Cooper, Caleb and Cupcakes

Dear Seely Boys,

Just a little note to let you know how delish your cupcakes were! They were super yummy in my tummy and think that you should make them at least once a week. If Mommy says no, tell her you want to come to my house and we'll make them here! (We'll even lick the bowl!)

Thank you again for making your special treats for Mommy's friends. You are great little chefs!

The Katie Chronicles

So here it is, proof positive that she is safely back in Nashville. It's been a long road for Katie and I promise you that your mom, Rachel, Jordan and I are your net and will not allow you to fall. We are going to support through whatever lays ahead and am so thankful that you are home.

Best Email EVER!!

"HI Amy, I am safe. I love you so much and I am so blessed to have you, thank you for all the communication. I love you, we are going to be coming home today." -Katie

Do I really need to say more???

Power of Prayer

So here we are, almost 24 hours since my last post and worlds away from the turmoil of Haiti. I'm so excited to say that Katie is safe and sound in Santo Domingo all thanks to the Power of Prayer. It was reported that today started the evacuation of Americans with only three military flights going out. I'm horrible at math, but have a pretty good idea that the odds weren't in her favor of getting a flight with only 3 flights and 15,000 Americans trying to evacuate. So many people, friends of Katies as well as strangers, all pledging to pray for their group and the rest of Haiti. I've begun to compile them on this blog to show Katie how many people were thinking of them during what may have been their darkest hours.


"WOW!! Is there anything we can do? Can we send a care package??"
"HALLL LAAA LLUUUU YAHHHHHH !!!!!" *In response to hearing you made it to the Embassy.
-Michelle Summers

"Oh, my God! Please keep us posted! I knew she was going—but I didn’t realize she was there now! How can I get in touch with her?
She is in my prayers!"
"I am sick about this!!!! We have to keep the prayer chain going!!!!!"
"Please pray for my friend, Katie and her church group, who are in Haiti!"
-Tara Lightsey (*In true Tara-Fashion, she was FABULOUS at relaying information and checking on your mom!)

"I know this has been probably the most traumatic experience for Katie and her friends, but she went there for a great cause and something she believes in. She's done something most individuals have never dreamed of doing and for that I truly admire her strength and courage during such a trying time. Please send her family my love and same for when you talk to her."
-Kisha Culver

"She will be very much in my prayers and I will let my prayer partners know."
"A Texas good day to everyone. Our daughter-n-law e-mailed asking prayer for one of her best friends who is on a Mission trip in Haiti. Amy's friend is o.k. as the group she is with. Please pray for their safety as they try to help the people who now are living in this disaster. The hand of Yahweh is so amazing as one can see He put those He chooses to be where He wants them to be for His glory."
*Yahweh is Hebrew for Jesus
-Sandra Law

"Didn't get many details. Her mom was pretty upset when I spoke to her and so I just got the info that she was ok! Her mom did tell me that she would call me as soon as they heard anything...I will pass it along!! Oh, and I'm 100% about only doing mission work in Texas from now on!"
"My best friend is in Haiti on a mission trip...please pray for them to get home safely!! It is so scary when things like this happen!!"
-Rachel Jumper

"I am still praying for the safe return of a dear friend from Haiti. If you have the means, please text the word "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross relief efforts. Food and water are scarce. Please do what you can to help."
"Relieved."
"Today is a great day!!!" *After hearing about the flight.
-Jordan Lawson

"Do you know how Katie and her mission group is? I saw this and didn't put two and two together till you posted....Prayers for all impacted!"
"I have been glued to the coverage and sick with worry....."
"Katie, so glad you are safe, and many prayers for all you meet and to heal your heart after what you went through!"
-Heather Dominy

"IN MY thoughts and prayers...."
"Yeah!!! Keep the good news coming!"
"how awesome !! it really brings tears to my eyes that your friend is safe !!!! the power of prayer really works !!!!!!!!"
-Janel McPherson

"I logged on just to see what the status was on your friend. I'm very happy to hear the good news!"
-Ana McLaughlin

"I forgot Katie was there this week Amy! I'll keep her in my prayers!"
"Anyone hear any news yet today?? I was thinking about her last night wondering where she was sleeping. I watched anderson cooper live until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore!!!"
-Stephanie Putnam Witt

"Don't worry Amy your not the only one, I have gone through CNN pics like 20 times today! Our prayers are so loud, maybe she can hear us! Keep us updated as best you can! Hugs to you!"
"Please pray for a friend of mine. Katie and her church group were on a mission trip in Haiti when the earth quake happened! They are alive but need prayers for a safe return."
-Christine Lajoie Rodriguez

"our prayers are with you all....xoxoxo"
-Jamie P.

"Glad to hear the good news - hope your friend and her group get home safely and quickly :)"
-Melissa C.

"great news!" *After hearing you made it to on a flight
-Kelley P.

News Updates
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100112/NEWS01/100112099/Nashville-church-members-survive-earthquake-in-Haiti

http://www.fox17.com/newsroom/top_stories/wztv_vid_2505.shtml

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100115/NEWS01/1150364

Katie, there are many, many more prayers posts on Facebook, blogs and texts. (Jordan is my newest Facebook/Text Friend! I ironically just got a text from Jordan saying that he is sitting with Peg and Randy!!) I would like to thank everyone for keeping them in your prayers and ask you to continue to pray for those left behind.

I hope you all don't mind that I re-posted some of your posts. Who knows, maybe this will somehow bring a smile to her face and let her know that she never left our thoughts.

PS.. Just got a text from Jordan that you spoke to your mom and are coming home tomorrow!!!

Haiti, Katie and The Moon

I'm sitting here watching Anderson Cooper tell me to be thankful that I'm not in Haiti and to hug a loved one. What happens when your loved one is in Haiti? What happens when one of the most amazing people you have ever met is currently in what has been described as "hell on earth?" It's nighttime so that means that its dark there, pitch dark because there is no power and won't be for the foreseeable future. God only knows where she is sleeping, who is keeping her safe and how she is going to get home. I'm so thankful that she survived the earthquake but the aftermath scares me more. Knowing that my Pretty, Pretty Pickens is sleeping on the streets in the most impoverished country in the Western hemisphere is gut wrenching. I continue to pray, and ask all of you to continue to do so, but continue to question how this is all a part of God's plan. I believe that everything happens for a reason but I cannot process that thought when I think about where she is and why she is there.

Katie went to Haiti on a mission trip, to aid in the hospitals and spread the word of God. Ironically, she is the one who desperately needs aid and we are here praying to God for her safe return. It's almost a sick, cruel and incomprehensible twist of fate and am almost angry at the situation. I continually have to remind myself not to be angry, but put my trust in my faith and stay positive because that is exactly what Katie would do. I have to believe that her infectious smile, smart wits and faith in God will get her through this and safely get her home.

I also feel guilty for praying for her quick departure from Haiti while thousands and thousands of Haitians will continue to live, and die, in these circumstances. We are so fortunate to be Americans and have a place to escape to but the rest will be left behind. Yet another crappy twist is that, she went on this mission to help people and I am praying for her to leave there and return home. The emotions that I am feeling as a Christan, mother and friend all seem to be continually contradicting each other. I feel selfish for praying, hoping and wishing that Katie will quickly return home while the people of Haiti literally have no homes to return to.

As the night progresses, I continue to glance at the moon and find comfort that Katie is probably also looking at the moon. As far fetched as it seems, it brings me comfort to know that we are somehow connected and hope that she finds comfort in that as well.