quick swipes of the hand I scolded myself and packed our lunch. After everything was ready, I woke Ral up and after he got dressed, we were on the road. We drove 6.5 hours around the canyon to the North Rim. (Only 10% of the folks who ever visit the Canyon every year make the extra trek to the North Rim--most people only go to the South Rim as it is much easier to get to.)

The North Rim was just as breathtaking as the South Rim, however VERY different! The weather was cooler, the colors were more dramatic and the drop-offs were far more intense. The surrounding scenery was much more colorful and fresh than that of the South Rim as well; there were open meadows with a velvet grass covering lined with dark green pines and bright yellow and orange aspens--a big contrast to the dusty desert sand and the dry scrub and brush we'd seen the day before.

After hiking to Bright Angel Point (a spectacular view!), Ral and I headed to the gift shop to scope for some souvenirs. I was very conscious of our budget, so I headed towards the magnets and postcards (fairly inexpensive) and picked up a few to keep. We then saw some Christmas ornaments which immediately caught my eye, as I always look to add at least one special ornament to the tree every year. There were frosted glass balls with hand-painted canyon landscapes on them, with "Grand Canyon, North Rim" and "Arizona" carefully inscribed on them--and next to them, some terracotta clay discs with Indian motifs and "Grand Canyon" written in bold, bright paint. The balls were $15 each, the discs were only $4 and some change. I really liked the balls, however knew that money could be spent elsewhere. It didn't take much convincing, however Raleigh encouraged me to grab the glass one that could add to our "tree of memories" that fills our house at Christmastime.

After writing and sending postcards to family, we put our water bottles in the backpack and headed towards a trail we'd spotted on the map earlier in the morning. Since we agreed to visit Page, Arizona and the southernmost point of Lake Powell on our way back to Phoenix (only a 27 mile detour), and we would need sunlight to see anything there, we knew we had to leave 3.5 hours or so before sunset in order to make it. I took note of the time and told Raleigh we had about 1 hour to do our hike.

So with that, we started out on what we knew would be the final hike of the day, and of our time at the Grand Canyon--the North Kaibab Trail. We hiked for a good 15 minutes before I posed the first question: "Raleigh, how come you don't like to hike at home because your knees hurt, yet here at the Grand Canyon that's all you've wanted to do and you haven't complained once?" "I don't know," he said, "but my knees don't hurt at all here."

Another 10 minutes or so down the trail, I asked the second question, which was clearly coming. "Raleigh, we've already walked longer than we planned to. Don't you think it's time we turn around?" "Not just yet. I want to go further." (Deep sigh.) "Ok," I thought, "we can go a bit further."

Five minutes later I stopped mid-trail: "Raleigh, we really should be turning around now. We agreed we wanted to be back at the car by about 3, and we're already creeping up on 2:45 and we have at least 30 minutes back up the hillside. How much farther are we going to go?" This time, I didn't even get a verbal response, only a shoulder shrug. Ooh, that was irritating. And still, Raleigh trucked on. He didn't even look back to see if I was following him. That irritated me too. I took another sigh and continued down the path.

Now, I should probably mention that it didn't take a genius to see that humans aren't the only travelers down into the Canyon via this particular trail--special sightseeing trips on mules occur regularly, as mule droppings (some fresh, some old) and splashdown zones (very fresh) were everywhere. It was smelly and in addition to just being physically exhausted and ready to head back to the car, I was tired of sidestepping the mule poo and jumping over rocks that were moist with something other than water. (BIG SIGH.) "Seriously," I thought. "How much father is he going to go?!"

No sooner had I said that in my head, did Raleigh stop on the trail and say he wanted to find a place to sit down. ("Oh, now you want to sit and rest," I thought. "Go figure!") He scanned the rocks along the trail's edge, however none looked very suitable for resting. We scanned down the path a ways and saw a big rocky overhang, clean and clear and (to my enjoyment) completely off the smelly, mule-worn path. Raleigh nodded towards the direction of the rock, "How long do you think it will take us to get there?"

I rolled my eyes and sighed again. "I don't know. Do you want to go and find out?" A HUGE smile crept across Ral's face. "Yes!" he said.

