Angels of a Lower Flight: One Woman's Mission to Save a Country . . . One Child at a Time

by Susie Scott Krabacher

"In this world, you were loved." The inspiring story of how one woman's message of hope and opportunity will change the lives of an entire generation. Three schools, two orphanages, a hospital, and an abandoned-infant home -- constructed in the poorest country in the western hemisphere -- were the result of one quick television commercial. The ad was for a charity, asking for donations to help impoverished children in a third world country. Though author Susie Scott Krabacher had a little money to give, what she wanted was to hold the hand of every child she saw and tell them that they were not forgotten and that they too were important. When Susie called the charity, it wanted only monetary donations -- and every other overseas nonprofit she contacted couldn't or wouldn't take on an inexperienced volunteer. So Susie set out to change the children's lives on her own. In this heartbreaking and inspiring memoir, Susie Scott Krabacher tells how the pain in her past caused her to doubt if God really loved and protected her. From her abusive childhood to her experiences as a Playboy centerfold during the 1980s, Susie details with frank honesty how she lost her faith along the way and how her experiences helping children in Haiti, an impoverished nation only five hundred miles from Florida, brought God back into her life. In a country where 10 percent of all children die before the age of four, Susie mounted a brave effort to provide not just charity but opportunity. By treating the children she helps as individuals, Susie gives them the tools to save their own country. Although some of the children she's tirelessly worked to rescue do not survive, Susie will never again lose her faith.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at a library book sale, and what a wonderful surprise. It is a really good book. The author shares so much of herself, and she has such amazing courage and compassion. As I read the book, I kept thinking, I wish I could have more courage, like she does.

She shares about her horrible childhood, and how she struggled as a teen and young adult. Then in her mid 20s, she decides to put all of that behind her and make a difference in the world.

She decides to invest her life in loving and caring for abandoned children in one of the poorest countries in the world - Haiti. Her descriptions of the poverty and desparation in Haiti are very vivid, and truly make you appreciate what you have. They also made me want to reach out and meet the needs of others more than I currently do.

The author bravely spends time among gangs, criminals, and the very poor in Haiti. Despite the cruelty of the people she encounters, and the hopelessness she sees all around her, she is able to establish orphanages and other programs for the children in Haiti.

Her love for children with disabilities, diseases, and other struggles simply shines through the book. Her courage in standing up against the odds to meet their needs is inspiring. I am so glad she took the time to share her story with all of us, including sharing her faith in God.

The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 is that I didn't like how many chapters the author devoted to her description of her time spent as a Playboy model. While it is important for the reader to understand her life before she made a transformation, I felt she dwelled too long on that aspect of her life.

One of the comments I like best in the book is where the author describes a very deformed little girl in Haiti, but then says that inner beauty is so much more important than outer beaty, and this little girl has so much more potential for inner beaty than any of the Playboy models who have only outer beauty. She says, "I realized that I was more aware of the dark side of outward beaty now, and somehow, oddly, I felt less sorry for the little girl. If she could survive, maybe she would learn to develop beaty from within."

I highly recommend this book.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Scott grew up in Alabama with an abusive schizophrenic mother, her father, sister, and two brothers. During her childhood she came to know great suffering at the hands of those who should have been protecting her. Her biggest dream was the day she would escape her family home, so at fifteen she set out to mark her place in the world.Before Susie was even eighteen years old she was asked by some friends to do a photo shoot to send in to Playboy. She agreed, and from there her life took off, or at least it should have. Pain, and suffering had more lessons in store for her yet. All of this however gave her the strength, and determination she would later need when helping the abandoned children of Haiti.

It all started one night while Susie sat watching TV in her comfy Aspen home. A short commercial was asking for donations to be made for children in a third world country who were homeless living in sewers, and eating rats. Susie's life seemingly changed over night. She was going to that country where the children were living in sewers to see how she could help! God had other plans, so instead she ended up in Haiti a land long ago given to the Devil by one of it's famous voodoo priests.

Susie's story just goes to show that one person can make a whole lot of difference in a whole lot of lives. It wasn't an easy journey, and it's still not in a land where corruption over rules morals but somehow Susie managed to get the ball rolling. She has started feeding centers, schools, and orphanages. She hopes to one day also start a small hospital. This is a very powerful, and moving story so one should have their tissues handy.

[Susan Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that will really tear at your heart strings. Susie Scott Krabacher shares her life story of growing up with an insatiable desire to be loved, her journey through the halls of the playboy mansion, and ultimately finding her passion in rescuing the orphans of Haiti. It is raw, authentic and completely inspiring!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skipped the 100 pages about all the stupid things she does before she helps the orphans in Haiti. This was an amazing story, I just wished she stuck to it. Once again, I am so glad to live in America!!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"In this world, you were loved."

"The eyes said, 'Life is too long.'-something a child's eyes should never say."

"Good intentions never amount to anything unless you actually do something about them."

"Nou se zanmi."

[Cjochaos Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I watched an interview with Mrs Krabacher about her work in Haiti and was so intrigued that I immediately ordered the book. With great excitement I started reading and was immediately disappointed. I put the book down half way through it when I realized its main focus was recounting the author's life. It did open with one short description of the tragic death and burial of one little Haitian girl. After that, it focused entirely on the author's early years of abuse, her subsequent underage partying where she was constantly told how beautiful she was. However, when she spent three full chapters on her Playmate of the Month experience, I couldn't take any more and stopped reading. Absolutely none of the first half of the book had any reason to be included. This is definitely in my top ten worst books.

[Sara Gouwens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing book. She has several interviews on YouTube that are more recent that delve into the satanic darkness that is Voodooism.
"Could some of these street children in Haiti, particularly those who seem to live for but a moment then pass on into eternity, actually be angels? Maybe these little ones have been flown here only to offer us glimpses into the transcendent. They're part of the vast unseen world that becomes visible, if only for a moment.

