Dear Lisa S ...

Dear Isaac,

Our family has been following your family's blog since before the earthquake.  When the earthquake came, we followed you more intently while praying for your safety and for your friends there.  We really enjoy watching your Christmas videos.  Hahaha!  We are greatly encouraged by your family's love of Jesus and how that love for Him pours out into other people's lives.  

My question for you is, what characteristic of God do you find the most intriguing?  And, why?

Also, what is your favorite Haitian snack?  I ask out of curiosity as we have 3 boys (12,10 & 9yrs) and they always want snacks.  Wondering what they would do in Haiti for a snack...  Here they chow down on Doritoes, Cheetoes, Oreos, popcorn, and other forms of first world junk food.

You don't have to answer both if you don't have time!  Thanks so much for sharing your insight with the world.  We are blessed to be on the receiving end.

May God continue to bless and lead, provide and care for your precious family.

Sincerely,

Lisa Shay on behalf of the Shay family

"I find these characteristics of God very intriguing: Mercy is number 1. Our God is extremely merciful which is good because everyone could use some mercy.  JUST is number 2.   Our God is just because His decisions that He makes are fair, there is no fault in what He does. Number 3, flawless, our God is every single fruit of the spirit." (Part II below)

Response to my Mom's question ...

Dear Isaac,

Did you think you would ever get a question from your Mom?  

Here it is…. Dad and I observe you and watch you grow and change and we very much see you as a peacemaker in our family. Sometimes we even notice that you lean toward pacifism. My question is two parts, one, please tell us what a pacifist is and two, please tell us if you think you were born this way, or if it is more who you became as you grew up in our house. You are the only person I know that is like you. I am fascinated by you and uber proud of you.

Mom

A.

Dear Mom,

No, I did not think you would ask me a question. I am flattered you asked me a question. 

A pacifist is someone who opposes war or any kind of violence, like shooting, stabbing, or boxing - those are some notorious examples of bad things. As a pacifist I also do not like hearing people be mean or cuss at each other, it is very excruciating for both me and the person who is fighting.

I think it was a combination of being born and growing up in this house that made me a pacifist. I want to keep my attitude as clean as can be. For example, violent games can change your attitude to violent, which is not what God wants. Since I have siblings, it is important that I have a good attitude to set an awesome example.

4 year old isaac ~ does this look like a pacifist? ;)

Coming Monday, I will answer Lisa S. about what I think are the characteristics of God.  Thanks for reading my blog!

Isaac

Dear Marjorie,

Q.

So, Isaac, you are an MK living in PAP. Your circle of friends and acquaintances must be very diverse. I am wondering how many countries are represented among all the people you "do life" with in PAP. Of those countries, which is at the top of your list to visit in the future?

A.

Dear Marjorie

Among all the people I do life with in Haiti, most of them come from these astonishing places: Virginians, Canadians, Bostonians, Dutch, and Australians. It is very cool because just like last week, I met an amazing midwife named Shelly and she grew up in Africa. She seemed as if she lived a very stimulating life in Africa. Although it was sad, because two of her dogs were eaten by savage leopards.  

I don't know where all I want to visit (or live), probably Africa or America and maybe Australia.

Thanks for asking,

Isaac

Dear Gwenn.

Hi Isaac,

I have two questions-- (you don't need to answer both if you don't have time.)

1. You are both Haitian and American. Which nationality do you identify with more, and where do you suppose you will live when you are grown up?

2. What qualities do you look for in a friend? Who is your best friend? 

Gwenn Mangine

In case it is too unclear to read well:

Dear Gwenn Mangine,
Some qualities that I look for in a friend are creativity like in my astouding friend Hayden. Number two, capriciousness, as in humorous, my friend Anson was very hilarious. Number three, liveliness, my friend Ashton was extrmely energetic. Number four, kindness, Jeff, who lives in Haiti is very kind. Number five, Every person might have one of these kinds of friends, can you guess what it is? A Jokester. David Salvant is really goofy. My favorite friend is Hayden Hendrick but I still love ALL my other friends as well.