I sighed again and took a brief moment to remember why we were at the Grand Canyon in the first place--for this exact reason: to enjoy the experience of the Grand Canyon (mule poo and all) with each other. Why should my moodiness prevent Ral from seeing some beautiful sights he's always wanted to see, when his knees are feeling good and the weather is amazing? Maybe he didn't want to see Lake Powell as much as I wanted him to, and if that's the case, I certainly didn't want to push him. I could either continue being a turd or I could quit checking my watch and enjoy the time I had with the man I love. I decided to choose the latter. "Ok," I said with a slight smile, "Let's go."

The rock wasn't as far down the trail as we thought--maybe 50 yards or so--and when we got there, we saw that it was actually a point of interest marked on the map--Coconino Overlook. The view was spectacular! (I know I sound like a broken record, don't I?) The rock (which was actually a couple of ginormous rocks, all sitting together) hung on the edge of the hillside and overlooked beautiful Roaring Springs Canyon. If you were quiet enough, you could hear the springs falling onto rocks below. And if you were quieter still, you could hear the space of the Canyon envelope you from the three open sides, each one a sheer 100+ ft. drop from the rock we were standing on.

I crept to the edge of the rock and sat down, making sure I was steadily planted a good 4+ inches from the edge. I took a deep breath and gazed upon the beauty of the landscape. How peaceful. How beautiful. How perfect.

I started to pray, and thanked God for the sight before my eyes and for the man that was sharing it with me. I thanked Him for the good weather, the safe travels, and for the wonderful experience I'd gotten to have throughout the entire weekend with Raleigh. I then asked God for a favor--"Please help me be ok with this." With 'this' being 'it,' I meant the culmination of an amazing journey. I didn't want to be disappointed there wasn't any more (remember, I previously had a hunch and was hopeful something would happen), and just wanted to leave the Canyon feeling good about all that did--and didn't--happen. "Please help me be ok with this."

No sooner had my heart asked for His grace, did Raleigh sit down and scooch next to me. He then said, "Kim, will you close your eyes?" I did, and Raleigh grabbed both my hands. I still didn't know what he was doing (he had been contemplative the entire weekend so asking me to close my eyes was not incredibly strange and I just thought he was encouraging me to relax and allow myself to experience the peace and beauty of the Canyon. The minute Raleigh started talking, though, I heard his voice start to crack and then I knew! I started crying immediately, and the words of love pouring out of Raleigh's mouth (and clearly, heart) touched me immensly. I heard, "Will you marry me?" and felt a ring slide onto my left hand ring finger.

This is where things get a bit blurry . . . I thought I said "yes," however after a few minutes of crying and hugging and kissing and crying some more, Raleigh pulled back a little bit and said, "So? Your answer is . . . ?" "Oh, yes, yes, YES!" I said with a tearful chuckle. "Yes!" It was a moment both of us will remember forever.

We sat on the rock for who knows how long (WAY longer than we had allotted time for, that's for sure!), and just enjoyed each other's presence and the joy of confessing our love to each other while making an agreement of a lifetime commitment. I apologized for being a turd earlier, and Raleigh giggled in confirmation. He then giggled at how he knew he was annoying me on the way down. "I figured you'd forgive me after this," he said. And yes, he was right.

Like a puzzle who's last piece is set into place, it suddenly all made sense . . .
-Why Raleigh was so insistent we still go to the Grand Canyon, even after the main reason for our trip to AZ this autumn was canceled earlier this summer.
-Why mom, who usually cannot keep a secret to save her life (especially one that she is very excited about) was unusually quiet in the car on the way to the airport, minus the odd comment of, "It's going to be so romantic . . ."
-Why Raleigh was so sure he wanted to make the extra effort to see the much less-crowded North Rim, when we both had already been blown away by the sights of the great South Rim. (The man cannot do anything traditional or common . . .")
-Why the man who hates to hike was all about hiking at the Grand Canyon, and was totally into exploring every non-paved, secluded, STEEP trail that we could.
-Why the backpack always had tons of miscellaneous stuff in it that we wouldn't ever need--who hikes at the Grand Canyon with index cards?!
-Why Ral encouraged me to get the more expensive Christmas ornament, when I would have most definitely settled for the less costly one, all in the name of "special memories".
-Why Ral was so oddly insistent that we write and mail out postcards AFTER our big hike for the day, even though it made more sense to do it beforehand since we were passing the post office drop on the way to the trail.

