Pwoje Espwa - Hope in Haiti

Kominote Espwa's Secretary

2009-12-05T15:21:00.002-05:00

Here's Jasquelin writing the minutes of the community's meeting. We are starting to document everything should we decide to seek diocesan approbation.

Field Trip

2009-12-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

Fifth and six graders from the oldest grammar school in Les Cayes, Brother Jerome's, came to visit us yesterday. They were matched up with our students and shown around the place. A snack was provided and all had a great time. We will be scheduling a friendly soccer game with them (well, it will start out friendly) in the next month.

Nathalie and Dachena

2009-12-04T16:54:00.002-05:00

While the mother was waiting on supplies and such, Nathalie made herself useful and held Dachena who has bronchitis. The baby is wearing clothes we gave her as all the twins had were old diapers. It's amazing they didn't have bad rashes.

Twins

2009-12-04T16:33:00.003-05:00

As you can tell from the photo I took, this mother is not happy. She showed up here last evening begging us to take her twin daughters. Her husband is dead and she has two other children waiting for her in Port-au-Prince, a boy who is 3 and another daughter aged 4. Her rent is due and she has no where to go and no family to help her. We are not equipped to handle infants here (wish we could in this case) so we decided to help her with clothing, food and some money for her rent. She now has our phone number for when she will be in need. Please keep Acephie, the mother, in your prayers.

Kominote Espwa

2009-12-04T00:49:00.000-05:00

Members of Kominote Espwa meet regularly for formation, theology studies, prayer and planning their activities which benefit our children. They meet in the primary school as they have no place of their own. This session was dedicated to the liturgical preparations for Advent and Christmas.

Ritual

2009-12-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

The little guys line up to wash their hands before breakfast yesterday. The older boys assist. The system isn't perfect but we're working at it. I can hear Dr. Cynthia clapping all the way from Maine!

Pa bliye nou !

2009-12-03T11:07:00.001-05:00

To Linda and Peter: TiGuy and Emmanuel asked me to send you their photo and to tell you that they'll miss you. Also, they asked that you don't forget them (hint, hint, wink, wink). They aren't the only ones who miss you!

Full moon

2009-12-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

It was a full moon last night and all was quiet. The weather is getting cooler and soon we'll be able to walk around and not sweat. I took this shot last evening just after leaving the Guest House. Linda and Peter left this morning to be home for the holidays so I was over there to wish them "Bon Voyage". We wish them a safe trip and a restful time with family and friends.

Kitchen angels

2009-12-03T10:47:00.004-05:00

Mrs Denord

Marselle

The two ladies above are absolutely tireless angels who work seven days a week to make sure the children eat well. There are 12 ladies on our kitchen staff and they preform daily miracles in conditions that are less than desirable. We are hoping to build them a new kitchen; one that is easy to clean and well ventilated and well lit.

Future metal-workers

2009-11-30T18:30:00.003-05:00

Ronald Plaisime, Djimy Pierre

Walther from the local village

Went by the metal-shop this afternoon and caught a few working on honing their skills to one day become the best metal-workers in the land.

More backyard

2009-11-30T18:15:00.002-05:00

This is Maxo, a local, who works in my garden. He's the one who does all the work and is very proud of it.

This is Nekita. She thinks she's in charge.

One of the pregnant rabbits. She has been separated from the males now that she's in family way. Seems the fathers get jealous of the new bunnies and kill them.

My backyard

2009-11-30T18:05:00.002-05:00

One of several grenadia vines growing. The small fruit makes excellent juice which contains lots of vitamins.

Have a new crop of peppers coming in. This is really a cash crop. We'll find someone who will take them to market and sell them for us.

Special visitors

2009-11-29T16:59:00.004-05:00

Mrs. Jean-Baptiste, one of our best housemothers, came by to visit me with a few of her charges. They seemed happy to be out and about. Wish all the housemothers were as nurturing as she is.

First Sunday of Advent

2009-11-28T20:23:00.002-05:00

"Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word" -

taken from the Opening Prayer of Sunday's Liturgy

Spektak

2009-11-27T19:39:00.004-05:00

The children gathered this afternoon to put on a spektak to show our visitors their appreciation. Here's Daniel, the Master of Ceremonies, warming up the crowd. Thanks, Pam and Pauline, for your presence and support. Good to have you with us for Thanksgiving. Have a safe trip home.

Folk Dancers

2009-11-27T19:33:00.001-05:00

Tama dancing for our honored guests.

Wearing traditional Haitian colors, the boys do their part.

BAOBAB-1

2009-11-27T19:29:00.001-05:00

Evans, MacArthur, Sonson, Gilbert, Kens, Biondy, Wilson and Mackenson of the group BAOBAB performed this afternoon in honor of Pam and Pauline who are leaving us tomorrow.

2009-11-26T18:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Though Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, a few of us got together today and created an oasis of gratitude in the Guest House. We had some tasty treats and followed that up with a huge turkey dinner, stuffing and all. Thanks to Linda and the Quad staff for making this day special.

We remember all of you who support us spiritually and financially.

May God bless you for your kindness.

John

2009-11-22T07:27:00.001-05:00

Little John came by the Quad for a visit. We cleaned him up a tad and then gave him some TrailMix which he shared with his friends.

Easy Cross

2009-11-22T07:16:00.003-05:00

This is Easy Cross, one of our singing groups. To encourage creativity and talent development we support Arts and Crafts, singing groups, dance troupes... These boys have performed locally and are a big hit. Linda is the proud group's manager.

TiOurs

2009-11-22T07:15:00.001-05:00

TiOurs (little bear) enjoying a light moment. His Mom works as our seamstress and she lives with us so TiOurs is growing up with a huge family. He's a well-adjusted, bright little boy who is just beginning to put words together.

Ice Cream

2009-11-16T07:08:00.001-05:00

Ti-Jean receives a cup of vanilla ice cream from our friend, Doctor Tom O'Connor. Many of the children have never tasted ice cream so this was a real treat. Doctor Tom's visit will be remembered for a very long time. Thank you, Tom, for this very generous and thoughtful gesture.

Medical visit

2009-11-16T07:02:00.001-05:00

We were visited by a wonderful team of doctors and medical personnel this past week. Above is a photo of Doctor Ryan Venis assisted by Eileen doing minor surgery on one of our people. All the children were seen and those with needs were treated. Many of our neighbors came by and were not disappointed. Thank you very much, dear friends, for spending your vacation time with us.

Boys in Red

2009-11-08T13:38:00.002-05:00

What do you mean my hair is messy? I brushed it just a few minutes ago. This is Elcide, a terrific soccer player and very good older brother to the little guys.

Alphonse eats with us, goes to school with us, benefits from our medical clinic and receives clothing and shoes when we have them. He sleeps at home, a shack, on rags spread out on the dirt floor. We could take him in but who would help out his mother with chores?

Dave

2009-11-08T13:33:00.004-05:00

Some kids just love having their photo taken. Dave certainly falls in that category.