THERE IS A POEM by Miriam Teichner
"I will not forget; Stab my soul fiercely with others' pain,
Let me walk seeing horror and Stain.
Let my hands, groping, find other hands.
Give me the heart that divines, understands.
Give me the courage, wounded, to fight."

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie is one of the most courageous woman I know! An honor to know her personally!

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story of compassion. I can’t hardly imagine the things this woman suffered to serve those who were invisible. An inspiration!

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie and Joe Krabacher have done amazing work in Haiti, saving and enriching the lives of many thousands of children. The story of Susie's remarkable accomplishments in Haiti is linked profoundly to the story of her own remarkable life, and both stories are told in this compelling and powerful book

[Taylor Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, in my opinion, made a very good humanitarian issue. It had a lot to do with the struggles going on in Haiti such as corruption, violence and poverty. this book focused on one woman named Susie Scott Krabacher a former playmate at the playboy mansion.in this book she learns about all these countries that are struggling and she wants to help make things better. she then begins to travel to Haiti and she does this many times and stays for months at a time. while there she would visit hospitals, orphanages, and communities that are known to be the worst in the country.
when I fist started to read this book I began to wonder about if this would fit in with my humanitarian issue about poverty. it may start out sketchy with her life story but it all ties into why she decided to start to help kids and all of these people in foreign countries. I thought that this was a great book to read and if someone were to ask me what book to read to go with the humanitarian topic of poverty this would be the perfect book for you.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised to read how autobiographical this book was- so much was about the author's life- particularly with a lot of attention given to her abusive childhood and life as a playboy centerfold. Thankfully, most of the book was about her work with Haitian orphans- the reason why I picked up the book in the first place. I couldn't believe how she started out- originally planning to find purpose in her life after watching a documentary about Mongolian street children; through a twist of events, she ends up in Haiti with no plans, a suitcase of candy, and the intention of hugging children and telling them that she loves them. She comes across as a clueless international volunteer- but gradually evolves. I am amazed at all of the adversity she encounters, yet continues to work. The way so many take advantage of her kills me! Yet I was happy to read how she ultimately succeeds in establishing a school, orphanages, and feeding centers to help thousands of Haitian children.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Susie at a small group bible study in Aspen. Her heart, energy and her life is dedicated to the children of Haiti. Susie had told some of these stories at our get togethers but it was great to finally read her book in completion.
"In this world, you were loved" Susie would write this phrase on a piece of paper and put it into every little child's coffin that she had to bury in Haiti. It was a tribute to every child she ever knew who died. "It was the phrase I wanted everyone who had ever been hungry, poor, alone, destitute, or sick to shomehow know and feel and remember and hold close."

[Tara Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not extremely well written but that didn't matter, the message that was delivered was clear. I found it hard to get through at times realizing the things Susie was saying was real, true. It saddens me to know that children are discarded so frivolously. I will definitely keep this story close to my heart and use this to fuel myself to find a way to help the children that suffer everyday around us.

[Sharon Fawcett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the subtitle of this book would lead one to believe it is about the author's humanitarian work in Haiti, a good portion of the book focuses on Susie Scott Krabacher's life prior to her involvement in Haiti. It is her memoir of a childhood marred by sexual violence, life as a Playboy centrefold, a disastrous marriage, and a love story. This is a very interesting book about a very brave woman.

[Cindy Work · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author talks about her experiences growing up and becoming a Playboy bunny. Then a friend takes her to Haiti. She never realizes just how desperately poor most of the people of this country are. She begins raising money to purchase food for one of the most poor communities. Eventually she builds a home for homeless children. It's a very moving novel of the struggle of the poor. However, I think she was just as interested in revisiting her life as a bunny.

[Greg Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Scott Krabacher's abusive childhood and determined growth into an international caregiver is an inspiring tale about the power of selfless living. Althought I think she occasionally lapses for too long into stories of her childhood and days spent with Playboy, the narrative redeems itself in its stories of the abject poor.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This woman overcame a traumatic past to become an angel to so many children. Her descriptions of the poor conditions and malnourished children of Haiti were spot-on and accurate. During my year in Haiti, I witnessed many of the same deplorable conditions. God Bless this woman for all that she has done for the children of Haiti.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I told my Haitian friend to read this and see what she thought (a lot of takes place in Haiti). This is the bio of a former Playmate centerfold turned humanitarian who built and manages an orphanage, school and hospital in Haiti. She seems incredibly sweet and naive, and I guess that's as good a combination as any when it comes to trying to save the world.

[Caylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely amazing read. It grabs you from the very beginning and steals your heart. It's nearly impossible to put down and inspires you to actually get up and want to do something to make this world a better place. This woman is truly amazing for what she came through to touch the lives she did. Inspirational.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. There are some graphic details in this book (sexual abuse, drugs, etc.) but it's there to prove that someone with a very troubled life can turn things around and become an advocate for such a desperate cause as the trouble in Haiti.

[Jennifer Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

If you love beautiful books on humanitarian causes you will absolutely love this vulnerable display from Susie Kohrabacher about her unbelievable life growing up in Alabama to LA to Co to Haiti!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it is a very easy read and very interesting.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although her life started off super rocky, she really turns it around to quit focusing on herself. Very inspiring once you can move past her childhood troubles so graphically detailed.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book that was hard to read. it was a good read to see what haiti is like and how one woman is making a big difference. the book is a lot about her life too and her struggles.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring, it felt like she wanted to "do" instead of just "say" God's love.

[Mark Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow Susie! What a story! Thanks and blessings!