I suppose it doesn't matter now, however Raleigh and I still chuckle about the above and how he totally surprised me. I mean, as is true to form, I did my research; however I still couldn't come to any conclusive answer! Every time I thought I'd found clues that would give me any sort of an inkling that something great was going to happen, Raleigh did or said (or didn't do or say) something that completely made me doubt that anything was going to happen! Now, I'm not quite sure how he's going to top this vacation . . .

So that's it--our engagement story. :)

Before anyone gets too excited about a wedding date, know that we're probably still several months away. Right now, Ral and I are thinking spring 2010, which gives us plenty of time to save some and get other things in order. When we land on a date, we'll be sure to share with all. Right now though, we're just enjoying the feeling of being recently (and finally!) engaged! Hooray!

I think it's clear--Love is GRAND!

Sixteen Things You May or May Not Know About Me, and Then Some

1. When I was little, I first heard that we can "live our dreams." That phrase somehow morphed into this amazing thought/fear that followed me day in and day out for a good two years or so—what if I'm really a bear in hibernation, and this (my life as a human) is really one big, long dream? When I wake up, will I be happy that I am really a bear and that my life as Kimberly Malsom, the human, was just in my head? Or will I desire to fall back asleep so I can continue living the life of human Kimberly Malsom in my dreams again? (Seriously folks, this one freaked me out for awhile--I didn't want to be a bear!)

2. I have an irrational fear when swimming in a swimming pool, that the drain will somehow suck me towards it until I drown. Thankfully, the fear never kept me from swimming or having fun in the water (I've always been a fish), however to this day I do swim a bit faster when picking up diving rings from the deep end and when swimming directly above the drain. I told you it was an irrational fear.

3. On the same token, when in a lake or other natural body of water (where there are no drains), I am afraid water creatures (yucky ones) are near me and will somehow brush against my skin. It is for this reason that I am great at treading water (I always have my extremities moving so that the creatures know to stay away) and am selective where I choose to go skinnydipping. (Yeah--think about that one, you "I love to be naked anywhere, anyhow" people! Eew!)

4. I have the great ability to remember my dreams the night after—sometimes good, sometimes not so good, yet almost always crazy and weird. I've dreamt on more than one occasion I was in a horrible car accident (and died), my teeth spontaneously fell out, my mother passed away, I was drugged by a photographer to take sexy pictures for my boyfriend, I was on the Titanic (no, it did not sink) and was pregnant and hiding from my husband (who was a politician of sorts, not to mention, my HS calculus teacher was my OBGYN in that one), I had been kidnapped and was unable to scream as the culprits were dragging me away from my home, I was floating on a small square of carpet in the dark sky, desperately clinging to the short fibers as gravity tried to pull me away into the nothingness, blocks of color quickly flash in front of me until a peach color settles in my view and I become unexplainably terrified . . . see? I told you they're all crazy and weird.

5. I think Raleigh is his cutest when he's in the very sleepy, half-awake mode—you know, where his eyes can barely open and he's pretty groggy still . . . I don't know why, however I find him SO adorable when he's like this. On the contrary, I feel like it's in those very moments (when I'm waking up) that I look my worst.

6. I wish I hadn't let my Spanish speaking skills slip—it's true: "If you don't use it, you lose it." And my abilities in this area are far from being what they used to.

7. When I was little, my mom told me my freckles were angel kisses and I loved them. When I got older, I was teased for how many freckles I had, and I hated them. Now, as an adult, I am mature and wise enough to know my mom really was right—and I love my freckles once again. If one day I'm blessed to be the mother of a child with freckles, I'm going to share the truth with him/her as well.

8. I feel like I still have so much to contribute to the world, and so much to say, that perhaps those two facets are connected in some way. Jaime, I'm totally psyched to read the book you've given me, Writing to Change the World. Thank you!

9. I AM a brilliant, loveable, sexy woman, enthusiastically accepting my greatness NOW! And even though I can forget that at times, I can (and do) remember.

10. One of the biggest moments in my life was making eye contact with the little homeless girl in India. In that moment, language, culture, social, and economic barriers that created distance between us vanished instantly—we connected human to human, and recognized the spirit we share regardless of our differences. How I often long for that magic connection with those I know personally, and on a broader scale, amongst all people in the world as well.

