A Heart to Serve

by Suzie Johnson

I'd like to introduce you to a very special woman: Amy Hauser is a soft spoken physical therapist with a heart and desire for helping others. One day while waiting for a meeting to begin, I heard someone ask her about a recent trip she’d taken. Immediately struck by the love in her eyes and the passion in her voice, I sat transfixed as I listened to her tell of her two weeks spent in Haiti where she was able to work with patients who were injured in the devastating earthquake January 12, 2010. I knew right away that hers was a story I wanted to share with others.

Amy’s heart for Haiti developed long before the earthquake, after she read Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. The book is about Paul Farmer, MD, and Partners In Health (known as Zanmi Lasante in Haiti), and their work with Third World problems. As Amy says, “Third World problems take special understanding, and Dr. Farmer certainly ‘gets it’.”

While keeping a close watch on a friend’s blog after the earthquake, Amy felt pulled to go and help. Her friend is an MD first-responder, and recommended the organization, Children of the Nations, as a good organization to go with. In April, Amy packed and left for Haiti, together with a group of other health professionals – physical therapists, nurses, and social workers. Their destination: Love A Child in Fond Parisian, Haiti.

Love A Child (LAC) is a unique orphanage, medical clinic, malnutrition clinic, school, and center to provide food for over five-thousand people a day. They are also the largest employer in Fond Parisian. Located on sixty-two walled-in secure acres, LAC is run by Sherry and Bobby Burnette. Amy describes them as “very forward thinking, generous people. Two of the coolest people you can find.”

A group called Harvard Humanitarian Initiative set up a field hospital on the front grounds. This is where Amy settled in for two weeks. The staff camped in tents, took showers with buckets of cold water in outdoor ‘stall’ showers. There were four to six patients per tent, as well as their families and caregivers. The patients slept on mattresses on the floor. Later, they received cots to put their mattress on. The patients were of all ages, and many were amputees, or had pelvic/hip, and upper and lower extremity fractures.

Most of Amy’s patients were adults, but she did treat a restavek (Haitian slave), who was also an amputee. The family who owned her were killed in the earthquake, so she was now free. Amy said there were several restavek children at the field hospital. Fortunately, there were also staff members who were there to try and unite families and keep the children safe. As Amy says, “Yes, slavery still exists in Haiti. Sometimes families, who are so destitute and starving, themselves, sell one of their young children, in hopes that somehow they (the child) at least won't starve and would be better off.”

Amy and Guillene

Lifetime connections were cemented for Amy while she was in Haiti, and she went back for a second time in September. Guillene was one of Amy’s patient’s. When leaving Haiti, Amy gave Guillene a few small gifts. She gave her a number of bottles of nail polish in hopes that she could earn some money with them. Then, she noticed Guillene had pierced ears but no earrings. Amy gave Guillene her earrings. To Amy they were no big deal. But to Guillene, and her husband, it was a very big deal. Guillene was overwhelmed, and her husband, Maxim, threw his hands in the air as he went into his tent. Amy was confused, but Jeff (one of her young translators) said Maxim was saying, “She is giving us everything!”

They were overwhelmed with Amy’s generosity. Amy was overwhelmed that a simple pair of earrings meant so much to them.

Amy also became close with Jeff (the young translator), and he is now one of her “adopted” sons (emotional, mutually, but not legally). Another of her “adopted” sons is Neptune. She teased him about the fact that she’s old enough to be his mom, and their relationship soon evolved into him adopting her as his second mom. He calls her Mom2. Both Jeff and Neptune keep in constant touch with Amy via the internet and text messages.

I asked Amy if there was anything she learned about herself through this journey. Here is her response: “How blessed I am. Not only with material things, but certainly blessed by friendships I’ve made with these incredible people, how much joy that giving gives me. I used to think it would be more effective to give money, that’s important, too, but they also need people. They need bodies doing things, and then they have the opportunity to share with others. It means so much to them, how much we have to offer.”

