Remember the blessed man who "brought forth plentifully" and had to build a bigger
barn to hold all his crops? Jesus told this parable (Luke 12.15-21) to remind us that our
"life does not consist in the abundance of [our] possessions." The joy of living is a life lived
richly for God, and not for ourselves, nor for our myriad possessions, nor for the fun of
distractions (technical or otherwise). A simple life of service to God by serving the poor,
by giving up our ease and comforts, enriches our souls and becomes real joy.
richly for God, and not for ourselves, nor for our myriad possessions, nor for the fun of
distractions (technical or otherwise). A simple life of service to God by serving the poor,
by giving up our ease and comforts, enriches our souls and becomes real joy.
This life we have seen in the Haitians, specifically in the message brought to us by Pere Michaud Fruitho, priest-in-charge in Trouin. We are very grateful for the opportunity to live for something greater than for ourselves. We have been profoundly blessed by the spiritual richness of our Haitian brothers and sisters who witness to a life entirely dependent upon God. Participation in Haitian Hope is a humbling experience, an adventure going into the unknown. Surprises and challenges abound; yet we have been filled with spiritual awakening as we reach out to God's children, whose love knows no bounds.
In our efforts to share our abundance, we have made mistakes. At the same time we learn from each attempt to live for God's purposes and not for ourselves.
Below are reflections on Pere Michaud's recent visit. He arrived here exhausted from his visit with the Virginian partners; and then we showed him some real Georgia hospitality! He was quite impressed and returned the favor by showing Haitian hospitality to daughter Libby and the seven Virginians who accompanied Pere Michaud back to Haiti .
Reflections from the visit May 4-9
1.
appreciation
to the donors and sponsors has yielded more energy, greater support and renewed
interest in the mission through out the community
2.
Haitian
Hope committee members sure know how to host fantastic events!
3.
feeding
the Haitian kids is essential and includes feeding the teachers and the poor
who come to the village because they are hungry; your money goes a long way
feeding many who are in need
4.
the
ministry has opened the heart of many at St. Francis and beyond who want to
serve God by serving the poor
5.
scripture
comes alive when we live beyond our self-interest and beyond our anxieties,
depending upon God to direct us
6.
many
American proposals for "fixing" the Haitians do not work because we
don't know all the facts and misunderstand cultural differences
7.
American
example of above: "goats could provide milk for the children at school.
Let's buy goats." Problem: goats only provide small amounts of milk.
Haitians like cow's milk. What they drink at school is Carnation milk in a can.
8.
Powdered
milk, nutritionally more sound that canned milk, is not possible where water is
contaminated.
9.
sometimes
the only meal these children get is at school
10. trust in a relationship takes a long time and must
go through rocky times, especially when crossing cultural lines; long
discussions with Père Michaud provide increased understanding for both
parties and deepens the relationship
11. St. Marc's Trouin is a magnet for children who want
a good education (they can pass the state test!)
12. tuition for one year = 300 gourdes ($7 per year)
13. some children walk 3-4 hours ONE WAY to school;
teachers also travel hours to get to the school in Trouin; some teachers live
at school during the week
14. balanced meals as we know them in America
15. about 400 students, faculty and others are fed daily
during the school year—at least they are no longer starving
16. a vegetable garden has been started
17. coconut is basic to their diet
18. Region 13 Virginia
19. Church of the Holy Family has adopted a teacher,
Salien Wilner (principal) and corresponds regularly
20. solar energy provides lights in the classroom—a
first
21. we received a grant from YOUTHS' FRIENDS to give the
teachers a raise to approximately $1800 per year
22. Christ Church Irene Marxsen to be the liaison between Haitian Hope and Christ Church Haiti Bryan Hinson , youth
director; Father Joseph Shippen, assistant rector.
23. The French students at First Presbyterian Day school
24. Tatnall Square Academy
25. Steve Marlow has learned there are 20 children from
the Seventh-Day Adventist church who attend St. Marc
26. Père Michaud loved the manners and etiquette program
taught by Alice Bailey at St. Peter Claver
27. Chris Sheridan proposes that we seriously consider
a)bringing three Haitians to Mercer to learn how to assemble prosthetics designed in the medical school and developed in the engineering school
a)bringing three Haitians to Mercer to learn how to assemble prosthetics designed in the medical school and developed in the engineering school
b)
teaching a class in prosthetic assemblage techniques at the St. Marc trade
school
c)
searching for possibilities of the manufacture of prosthetics in Trouin
28.
David Spivey at Mellow Mushroom gave 10% of the profits at the Wednesday night
"Farewell" dinner. He is most supportive of the ministry.
As Janet
Tidwell said to me, "God is working here somehow." As you consider
this statement, first think of how many are involved in this mission: Episcopal
churches in Region 13-Virginia; Christ Church; Church of the Holy Family;
Seventh Day Adventist; St. Peter Claver, First Presbyterian Day school; Tatnall
square academy; and an extensive group of Haitian Hope people who continue to
work diligently in this mission.
Something is happening. Watch for it! Wait for it! Be ready!
Something is happening. Watch for it! Wait for it! Be ready!