11. I'm always surprised by what people will do to make a buck: sell their body, intentionally take advantage of another in business, do crazy life-threatening stunts that no one has completed and lived to tell about it, steal, (and most recently) work at the Colorado Renaissance Festival . . .

12. I know I've accomplished a lot these past 25 years, however as I head into my 26th year of life I realize that there's still far more on my "want to do" list than on my "already been there, done that" list. I look forward to (in no particular order): seeing the Grand Canyon with the love of my life (Sept. 2008), getting married, creating a family, traveling to Italy, defending and keeping my title of Jello Wrestling Champion of T33's Jello Wrestling Extravaganza, mastering the chairlift on the ski slopes (and becoming a better skier, for that matter), publishing some of my written works, ride in a hot air balloon . . . and much, much more. (And why is it when I write this stuff down, the list always seems shorter than I know it is?!)

13. I've come to believe that sometimes, there is just no logical answer. Period. (And as an expert analyst, that's a tough lesson to learn.)

14. Ice cream, cheese (any kind but bleu), and caprese salad are my most fave food items. Watch out when I eat the last one--belches are sure to follow. (Sorry, Raleigh!)

15. Raleigh has turned me into a garlic-lover. I haven't tried it yet, however if someone has a recipe for garlic-flavored ice cream, I'm willing to give it a shot.

16. It was spending time by myself on a California hillside a few years ago where I came to the realization that my ultimate goal in this life is to be a great wife and mother. That, I am sure, is going to be my greatest contribution to this world.

17. I can get frustrated at times that the goal listed above isn't one I can just pick a weekend on the calendar to go out and do. (I know I could, however you know what I mean!) Instead, I get to emotionally dance between great joy and gratitude, and sadness and impatience as I know that I get to experience this goal only as I deepen my relationship with others (namely, Raleigh and myself).

18. Sometimes I know I'm not a very good Catholic. Yet I am still Catholic and my faith is very important to me. I take solace in knowing that despite what others may think or say, God and I are the only ones who really know the depth of our relationship. It is Him that I serve and only He knows the entirety of my heart and soul.

19. Although I definitely fall towards one end of the political spectrum, I have difficulty placing myself in the box of political labels such as "Democrat," "Republican," "Independent," etc. Such labels automatically conjure up so much meaning today, that when such words are used, assumptions are made in the blink of an eye about what that person believes and what he/she supports and does not support . . . it subconciously sets up a platform for mis-representation and equally, mis-interpretation . . . the filter is so strong it's practically impossible to start with a clean foundation on which to experience and truly appreciate that other person and accept their own thoughts and beliefs for exactly what they are.

20. Language is extremely powerful. Choose your words carefully.

21. Thanks to all those years with metal in my mouth, I have very sensitive teeth. It's a bummer when the ice cream is cold (and it always is), however that doesn't stop me from enjoying it. Yummy!

22. When I was in elementary school, I chose to play the saxophone in band only because a girl bully that I knew chose to play saxaphone first. She told me she was upset that I out-performed her on everything else we did (academically, out on the playground, in our afterschool social program, etc.), and I just couldn't let her do one thing that I didn't do, and certainly couldn't let her do it better. I'm embarrassed now, however I can honestly say that is the only decision I ever made (that I can think of) that was purely motivated by revenge. It was a tough lesson learned--I hated playing the saxophone and I really wanted to play the flute instead.

23. Even though I know it's silly, to this day I feel a little bit guilty I didn't enjoy playing the violin. It was my maternal grandfather's absolute passion (he owned over 100 fiddles at the time of his death) and I know he wanted nothing more than one of his grandkids to pick up the talent and play as he did. I was good at it, yet I didn't enjoy it very much and therefore I didn't play long. I know he wasn't ever angry at me for this, however I do wish I could have been the fiddle-playing grandkid was so proud of. I suppose just being one of grandkids he loved and was proud of for other reasons is good enough though too.

24. For every situation, social problem, law, claim, etc., there is usually more to the story that what appears to be so. I am sometimes secretly ashamed how quick I am to judge what I see and know to be all there is.

25. At 26 years old, I am still learning about money. Thank goodness I'm still attracting it too. And giving it. And sharing it. And using it. And investing it . . . And still learning about it. Seriously--there's a lot I'm still figuring out.

26. Like Jamie--I'm a perfectionist that can be pretty obsessive-compulsive at times. But shhhh . . . that one's a secret for me!