I am both Haitian and American and even though I live in Haiti, I feel equally both. Where I will live, only God knows. Who knows, maybe Haiti again.

P.S. My vivacious brother Noah will always be at the top of my friend list :) .

me with my best friend, noah - when we were little

Dear Kim,

Isaac,
I really enjoy your blog. I have been reading your parents blog since the time of the Haiti earthquake. I wonder sometimes how you all deal with so much sadness and poverty. How do you stay joyful in the midst of so much difficulty?
Thanks for taking our questions, Isaac!
Love,
Kim

Dear Kim,
I can tell you something, it is not easy dealing with it. Haiti probably features some of the most impoverished places. There are numerous ways to help poverty. For example, let's say there was a person who wanted to learn how to farm so you helped the person learn how to farm. Once you accomplished your job he would be he would be able to sell his crops and make money! Some ways me and my family deal with poverty is to feel sorry. Because its (Haiti's) people don't have shelter or much money. Sometimes we ignore it because we can't do much and are sad so we try not to think about it. Or, at least I do that stuff - not always, but sometimes.

Isaac on theology....

Dear Emmanuel-

Hello Isaac,

I am Haitian-Canadian living in Montreal, Canada. You have a formidable vocabulary and seem to enjoy words and language as much as I do. The city where I live is quite unique, in my neighbourhood people switch between English and French in the same sentence at times, and many people speak Kreyol and Spanish as well.

My question is this. Can you share a list of your favorite words and what you like about each word? Some words are fun to say, some have unique meanings, some just seem to liven up a sentence. I value you thoughts and reflections.

Emmanuel

Q.

Also, Emmanuel -  Isaac added this verbally, quoting him here:
"I think it is so intriguing that you are Canadian and Haitian. You are the first Haitian-Canadian I have met. Well, I have not met you yet, but I mean on the Internet.  I like your name because it means "God with us" and it is so interesting that you speak three languages and can blend them. I need to learn Kreyol and French. I don't know very much of either of those beautiful languages. It is exhilerating to know that I have a friend born in Haiti that lives in Canada and speaks three languages." 

Dear Sarah O -

Hi Isaac!

I love reading your blog! Could you tell us what you are doing in summer school? Also, what is your favorite book that you have read?

Sarah O.

P.S.  - Oh, no! I forgot the H on the end of your name, Sarah.  I'm sorry! 

Dear Jen-

Q.
What are the top 3 things you're most excited to do/see in Texas?

What are the top 3 things you'll miss about Haiti when you're in Texas?

Out of all of the Harry Potter books, what is your favorite part and why?
Love you buddy,
Jen

A.

Dear Jen,
There are three things I am very excited to do and see in Texas.  First, I know you know that I love SeaWorld and I hope my parents are taking me to see the very majestic Shamu.  Second, You know I love people. I cannot wait to see our Texas friends. We have plenty of friends in Waco, and Austin, and College Station, that is why I say we have a plethora of friends. Third, I just enjoy being there. When we get to Amercia there will be a ton of things we can do there, but I will simply enjoy being there and not worrying about what to do next.

When I am in Texas I will miss our dogs. You know Peanut and Hazelnut are really good guard dogs. Peanut will attack anyone that is outside our gate even though she is seven and a half years old. She can be quite lethargic and lazy at her age too. Hazelnut is more exhuberant, whom I will also miss. Secondly, I will miss the stunning beaches of Haiti. I love the beaches here and I always want to go if it is an option.  I will miss hiking too. We will also miss the friends that live in Minnesota, like you and Tina and Matt and our cousins. 

My favorite Harry Potter book was the fourth because there was a lot of entralling adventure in it. The chapters featured enourmous amounts of excitement.

love you Jen.

Isaac 

Dear Tricia,

Hey Isaac!

Glad you're back at it this summer.  I understand you really like steak.  Me too!  Would you please explain to me what the difference is between a New York strip steak, a sirloin steak, and ribeye?  Which one is your favourite, and why?

Have a great summer!   

Tricia

p.s. I'm coming to Haiti in September and maybe I could bring you some STEAK! :)