The Haitian people are selfless. Amy describes the people she met as kind, generous and faithful. They don’t complain. They live in tents and own nothing, and yet they don’t complain. They’re kind, generous, and faithful. They appreciate everything that is done for them. Amy saw someone slice a potato, their only potato, into pieces and share it with six other people.

After two trips to Haiti, Amy would like to go back. She said it was wonderful to work in this community of Haitians. “People from all walks of life, thrown together by adversity, have now become a community. There are artists, educated, non-educated, and everything in between. And LOTS of kids. With BIG hearts!”

"It is SOOO important / meaningful to the people of Haiti, when people who were there to help COME BACK again to help! They are so used to being abandoned by the world. I think individually and collectively. I was impressed at how much it meant to those I met, when I returned."

There are some things she’d like to take with her when she does. Along with flip-flops and Crocs (footwear are in great need), Amy would like to take beads and teach the women how to make jewelry so they can earn some money.

For those of us who can’t be there to physically help, I think the situation is truly beyond our comprehension. At least, it is for me. I can’t imagine not having shoes to wear, or splitting my only potato with six people.

There is so much more to say on this subject. I can only hope that in this small space I have been able to do justice to Amy and the incredible gift she’s giving to the Haitian people – the gift of herself.

Thank you, Amy!

Amy Hauser has been a physical therapist for 27 years. She and her husband live on a small farm in Washington State, where they raised there two children.

Some of us are able to give money, some of us are able to give of ourselves. Together, we can all make a difference. I hope you will take the opportunity to read about these different organizations, especially Love A Child and Sherry’s Journal.

Love A Child: http://www.loveachild.com/
Sherry’s Journal: http://www.loveachild.com/blogs/journal/
Children of the Nations: http://www.cotni.org/
Partners in Health: http://www.pih.org/


Photo copyright Amy Hauser 2010

A Life Well Lived, A Tribute to Molly Hightower

I orginally posted this January 14, 2010, two days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I'm reposting it now, a year later, in memory of a young woman who lost her life during the earthquake.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others." ~~Philippians 2:3,4

January 14, 2010: Thursday afternoon as I was listening to a podcast of my favorite radio program, I heard about a young Christian woman from Port Orchard, Washington who was missing following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Molly Hightower, a twenty-two year old with a true heart for service to others was in Haiti because she felt called to work with the orphaned children. Her family and everyone who heard she was missing was praying for her to be found safe. Yesterday as I listened to the program, they again spoke about Molly, but as the radio host began the show, he said he was speaking with a heavy heart. I knew what he was about to say. This sweet, amazing young woman had been found. Sadly, she did not survive.

My heart goes out to her parents, family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her. I pray they will feel the peace of the Lord surrounding them. Something about Molly’s story touched the deepest part of my heart. I’ve thought about her for hours. I've read about her, read her blog, and have been truly amazed by how much she’s done to help others in her too-short life.

Besides her work in Haiti, she worked with campus ministries, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations that reached out to help others. Here was a young woman who was affected by the plight of some of the world’s poorest children and went out of her way to offer them everything she could.

On the Dori Monson radio show yesterday, Dave Valle, broadcaster and former catcher for the Seattle Mariners, discussed Molly and the children she loved. He reminded listeners that Haiti is so unbelievably poor and these children, these precious little children are so hungry they eat cookies made from dirt.

The dirt!

Can you even imagine? I can’t. What must it be like to be so hungry you would eat the dirt off the ground? My heart is deeply grieved at the very thought. And that was before their lives were devastated by the earthquake. My spirit weeps to think of what they went through before the earthquake and how much more they’re going through now.

God bless Molly. I know she’s wearing the crown she earned, and is resting joyfully in His arms. She was driven to help, driven to serve. Would that we could all serve others with the same spirit as Molly.

