Testing 1 . . . 2 . . . Is this thing on?!

Ok so I'm finally going to be doing the blog thing again . . . and truthfully, I'm quite excited. Not sure how well it will go (considering the large amount of spare time I have on my hands), however writing is quite therapeutic for me and lately--and I'm sure Raleigh will be the first to agree--I could use some more therapy.

So I guess that's it . . . I'm writing to therapize myself AND have some fun along the way. I've always enjoyed writing. And since I've been told folks enjoy reading my writing, this could be a win-win! You (the reader) get to laugh at my jokes and take a peek into our crazy world, and well . . . I get to share it in one place and not drive Raleigh completely nuts. Then again, I'll probably do that anyways, with or without a public blog. (No worries--he knows what he's getting himself into.)

Here's to many raised cups as those we love and care about share some time with us via this wonderful venue of technology (lovingly labeled "RKE Café") as we begin our lives together and create our own crazy concoctions, stirring in a little bit of everything that makes us happy. From hot rods to ice cream cones, I'm sure we'll have it all! Enjoy!

Update--HAITI

Hey, everyone.

First of all, I want to thank you for your prayers and warm thoughts over the past few days.  I have received many comforting words via email or Facebook (some by phone too!), and I appreciate all of you thinking of the children in Haiti at this time, and all those working so hard to get them home, including myself.

That being said, many of you have asked for an update and since life has been so busy lately, I haven't had much time.  And just so you know, I'd love to respond to your individual comments as they've come, however that simply is not feasible at this moment.  Tonight was my third straight night working 16+ hours straight, and I'm operating on very little sleep, so please forgive me if I don't make much sense.  Still, I'll do the best that I can . . .

First of all, I wanted to let everyone know that the drop of supplies in Haiti on Monday was a success!  We met the donor of the private plane at the airport, loaded all 1500 lbs. of rice, beans, charcoal, baby formula, water, medicines and more on board, and took off.  We refueled in FL (in case we had to circle above Port-au-Prince airport before landing), however received permission to land right as we approached the runway.  We miraculously met up with our contacts in Haiti at the airport (they managed to sweet-talk themselves right onto the runway!), and before the engines had even stopped turning, we had many of the supplies already loaded in their two trucks.  Thankfully, one truck was enclosed and the other had high wire sides (difficult to scale), so we were encouraged that everything would make it back to the creche in one piece.  We handed over cash ($10K) inside the private plane (didn't want to cause a scene or draw attention to the fact we were handing over that much $) and after securing everything (the cash was hid in a pack, strapped underneath the pantleg of one of the orphanage workers), said tearful goodbyes to the team on the ground.  Oh how I wished I could go with them back to the creche and the children!  We allowed our goodbye hugs to linger just a bit, and promised we'd see each other soon.

We were soon approached by a medical team from the University of Miami that had been volunteering in Haiti, and asked if we could take 7 doctors back to the States since our plane was now empty.  As soon as they were loaded on, we were off again.  We weren't on the ground for more than 3 hours.

By the time we landed again in FL, we had confirmation via email that everything did make it to the creche ok, and that the children cheered when they saw all the supplies being unloaded.  A hundred "thank you's" ensued--yes, even by email--which just echoed the words of gratitude pouring out of those we had handed the supplies to earlier.  A total success!  We were very pleased and considering we were preparing for a most difficult delivery, were extremely grateful everything happened so smoothly.  God definitely had a hand in that!

Since my return at 8p Monday night, however, we have seen a whirlwind of activity.  We (Judy, Lily, Jean, and I) have been working non-stop to get the required information to the US Dept. of State, the office of Homeland Security, and our families that is needed to obtain humanitarian parole visas that would grant entry into the United States.  Requirements change so fast (or are further defined)--hourly sometimes--and so in some ways it feels like we just keep doing the same things over and over again.  I know that's not true, however when you've been up for as long as we have contacting everyone under the sun to support us in this great endeavor, it's easy to lose track of what progress you're making, where.  In addition to this, I in particular have had families adopting from China or Ethiopia contact me and want further information on details of their process.  I feel that some situations have more of my attention now (clearly), however don't want to neglect my responsibilities to other families who are open to bringing orphans into their home, so am attempting to balance all that I can.  I don't think I'm doing a very good job, however for the most part, families aren't complaining.  I may be delinquent in my responses to them, but overall, they seem to understand.

Things could be happening soon . . . very soon . . . and the "things" I speak of could be very big.  In fact, I pray they are.  SO many people have come together to fight for these families and their children in Haiti . . . I just hope we're able to pull this off before something stalls the process again.  I cannot yet speak to details as any revelation before the time to bring action could seriously hinder (perhaps prohibit even) our efforts.  Still, I promise to update all just as soon as I can.

Once again, I find myself asking you to pray and send good vibes our way . . .

Pray for the children who continue to live at the creche despite a less-than-ideal situation and unsanitary conditions (they're still sleeping outside).  Pray that they will not only be taken care of physically during this difficult time, but emotionally as well.  I can only imagine what they're going through.

Pray for the families still waiting stateside to hold their precious children in their arms.  That they remain encouraged despite a lack of positive news and a seemingly endless maze of red tape, and that they continue to trust us (CCAI) as we do our best to guide them through this unprecedented process.

Pray for myself and those I work with, that we are able to accomplish all that we need to in order to get the children out of Haiti and home with their families.  Pray that we remain invigorated and operate at our highest ability, despite very little sleep and long hours running like mad at the office, and that our hearts are prepared for the results to come, whatever and whenever that may be.  We each have so much invested in these children and their parents . . .

Finally, pray for yourself and all those who feel anything for Haiti at this moment (I am!).  Pray that the people of Haiti aren't forgotten after the drama related to the initial crisis is over, and that the country is able to build itself up even stronger than before.  Pray for those that support us, who donated to our agency so that the supplies could be dropped, to our family members and dear friends who have been so patient and understanding as we've neglected duties at home and haven't had much time to nurture those relationships . . . that they feel the peace of God and choose to continue to support such a worthy cause despite the sacrifice.

I'll update as soon as this madness is over (or I have space to breath another breath).  Thank you all again for your love and support.
~Kimberly
P.S. The 6.0 magnitude earthquake/aftershock this morning toppled structures that were already weakened by the first quake, however didn't seem to do much damage to anything holding firm from last week.  Thanks be to God, again, all the children were uninjured and remained safe.

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.  :)