Obviously, we can’t all go to a foreign country and help those who are poor, hurting and hungry. But if each one of us could do what we can with the kind of servant’s heart Molly Mackenzie Hightower possessed, just imagine what kind of world we would live in.

To see pictures of Molly and read more about her, visit her blog at http://mollyinhaiti.blogspot.com/ You can also read the news article about her at http://www.mynorthwest.com/ Before you read her blog, be warned. You’ll need lots of tissues.

Red Ink by Kathi Macias ~ Reviewed by Narelle Atkins

I'd like to welcome my friend and guest blogger Narelle Atkins, once again, and thank her for sharing her review of Kathi Macias' new release: Red Ink. Thanks, Narelle!

Red Ink (New Hope Publishers, 2010) is the third book in Kathi Macias’ Extreme Devotion series. Set in China and California, Red Ink is loosely based on the true story of Li Ying, a Christian magazine editor currently imprisoned in China.

Zhen-Li marries a Christian, adopts his faith, is disowned by her parents and imprisoned for ten years because she refuses to remain quiet about her Christian faith. Zhen- Li’s husband, their four year old son and her husband’s sister live in poverty and pray that Zhen-Li will survive her harsh prison sentence. Tai Tong is a guard at the prison who is determined to do whatever it takes to force his prisoners to recant their faith.

Julia, a former missionary in China, is living her twilight years in a rest home in a small Californian town. She feels called to pray for the people of China, and the granddaughter of another resident who seems to be heading for trouble.

A parallel story unfolds, and a number of characters are forced to face their worst nightmares and question their beliefs, or lack of faith. Zhen-Li draws strength from her faith as she faces extreme life and death situations.

Red Ink is an inspiring and challenging story that isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues. The true state of the hearts of the characters is exposed in an honest portrayal of the lengths people will go to achieve their selfish agendas. The power of intercessory prayer is masterfully shown as characters stand firm in the face of evil. I recommend Red Ink for those looking for a story that will touch that place deep inside them and lead them to question how much suffering and hardship they would be prepared to endure when standing up for their beliefs.

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for reviewing purposes.

Click here to visit Kathi Macias' website.

Narelle Atkins is a member of the International Christian Fiction Writers group blog. Click here to visit her website.

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

This week, my friend Narelle Atkins has dropped in to share her book review of Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent. Welcome, Narelle!

Catching Moondrops (Tyndale 2010) is the third book in Jennifer Erin Valent’s Summer series. A confronting and heart wrenching love story set in a small town in Virginia.

Jessilyn Lassiter lives in a town with a dark history. It’s 1938 and racial prejudices resurface after Tal Pritchett, a young black doctor, moves to town. Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, starts working for Tal as his assistant. Gemma falls in love with the kind hearted doctor, despite the danger she may face by working with him.

Nineteen year old Jessilyn has loved Luke Talley for many years, and it seems like Luke may soon be ready to act on his feelings. As Jessilyn dreams of a future with Luke, the townsfolk are divided over Tal’s presence. Klan members pursue their hateful agenda and Jessilyn is forced to deal with her own anger and faith issues.

Catching Moondrops provides an insightful and hard hitting perspective into the hearts of those who are full of anger, hate and prejudice. The harsh reality of racial prejudice and injustice, and the devastating consequences for all involved, is brought together in a brilliant climax with a page turning ending. I would recommend Catching Moondrops for those looking for a compelling and honest love story that deals with the tough issue of racial prejudice.

Tyndale House Publishers provided an Advanced Reader Copy of Catching Moondrops for reviewing purposes.

You can visit Jennifer Valent's website at: http://www.jennifervalent.com/

Narelle Atkins is a member of the International Christian Fiction Writers group blog at: http://narelleatkins.com/index.html

You can also visit her website at: http://narelleatkins.com/index.html

The Hugeness of God

Last week I attended a new Bible study class about the "hugeness" of God.

There is so much that could be done with the concept of God's hugeness; so many lessons that could be taught. But the first class in this study went in a direction I could never have imagined. Even now, almost a week later, I'm still filled with wonder as I think about it.

It was amazing, delightful, and almost overwhelming. I was awestruck as I watched a demonstration of just how big God really is.

We watched a DVD filled with pictures taken by the Hubble telescope. I'd seen a couple of them before. But most were new to me. There were galaxies I'd never heard of. These two, millions of light years away, were my favorites.

The Sombrero Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy

I always knew the universe was big. But I was struck anew at just how huge this universe, called into being by God, really is.

We were asked to write down our immediate reaction after watching the film. My reaction surprised me. After watching this, I should feel incredibly small. But I didn't feel that way at all. Instead, I wrote, "I feel so loved." It was chilly in the room that night, but as I wrote those words a warm feeling encompassed me.

This week, as I've thought back over those amazing pictures taken in the huge expanse that is space, I thought about God and what his purpose was in creating the universe. Could it simply be about showing us the wonders he's capable of? About showing us his power? Maybe.

But then I had another thought. Maybe he wanted to show us that, in spite of how huge he is, God loves us as unique individuals. We're not just minute specks on a blip in this incredible universe. We are loved and adored by the very one capable of breathing all of this into being.

Imagine this. God knew us before we were even born. He knows our names, our thoughts, our hurts, and our laughter. In a universe so large, with so much happening every second, he never forgets about us. He still hears my prayers. He still gives me peace and comfort.

This is a picture of the center of the Whirlpool Galaxy, over twenty milllion light years away:

Wow. This struck me speechless when I saw it the first time. Even now, I'm still humbled by it.

I encourage you to take a look at some of the pictures taken from the Hubble Space Telescope and as you do, think about God and how huge he truly is, and that he loves us so much more than we could even begin to imagine.

Photos courtesy of Hubble Site:
http://hubblesite.org/

HEALER by Linda Windsor

What happens when the Hunted rescues the Hunter?

Brenna of Gowrys has been hunted by Ronan O’Byrne’s clan since she was an infant. In a cruel twist of fate, Ronan—as a young boy—witnessed the tragic deaths of both Brenna’s parents. His entire life was spent on hunts and raids as his father searched for the girl who grew up to be called a witch and Wolf Woman. To find Brenna of Gowrys would be to end the curse they believe Brenna’s mother placed on the O’Byrne clan with her dying breath.


The first book in the Brides of Alba series, Healer is set in Arthurian Scotland, an era which I’ve never read. In fact, all I knew about King Arthur I learned from two movies: Disney’s Sword in the Stone, and Excalibur. I’m almost ashamed to admit this, since I’m such a lover of history. But it’s true. There are a few historical eras and geographical places where my knowledge is quite limited. This is one of them.

Lucky for me, author Linda Windsor had the foresight to add a history lesson in her book. I don’t mean the usual historical facts weaved through a story. I mean a foreword and an afterward. In fact, her explanation of the era and the Arthurian history was quite extensive and as fascinating as the book itself. The understanding she gave me only enhanced my enjoyment of the book. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I will say that King Arthur’s connection to the lineage of Christ was most surprising. I highly recommend reading these facts before reading the book. But be sure to stop before you get to the teaser for the next book. You’ll want to save that until you’ve finished this book.

Once I read the history, and absorbed it, I settled in for a nice long read, and this book didn’t disappoint. Healer is what I would consider a “big” book. Epic. A book to be savored over time instead of devoured in one sitting. At times I went back and reread passages. Not because I was lost or confused, but because I wanted to soak up the details. I didn’t want to rush through the book because I simply didn’t want it to end.

When Brenna and her wolf, Faol, rescue Ronan from near death, she doesn’t realize he’s her mortal enemy, son of the man who brutally murdered her father, part of the enemy clan who has terrorized her own kinsmen, the enemy clan she’s spent her life hiding from because they want her dead. But even had she known his identity, Brenna still would have nursed Ronan back to health, because she is a healer.

Settle in for an absorbing conflict-filled tale. You’ll be richly rewarded. The wealth of Linda Windsor’s research is evident in the pages, of this most excellent and highly recommended book.

Visit Linda Windsor's website at: http://www.lindawindsor.com/

Victoria and All Her Charms

This week, over on Inkwell Inspirations, we talked about Queen Victoria. Here's what I posted on my day of the All Things Victoria week:

Alluring, romantic, breathtaking, sparkling, quaint…words just can’t describe her.

Before we go any further, you should know I’m not speaking about Victoria the Queen. Rather, Victoria the city on an island in British Columbia.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit this one-of-a-kind sparkling little gem of a city, you simply must.

Step back from your well developed small town or city and enter a place reflective of quaint old world England. Ivy covered buildings, hidden courtyards, old-fashioned iron street lamps heavy with overflowing baskets of flowers.


Named for the queen herself, Victoria was actually first home to the Coast Salish native people. Over a hundred-and-sixty years after it evolved from Fort Victoria, the city still retains its charm.

Like most tourist destinations, Victoria has tourist activities. The wax museum features members of the royal family, including all of Henry the VIII’s wives. It’s the coolest wax museum I’ve ever been in. The first time I visited, Diana wasn’t there. But two summers ago, I was happily surprised to see Diana and her young princes as part of the exhibit.

When my husband and I went to Victoria on our honeymoon, he discovered Miniature World, a museum with miniature scenes from history. Great fun!

A couple of years ago, when I went with my friend, Diane, we toured a Scottish castle called Craigdarroch, which was built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1887. The woodwork in this Victorian masterpiece is stunning. The staircase that winds all the way up to the top of the castle is a work of art and features incredible stained glass windows and an amazing view of the San Juan Islands. The stories you learn as you roam the castle are inspiring. Because my pictures can’t do it justice, I’ve included a link so you can see for yourself. Click here for pictures of Craigdarroch Castle.

On my first trip to Victoria, I came across an out of the way little courtyard where I relaxed at an antique table with pastries and cup of Earl Grey tea. Its charm was something I never forgot, and on both of my return trips I searched for it. Unfortunately, I never did find it again.

A place that shouldn’t be missed is the Empress Hotel. The ivy covered hotel, built in 1904, is a tourist favorite that has hosted royalty and movie stars alike. But in my opinion, the most alluring draw for tourists simply has to be the English-style high tea that is served every afternoon.


Across from the Empress is another must-see, the Provincial Museum. The exhibits include lessons in the geography of the island as well as the historical native culture. Across from the museum are the Parliament Buildings where my husband saw Queen Elizabeth when he was a kid on a school field trip.

If you’re lucky enough to stay on the harbor, you can spend a lazy day watching seaplanes take off and land, tourists head out for whale watching trips, and giant ferries as they bring tourists to town. An extra treat on the harbor is a dock that leads out to the most adorable boat houses I’ve ever seen.


On a personal note, I’ll choose to stay on the harbor instead of a Bed & Breakfast. On my last trip to Victoria, my friend Diane and I stayed our first night at a B&B. Um, I can’t really say it was the quaint and charming experience I expected. Instead, it was strange and uncomfortable, and I don’t ever plan to stay at one again. B&Bs might work for some people, but not for me.

Your trip won’t be complete until you visit the one of a kind Butchart Gardens. A gardener’s dream. I’m not a gardener, know next to nothing about flowers, but I felt like I found my way to heaven. Acres upon acres of beauty can only be described as amazing, breathtaking, fabulous. If you’re lucky enough to make it to Victoria, but don’t see the gardens, you truly will have missed out on the experience of a lifetime.


The small city named after a queen is a city fit for a queen.

So what are you waiting for? Bring out your inner queen. Head up to Victoria and enjoy high tea, a Scottish castle, and the most magnificent gardens you’ll ever see.

All photos copyright Suzie Johnson